Weekend Wrap Up...

 What's for dinner this weekend?!

 What I'm reading...

 Slowly but surely the succulent garden is growing.

 International Bando Agenda Day!!!

enjoying a low key weekend...

(images via instagram)

this week's favorites...

This rooftop cottage is basically the playhouse I envisioned as a child. On sale for the first time, this dream space is located on 72 East 1st Street in the East Village and is going for 3.5 million. Well, the cottage comes with the top two floors in this 3000 square foot property, which make the price tag a little more understandable. Very few inside photos have been released of the cottage, I'm just waiting for more. You can follow the real estate agent and like me, hope he posts some pictures soon! 

(images) 

Friday Morning...

Hey everyone, how was your week??! The summer reading program is officially over and while I'm happy to look forward to a quiet and relaxing August, I'm also a little sad. Not everyone was thrilled with the engineering (and S.T.E.A.M.) theme, but luckily for me I had more than enough program ideas to last throughout the entire summer. You can never go wrong with science experiments, art projects or building experimentation. At least I have the next several months worth of science related programs for my tweens. What are your weekend plans? I'm heading to Newport for the annual family reunion and relaxing after a pretty insane five weeks of library activities. See you next week! 

Happy is Healthy

How Websites Have Changed

 Ice Cream Sandwich Taste Test
 

(image)

On the Lookout...

Five Women You Should Be Paying Attention Too: 

Audrey Gelman: Former Political and Public Relations Consultant and Deputy Director of Communications to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. Now, she's the co-founder of the coolest women's club in the states at The Wing in New York City.  

Ruthie Lindsay: One of the most remarkable and inspiring recovery stories I've read in a long time. Every morning I get up and think about everything Ruthie has overcome, when I maybe feeling down or unmotivated with life.

Jen Gotch: The woman behind my favorite retail brand Bando, Jen is one of my heroes. She's inspiring, goofy, honest and unbelievably real.   

Christina Grasso: This one I maybe a little bias since I went to college with her; but Christina's recovery story, her activism and her work ethic inspires me everyday. Also her social media is seriously hysterical.

Lauren B. Lauren: I've been following this lady for years, I've been a huge advocate of her brand/cause FEED. Every year I buy something just so it goes to feeding malnourished children somewhere in the world.  

(1,2,3,4,5)

What Are You Watching?

What have you been watching lately? I took a break from watching television a few months ago as apart of my summer challenge and then after that, I realized there was so much more I could do besides sit down in front of the tv all night. With the lack of sleep from the past few weeks, last weekend I decided to be a little lazy and catch up with a few shows. I can now (mostly) keep up with Game of Thrones conversations since I officially caught this weekend even though I feel confused about so many things and characters. I also binged Silicon Valley in the past few days; seriously one of the best shows ever! And since my guy is watching Gilmore Girls, I figured I could watch one of his favorite shows, Hannibal. I'm also waiting for the last season of Bates Motel to show up on Netflix. What's your favorite show? Do you stream or watch in real time on your television?  

(image)

Summer To Do's

A few things to try out this summer, what are your plans?

Try a new s'more recipe. 

Make a day trip to the beach and hit up the local acquarium. 

Have an early date night at the park. 

Bring back the art of snail mail with finding a summer pen pal. 

Get started knitting your own blanket for the fall. 

Head out to the desert to watch the meteor shower (8/12)

Try a new ice cream recipe.

Start a new television series.

Weekend Wrap Up...

 touching moon jellies...

our anniversary cards to each other 

deal with food, typical.

the perfect day for a stroll along the water...

finished my reading list for the month, trying to

squeeze in one more, what are you reading?

wanted to stay near the jelly tank all day...

(images via instagram)

At the Beach

Needing a beach day in the worst way. I can't believe it's been close to a year since the last time I was at the beach. How's your summer being going? Hopefully it's not as hot as mine!

(1,2,3,4,5)

Friday Morning

Good Morning, how is everyone this week? Mine has been packed, between a few after work events, recording book discussions (we're releasing two podcast episodes this month) I'm looking forward to the weekend, especially this weekend. My boyfriend and I will be celebrating five years of being together, I can still remember where and when it all began. I remember being incredibly nervous walking up to him after work one day to hang out outside the library, the rest is history. I hope you have a lovely weekend, see you all next week! 

 Make the most of your work day.

Geological oddities.

Thoughts while you're running.

(image)

Leading Ladies

Five Things You Should Know About Stevie Nicks: 

1. Both Nicks and her beau Lindsay Buckingham attended San Jose State University, she majored in speech communication and planned to become an English teacher. However she dropped out of college the semester before graduation.

