friday finds

Happy Friday! Whew, we made it through a five day work week! We have a fun weekend planned with one of Al's best friends and his wife who are visiting us. Lots of sights, gems, and food to show. Should be a great time. 

Enjoy your Friday. Get outside! And if you have a french bulldog, wave it in the air like you just don't care...or something.  I'll stop rambling. Finds are below. ↓

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Lots of good TV stuff to discuss. One - TV premiere dates for next season. Two - the Emmy nominations were just announced!

Made me laugh. It does look very intense! Especially the roller. Oh man if you get a bad roller, your burrito is ruined.

We're so going to this. 

Sneaky. And informative. Pretty bad odds that I see a pool this summer.

New York Philharmonic's Concerts in the Park series. Such a neat experience.

This is everything. We could not stop laughing at work. 

Lo Bosworth in this week's Grub Street Diet. I like her.

A meat lovers to do list in NYC.

Well, this exists.

More love for Olivia Palermo. Love her.

Currently reading. (Just finished this. Highly recommend it!)

And leaving you with a little pep talk. I love this so much. 

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Have a great weekend!

{image source}

friday finds

 

Happy Friday! We have a fun weekend planned that includes, but is not limited to the symphony, lobsters, friends, and sunshine. And I just realized yesterday that our 6 year New York-iversary is Sunday. It feels like just yesterday we were unloading our U-Haul up in Morningside Heights. We were going to do something special to celebrate, but then our (g-chat) conversation went something like this:

         Me:   I just realized our 6 year NYC anniversary is Sunday.

         Al:     Oh wow. What should we do to celebrate?

         Me:   I dunno. Have our standard Sunday? They're the best anyways.

         Al:     True. Nothing better.

So we'll be celebrating with a walk to the park, an afternoon nap, and a home cooked meal. Perfection.

Wishing you an idyllic summer weekend.  Here's what I'm loving from the web this week :::

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A lesson from the French in the perfect summer meal.

Most of these have happened to us since moving here 6 years ago.

Neat! We should go see this.

Two good letters - one and two.

Floridian retirement activity meets Brooklyn hipsters.

Hello lover. Yes, I talk dirty to pretty pantries.

Another cute swimsuit.

I'm currently reading this.  Al's currently reading this.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of French Laundry with lessons learned. I didn't realize how many famous chefs have previously worked in that kitchen!

Coffee. The ultimate accessory for men? This is so true. I know some very intense coffee connoisseurs. 

Saved the best for last. Because this is definitely the best.

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Happy weekend!

P.S.  Did you miss my roundup of favorite restaurants in our neighborhood?

{image © Tyler Wirken - from our NYC engagement photos circa 2010}

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}

friday finds

Happy Friday! I'm in much better shape this Friday than I was last week. And even better is that my mom is in town! It was a last minute decision on her part. A few weeks ago I was really missing her and we didn't have any big plans this weekend and now here she is! Ah, the joys of retirement/a mother that is retired. She's home with Lily today and we have no real plans for the weekend other than to hang out, walk around, and of course maybe a teensy bit of shopping. :) 

Hope you have a great weekend.  Links below for the finds I'm loving this week (and a few from last week)...

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We loved this segment on 60 Minutes a few weeks ago. About the 'oldest old' and how they got to live past 90!

Can't wait to get my hands on Ruth Reichl's (Former NYT food critic and Gourmet Magazine's editor) new novel.  Read an excerpt here.

Field trips are good for grown ups. Great article and findings!

Important info for coffee connoisseurs of New York.  

Great news for families in NYC.

Last Tuesday my brain almost exploded. The James Beard Awards and The Met Gala on the same day?! (P.S. Ina won!)

Made me laugh. So did this (remember when we saw Macaulay Culkin in Paris?)

A new Mexican restaurant hitting the scene. You know we'll be visiting soon.

THIS I must make. You had me at toasted coconut!

Tears at this heartfelt video from my high school alma mater. It's time to put an end to the R word.

Poaching eggs made easy. A definite 'why didn't I think of that' moment.

Just ordered Lily this cute carrying bag for all of our summer adventures. In love with this local company now.

