Flirting with Friday

Happy Friday Everyone!

Top Moments from the Week Include:

1) IT'S A BOY!! In case, you have been living under a rock Prince George was welcomed to the world. Of course, Kate Middleton rock maternity fashion and looked gorgeous debuting the little prince. 

2) On Tuesday, J. Crew received Fall merchandise, which means sweaters on sweaters on sweaters. Not great for the 107 degree weather we have been having but still nice. 

3) I had dinner at the beach Wednesday night with my family. It was a beautiful night filled with good food and company. 

4). I wore an awesome outfit to work today...hopefully and picture to follow. In a nutshell it was a two tone blue color block dress with a hot pink belt. 

5) I got a Lily Planner today!!

Lazy days

So the past few days, I have had the case of lazy summer days. The weather is still not stellar either being super cloudy or 107 degrees. 

A few things to note are:

My family and I went to see A Midsummer's Night with The Monkees, which was wonderful!!!!!! We are huge Monkees fans and it was awesome to see them live.

 

Yesterday, two friends from school came to visit. We went to the beach, originally started out as cloudy and cold, which turned out to be beautiful!!!!!!. In turn I have the worst sunburn of my life and can not move/stay in one spot for too long or I am in so much pain. 

Yesterday also marked one month till I leave for Florence, I should probably start packing!

In other news, I am glued to the news waiting to hear more about the royal baby!!

Cheers and Happy Monday!

July Birchbox

 

Another month another amazing Birchbox!!!!!!

 

This Month's Box Included:

1. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream

2. WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads

3. WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

4. theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

5. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect Leave-In Conditioner

Out of this box, I am most looking forward to the Mud Mask and Buffing Beads. I have always wanted to try a mask but many are just too expensive and I do not have the guts to make one at home. So this is the perfect solution!!!

On the Grill

One of the biggest staples of summer is barbecues. Now while I am all for the classic cheeseburger it is nice to mix it up every once and a while. So here is my twist on a cheeseburger: taziski.

 

Taziski is a Greek dip that is delightful for the summer because it is so light and fresh. 

Recipe:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1 cup greek yogurt, strained
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2 tsp. chopped mint
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh dill

Preparation:

Combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Using a whisk, blend the yogurt with the sour cream. Add the olive oil mixture to the yogurt mixture and mix well. Finally, add the cucumber and chopped fresh dill. Chill for at least two hours before serving. Add the dill for garnish.

For the Burger: Grill the burger to however you like it. Melt feta cheese on the burger. Top it off with tomato, avocado, and taziski. Enjoy

Flirting with Friday

Happy Friday!!!!!!! I hope you are all recovering from last nights celebrations. 

 Here are some of the top snip bits from my week:

1) I have been battling a cold all week. This may not seem like a good thing but I have been drinking so much tea, which is the good part. I just finished some lavender earl grey that was absolutely heavenly, especially with a little bit of honey. 

2) I started one of my internships this week! I will be helping out with the marketing for a local pie shoppe. The best part is that I will get paid in treats!!

3) I went out for drink with my sister and her boyfriend, which was so much fun. We went to this local place called Danny's, in Red Bank, and the drinks were so good. I got a Red Bank Lemonade and pretty much finished it in two minutes. 

Red, White, and Blue

 

 Source

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!!!!!

4th of July over the years has dwindled down quite a bit for me. When I was little till about 17 my family would go to this hotel by the river with some family friends watch fireworks and eat some really expensive...but really really good barbecue. 

However, due to budget cuts practically no one around here does big productions anymore. In addition, it has been so cloudy that you probably would be able to see them anyway. Last night, however, our neighbors set off fireworks in their backyard which was interesting. 

So anyway, my 4th now consists of working at J.Crew. Happy relaxing everyone!!! 

Rain Rain

So with the weird weather that has been happening for the past few weeks, I thought I would round up a few of my favorite lightweight rain coats for the summer. 

 1. J.Crew, 2. Crewcuts, 3. Eddie Bauer, 4. North Face, 5. North Face

1) This color block jacket is from J.Crew and it is one I absolutely love. I do not know about you but when it rain or is super cloudy I tend to gravitate toward dark colors. This jacket is an easy way to incorporate TWO colors into my outfit. 

2) This jacket is actually from Crewcuts. It sounds crazy but I am a size 2 or 4 in women's and can comfortably fit into a size 12 in this coat. The polka dots make it fun without being to loud. In addition the jacket folds into itself making a little pouch so I can just throw it in my bag when it looks like it might rain. 

3) I think it is really important to have a trench in your wardrobe. This black one is not super fancy making it work for going out to dinner or just running errands. 

4) This trench is perfect for the office. It had more structure than the previous one giving it a polished look but still functional. 

5) I love North Face's rain jackets because they are a little longer than other jackets I have found. This one comes in so many colors that it will match any personality or wardrobe. 

