Friday, January 31, 2014

FASHION FRIDAY: CHECK

I've had this checkered jacket in my closet for a couple of years now from one of my favorite New Jersey boutiques called Nirvana.  I just love how it's the perfect piece to throw on as either a coat or even to layer under a coat for the really cold winter days.  We took these pictures a couple of weekends ago when we went to check out the beach to see how things were going in the "off season"...amazingly, despite the cold, it was pretty busy!  I love the beach in any kind of weather- it just feels so good to see sand and hear waves crash.  Happy Friday jet setters...have a great weekend!



Coat:Nirvana (old similar here)
Sweater: Banana Republic (old similar here)
T-Shirt: American Apparel
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Ugg
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Hat: Target
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Bag: Prada

Thursday, January 30, 2014

SWEET SARATOGA

Saratoga Springs has a sweet spot in my heart and always will...I went to college in this adorable upstate New York town!  When we were up in Lake George for New Year's we decided to make a day trip to Saratoga to show my alma mater to the kids, and to revisit some of my old stomping grounds.  There's so much to do in Saratoga Springs, New York from shopping to fine dining to spas and of course the famous racetrack.  I blogged about a perfect weekend in Saratoga here.  If you haven't been to Saratoga definitely check it out, and even if you've been, it's worth checking out again!






Wednesday, January 29, 2014

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: FEELING DOTTIE

I really do love polka dot prints on fashion pieces- I think they are a lot of fun!  That is why when I was in H&M last week and I saw this top for under $20, I had to get it.  I paired it with polka dot pants (haha!) but I also think it will look great tucked into a skirt, or with jeans.



Top: H&M (can't find online, but just purchased in store so check your local H&M)
Pants: Old Navy (old similar here)
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Monday, January 27, 2014

TURTLEBACK, IRONBOUND AND COCO BEANS

I know, I know, by the name of this post, you may be thinking, what is she talking about?  Well, as I said on Friday, today's post is going to be about some fun activities to do with kids in New Jersey and a new restaurant we checked out in the Ironbound section of Newark.  The first place I want to tell you about is the Turtleback Zoo in West Orange.  
I mean, seriously, this zoo is a pretty good size, has a lot of animal exhibits, and the best part is many of the animals are outside behind invisible fences (just like the San Diego Zoo), so you can get very close to them.  We went a couple of weekends ago, not really having high expectations, but we figured why not check out a new place with the kids- and we were so glad we did!  Unfortunately, it was really freezing the day we went so we quickly checked out as much as we could, but said we'll definitely go back when the weather gets warmer.  We saw a ton of animals- everything from a red panda, to lions and leopards, to wolves, lamas, horses, you name it!  


 Afterwards, we were hungry, and since we were close to Newark, we figured why not go to the Ironbound for some good Portuguese food.  I've blogged about the Ironbound before here and here, and even wrote about wanting to check out the place we went to eat called Fernandes Steak House...how funny is that?!? The ambiance was really nice inside, and most importantly, the steak and wine was great! 



The other place that is good for young kids is Coco Beans Play Cafe in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Basically the concept is that it's a play area for kids with a cafe, and the adults can sip lattes, coffees and teas in the play area while the kids run around and have a good time.  How great is that?  Most places say "no food or drink on the play area floor," but this place essentially encourages it!  (Note: only adults can drink on the floor, no food, and all drinks come in cups with lids).  The place is clean, has lots to offer in terms of toys, a dress up area, classes ranging from yoga to zumba, and a lot more!  It reminds me of something you would find in California...I was very impressed!






Friday, January 24, 2014

FASHION FRIDAY: GO WILD!

