friday finds

Hello! We're off work a day early and en route to Omaha for my one of my best friend's weddings. I just love weddings don't you? All the love and celebration. It just makes my heart feel like it's going to explode (in a good way). I cannot wait to watch these two spectacular people tie the knot on Saturday. Cheers to Cassi & Michael!

While I'm away an extra day, enjoy an extra dose of finds from around the web...

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While we're talking love and weddings, I had that image up there^ printed and framed as a shower gift. Find it here. One of my favorite verses.

Also on the wedding front, these gold foil invites are to die for.

An ode to the Paris Bistro (along with what might be a knock against Americans, but oh well).

Where was this 'design your own lamp' thing when I was looking for the perfect lamp that didn't exist two years ago? 

Let's talk hair (again). The best highlights of the season. And a new way to get waves for your lob.

A way better, more herb-alicious, dairy-free, ranch-style dressing.

What the heck is T.Swift doing with my fairy godmother, Ina? Back away bad bangs. BACK. AWAY. (But really, this truly did anger me. That's so mean of me. I'm T.Swift is lovely, but still. I'm rage-y.)

BTW, my Game of Thrones name is "Kate The Ghost Rose - Lover of Giants". Obvi I picked Direwolf as my favorite weapon. And I do love giants (Al is tall).

Father of the Bride Part 3! I hope Fraank the wedding planner comes back for this one.

Loved this. Love them.

A cute swimsuit.

Jon Hamm as a young jock. Yep. You bet that's a favorite find.

This is me on the internet to a T. Let's all try out Tabless Thursdays next week, k?

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Have a great weekend my loves!

friday finds

Happy Friday! Fun plans this weekend?  I'll be keeping it low key. Whenever Al's out of town I find myself not doing much. I tend to wander longer and take more time reveling in the little things in life. This weekend it'll be dinner with girlfriends, brunch, reading, and walks with Lily girl. And then a late night belated birthday celebration for Al when he gets home Sunday. I know I said it yesterday, but I have to say it again on his real birthday. Happy birthday to my sweet husband! 

And to the other men in my life, happy father's day! Lots of love to Dad, Carl, and Deacon!

This week's finds from the web below↓

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The history of an iconic New York food, the black and white cookie.

Travel tips from Anthony Bourdain. I feel the same way about carry-ons.

For you Emily Giffin fans, her new book is out. I love her books for easy, light summer reading.

Loved this look at why and how millennials obsess over menus. I do it! (via my pal Megan)

Karlie Kloss for Warby Parker. YES.

Despite not having (human) children, I always find parenting articles interesting. This one was interesting.

How Shake Shack came to be (and what other menu items they attempted). 

The two inspiration photos I used for my recent haircut:  this and this.

The most cheerful clutch.

And, because I haven't had one in awhile, leaving you with a cute frenchie video (Thanks Rachel!)

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Have a good one!

{image source}

update

Hi! Did you think I forgot about you? I didn't. We've been having a rough week, both battling what we thought were colds. Turns out, we have sinus infections. I'm on the mend, but Al's just now in the worst of it. He's been travelling for work too, and now leaves tonight for a bachelor party. 

Which leads me to my next topic... since Al will be gone all weekend and his birthday is tomorrow, let's take a quick moment to wish him Happy Birthday, throwback style!

Happy birthday to the most thoughtful, hard working, and caring man. Thanks for making me laugh and feel loved every day. Love you long time, Ack Man! (p.s. what's with that Cubs hat?!)

One last update, because I know how much you guys care. I made a rash decision and chopped my hair off on Tuesday. Four inches gone! I've yet to take a decent photo of it, because it is a nasty humid mess here in New York (so not the weather for debuting a new 'do), but here's a little sneak peak.  I'm excited to curl it and play around with it a little more this weekend. Feels so good. Clean and chic and easy. And lighter too (although, I think some of the lightness in the photo is from the natural light. It's definitely not white at the bottom). We "painted" some of the strands in between the standard highlight foils for a more sun-kissed look. Perfect for summer. I'm pumped. Can't you tell by my awkward selfie face?

And while we're updating on The Rose Family, we can't forget our fearless leader boss, Lily Mayo. Here's her update. So, basically, no change.

Sorry for the light week. Hoping to get ahead of things this weekend while Al's away!

