spring sips

it’s about that time– 70 degree weather, blue skies, a steady breeze, a patio lit with mystical string lights, good company & outdoor grilling. Kick back & round it all out with a beautiful craft cocktail. I love mixing and matching fun & funky cocktail flavors, & trying new renditions of the classics-so here I’ve put together a list of must try sips this season.

(note: cocktails are best paired alongside a bohemian chic porch–look out for a post coming soon highlighting porch decor to channel your boho spring patio oasis!)


Untitled presentation.png1 can of blood orange San Pellegrino / 2.5 shots of vodka / splash of POMMA pomegranate liquor / 5-6 strawberries, muddled / 3/4 cup frozen peaches, partially thawed / 1 shot of grapefruit juice / 1 shot of POM juice / crushed ice

muddle fruits-mix all liquids & shake over crushed ice-pour drink over muddled fruits-garnish with basil, rosemary, or mint

uptownBoho original


Untitled presentation (92).pngmargarita: 1 oz gold tequila / 1 oz triple sec / 1/2 oz fresh OJ / 1 oz simple syrup
simple syrup: 1 cup organic sugar / 1 cup water / 1 TBSP turmeric
rim: 1/2 tsp ground turmeric / 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder / 2 tsp sea salt

view the full original recipe & photos here


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2 cups blackberries / 1/2 cup sugar / 1/4 cup water / 4 cups club soda / vanilla ice cream / gin  / rosemary

view the full original recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (95).pngcocktail: 1.5 oz simple syrup / few drops of bitters / 2 blood orange slices / 6 oz blood orange juice / 1.5 oz bourbon / 2 oz club soda / herbs for garnish
spicy vanilla sugar: 1/2 cup sugar / pinch of cayenne pepper / 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

view the original full recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (96).png4 oz ginger infused vodka / 4 oz fresh green apple lime juice / 1 TBSP honey simple syrup

view the full original recipe & photos here


Untitled presentationmargarita: 4 oz tequila / 2 limes juiced / 4 oz blackberry simple syrup / 1 egg white / 2 sprigs rosemary, muddled / salt
blackberry simple syrup: 4 cups blackberries / 2 cups sugar / 2 cups water

view the full original recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (93).pngcocktail: 4 tbsp fresh fig puree / 2 oz vodka / juice of 1 lemon / 2 oz rosemary honey simple syrup / club soda
simple syrup: 1/2 cup honey / 1/2 cup water / 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary

view the full original recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (98).png1/2 cup fresh raspberries / 3-4 large mint leaves / 1 large scoop lemon sorbet / 6-7 oz dry Italian prosecco

view the full original recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (99).png rum / 5-6 mint leaves / 2 TBS sugar / 1 oz fresh lime juice / 1 TBS fresh passion fruit juice / passion fruit for garnish / 6 oz sparkling water

view the full recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation (100).png1 cup strong hot coffee / 1 TBSP coconut sugar / 1.5 oz rum / 1/2 cup coconut milk / 2 TBSP toasted coconut / whipped cream

view the full recipe & photos here


Untitled presentation.png cocktail: 1/4 cup apricot puree / 2 scoops coconut sorbet / 12 oz chilled prosecco
apricot puree: 4 apricots pitted & chopped / 1.5 cups water / 1/2 cup sugar / pinch of salt

view the original recipe & photos here 

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lavender visions

one of the most important things in life is drawing inspirations from daily surroundings.  Always take note in the little things-baby buds blooming on a tree during your Sunday afternoon stroll, the way the sky looks at certain points during the day, the icing details on beautifully crafted desserts in the bakery window. Small details like this are what drive design inspirations for me on a daily basis.  This leads me to my latest enthrallment: the color purple.


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At first mention, purple might seem a bit passe’ and outdated.  However, purple is making a major comeback and has bloomed far from that stark, in your face, unicorn-mane color we all remember from 7th grade.  Purple is on my radar right now because of its versatility-play with deep, cooler shades of purple paired with blue hues; take it down the pastel road for a fresh spring look; or style purple in more magenta, vibrant shades alongside bohemian oranges and yellows. Whether it be via interior design, beauty, fashion, food-there is a purple hue for every occasion.  Pair deep plum alongside white in your home for an elegant, refined look; style amethyst jewel tones with neutrals and pastels for a bright change of pace in your wardrobe this spring; or incorporate bright magenta throw pillows outside on your porch for a boho-chic tropical feel.  Untitled presentation (76).pngUntitled presentation (77).pngUntitled presentation (78).pngUntitled presentation (80).pngUntitled presentation (83)Untitled presentation (82).pngUntitled presentation (86).pngUntitled presentation (85).pngUntitled presentation (87)Untitled presentation (84).png

chairish X uptownBoho

Chairish is a brilliant concept-an amazing online marketplace for buying and selling vintage furniture. They have tons of beautiful pieces-from luxurious designer pink velvet sofas to funky pillows-there is something for everyone.  I also immediately downloaded their handy app so all of my interior design needs & wants are now right at my fingertips (voted #1 must have decorating Iphone app by Architectural Digest!).

