{4 Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List}

I love to read but like the rest of us have a really hard time fitting it into my schedule. Now that the summer months are right around the corner, meaning lots of time spent at the beach, I thought I would put together a small list of books to add to our summer reading lists:

SELF HELP: Miracles Now

I follow Gabrielle Bernstein's podcast and have become a very quick fan. She has quite the following and while I haven't read this book yet, I'm really looking forward to it as it has come at the perfect time in my life. The book is 108 simple techniques to combat our most common problems—stress, burnout, frustration, jealousy, resentment. You know - the stuff we have to deal with on a daily basis.

YOUNG ADULT: The Fault in Our Stars

This book has turned into one of this summer's most anticipated movies. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - ahhhh.....I'm such a sap - can't wait for the movie. PS. Bring your tissues.

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

BEACH READ: The Longest Ride

I love a good Nicholas Sparks book! They pull you in and leave you crying at the end - but it's something about that expected roller coaster ride that I'm obsessed with. 

In The Longest Ride, Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on…

MEMOIR: Wild

My favorite types of book to read are memoirs. I also love being caught up in the world of fiction and romance, but there's something about diving into someone else's true life story and struggles and how they overcome that I get lost in. 

Wild is about a 22-year old woman name Cheryl Strayed and she, for the most part has lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and to do it alone. She faces down rattlesnakes and black bears, intense heat and record snowfalls, and both the beauty and loneliness of the trail. Wild vividly captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

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So tell me - what are some of your favorite books that you have read this year? And what books are in your queue? I love a good recommendation as my list remains a mile long!

Happy Reading!

{Bite: Grilled Corn On The Cob 5 Different Ways}

One of my favorite things about New York is one day you can wake up, go outside, and at the end of your street there is a mile long street festival happening. This is exactly what happened this past weekend - I went out to walk my dog and the moment I stepped out of my apartment the air was filled with all sorts of amazing food smells. As we walked down the street we noticed that a street fair was going on and at the end of my street there stood my favorite stand - the Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob stand! So for today's post I thought I would share how you can make your own street-style corn - 5 different ways:

BACON-CHEDDAR
Spread low-fat mayonnaise on still warm corn. Roll in 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and 5 strips cooked bacon, chopped.

MEXICAN-STYLE STREET CORN
Spread low-fat mayonnaise on still warm corn. Roll in 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Sprinkle with chile powder. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

PIZZAIOLA SPREAD
Grate 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded, using a coarse box grater; strain and press out all excess liquid. Stir in 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped basil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread on corn.

TOASTED SESAME BUTTER
Stir together 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds; 1/2 teapsoon finely chopped cilantro; and 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Spread on corn; sprinkle with more sesame seeds.

GARLIC–OLD BAY BUTTER
Stir together 4 tablesoons salted butter, softened; 1 small clove garlic, pressed; and 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning. Spread on corn; sprinkle with more Old Bay seasoning, if desired.

Recipes and corn pics from Food + Femininity

{Beauty Fix: My Current Favorite Products}

I'm a sucker for beauty products - I'll try anything, and I feel that I've tried just about everything. I could spend hours on the internet researching product reviews, skin care tips, new brands...the list goes on and on. My skin care and make up routine is fairly simple, mostly due to my ultra sensitive skin, but that doesn't stop me from trying all sorts of different products. Below are a few of my current faves - as this list constantly rotates. What are some of your favorites - especially with the warmer months around the corner?

{Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

Cheers to the freakin' weekend! The weather is supposed to be nice and I'm ready to be out and about. Working from home, while I won't complain, is not all that it's cracked up to be. I'm ready to be around people (although in NY - be careful what you wish for) and bask in the sunshine. As far as plans for the weekend - this is what I'll be up to:

1. Tonight I'm going to see The Other Woman - definitely my type of movie - a chick flick! Plus I really like Leslie Mann. 

2. Crossing fingers that it doesn't rain this weekend - I plan to spend some time in central park, take a bike ride, and hang out on the lawn. I have a couple of books that I've been wanting to start, so taking one of those along with a few snacks sounds like the perfect Saturday afternoon!

