Cacio E Pepe.

My mom and I ducked into a small Italian cafe to grab a bite for lunch and we decided on the cacio e pepe to share. The warm pasta came in this heavenly parmesan bowl and the noodles were perfectly al dente. As we were leisurely catching up over this flavorful dish I glanced at the time -- that I had clearly lost track of -- and realized we had just 5 minutes to make it to our Jimmy Fallon taping (the real reason my mom was in town!) Sadly, we had to leave our barely touched bowls and run down 49th street...ever since I have been craving that pasta...

Cacio e Pepe literally means "cheese and pepper" - so what's not to love? The dish is so simple to make and requires just 5 ingredients (that I am sure you already have on hand!) The creamy goodness brings the tastes of Italy right into my kitchen. I followed this recipe. Sadly I did not make the homemade parmesan bowl because I was impatient and hungry, but I will definitely try it out next time...because there will be a next time!

BK Botanical Gardens

With my days in NYC nearing the end, I am using every day off work to tackle another item on my bucket list. 

This week - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. 

After what I would consider the longest winter in my life thus far, spring finally revealed itself in the city. Overnight tulips popped out, temperatures spiked, patios opened and the usual NYC uniform transformed from black to color. I wanted to make sure I made it to the gardens before this scorching heat killed the blooms. I was in awe to discover such a magical (green!) oasis existed in this concrete jungle. Lanes of cherry blossoms, fields of blue bells, green houses, exotic gardens and fresh fragrances. 

Luckily for me, I went on a Wednesday so the crowds were a nonissue and after walking the gardens I was able to find a nice spot to post up in the shade with my book.  

If you are ever in search of a much needed city getaway, the botanical gardens are for you - and right off the 2/3 line :) 

Friday Five.

My favorite bites of the week. 

[Refinery Rooftop sriracha honey hush puppies, with momma fingers]

[Egg Shop custom egg & cheese biscuit]

[Luzzos 'diavola' pizza]

[BAKED almond croissant and soy latte]

[Ted's Bulletin poptarts - blueberry cheesecake & strawberry]

Masters, Priceless.

There is no greater feeling then having the opportunity give someone special an unforgettable gift. 

This year, I was able to surprise my dad with tickets to the Masters practice round and Par 3 tournament. Since I doubt I will ever win a green jacket nor be accepted as a member, the privilege of being a "patron" at Augusta will do (who am I kidding, it was amazing!).

I walked the hallowed grounds of Augusta National awestruck and utterly oblivious to the masses of people around me because the beauty was astonishing. As you would imagine, the grounds were indeed impeccably kept - not a stray weed in sight. Azaleas trees line the fairways and the polite, friendly faces topped off the experience. At the Par 3 Tournament we were an arms reach from golfers elite - Jordan Speith, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and the likes. Watching along with someone who appreciates the game more than I could ever hope too, THE ultimate golfer lover, was priceless. 

Notes I took away from the Masters:

• Walk the entire course 1st tee to 18th green - but definitely leave some time to stop and enjoy Amen Corner
• Zero cell phone policy - I was shocked (and impressed) to see that policy is not broken. How many events in this day in age successfully get viewers whilst demanding cell phones be left at home or checked? 
• Food - Heavenly BBQ pulled pork, pimento cheese sandwiches, sweet teas and beer- nothing priced over $3.00 - unbeatable.
• Regret - not grabbing a georgia peach ice cream sandwich on the way out! 
• Bring a hat - and maybe buy one, too
• You may be wondering how I got these amazing pictures. In practice rounds you are allowed to have a camera. 
• Add to bucket list if it is not already number one :)  

Be Mine.

Oh - how I love this day! 

Here are five things that I have enjoyed this past week in honor of Valentine's Day.

I hope your long weekend was filled with nothing but love (and maybe a few sweet indulgences!) 

xx

[adorable (uber sprinkled) Valentine's Day cookies] 

[stack of mini pancakes on a lazy morning] 

[month of love gift guide] 

[homemade s'mores cake, sprinkled with hearts just for Valentine's Day] 

[a hike with Bella in Valentine inspired red kicks]

Do As The Coloradans Do.

I was able to jet off to CO for a couple of days and in true fashion, my parents planned an unforgettable week. From skiing and sporting events to snowy walks and hot tubs, I had an authentic Colorado experience and was able to spend some quality time with two of my favorite people.  I always leave Colorado with a heavy heart and an overwhelming urge to book my next flight - one ways are increasingly tempting! 

My adventurous trip is way more exciting via pictures - enjoy! 

[chasing the sun all the way to Colorado]

[Copper Mountain - only a mild pizza formation needed]

[ski lift selfie]

[yes, my first rodeo]

[mouthwatering grapefruit pancakes with cornflake crunch from Root Down]

[CU basketball game - go Buffs!]

Love Notes.

With Valentine's Day around the corner I began to think about little gestures of love. Nothing crazy or elaborate, just simple tokens of appreciation - mailing a handwritten note, making an unexpected phone call, picking up the tab for the person in line behind you.

As I thought about these sweet nothings, I began browsing Pinterest for inspiration. Initially I was in search of creative valentines to hand out (it is my favorite holiday after all), however I stumbled upon this free PDF print off that is much more versatile - no holiday needed!

I instantly fell in love with the sweet, simple idea of custom Post-it notes. Easy to print, personalize and post around the apartment - proving the little things do not go unnoticed. Just place the blank sticky notes in the lines on the template, pop it in the printer and print!

In the spirit of Valentine's day, happy month of loovveeeeee!