The Chairish collection boasts some unique beautiful vintage bar stools (you can shop the entire Chairish bar stool collection here!) After much browsing, I chose my personal favorite vintage bar stool-the Phyllis Morris Silver Bamboo Bar Stool. I then created a style board & room vision to compliment my selection. The room concept for this project was based upon the hip idea of a “woman cave”-a place similar to a man cave, where guys get to gather around to watch football, drink beer, play pool & do whatever they do.  Another brilliant idea-every woman needs her own girly space also-to unwind, grab a cocktail, & soak up good vibes in.
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I was inspired by the bright blue patterned seat & the playful bamboo detail of this bar stool. My design aesthetic morphed into what I’m calling Boho Tropical-filled with natural elements (such as bamboo, bone inlay, and wood), paired with dreamy details & bright pops of colors evoking nature.

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I sourced a tall table made of reclaimed wood to act as the bar, alongside a bamboo bar cart and a set of vintage industrial iron pendant lights to hang over the bar (also from Chairish). I included a beautiful crochet indoor hammock to hang in one corner of the room to fully embody the relaxing oasis feel I was going for.  And what girl doesn’t want to sip a cocktail while lounging in a hammock after a long day?? (I recommend a tasty pineapple coconut mojito).  Lastly, a fun Vintage Rattan Hoop Chair from Chairish paired with a bohemian designer tie dye pillow (also from Chairish) is the perfect place to curl up with a magazine in my ultimate woman cave.

shop the complete look:

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la vie boheme / the bohemian life

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from sun basking on a serene island to stunting at trendy city spots, here are my must have fashion details to rock a hip bohemian-chic look all summer long:

SHOES THAT WRAP  //  PATTERNED NEUTRALS  //  ROMANTIC LACE & FRINGE  //  GEOMETRIC PATTERNS  //  POPS OF METALLIC  //  FUNKY PALAZZO PANTS  //  BEADS & STONES

-island loungin-

Untitled presentation (51).png1. Crochet Razor Back Jumpsuit, Mara Hoffman  2. Amorgous V-Neck Swimsuit, Zeus + Dione   3. Leah Embellished Clutch Bag, Boohoo  4. Shield Collar Statement Necklace, Rov + Pearl   5. RI Resort Blue Bikini Top & Bottom, River Island  6. Tasssal, Steve Madden

-tropical wanderer-

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  1. Gold Tone Statement Choker Necklace, River Island  2. Coral Lace Longline Bra, River Island   3. Palazzo Trousers, Nicole Miller  4. Sunkisd, Steve Madden  5. Fitted Midi Dress, Mara Hoffman    6. RI Resort Blue Printed Coin Cut Out Swimsuit, River Island  7. Soho Bangle, Aurelie Bidermann  8. Aloha Fox Embroidered Bag, Spell & The Gypsy Collective  9. Cropped Crochet-Knit Top, Missoni

-hip romantic-

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  1. Light Blue Frill Bardot Neck Bodycon Dress, New Look  2. Christey, Steve Madden   3. Delia Necklace, Vanessa Mooney  4. Black Tropical Longline Bikini Top, River Island  5. Embellished Gold Tone Hinge Bangle, Michael Kors  6. White Lace Bodycon Midi Dress, New Look  7. Green Printed Culottes, River Island  8. Sultans Gate print silk maxi dress, Camilla

-urban edge-Untitled presentation (64).png1. Starbasket Sarong, Mara Hoffman  2. Bow & Arrow Choker, Vanessa Mooney  3. Beige Cornelli Bralette, River Island  4. Make a Peep Black Palazzo Pants, Nasty Gal   5. Jeopardy Tie-Leg Espadrille Sandals, Asos  6. Cut out Back Bustier One Piece, Mara Hoffman  7. Blue Printed Weekend Bag, River Island

spain grubbin’

One of my all time favorite warm weather, outdoor patio, breeze blowing, happy dishes is Paella, a heavenly classic hailing from Spain.  I fell in love with it when I visited Barcelona for the first time. It consists of rice, primarily seasoned with saffron and paprika, and a variety and/or combination of meats (usually chicken or chorizo), seafood (mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster, calamari) and vegetables.  Bits of rice on the bottom of the pan that get crusted and crispy are called socarrat, considered a delicacy in Spain. I made up my own recipe and included shrimp and a variety of vegetables (olive oil and lemon roasted artichokes, butternut squash, onion, garlic, asparagus, & mushrooms). I absolutely love Chorizo and if I had some I would’ve added it. I also love to add freshly squeezed lemon juice & Spanish olives atop my paella, but this is optional. Below I have linked some variations of this beautiful dish for upcoming Spring patio weather & entertaining. e n jo y ! 

my roasted vegetable & shrimp paella //

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Roasted veggies / not pictured: roasted artichokes & mushrooms

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one pan shrimp: cook the shrimp with the rice, allowing the juices to infuse for extra flavor

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Final shrimp & roasted veggie paella!

