independence day

Some shots from my 4th of July in Brooklyn...definitely one of my favorite holidays. A lazy day enjoying good food, cooling off in an inflatable pool and playing with a cute baby...doesn't get much better!

around brooklyn

a pretty floral arrangement at the fat goose - beer, wine & tiles at cafe mogador - brunch menu, beverages & bar stools at diner

the 4th

My 4th of July was spent on a rooftop in Brooklyn enjoying good food (we're talking bbq ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw, etc.), great company and an awesome view of the NYC fireworks. This 4th was noticeably calmer, I think it's because it fell smack-dab in the middle of the week. It was nice to just chill with friends and enjoy the Manhattan skyline which stretched out before me. I love my yearly tradition of heading up to the big apple...I hope I'm able to continue it for many years to come.

· love ·

If you're not already familiar with Odette NY and MCMC Fragrances...well, you should be. I am fortunate to know the two lovely ladies behind these companies and I am always blown away by the beautiful things they create. In their shared studio in Brooklyn, Jennifer designs and creates stunning and unique pieces of jewelry and Anne creates beautifully fragrant perfumes and oils. For Valentine's Day they have collaborated to offer two of my personal favorites from their collections: Love perfume oil & Arrow ring in brass. What a perfect combination for that special someone...or even to show a little love to yourself!

(Image via Odette NY)

· nyc underground ·

Out of all the times I've been to nyc, this is the first time I've actually snapped photos in a subway station. Surprisingly the lighting was perfect.

· brooklyn weekend 2 of 2 ·

· brooklyn weekend 1 of 2 ·

· odette ring ·

One of the benefits of having a close friend who is a jewelry designer is getting to see new pieces before they are available to everyone. And sometimes I even get to purchase a piece before it's added to her shop. So this weekend when I was in Brooklyn visiting Jennifer, I had an opportunity to see some of the pieces she's been working on. Well, I was instantly drawn to this sweet "yet-to-be named" ring, and I knew I had to have it! Thankfully she had several made and one in my size. This ring has already found a permanent home on my right hand stacked with this ring. I love it!

· bk winery photo booth ·

A little photo booth high jinx with Jennifer, Jenny and my mom at the Brooklyn Winery Wine Bar in Williamsburg. My mom and I had a fun weekend trip to NYC, despite the unseasonably chilly weather and losing my voice. Hope to have more photos to share soon!

· nye + sparkle ·

For nye I had the good fortune of attending a sparkle-themed party hosted by the creative Fay & Ben - they have such a cool home. To make us sparkly for the occasion, Jennifer created beautiful star head pieces inspired by these. Aren't they pretty?

(images taken by Jennifer)