Baby Come On Home

Went back home this past weekend for my best friend, Megan’s, baby shower. She’s due in November and having a baby girl! Aside from picking out the cutest baby shower theme ever, she chose the name Nora.

I’m so mad that I forgot to take a picture of the treat yo self kit I made for her! I made Meg some lavender scented bath bombs, they were pink and flower shaped. I also used washi tape to decorate a vanilla bean candle and a mason jar full of tea bags (they’re mom friendly, it seemed appropriate.) Seriously though, washi tape is my newest addiction. I’ve been decorating EVERYTHING with it lately. And I threw in a box of a peanut butter brownie mix, because why not? There was a cute little description in the card and I hid everything in the diaper bag I got for her. Seriously, can more people in my life get married or have kids or do anything that will allow  me to DIY until I die please?

If you’ve never had a cake from Wegman’s, you’re missing out. This one was a vanilla cake with raspberry filling and whipped cream frosting. I almost regret not getting a cake from there on my birthday, but this made up for it.

 

Look another form of cake! I believe the cupcakes were made by one of  Megan’s friends. On the left is lemonade, and on the right is raspberry almond. They were both delicious and it was difficult not to take all of these cute little owl boxes. Whoooo wants all of the cupcakes? Me.

My mom came along with me, her and I are an unbeatable force at baby and bridal showers. We somehow got talked into each getting blind folded while spoon feeding each other apple sauce. I got apple sauce stuck in places where apple sauce shouldn’t be. I don’t want to eat that stuff again for a very long time. Just give me more cake please.  Meg works at Starbucks, so I had no doubt that the prizes would be awesome.

Dress: thrifted, Amvets

Tights: Target

Shoes: thrifted, Amvets

I look like I’m about to start a 1970s folk band but I think that’s why I bought this dress in the first place. As adorable as it is, it somehow got torn at the seam in the front. It’ll be an easy fix but it was a little difficult to not make it look obvious while I was at the baby shower. The shoes need to be a little restored and cleaned a bit better, but again it won’t be too bad of a fix.

Aside from baby shower things, I also got to do some belated birthday things with my family, Jonathan, and my friends while I was home. After a quick wardrobe change, we had dinner at the new Texas de Brazil at carousel mall (I refuse to call it Destiny USA, okay.) Ever since Vegas, I’m totally obsessed with this concept. I was pretty impressed with the salad and soup bar selection. After filling up on salad, a little sushi, and lobster bisque, it was time for entrees. What’s not to love about people coming at you left and right with delicious meat on swords? It doesn’t take long to fill a plate up. I guess it could be a little overwhelming, there are lots of things to choose from and I definitely wish I tried everything offered. I don’t know why I thought I could finish an entire creme brulee on my own afterwards. I absolutely love cracking the caramel layer whenever I have one. Don’t order dessert based on amusement though.

Finished the night with Jonathan,a few friends, and some drinks. Bring on the girly moscato, tasty Southern Tier Pumpking beer on tap, and deliciously retro white russian cocktails! Started at Bittersweet and Al’s, obviously. Then went on the hunt for Pumpking which led us to J.Ryan’s.

I’m lucky enough to have a thoughtful family, boyfriend, and friends who all gave me a few birthday presents.

Soon to be mama Megan got me a pretty sweet iced tea collection from Teavana. On top of the tea I won at the shower, I should be all set on tea for awhile. Maybe I’ll spread the wealth and throw a tea party sometime this semester.

I love gift presentation almost as much as I love gifts! Fun fact, Jonathan wraps presents better than I do.

Leave it to Jonathan to incorporate Breaking Bad into this. Thanks Walt White/Heisenberg for the birthday wishes! Sadly, I don’t have a bathtub in my suite on campus, so I can’t test out these bath salts. I’ll have to wait until my next trip home to give them a go. I feel like I should probably watch Breaking Bad while soaking in a bath tub full of “meth” salts.

I’m also crazy about this sailor shirt from ModCloth! I love it to death and I know I could take it too literally if I don’t outfit this correctly. But, I think I’m okay with literally dressing like a sailor in public actually. He also threw in some cute little solid perfumes, one is French lilac scented and the other is Hawaiian guava.

Even if I wasn’t interning for them this semester, I’m pretty sure Jonathan would’ve given me something Buffalo Sabres related anyways. Besides, I look really great in blue and gold! Maybe I’ll make hockey chic a thing and write my final paper on it.

