Friday Five.

[BHLDN + Magnolia Bakery pair up to deliver some sweet wedding inspiration. "Bohemian Luxe" was my favorite vision board, but be sure to check them all out!]

 

[Refinery29 compiled 5 kick ass workout playlists--for anything from SoulCycle to yoga. Hopefully this will serve as a little motivation for swimsuit season]

 

[I can't wait to make these simple yet adorable Easter confections, mainly with my sister in mind--the ultimate peep lover]

 

[I love the idea of these refreshing popsicle cocktails, great for an outdoor party!]

 [A nice reminder and good mantra to live by...here's to the next something wonderful]

Things I Love.

1. Companies that are hiring like crazy in March (themuse.com)

2. I am loving this new Triangl Swimsuit--simple but a great fit! (triangl.com)

3. The cutest obmre layered cake for St. Patty's Day (cupcakesandcashmere.com)

4. How to style the perfect bar cart (camillestyles.com)

5. With Spring approaching, I love the idea of  DIY fresh flower gift tags (studiodiy.com)

6. 3 DIY hairstyles made for your 9-5 (refinery29.com)

7. I can hardly contain my excitement for this Divergent preview--coming to theaters March 21st (youtube.com)

8. 5 ways to stay healthy at work (thefreshexchangeblog.com)

Beach Bum.

To complete my vacation recommendations here are a few beach bag necessities I keep on hand in order to stay comfortable while soaking up the sun. 

1. First and foremost is the beach bag! You want a colorful, yet durable bag that will be able to hold everything you need for a day at the beach. For me, the brighter the better

2. Sunglasses: I'd be lost without them! 

3. Headphones: in case you want to zone out, listen to your spotify and take a nap 

4. Printed head-wrap: to keep the hair out of your face while still looking effortlessly boho     

5. Mini Bose speakers: a portable speaker system is a no brainer. You can provide your friends and family with crystal clear music wherever you are. Even better, anyone can sync up their playlists! 

6. Travel bag: filled with SPF lip balm, face sunscreen, leave in conditioner, cheek stain and waterproof mascara (in case your afternoon on the beach turns into impromptu cocktails at the tiki bar) 

7. Essie polish: in pastel hues for a poolside pedicure 

8. iPhone: make sure to download the Kindle app so that you can access your books at the beach with just the touch of a finger! I'm currently reading Girls in White Dresses 

9. Magazine: for carefree beach reading  

Pull together some of these beach bag essentials, tuck them into a super cute tote, throw on your swimsuit and you are ready to hit the beach.

Spring Getaway Essentials.

It's that time of year when winter has overstayed its welcome and everyone is anxious for a warm weather escape. I for one am embarking on a tropical getaway to finish out the month of March and am currently dreaming of all things vacation-related. A refreshing dose of vitamin D is exactly what I need to end my seasonal depression (only kidding). I am ready to retire my heavy black layers and revamp for spring with flowing pants, crop tops and colorful maxis. Here is a sneak peak at what's in my suitcase--my essential spring getaway pieces--which will (hopefully) be complimented with sun-kissed skin, beach waved hair and coconut cocktails.  

 

 

1. Kimono-style cardigan: perfect to throw over your swimsuit or jean shorts

2. Wide brimmed hat: both fashionable and functional because we all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun
3. Printed soft silk pant: pair with a crop top and sandals and you are ready to explore. Super comfortable, but effortlessly chic and right on trend (this is my absolute favorite travel item!)

4. Dress: for a night out or nice dinner, add a colorful necklace to give it that island pop

5. Favorite sunnies 

6. Maxi: whether it is a maxi dress or skirt you won't regret packing this go-to piece. Stripes and cut outs add a little extra sass

7. Patterned bikini: for lazy beach days and ocean dips

8. Neutral wedge: will go with everything!

9. Boyfriend jean: perfect for travel days or island adventures. An absolute must-have spring basic

Milk & Cookie Shots.

I must admit, a few months ago I was another cronut-crazed New Yorker standing on Spring Street at 6:00am waiting in line to taste the magic of Dominique Ansel's donut croissant hybrid. I am not ashamed to say I would do it all again, because yes, it lived up to the hype. I indulged in November's flavor, salted dulce de leche. It was light and flaky, sweet and salty and entirely unique. 

Just when I thought it couldn't get much better, the pastry chef did it again! Dominique Ansel debuted his chocolate chip cookie milk shots to the world last weekend at SXSW and alas they are coming to NYC. The shots are for sale at 3:00pm today, becoming the ultimate afternoon snack. Only 200 are made fresh each day for immediate consumption (who wants a soggy cookie) so get em while they're hot--literally. Unfortunately I am unable to waiting in line today, but this is definitely on my to do list next week. I will report back! 

Vegan Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites.

I decided to eliminate dairy from my diet and ultimately go vegan for the past week. While following this plan, I enjoyed quinoa, fruits, raw nuts and roasted vegetables but when I stumbled upon this recipe for vegan peanut butter pretzel bites I had to try it out.  They were reminiscent of a gourmet Reese truffle; the perfect combination of salty and sweet to indulge in at the end of the night.

 

 

 

 

23.

While 23 may seem like an unexciting number, my birthday celebration was anything but ordinary thanks to friends, family and great food! I felt extremely loved and spoiled throughout the week long festivities with thoughtful cards, heartwarming gifts, decadent desserts and endless champagne toasts. I am excited to embrace another year in my 20s. Here's a glimpse at a few of my favorite photos from our NYC celebrations.