Happy Easter

Hope everyone has a fabulous Easter with loved ones.  I know this year for me, it will be extra hard to celebrate Easter with the loss of my Uncle Joe.  We have such a tight-knit family and we miss him dearly, especially during the holidays because he loved spending time with family.  Hope you all enjoy your family & friends to the fullest. xoxo

I will be doing my traditional Polish Easter basket tomorrow with my mom! See Polish Easter basket traditions here.

After looking at old photos, I realized my mom dressed me up in the most ridiculous Easter dresses and I always seemed to have a bowl haircut of some sort! Thanks Mom!

Pretentious Pocket

I was lucky enough to receive a Pretentious Pocket, Manhattan’s finest accessory for men.  The creator of pretentious pocket is the notorious Justin Ross Lee (JRL), New York City’s notorious socialite.  For those of you that do not know him- think Scott Disick from “Keeping up with the Kardashians.”  JRL’s fashion is impeccable, along with his sarcasm. 

These fashion forward pocket squares make the perfect gift for any guy in your life.  Each pocket square is themed; a few examples:  The Hamptons, Lucky F#%k, and the one my hubby enjoyed, Positive Cash Flow.  There is a unique design for every personality and these edgy designs are made with 100% silk in Manhattan. Check out the collection here.

Whether your man is starting a new job, heading to the Hamptons for the summer, or just needs a little spice to his suit jacket, Pretentious Pocket makes the perfect accessory gift.

{Justin Ross Lee with his celebrity twin Scott Disick, wearing “The Prick.”}

{left: Delusions of Grandeur.  right: Lucky F%$k}

{the beautiful pretentious gift box Pretentious Pocket came in}

{absolutely stunning details & colors, above: Positive Cash Flow}

{My hubby wearing Positive Cash Flow before a night out}

Handmade Gifts

Once in a while it feels good to buy something local or handmade instead of from a huge department store.  Also, giving something vintage or handmade is the perfect gift because you know you will not be giving a duplicate.  Here are some gift ideas for those spring birthdays, wedding showers, and Mothers day events. The perfect place to find these gifts-Etsy.com

Cotton/Linen Tea Towel, Hand Printed Dot in Pewter

{Cotton & Linen tea towels, $16  Etsy.com}

 Personalized Bridal Hanger, Wedding Dress Hanger, Custom Wire Name Hanger, Bridal Gift

{precious personalized bridal hanger- perfect for a bridal shower! $14.50, Etsy.com}

Custom Sand Imprint Flip Flops. Your Design. No Minimum Order Quantity.

{custom sand imprint flip-flops. so cute. $19.95, Etsy.com}

Decorative Accent Throw Pillow - 15 x15 Inch Reversible - Colorful Sun Burst Accent Pillow

{decorative accent throw pillow, $22 Etsy.com}

Red Velvet Brownies

I was pinning away the other day and came across a very interesting and tempting hybrid: red velvet brownies.  Of course, I had to try the recipe and they were delicious and perfect to bring along for Easter. So gooey and the taste is very unique.

Pinned Image

Red Velvet Brownies

  • 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350.  Butter and flour an 8 x 8 cake pan.  In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to create a paste.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add remaining teaspoon of vanilla. With the mixer on medium speed, add in cocoa powder mixture. Beat until batter is completely red. (If at this time your batter is NOT red, you can add a little more food coloring if desired. Color will depend on brand.) Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.   Spread in the 8 x 8 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting. Enjoy!

Decorating Eggs & Nails

You are never too old to decorate Easter eggs this time of year!  To add a little twist, get some girlfriends together and decorate eggs together with glitter, food coloring, and stickers but then do eachothers nails to match!  You will not only have cute Easter baskets but a themed manicure as well. 🙂

Pinned Image

Pinned Image

Pinned Image

Pinned Image