2. She opened for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. 

2. Her addiction to animal crackers is so bad she has to tell people to hide them from her.

3. She's surprisingly a huge Twilight (you know the books by Stephanie Meyers) fan!

4. Stevie has a black-leather massage chair that she bought for a tour in 2003 that travels with her everywhere she goes.

5. Nicks appeared on American Horror Story as a witch version of her own self, so it’s still kind of hard to imagine her not practicing witchcraft.

Weekend Wrap Up...

 workout essentials...

 s'more treats....

 hanging by the pool in this ridiculously hot weather.

 pasta substitute, also my new favorite dish.

loving my sisters ysl lipstick clutch!

(images via instagram)

Friday Morning

This week's plans were to catch up with Game of Thrones, but that didn't happen. The plan was to power through seasons five and six, by the way the ending of season four?! Without spoiling it, I definitely didn't see a particular character dying. Every time I reach the end of a season, I want to give up, what's the point when main players are killed off?! Between work, catching up with reading for book clubs and working on projects outside the library, I've basically been going to sleep right after dinner. How are you? Where have you been traveling? I've been stuck with summer reading program events and activities, which is fun, I just wish there could be a two week hiatus so I can take a break. At least our attendance is through the roof. Weekend plans include trying to bang out the last two seasons of Game of Thrones, so I'm ready for Sunday night and cooking up a few new dishes! What are your weekend plans? 

The Machine Stops 

 Your Architecture Fix

 

The History of Gaming Iconic Sounds

(image)

Life Lately

Last month I picked up this book thinking what a great cover, little did I know it would become my adult version of Eat, Pray, Love. And I only say that because I was introduced to Liz Gilbert's book as sophomore in high school. My copy of Material Girl, Mystical World is already dogeared and filled with post-its! What are you reading? 

When I got back from Europe, I went through Madeline phase and came across this collectible item. As I started searching deeper, I found a treasure trove of storybook characters and found another childhood favorite. 

Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm a Kate Spade addict. I own everything from stationary to books, plates, mugs and bags. These mugs are everything and I pretty much transport them from work to home on the regular! 

When I'm searching for new beats to listen too, I turn to Sarah Tolzmann. We speak the same language when it comes to music :)

If you were a fan of The Toast and own your copy of Texts from Jane Eyre, then you need to check out Mallory's latest endeavor, Dear Prudence. A somewhat new podcast that I've just been introduced too. I think you'll be pretty happy with this podcast. 

When it comes to Mexican Food, nowhere in the desert beats Taqueria Sinaloense. Whenever you're in Palm Desert just look for this small hole in wall place. I've been eating here for years, literally nothing compares to the authentic food and the incredibly sweet staff at this restaurant. 

I started paying attention to H&M bralettes a few weeks ago and now I want them all! 

A highlighter and gel cream that is a must for dewy healthy looking skin. 

My cousin got me on this ice cream months ago, I don't feel so bad indulging in this soy goodness! 

 

What is Self Love

I'm reading this book right now that I'm seriously having an affair with. I have always been drawn to books about self love but don't necessarily like to admit it. It's selfish and slightly frowned upon. But how can you give and share love if you have issues with yourself. This book explores identity through many ways but the overarching theme is about taking care of yourself and being happy in your own skin. It teaches and encourages the reader to understand that flaws and imperfections are apart of being human and individuality is more important than striving to be that perfect person, whatever that means. And that's something I really struggle with. So when it comes to self love and treating yourself, what does that mean to you? Does it mean, you've worked hard and deserve that fancy purse you've been eyeing for the past few years. Does it mean indulging yourself with your favorite sweets or does it mean you seriously can't wait to get home and get in the bath for twenty quiet minutes? In the last year, I've become an even more voracious reader than I have been in the last ten years and I finally went for it and subscribed to The New York Times. I get my first paper in a few days and I can't wait to fall between the couch cushions and get cozy with the arts and leisure section. 

(image unknown)

5 Things In My Fridge

Five Things I Always Keep in My Fridge: 

I use lemon in just about everything from seasoning chicken and fish to pasta, I add lemon whenever a recipes allows for it. I also add lemon to water and teas for extra flavor!

When it comes to drinks, it's pretty much water, tea or alcohol. When water gets a little too boring, add fruit or herbs to it, my favorite additives are mint and lemon. It's really refreshing!

Asian is probably my favorite cuisine and since I'm constantly in a hurry, I always make sure to have these around. To eat alone or heat them up and add them to a stir-fry, they are a staple in my dinner plans during the week.

Since I'm not really a big meat eater, I stick to chicken and eggs for my protein intake. I basically cannot live without this rosemary chicken. Mix it in a salad or pair it with veggies or a pasta dish, it's always a hit.

When it comes to my sweet tooth, I always crave a little something after dinner. I don't feel too guilty when I indulge in this cherry chocolate chip soy ice cream. 

