August 1st marked L and I's second year of living in this beautiful and breathtaking city.  In honor of our second year, I want to take you through this past year. 
AUGUST

L and I moved from our old apartment into our new apartment in the North End. We moved exactly one street over. 

SEPTEMBER

Received my real estate license and started working in the North End!

OCTOBER

Got our Halloween fix in and played in Salem.

NOVEMBER

Received our first snowfall in November!

DECEMBER

Celebrated our birthdays and lots of Christmas fun!

JANUARY

Played with Boston's incredible and record breaking winter.

FEBRUARY

Spent a lot of time playing in the mountains.

MARCH

Had a fun weekend skiing and hiking Tuckerman's Ravine in North Conway.

APRIL

Celebrated Easter with a beautiful Old North Church service.

MAY

Walked out of work a little bit richer after my horse won the Kentucky Derby!

JUNE

Painted our souls away at Paint Nite.

JULY

Took the Boston Harbor Cruise ferries out to the Harbor Islands to play around and enjoy the parks.
Check out our first year of Boston here!
Here's to year number three!

Myrtle Beach - Year 4

L's family makes a trip down to beautiful South Carolina every year, where we get our yearly dose of Myrtle Beach fun in the sun. This year was no exception, as we once again stayed oceanside at the Sandy Beach Resort and spoiled ourselves silly. While we are always looking for fun little city get aways, this is usually one of our bigger trips that we look forward to all year round. There is something about palm trees and sinking your feet in the sand with a Carolina Quench in your hand.
We arrived in Charleston a few days earlier and invested some time in learning about the area (potential new home? maybe?). In addition, we also spent a few days with my grandparents playing on and exploring the plantation that they recently moved to. We ended up kayaking all over the lake and achieved our ultimate goal of spotting a baby alligator hanging by the brushes. L and I made the mistake of exposing our city skin to those Carolina rays leaving us with many kisses from the sun. I haven't burnt myself like that since I was a lifeguard, and am paying for it now... peeling like a snake! 

Dress

We headed up to Myrtle Beach after a few days where we spent every single day toasting in the sun and getting our salty water fix in. Needless to say, after L's sister took a pretty nasty sting from a jellyfish, we opted to spend the rest of the time in the pools. L and I were in need of some beach towels, so I went ahead and picked up two of these Land's End Rugby Towels before our trip, which are still on sale for $20 if you're in the market. They're over six feet long, and extremely comfortable to lay on. 

We had a few sand castle competitions and without a doubt, the girls castle lasted the longest against the incoming tide. Our method: build up! Eventually, it did come crashing down. Not without a fight though! 
Side note: If you're looking for a bathing suit top that stays on in the ocean, I am sold on Lululemon's salty swim top. It's equivalent to a sports bra, is reversible and drys extremely quickly. That is because there is no support. Definitely not something I would wear in the cold New England ocean, however in the sunny and warm South. I was all set, no issues here! The bottoms however did not work at all for me. I like something with a little more coverage, and unfortunately the options that they offered just didn't do it. 

We all had a little fun at both of the outlets, and I ended up coming home with a new wristlet, wallet, dress, sports bra and shirt, not to mention it was tax free weekend so I can kind of justify it. I ran out of clothes, and by the end of the week I started wearing my purchases!
We ate out every night and had some pretty delicious feasts, if I do say so myself. A few of these places included, Hominy Grille (Charleston), Duffy's Tavern (Boardwalk), Pier 2, Goodfellas (NMB), Abuelo's, Outback, The Liberty (Broadway at the Beach), Sticky Fingers, and we can't forget the dozens of donuts from Krispy Kreme that we inhaled for breakfast! Just typing those places out make me want to eat lunch again, so delicious! 
I really wish I would've snapped some more photos from our trip, but I was all concerned about taking video clips that it slipped my mind. Be sure to check out the video below that I put together that encapsulates all of the fun and memories from our week!

We're already dreaming about next years trip!

 Myrtle Beach 2013

My Sisters: A Diploma and A Ring

We were all Ohio bound last weekend to celebrate my youngest sisters high school graduation at the beautiful Western Reserve Academy. I wish I had more pictures to show you how gorgeous this campus and the town of Hudson is, because it truly is a gem located in Ohio. A handful of our family stayed close by at the West Branch State Park, while a few of us were fancy and opted for a hotel (us city slickers don't have any gear!).

The first evening, while at the campsite waiting for everyone to arrive, my oldest sister drove up with her boyfriend, Nate, and began to unpack all of their gear. Everyone ran up to greet them, and my aunt started to congratulate them. BAM! My sister had the most beautiful rock planted on her finger! SHE HAD JUST BEEN PROPOSED TO! I was in complete disbelief! Eventually, after a couple minutes, it clicked, and I was in tears. So excited for those two! Ends up, the night before, Nate had proposed to her in front of the chapel of WRA where she also went to school and graduated.  