3. Last weekend I didn't get a chance to ride along the Hudson River, so my sister and I plan to take a ride all the way down to TriBeCa.

4. Once in TriBeCa, we'll dock the bikes and walk around to see what shops/restaurants/coffee shops we can stumble upon. This is one of my favorite things to do in the city - go to an unfamiliar neighborhood and just walk around. You're bound to find a hidden gem! 

1. I have come to realize that I am a pretty lucky girl to have several soul mates. What about you?

2. Crispy Oven Fried Chicken - yea....I'm gonna have to try this!

3. I know I talked about Tulum last week - but you have to check out this guide - I just have to gooo!

4. 10 things you much have in your home by the age of 30. How many do you have?

5. Another podcast that I'm obsessed with - The Lively Show - check it out!

Enjoy your weekend!!

{Decor: How To Add Chic Elements To Your Bedroom}

I saw this bedroom on Instagram the other day (designed by Jana Bek) and I immediately fell in love and said "THAT'S the EXACT bedroom that I want to create". As you know my current room is teeny tiny and will not accommodate any of the large pieces of furniture shown below - but once I have the space, I am definitely recreating this very chic and cozy room!

1. A tufted headboard is the first item I plan to purchase once I have a bedroom that will fit a head and foot board. The luxurious look of a tufted headboard creates a timeless finishing touch to your bedroom.

2. A pendant lamp can be placed in the center of the room - or you can place one on each side of the bed instead of having table lamps. Tip: don't be afraid to mix metals. 

3. Pick one wall that you want to be your focal point (more than likely it will be the wall where your headboard is placed) and add some wallpaper. Lucky for us apartment dwellers - they now make removable/repositionable wallpaper. Check some out here. 

4. I've been looking for a blush pink chair but they are uber expensive. In terms for achieving the look for less, I'm thinking of finding a mid-century chair from Craiglist (or ebay) and simply have it reupholstered.

5. A fur rug - a definite must for any chic space. Period.

6. Nothing says chic like a mirrored piece of furniture - try adding a mirrored nightstand or dresser to your space, it's guaranteed to give you that touch of elegance.

Anything else you would add to this space? 

{A Reason To Change Your Mind About Mules}

This season the mule, once known as the backless footwear for your grandma, has received a youthful makeover. I have to be honest, I have been a little hesitant on this one - but after doing some digging, I've found some favorites that I would welcome into my closet. Whether a chunky heel, or a sleek stiletto, the new mule is something you should think about slipping into. 

I want the grey and the cognac! What about you? Are you ready to embrace this trend?

Shop here:  Black Peep Toe |  Grey Perforated | Cognac Peep Toe | Black Buckle | Taupe Pointed Toe |  Black Pointed Toe

{Infused Cucumber, Mint + Lime Sparkling Water}

It has taken me a long time, but I am finally a fan of sparkling water. A couple of weekends ago my sister and I were hanging out and decided to grab a drink. She hasn't been able to intake any sugar as of lately, so we decided to make up a drink so she still felt like she was having a cocktail. We called the bartender over and asked him to make the recipe I have shown below. He was hesitant at first because he couldn't understand why we didn't want it to be sweet - or without alcohol, but he made the drink, put it in a pretty glass, and when we both tasted it we realized he 1) hit it out of the park and 2) this was something that we could very easily make at home. You want to know what was most amazing - there was no charge for the drink! He said because basically it was just water from his soda sprayer, and a few garnishes, there was no charge! Boom! The look for less! No one in the bar knew we were drinking non-alcoholic drinks, and while they were drinking $15 drinks, ours were free. Gotta love cutting corners in the NYC!!! So without further ado:

Directions

1. Cut a few slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves and add into your mortar

2. Muddle the cucumber and mint together to help release the flavors

3. Add the cucumber and mint to your glass - along with a few cubes of ice

4. Pour in your sparkling water and squeeze in a little lime juice

I promise you will enjoy this very refreshing and sparkly drink. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to this drink, feel free to add in berries, or muddled watermelon - or even a splash of simple syrup. 

Enjoy! 