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other variations of paella //

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grilled seafood & chorizo paella, via Half Baked Harvest

Chicken, chorizo & seafood Paella via Mogwai Soup

 

 

oh the places you’ll go

My new bucket list goal is what I’m calling 30 under 30-to travel to 30 countries by the time I turn 30 years old. I’ve already made it more than halfway, but here are a few of my top must-see travel destinations for the upcoming years.

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Untitled presentation (30).pngAny place where you can order an entire meal for 1 U.S. dollar is high on my radar. Additionally, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about the freshness and quality of food in Vietnam. Pho-ck yeah. Add on beautiful turquoise bays, lush greenery, and rich culture, and you’ve got a country that easily makes it’s way onto my list.

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Untitled presentation (33)A few years ago I visited France for the first time.  One thing I missed, however, was the experience of the French countryside, most evident in the southeastern region of Provence–characterized by vast fields of purple lavender, the smell of fresh thyme, and picturesque villas and ruins. Provence is also famed for its world class antiquing, wine tasting, and food. My mom is the ultimate shabby chic vintage lover, so this is a trip high up on my radar for a mother-daughter getaway. My dream trip to Provence would include renting a car and cruising through the stunning French countryside. And lots of wine.

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Untitled presentation (34).pngI honestly don’t know that much about Morocco, but I do know that I’m obsessed with interior design and Moroccan elements speak my language. I’m absolutely head over heels with Moroccan architecture, patterns, colors, materials, and design elements. Ornate patterned tiles in shades of blue and yellow. glass plated silver lanterns, unusual shaped windows and doors. My reasons for visiting Morocco lie in the design field, but I would also love to experience the foods, vibrant villages, and markets that make up a place unlike anywhere I’ve ever traveled.

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Untitled presentation (35).pngRocky coves, sandy crescents, the infamous blue and white clad hillside villages, and grilled octopus that is practically still swimming–these are some of the reasons why Greece has been on my travel list for years.  I absolutely love the simplistic architecture and design elements that capture Greece, along with knockout food and a relaxed vibe every day of the week. The Small Cyclades are a particularly remote group of 4 islands, away from the larger and more touristy destinations of Greece.         wanderlust9.png

                                                                                  

Untitled presentation (36)The next continent that I plan to take on is South America. I am particularly drawn to Columbia for it’s less-touristy, bright and bold atmosphere.  Cartagena is the “queen of the Carribbean coast”       (-Lonely Planet), a gorgeous fishing town with old-world colonial charm.  From people watching in chic cafes in the old town, to soaking up the history lining the cobble-paved streets, or relaxing on the pristine, high-class beaches of Bocagrande to the South, Cartagena is a vibrant mix of old and new, of fast and slow.  I can’t wait to experience such a rich culture first hand.

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Untitled presentation (37)Quite possibly one of the most magical places on earth, Cinque Terre is a group of 5 fishing villages nestled side by side on one of the most stunning coastal backdrops known to man. Marked by steeply terraced cliffs dotted with mystical shades of color, Cinque Terre is an absolutely stunning getaway. Loads of history, arts, and a rich Italian culture put this magnificent little corner of the world at the top of my wanderlust list.

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Untitled presentation (39)My perception of South America as a whole can be captured in this one city: bustling, energetic, seductive, and sexy. Old neighborhoods lined with coffee shops, romantic cafes lit by candles, people doing the Tango all through the night, and stunning architecture are what draw me in. The city itself is said to have a European feel to it, with a fiery Latin American twist.  Additionally, Buenos Aires boasts a heavy artistic scene, creating the ultimate creative playground for adventure seekers like myself.

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Untitled presentation (41)An island nestled in Indonesia, Bali is best known for its pristine beaches, a plethora of lush greenery and sprawling rice paddies, juicy fresh fruits & juices, volcanic mountains, and coral reefs. From my experience island-hopping around Thailand, I’m already well aware that the islands sprawling across SE Asia have a magical & surreal element to them. I can only imagine the rich, bustling culture, vibrant markets, and emerald-turquoise waters that make up this tropical paradise.

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Untitled presentation (42).pngPortugal has made it onto my list for it’s diversity: some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, on the Southern coast of Algrave; hiking amidst granite mountain peaks and jagged cliffs; exploring through colorful small villages and rich historical towns; all night drinking and dancing festivals; and a vibrant food scene featuring fresh seafood, crusty breads, olives, cheeses, smoked meats & red wines. Enough said.

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Untitled presentation (45)I had a layover once in the tiny, 4 room airport in Reykjavik, Iceland and ever since then I’ve been intrigued by this country. Maybe a somewhat strange place (the national food is a hot dog..) but also a beautiful country with insane, one of a kind landscapes and natural phenomenons that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

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