Flirting with Friday

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!!

Here are a few snip its from my week:

1) On Monday I went to Garden State Plaza Mall to help the J.Crew there with rollout, which is when we get in a bunch of brand new merchandise. It was really fun and interesting to see how it worked. Unfortunately, I did not realize that it was overnight and as a result was up for 24 hours. Is it sad that I never pull all nighters for school but do for my summer job? 

2) In addition to being up for 24 hours, I had not eaten anything for 12 hrs by the time I got home. I'm really winning, right. So any who, I bought a pork roll (like Taylor Ham but way better- its also a Jersey thing) and cheese after my first nap and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!

3) Besides working at J.Crew this summer, I scored TWO internship this week. One is for a Mental Health Association working on their marketing for a gold tournament. The second is for a local pie shoppe and helping to form a marketing plan, I wonder if I will get treats??

4) I met another ADPi today at work!! It was one of the coolest experiences ever to meet a sister from another chapter. I always hear of it happening to others but never thought that it would happen to me.

5) WILL IT RAIN ALREADY!!!!! But seriously clouds everyday but no rain! All I ask for is a day of good thunder and lighting storms then gorgeous weather for a week.

June Birchbox

My first Birchbox came today!!!!!!!!!! I first started noticing Birchbox when I started to follow Kate at The Small Things Blog. As I read more about the boxes and checked out the website, I decided to just go for it. So in a nut shell Birchbox is a company that sends you this cute little box with sample size beauty and lifestyle goodies based off of a survey you fill out when you first subscribe for only $10 a month...not bad right?

This month the theme was travel. How appropriate for me with Florence being less than 2 months away!!!

 

1. Pretty Post cards featuring the New York, Paris, London, and Barcelona

2. Klorane Gentle Dry Sampoo with Oat Milk- This is perfect because I have been dying to try dry shampoo but did not want to spend $20 for something I might only use a few times.

3. 100 % Pure Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream

4. 100 % Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream

5. Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser- I can not wait to try this because you doesn't want to smell nice and lemony in the summer

6. Birchbox + Color Club Wanderlust Collection (color Reign in Spain)- this is an awesome summer color especially for me with 75% of my nail polish colors being in the grey family

7. Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick- Lipstick and cheek color in one (What could be better?) I just feel like it might be too sparkly for me but only time will tell. 

So all in all 7 items for $10...not bad. I am definitely subscribing for another month. 

Check out Birchbox here!

Flirting with Friday

Flirting with Friday is A Blue Macaroon's first official segment!!!!!!!!!! Basically it will contain the highlights and such of my week. 

1) Last week I celebrated my 21st birthday!!! I normally do not drink a lot but my sister took me out at midnight and I got a drink that was a mix between a mojito and ice tea. It was so good. You should also know that the more people make a fuss about my birthday the less I enjoy it. So I warned my sister not to ask the bar tender to card me and if she did fine. However, we got to the bar my sister and I were waiting till 12 to order and kept on counting down. Someone behind the bar (it was trivia night) asked why we were counting down so I told him I turn 21 in 3 minutes. The bar tender came up to take our order and the guy screams make sure you card that one (while pointing to me) she turns 21 in three minutes). I could not have asked for a better way to be carded on my birthday. 

2) On Saturday, my best friends took me out for a drink chose my drink: a Cosmo. We sat outside and there was also a street band next to our table. They had the waitress tell the band to sing Happy Birthday and I turned a deep shade of pink. 

3) On Wednesday, my dad and younger sister went to my older sister's school to help grade 6th grade student's end of the year presentations. If I had to describe the experience in one word it would be inspirational. The school is a charter school and most of the student did not have a grasp on their education before attending. However, hearing the presentations about how much the students have learned and their aspirations it was inspiring. 

4) I ordered a Birchbox the other day and I am so excited to receive it!!!!! 

5) My little sister graduated High School today!

 (bad picture hopefully more to follow)

Okay so maybe this Flirting with Friday wasn't that long but these past two weeks were epic.

BareMinerals

    Let me preface this post by saying that when it comes to make-up I am pretty oblivious to what is out there. Yes, wear makeup but ask me to do something outside of my normal makeup routine (contouring and eye make-up) I would not have a clue were to start.

So anyway, after Prom two years ago my friend and I went into the city and stopped at the BareMinerals store in Time Square. We each had our make-up done and I liked how it looked but could not justify spending $70 on make-up. Okay now fast forward to January 2013, a sophomore in college, I decided it was about time I developed a solid make-up routine and ditch my Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer. While I still use it every once in a while, a.k.a lazy days, it is by no means real make-up. 

