The Cool Casa

My self-professed design junkie friend Denise has an oh so cool blog on all things interior design called The Cool Casa. In addition to featuring cool products and design resources, Denise also shares some of her great thrift store finds, some of which are now available in her new etsy shop. Looking for something specific? Just let her know and she'll try to hunt it down for you.

Lobster Love

Joanna's post today reminded me that there was an upside to my failed McQueen attempt 2 weeks back: an amazing lobster lunch at Luke's Lobster in the East Village. It was a happy accident because we were headed to Caracas Arepa Bar but the wait was too long. I wasn't even aware of all the lobster roll hype (in fact, I thought my comadre was referring to sushi when she asked if I wanted a lobster roll), but I kid you not, these things are DELICIOUS! I don't even think we stopped to take a breath other than to repeatedly share how delicious the rolls where.

A little weekend inspiration...

I started a blog for moms and little ones called Little Skyline...check it out 

The coolest cupcake stand ever (it involves vintage records)

Flan cupcakes, coquito cupcakes, tres leches cupcakes...enough said!

I love this lipstick color and this one

A new literary Pandora

Alt Latino's reinterpretations

Pretty Picture

via Refinery29

Ruschmeyer's

The breakfast scene at Ruschmeyer's in Montauk.

Currently Loving...

Everything about LemLem's Fall campaign...gorgeous!

The simplicity of this Love Knot ring.

This nursery with a Slim Aarons mural...I want to sleep there! (via Simple Lovely)

This spectacular bathroom...my dream bathroom (via Design Sponge and it has a stand up shower)

Savage Beauty

My attempt to see the Savage Beauty exhibit on Friday morning was unsuccessful. We waited outside in the blaring sun only to learn that the exhibit line was shut down for several hours. I've been super bummed since. Luckily, Garance posted several stunning shots on her website. 

Pretty Pictures

I just love how Anthropologie styled this Brook&Lyn necklace. It makes for a really pretty picture.

And as usual, their newest catalog is chock full of pretty. 

Madewell Fall 2011

 
                                                                                                                
Boots, scarves, layering...Madewell is making me seriously crave Fall.

El Mercado

The creative force behind Scout & Catalogue is back from Mexico City with a bunch of goodies that will be available for sale today at noon ET in the brand's first over online market. El Mercado will also feature a few limited edition S&C pieces. I'm counting down the minutes! Check out the S&C blog for amazing pictures of the trip.  

A little weekend inspiration...


The art of breakfast


A smart travel resource 


Eat your peas


The modern picnic 


Pretty cool furniture finds in NY

Tie-Dye

Ever since I first laid eyes on an Upstate wrap I knew I would fall hard for all things blue tie-dye. I still covet the wrap, but in the meantime, am seriously considering these. 


More on the Upstate ladies at Of a Kind.

Upstate wrap

 Scout & Catalogue clutch via Pretty Mommy

 Kelly Wearstler Resort 2012 via Refinery29

 Monki leggings via Chictopia

Dekalb Market

Brooklyn's newest outdoor market, Dekalb Market, is sustainable (shipping containers and farms!), local (both independent retailers and artisans) and downright cool. And best of all, lots and lots of food vendors. Check out Bklynography for more pictures and details.

 

Feather Crown

This pretty lady will inhabit my home soon. I can't wait till she arrives.

Here she is styled with Clare Vivier's lovely Le Trop. 

via 

Cool Weekend

Unbearable. That's all I can say about this heat. I can't breathe. It's impossible to stay cool. Staring at these beautiful caftans and tunics from Two helps. Well, not really, but they're gorgeous. And I love the story behind the brand.

We're off to Tarrytown tomorrow to catch Laurie Berkner, and were hoping to spend time checking out local shops and attractions, but considering the heatwave will continue through tomorrow, I'm not so sure we'll see anything other than the inside of the venue and a restaurant. We'll have to try to head up again in the Fall.

And Tenafly is hosting its Summer Street Festival this weekend, but again, who can stand the heat?!

Hope you stay cool. Here are some fun things to check out from around the web...

Keep cool with these easy to make summer cocktails

The lovely Liz rounded up 10 great ways to reuse mason jars 

Some inspiration from the Ikea 2012 catalog

Jules and I love this California roll in a bowl recipe 

Follow a young chef through her kitchen adventures in New York, Hanoi, Tel Aviv and Paris

The awesome Miranda July hosts a multimedia evening inspired by her new book

Sunday family dinners

On Sunday, Jules and I were treated to an impromptu family dinner at my aunt's house. Something we used to do all the time when I was growing up, but is now reserved for the holidays. It was nice to just kick back all afternoon with loved ones, and then share laughs over a good meal. Normally, my Sunday evenings are spent getting ready for the work/school week (and trying to get it done before my Sunday night shows). But this little get-together reminded me that it's okay to let things go every now and again. That I need to make more time for things that really matter. And that weekends should not be cut short! Now I just need to figure out when the laundry is going to get done.

And I'm making it a point to bring back Sunday brunch with the girls and kiddies. A tradition we start at the beginning of every year, but can never seem to keep going past Spring.

 images via Sunday Suppers