Swimmies

Oh, hey there. I'm not even going to talk about my absence - it's been awhile! I up-and-leave for NYC and never return...oopsy.

Well, good news...Summer is here and it's my absolute favorite time of the year! To say that I'm excited is an understatement. Just bring on the pool time, patios, snocones, suntans, and coconut scents. With that said, I'm getting antsy for a little Memorial Day fun. My Mom sent around a very detailed (read: intense) itinerary for our upcoming weekend and it reminded me of how expectant I always was at the "start" of Summer. It always seemed like I had forever to enjoy the fruits of it all before the next school year began...oh to be young again.

Anyway, last night I received the newest J. Crew catalog and while I haven't invested in any pieces just yet, I couldn't help but love the swimsuits that they had this year. True to form, they were overly-styled with accessories galore which makes them slightly less-than-practical for your everyday pool chair. But a girl can dream, right? I have put in enough time as a high school (and college) lifeguard to know that making a one-piece look flattering and stylish is a tall order, however, J. Crew manages to do it. The polka dot, two-piece ruffle suits are to die for and should inspire me to eat only carrot sticks for the next few months (which I can kiss goodbye thanks to my new found penchant for coconut M&Ms).

all images via jcrew.com

"Feels like I'm in Grand Central Sta-tion" - Beyonce

So, I went to New York this past week...for 9 days. That's right - 9 whole days. Like I said before, this was the first time I had traveled back since I left over a year ago. I was both excited and apprehensive at the thought of going back to my old stomping ground. A lot of change happened while I lived there and a lot has happened since I left – all good things. It should come as no surprise that my bag came in just under 50 lbs, and that was before I left. I’m not proud...I never am.

Anyway, my hosts were absolutely wonderful – letting me come and go as I pleased. I forget what it is like to live in a vacation destination. For all of the fun it brings, it also comes with a few added inconveniences when you’re dealing with a 20-something and her loaded rolling bag. NYC ordered the perfect weather for my vacation and I’d like to think that I returned the favor in food consumption and general merriment. Let it be said that I took more pictures in this trip alone than I probably took in the entire time I lived there*. Even better news, I’m going to throw some at you today.

You had to know these were coming. I tried to condense and even still, this is what I came up with...

Breakdown: wedded bliss, random City pics, day Yankees game, The Oprah Show, the cutest dog (in a bag) on the street, U-s-h-e-r, rooftop party, Bleecker street flea market, and Carrie's apartment from S&TC.

*In my defense, how many times in your life do you get to attend a live Oprah show? Every illegal picture was worth it. Worth.it.

Love Long & Carry On

Here's a sneak peak into the wedding I attended while I was NYC. Brides are so lucky, there's just something about happiness, coupled with the perfect dress, that is the best look. Amy was one of my first friends in the City and truly someone I look up to. Her style is amazing and her heart is even more beautiful. Amy started dating Matt in the Spring of 2008 and the rest was history for those two. It has been so fun to see their love grow and even more of a blessing to witness their nuptials.

Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and love!

If this isn't Carrie Bradshaw (minus the runaway groom, of course!), then I don't know what is...