new york city: day three
by anna on April 27, 2012
And here we are at the final day of the most epic NYC trip of all time.
Amiright? So right.
We actually had originally planned to leave on Sunday, but were having so much fun we decided to stay an extra night. Staying an extra day though, meant not enough clothes packed, and it was a scorcher too that weekend (88 degrees!). I’d only brought two dresses, and my sister brought one, so what did we do? Switched clothes, of course. That’s what sisters are for, after all.
Here’s a look at our last morning in the city…
Meg and I spent the morning eating croissants and drinking coffee in Central Park. It was so close to where we were staying, and the weather was downright fabulous, that we both agreed that it was the perfect place for breakfast.
From there we walked towards the MET with the idea of doing a little Museum hopping, only to discover it was closed for the day. So instead, we went and did a little shopping instead. We went to J.crew and Joe Fresh to love on all the stripes in style this season. It’s not just me, you guys. Stripes are EVERYWHERE. All the rage, all the time. And I be lovin’ it!
After a morning of reflecting on our good times, and a decent amount of sunshine and wandering, it was time for us to catch the train.
I am usually sad to leave, but the weekend was so full of fun, and I was excited for my next destination, that I was just happy inside and nothing else. Plus, there is something about leaving out of Grand Central Station that makes trips to New York even more special.
I always love this part. It’s an experience that I relish in every single time…
Grand Central Station is THE most magical train station I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Have you ever been?
One look up and it takes my breath away.


And with that, we boarded the train and said goodbye to a great weekend, great friends, and an amazing city.
Thanks for the memories, NY! See you soon!
(I’m lucky enough to be heading back to New York in one month’s time. On the next trip I’ll be spending more time in Brooklyn with my high school girlfriends at The Great GoogaMooga Festival in Prospect Park. 4 words: I CAN’T FLIPPING WAIT.)
And of course, here’s my daily dose of instagrams for you…
Next week we’ll head to Charlotte for some baby time. Little Luke can’t wait to say hi.
Happy WEEKEND and thanks for tagging along!
+
{did you miss it? read NYC: day one and day two}
new york city: day two
by anna on April 26, 2012
Oh, Sunday. I think you were my favorite.
Day two in New York City was Ahh-mazing with a capital A. I spent the whole day in Manhattan, and when I say the whole day, I mean from sun up to sun down, walking and skipping from place to place.
I started out early with a walk to find coffee. Remember, I had my own keys and I could do as I pleased, so I left the apartment on the Upper East Side with my yoga pants on and a neon yellow t-shirt. I walked wherever I felt like walking really, and you better believe there was a bounce in my pony tail…
GOOD MORNING, NEW YORK CITY!
The weather forecast said rain, but I only saw sunshine. Happiness!
As I walked along I couldn’t help but notice all the tulips. I spotted colored tulips galore, and then when I got to Park Ave there was just a sea of yellow tulips at each intersection. Gorgeous springtime yellow! Oh, I loved it.



The architecture in Manhattan is so beautiful. I kept trying to imagine the families that live in these buildings and apartments, both today and in the past. I passed by so many different homes, juggling between taking pictures and just enjoying the walk.
Sometimes it’s exhausting to be a blogger.
At one point, I turned the corner to head across to the park and I just caught myself directly in front the the Guggenheim.
!!!!!!
This is one of my favorite parts about wandering around a city. The discovering of significant places out of the blue? This has happened to me before. I just stop in my tracks and just stare wide-eyed for a minute, amazed and speechless. I always take a deep breath and stand still for a minute, and then of course, I start snapping pictures. Naturally.
I am 25% wanna-be New Yorker, and 75% TOTAL TOURIST.
No shame.
I tried to cross into the park after this, but couldn’t get past all the women running in the half-marathon that morning. I contemplated for about 10 minutes whether to try to run across or not, but ultimately decided not too. Knowing me I’d probably trip or something. I always struggle most in the worst situations.
I do love a good marathon, though, so I was glad to stand there and watch for a bit. I always get the shivers. I myself can just barely run one mile, so the idea of 13 is incredibly impressive.
The Boston Marathon?
Please. I cry every single time.
But come on, you must cry too. The inspiration!!