(image)

Weekend Wrap Up...

 view from the top; wouldn't mind moving to this exact spot.

 hey girl, hey...

 the cutest mother, daughter, sister dance!

 how to choose the props for this photo op. 

only our favorite place to eat on the planet.

(images via instagram)

Friday Morning...

Hopefully you had a fun and safe Fourth of July, I'm happy this week was kind of a long and slow one because there was so much I needed to catch up on with work. I'm looking forward to our last few weeks of the summer reading program; we have projects that include marblized paint with shaving cream, do it yourself lava lamps, trying to blow a bubble within a bubble and building launch pads and other totally fun and wacky projects. I'm heading to Santa Barbara to celebrate the wedding of one of my dearest and oldest friends. What are your plans for the weekend? 

How to Find Your Personal Style

Traveling Solo

How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Dress

(image)

The Librarian Suggests

I have to say I'm on a roll with my book list this year and I'm also pretty sure I will reach my end of the year goal of sixty five books. I'm more than half way through, (which I thought I'd hit in August,) so I'm way ahead of schedule which means I can sneak in a few more kids books that I've been wanting to read. I packed in another five/six books in the last five weeks and they were all excellent picks. I blew through One Day We Will All Be Dead And None Of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul. Hilarious and literally on point about the life of our generation. An eloquent and fast paced book of essays, it is a must for every millennial girl. And if my one sentence review doesn't sell you, hopefully this excerpt from a piece about a fitting room disaster will, because who hasn't been there! Since I was listening to the unabridged version of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, I needed a few quick reads; despite their less than two hundred page length, Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall and Y is for Yorick by Jennifer Adams were excellent choices to read in a night while getting ready to go to bed. I should say I came across both of these books because these women run the world when it comes to illustrating children's books. When I found out they dabbled in adult fiction, I couldn't pass up what they had written. I've actually owned both books for quite awhile, so it was really a no brainer when I was looking through my book shelves for small books. Missed Connections, is a wonderfully illustrated book of just that. Tales of two people locking eyes on the subway in New York and never asking each other out, peering over books at each other in the library to other beautifully written missed connections. If you're a romantic, this book is for you. And Y is for Yorick, is an illustrated Shakespearan alphabet of characters and themes of Shakespeare work. For the obsessed and not so obsessed, this pocket book (books that can easily fit in my purse) of quick facts and reference is perfect if you want to impress your English Lit friends.

I'm always excited to talk about what we're reading in the tween book club, between my own choices and what the kids want to read, it is mostly a combination of classic children's literature, series and new books. We just read The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann and I have to say, this is one book I have been looking forward to reading the most in this summer's book club. A combination of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, it is one fantastically woven tale of battles, twins with powers and the arts versus practicality. If the world Lisa McMann created was real, I would definitely want to be an Unwanted! With seven books in the series, four of my kids are already reading the third and fourth books. I finally read The Night Circus, well actually I listened to it. Surprised to hear Jim Dale as the narrator, it took a little time getting use to his voice without thinking about Harry Potter (he is famously known for narrating the Harry Potter books). A beautiful and enchanting tale of magic, circus life, a forbidden love story with twist of ghostly fun, Erin Morgenstern is incredibly detailed with her narrative and creates the most wonderful world with The Night Circus! Tell me what's on your reading list?

(image)

Things I'm Into This Week...

If you didn't know that I was a nerd already, I've come across this website twice in the last couple weeks because of books I've read or for researching purposes to expand the juvenile geography collection we have here at the library. Needless to say, it may or may not be a surprise that I became a member.

I've been a long time follower of  31 Bits, I love what they stand for! When I started following Dallas Shaw's career seven years ago, she was wearing earrings that I had to have and I eventually wound up on what was then just a jewelry brand. I haven't purchased anything in awhile and when I saw the latest bag collection which launched earlier this summer, I had to get myself a straw bag.

I came across Overdue, at least two years ago. I'm pretty sure I was looking for bookish podcasts but I never listened to it because my my list of shows was growing and I couldn't (and still can't) keep up with everything on my list. For whatever reason, I started listening to them a few months ago and I cannot stop. I seriously wish I were friends with these guys. Seriously the best episode is their conversation on the movie, Hook.

I started reading this book of essays at last month's Silent Book Club and I couldn't wait so I finished it later that evening. This essay is everything! A beautiful writer, a hilarious twitter feed, this girl is basically the voice of my generation. Move on over Lena Dunham, Scaachi is my girl!!! 

You should just go ahead and subscribe to Anne Shocket's Badass Babes newsletter!

Weekend Wrap Up...

 weekends now include spending half the 

day in home depot getting plants for our patio.

 the author basically wrote this for me...

 staples for a weekend trip...

 wanting to cuddle with this one all weekend.

summer attire includes straw bags :)

(images via instagram)