I’m really loving these Hunter boots too! Winter always destroys my poor defenseless leather boots. I’m hoping these will last better, and they’ll look great with my trench coat too. I’ve been having fun shopping around for welly socks too. Right now, I’m torn between the moss cable cuffs and the birds eye cuffs.

And then of course, my parents got me a few things. It’s safe to say that my mom wrapped these up. I got my gift presentation appreciation from her, along with her joy of picking out cards.

I’ve been in love with Honey by Marc Jacobs since I first tried it in Sephora. My bottle of Dot just ran out, so this gift came at a good time. It smells very similar to Dot, but you can definitely pick out the honey scent, which gives it a distinct sweetness. I know this is a strange way to describe smell, but there’s warmth to this fragrance. Maybe it’ll make sense if you spray it on for yourself.

My parents know I’m a huge Lady Gaga fan, so a bottle of Fame seems fitting. I’m not big on perfumes by celebrities, but this actually smells really nice. It has traces of honey as well. I’ll never understand how this black liquid sprays on clear. What black magic are they conjuring at Haus of Gaga?! Also, I’m not sure if it was supposed to be funny, but I thought the description was a little funny. “Tears of Belladonna” was first on the ingredients list. These are reasons why I love mother monster.

I also got another Fossil watch. It’s very similar to the black and gold one I wear a lot. It’s a nice casual counterpart, it’ll be a nice pop of color to add to certain outfits and it’ll look nice with any of my silver rings. I got a nice variety of new earrings too.

My parents also got me a brand new 50 mm F 1/8 lens! I’m absolutely in love with it so far. I decided to test it out on my favorite corgi, Aggie. She technically belongs to my mom’s boss and he leaves Aggie with her whenever they’re out of town. She spends so much time with my family that I consider her my dog too.

Even though I’ve been back in school for about three weeks, it was still  nice to go home for a little bit to see everyone and spend time at a few of my favorite places!

Bostonia

Last weekend Jonathan and I made a trip out to Boston. This is my first time visiting and probably his millionth. I believe that it’s perfectly fine to do stereotypical touristy things when you first visit a city. But I try to balance that out by doing some exploring off the beaten path.

Even though I’m a Boston newbie and he’s a Boston veteran, this was both our first time staying at a Bed and Breakfast. We stayed at Prospect Place in Cambridge. I’m completely in love with this  Victorian home. They even serve home made granola. I don’t know how you can do that, but it’s possible, and it was crazy delicious. We had some fun company during breakfast too. One other couple that stayed with us that weekend was also from Buffalo! What a small world right? Apparently, if I ever go to North Tonawanda and ask about the Fire family, they’ll know who I’m talking about. If you guys are reading this, please let me come over for a home cooked Italian dinner this semester. That is all.

After a 5 hour drive, sandwiches sounded like a great idea. We dropped by Ula Cafe while waiting for a Sam Adams brewery tour to begin. Drinking on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea. Unless you’re totally okay with getting drunk within 5 seconds. There’s nothing wrong with that either actually.

Hops smell even better when they’re not in beer.

Louis/Louie? You’re the funniest tour guide I’ve ever had. Stay classy and cynical.

We got about 3 samples and a few glasses to take home afterwards. We had Boston Lager, Summer Ale, and this new IPA they’re testing out. We should have come in the fall for free Octoberfest. Words can’t describe how much I love Octoberfest beer.

Next stop was the Prudential Tower. Lots of lovely views. I wish we could’ve gone at sunset or at night too.

Went on one of those duck tours. They drive on land and float around in the water. Just like a duck! How clever. Our tour guide was funny in the way that your Dad or Uncle or Bill Cosby is funny. I also have no idea who this child is. These two kids rode by themselves next to us and while he let some of them drive, he asked me to take a picture. He just assumed they were related to us in some way. Wrong-o. So yeah, whoever’s kid this is, enjoy this picture of your child driving the tour boat/car/whatever this thing is. Thanks for all the facts, photo opportunities, and complimenting my camera a million times Mister Duck Boat captain.

Ended our first day with some pizza at Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Harvard Square because all good days should end with pizza.

Shirt: Forever 21

Shorts: ???

