Travel Essentials

Ok, elephant in the room. It's been a WAY too long since I've posted! I truly think about posting every day, but life has become pretty interesting; with wedding planning, trying to get promoted at work, and Spanish class (Jon insists I take a class to learn Spanish. It's really improved my Italian...more on that later), finding time to post has become far and few between. No more excuses! I've missed you and I'm glad you are still here!
Let's talk about fashion, traveling and how to merge the two. Since I'll be traveling to Europe for my wedding/honeymoon/vacation, I would be lying if I didn't say that I wasn't worried about what I will be packing. Let's hope that Jon is the amazing fiancé that I know he is, and will let me use at least 3/4 of his suitcase for my overflow. I have been on a serious hunt for some new items that I have considered a must-have for our trip. I am sure the list will grow, but for now, I hope these items become your travel essentials as well.

I'm obsessed withe this fedora. Perfect for at the beach or in the city.

These polarized Ray-Ban's are my go to.

I need a cute pair of sneakers for getting lost in Italian cities.

This passport case is easy to find in my giant carry-on tote.

The perfect little camera bag that doesn't look like one.

This tripod allows us to take our own photos instead of asking random people.

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Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

No Cook Antipasti

This past weekend we hosted a few friends over for some wine and antipasti. This was a perfect menu for me because cooking in my kitchen during the summertime is very dangerous. I think if I turn the oven on for more than 20 minutes, my kitchen shelves will begin to melt. We live in a traditional older Uptown duplex, and with only one window air conditioner, cooking in my kitchen becomes an activity similar to sitting in a sauna. I tend to make the most of fresh food, and take advantage of our specialty foods in the nearby grocery stores. Hosting an antipasti party allowed me to assemble, rather than cook, and the results were delicious. This weekend allowed me to participate in the best parts of the summer; eating fresh, natural, and simple food. Caprese on a stick Sun dried tomato and parmesan cheese Antipasti platter

Luck be a lady...

In case you haven't already heard, it's out with the old and in with the new at Mall of America. Not that I didn't love Bloomingdales, but it's time Minnesota caught up with the rest of the world, and get some great retail stores in the supposed "Mall of America." I am excited and downright giddy to announce that MOA will now have four new stores in replace of the Bloomingdales location: Zara, Topshop, Madewell, and Tory Burch. To say I am happier than a bird with a french fry, is an understatement. My trips to MOA are going to dramatically increase to the point where I should look into a reserving a spot in the parking lot. To prepare properly for this special occasion, I have been online window shopping again, and picked out some items I will hope to find in the new stores. Here are some of my favorites. This Topshop dress will be perfect at weddings this summer. A Madewell llama necklace . Need I say more? I li...

Lady Nine

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