I was super sad to miss Marathon Monday this year, but it was actually happening this very same weekend, so unfortunately I had to live vicariously through my Boston instagram friends. You can’t win ‘em all, I guess.
After heading back to the apartment to shower and change for the day, I met up with my friend Katie again. This time, it was to do a little apartment hunting! She had an appointment with a relator, so I tagged along to take a look too!
Check out the rooftop view.
Yeah, I wouldn’t mind hanging up there on the weekends. Wouldn’t mind one single bit.
I wonder what you’ll decide, KPrime! Can’t wait to come visit you in your new digs.
After that little treat of a view I was on my way to brunch.
BLOGGER BRUNCH! What UP.
The excitement was unreal. And it’s safe to say, I love these ladies.
Their blogs? Oh, I’m obsessed with them. They’re both two of my go-to reads. As soon as they post, I am there. It’s good stuff, people. Really good stuff.
Colleen’s over at Ordinary Tales, and Molly blogs at Mr. & Mrs. Rigoloso in Detail.
They’re good people and great writers. I know you’d like them.
We talked and laughed and drank mimosas. Quite a lot of mimosas actually. They went down so smooth. We had the company of Molly’s and Colleen’s men, and also Tina, their perfectly stylish red-headed friend. And so nice too. I love a fun lively group, and this was it.
And for brunch? We ate at Resto and I ate the most amazing eggs benedict over a waffle and with bacon. LUSCIOUS.
Colleen got the pancakes, which was my second choice. Love me some good buttermilks.

Basically, with the people and the food and the delicious drinks and crazy good fries, I was in a dream world.
Love that.
Oh hay, pretty friend. HAAAAY.




After brunch we had milkshakes. Because, really, why not?
I had chocolate malt— a forever favorite.
We spent over three hours together, my new friends and I. And I can’t wait til we do it again!

My gosh, are you still reading???? Because I’m not done yet.
There’s still the afternoon in the Park! After brunch I took the subway back uptown to meet up with my sister and her friends, who had been spending the day on a blanket in Central Park with snacks and cold beer. Just straight up livin’ the good life.
It was so nice sitting on that grass watching the world go by.





And as if the day wasn’t jam packed enough, a group of us made the last minute decision to eat at the Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem that night.
BOOM.
(If there was ever an opportunity for me to write a BOOM in a blog post that was it. The Dinosaur originated in Syracuse, NY so it’s obviously very near and dear to our hearts.)
And so it goes, it was, quite literally, the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Instagram much? You know I did:
What a vacation this was turning out to be. A glorious vacation indeed.
♥
{and for those of you that missed it: new work city: day one.}
new york city: day one
by anna on April 24, 2012
It’s here, guys. My first New York City post of the spring season, two thousand and twelve.
I was completely obsessed with this trip to New York. Maybe it was because of the weather. Maybe it was because of the much needed vacation. I KNOW it was because of the people. And also, I’ve decided it was because I was staying with a friend who gave me a key to her place, allowing me to flutter about the city on my own time and in my own way, which ended up being the best thing ever. It’s the reason I was able to do so much and see so many friends. Also, it gave me the feeling of being a New Yorker, something I’ve always loved the idea of, but likey something I will never actually be.
Sigh. A girl can dream.
So dream I did.
First stop?
Brooklyn.
Man, do I ever love Brooklyn. I first fell in love in 2009 when I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, after not just one, but two of my high school friends moved out of Manhattan. It’s the cutest little place with so much character and quirkiness. This trip to BK brought me to the Brooklyn Flea, which was quite the treat in and of itself.
I only wish I could magically transport my amazing finds (some sweet wooden crates, an old vintage school desk, road bike, and typewriter) back to my place in Boston without having to lug them around the whole city, which would be INCREDIBLY awkward, not to mention a burden.
So with all my might, I just did a some booth shopping at the famous Flea, simply letting myself enjoy the day while taking it all in. Highly recommended if you ever get the chance to go, it’s certainly an experience, and a cool one at that.
Wanna take a look around?
Those are those wooden crates I was talking about.
I want one in my living room to store cozy blankets for movie nights.
I also want one in my bedroom to throw my shoe collection in.
LOVE.
And the bike I dream of every night?
There she is.
Sittin’ pretty.