Back to BareMinerals. I went into my "local" BareMinerals store and had them show my the basics of the product. I purchased a Starter Kit which come with 1) 1 ORIGINAL SPF 15 Foundation,  2) 1 Mini Prime Time Original Foundation Primer, 3) 1 Warmth All-Over Face Color, 4) 1 Mineral Veil finishing powder, 5) 1 Full Flawless Face Brush, 6) Flawless Application Face Brush, and 7) 1 Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. The only complaint I have with the Starter Kit is that the Warmth Face Color is a bit to dark for my skin tone so I have to be very careful when I apply it. However, after stopping in the store this past week the sale associate was able to help me find a different shade of Warmth that I will sure to be purchasing when I need a refill.

After six months of using BareMinerals, I must say I love it. Despite what some skeptics say, I love that when applied it does not leave a streaky finish and that I feels so light. In addition, you can determine the amount of coverage that is applied: some days a lot others a little. I was so pleased that I also purchased BareMinerals eyeshadow (8.The Inspiration and 9. The Phenomenon) and blush (The Aphrodisiac).
Check out their website or head over to a local store/Sephora!

 

Outing

       This weekend was Senior Weekend at my school and I served as an RA making sure no one died....fun job right? 

       However, on the way back to school my dad and I stopped in Greenwich, CT to see what the town is like. OMG, I had a field day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The main street reminded me of a higher end Nassau Street in Princeton, NJ. There was every shop imaginable from Tory Burch (first time being in the store....heaven), Vineyard Vines, Hermes (my goal in life is to own a Grey Birken bag thanks to Gilmore Girls), and my classic favorite J.Crew.

      We decide to eat lunch at a place called The Ginger Man and the food was amazing. We split a lobster club sandwich that had tomato, avocado, and bacon and it was mouth watering. We also ordered a cheese platter, and I am always down for a good piece of cheese. My favorite combination was the goat cheese on a slice of apple with jam, YUMMMMMM! I would encourage you to take a look at the menu: here and see what catches your eye.

        

         Maybe the next time you venture to CT, Greenwich will be the next stop on your list. I know it will be for me! 

Spring is in the Air

      So with this winter, it feels as if summer would never come. It is already the end of April and still in the mid 50s/low 60s. Last year as of mid-April I was rockin' shorts like it was my job. It should also be noted that I LOVE J.Crew's novelty shorts and would live in them all year round if it was socially acceptable to wear shorts in below freezing weather. Also, since I cannot wear shorts to work the last month of school is my outlet to out wear them.
      With all of this being said, I broke out my shorts for the first time this year even thought it was only 61 degrees and a little windy. It was my desperate attempt to make it seem like warmer weather could be in my horizon with school ending in two weeks.

 

Shirt: Loft (Similar), Belt: J.Crew, Shorts: J.Crew, Shoes: J.Crew

First, please ignore the mess that is my room and my hair.

Second, I love the pop of color the belt adds to this outfit, the color also makes me happy and smile everything I look at it (I know that might sound weird but its true). 

Third, The polka dot shorts also adds an element of interest to the outfit instead of just wearing plain Jane white shorts.

Hopefully, with the next few days I won't have to pretend that Spring is in the air and it actually will be. Happy Friday!!!!

A Wonderful Weekend

   If you are not already aware Quinnipiac and Yale played in the Frozen Four and unfortunately Quinnipiac lost. Despite this and being on duty during the game and going to bed at 5:00 in the morning it was still a wonderful weekend.

      On Saturday, my sister and her friend came up to New Haven and we spent the day in the Yale museum. While I always love admiring the Monet's, it was very interesting see their new exhibit of American art. After the museum, we went out to dinner at Caseus Fromagerie Bistro. It may sound weird, but it is a great restaurant and offers a wide variety of dinning options. 
 

     On Sunday my Dad and little sister stopped by on their way to a college visit. Despite being super tired on Sunday, I was able to make it off campus and have lunch with them. When went to a local dinner and had amazing curly fries. My Dad also treated me to a much needed Starbuck's Carmel Macchiato, which was able to get me through chapter.

College Closet Organization

     One of my biggest organization pet peeves is a messy closet. At home I could manage it to a point. Now that I am at school I can not tell if the problem is worse or better. I have this bad habit of getting into a fight with my clothes every morning then not having time to put them back properly or be late to class....
      So here are a few pictures of my very small closet!!!! As you can see everything is color coded, if it wasn't I would probably lose my mind. After working at J.Crew over the summer, I picked up a few tricks such as how to properly fold a sweater which has saved my sanity with the limited space.

In, addition for my shirts they are broken down into sleeve length with shortest in front and long sleeve in back. They also separate my skirts and dresses. I think this help to break up outfits. My skirt are hung according to store, I have no idea what lead to this. Dressy and casual skirts are not placed on the same hanger allowing for easy accessibility.

 I know this is a bad pictures but this is supposed to be my pant and short drawer. I role my pants and short because it is easier to see each article of clothing. It also helps to prevent wrinkles and creasing which is nice for a busy college student.  

