Wednesday, August 31, 2011

new york neighbors - part one

Our New Year's resolution for the past two years has been to visit as many renowned US cities and regions as possible before we decide to move on to another country.  In 2011, we started the year off with Montreal (ok, not in the US but still something new for the British one), and then hit Miami (I so love the warm weather in the winter and art deco preservation), but since then we've been on a bit of a hiatus with this resolution due to busy schedules and uncooperative weather.  So, after two consecutive weekends of canceled trips to Atlantic City, NJ and Boston, MA, I'm feeling a little bummed. I've heard that even just the anticipation of an upcoming vacation can inspire the same positive feelings as actually being on vacay, so I thought I'd put this methodology to good use by listing some of the things I'm looking forward to doing by city (once we actually make it there). Here's a look at Atlantic City:
  


Do:
The Boardwalk - there are plenty of shops, casinos, and amusment park filled piers lining the world's first boardwalk just waiting to be explored.
Beach - located beside the boardwalk, this stretch of the Jersey Shore will be great for catching some sun and guido/guidette watching.

Eat:
Boardwalk Street Vendors - salt water taffy, pretzels, and funnel cakes will be perfect snacks for strolling the boardwalk.
White House Sub Shop - a celeb favorite (even the Beatles have visited!), this sandwich place is famed for their bread.

Splurge:
Gamble - this goes without saying.  We'll likely check out a few, but the Borgatta is famed to have the best casino in the city.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

good night, irene

saturday morning

saturday afternoon

A weekend trip to Atlantic City was most definitely put on hold this weekend to instead bunker down and weather out Hurricane Irene, which (in case you haven't heard) barreled up the east coast this weekend. Our apartment overlooks the Statue of Liberty, which is normally a feature I adore, but this weekend our proximity to the water seemed like much more of a hazard than anything. Friday was spent canceling plans and buying groceries and supplies, Saturday was spent glued to CNN and the NY Times interspersed with board games and wine, and Sunday was spent checking out the flooding and feeling very relieved that the morning unveiled a much better scene than was expected.

stocking up on water in case of power outages

board games to pass the time

view on sunday morning (1)

view on sunday morning (2)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

breadcrumb-crusted grilled cheese & tomato


Recently, I wanted some comfort food that was easy and satisfying, and my mind drifted to the thought of sandwiches.  Particularly cheese sandwiches ... mmm.  But the tried-and-true grilled cheese dipped in ketchup wasn't going to cut it, so after a bit of searching, I came across this recipe.  Because I didn't have any Panko breadcrumbs on hand, I substituted with Italian breadcrumbs mixed with crumbled Romano cheese, which certainly did the trick. The crunchy, flavorful texture of the bread combined with the gooey cheese and tomato center was divine, and more than hit the spot without too much time or effort.




Tuesday, August 23, 2011

two boots



As I mentioned previously, I love a deal. So when I found these at Old Navy (!) in SoHo recently, I snatched them up immediately. For only $20, they will be a great fall staple that's a little bit trendy and a little bit country, but will go with everything from slim fit jeans and long tees to tights and flowy dresses with a long cardigan overtop. You can find them online here, as well.






Monday, August 22, 2011

weekend notes

saturday morning breakfast from our favorite bagel shop
After a very busy weekend last week venturing up to Canada, J and I decided to take it easy this weekend.  We were planning a trip to Boston - as both of us are foreign to the US, our New Year's resolution was to visit as many cities/sites as possible before we eventually decide to move on - but with the rainy, gloomy weather that is predicted for the east coast this weekend and our levels of exhaustion, we had a staycation around the city and our apt instead.  Here are a few of the highlights ...

essie "merino cool"


'half broke horses' on the deck

our dog, Boone, being all handsome

strolling in tribeca


Friday, August 19, 2011

pool side



The weatherman fibbed about the thunderstorms that were predicted for this afternoon, so instead of running some errands in SoHo and finding a happy hour with J (the British, soccer-loving boyfriend), I decided to make the most of these dwindling summer hours and head to the pool. I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon than to pack a beach bag, grab my sunglasses, and jump in the water. Hope your end to the week was just as relaxing.




Thursday, August 18, 2011

the good life



I saw this photo recently, and while I'm not a huge fan of cliche inspirational messages, this seemed to cut through ... especially after a long day at work where even the little things are getting to be a bit too much.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

thrift



Just as I enjoy yard sales and flea markets on the weekends, I equally enjoy the online equivalent during the week - craigslist.  I recently had a great success - or what I thought was a great succees - while perusing the site this past week.  I love Restoration Hardware, but I do not love their prices. So when I found this chair on craigslist for a fraction of the price, I contacted the seller immediately, and a couple of days later, it was sitting in my living room. Immediately though, I realized it was waaaayy too big for my apt, and sadly, my perfect chair is going to have to go back into the online marketplace. But all is not lost, because what I let go of in a chair, I gained in a great lesson in not letting your emotions get in the way of your measuring skills.




