Nautical Nonsense

This past Friday was a pretty successful girl’s night out in my opinion.

Shirt: ModCloth

Pants: ModCloth

If you’ve been following me for awhile, it’s no surprise that I love anything and everything nautical related. I couldn’t resist pairing these two items together. With the current skirt collection I have, it just didn’t look good with any of them. Plus, if I threw a skirt on, I’d run the risk of looking like Sailor Moon – which I don’t think I have a full on problem with. Guess I’ve got a new reason to buy a pleated school girl-esque skirt now! I threw a sweater over my blouse during class in order to not look too costume-y. Again, I don’t think I really have any problems with looking like a cartoon character.

I got a VIP invite to the grand opening of Blush on Elmwood and had a lovely time. It was a great combination of everything I like: snacks, alcohol, and shopping. Why wouldn’t I attend this event?

Judging by this collection of quotes located in the store, I can tell I already like this place a ton.

Afterwards, I met up with some lady friends at Don Tequila for drinks and food. Nachos and quesedillas just taste better with margaritas. We ordered a pitcher full of raspberry margaritas. I hate tequila, I’ll only accept it in the form of a margarita. We ordered a pitcher of frozen margaritas too which were totes delish, from what I remember at least.

The following pictures were taken by Donald Schwartz. Go check out the rest of his stuff, I think his photos are pretty neat-o.

Seriously how cute is this boutique?!

My usual habitat at any party: the snack table.

Photographed with the fiercely dressed owner of Blush, Lexie!

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!

And We’ll Never Be Royals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve finally adjusted to being back in school. My schedule is all over the place but I’m hanging in there. Also, I’m so done trying to figure out the weather. It’s been surprisingly hot out this week but I think it’s finally starting to cool down and stay that way.

Dress: Delia’s

Earrings: Vintage

This is one of my favorite dress for a million reasons. It’s in my favorite color, mint green, it’s got lace, the fit is really flattering on me, and I got it on sale! I still get plenty of lovely compliments whenever I wear it out. The earrings used to belong to my Mom.

Tights: Anthropologie

Shoes: Aldo

These ombre tights add a little bit of fun when combined with dresses and skirts. They only work with ankle boots or flats, anything a little higher defeats the purpose. These tights are also a constant reminder of how much I miss my discount. But I think I can finally say I’ve put the retail life behind me.

Watch: Fossil

Bag: Aldo

Leather goods from birthday presents past. I used to be nervous about mixing browns and blacks together but I think this works well together. This is definitely one of my favorite school bags. It perfectly fits everything I need and it’s adjustable too.

I’ve finally been able to visit all of my favorite local cafes this week. I had a study date with my friend Amber at Spot on Elmwood. I grabbed a pizza bagel, because they’re basically giant bagel bites. If you don’t enjoy bagel bites, I’m not sure if I can trust you. Amber bought me a belated birthday cupcake, how lovely! I picked out a pumpkin spice one.

My friend Samantha and I went over to Cafe Aroma because I had to do a people watching assignment for my acting class. Taking notes on people always makes me feel like such a creeper but it’s something I do on occasion while I’m out writing in public anyways. While being creeptastic,  I sipped on an iced vanilla coffee and of course got another cupcake, this one was vanilla.

Went on a bro-mantic date with Amber the following day and wound up at Cafe Aroma again. That’s the thing I love about that place, kills two birds with one stone. Grab coffee in the day time and then beers or wine at night. Autumn seasonal beers are the best in my opinion. This was a tasty little wheat pumpkin ale.

We ate at Towne in Allen afterwards. A bacon cheeseburger with fries for like $5, that barely exists anymore.

 

Feelin’ 22

I turned 22 on September 9! My birthday fell on a Monday this year, so I celebrated all weekend of course. I’m surprised no one has tried to strangle me because I’ve been blasting 22 by Taylor Swift for several days.

Kicked off the birthday weekend by going out to sushi with my friend Matt (yes the one from my We Can’t Stop post) at Kuni’s. This photo was taken moments before a swarm of wasps attacked us. I had to abandon one piece of my tuna roll because a wasp decided to snuggle with it. *sigh* Shout out to our server for being lovely and helping us move inside. Luckily, it’s adorable, cozy, and insect free inside. This is my go-to sushi place when I’m feeling a little fancy but can’t spend too much. This is also the only place I know of so far in Buffalo that serves Koshu. If you’re into plum wine, give it a shot. And if you’re not, but like sweeter wines in general then you should try it too. It’s definitely my favorite one so far.

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Modcloth

I came back to my suite with more wine waiting for me. My roomies get me obviously.

