Summer 2011 Bucket List revisited: #1, #2

1. Take the East River Ferry to Brooklyn

A new ferry route opened up near my apartment this summer, connecting midtown Manhattan to various stops in Brooklyn, Governor's Island, & ending in Wall Street. I took the ferry a few times to Fort Greene & Williamsburg. It takes a little longer than the train, but it's a fun ride with a good breeze in your face & a beautiful view.

{view of Manhattan from the ferry as it heads to Brooklyn}

2. Williamsburg Flea Market

The Brooklyn Flea is no longer the same as the Brooklyn Bridge Sunday Flea that use to be located in Dumbo. Now operating out of 2 locations on the weekends, the Brooklyn Flea is predominantly thrift/vintage items & food stands. I went in search of a jewelry designer I saw at the Brooklyn Bridge Flea 2 years ago, but there are no vendors of that sort at the Williamsburg location. I didn't find anything I wanted to buy, but there were many interesting things to see.

Sat 10am–5pm: 176 Lafayette Ave (btw Clermont & Vanderbilt Aves), Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Sun 10am–5pm: East River Waterfront (btw North 6th and 7th Sts), Williamsburg, Brooklyn

{papa, mama, & baby second-hand Chucks}

{interesting finds at the Brooklyn Flea}

Almond Latte

{Nespresso Pixie - Electric Titan}

Meet my Pixie; this tiny machine has seriously revolutionized my coffee drinking habits.  Only a few months ago I was either brewing regular 'ole coffee out of my Mr.Coffee machine, choking down the nasty office drip or making pit stops at my local Starbucks on the way to work.  I was an avid and loyal Starbucks fan to the point where I was going nearly daily.  But then my boyfriend brought home this little gem.  I had seen capsule-style espresso machines before, but was convinced it was expensive and a hassle to mail-order the capsules.  The Pixie, however, is extremely affordable at $249 for the machine and 55 cents per capsule and lucky-me, my local Bloomingdale's houses one of the few Nespresso Boutiques in the nation.  Now, my favorite barista is... ME!   

Summer 2011 Bucket List

The summer is quickly passing by and there are so many things I still want to do.  These are at the top of my list:

1. Make trips to the farmer's market a regular Saturday morning activity

2. Take a hike with fabulous ocean views

3. Have a picnic in the park

4. Spend the day in Malibu and visit The Getty Villa

5. Road trip to somewhere I've never been before

6. Read a good book, while getting a tan... any suggestions?

7. Find the perfect summer hat

8. BBQ on Holly's newly decorated patio :)

9. Do some major "summer" cleaning

10. Explore the new Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii, through the eyes of a child, with my niece and nephew

The Good Life

kauai
photo credit: sandy

Here's to happy Fridays
To enjoying the little things
To embracing opportunities
To counting your blessings
To the good life

Beat the Heat

I'll be in Vegas this weekend and weather.com is threatening heat in the triple digits (yikes!). To keep cool, I will be... 

 

{trying a cute new hairstyle discovered on Pinterest}

 {packing bright colors, crisp whites and nautical stripes}

{drinking Vita Coco, refreshing and healthy!}

{ahh... who am I kidding, I'll be having one of these}

Happy weekend!

Fresh Air

A few snippets from my leisurely Sunday. :)

 {hiking at Peters Canyon Regional Park}

 {refreshing watermelon salad - recipe found here}

 {a simple summer cocktail}

 {juicy lucy}

{afternoon reading & wildflowers picked on the hike}

Weekend Indulgences

Artisanal Cheese Platter: 

Pierre Robert, Prima Donna, Ossau Iraty, & fig jam
These cheeses were seriously indescribable!  The Pierre Robert triple-creme on a fig baguette, drizzled with honey (pictured below) was to die for.

Wine, fruit, and indoor S'mores for dessert
Nothing beats the simplicity and perfection of a precisely toasted marshmallow, the original Hershey's chocolate, sandwiched between two crispy graham crackers, all combined in one melty, gooey, sugary, delicious bite!

 

 

 

Of course, these indulgences are best enjoyed with the company of great friends!  Hope you all have a great weekend with yummy food and fun friends!

A Patriotic Backyard BBQ

How fun and festive would it be to lounge around all day on a summery outdoor sofa with bright colored pillows and patio-perfect decor?  I can't wait to indulge in some super savory appetizers, all-American hot dogs, and red, white, and blue desserts this weekend.  Let's all raise our patriotic themed cocktails in thanks and remembrance of those who have served this country!

CB2 red tray table

Blueberries Gone Wild cocktails

New York style hot dogs

Crate and Barrel charcoal grill

West Elm outdoor furniture and pillows

Bakerella's Patriotic Cake Pops

West Elm Candleholders

Crate and Barrel serveware

The Girl Who Ate Everything's Bloomin' Onion Bread