{It's All About The Packaging: Personal Touches}

Over the weekend I had a birthday party to go for a good friend of mine and of course I waited until the last minute to decide on a gift. I thought about a few different things (wine, a shirt, a gift card to one of our favorite stores) but then I decided to do something a little more personal. We recently had a long conversation about life and my friend mentioned how she wanted to get back to following her passion (which is writing, and she's brilliant at it) - but felt uninspired. She also mentioned how while at the grocery store she purchased some flowers to sit on her window sill, and how happy it made her feel when she looked at them, and wanted to start to do little things like this to lift her spirits. So after remembering this conversation, I knew exactly what i was going to get her:

One of my favorite stores is Club Monaco and at their flagship store they have the most amazing book (Strand) and flower shop (Polux Fleuriste - see below) next to the clothing store and I've always wanted to purchase something from there - but never did. Remembering how happy the flowers my friend purchased made her, I thought it would be a great idea to get her a flowering plant that would last a long time and would bloom throughout the year. Unfortunately, since Easter was the next day, everything was really picked over - so I decided to purchase a succulent plant instead. 

I also purchased the book Steal Like An Artist to help inspire her to start writing again. This book put a lot of things into perspective for me as I started to doubt my purpose and creativity - so I knew this would be the perfect book for my friend. 

Finally, I got her a sparkler candle to help her remember to never dull her sparkle. 

To each gift I tied a little message (and succulent care instructions) with silk ribbon, placed everything in the box I received for the succulent (they really did all of the work for me in terms of packaging, the box was just too amazing not to use), and attached a Happy Birthday note to the top of the box.

The next time you are in need of a gift idea - put a little thought into it, think about a past conversation you had with them, add a few personal notes and packaging touches and viola! If you ever need any help or gift suggestions - just send me an email - I'd love to help! japayne3@yahoo.com

Enjoy your day!

{Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

Happy 3-Day Weekend!!! Can you believe that Easter is already here? I already feel like this year is flying by so quickly.  I don't have a ton of plans this weekend, but I have enough to keep me busy yet still relax a little:

1. Tonight I'm going to see the new Captain America movie! I hear its fantastic - looking forward to see it.....and eating popcorn!

2. I've really been slacking on my juice game, and need to get back on track. Tomorrow morning I plan to go to the Farmers Market to pick up some fruits and veggies for some homemade juicing. 

3. Tomorrow evening I'm going to a friend's birthday party at Beauty & Essex. Looking forward to great company, great wine, and great food!

4. On Sunday morning I'm going to visit a church in Brooklyn with a friend. Lately I've been working on my spiritual life, and while I enjoy keeping my relationship with God personal - I'm looking forward to visiting.

5. As long as the weather cooperates, I plan to rent a Citi Bike and take a ride along the Hudson on Sunday afternoon. Then once my sister comes home, we are going to open up the Easter baskets that my parents sent us. Yep - we still get Easter baskets - I have the best parents in the world!!!!

1. Have you ever been to Tulum Mexico? If so, I would love to hear what you thought about it as I think this is going to be my next vacation destination.

2. Looking forward to making this Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Egg. Lately, anything with a poached egg is right up my alley!

3. Lately I've been seeing a lot of gluten-free carb-free pasta dishes using zucchini noodles. I found this cool little gadget to assist in making those healthy "pasta" meals. 

4. Lately I've been addicted to listening to podcasts and I highly recommend the Jillian Michaels podcast. Of course she talks about getting fit and eating healthy - but she also speaks on topics like Setbacks, Haters Gonna Hate, Fool Me Once, Don't Label Me..... check it out - it's really really good!

5. I've been wanting to try and make Ramen noodles (not like the Ramen from college - lol) and think I may have found a pretty easy recipe - we'll see how it turns out. Stay tuned!

Enjoy your weekend loves and Happy Easter!!

{Decor: How to Fit a Dining Room in Small Spaces}

Thinking forward to my next apartment, I want to create a dining space for me to eat at (as I'm tired of eating meals on the couch), and to entertain. Although space can definitely limit the types of parties you host, it shouldn't keep you from inviting smaller groups of friends over for a dinner party. Here are a few ways to make room for a dining table, even if you live in a few hundred square feet.