For real.

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Happy Weekend!

-Katie-

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belle

Have you guys heard about the new movie, Belle?  I hadn't heard much about it until my friend Tiffany showed me the trailer and it looks so good! I'm a huge fan of period pieces and this one is even inspired by a true story.

It's in New York and LA theaters now and opens this Friday everywhere.  Sounds like the perfect rainy-day activity.

-Katie-

love letters

Do you ever write love letters? Real letters. Not love emails, or love texts, or love sentiments on a sticky note, but real, old fashioned love letters. I don't. Not really. I try to really write good-quality, heart-felt content in cards to my loved ones, but those are usually related to a holiday or birthday. Is the old tradition of love letters gone? 

I ask because I was so moved by the below video from Humans of New York. The video shows a 100 year old woman remembering her deceased husband. My favorite parts are when she reads letters he wrote to her long ago. Some of which she's memorized. Just watch. 

How about those letters? 

"The ships come and the ships go, but I stay here with my thoughts of you wondering how soon I'll be once more with my little angel."

"And the nights grow cold without you and the world is filled with the anguish of my loneliness and the stars join me in sorrow while I long without weary to hold you once more in my arms. To embrace you. And kiss you. And love you. All my love."

And I love what he told her before he passed away:

"Take the love you have for me and spread it around. In love spread around, there beauty is found."

What beautiful, beautiful words. Hardly anybody writes like that anymore. What a nice sentiment to take a moment to really think about your feelings and write them down, rather than immediately blasting them into the atmosphere like so many of us do now. These days, our feelings and thoughts and actions are so instantaneous. 'I feel, I tweet. I move on to the next emotion.' 

I'm going to make a conscious effort to slow down, pause, reflect, and write something to my loved ones of real value. Something that when I'm not around, they'll want to pull out and reread for the emotion and beauty it conveys. 

What do you think? 

Do you write love letters? 

Have you ever received a letter that you saved and reread?

xo,

K

{top image source}

friday finds

Happy Friday! I'm joyfully writing from home today, as my office is closed for Good Friday. Al's parents, Deacon & Retta, arrived last night and we have a fun weekend planned both to celebrate Easter and to celebrate Deacon's retirement! Today - some shopping. Tomorrow  - the botanical gardens. And you can bet that our sweet pup is getting spoiled rotten. 

Wishing you a beautiful weekend and Happy Easter!

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Finds I'm loving from the web this week...

This priest gave a bride and groom quite the surprise. He's really good!

Stats on people naming their kids after food. Kale, Apple, etc. I see no mention of Mayo though...

Al's currently reading.

Loved this ABCs of the workplace. And that pie chart of feelings at meetings is hilarious.

FOMO from Coachella? Don't worry - here's a list of upcoming NYC concerts (I think kids these days call them 'shows').

Speaking of Coachella, can someone please explain to me why the majority of people there look like they got dressed in the dark? The Fug Girls agree. "How to do Coachella at home, in three steps: Take a bedsheet, Poke arm holes through it. Wear."

Need more iron? A few clues that you might. (And ask a doctor first)

Plans for Pier A, the new event/eating/shopping space in Battery Park.

Leaving you with the video that's all over the web right now. And it brings tears to my eyes each time I watch it. So incredibly true.

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Have a fantastic weekend!

xo,

K

P.S. You may have missed:  the perfect cake for your Easter menu, Shopbop sale

{image of our brekky this morning}

friday finds

^^ That was the scene when I left the apartment this morning. Do you know how hard it is to leave a sleeping little smush face ball of love? It's hard. I'd like to climb right back in bed with my sweet girl at this very moment. Despite my longing for bed and  Lily Mayo, things are looking up. It's Friday! And the weather is supposed to be super spring-like this weekend! I have plans to see my girlfriends for our annual springtime brunch on Saturday. Other than that, we'll be outside as much as possible.

Lots of good finds from the web this week:

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What's that you say? Gel mani-s at home? Get outta town (or out of the nail salon...)!

Anyone want to go to this with me? Three of my favorite chefs.

Y'all know that is Kristen Bell signing in Frozen right? Proof.

