Happy Birthday!

My brother Daniel's birthday always occurs during Chatham week. This year was his 16th and we all celebrated with cake! I wish we could have made it, but we bought it out of laziness. But this year, I got to write on it, instead of having someone else do it. I hate to admit it, but after writing on his cake with frosting, I find it unforgivable that professionals do it poorly in some stores. It was first time ever writing on a cake, and although it wasn't perfect in the slightest, it also wasn't the most horrible job ever done. So if Daniel's cake didn't come out very nicely but it was my first time, there is no excuse for the seasoned professionals. But the cake itself was great, so I'll let it go. :)

A not-so-great job, but a fun time nonetheless. 

xxE

Chatham - Food Part III

What is a vacation that consists of Japanese-food loving families and talented cooks without sushi?

Smoked salmon, squid, shrimp

Mackerel, squid with roe and a random block of brie

My plate - Yummy, so colorful!

xxE

Chatham - Food Part II

Cheese. I. Love. Cheese.

Aside from being served amazing meals every day, the constant plates of cheese and fruits are what kill me. I have to physically remove myself from the counter in order to stop myself from touching the cheese. No, seriously, it really is my kryptonite.

Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie & Others  with fresh cherries, peaches, crackers 

A delicious soft and creamy cheese that I wish I knew the name of

The making of Bruschetta

Toasted Tuscane pane with fresh Bruschetta 

Getting cheese-crazy just looking at the pictures. 

xxE

Chatham - Food Part I

Similar to what I mentioned in the previous post, my family, along with several other families are currently taking our annual Cape Cod vacation! Honestly, one of the best parts about this fun-filled week is the food. We all eat delicious food inspired by Japanese cuisine at home, but when we're in Chatham, there is no holding back. Utter deliciousness.

Fresh fish, caught that day by one of the dads, right out of the oven!

Stir-fry of beef, onions and peppers.. YUM.

Vegetable dishes with Seaweed - Potatoes, Tomatoes, Daikon, Radishes, Cucumbers

My plate!

Can you see why this is one of my favorite weeks of the year?

xxE

In Need Of A Vacation

One thing that I look forward to all year long is the annual vacation that my family, along with several others, take for a week in Chatham. We're beyond fortunate to know a family who owns a beautiful house right in front of the beach and we appreciate them so much! :) Thank you! I took some pictures of where I'm staying, it's the epitome of Cape Cod-chic. (Alliteration.. Love.) Also, some photos of the amazing food  we eat during the week will be posted! For the most part, the moms of the trip cook delicious meals that we all eat buffet-style.. Yum!

My bed! Adorable!

The Kitchen area

Pantry Room

Are you jealous.. or are you jealous?

xxE

Retail Therapy...

... Is great when you have money, not so great when you don't. The all-too-familiar itch to shop came at me full force so I was a goner even before I had gotten into the car. It went a lot better than you would think though, I stayed in Nordstrom for two hours contemplating everything in the store but I only really bought a few things, thank god. And I needed all of them too!

Makeup is one thing that I will always spend a lot of money on, my skin doesn't react well to cheaper products. That's not to say that they aren't great though! :)

My Purchases:

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner - For dry and sensitive skin

Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer - For dry and sensitive skin

Dior Iconic Mascara in Noir - AMAZING! More dramatic than Chanel Inimitable, my last one.

And then I bought a top coat (Essie) and hair spray (B&B). I need to stop.

xxE

Monograms.. In or Out?

Obviously this isn't something for everyone, but I find great satisfaction in monogrammed items. I dream of monogrammed stationary, towels, bedding and more. So cute and personal!  But I also know that most of my close friends would never get anything monogrammed. I can't even imagine; they call to me and I need them!

So here are some GORGEOUS monogrammed items, I die:

Monogrammed Stationery - Rifle Paper Co. 

Side note: I came across Rifle Paper Co.  online and I instantly fell in love. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I absolutely adore stationery and can't stop buying paper, cards and stickers. It's like the brand knows exactly where my tastes lie and made the cutest, most perfect items especially pour moi. I NEED EVERYTHING. I've seen a few of their items in Anthropologie, but the website obviously has the full selection! Buy buy buy!

Personalized Stationery - Rifle Paper Co.

Max and Chloe West Avenue Necklace $100.00

Etsy Daninotes iPhone Case $55.00

Lilly Pulitzer Bedding

Lilly Pulitzer Towels

I need them. It's hard to justify $85.00 on 20 cards that have your name on them... but I still can. 

xxE