{Eats: The Salad Jar}

Daily while looking through Pinterest, I have many "why didn't I think of that" moments - and yesterday I had one of those moments when I saw the amazing packaging of The Salad Jar.

I just love this idea and think that it would make for the perfect romantic picnic in the park. This is something that would be an easy DIY - all you need is a mason jar, all of your salad fixings, a container for your dressing, and a black sharpie (and of course a bottle of wine and something sweet):

Great idea right!?!

Salad Jar graphic by Dylan Garner

{ASOS.COM - If you don't know....now you know}

Asos is my online shopping happy place. The prices are fantastic, they are always on trend yet have lots of timeless pieces, and most importantly their sizes go from 00-24. Asos is the UK's largest online retailer and they always offer free shipping and returns, and depending on how much you spend they offer free 2-day shipping. I hardly ever buy anything full-price because there is always some sort of coupon (I check Retailmenot.com often) - for example just a few days ago I purchased these four items at 20% off and free shipping. Needless to say - if you haven't checked out Asos yet -check it!

Happy Shopping - let me know what you find!

{Beauty: Makeup Brush Guide}

If you're anything like me, you have collected a bunch of makeup throughout the years that you never use. I have a jar full of brushes and to be honest, I'm not sure why I bought them and I've forgotten what they are supposed to be used for. So over the weekend I found this amazing brush guide and thought I would share it with you too. I hope you find this as helpful as I found it to be. Enjoy!

{Weekend Plans + Friday Finds}

I wish I could turn back time and go back to last weekend - I had such a great girls trip and it went way too fast. Isn't it amazing how we plan vacations and they seem to take so long to finally get here, but once they do, they fly by and you're off planning the next thing? I'm really trying to live in the moment, and enjoy the now - but I need a long break and vacation! Anyway - back to this weekend. I plan to keep it low-key and only have a few things on the agenda:

1. What is a weekend in NYC without shopping? However, this time - I'm not buying ONE thing. For some reason yesterday I went on this big online shopping binge and I am now officially cut off...for a while at least. This weekend I will be helping my sister spend her money - I'm really good at spending other peoples money too! 

2. I plan to take Addy for a long and tiring walk along the Hudson River. Usually when we do this, she comes home drinks a ton of water and is passed out for the rest of the day. My perfect plan works every time!

3. Errands. Blah. But somebody's gotta do it!

4. Sunday brunch in the springtime - one of my favorite things! I'm meeting up with a good friend as we have lots to catch up on. Girly chit chat and unlimited mimosas - I'm in!

1. Speaking of my online shopping madness yesterday - I saw these jeans, immediately fell in love, so I bought them. They aren't my typical style, but for some reason I had to have them. I also bought  some of these - trying to do some different things with my hair. 

2. Sun-dried tomato and mushroom pasta in a garlic and basil sauce - definitely making this next week. I think I may add some lobster to it as well. Can't wait. Don't worry, pics to come!

3. I had a little "occurrence" earlier this week that made me think this: I'm not interested in competing with anyone, I hope we all make it.

4. One more foodie find - Skirt Steak Fajitas - yummmmm!!!

Enjoy your weekend loves!

{Entertaining: The Perfect Outdoor Party}

Doesn't this look like the perfect spring outdoor party? I was flipping through an old issue of Real Simple and came across an article about 16 Tips for an Effortless Outdoor Party and got to thinking how fun it would be to host an outdoor party before it gets too hot and the bugs start to creep out. Obviously I don't have a backyard to throw a party in, but I do have access to all sorts of parks and waterfront areas....this is something that I really want to do. Let the pre-planning begin...stay tuned!

{Interiors: Thinking Of My Next New Space}

While my current apartment will not accommodate any additional seating, I'm already thinking ahead to my new place (while I have no idea where that will be). In this new space, a few things are necessary: 1. lots of natural light (my current place is in the back of the building and only gets about 2 hours of natural sunlight - and with working from home, this just doesn't work for me) 2. a bigger closet and storage space (I don't think I need to explain any further here) and 3. enough space for a couch and some additional seating for guests (currently I have enough seating for 2 people - oh NYC apartments - so my next space must comfortably seat at least 4 people). Now of course this all comes with a cost - but some things are worth paying a little more for. 