Tuesday, August 16, 2011

changes


When I began this, I mentioned I was ready to move on to something new. These pictures are a hint into what that 'something new' is. Final plans are in the works, and the change is still a few months away, but is certainly getting closer in more ways than one ...


Monday, August 15, 2011

golden glow




Lately Michael Kors has been cutting through the multitude of fashion labels with stylish, yet actually wearable, pieces (was anyone loving his Summer 2011 bright maxi tank dresses grounded with leather accessories as much as I was?) I'm not usually a fan of jewelry, but when I saw the below shiny things from his Fall 2011 line, I could definitely envision rocking some of them with oversized, chunky sweaters once the weather gets cooler.








ps. for a more economically-friendly option, Forever 21 has this ring available that could fit right in with the MK collection.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

african inspiration


This Erik Worts Safari Chair by N. Eilerson is a work of art. I discovered this piece while at home this weekend, flipping through an old home decor magazine, and fell in love instantly. Although it conveys a rugged, safari feel, it would still look completely modern and fit in just as well in the living room, as it would out on the trail. Although quite pricey at an average retail between $1000 - $2000, I've discovered that it's possible to find them for much less in antique stores and even eBay.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

crew member


An ode to the J.Crew flip-flop. This has been my footwear staple for the past two summers, and I'm even buying an extra pair to have one ready for next summer.  They are the perfect sandal - sturdy Italian leather, sleek slim lines, and great colors for any outfit. My personal faves are weathered wood and light gold.

cushion culture



I am slightly obsessed with these hand-embroidered pillows.  Bright colours with lots going on is not usually my thing, but the whimsical and travel-inspired feel they give off is just great.  There's something for everyone too in that can choose between city, country, state, or region theme. They remind me of that souvenir you know won't go with anything you own, but have to have anyway ... or maybe I'm alone on that, but either way - I want one!



Wednesday, August 10, 2011

road trip


{ close ... but not us }

My boyfriend and I are taking a roadtrip this weekend to my hometown in Canada.  I am big fan of 70s and (early) 80s music (I even dragged him w/ me at 6am two weeks ago to see Journey live at Rockefeller Center when they played for the Today show), so we thought it would be fun to make a playlist for the road.  Here are a few that made the cut ...

Hotel California - The Eagles
Free Bird - Lynard Skynard
Dream On - Aerosmith
Your Song - Elton John
Faithfully - Journey
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - CCR
Forever Young - Rod Stewart
Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin
Runnin on Empty - Jackson Brown
Maggie Mae - Rod Stewart
Levon - Elton John
It's a Long Way to the Top - AC/DC
New York Groove - Ace Frehley
Dust in the Wind - Kansas
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Monday, August 8, 2011

great lengths

I have been loving the maxi length this spring and summer - it's super easy to dress up or dress down, and can be a perfect work wardrobe addition if your office is slightly more relaxed. Not only is it stylish, but this length completely eliminates the "Is this too short for work?" question.
As Fall collections move into stores, this jersey maxi skirt from Madewell will ease the transition from warm, summer nights into crisp, fall afternoons.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

swedish love

Is it sad how excited I was to see the new Ikea catalog in my mailbox yesterday? When my boyfriend and I moved in together last December, this store was my go-to for most of the big furniture pieces - we're not exactly flush with cash and Ikea offered the affordable 'beachy-loft' look I was going for. Let's just say the 2011 catalog was very dog-eared by the time we had fully settled in. Apartment Therapy has a great preview of the 2012 edition here.
p.s - for any iPad users, there is an Ikea catalog app that makes the inspirational room pages a lot easier to visualize!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

beach reading

I just finished reading this (after many friends and family members recommended it) and it is easily one of the best novels I've ever read. I love when you find a book where you can lose yourself in the story, and don't want to put down. I'm going to read Jeannette Walls' second novel, Half Broke Horses, next - hoping it will be just as good!

Friday, August 5, 2011

beginnings

Welcome to Crosby Beach! A place to capture the things that I love, and also, the journey from my current adventure to the next (but more on that later ...)

A little about me - I'm 25, love fashion, home decor, traveling, and trying new things, and am currently living and working in NYC w/ my British, soccer-loving boyfriend. I work in the fashion industry, and am loving life, but after 3 yrs of this great city, I'm looking for something new. This blog was inspired by my want to document this transition, and share my world as many influential 'bloggers' (that word is still strange to me) have done.

'who is staring at the sea, is already sailing a little.'