P.S. Past haircuts (1, 2, 3)

friday finds

Happy Friday! This week just blew by! But in a really strong and gusty blow by - as in I think have week whip lash. A relaxing weekend together sounds just about perfect. Not too many plans, hopes of catching up with friends and exercising a lot (please refer to last weekend's recap and all the food we ate. yikes!). I'm in one of those blissful moods where I don't care what we do, I'm just happy that it's the weekend and spring time and we're in New York City.

Finds I'm liking this week:

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Loving Kate's Australian style.

Sprinkle's Ice Cream makes its NYC debut today!

Made me laugh.

As you know, I am a huge fan of Madewell's denim. Snatching up this destroyed denim pair this weekend.

I download NPR podcasts for my commute. Loved this amazing interview I listened to this morning.

I thought about love letters this week.

Two new cookbook announcements:
     1.) Ina has a new book coming out in October!
     2.) Lidia will be in NYC on May 10th signing her new book.

Awesome map of NYC bars.

My latest girl crush is Chrissy Teigen. She's gorgeous, funny, down to earth, and has a frenchie! And apparently, she, too, as an affinity for Taco Bell. ☺

The SELF Beauty Awards are out. Just in time; I need to restock a bunch of products.

The trailer for the Season 2 of Orange is the New Black is out.

Making this cake for a dinner party we're attending Saturday. <Drool>

Funny because it's sort of true.

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Have a blissful weekend!

xo,

K

{photo of Lily Mayo © The Rose Record}

weekend recap

And just like that the weekend is over. How was yours? Ours was perfect. I wasn't as productive as I hoped to be yesterday, but some days you just need to be a little lazy, right? Here are a few photos...

Friday night we had dinner at Friedman's. We hadn't been in quite some time. It was good to be back. Afterwards we watched The Book Thief. My sister recommend it and she was right - it was very very good. Although, it would have given me bad dreams (I have a low threshold for movies that scare me), so I made Al watch Frozen with me. ☺

(Confession - this photo is actually from last weekend. I've watched Frozen roughly 10 times since.)

Saturday morning I was up and around making some treats to take to brunch with my girlfriends. The other two members of my family were not as gung-ho. After a walk around the block, they stetted in for a nice Saturday nap. 

^^ My new favorite photo.

Gathered with the girls for our SIXTH annual springtime/Easter brunch. Crazy we've been doing this that long. It's so nice to know that twice a year we all make time to get together and catch up, eat yummy food, and spend time together. Love you girls!

Speaking of food, please observe my friend Bekah's genius. This was extremely tasty. I'm going to sprinkle Cool Ranch Doritos on everything now!

Some fun with my fellow lob (long bob) ladies. In the past few months, the three of us have all cut our hair short. I mean, here's your Pinterest inspiration photo right here, people. 

Annnd midnight Dominoes back at home with Al. That Dominoes app is trouble I tell you. Wayyyy too convenient. 

Sunday started productively. I've decided to do my seasonal closet switch in two stages this time. Stage 1: purge. Stage 2 (to take place next weekend): swap winter for summer. Took several bags to consign and several more to donate. Lily supervised the entire thing. Couldn't have done it with out her.

And then, we napped. Because it's what we do on Sundays. 

For supper we headed to Momofuku Ssam Bar for the bo ssam dinner. The dinner was set up for our friend, Matt's birthday. But we had an additional reason to celebrate - Matt and his girlfriend Megan got engaged! Such a fun night. And check out our dinner. That is one giant pork shoulder. So good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. 

And we had to get a birthday cake from Milk Bar after dinner. It was a really healthy few hours. ;) 

While the rest of the group watched Game of Thrones Season 4 premier, Al and I headed home and started season 1. I've known we've been missing out on the Game of Thrones bandwagon for sometime. High time we started it. Because we want to fit in.

^^ Notice anyone special in there?

Here's to an easy week!

xo,

K

{game of thrones source}

weekend recap

Oh hi! How was your weekend? We had one of those really good weekends where it's the perfect balance of time together, time with friends, and time at home. I'd like to recreate it right this second. Here are a few photos...

Friday night we met friends for dinner and drinks at MoMo.  Such a charming little spot and was nice to catch up with everyone.

