Category Archives: Celebrations

Two Thousand Twelve

by Laura Posted on December 31, 2012

{On my 30th birthday}

2012 was such an amazing year.  A year ago when I wrote about my wishes for 2012 as seen here, I never thought I would be able to do everything I wanted to and more.  There were definitely things on my list that I didn’t get to do but I got to do things and go places that weren’t even on my list.

I turned 30 this year which I thought would be a bigger deal than it was.  I celebrated with all my close friends and family and I couldn’t have felt luckier.  My biggest accomplishments this year was learning how to sew (finally!) and all the cooking and baking that I did.  It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to make something myself.  I was fortunate again this year to do a lot of travel to South America, to Europe and to other U.S. cities.  I’m looking forward to discovering more U.S. cities next year.

There were a great deal of tragedies that happened this year especially the more recent ones; the shooting in Newton, CT and Hurricane Sandy.  These events have made me more grateful for my life and I want to live my life to the fullest.  I don’t want to take anything for granted.

There were so many favorite moments in 2012 that it was hard to choose the best ones.  Here are some of my favorite moments from 2012.  I want to thank all of you who have been reading about my life for the past year and want you to know how grateful I am for you.  You are the reason I want to be a better photographer and writer.  Happy New Year and I wish you all love and happiness ~Laura xo

 {DIY Charlize Theron’s updo from the Golden Globes as seen here}

 {Our trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico a gift from my boyfriend as seen here}

 {Beignets from Cafe du Monde in New Orleans as seen here}

 {Cherry Blossoms in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens as seen here}

 {Champagne jello shots for my best friend’s bachelorette party as seen here}

 {Learning to make Kalbi from my mom as seen here}

 {DIY cork board tray as seen here}

 {Motorcycle road trip up the Northeastern Coast as seen here}

 {The roast of Anthony Bourdain as seen here}

 {A rainbow Empire State Building when NY legalized gay marriage}

 {I love pie especially this strawberry heart pie as seen here}

 {DIY macrame bracelets as seen here}

 {Trip to Block Island with my sister and childhood friend as seen here}

 {DIY shell candles as seen here}

 {Sad to think Rockaway Beach is not the same after Hurricane Sandy-Look here}

 {Vegetable crudite at Blue Hill at Stone Barns as seen here}

 {Danube cruise in Budapest as seen here}

 {Horse back riding at Vik winery in Chile as seen here}

 {DIY hot cocoa jars make the “Perfect Mix” as seen here}

 
Posted in Celebrations | 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

by Laura Posted on November 22, 2012

This year, we’re doing Thanksgiving with my family on Sunday because my sister, the nurse, had to work tonight.  I refuse to do Thanksgiving without her because for 30 years we’ve had every Thanksgiving together.  Instead, we are making a traditional Slovak dinner of roasted duck, red cabbage and dumplings.  I used to be such a stickler for traditions but I’m learning to let go a little in order to have my favorite people included.  I have so much to be thankful for this year, it gets me a little emotional.  Thank you to my family who has always been there for me and has done everything for me.  Thank you to my boyfriend who is my biggest supporter and believer in my dreams.  I wouldn’t have done half the things in my life if it wasn’t for you.  Thank you to my friends, we’ve been through so much together.  I’m thankful for each and every one of you and you hold a special place in my life.  Thank you to all my readers, thank you for your support and I look forward to waking up every morning because of you.  Let’s eat! xo

 
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Summer Bucket List

by Laura Posted on June 13, 2012

{Hot Air Balloon Ride Summer of 2010}

I just saw the movie New Year’s Eve and I loved it.  It’s not an Oscar contender but I love the movie’s message about starting fresh and appreciating all the things you have in your life.  The story line I loved the most was with Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron.  Zac Efron’s character helps Michelle Pfeiffer complete her bucket list before the new year.  On a side note, after seeing this movie, I totally get the Zac Efron hype!  If you didn’t already know, I love bucket lists.  Every summer, I make a list of things I want to do before the summer ends.  Here’s my list for this summer…

1. Camping – Mostly to make S’mores

2. Ride a New York Water Taxi - This was in the movie

3. Eat a taco from Rockaway Taco in Rockaway Beach, NY

4. See a mermaid at the mermaid parade in Coney Island

5. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway

6. See Monet’s Garden at the New York Botanical Garden

7. Be in the US for the 4th of July and see fireworks

8. Make a blueberry cobbler

9. Eat a lobster roll at the Maine Lobster Festival

10. Go island hopping to Block Island, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard
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Birthday Cake Shots

by Laura Posted on May 29, 2012

It was my girlfriend’s birthday party last Thursday and to make it extra special, I made these birthday cake shots.  I used Three Olives cake vodka, you can also use Pinnacle vodka.  I skipped the addition of the cake mix which is used in most recipes.  These shots were so pretty nobody wanted to take them (that’s a first).  They were also really delicious and tasted like birthday cake.  Make them for your next celebration.

{You need cake flavored vodka, chocolate liqueur, and half & half}

{I used agave nectar to rim the glasses and then dipped into sprinkles}

{Cheers!}

 

RECIPE:

  • 1 part(s) Three Olives or Pinnacle cake vodka
  • 1 part(s) Godiva chocolate liqueur
  • 1 part(s) half & half
  • Rim martini glass with multi-colored sprinkles
  • Shake with ice, strain into a chilled shot glass
Posted in Celebrations, DIY | Tagged | 4 Comments

Cinco de Mayo

by Laura Posted on May 3, 2012

For Cinco de Mayo this Saturday, I’m making these margarita ice pops.  Margaritas are my favorite drink and they remind me of Mexican vacations.  These ice pops are the perfect treat and taste like little icy morsels of margaritas.  I didn’t have a fancy popsicle maker so I used the ice tray that was in my freezer.  I made them skinny margaritas because I didn’t use a margarita mix just tequila, lime juice, agave nectar and a little salt.  There’s a lot to celebrate in life so why not with boozy ice pops?  Cheers to living in the moment and being happy with all that life has to offer!  ¡Salud!

You’ll need:

Makes 16 pops

  • 1/4 cup tequila (I used Patron)
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar (you can use sugar)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 limes
  • Kosher salt
  • Pop sticks
  • Ice tray

First, you need to make the simple syrup.  Mix 1/4 cup of agave nectar and 1/4 cup water and boil until the syrup is combined.  Let the syrup cool.  Second, mix 1/4 cup tequila, the simple syrup (which should be 1/2 cup), the juice of 1/2 lime, 1/2 cup water, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Pour the margarita mixture into the ice cube tray.

After 1 hour, the ice cubes should be firm but not frozen.  Stick the pop sticks into the ice cubes and let the cubes freeze all the way.

When they’re ready, they look like this.

When I was ready to serve them, I slid a slice of lime down the stick to make them look more festive.  Cheers!
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For Adults Only

by Laura Posted on April 23, 2012

It was my best friend’s bachelorette party this past Saturday.  For her special night, I made raspberry champagne jello shots.  Why champagne?  Because it’s not as strong as vodka and it’s sweeter.  I made one for each of the guests and made it extra girly with sprinkles.  They were the perfect treats for the bride-to-be’s last fling before the ring.

  • 1 package of raspberry jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup champagne or prosecco
  • Sprinkles

Boil 1 cup of water. Add raspberry jello mix into water. Stir until combined. Add champagne. Pour into little plastic cups. Let the jello set in the refrigerator for 4 hours.  When the jello is set, add sprinkles.
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