We browsed through racks and racks of clothing filled with cool stuff and not so cool stuff.
White wash pedal pushers?
Vests with iron on badges and sweaters with cats?
You name it, it’s there.
(I spared you the pictures, but you can certainly use your imagination.)
There were jewelry tables too. With clip-ons and dangly earrings and everything in-between.
There are knick-knacks of all shapes and sizes.
Literally, things to look at for dayyys.
I loved all the vintage prints. I’d like to own a few like these someday.
Maybe next time.
It was here that I met up with my friend Beck from high school. She’s one of my favorite people ever so I was so happy she came over from her apartment in Park Slope to hang out for the day and enjoy the sunshine.
And can you tell that the sunshine was PERFECT?
Because it was. Oh, it was.
There is nothing better than a sunny Saturday, this I am sure.
After this, we did more browsing, like the true flea-goers that we (sort of) are…
And then, it was time for lunch.
LUNCH!!
The best meal of the day.
Welcome to the best grilled cheese of my life.
I got the Milktruck Classic and Beck got the Three Cheese.
HOLY HOLY it was iiiiinsane.
Like, for real forreal INSANE.
Oh, man, I wish I was eating one at this very moment.
Bread and cheese forever, baby.
HI, Beck! Love ya, girlfriend!
After lunch, we did a good amount of people watching and relaxing before moving along to eat some more of the goodies that were upon us.
And believe me, good food was everywhere.
I got myself a raspberry basil People’s Pop because I would have been crazy not to.
It was amazing and everything I needed on that perfectly hot day.
Sidenote: Most everybody I spotted at the Flea was so New York, and for that matter, SO BROOKLYN.
Total hipsters and I love it.
I even tried to fit in a little too.
(with no luck, mind you.)
And then our time at the Brooklyn Flea came to an end. But not before inhaling one of these doughnuts from Dough.
I CAN’T EVEN.
I just can’t.
Heaven.
Heaven in a piece of dough. With sugar and icing to boot.
DREEEEEAM!
After I died a little, I said goodbye to Beck and Brooklyn with the good feeling that I’ll be back soon, and headed back to Manhattan.
I rode the subway back to the Upper East Side, popped into a nail salon to get a trendy “mint green” manicure, and headed out to meet my friend Katie for dinner.
It was the perfect start to a perfect weekend.
And of course, I instagrammed all the while:
NY, I love you. And the weekend is only getting better…
sneak peak.
by anna on April 22, 2012
I’m back!
One word for the past week off:
EPIC.
I started off my vacation in the glorious Big Apple. I had three amazing days jetting around the city from here to there visiting friends and enjoying the sights and sounds. More on this later, but I’m planning three posts for three days of goodness.
Here’s a little sneak peak of what you can expect:
And after NY, I high-tailed it via US Airways to Charlotte to see this little nuget:
It was basically a dream and then some.
Detailed recap posts to come soon. I just need to sort through my gazillion pictures and instagrams. You know how I roll. An epic trip away deserves some epic blog posts, so I’m working on them…
I hope you’re all well! I’ve missed it here!
jams for while I’m away…
by anna on April 12, 2012
Well, it’s vacation time again!
Luckyyyyyyy.
This time around I’ll be skittering off to far off places like New York City and Charlotte– warm weather HERE I COME. I’ve got my stripes all packed and my playlist made and ready. I can’t wait for this break and for the time I am going to spend with friends. This week as been longer than long and if it wasn’t for that 90s pop Pandora station I found on Sunday I honestly don’t know if I would have made it through to today.
But here I am, and PUMPED at that.
You guys remember the 90s, right?
Scrunchies and roller skating rinks, puffy paint and mix tapes.
I had trolls, played MASH, and wrote my notes in a Trapper Keeper.
And I could be found in the afternoons snacking on DunkAroos and watching the best Nickelodeon television there ever was.
You might have worn something like this:
Or this:
Or maybe even this:
Or, if you were my sister, you might have worn some something as outrageous as this:
HILAAAAARIOUS.
Every time I look at that last one I die.
Seriously.
CRACKS. ME. UP.
Now, I’m leaving you with something really special while I’m gone. Something to help the time pass, and that you’d be crazy not to love:
15 of my very favorite 90s jams to listen to allllll week long.