Dress: Nasty Gal

Shoes: Forever 21

I love this dress to death! The last time I wore it was to a wedding last year. It’s gorgeous but I don’t have too many opportunities to wear it out. I figured a birthday outing was a perfect occasion. The only thing I hate about it is that I have to wear a bandeau underneath. As pretty as the lace is, it’s quite revealing. The first time I wore it I tried fashion tape and a black backless bra. It was uncomfortable and I was checking for wardrobe malfunctions every two seconds.

I recently learned how to do beehives. They’re incredibly easy to do and make any outfit look instantly vintage. Unfortunately, my hair did not remain this cute the entire night. I literally had to run to catch a bus. I gave up and threw it up into a bun. I sacrificed my hair for an extra half hour worth of drinking. If running in heels were an olympic sport, I’d make the American team without a doubt.

Cantina Loco was the meeting spot because it’s right across from the bus stop and my legs still felt like death after running. I refused to walk any further until I had a drink. I should have stuck to with go-to, amaretto sours, because this drink right here was deceiving. You’d think something called a cactus berry (or was it berry cactus?) would be sweet and fruity but this just tasted like tequila. I am emotionally damaged thanks to tequila. I’d rather not talk about that night ever again. However I do appreciate this adorable cactus glass. I eventually washed it down with some Southern Tier Pumpking beer. Which reminds me, I need to go stock up on that stuff. I wish I could remember what else I had to drink that night, I hope I made good choices. That can also be said for whatever sort of shenanigans I got myself into. I have lovely friends who were good sports and dealt with my weirdness all night. It helped that they were probably entertained by it as well. I don’t think it’s possible for me to have a normal night out whenever I’m around Allen.

Dress: Forever 21

Boots: Aldo

Believe it or not, Jonathan actually picked this dress out for me! It was part of my anniversary present in July. Embellished collar and floral print, he’s been paying close attention for the past year. The next day was full of recovery and food with more friends. We some how wound up at Panera and Matt was lovely enough to let me pick out a pastry. I got a seasonal apple flavored one. I should drop out of school to pursue a career as a muffin model.

I wanted to do a birthday dinner at first, buuut remembered that I’m broke. So I went out for some frozen yogurt with a few friends instead. We went to White Rabbit on Elmwood. It was my first time in there. The upstairs seating area is adorable and surprisingly spacious. Read the frozen yogurt facts posted on the wall, they’re educational and a little funny. I had the birthday cake flavor. I went a little crazy and piled on lots of nutella, m&ms, rainbow sprinkles, and mochi. I’m not sure if any of these flavors compliment each other but it tasted awesome. Much love to my friend Rishaya for being a doll and paying for my froyo masterpiece!

Sweater: Thrifted, Amvets

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Thrifted, Amvets

Boots: Aldo

At last, the actual birthday outfit. I got so many lovely compliments on it throughout the day, which made it that much better. This sweater was much baggier and looser until I stuck it in the dryer. I never get upset when my clothes shrink while I do laundry because they usually end up fitting me better. I didn’t have to adjust the hemline of this skirt at all either. Finding maxis already at a perfect length is a shorty struggle. It’s a little loose at the waist which made my crop top a little obvious at times. Give me a break, an occasional bare midriff plus a blanket sweater and a maxi skirt should be acceptable, right? My hair was much cuter when I first did it that morning. It’s difficult for my hair to hold curls for a very long time since it is pin straight and fine.

Proof my hair was adorable at some point on my birthday! Anyone who follows me on Instagram (and if you don’t, the photos under “click, flash” should lead you to my account) knows that I abuse the A Beautiful Mess app. I can’t help myself, it’s beyond adorable! I’m also an avid reader of the blog.

Right after my first class ended, I received an adorable flower arrangement from Jonathan! Out of all of the one’s he has sent me, this one takes the cake. It doesn’t get more precious than a bouquet in a tea cup.

My friends are fully aware of my love for cats. My friends are also fully aware of my love for writing. I’ve received so many pretty journals throughout the years. And yes, I do use them!

Aside from my birthday falling on a buzzkilling weekday, Mondays are also my busiest school days. I thought about getting a cupcake from Firefly all day. I went with their ‘nilla birthday cake flavor, for obvious reasons. And then I decided I couldn’t devour this without wine. I was on the hunt for the girliest pinkest wine. Would any of you honestly expect anything else from me? An employee handed Barefoot Refresh, Perfectly Pink to me because I told her I was a fan of their pink moscato (which they were unfortunately sold out of) It tastes pretty similar, but it’s a little bubbly. Party cake ice cream has been a favorite of mine since high school. It has birthday cake batter flavored ice cream, cake bits, and frosting swirls. I can be extremely childish when it comes to my dessert choices sometimes.

So, let’s re-cap birthday weekend round 1 with some of the lyrics from 22:

– It was indeed a perfect night to dress up like hipsters. I don’t think that I dressed like one, but there were plenty of hipsters spottings around Allen. No surprises there.