Look how much Prince George loves his beloved dog. Lupo + George forever!

Made me laugh.

Made me cry.

This also made me laugh. Love her.

In my Amazon cart.

Lusting after this closet.

60 awesome NYC facts. I only knew a few!

Whoa. This would make such a great setting for a novel or movie.

Eataly in space? Yes, you read that correctly.

Heyo. My hometown in a music video.

Remember that cute perforated blue bag from my KC shopping trip? It's on sale + an additional 25% off for Kate Spade's Friends and Family. (Use code S14FFUS).

The most fun spin class ever.

And leaving you with a puppy & baby video. Because you expect it from me at this point.

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Have a lovely weekend!

xo,

K

P.S. Two things you may have missed: The best chocolate chip cookies. My pillow problems solved.

{photo © the rose record}

two things

Two random things I need to discuss today...

1.)  So what did everyone think of last night's How I Met Your Mother series finale? We loved it! All the lose ends were tied up nicely, and I love the 'surprise ending' if you will.  I don't want to spoil too much for those of you who haven't seen it, but my favorite story line of all was Barney's. So many tears as he said his 'vows' to his new baby girl. Gahhh.

For those of you who have never watched the show, I recommend it.  Especially if you're a 20 or 30 something. We didn't start watching it until Hurricane Sandy when we had to entertain ourselves for 3 days straight. We quickly fell in love with the characters, partly because the whole thing resonated with us so much  - we moved to New York after college, are in our 20s, and have a great group of friends who are in various stages of life. Josh Radnor, who plays Ted, explained the show as funny-sad. It's exactly that. It has all the good funny parts of life, as well as the touching moments that we all experience. It's sweet and funny and just so darn good. High five!

2.) Okay, enough of my personal essay on why HIMYM is amazing. On to more important things. Like this song I cannot get enough of. Sam Smith performed this on SNL on Saturday and I haven't stopped listening since. He has such a lovely voice. And the gospel choir? Oh yes.  (Click the link to watch/listen - I can't get the video to embed for the life of me.)

Apologies for the randomness. 

xo,

K

P.S. A good HIMYM article.

friday finds

Happy Friday! I feel like it's been a very long journey to make it to today. But we did it. Al's headed to a bachelor party in Austin, TX today so it's just me and Lily this weekend. For those of you who didn't see on instagram, we spent all yesterday at the vet trying to figure out why our sweet girl was in pain - she was visibly trembling and shaking and wouldn't lie down or eat. It was pretty scary for awhile when we thought she may have something wrong with one of her organs or had swallowed a "foreign object". But, luckily, she just has a bad back. Pain meds and rest for two weeks should make her better, but she'll always have this condition and we'll have to watch for flare ups. So a weekend of minimal activity for me and Lily Mayo. Sounds just perfect, actually.

While we're snuggin, check out these links I'm loving from the web this week.

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LOVED loved loved this article. I might need to write a separate post dedicated to it.

J.Crew factory has 40 - 60% off right now. (+ 25% off if you use your J.Crew card on orders over $125 with code CARDPERK) Just picked up a bunch of essentials for Al for spring/summer at a steal! He's excited about these kicks.

A well deserved homage to a very famous and classic New York restaurant. Have you been?

So inspired by this. Two years until I'm 30, but taking notes and making changes now.

Made me laugh. Frozen fans you must watch. So cute.

Made me smile. A lot. And I agree - all kids should grow up with a dog.

Made me cry. Looks like a great cause too.

A good book for picky eaters.

Speaking of books, I'm a big fan of Maggie Shipstead. Her new book just came out and looks so good!

What beautiful floors (and the entire home for that matter). 

And finally, an important and valuable test of the whole 'open wine with your shoe' thing.

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Have a cozy weekend!

xoxo,

K

{image of Lily by me using the Waterlogue app}

friday finds

Hello! Happy happy Friday! It's spring! It's Friday! The sun is out! It's going to be in the SIXTIES tomorrow! Can you tell I'm in a good mood? I am frolicking around in that ^^ spring meadow in my head right this minute. We have few weekend plans other than to be outside as much as possible on Saturday (Sunday on the other hand, is a different story. 40 degrees? Really?). Now to wrap up these final few items on my to do list and try and head out early to catch the second half of the KU game. Have a great weekend!