Luckyyyyyyyy.
Later sk8ters!
ENJOY!
damn it feels good to be a blogger.
by anna on April 11, 2012
Being a blogger is amazing.
I know I’ve said this before, but here I am saying it again.
There are a lot of things that I really love about blogging, but I think my favorite thing might be the people I have met and the friends I have made. When I went into this whole thing I had no idea that blogging was about connecting with other people. To me it was about starting to write, and sharing the little things, and documenting the important parts. And it is a lot about those things, but the more I’ve done it, the more I’ve realized it’s about meeting people too. Meeting people who are like you and who you can keep up with, through posts and through thoughts and through pictures and through stories.
I especially feel lucky to be a part of the incredible Boston Bloggers community– it’s brought a whole new group of people into my life, and for the first time since college I feel like a social butterfly again.
Girls night at the museum? Yes, please.
Drinks on a Wednesday night? Don’t mind if I do.
I’ve found soul sisters and friends that I can laugh with,
people who help me appreciate the small things,
fabulous photographers, graphic designers, and fashionsitas–
Finding people you like and connect with?
That’s the good stuff, my friend.
That’s the good stuff.
Oh! And while we’re on the subject of good stuff– more blogger goodness is coming my way soon and I’m so happy about it I’ve had a grin plastered to my face all week. Molly and Colleen and I will be drinking mimosas in the sweet spring NYC sunshine this weekend. This will be my first time meeting Colleen and I am pleased as punch about the idea. She’s just one of those people you KNOW you were meant to be friends with. And Molly? Well, I had so much fun with her the first time around I have to go back for more. There will be dancing, and smiling, and all around winning. It’s going to be a DREAM and it’s going to come true!
- – – – – – – – – – -
Have you ever gotten together with bloggers in real life? Do you love it and leave on cloud 9 like I do?
It’s scary at first, and definitely a little nerve wracking, but I always end up having the best time and I’m always so glad I did it. It’s getting yourself out there that’s the hard part, once you’re in it the rest is easy.
a happy easter.
by anna on April 10, 2012
Oh, it was a nice Easter back in New York this year.
It was a quick trip home, but a happy one all the same.
We did Syracuse things like trips to Wegmans and games at the Dome (lacrosse this time!).
We went to our favorite Steak House and had bacon with egg caserole for breakfast.
We dressed up and went to church and ate loads and loads of delicious food, like ham and scalloped potatoes, shrimp with cocktail sauce, artichoke dip, crescent rolls, green bean casserole, apple pie, and my mom’s famous homemade easter cupcakes.
It was nothing short of a feast, no doubt.
We dined with family and laughed with friends.
It was a good weekend.
And I hope you had a very Happy Easter, too! ♥
Newport!
by anna on April 6, 2012
I finally got my act together to share my Newport pics—
TADA!!!
We had such a nice time last Sunday walking around downtown Newport and exploring the famous mansions and the cliff walk. It’s the cutest little town and the Newport Mansions are some of the most amazing works of architecture I’ve ever laid my eyes on. INsanely HUGE and magnificently beautiful!
People actually lived in these once?
And more curious… does anyone actually live in them now?!
I actually felt like I was at Downton at one point. And it felt incredible.
Zan and I both agree that we need to make a trip back sometime soon (and next time we will hopefully take a tour of some of the mansions–you can do that!). I’m thinking when the weather’s a little warmer, as it started to get really cold and windy toward the end of the day, but there was something beautiful about it being so empty of crowds too– which I’m sure is next to impossible once the summer hits!
We started off the day with blue skies and a Shamrock shake. Naturally, a spot-on recipe for a good time.
And as for the rest of the day? Go on and take a look…





















See you next time, Newport! Thanks for a good time and thanks for being AWESOME.
HAPPY FRIDAY, dear readers! ♥
my happy place.
by anna on April 4, 2012
When I came home yesterday, exhausted after an already long week, this little corner of my room put me in a happy place. I think the tulips are ultimately responsible, but also, I love how this space is filled with all things that are so very “me”.
I’m a knick-knack person at heart, but in my quest for simplicity I think I’ve done a pretty good job at keeping a balance in this new space. I stopped buying things for the apartment awhile ago and just simply started to enjoy each room and the pretty details I’ve added to them.