– At least one ex was made fun of.

– I wish I had breakfast at midnight. No one wanted to take me to Denny’s to get my free grand slam.

– After enough drinks I was happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time.

– Places did get too crowded due to too many cool kids trying to get their drink on.

– Everything was alright if you were right next to me or kept dancing like you were 22. ooh-ooh

– If you didn’t already know, I am definitely feeling 22.

Thank you to everyone who made my weekend and birthday extra special. I absolutely love each and every single one of you. Cheers to another year of being a twenty-something!

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!

Rainy road trips and lakesides

This past weekend’s day trip took place in Skaneateles. This place is freakin’ adorable. It’s a nice little lake town full of cute places and bougie houses. Lake towns are lovely in the summertime. Sadly the weather was a little uncooperative, but we still had a nice time.

Tunic: Modcloth

Skirt: H&M

Sandals: Aldo

Purse: Kate Spade

Umbrella: Victoria’s Secret

My favorite cat print tunic/dress doubles as a great thing to tuck into skirts. Mega bonus, since it’s super long no accidental awkward underwear flashes here! The umbrella was one of those free items you get after spending x amount of cash money dollars. Turned out to be mega cute and it doesn’t easily blow away during a storm.

After walking around and waiting for the rain to pass we dropped into Skaneateles Bakery. Not sure if they intentionally tried to do something fancy with the foam or if it just decided to look interesting on its own.

Afterwards we went across the street to Doug’s Fish Fry. I had no idea that this place doesn’t exist in Syracuse anymore, just out here. I used to be such a picky eater as a kid and absolutely hated fried haddock, or any fried fish for that matter. Fast forward a decade later into adult world and it looks like I’ve gotten over that picky stage because fried haddock is deliciously flaky. That description could also double as a really mean insult to me if you find me flaky and want to take a jab at my blog. If you do I’ll fight you and by fight I mean be super passive aggressive then subtweet about you later. Doug’s Pale Ale wasn’t half bad either. It was a little bitter but that doesn’t bother me. Another successful mini day trip accomplished!

 

Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls

Jonathan and I visited Ithaca last weekend. It was hot hot hot so we went swimming at Robert H Therman State Park. Unfortunately I’m an awful swimmer so I couldn’t venture off to the deep end and chill near the waterfall. If I could, there’d be some obnoxious picture of me getting pelted by water here. This’ll do instead.

 

Bathing suit: Forever 21

I don’t go out swimming as often as I should considering the fact I have a bathing suit for every occasion.

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I decided to give Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray a shot. I sprayed it after I had my hair up in a top knot for a few hours. My hair is extra fine so I didn’t get the beach waves I expected. However, it gives my hair great volume and texture which nice at least. Plus it smells really great. *sigh* I’ll never have effortless mermaid beach babe hair. If any of you fine haired ladies have any tips or know any other products, suggest them my way please!

Creepy detail shot.

After swimming around and frolicking in the sun we headed into town for some food. Thanks to a quick Yelp search before my phone died, we wound up at Viva Taquiera  & Cantina. We devoured Macho Nachos and I sipped on a pomegranate margarita. It was a lovely way to end our day trip to Ithaca.

Trolleywood

My friend Marie and I made a mini road trip out to Rochester last night to see Eisley perform at Water Street Music Hall. They’re one of my favorite bands of all time, I’ve loved them ever since the first time I heard Trolleywood from their Room Noises album when I was in middle school. Their music means a lot to me and always will. Say Anything was headlining, I couldn’t get a decent picture because being 4’10” at shows with lots of bouncing around makes that rather difficult at times. But they were excellent and are tons of fun live. I’m also just forever obsessed with how cute Sherri DuPree, Max Bemis, and their little baby Lucy are. I’d love to see Eisley perform again and hopefully meet them eventually if I’m ever lucky enough.

Dress: H&M

Boots: Aldo

I am completely obsessed with the silhouette of this dress and the crochet. It was one of those random “try it on because why not” sort of things and then I fell in love with it. I think it has a late 60s/early 70s vibe to it in my opinion.  And we all know how I feel about the 60s. I could almost pass as an extra in season 6 of Mad Men. Only in my dreams.

Headband: Modern Pop Culture

Necklace: H&M

Nail Polish: Pink Bliss Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro, Spark-tacular top coat Sephora by OPI, Matte top coat Sephora by OPI

Decided to complete the boho chic look with a floral headband. They’re new at the store so I figured I’d test them out at the show. They lasted me until after 3 Say Anything songs. Then I had to tuck them away in my purse to play it safe. I have a tiny little head so but the grippies on the inside stuck to my hair without ruining my curly locks. This is also one of my favorite nail polish combos, matte baby pink with rainbow glitter. Glitter topcoats add a little excitement to neutral colors and I like to put a matte coat to create a more subtle sparkle.