<image source>

Saturday morning was spent at the salon. It's one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning, actually. My salon is in the cutest spot and I love sitting still for a few hours, reading, chatting, and getting styled. Nothing too drastic this time, just a trim and a little reshaping. And some fresh highlights for spring. Annnd I'm that person who takes selfies in my friends' bathrooms. (Outfit look familiar?)

That'd be our friends' Kara and Kate's beautiful bathroom in their beautiful apartment. We stopped by their "Pancakes and Pimm's" party in the afternoon. Look at their little puppy, Chewy being adorable.

Sauntered around the village afterwards with Al. Beautiful blue sky day.

Look at those crazy vines!

And then, story of my life, I got hungry. Popped in to Morandi for their delicious focaccia egg sandwich.

Went home to rest up and clean up for our date. Does anyone else love doing your hair after just getting it cut? It's so fun to go home and play around with it. Curled and ready for our date. Hey-o.

I told Al we were going to Cafe Select for dinner. What I didn't tell him is that we were going to the 'secret' fondue restaurant in the back. He was a little shocked when the host took us through the kitchen and down some stairs into the tiny space. Had a long, leisurely dinner. One thing I love about dating Al (yes, we still 'date' even though we're married), is that we never run out of things to say.

^^ the little secret space.

^^ obvi I took a fondue photo (a bad one at that). And side glimpse of Al in his cute cardigan. :) 

Sunday was for chores, a VERY cold walk outside, and a sweet treat for our sweet Lily.

Oh, and duh. We napped.

^^ Not actually strangling her. Just holding real tight.

And then a much overdue bath for our stinky girl. I hope I have as much fun with bath time when I have human children as I do with Lily. She's so funny. First she runs away. Then she relaxes in the water. And then she spazzes out after. (Remember?). Is it sad that the highlight of my Sunday was bathing my dog?

Supper was this delicious recipe from Bon Appetit. Poached cod in a savory and spicy broth of tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and saffron. And lots of bread for sopping.

And finally baked off the last of my cookie dough. Two hot cookies for dessert. Best way to end the best weekend.

Hope your weekend was just as excellent. Cheers to a quick (and warmer, please oh goodness make it warmer) week!

xoxo,

K

weekend recap

Happy start of the week a day late.  I was home from work yesterday with a whole host of sickness symptoms. Feeling better today, but still have a doctor's appointment to confirm I'm on the road to recovery.  Despite feeling ill late Sunday night, we had a great weekend catching up with friends.  Here are a few photos...

Friday night Lily and I got a little bored waiting for Al to come home.  She just would not stop taking selfies. ;) 

^^ Outtake.

We met friends at Friedman's (where else) for dinner and then came up to our place for some after-dinner negronis.  I don't know why I never realized these were so simple to make - equal parts, gin, campari, and sweet vermouth.  And a big orange peel for garnish. 

Saturday I met my girlfriends for brunch at one of my favorite Mexican spots, La Palapa. Started with fruit and coffee ended with huevos rancheros and bloody Maria's.  Seems about right. 

The we did a little shopping.  It's been a long-running joke between me and my friend, Jolie, that I can never find a "good beanie".  Jolie has specific qualifications for what makes a good beanie good - mostly that it has enough room at the top for the slouch.  After a long search, I'm happy to report that we found one!  Say hello to my new good beanie (from Urban Outfitters).  I already feel cooler. 

Later we watched the awful, awful KU game.  And caught up with the "founder" of our group of girls, Miss Penny who was back visiting.  Miss you P!

Sunday we couldn't get our Fresh Direct delivery due to the Super Bowl road closures.  So instead of going to a physical grocery store (it's weird how that idea seems insane to me after years of delivery groceries), Lily and I hit the park.  Hard to believe it was 55 degrees on Sunday after it snowed and snowed all day yesterday.  Felt so good to be outside and back in our weekend place. 

Annnnd there was a piano player in the middle of the park.  Reason number 367 why this is the best city.

And then it was time for our Sunday nap.  Bonus points for full family participation. 

And dinner was made with what was in the house or from the deli next door.  That means a block of Velveeta Queso Blanco.  It was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law.  Seriously.  

Al and my dad texting before the Super Bowl.  Made me laugh.