I have a hard time picking my favorite spot, but the bedroom just might be it.
{Have you been on my apartment tour yet? Take a look inside!}
the time we took a road trip and stopped by the farm.
by anna on April 3, 2012
We took a road trip down to Newport on Sunday and it was amaaaazing. Zan and I decided if the weather was nice, we would take a drive somewhere for the day, and well, the weather was beautiful so off we went to Rhode Island– the Ocean State!
On our way we passed a farm, and I was so in awe by all the animals that I made Zanner turn around so I could snap some photos.
GOATS!!
This animal alone made me more excited than any other. They are too cute, plus I am absolutely 100% in LOVE with goat cheese, so this just seemed like fate for me to run into these little cuties. You could tell they got fed by tourists a lot because they literally came right up to the fence, put their hooves up and stood on their hind legs.
This made me half scared, half in love.
Is this even possible? Well, it happened to me, so I guess it is possible.
Do you like goat cheese? For me it is like the cheese to end all cheeses. Delicious beyond delicious. A blend of creamy, tangy goodness that is like no other. You following me?
Anyways, I thought I’d share three of my go-to recipes with my all time favorite cheese. The first two are a cinch, the last one is a full-on project, but absolutely worth it.
Spinach Salad with Homemade Raspberry Vinegarette
Bag of baby spinach
Handful of craisins (or in the summer I like to use fresh strawberries!)
Candied walnuts
Quarter log (4 oz.) of goat cheese
Mix all the dry ingredients together and top with my favorite homemade raspberry vinegarette recipe.
SO GOOD!
Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese (via Rachel Ray)
Ingredients
3/4 pound macaroni pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 9 ounce bag spinach
Salt and pepper
6 ounces goat cheese, broken into chunks
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Directions
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water, and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, spinach and the reserved pasta water and cook until heated through, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir into the pasta along with the goat cheese. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the walnuts on top.
YUMMM-O.
Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Enchiladas (sent from Zan’s cousin Cassidy)
This recipe makes approximately 10 enchiladas
For the filling:
1 15-oz can organic black beans, rinsed, drained (refried is good for creamy-ness- add hot sauce for extra kick and/or garlic)
2 heaping cups cooked sweet potatoes (mashed or cubed into small chunks- can add hot sauce here if desired, I add a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar to boost sweetness)
1/2 cup chopped roasted green chilies (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 average-size package goat cheese or cream cheese
To Assemble:
1 can green enchilada sauce (I mix in 1-2 Tbsp sour cream, but that’s optional)
2-4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, as needed
10 small corn tortillas
1.5-2.5 cups Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar (depending on how cheesy)
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Choose a baking dish that would hold 10 enchiladas.
Using a mixing bowl, combine the drained black beans with minced garlic and hot sauce (if using). Toss to coat the beans and set aside.
In a separate bowl combine the lightly smashed sweet potatoes with the chopped green chilies (or hot sauce and maple syrup); add the spices.
Pour about 1/4 cup of the Enchilada Sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
Grab a skillet and heat a dash of oil. Lightly cook the corn tortillas to soften them – one at a time – as you stuff each one.
Lay the first hot tortilla in the sauced baking dish; wet it with the sauce. Spoon 1/10 of the sweet potato mixture down the center. Top with 1/10 of goat cheese. Top with 1/10 of the black beans. Wrap and roll the tortilla to the end of the baking dish. Repeat for the remaining tortillas. Top with the rest of the sauce. If you like, top with shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the enchiladas are piping hot and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Serve with sliced lettuce, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Serves 5.
Super, Suuuuper DELICIOUS.
One of these days I hope to do a whole blog post dedicated to the enchiladas (photos and all).
They are A-MAZING.
- – – – – – – – – – -
A bit of goat cheese, on or in anything, is a little slice of heaven. This I am sure. Do you agree with me? Have any special recipes I should know about? If so, pass them along s’il vous plait– share some goat cheese love!


































































































