Memorial day is one of the best holidays because not only do we get to honor those who protect and serve this great nation, but also by default it's casual, laid-back, and (hopefully) sun soaked. I love any excuse to wear jean shorts and sneakers for multiple days in a row (don't judge). 

Cable Sweater  // Shorts // Clutch // Sneakers

Instead of bringing your normal batch of Jello shots to your parties try these fancy schmancy adult versions! (and if you don't typically bring Jello shots to parties you should definitely start)

Photo:Joy the Baker

SHOT BITES!!! RECIPE HERE! 

Ever since we tied the knot I've received several inquires about how I got in shape for the wedding, so rather than continue to respond individually I am going to lay it all out here to be taken as just one point of view/ one option of many to try out there. The first thing I would say is that between working a very demanding job, pulling together wedding plans, and carrying on with everyday life (and living with a boy with the fastest metabolism in the world)...working out and eating right ain't easy. The second thing I'd say is that everyone is different and what worked for me might not be right for you so... you do you! 

Wedding Workout: 

• I am a naturally muscular person so I tend to stay away from some of the aggressive strength classes at the gym and look for options that tone and lengthen. I was turned on to barre classes back when I lived in NYC, but didn't really truly appreciate them and see how wonderful they can be until I discovered Exhale Spa and Pure Barre. These classes completely transformed my frame and I seemed to just shrink and tone in places I never thought possible. I tired to go to barre classes three times a week in the two months leading up to the wedding. 
• I'm not a runner. This seems strange coming from someone who used to be a pretty darn obsessed trackster back in the day, but I think I just ran myself sick of running. However, because of this I often miss out on some essential cardio. For someone who hates running and cardio... in order for me to pick-up the pace and push myself I need something just shy of a drill Sargent screaming in my ear... enter Barry's Bootcamp. They will kick your butt. 

1. Exhale Spa // 2. Barry's Bootcamp // 3. Pure Barre

So that's it! No big secrets here! And if you're ever at the Exhale Back Bay or Pure Barre in Burlington keep an eye out for me! I'm still addicted so have been trying to continue to go on a regular basis. The no drinking and eating right thing however has gone completely out the window... 

XOX

I spent the weekend in Austin celebrating up a storm with some great friends and one bachelorette (also a great friend). I can't believe I'm saying this as Boston weather has been a little rough this spring, but the weather was worse in Austin than it was in Boston! We timed the trip perfectly with the one major storm Austin will have all spring (maybe an exaggeration). The rain was a bummer, but it didn't stop us from having a great time. 

The perfect peek-a-booties// Stuart Weitzman
Comfy travel gear // Sneaks: Vans // Jeans: J Brand //Jacket: J.Crew// Bucket Bag: Loeffler Randall
Photos via instagram @champagneandpeanuts

We stumbled upon the "I love you so much" wall... and I loved it so much I forgot to take a picture, so I  borrowed one from here

Perlas// Delicious Seafood 

Salt Lick BBQ//Vegetarians beware... there is a lot of meat in Texas... and we enjoyed it thoroughly 

Jo's//Totally Adorbs.com coffee joint... The perfect ending to a great weekend.  
("Adorbs.com" has been licensed from and properly attributed to Jenny M. and Allison E.)

There are so many fun things to do and see in Austin that we didn't quite have time for, which is just the perfect excuse for another trip to Texas... or to move there permanently. 

XOX

We journeyed across the Charles last Saturday for dinner and it left me wondering why we haven't been doing this more often. In theory Cambridge just seems so far.... well it's not. And while I love all that Boston has to offer, Cambridge is jumping! 

We had an absolutely delicious and lovely time at Puritan & Company. Everything from the eclectic decor to the oyster bar in the back had me drooling, and the food did not disappoint. The wild mushroom + farm egg was gone the second it hit the table and the pork schnitzel was killer.

We had to make some tough decisions as there were just too many delicious looking things to choose from! A few things on our list to try for next time: 
1) Swordfish Pastrami 
2) Thaw in the Straw Cocktail 
3) Brunch

Puritan & Company 
1166 Cambridge St.
Cambridge

XOX

Is it Sunday already? How do these weekends fly by so quickly? As I've started to capture and document all the fun things I'm able to squeeze in over the weekend, I am realizing that my plans seem to revolve around where I'm getting my next meal. Honestly I wouldn't have it any other way :) 

1. Saturday workout // Barry's Bootcamp 
2. Saturday lunching // Douzo 
3. Surprise Snow Storm #love 
4. Sunday Java Crush // Flour  #addict
5. 7. 8.  Sunday lunching // Tremont 647. I love this brunch even though the PJ's totally creep me out. 
6. Sunday Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup // Recipe borrowed from THIS adorable blogger  

In my opinion this whole Hurcules storm thing is the ideal way to kick-off the new year and keep that holiday feeling alive. I'm all comfy cozy working from my apartment today and it's been a shockingly productive day.  

I've also had about 5 cups of tea and 3 cups of coffee but who's counting? The people over at Flour are starting to joke that I'll starve if they close early due to this storm because I've been in there a total of 4 times already today... don't judge. It's so close and so delicious. The Moroccan Mint tea is my favorite. 

So how were your holidays? I just got back from a week in Vail with the family and it was just such a blast. It's seriously heaven (see photo). I won't give you all the gory details, but what I will give you is the #1 highlight which was NYE dinner at Game Creek Restaurant. It. Was. Awesome. If you are headed to Vail in the near future it is a must do. You take the gondola out of Lion's Head and then once at Eagle's Nest you get on a SNOW CAT which takes you into Game Creek bowl to this gorgeous chalet where food heaven awaits. Hint: While the entire menu is stellar, the lamb is extraordinary. 

Don't worry, we didn't gorge ourselves at 5 star restaurants the entire time, each "couple" in my family took a turn cooking everyone dinner at the house. My fiance and I made our staple meal, enchillacos, which would be perfect on a snowy day like today! 

Crock-Pot Enchillacos: 

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 lb)
  
• 1 can College Inn chicken broth (low sodium if available) 
  
• 2 jars tomatillo salsa or sauce (I like the brands Frontera and Mrs. Renfros... I usually use one of each) 
  
• 1 diced red pepper 
  
• 1 diced green pepper 
  
• 1 diced onion (red or white) 
  
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
  
• Sliced Avocado 
  
• Tortillas (I like Joseph's low carb tortillas) 
  

Place chicken breasts in crock-pot and pour in chicken broth until chicken is just covered. Cook on Low for 3 hours. Drain out broth and shred chicken using two forks. Add tomatillo sauce, diced peppers, and diced onion. Cook on low for 2 hours. Stir and then pour a layer of Shredded cheese on top, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes. Warm tortillas and fill with enchillacos. Add avocado as a garnish and roll.