{party inspiration: love hangover brunch}

Valentine's conveniently falls on a Friday this year which is great for those brave enough to venture out into the battlefield of restaurant reservations battles and fixed price menus, but it also allows the opportunity for a fun day after party on Saturday!!  While we usually celebrate Valentine's with an intimate home-cooked dinner, I have always thought it would be fun to host a big Valentine's party for all our friends.  If we were home I would definitely be throwing a boozy day after brunch complete with red/pink/purple decor, brightly colored flowers, an overflowing bloody mary bar, and a DIY waffle bar.  This party would also be the perfect time to make two of my party wishlist items a reality: getting to wear the dream outfit of a glam sequin skirt/white t-shirt and snacking on a cake stand tower of delicious donuts!

Check back next week for a little Valentine's gift guide or browse the one from last year here!

{paris: week five}

Over the past week, we only spent a few days in Paris before heading over to Barcelona for 4 days (more on that trip later this week!).  The night before we flew out I had one of the most delicious and unforgettable dining experiences of my life with our dinner at Chateaubriand.  This unassuming restaurant out in the 11th arrondissement has two seatings a night both with one fixed menu for 60euro and extensive yet affordable wine list.  If you are ever in Paris, I highly recommend calling ahead to get reservations.  If you aren't convinced that this meal would be worth it simply watch this episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations where he dines there with Eric Ripert and they both practically lose their minds during the meal.  Other than dining at one of the top 20 restaurants in the world, I used the few days before our Spain travel to wander around the bridges of Canal St. Martin, shop a few more of the city-wide sales before they completely disappear on the 8th, and have a casual meal at great hidden wine bar.

{assortment of cakes at Bon Marche's Rose Bakery Tea Room} 

 {vintage books along the Seine}

 {afternoon treat at Laduree}

{heading into Sagrada Familia in Barcelona}

{monday morning with: hallie of corals & cognacs}

For today's Monday Morning virtual coffee chat we have the fun and energetic Hallie Wilson of Corals & Cognacs.  You might recognize her from the video we shot for Sauza together right here which is where we first met and immediately bonded over tequila, instagram filters and trying to look natural on camera.  You absolutely must check out some of her latest blog posts on her recent epic trip to Thailand and Hong Kong.

what's your drink of choice?
Ketel dirty martini, please. 


what's the most recent store you shopped at?
Street markets in Hong Kong and vendors in Thailand – I just got back from a month-long trip to Asia, so no shopping!


do you have a signature scent?
Tocca fragrances


what is the top item on your wishlist right now?
Honestly, I just wish that my inbox would answer itself. 


what'd you do this past weekend? 
This.


where are you or where would you like to travel to next?
Positano, Italy


what are you currently reading?
The Divergent Series – it’s so good. 


favorite quote of the moment?
“Tap it back!” I’m an avid SoulCycle’r. 


whats your new favorite blog discovery?
Kate from The Four Percent has a great blog. Her healthy recipes and super-simple workouts keep me motivated!


tell us a secret?
I was lying! I just bought these Sophia Webster shoes. Oops!