Jackets already? No thanks.
(Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

It’s hot today in New York. Really. Hot. Even in the air conditioning, I am sweating (ew). Last week, in preparation for some 4th of July swimming, I set off on a mission to find myself a swimsuit. I was looking for a kind of cute, retro one-piece, so I headed to my old standby: Urban Outfitters. When I entered the store, however, I was in shock. Everywhere I looked there were sweaters, long-sleeve plaid shirts and…is that a coat with a wool collar?!

WTF Urban Outfitters?! It’s JULY. I decided to try another store down the street, but was struck with the same thing. Again and again as I made my way down Broadway, I saw Fall clothing up in every window. Yesterday the latest issue of Lucky magazine arrived in my mailbox, chock full of…you guessed it…Fall fashions. I leafed through it while sitting on my bed half-naked trying to cool down in front of my fan. The pages and pages of models in tights and sweaters were not helping. Read More »

Cute, yellow, cheap. In other words, perfect.

I like this dress because it looks so easy. It’s so put-together without any mess.
And, again. Mustard yellow. Need I say more? Read More »

Everyone needs a meal that they can whip out when they need to impress someone. Whether it’s that hot barista you got the balls to finally ask out, that hot barista’s parents two years down the line, or that group of friends who only get together every so often, a meal you can make quickly and expertly is always a ticket to success.

My staple Impress ‘Em Meal has always been pasta primavera. It’s simple, fresh, and healthy – but best of all? It easy to do.

Here’s my favorite primavera recipe, from the Food Network. I recently used this to impress partygoers at a giant potluck. Now, they all think I can actually cook (too bad my microwave knows better…)! Read More »

It hit me today that Spring is actually here. As I trucked down the street donning my winter jacket, snowboots (not the cute Uggs, but actually Arctic chill winter boots) and a fuzzy sweater, I realized I was sweating profusely and thought, “Hm, it’s time to wear less clothing.”

The problem is, I have no MONEY for clothing. Something about being a TwentySomething in New York City. Good thing there are a ton of stores these days catering to ladies just like me who are short on cash and ready to shimmy off their parkas and slip into something a bit cooler.

Check it: Forever 21 Goodness.

Yellow Sundress at Forever21.com for $22.80

And no, yellow is not obnoxious — it’s awesome. Read More »

When you hear the words raspberry and lemon together, you can’t help getting a little excited. But when you throw in the word cupcakes, all bets are off and you know you have to have them. Even if you have to bake them yourself.

The cover of April’s Bon Appetit magazine just screamed spring to me and I made those cover cupcakes within a few days of receiving the magazine. And I’ll probably make them several more times this spring…and summer….and maybe even into fall and winter too. They were that good.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Lemon-Rasberry Cupcakes: Read More »

Spring is officially here, but for those of us up north, it’s still pretty darn cold! It’s like we’re being taunted–cute summer dresses in the shops, bright colors are everywhere, but you’re still stuck in your winter wear. What to do?

Get yourself some tights!

Basic black tights (I usually get mine at Target) are perfect for wearing under those frilly summer dresses–just add a cute cardigan to keep your top half warm as well.

But tights don’t just come in black anymore–you can find a whole range of crazy colors (and patterns) at places like American Apparel, H&M and Urban Outfitters. Brightly colored tights look great peaking out from under your drab winter coat, or paired with your usual basic black/grey/brown winter dresses and sweaters.

So you don’t have to wait to buy that new flower-print halter dress you’ve been eying…just make sure to grab a pair of tights on your way to the register!

For some reason, sugar cookies make me think of Spring. Maybe because they’re light, sweet, and I could eat about seven. Alright. So that last thing has no coloration to Spring, but I can eat my own weight in sugar cookies.

So imagine my delight when I saw a recipe for them that was simple enough to do in a dorm kitchen!

INGREDIANTS:
* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Read More »

Spring has almost well and truly sprung (although judging by the volume of welly-wearers and inverted brollies here in the UK, you’d never know it!). With the sunshine and cute baby lambs come the impending boom of car-boot sales (that’s yard sales to most of you), a tradition which is to me like soil is to the newly blooming flowers. Sort of.

Whilst the mass population flock to high-street retailers in a desperate bid to exchange plastic for summerwear, I on the other hand will be relaxing in the fresh spring air (global warming pending). My bargains will come from charity shops and markets, rather than the Reduced To Clear section of my local River Island.

Not only do you gain the positives of air and exercise whilst indulging in some cheaply priced Mills and Boon titles (not that, y’know, I’d know from personal experience or anything..) but you gain the sheer satisfaction of knowing you’re recycling, and in some cases helping a charity or two along the way.

Second-hand shopping is a shopping experience like no other; the feeling of knowing you are helping others can bring a perpetual glow to your cheeks. And if that’s not a true bargain, then I don’t know what is.

Got any favorite Yard Sale or Bargin Shopping areas? Let us know!