(via)
Where did they meet? The Appalachian Trail!  While hiking two separate trails (The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail), the two converge into one for a couple miles in Vermont. Fate would have it that when those two trails converged, my sister who was hiking the Long Trail, and Nate, who was hiking the Appalachian Trail met each other at the Seth Warner Shelter House! They continued to hike with each other until the trails went their separate ways, and Nate headed off to Mount Katahdin, and my sister went towards Canada. 7 months later, they started emailing, and later on Nate move up to Ohio from Virginia to be with her. Is that not the most adorable story ever?
We celebrated the graduation of my beautiful younger sister on Sunday. She is so fortunate to have been able to clock four years in at that academy, it is something else! We had post graduation cake and fruit, followed by a huge dinner with all of the family, and some frozen yogurt at Lulu's. So many exciting celebrations.

In other news, the new owners closed on our beloved Ohio farm last week. So many memories from growing up on that amazing, one of a kind property! I hope the new family loves it as much as we did! Even though it's been two years since I have lived there, it was very B I T T E R S W E E T.

My Closet Staples

As I was getting dressed the other day I realized that I have some S E R I O U S favorites in my closet that I incorporate into my everyday outfits pretty regularly. In fact, I don't think I know how to build an outfit without these 10 items! Luckily my closet is on the smaller side, which doesn't allow for a lot of "extras" that end up getting pushed to the back or buried under piles. What I have hangs right in front of me, or folded in a bureau close by and I'm well aware of each and every piece of clothing I own (I do have a bin that I alternate winter/summer clothes). 

I tend to stick to the classics that will grow with my style, can be coordinated with a handful of different outfits, and will be around for a long time. I am not a clothes hoarder, in fact my new rule is "one thing in, one thing out". So whether I donate or sell it, I try to lighten the load before I add more to it! These versatile staples are the foundation to my closet and get used A L O T... makes getting dressed every morning so much easier too!

10 Closet Staples

+ little black dress

+ comfortable tee shirt

+ black skinnies

+ chambray top

+ white oxford

+ comfortable shorts

+ all-purpose jeans

+ fitted and fun skirt

+ good set of sandals

+ down filled vest

Here are my staples in action!

Every girl should own a black dress (similar, similar)! It really truly is a piece that you can throw on for any occasion. Dress it up for a formal event, or dress it down for work. 

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If I could call you up right now and tell you how comfortable and flattering this Vince tee is, I would! I have never owned a more comfortable tee before in my life! The color block is fun, and hits you in all the right places (I'm wearing a medium). I honestly can't believe I haven't purchase another one yet! Also, those skinnies I'm wearing are glued onto my body 24/7/365. If I had it my way, I would probably never take them off, ever. I've worn them in so well! (:

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I found this chambray top a couple of years ago at Maurice's (similar, similar, similar) and wear it all of the time. In fact, I'm wearing it right now as I type this post. It's very breathable and another great piece to dress up or down - I wear this skinnies/chambray outfit into the office all of the time! This is also my favorite "plane wearing" outfit (if that's a thing?), It keeps me so warm, and again... extremely comfortable!

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I own way too many of these oxfords. Every time I'm in RL, I end up picking out another and another and they all get plenty of use! My favorite thus far is the classic white oxford (I'm wearing size 2, and it's starting to get a little snug on the shoulders). I mentioned these boardwalk shorts (similar) from J. Crew on here before, and I think they're worth mentioning again. I love the pattern and color, and even though they're bright and bold, I've been able to pair them with a handful of grey, white, and black tops! Love my neutrals! Oh! and they have pockets!! (I'm wearing size 2).

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I bought these jeans (skinny version) from the outlets in North Conway this past winter and lurve with a capital URVE them. I needed a comfortable pair that weren't skinnies that I could slip on and off easily. Oh look, there's that white oxford making another appearance (; Those Tory Burch Thora sandals (my most recent purchase) are a new addiction for me.

+++++

I can't say enough good things about this oxford, can I? Dressing it up with my favorite seersucker skirt (similar) from Ann Taylor. This skirt is so flattering, and is the perfect length for me. Another favorite that usually finds it's way into an outfit a couple times a month!

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Last but not least, I cannot stress the need for a good down filled puffer vest (similar). These vests go with me everywhere for all seasons. I probably own three? Maybe it's from the ever changing Boston weather, but you NEVER know when it's going to be a tad overcast, or a deceiving sea breeze sneaks by. The other day it went from 79º to 59º in a matter of hours? I wore these almost everyday in the winter, and now I keep one in my bag just in case. I wore one today and it's 65º ! Granted, when it's in the 80's and 90's, I usually leave it at home ;) J. Crew no longer carries this exact one, but there are certainly other great ones out there!
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What are YOUR closet staples? Do you carry a puffer vest around with you everywhere too because of crazy Boston/Northeastern weather!? Please share so I can go buy them and add them to my collection! (:

Aveda

In an effort to have a more streamlined hair care routine with products that work for me, I have recently started to switch over to a handful of Aveda products. I've always known of Aveda, however I never started to use them on myself until I was gifted a few items from my sister. Now that I have had the opportunity to try some out, and have positive results I wanted to share some of my new favorite plant derived products with you!