I would love love love any of the chairs shown above - preferably the top two. I've been searching high and low on Craigslist and even ebay - but I haven't had any luck yet. If I could simply find the basic mid-century frame, I am fine with getting the chairs reupholstered. So the hunt continues - the hunt is actually fun. Now that the weather  is getting a little warmer, I'm looking forward to scouring the flea markets to see what I can find. If you happen to see something similar - send me a quick email (I'm happy paying a finders fee - hint hint). 

Have a good one!

{Eats: Grilled Cheese with Kale and Caramelized Onions}

As you know (or as I have hinted) I have been watching my gluten intake - not because I have an allergy to gluten, but simply because I like that it doesn't make me feel bloated, and I feel more energized throughout the day. I have been wanting to try gluten free bread but have been very skeptical. So after doing a little research, I've come to the conclusion that many gluten-free eaters like the brand Udi's, so I purchased a loaf last week at Trader Joes to make toast for breakfast - and wow - I was really surprised at how good it was. So now that I can make toast, I want to see how a grilled cheese (one of my favorite sandwiches) goes. Starting with this recipe I found over at A Cup of Jo - check it out:

Grilled Cheese with Kale + Caramelized Balsamic Onions
(Serves 2)

Ingredients

Caramelized onions:
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Grilled cheese:
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 4 slices bread
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup kale leaves

Directions

Make the caramelized balsamic onions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft, about 10 minutes.

Add the sugar and continue cooking the onions for 5 more minutes.

Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they are very soft and dry.

Assemble the grilled cheese:

Slather one side of all four slices of bread with the butter and set them aside.

Assemble one of the grilled cheese sandwiches by stacking one slice of cheese atop one slice of bread (the non-buttered side) and topping it with half the caramelized onions, half the kale leaves and a second slice of cheese. Top it with another buttered slice of bread (buttered side on top).

Repeat the assembly process for the second grilled cheese sandwich.

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Place each sandwich on the skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and golden and the cheese begins to melt. Flip each sandwich once and continue cooking until the opposite side of bread is toasted. Slice and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

{Weekend Plans - A Much Needed Girls Trip}

Tomorrow morning I am heading out for a weekend trip with the girls and I couldn't be more excited!! I soooo need the break from literally everything in life right now. Life (as it always does) has thrown some twists and turns in there and this weekend I really plan to shut off all of the thinking and just enjoy the time with my girls doing what we do best - laugh, drink, shop, and eat. I can't even remember the last time we were all together - so I'm looking forward to the quality time that rarely ever happens. I'm going to take a little break from the blog - but I'll be back on Tuesday. Promise!

So true, right?!

{Eats: Cheesy Enchilada Quinoa Casserole}

Lately I have been enjoying experimenting in the kitchen. While I can definitely cook - its not something that I've enjoyed doing until recently Both my sister and I have really been watching what we're eating and have for the most part eliminated the gluten in our diet (stay tuned for a full post about gluten). In a search for something to have for dinner the other night, I found this recipe  on Pinterest which is almost gluten free (minus the enchilada sauce) and it was just too good not to share:

Directions:

1. Sautee onion in a separate pan, and set aside

2. Cook 1 cup of quinoa (based on package instructions), and set aside

3. In an oven-safe casserole bowl, mix the onions, quinoa, and 12 oz of Enchilada sauce together

4. Top with cheddar cheese and place in oven (350 degrees) for 10 minutes

5. After the 10 minutes, turn the oven to broil so that cheese will get all brown and bubbly, then remove from the oven

6. Top with cilantro, avocado, and green onion (I also added a dollop of sour cream)

7. While you can absolutely eat the quinoa separately, you can also scoop the cheesy quinoa onto tortilla chips and eat it like nachos. Yum!

I promise you - this recipe doesn't disappoint - and it takes no time to make. Enjoy!