Shoes: Sperry

Purse: Kate Spade

My mother got me these shorts last summer from the Philippines. My high wasted obsession is slowly coming together. I figured this red and white striped shirt was a safe and relevant pick for a day at Fenway

Jonathan’s a Red Sox fan, so I think it’s safe to assume that this day was his favorite.

hashtag Fenway selfie.

For a girl who knows absolutely nothing about baseball, I actually enjoyed the Fenway tour. The stadium is really pretty and has tons of fun history behind it.

In between the tour and when the game actually started, we visited the aquarium. I was really disappointed that starfish aren’t as squishy as they look.

But I did get to pet a few baby stingrays! These guys are surprisingly adorable.

Had some legit New England Clam chowder and lobster rolls at Quincy Market. I expected seafood in New England to taste great, and it lived up to the hype!

We had some time to go to the park and go on a swan boat ride. It was a gorgeous day to do it too. From there we walked through Newbury Street to get back to Fenway. I was exhausted but walking around is the best way to explore cities. Besides, it made sitting around at a baseball game for 4 hours seem less daunting.

I even managed to find a sports related t-shirt that doesn’t sacrifice cuteness! This floral print v-neck was on sale at the souvenir store across the street. It was obviously meant to be that that I needed to blend in better.

These Fenway franks are delish! I could get into baseball if all food served at sporting events are this yummy. Sadly, I couldn’t enjoy beers during the game because those things are crazyyy overpriced! After every hot dog I ate, someone got engaged. The second I stopped buying them, no one else got engaged. I might’ve cursed engagements at Fenway for the rest of eternity. Could this be the curse of the hot dog eating baseball clueless floral print wearing Asian girl? Sorry Boston. But congrats to the lucky people who got engaged while I was there.

To celebrate their victory and avoid being sardined in the T after the game, we grabbed drinks at Boston Beer Works. Which we were also sardined. But at least we had beers! I got a watermelon flavored beer. I didn’t get a watermelon slice in mine sadly. But I still tasted the watermelon.

Before we continued our Boston bar hopping, we ordered some poutine at Saus. Probably the best poutine I’ve had since were in Toronto. This tasted as good as it looks. If I can find a decent place in Buffalo that makes good poutine my life will be complete.

Shirt: H&M

Shorts: DIY

Sandals: Aldo

On Sunday we checked out the SoWa Open Market and explored the area. Food trucks and cute etsy in real life booths galore!

Headband: American Apparel

I bought two of these. I’m completely in love with them! I wish I had them in every color. I want to see how many different ways I can pull these things off. My birthday’s less than a month away sooooo,hint hint hint.

I bought this compass ring and some rose tea at the market. I wish I remember exactly where I got it from! But it actually works. For someone who has no sense of direction, this might come in handy. And who doesn’t love good quirky jewelry?

It’s not a real trip if there isn’t at least one sushi meal. After enough asking around and internet research, we settled on Avana Sushi in Chinatown because it’s affordable and the chef is super duper friendly! It’s this little hole in the wall place but probably some of the best sushi I’ve ever tasted. Jonathan ordered a Spicy Red Sox maki which has crabstick, avacado, spicy tuna and crunchies. I took the server’s recommendation and ordered a  Black Pearl maki which has crabstick, eel, eel sauce, avacado, and black tobiko.

I guess the thing to do here is to draw cute pictures and say nice things on paper plates. I found an open spot and stuck ours on there.

We spent part of the afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts. This place is gigantic! I wish we had more time to scale the entire place. I enjoyed the exhibits and pieces that we were able to see.

“She’s a full on Monet…From far away, it’s OK, but up close, it’s a big old mess. ”

– Cher, Clueless.

Hangin’ with Barbra Streisand. Almost literally?

My favorite exhibit was hands down the Hippie Chic one! A room full of crazy 1960s fashion. Honestly some of these mannequins reminded me of window displays at stores. I took tons more pictures, if anyone cares I’ll probably post them to my Tumblr account.

We walked around Newbury Street enough times to drop by Georgetown Cupcakes to see what all of the hullabaloo was about. I was surprised when I learned there was in one in Boston. It’s just weird that they exist outside of Washington DC. I mean it is called Georgetown Cupcakes. They were pretty delicious and looked adorable. We split a Banana Split cupcake. How appropriate.