Links I'm loving this week...

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My friend Ashley forwarded me this find. Such a smart idea. Loving the sleeveless version. 

For the 'Learn Something New file'. 

Full list of James Beard Award Nominations. Some great blogs and cookbooks added to my list because of this. And check out who's nominated for Outstanding Personality/Host. It's my pretend best friend and fairy godmother, Ina Garten!  

Aw man! (But also, $5b valuation? Seems high to me too).

Great news! I may test this out tonight. ☺

You know how I said I was frolicking in that spring meadow in my head? Well, this little nugget is there in the meadow too.  It's a really good day dream, you guys.

Tears at this.

Yay Taza! (If you don't already know her darling family, you're in for some cuteness. ♥)

Ever since we heard about this the other morning, Al has been REALLY in to it. (Would it shock you to learn that he was once a Dino-obsessed kid?)

A good NYC spring to do list.

This kid is cracked me up. Me too kid. Me too.

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Have a splendid weekend!

xoxo,

K

P.S. My favorite snacks.

{image source}

throwback thursday

Remember that one time when KU won the National Championship? Yeah, I do. It was my senior year of college and it was one of the best memories I have from life. Seriously.

Throwing it back this Thursday - the first day of March Madness (and the first day of spring - oh hey spring!) - with my old Facebook album from 2008...

We watched the Final Four game against UNC at The Wheel (aka the best bar on the face of the Earth). All our friends packed in tight, standing on tables, sitting atop booths. Ahh college.

Well look who it is.  Us. Six years younger.

And Emmy! Only 19 years old (hmm how'd she get in that bar?).

After beating UNC, the entire town headed to Mass Street for celebrations. Walking, high-fiving strangers, finding your friends in the crowd . It's the happiest pilgrimage ever.

A few days later, we beat Memphis and won the national championship and the crowd was even BIGGER that night. People as far as you can see. Loo how far back they go down the street...

I get chills just talking about it. You sort of just had to be there to truly understand the energy and excitement and spectacle.

Let's just pause and remember how awesome that shot was...

source

And now, just for old time's sake (I hope I'm not jinxing anything here)...

Al has legit watched that video at least twice a night for the last week. 

Happy #ThrowbackThursday everyone. And Happy March Madness.  

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! 

(and good luck to Wichita St. - my mom's alma mater)!)

xoxo,

K

friday finds

Happy Friday! And happy Pi Day (3.14)! Any fun plans this weekend? We actually have quite a busy weekend schedule and I'm looking forward to bopping from one fun thing to the next.  And I've planned a fun, semi-secret date night for Saturday. Oh, we'll be cheering on the Jayhawks in the Big XII tourney!  Can't believe March Madness is already upon us.

And now what you really want, the links I'm loving from the web this week:

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As if pie wasn't enough, let's also take a moment today to honor this brilliance.

Spring style alphabet. Beautiful illustrations.

Darling children's clothes. From Australia!

Loved this op ed about the word 'bossy'. I'm sure it's no shock to you that I was often called bossy as a kid.

Beautiful photos (via).

For your "something I learned today" file. COOL!

Michael White (one of my favorite chefs) on handmade pasta. The time and detail. Wow.

My new celebrity girl-crush. She is shockingly beautiful.

An activity tracker...for your dog. Lily's would be sleep. sleep. sleep. sleep. play! snugs. sleep. sleep. sleep. But really, a pretty neat device. (Thanks for sharing, Caroline!)

United States of Hot Sauce.

Coolest. Unis. Ever. Turtle Power!

Do this this weekend. I know I haven't in umm...a year? Ew.

An eclectic NYC apartment. Look at all that light! The nursery is my favorite.

Don't forget, St. Patrick's Day is Monday. Celebrate with this.

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Have a sweet weekend. Eat some pie tonight!

xoxo,

K

P.S. In case you missed them: a tip with tulips, three spring outfits, and a yummy supper.

{image from Four & Twenty Blackbirds. Rumored to have the best pie in NYC}