Lemon Poppy Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Blueberry Sauce

So, I think I may need another vacation. My first day back at work was beyond stressful. All I wanted to do was go home and de-stress by baking up something yummy. For this pound cake I tried Ina Garten's Lemon Yogurt Cake recipe.  I substituted the yogurt with cream cheese, omitted the lemon glaze and added about a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the mix.  I was a little hesitant about the lemon syrup the recipe calls for.  I'm glad I did not skip this step as it really brightens up the flavor of the cake.  A nice, healthy sized slice topped with just the right amount of homemade blueberry sauce was the perfect ending to a rather overwhelming Monday.

Florida

 My sisters, niece and I took a trip to Florida last week to visit our dad.  It was awesome to get to spend some time together.  There was fun in the sun, yummy eats and lots of laughs.  Check out last year's trip here...

Scenes From The Weekend

{a rainy Friday night called for some comforting Puerto Rican style hot chocolate}

I can truly say that waking up this Monday morning was more painful than usual. Staying in my comfy bed would have been ideal, but on a positive note it will be a short work week for me as I'm going to visit my dad in Florida on Wednesday. In the meantime check out some snippets of my weekend...

 {went to the flower district in Chelsea with my sister-in-law for some wedding inspiration}

 {went to the Doughnut Plant and tried their carrot cake donut - INSANE!}

 {spent some time poolside with my Godson and family}

{made a chocoflan for the first time ever and I know I will definitely be making it again very soon}

Eye Candy of The Week

 {Loving the new Miss Dior ads featuring Mila Kunis}

So very happy that the weekend is finally here. I hope to make some time to see The Dark Knight Rises with the hubbs. I've heard nothing but good things about it. Besides that I plan on spending some time with friends and family and testing out recipes from the new cookbook I purchased. Have an awesome weekend!

 {Anne Hathaway looking beautiful at The Dark Knight Rises premiere}

 {loving Amber Heard's easy breezy look}

 {Florence Welsh looking fun and funky}

{Lana Del Rey is the epitome of a sex kitten in the new H&M campaign}

first image via all other images via

Nail Art Inspiration

My obsession with nail art does not seem as if it is going to die down any time soon. I'm constantly scouring the internet and Pinterest for new designs and inspiration. Check out my latest finds...

all images via

Fonda Nolita

 I'd heard about Fonda Nolita a few years back and have been meaning to pay them a visit for what seems like forever. This past weekend I got to experience the gourmet Mexican street food they have to offer. Fonda Nolita is a carbon copy of a beachside taquería that launched five years ago in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Once a garage, now a concrete-floored space lined with dozens of folding tin-top backgammon tables and a vintage VW bus in the middle which serves up amazingly delicious tacos, tamales, tortas, tostadas and more. My sisters and I ordered some tacos, fresh guacamole con totopos (chips), and the refreshing agua de sandía (fresh watermelon juice). I forsee another trip to Fonda Nolita in the VERY near future that's for sure!

Scenes From The Weekend

{enjoyed some black bean and puerco al pastor tacos at Fonda Nolita}

 Happy Monday! As always the weekend went by in a flash, but we tried to make the most of it. Here are some bits of my weekend...

 {strolled around Soho with my sisters.  I really liked this Top Shop window display}

 {savored some yummy Baked by Melissa cupcakes - Tie Dye is my favorite}

 {bought the cutest blue bear iPhone case - still contemplating a name for him}

{made some fresh mango salsa - The leftovers will top tonight's grilled chicken}

Eye Candy of The Week

{Chloe Sevigny as the face of Miu Miu Fall 2012 - Love it!}

 Is it me or did this week feel like it dragged on forever? That being said I am thrilled that the weekend is finally upon us. A little much needed retail therapy and relaxing is planned. Hope you enjoy your weekend!

 {I need a pleated maxi skirt in my life}

 {In a word - Fresh!}

 {warm weather perfection}

{Does Miroslava Duma ever get it wrong!? Gorgeous!}

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Great Minds Think Alike

Forever 21 top, purse, and bracelets, Hot Kiss jeans, BCBGeneration wedges, Fossil watch, Tobi ring, Beacon's Closet sunnies

I was contemplating purchasing this top when I first spotted it at Forever 21, but for whatever reason I let it go. My aunt ended up getting it for me as a birthday gift. I love the loose fit, cropped cut and Peter Pan collar made of crochet lace. I wore this out for brunch with my family, followed by a trip to the theatre to watch the new Spiderman movie. Random, but Emma Stone is a total friend in my head. Just love her!

Cranberry-Lime Rosé Spritzer

I am a huge fan of rosé especially during warmer weather. I deemed this Cranberry-Lime Rosé Spritzer my official summer cocktail. It is super refreshing and easy to make. Mix up a pitcher at your next BBQ or get-together and I promise it will be a hit.

Scenes From The Weekend

{gave myself a festive mani similar to this one to celebrate my bday}

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend. I spent it with those closest to me (although a few were missing). I'm hoping this year brings many positive changes and new experiences. Have a great week!

 {my sisters, mom, and I on my bday}

 {one of the awesome birthday gifts I received from my sister Jill - macarons from Ladurée}

 {the hubbs and I before Sunday morning brunch}

 {my niece, the 1950s superstar}

{celebrated my cousin's belated bday brunch at McLoone's Boathouse}