Last weekend, we took the kids to a zoo we had never been to before (more coming up on that Monday, along with other fun kids activities, and where we ate).  Anyway, I contemplated whether or not I should wear this sweatshirt (part of me thinking it was cute and went with the theme, the other part of me wondering if the animals would want to chase me...haha)!  Well, I figured why not "go wild," and I went with it!  It was so cold that day, and since a lot of the animal exhibits are outside, I layered up with some accessories I picked up this winter, but haven't broken out yet.  What are you all up to this weekend?  Today is my son Brody's 1st birthday (sniff sniff)...can't believe he's one already, where does the time go?  Needless to say, we'll be partying it up for him this weekend!  Happy Friday jet setters!







Sweatshirt: H&M (similar here)
Turtleneck: H&M (similar here)
Jeans: LOFT
Scarf: Forever 21 (similar here)
Gloves: Zara
Coat: DKNY (similar here)
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors (solt out but available here on ebay)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

JET SET NAUTICAL

Old man winter really gave us a lot of snow in New York and New Jersey this week, and so I am dreaming about warmer weather and all things nautical.  After yesterday's post where I wore a nautical looking striped dress, I figured I would continue with that trend and highlight some of the new stuff from Stella & Dot's spring collection. (Remember, I'm a stylist for Stella & Dot, so feel free to ask me about any pieces that you like).  The bracelet, scarf and bag are all from Stella & Dot, and I think they are great pieces to use now and into spring.  Each piece in this set is under $100, and some is under $50.  The trick is to wear something nautical in the winter, and keep your fingers crossed that it will get warmer fast!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: CLASSIC STRIPES

Last weekend I went to a girlfriend's baby shower at Mitch & Toni's and this is what I wore.  I picked up this fit and flare dress at the GAP recently after I was drawn to the figure flattering cut of it, the classic stripe pattern, the 3/4 length sleeves and pockets!  I always love pairing the colors blue, white and red- it's classic and timeless- so that's why I added the belt and the bag.  I also think this dress will be good for spring (sans tights and with strappy sandals).





Coat: Anthropologie (old similar here or here)
Dress: GAP
Belt: J Crew Factory (similar here)
Boots: Dolce Vita
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

PASCAL & SABINE

After yesterday's post about Asbury Park being one of the 50 spots, 50 states to visit according to CNN.com, I figured I might as well tell you all about a great new restaurant in AP that we checked out last weekend- Pascal & Sabine.
This place is owned by the same people who own PORTA which I blogged about here.  Well, Pascal & Sabine is just awesome in its own way!  This place is sure to be the new shining star in this Jersey Shore town.  It's a European brasserie that is classy, elegant, eclectic, and it really rivals many of great top restaurants you find in New York City!  We visited on a Sunday for brunch, and while the French menu was limited to mostly egg items, duck confit and a burger and fries, it was perfectly sufficient for us.
We went with the boys and my in-laws and we all started out with an Americano coffee and one of their freshly baked chocolate croissants.  OMG!!!  This thing came right out of the oven, and the chocolate was oozing out and the flaky dough just melted in your mouth!
 We then all ordered the burger and fries.  The burger comes with gruyere cheese (LOVE) and the fries are triple fried in duck fat (yeah, bad for the thighs, but such great taste, it's worth all of the calories).  This may be our new spot when we want to eat in Asbury!

Bottom Line: Pascal & Sabine is another reason why "It's Happening" in Asbury Park!

WHERE: 601 Bangs Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Monday, January 20, 2014

ASBURY PARK-ONE OF 50 PLACES TO SEE IN 2014

As you probably already know, I am a huge fan of the Jersey Shore, and especially love the town of Asbury Park!  So, you can imagine my happiness when CNN.com posted its 50 states, 50 spots for 2014 and Asbury Park was one of them!  If you haven't checked out Asbury Park, then my question is...what are you waiting for?  There are so many great Zagat rated restaurants, cute coffee shops and boutiques.  Asbury Park is really happening!
After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the Seaside Park and Seaside Heights boardwalk fire last year, the communities of the Jersey Shore were determined to rebuild.  Head to Asbury Park, made famous by a Bruce Springsteen album, with its famous boardwalk (shown here).  It has an incredible Silverball Pinball Museum Arcade (with machines dating to 1931) and plenty to eat.