Taking advantage of unemployment by learning how to levitate.

Nope, I was just experimenting with shutter speeds and I happen to be the biggest dork ever.

Food Festival Weekend

This year Greek Fest and Taste of Syracuse fell on the same weekend. I missed out on all of the food festivals last year because I was still recuperating from getting my wisdom teeth pulled out aka hiding my gross swollen face from society. I definitely made up for last year’s lost and had great time despite the gloomy weather. Day 1 was spent at Greek Fest, which was also my first time ever going.

My food fest buddies for the entire weekend were my boyfriend Jonathan and his friend Dan! Fun fact, Jonathan’s half Greek. Therefore us winding up at Greek fest.

We drank maybe 3 bottles of this Greek wine.

We also sat at the table right in front of the wine booth because we’re efficient.

Shirt: H&M

Pants: H&M

Belt: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Meanwhile, more vino and more finger pointing at my camera…

Aside from some strong Greek wine, I basically lived off of lamb souvlaki that evening. Flo’s a huge fan of Greek food so I brought her home a gyro, dolomades, and an assortment of Greek pastries. The only one I knew was baklava. I was hoping there’d be some leftovers when I came home, but they were devoured the second I dropped them off.

So, I ate honey puffs for the first time. Honey puffs, or loukoumades, are fried balls soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and possibly crack and magic. According to Ancient Greek Mythology, they were created by the Greek Gods for lavish parties and to rain from the sky to mess with mortals. It’s also been said that they are the source behind John Stamos’ everlasting youth.

*that last paragraph is totally untrue, except for the fact that honey puffs are insanely delicious. If you thought any of that was true, you need to look at your life.

Sweater: Topshop

Spent day 2 at Taste of Syracuse with the same crew from yesterday plus these lovely ladies, Julia and Alexa! The weather was still lame and gloomy so I just threw on a sweater, leggings, and boots to keep it comfy and sensible. I actually don’t regret this.

Jonathan is all about the bang bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill. I’ll admit, they’re tasty. I’m pretty sure we stood in line 3 times for shrimp.

My usual strategy for Taste of Syracuse is to buy $1 samples from a ton of places and make that my dinner. Of course I got a cup of chicken riggies. They’re tasty and fun to say.

I also drank a ton of wine slushies. 20 ounces of pure wonderfulness! If anyone saw or ran into me at any point during Taste of Syracuse that night I might’ve been drunk. Not like “crazy wasted stumbly pukey why are you even out in public” drunk, but like “lol wow I love wine slushies and everything’s hilarious but I remember absolutely everything” kind of drunk. The only downfall to drinking at festivals like this is the lack of comfortable bathrooms. Wine slushies are worth the slight awkward discomfort though.

Sweater Weather

Umbrella: Clutch

Bag: Aldo

I’m wearing a sweater in June. This upsets me. I’m not upset about being able to use my adorable bubble umbrella though. It’s been through some rough times in Buffalo so it’s a little banged up. Still adorable and still keeps me and my personal bubble dry. I spent this rainy day planning and re-writing this novel I’ve been on again off again working on over the past few years. Rainy days just force you to stay in and get shit done. I was on my way to a cafe to get shit done, because you might as well treat yourself while you’re being productive right. I ended up rewarding myself with a diner date with some friends afterwards. Double score.

Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Leggings: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Aldo

Alright, time for a little anecdote. When I was a fashion design minor for barely a semester at Buff State, we had to go around and ask people what trends were in/out for the season. The girl next to me asked me and I said something along the lines of “floral prints really aren’t too original for spring, but I personally like them anyways.” Next class I was feeling lazy so I threw on a pair of floral print leggings. This girl has the nerve to call me out on this fashion “faux pas” in front of the entire class. We all just looked at her like she was bat shit crazy, because that was a bat shit crazy thing to say to another human being. I honestly don’t care if floral prints are out, I like them okay. And that’s my favorite story from when I was a fashion student for literally 10 seconds. I really hope my friends from that class are reading this and still find it just as I do.

As Meryl Streep said in The Devil Wears Prada “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”

As I say all the time “I like floral prints and choose to allow them to take up 40% of my wardrobe because long hair don’t care.”

This is currently my favorite sweater because it’s a size too big on me which makes it extra cozy and it has adorable elbow patches. It was one of those items that sold out really quickly during the holiday season, then a customer returned one of them 2 months later and it was marked down to like a fraction of the original price.

Earrings: Topshop

My fox earrings were another good sale find, I think I got this pair in while I was in Las Vegas. I love adding to my quirky jewelry collection. If it’s an animal or a miniature version of a small item, I’ll probably wear it around my neck or dangling from my ears. On my fingers and around my wrist if I’m lucky and it’s a piece of jewelry that will fit my twiggy limbs.