Alright. So. This might’ve been the most tourist-y part of the whole trip, and it wasn’t as big of a tourist trap as I assumed it was going to be. I watch a lot of TV so I was bound to visit a place that inspired a TV show. I assume it’s the type of place that everyone goes to at least once just to say they’ve done it. So yeah, we did it!

But we didn’t order beers. Norm would’ve been displeased by this. Sorry Norm.

One of the very last things we did in Boston was pay a visit to Mike’s Pastries. Everyone was ranting and raving about this place when I mentioned our trip. We followed the trail of people holding boxes as soon as we got off the T. The wait wasn’t as long as everyone said it’d be. We did go less than an hour before close. If anything getting into the actual place where you order was chaotic. My 3 choices were espresso, chocolate chip, and hazelnut. Jonathan got strawberry, oreo, and pistachio. We might’ve gone a little overboard by getting 6 cannolis but I’m not sorry about it at all.

Overall, I enjoyed my first trip to Boston. It’s a lovely place full of history, beautiful buildings, and friendly folks. I’d definitely visit again.

Next stop on our vacation: Cape Cod!

Comeback Kid

Sorry I mysteriously disappeared everyone! I got all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out last week. I literally spent the past week in sweat pants eating jello, pudding, and soup while on 3 different types of medications. There was no way in hell I was going to let anyone see my hideous chipmunk cheeks. I know it sounds like it’d be adorable – but it totes wasn’t.

What I Wore:

We’ve been having strange weather lately – sweater weather.

Sweater – H&M

Tank top – H&M

Jeans – Charlotte Russe

Shoes – Aldo

(Holy shit I got the entire outfit in 1 selfie! Good for me.) You guys are well aware of my minty green obsession. And it’s pretty preppy which gets a totes adorbs in my book. I really like pairing it with prints underneath to make it stand out. I don’t normally shop at Charlotte Russe, but one day I wandered in and apparently they were having some crazy $10 denim deal over the course of that hour so I figured hey, why not (YOLOOOO). They fit alright but they’re not the best pair of jeans I’ve ever worn. I’m 4’10” so finding properly fitted bottoms are a complete nightmare for me! Part of the reason why I rarely wear pants…

Glasses – Guess

I wear glasses occasionally. Usually when I’m driving, taking notes in class, or way too lazy to put on eye make up. It’s hard to make out but they have a zebra print detail. I went through a zebra print phase at some point in high school, which is how long I’ve had these frames. I think my next pair should be from Warby Parker. I like having options.

What I ate:

Yes, I’m still unemployed. I probably shouldn’t be hanging out at cafes as often as I do. But I was pretty pumped to be able to go out and about after my hellish week. All of the spots with outlets at Cafe 407 were taken so I decided to claim the entire crazy adorable painted table. I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and order one of the coffees of the day  – chocolate cinnamon hazelnut. I love all 3 flavors, so I figured what could possibly go wrong? They didn’t leave enough room for milk and they didn’t even have soy milk out as an option – that’s how things went wrong! I made it work like Tim Gunn and added as much sugar and skim milk as I could without overflowing it. Turned out pretty decent.

I can’t resist sweets. Especially cupcakes. I believe this one was a chai tea cupcake with vanilla frosting. It was absolutely delightful. I could’ve devoured it within seconds but I controlled myself. It was moist enough – if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a cupcake that’s as dry as a desert. It was pretty sweet and had a little spicy chai kick to it. I need to become BFFs with whoever bakes there!

My mom left for the Philippines about a week ago so my dad’s basically been feeding me Wegmans food. I’m 100% okay with this. Whenever I have a sushi craving but can’t afford to go to a restaurant I usually settle for Weggies. As far as non-restaurant sushi goes it’s pretty great. Except for this roll. I got a california roll with brown rice and sesame seeds. The rice was extremely gooey and mushy. The insides were still good at least.

Finished off my day out with a Bville Diner trip. After craving meat and solid food for the past couple of days I have no idea why I got a cheese omelette with potatoes and toast. My obsession with breakfast food (technically this was brinner) is legendary and a little ironic. I’m a total night owl and rarely ever eat breakfast when its supposed to be eaten. This is probably explains my frequent diner trips. That and Syracuse has 0 places to hang out at past 11 pm that aren’t bars. Not that I have a problem with bars or anything, bars just have a problem with me not being 21 (3 months and 2 days to go ya’ll!)