i was going through my camera roll and realized i forgot to post my purchases from the diptyque sample sale earlier this year.  i usually avoid sample sales because of the crowds and the fact that they tend to occur during weekdays.  however, the diptyque sale was around the corner from my office, so a co-worker and i ducked out to see what was not already sold out.  i got pretty lucky and found a candle of what may be my favorite scent.

i have never tried any of their perfumes before, but the eau duel is a wonderful light, spicy vanilla that will be great for summer.

the soap is so beautiful, i will be sad to use it.

i apparently left the flash on when i took these photos, so the quality is meh.  but i wanted to post them anyway to commemorate my first time back at union square cafe in its new location.  the restaurant has always held a special place in my heart, as the first great restaurant i went to in nyc.

the food, the service, and the overall experience was wonderful as always.

one of the points marie kondo makes in “the life changing magic of tidying up” is that you should have a different set of clothes for rest and sleeping than what you wear during the day.  while the idea seemed nice, i wasn’t quite sure how pajamas were really that much better than a soft rumbled t shirt.

of course that was until i laid eyes on this beauty during the winter sales.  the purple silk is so vibrant, and the handmade black lace is both feminine and strong.  i also plan to wear the cami under a black blazer for a night out.

now, i still sleep in my rumpled t shirts 90% of the time, but on that night i want to feel extra special, this fits the bill.

i wanted to shake up my repertoire of mexican recipes, so i tried this taco torte.  it was so easy, used many ingredients that i already had, and was so so so delicious.  it was also the perfect comfort food for these chilly nyc evenings.

remember this post from 4 years ago?  as i hoped, those manolos became a great staple in my work wardrobe.  i wore them multiple times a week every year since i bought them.  however, after numerous trips to the cobbler to replace the soles and the heel taps, i finally realized that they were beyond resuscitation.

i went to the bergdorf goodman the day after christmas to see if i could find replacements, and i have literally never witnessed such utter chaos in my life.  this includes being in a train station in india.  grown women were hoarding shoes in shopping bags and under their chairs (assuming they could even find a chair to sit in), and shouting at each other and the salespeople.  i somehow managed to find the below in my size, bought them as quickly as i could, and got out without looking back.

i then decided that it would be a good time to see the tree at rockafeller center, which was probably the only place in new york more insane that bergdorf goodman that day.  i clearly lost my mind.  worth it for beautiful shoes at 75% off?  likely not.  but i do love them, and hope they will last at least another 4 years.

also, as an aside, how has it already been almost 5 years that i have had this blog???

ina garten never does me wrong.  whenever i want a recipe, whether it is for the perfect chocolate cake or a show stopping dish to impress company, her cookbooks are always my first stop.

this mushroom lasagna has been one of my favorite recipes to make when i am having company, or for any special occasion.  despite the number of dishes it requires, it is not that difficult to prepare and can be made in advance.  and despite varying the recipe slightly from time to time, it always turns out delicious.

below are a few shots from my holidays.  i had a blissful week off between christmas and new years, and spent it wandering around new york city, catching up with friends, and of course, lounging around the house.

happy new year everyone – hope your 2017 is amazing.

love this pink macaron ornament

beautiful ornaments from anthropologie that we used as tree toppers

the last remnants of yet another cup of tea

so excited to bust out this sugar paper + target planner

i was lucky enough to spend my birthday at the enchantment resort in sedona, arizona.  it was, hands down, one of the most awe-inspiring places i have ever been to.  the hotel is nestled within the beauty of the famous sedona red rocks, and the services, included activities, food, and overall environment ensured that i never wanted to leave.

the door to our casita

casitas set within the rocks

the view from our balcony

the view from the top of the resort

breakfast at one of their wonderful restaurants

their acai bowls look like ice cream

wildlife in one of the many trails that connect to the resort.

i am already scheming to find out how i can go back.