Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Boston Trip: Part 1


Although I've been feeling a little under the weather these past few days, I have to say this past weekend was such a great one for me and long overdue! My cousin, Katie, has lived in Boston for 6 years now and I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I've visited her! We also have a lot of family members in the area too, so it's really pretty sad that I let life get so busy that I've barely been up that way. My closest friend of 20 + years (yikes!) Bobbi Jo, also moved there more recently. So this past weekend, I made sure to break the bad habit and take the trip up to the Bean to visit 2 very special people!
 
I arrived Friday night after work and met the girls. After, we dropped off my bag at my cousins (who lives 2 blocks from Fenway Park...even though I'm a Yanks fan, still pretty cool!) and then grabbed a late bite to eat at this place called Eastern Standard to say hello to her friends. Two of which happen to work at Arhaus, a home decor / furniture store with gorgeous finds.
 
The following morning we met BJ for breakfast at a great bookstore/diner on Newbury called Trident. I got an Apple and Brie omelet that was to die for! The atmosphere was really cool, they carried an assortment of books and cards that we looked through while we waited for our text. (Yes, they text you when your table is ready!)


Walking by the Fens on our way to breakfast.  Prudential Center in the back...



Like I need this in my life!


After breakfast, we walked around Newbury and went into a few stores.  Ironically, as we were on Newbury, I happened to bump into my husband's cousins who were visiting for the day!  After a quick chat with them, we took a stroll through the gardens to take a break from shopping.  Nothing beats sitting outside by the water on a sunny fall day, and catching up with good company.


 

BJ had to head back for a little after the park, but K and I headed off to Charles St. where I ended up falling in love...with a store.

 
 

If you're ever in this area of Boston, you MUST check out The Flat of the Hill . They had the greatest finds and carried such an eclectic inventory of all things fabulous with price points that range from super reasonable to higher end. Regardless, it was a fun way to get inspired. Here's some of the goodies they had: 
 


 
 
 

 
my $14 purchase!
 
Here's some more fun stuff we found around Charles St.:
 

  
 

Loved all these patterns
 
After an amazing day, we headed back to Fenway to regroup and get ready for dinner. We went to BJ's place first and then we were off to have a drink at The Top of the Hub before dinner at Marco in the North End. 




It was so pretty seeing the city from that view! We were able to see all of Boston and and Fenway park. A great way to start the night.




 
 
We headed off to the North End where we enjoy an incredible dinner at a gem called Marco. Definitely visit when you're in the area and ask for Gil (aka our new BFF) as your waiter!  We had bruschetta, the freshest mozzarella we've ever tasted wrapped in prosciutto , and prosciutto wrapped figs that were warm and heavenly! We also enjoyed risotto , salads, and a lemon wine sauce linguini that was incredible!  I can go on and on about all that we tried but it will never do this place justice.  A must try!
ENTER MARCO



Sunday, October 7, 2012

60% off Rugs USA!

Last weekend, we decided that we have to, unfortunately, return our gray and white striped area rug to Crate and Barrel.  I'm so sad, I really, really love it!  The only problem is that the white part makes me nervous with what is going to be a high traffic area and we realized we needed something a little thicker.  I still think it's a great rug though, especially for a bedroom or sunroom.  Here's one of the wedding pictures that shows what we currently have (since I've already rolled it up!):

leilabrewsterphotography
 
Last Saturday, I went on Rugs USA to check out some alternatives since they typically have pretty amazing deals.  I found this trellis one (you've probably seen it before) that I think will work with our gray walls (BM Rockport Gray) and white wainscot.  I usually love the look of bold patterns, but because I like to change things so often, I decided to do something with a pattern that's a little more neutral. I figured it would give me more flexibilty for the future!
 
Rugs USA Homespun Moroccan Trellis Charcoal Rug
 
When I looked last week, the rug was about $300 or so... which isn't bad.  Luckily, because I waited until this Columbus Day weekend (totally not on purpose, haha), they were marked down even more to 60% off! You just have to use the code COL60.  Hurry up though, it ends tomorrow I think!
Actually, to be honest, if there's something you like, keep an eye on it, they have promotions all the time.
 
Showing the original price ($509.38) before 60% off!
 
The absolute BEST part about this rug is that it's 100% wool and cost me a whopping $203.00 (and free shipping!!) for an 8'6" x 11'6" size.  That's almost unheard of.  We were also able to check out through Amazon (where we use the Prime free, two-day shipping) so we should get it pretty soon.  I've never ordered from here before, just "window shopped", but when my girlfriend said she had good luck with them, I figured why not?!
 
Here are some other cool ones:
 
Rugs USA Homespun Inspire Charcoal Rug
Homespun Inspire Charcoal Rug
 
Rugs USA Homespun Moroccan Trellis Blue Rug
My girlfriend El has this in her dining room
 
Rugs USA Radiante Hearts Beige Rug
 
Rugs USA Homespun Atlantic Grey Rug
 
 Let's just hope after all this hype, I end up liking it in person! :)
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Fashion Feature: Verano High Swimwear

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
On this rainy, fall day chances are you’re wearing a comfy sweater or boots…but today, I actually want to post about swimwear.  Nothing is better than being able to support a local talent, especially when you truly believe in their work.   With that, I’m so proud and excited to share with you my “cousin-in-law’s” very first swimsuit line called Verano High. 
 
My husband’s cousin, Maria, started off her career as an Interior Designer as well, but has followed her “passion for fashion” and, through hard work and natural talent, she is making her way onto the fashion scene.  She has been working on this swimwear line for a while now, and her website is now up! You can start to order through email now; however, you will be able to order directly online in only two weeks! 
 
I can’t say enough about this line.  I’ve seen the samples in person, and they are high quality suits that are designed so beautifully.  I say this as someone with a design background, not just as a family member!  Maria is someone who is so humble (too humble!) about her talent and has such a big heart.  She designed a lot of the fabrics herself and, of course, all of the swimwear.   Her first photo shoot was in Colombia, where she styled everything – even using some of her own pieces!  The final images are a beautiful marriage of architectural elements that frame her inspiring collection.  If you ask me, they are a perfect homage to her interiors background and bright future in fashion.  I hope you all enjoy her collections as much as I do, and please, spread the word! 
Of course, you will be able to see MUCH more on the website, www.veranohigh.com!
To follow her journey and Verano High’s upcoming collections, check her out on:
Twitter Twitter (@veranohigh)
Facebook (Verano High Swimwear)
or
Pinterest under… yup, you guessed it… Verano High. J
Congratulations Maria on all your hard work and best wishes on well-deserved success!
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