Guest Post at Nautical By Nature

  Today I am honored to be doing a guest post for Kate's fabulous blog, Nautical By Nature.  I am discussing some of my recent favorite DIY Nautical Pinterest Finds.

Here is a sneak peak.  Come check it out.

I promise I will be back with more posts soon!

xoxo

Marley Lilly Obsession.

   I have been a Marley Lilly fan for a while, but lately every time I look at the Marley Lilly website I see another new monogrammed item that is a must have.  Here are my current favorite picks that are perfect summer time accessories.

How adorable is this Monogrammed bandeau bathing suit top?

I have been eyeing up these monogrammed wayfarers for a while.  I think they may be my next purchase.

I love envelope purses, and I love the bright yellow for summer.

This monogrammed wine tote, would be perfect to take to bbqs and summer parties.

This cheese and cracker tray would make a great entertaining essential.

If you haven't checked out Marley Lilly lately...go now.

A New York City Celebration

   This past weekend I flew from Pittsburgh to NYC to surprise my Grammy for her 80th Birthday Celebration.  My Aunt had also flown in from Colorado on Friday as a surprise.  I love surprises!!!

It was a complete success.

We had a great time browsing and shopping at a street fair near Times Square, and loved getting to spend time with sister JLP.

We ran into the Naked Cowboy, who loved the birthday girl.

After some shopping we enjoyed a delicious lunch in Bryant Park, love this picture of Dad and I.

We gave Grammy the scrap book all of our family members had put together for her.  I love looking at old pictures of everyone.

Yesterday was both Mother's Day and my Mom's Birthday so it was so nice getting to celebrate both holidays with her.

Happy Birthday SDP!

Family picture in Bryant Park

After lunch JLP and I went to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, starring Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges.

The performance was fabulous, and Nick Jonas not only has a great voice but was a great actor as well.

After our plays we met at The View at the top of the Marriott Marquis for some cocktails.  The View is a revolving rooftop restaurant that rotates 360 degrees each hour and you get such a great view of the entire city.

  If you have never been I recommend it!

Our dinner at Becco was delicious.  I wish I had taken pictures of the food because everything was so tasty.  I had the homemade pasta special and enjoyed mushroom ravioli, penne and vodka sauce with shrimp, and a garlic olive oil linguine with broccolini. YUM!

The whole day was wonderful, and I hope Grammy had a great 80th birthday.  I love getting together with my family, and I wish we could all get together more. 

Happy Birthday Grammy! 

xo

Color Me Mine with the Junior League

 A few weeks ago we held a Junior League event at the local Color Me Mine pottery painting shop.

Color Me Mine is a neat place that allows you to pick out pieces of pottery and paint them.  They had a huge selection of pottery choices, salt and pepper shakers, platters, bowls, plates, etc.

   It is a perfect place to go with a group, they allow you to bring in food and drink and they have private party rooms, which makes it perfect for socializing.

I chose a square platter to paint.

I attempted to do a pink and navy chevron pattern.

I loved the idea of adding a monogram to the bottom of the platter.

ALV's fruit bowl.

Final Product.

We had such a great time, I definitly wnt to go back again.

Have you ever painted pottery?

It is Totes Spring Time!

   I don't know about you, but during the spring and summer months my daily purse is usually some form of a tote bag. I love the bright colors and the extra space to throw in bathing suits, suntan lotion, etc. I tend to use my Long Champ and Herve Chapelier much more in the summer then I do in the winter.  I think part of the reason is I am outside a lot more and always throwing my purse on the ground or in the grass at BBQ's or outdoor concerts and it is nice to have a bag that is easy to clean off or wash.

This year I am in the market for a new tote, and there are so many great options I can't decide.

C. Wonder

VIA

Orla Kiley

VIA

J.McLaughlin

VIA

Vineyard Vines

VIA

What is your favorite tote?

Kale Chips: Currently Trending.

             Has anyone else seen kale EVERYWHERE recently?  Within the last few months I've seen Kale all over, advertised at the grocery store, offered in salads, side dishes, but most popular of all is the Kale Chip.  I feel like everyone is making and/or talking about kale chips. 

 Side note:  This reminds of me of the pomegranate obsession of a few year ago. 

Well, I have definitely jumped on the bandwagon. and understand what the hype is.  It is  so easy to make, so delicious, and so healthy.

Kale contains a lot of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti -cancer ( not sure what that it but it sounds excellent) nutrients.

So far my favorite recipe is one from William Sonoma:

Ingredients:

1. 1 head/ bag of Kale

2. 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

3.1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika ( I only had regular paprika, but I am dying to try it with smoked)

4.1/2 Tsp Sea Salt

( I also added some garlic salt ( obviously I never cook anything without some form of garlic in it)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees

1. Clean Kale, and pat dry

2.  Tear leaves into chip size pieces

3. Arrange on cookie tray in a single layer

4. Sprinkle Kale with olive oil

5. Sprinkle kale with the sea salt, paprika, and garlic

Cook for about 25 minutes or until crispy.

The kale chips were delicious, and they make sure a great snack. 

I've also made kale chips with olive oil and Parmesan cheese as my mom suggested and they were just as fabulous.

Have you jumped on the Kale Chip Band Wagon?

Geneva On The Lake

   This past weekend DFH and I traveled to Geneva on the Lake, on Lake Erie in Ohio for a little getaway.  Geneva on the Lake is a small town surrounded by approximately twenty vineyards. 

We started at the Old Mill Winery first.

We enjoyed a Delicious Red wine burger for lunch and tasted lots of their delicious wines.

Next, we stopped at the Old Firehouse Winery.

Here we also did a sample tray  I think this is the best way to try a large variety of wines.  It is also a great way to learn what you like and do not like. 

The Old Firehouse Winery also makes a delicious "champagne" which we loved.  A bottle was the perfect way to celebrate our Anniversary at the winery.

After stopping at another winery, we headed back to the Lodge for dinner.  The restaurant had big windows which was perfect for a sunset lake view.

I love being near the water, and miss it living in Pittsburgh,

Unfortunately the weather was big windy / chilly to go on a walk around the lake

After our mild Winter and gorgeous Spring I hated wearing winter coats.

After dinner we had a great time and enjoyed cocktails and live music.

Now, back to reality.