What I'm currently using:

• I use their damage remedy right after I get out of the shower to help detangle the mess that is my hair. I always apply a quarter sized amount on my damp hair, and then comb through it. This helps protect my hair from heat styling from my flat iron and blowdryer.

• My hair does not hold a curl, nor will it ever, however a bottle of the smooth infusion naturally straight was gifted to me and I have used it a few times. I usually towel dry my hair and then apply this in sections right before I style/blow dry it. Even though my hair is naturally straight as it is, I noticed that when I use this, it leaves my hair very soft and it doesn't crimp as easily.

• My most recent Aveda purchase was the air control hair spray. I love that it is a dry delivery, and does not leave your hair looking stiff, crispy, or crunchy. It holds fly aways down really well, and doesn't feel heavy on your hair. My only complaint would be the smell. I know that Aveda has a very distinct natural and plant like aroma to their products, however L told me the other day that I smelled like his dad and now whenever I catch a wiff, I can kind of smell what he's talking about. If it's any consolation, I did ask my boss what her thoughts were and she said she liked it, and loved the smell of Aveda, so maybe it's just L getting to me.

What I'm interested in:

• I bounce back and forth between shampoos and conditioners and have yet to settle on one that I really, really love. In an effort to wash my hair less, I've been using Schwarzkopf's silver shampoo every couple of days to help keep my blonde locks, blonde! Honestly, any purple shampoo will work, however I do have my eye on Aveda's blue malva shampoo.

• I've heard that their volumizing tonic does wonders when you spray it on your roots (when your hair is damp) and then blow it, leaving your hair with more volume and some shine!

• Phomollient styling foam is another great product that helps to bring more volume to your hair. Again, this is to be applied to damp hair to help give it more body when you blow it out.

• I currently have a damaging spray that I really like, but when I run out I'm going to give the brilliant damage control spray a go. I've been getting much better with exposing my hair less to thermal damage, however it never hurts to have a good spray on hand! 

What are your favorite Aveda products?

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

four.

Jumping in and partaking in the "four" post that has been floating around. With a handful of new followers, I thought it would be fun to reintroduce myself! Please do the same, so I can get to know you too! (:

four nicknames:

1. kay - I guess I only have one?
2. -
3. -
4. -

four jobs I've had:

1. real estate agent
2. bartender
3. lifeguard
4. sandwich artist (my glory days)

four movies i've watched more than once:

1. ermmm lifetime movies? I'm an addict. 
2. the town
3. the great gatsby
4. law abiding citizen

four things in my purse wristlet:

1. old hotel key cards to bar harbor & north conway (they're so pretty, and make me so happy)
2. student i.d. - you would be amazed by the amount of places that offer a student discount!
3. advil - I am the queen of headaches
4. 10+ unneeded and unnecessary keys

four places I've lived:

1. - boston
2. - southern maine
3. - middle of a corn field, ohio
4. - southern new hampshire

four favorite drinks:

1. water
2. chocolate milk
3. baybreeze
4. rum & cran

four of my favorite foods:

1. - mexican food!!
2. - tortellini (L'Osteria in the north end has the best!)
3. - breakfast foods; eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, etc!
4. - pizza

top four places i've traveled:

1. - bar harbor (read more about that breathtaking trip here!)
2. - dominican republic (here)
3. - holland
4. - the caribbean

four favorite places to shop:

1. - j. crew
2. - l.l. bean
3. - target
4. - t.j. maxx/homegoods

four places i'd like to travel:

1. - hawaii
2. - alaska
3. - all over the country (this is the map i'll be following)
4. - somewhere tropical

four tv shows i'm currently watching:

1. - grey's anatomy (i know, i know... 11 years and still faithful)
2. - scandal
3. - american crime
4. - flip or flop

four things i'm looking forward to in the next year:

1. - doing everything and all things boston. 
2. - figuring out where our next home will be.
3. - graduating! finally, my bachelor of science in biology!
4. - taking a much needed celebratory trip with L!

What a fun list to write up! Have you done one? If so, comment your link!

today...

• I desperately need to buy a new set of pajamas. I'm still wearing my buffalo check Christmas ones and they're going to lose their Christmas cheer if I keep it up any longer. I'm looking into a nice classic set like these, these or these!

• I was looking at our living room earlier and decided that it needed some more "spring" color incorporated into it. I ran out and bought the beautiful orchid pictured above, and have my eyes on these cute watercolor floral pillow covers and these stained glass covers from West Elm! What do you think!? I would love to put some more purple, blue, and green in that room. 

• Have you ever heard of Packed Party before? It's a site where you can send and receive themed party packages. What a genius idea for when you need a quick gift for someone! They have mother's days ones!

• This is going to be one of my next organizing projects. Everything she touches always ends up looking so clean, fresh and welcoming. I want her skills!  

• I'm also convincing myself that I need a GiGi New York something! I keep seeing them pop up all over blogland and want to know which one YOU prefer!? The Madison Crossover, or the Uber Clutch?

Happy Weekend!