Blueberries

So I have been MIA from blogging from the past month due to recruitment and school. But I am finally on spring break and taking this opportunity to relax before I have to write papers!
To kick of my break my sister, dad, and I went to see Oz The Great and Powerful. I must say Disney did a wonderful job with this movie, and that says a lot coming from me. I hate paying $11 for the movie but I would say that it was totally worth it! The only thing I wish they included more was plot line from the musical Wicked.
Today I made breakfast for my family. Whenever I come home from school I get on this extreme baking and cooking kick. I found a recipe a few weeks ago on Pinterest for a blueberry buttermilk cake (http://www.alexandracooks.com/2011/06/29/buttermilk-blueberry-breakfast-cake/). Let me just tell you... IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!! Definitely something to make again.

Snow Days

      So as you probably all heard Nemo graced the east coast on Friday. As a result Hamden, CT received 40 inches of snow. This I must say was a mixed blessing with 3 days off from school giving me time to catch up on work but I am also going out of my mind from boredom and that it was supposed to be recruitment weekend.
      On Friday, I kept it low key staying in my room watching Gilmore Girls and the snow fall. I also refashioned a lace skirt I got from J.Crew a few years ago. The shape and material made me look frumpy so I didn't really wear it. However, a few months ago I came across the lace pencil skirt and attempted to refashion the skirt I had. It was actually pretty easy. First, loosely stitched the lace to the under skirt on the seem so it wouldn't buckle when I took in the sides. Next I took a pencil skirt that I already had to get the right shape. And sewed along those lines to achieve the desired shape.
        On Sunday. I spent 2 and a half hours shoveling out friends cars. Just to let you know my shoulders are killing me.... I should probably start to work out. As a reward for shoveling, my staff went to out for sushi last night and it was so good! Not just the food but to be off campus!
        One last note before I go. I finally decided that I want to study abroad in Florence, Italy! I am so excited finishing my application and that I will be studying with one of my sorority sisters.

Herringbone

scarf: (similar), vest: jcrew; sweater: (J.Crew); leggings: (J.Crew); boots: (Macy's)

 So after what seemed like the coldest 2 weeks ever, Connecticut was graced with 50 degree weather on Thursday which gave me the opportunity to wear this outfit. I had been planning it out for awhile but had been waiting for the perfect weather. If I do say so myself the outfit was a smash, the camel sweater went perfectly with the neutral tones of the the vest and the scarf was a perfect accent to make the ensemble a little more season appropriate.

This week was filled with school work, RA duties, and preparation for recruitment. However, the most exciting part was going to my study abroad information session and trying to figure out where to go. After racking my brain and stalking the different programs, I narrowed it down to London, Greece, and Florence. As of now, I am leaning towards Florence but a more definite destination will hopefully be decided later this week.  

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls!

I should start my letting you know that I am obsessed with pearls. I think it is because I am a June baby, but seriously I have so many pearl necklace (8 to be exact) and there is always room for more. I got the multistrand pearl necklace, below, from the J.Crew Factory for Christmas and I absolutely love it.  

Necklace J.Crew Factory: Store, Factory

When I first got it I wanted to come up with different ways to wear it. So these are the four ways:

1. I guess you could call this is the "standard" way. I simply just clasped the two end together.

2. The second look is a great way make a statement even the neckline of your blouse does not look good with multiple strands. What I did was hold one end of the necklace between my index figure and thumb while i took the other end of the necklace and twisted it so the strands wrapped around themselves. When doing this make sure you don't twist the necklace to much or you run the risk of the strands breaking...YIKES. This way in particular looks great with a crewneck bring out the Audrey Hepburn in us.

3-4. I am grouping 3 and 4 together because they are so similar and they both make me want travel back in time to England in the early 1900s...Downton Abbey, anyone? For look 3, I seperated the strands in groupings of 2 and 3 strands to make one long necklace. I personally like to have the 3 strands in front because the necklace ends up looking disproportional if I do the reverse. Look 4, starts the same way look 3 did but I go a step further and attach the clasp.

A Day of Firsts

First blog. First post. First successful day curling my hair.

I have been wanting to start a blog for awhile, but never really figured the right way to go about it or what a solid theme would be. Finally, I just decided to go for it. As a result this blog is an outlet for my life.

So now a little bit about myself.  I was born and raise at the Jersey Shore. I love going to the beach, but dislike sand (have you ever wondered how great the beach would be if it was Tempurpedic mattresses) and no I have never watched Jersey Shore. I am pretty much the definition of preppy, with the end note of J.Crew. My schooling took me to Connecticut, where it is currently 20 degrees outside with drunken college kids running around (living the fabulous life of an RA). Last, but certainly, I am a proud sister of Alpha Delta Pi, which as changed my life for the better #boomboom.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure and hope that you will join me.