Snaps from the 4th in NYC

Ever since I discovered the amazing fireworks display over the Hudson river in NYC, I can't seem to miss it.  Loads of people flea the city to travel to the Hamptons or wherever their hearts desire for the 4th of July weekend.  We choose to stay behind and I have to admit it's kind of nice to be left in a dead quiet city to soak up the sun and relaxation.  If you have never experienced the fireworks in NYC here are a few snaps of last night's show.  The Barges in the Hudson were set up between 24th and 50th streets, allowing for a ginormous view. There were 4 synchronized displays over the span of  28 blocks. We watched from a friend's terrace in Hoboken, NJ this year.  There is nothing like watching from the other side with the city as the backdrop to this spectacular show.  If you have never feasted your eyes upon the 4th of July fireworks in NYC, now you know it's so incredible and well worth the trip.  The biggest plus of all is that the worst of the traffic will be leaving the city while you travel in, be sure to secure a spot a few hours in advance or find a rooftop :) The New Jersey side will be much less crowded if that is your preferred scene.

Hope you all had a safe and festive 4th of July!

x

Jen

What are you Serving up for the 4th?

At this point you may consider it to be last minute when preparing for the 4th of July.  If you have no idea what to serve your friends or family or what to bring to a get together maybe its time to just consider what you already have on hand.  Today I went through my cupboards and refridgerator and found some foods that were naturally festive in Red White and Blue.  Apples, Strawberries, blueberries, cheddar cheese etc.... is what I found.  This is a last minute idea to serve up a simple yet festive cheese, meat and fruit platter that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Who doesn't enjoy noshing on some cheese and crackers, berries and apples or straight up meat?!  Well, I am sure there are some who would disagree but we are talking about the majority here and I think you would agree it's all pretty tasty haha.  If you have a star shaped cookie cutter than you are in business to replicate this easy dish.   The white cheddar cheese stars are what really make this platter 4th of July ready.  Anyway I hope this helps if you are stuck for something fun and easy to whip up quickly.  Have a fantastic and fun Holiday weekend:)

xo

Jen &  Kelly

This platter consists of  cheddar cheese stars, blueberries, strawberries, gala apples, crackers, brie, genoa salami and pepperoni.

Red & Blue mini bowls - Anthropologie

Apron - Jessie Steele

Star cut-out - The Pampered Chef

Jen & Kelly's Picks: Get On Your Red White and Blue!

1. Denim Vest  - Rag & Bone

 2. Dress - Denim & Supply
3. Sunnies - RayBan
4. Star Studs - Gorjana

5. Bag - Kate Spade
6. Nail polish - Butter (royal navy)
7. Sandals - Dr Scholl's

Hi Everyone! It's time to talk about Red, White and Blue.  We happen to adore these colors anytime of year but of course for the 4th it's always great to be patriotic and look cute while doing it, after all we live in a pretty awesome country.  Whether you are off to the beach, hanging out at a BBQ, or just watching fireworks,  I'm sure one of these looks will work for you as inspiration.  The two of us had so much fun putting together these outfits. We are absolutely in Love with all of these pieces!  I actually just ordered this red tie dye dress shortly after this  post went live.  We are both contemplating ordering up the Joie peasant top.  It's so versatile and Navy is such a great color.  Nail Polish is one of the easiest ways to introduce more color to an outfit (we may be posting a 4th of July mani this week) Stay Tuned..... Now all that's left is adding just a few fun accessories and Voila you are now Americana!  We hope you all are looking forward to celebrating your Freedom in a colorful way. God Bless America!
x
Kel & Jen

1. Earrings - Express
2. Blouse - Joie
3. Nail Polish - Essie (who she red)
4. Chino Shorts - JCrew
5. Clutch -Clare Vivier
6. Wedges - Lauren by Ralph Lauren
7. Bracelet - Francesca's

(Not your Traditional) Pico De Gallo

Hi friends, and Happy Summer! This is and will always be my favorite season.  I love the clothing, sandals, tan skin, outdoor eating/drinking, AND all the delicious fruits and veggies that are oh so ripe! I rarely have time to do extra food shopping in my life, and this recipe is always quick, easy and Festive with ingredients that I almost always have regularly in my kitchen.  If I get a quick invite somewhere and want to bring an appetizer, this is my go to dish.  Got to love simplicity! Pico de Gallo is one of my favorite appetizers, snacks, side dishes, basically anytime food.  Tomatoes are super juicy and delicious right now, and if I could marry and avocado, I would haha :) Put these babies together plus the other wonderful veggies and you have a yummy side dish, plus the bright colors of Pico look great!!  I originally tried this recipe from a Farmer's Market and fell in Love.  I sat with my sisters and we tried to identify each and every flavor to obtain an ingredient list.  It is definitely different from typical Pico recipes since it includes olive oil and garlic salt and does not call for  jalapeños.  After playing around with the measurements I think we finally mastered this recipe.  Hope you love it as much as we do.

XO

Kel

Ingredients 

• 2 Avocados cut into squares ( watch this Excellent HOW TO  video)
• 4 Plum Tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped Cilantro
• 1 quarter of a White or Red Onion, chopped into squares
• 1  tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic salt
• Juice of 1 lime 
• Favorite chips for dipping

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together (except lime juice) in a large bowl, adding avocado last to avoid smushing. 
2.  Cut lime in half and squeeze the juice of  1 half into the pico.  Mix well and taste.  If you want it to taste more lime flavored or tangy then add the juice of the second half. 
3.  If vegetables are not already cool then re-fridgerate 30 minutes before serving. (its best to serve soon after preparation to ensure Avocados do not brown) 
4. Serve with whatever type of chip, or cracker you prefer, and enjoy!

* It's easiest to have the Tomato, Onion and Lime already cooled (re-fridgerated)  before starting the recipe if you would like to serve immediately after preparation.