Watched the Super Bowl.  Shoulda watched Downton.  Barely slept.  So Monday I did a whole lot of this:

Feeling better and have a lot of work to do today.  Hope you had a good one.  Only four days until the weekend!

xoxo,

K

five new favorites

I always know when it's time to share new things I'm loving when I find myself gushing about them to any and all people.  Here are five new favorites I just wont shut up about. Give them a try - you'll start telling everyone about them too.

1 - Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara

This stuff is amazing.  It leaves my lashes feeling natural all day long.  They don't get dry and break or get clumpy.  Just lots of volume and soft to the touch.  Even after applying a few coats.  I love the big fat brush too.  Perfect for the office when I don't want to look too made up.  $7

2 - Peeled Snacks Dried Mango

My sister got my mom hooked on these and my mom got me hooked.  They are the perfect snack when you would normally reach for something sweet.  They're only lightly dried so they're still chewy and full of flavor.  I go through at least a bag a week at work.  Light on the calories, high on the vitamins.  I feel good snacking on these.  $12

3 - Erin Condren Life Planner

I mentioned a little bit before about my new planner, but I need to rave again.  I've always been the type that needs to write things down.  Lists for days, calendars all over the place, sticky notes covering my desk.  Now everything is all in one place - our menus, our weekend plans, my bog schedule, reoccurring birthdays and anniversaries - it's all there. And I feel so. much. better.  I love how customizable they are too.  From your name (or a photo) on the cover, to additional pages and stickers, you can really make this work for you.  Go to take the tour of all the features.  I can't say enough great things.  $50

4 - Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

I just got this last night and immediately when home and played around with it.  First impression:  AWESOME.  I have really slick hair, so when I want my look to be a little more tousled and messy this stuff is gonna be handy.  I'm still testing out how to use it with my shorter look, but my friend Susan (who has fantastic hair) swears by this stuff.  I just got the small 2 ounce bottle to try, but I think I'll be going back for the big one very soon.  $22 / $42

5 - Barre3 Mobile App

Ten minute barre, Pilates, or yoga workouts on my phone?  Um yes please.  Now even if I'm exhausted when I get home, I can quickly do a quick core session from my living room (with Lily biting my socks off) and not feel so lazy. The app also has recipes, shopping lists, a place where you can book an in-studio class, and you can pick music from your own iTunes while you do the ten minute workouts!  My favorites so far are Park Bench Yoga Sculpt and No Props: Legs, Arms, Core + Stretch.  This app leaves me with no more excuses!  $5

Five new favorites to jump start your year.  What are you loving right now?

xoxo,

K

{graphic by me}

how to host a party

We had such a spectacular time at our Friendsgiving.  I love our tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with our NYC family of friends.  It is one of my favorite days of the year.  My friends and I were laughing that I like it so much because I get to use all my skills for a night with all of my favorite people.  Here's how we pulled it all off...

A week before:  confirm guest list, set the menu, order groceries.

A few nights before:  move furniture to the optimal positions (in this case we swap the coffee table from the living room with the club chair from the bedroom).  Also:  Hang pretty cafe lights.  You guys know I love these.  I ordered a few boxes of this kind from Target (pretty good price!).

Two days before:  Book a last minute hair cut and impulsively decide to chop eight inches.

Voila!  The new Katie!

(Still so awkward at selfies.)

The day before:  make one thousand deviled eggs and the cranberry sauce (not pictured), dry brine the turkey, set out platters, and write fun camera game on note card.

Thanksgiving night (remember, we do Friendsgiving on Friday):  go have a nice meal with a handsome gent.

The day of:  Hit up flower market, arrange flowers, write menu on chalk board, set the table (obsessed with this awesome chalk board paper I used as a runner)

(Peonies in November?  Uh yes please.)

Just before the party:  Set up cocktail and bar stations, write instagram names above place settings, light candles.

^^ reflection.

Party Time:  Guests arrive, food is served, toasts are shared.  Heart is warm.

(I spy Lily girl!)

(NYC's finest.  So much love.)

After dinner:  Toast with tiny boots a la Johnny B's, clear plates from table, share what we are and are not thankful for, draw on table.

(instagram names blurred for privacy)

End of the night:  And finally, end with lighting the menorah, dancing, singing, and jumping on the coat pile.

And THAT's how you host Friendsgiving.

I'd like to thank our friends for being awesome and my co-host for all his help.

xoxo,

K