This bath bomb from LUSH was an absolute fireworks show for the eyes. It just spun around and turned the bath water into a foaming, tie-dyed mixture of white, yellow, and blue. And each color had some shimmer mixed in that really made this bomb a celestial experience. I definitely recommend trying this one for yourself, and I also think it'd be fantastic for kids.
Description
Calming, shimmering, mood-enhancing
Featured Ingredients
Brazilian orange oils, bergamot oils, silver lustre
How-To
Drop this in a warm bath and enjoy the explosion of colors as it releases its pigments into the water. Make sure to breathe in the heavenly, calming scent as you enjoy.
My Review
I found this bomb to be quite enjoyable, if only for the show. I have used LUSH bath bombs that were more nourishing, and left my skin feeling better. But this has to have been the most beautiful experience of any bomb I've used. It left a bit more residue than I typically see, but again my little secret is always to run the shower afterwards to really make sure there's no glitter or pigment left over after my bath. The smell was very pleasant and quite a classic sweet-smelling LUSHy scent. I am definitely able to set aside my disdain for all things orange when it comes to LUSH products. I would maybe repurchase this just for fun, and for the visuals, but if my skin needs a good moisturizing soak-session, I will always go with Butterball or Honeybee, both of which are quite plain in terms of the colors.
I'm very excited to try a few new Valentine's Day products. How about you guys? Anything catching your eye at LUSH lately? Post a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!
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Showing posts with label Family Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Fun. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2016
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
My Influenster #JingleVoxBox Has Arrived!
I was so excited when I checked the mail today (finally) after the holidays and saw my #JingleVoxBox from Influenster! While I haven't gotten a chance to test each of the products just yet, I was too excited not to share all the goodies in a bit of an unboxing post!
First off, is an adorable little Spiderman from Hallmark's itty bitty collection. These would make such a nice little gift for someone special, young or old. In fact a few of my male coworkers were giving it the eye today on my desk like "what's that and can I have it?"
Next are some cookies from Biscoff that I've definitely tried before and, wow, they are absolutely incredible! They are so delicious with coffee, so I'm really glad to have received a few of these treats!
Then I have a few products to create a really polished eye makeup look: A CityProof 24 HR black eyeliner from NYC New York Color, and a really gorgeous pair of True Volume lashes in the style "Chic" and an aloe formulated adhesive, both from KISS. Already, just looking at these lashes...oh my gosh they look so natural because the ends are tapered like natural eyelashes. I can't wait to try them.
And of course, for these upcoming cold winter months (like today because it was literally 17 degrees...) a moisturizing cream from Cetaphil. I've never tried any products from Cetaphil before so I'm really excited to give it a try.
And last but not least, a Pure Ice nail polish in bright blue shade called French Kiss that is, at first glance, not something I would have picked for myself...but that's the best reason to try it and step outside of my comfort zone.
I would absolutely recommend you all sign up for Influenster. It's a great place to explore new products, discover reviews, and you could even qualify to receive a free VoxBox of products to review! I just joined about a month ago, and I'm really excited to share some reviews with all of you.
--
Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest reviews of each product.
First off, is an adorable little Spiderman from Hallmark's itty bitty collection. These would make such a nice little gift for someone special, young or old. In fact a few of my male coworkers were giving it the eye today on my desk like "what's that and can I have it?"
Next are some cookies from Biscoff that I've definitely tried before and, wow, they are absolutely incredible! They are so delicious with coffee, so I'm really glad to have received a few of these treats!
Then I have a few products to create a really polished eye makeup look: A CityProof 24 HR black eyeliner from NYC New York Color, and a really gorgeous pair of True Volume lashes in the style "Chic" and an aloe formulated adhesive, both from KISS. Already, just looking at these lashes...oh my gosh they look so natural because the ends are tapered like natural eyelashes. I can't wait to try them.
And of course, for these upcoming cold winter months (like today because it was literally 17 degrees...) a moisturizing cream from Cetaphil. I've never tried any products from Cetaphil before so I'm really excited to give it a try.
And last but not least, a Pure Ice nail polish in bright blue shade called French Kiss that is, at first glance, not something I would have picked for myself...but that's the best reason to try it and step outside of my comfort zone.
I would absolutely recommend you all sign up for Influenster. It's a great place to explore new products, discover reviews, and you could even qualify to receive a free VoxBox of products to review! I just joined about a month ago, and I'm really excited to share some reviews with all of you.
--
Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest reviews of each product.
Labels:
Beauty,
Buys on a Budget,
Christmas,
Family Fun,
fun,
Glamour,
Holidays,
Influenster,
NYC,
Subscription Boxes,
Winter
Thursday, December 24, 2015
#Blogmas Day 24: I'll Be Home for Christmas!
Twas the night before Christmas, and all of the flights...
left JFK and La Guardia and soared to great heights!
Those driving had trunks full of gifts, piled high...
While the traffic they sat in made them just want to cry!
And while St. Nick surely travels the best way of all...
An eight-reindeer sleigh ride doesn't seem like a ball!
No matter how you're traveling on this festive season...
I hope you'll say family and friends are the reason.
I hope you'll say family and friends are the reason.
And however you're getting to your destination this year...
Merry Christmas to all, and to all Christmas cheer!
Poetry aside, I have had such fun doing #Blogmas this year. It inspired me to blog more times in this one month than I had in the past two years. Combined. So while this posting schedule may be a bit annoying to some (I think I lost more followers than I gained this month...) that isn't what's important. I am really ready to retreat to this blog as a creative outlet and a way of always staying connected to myself. And if you guys like reading it along the way, I will be hugely grateful for that! I'm looking forward to what 2016 has in store for me. It could mean really big things happening, or even just a string of near-constant, small and happy moments that make it meaningful. Only time will tell! But for now, I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday spent with family, friends, cocktails, and Christmas cheer!
xo Jenna
This photo is from my Instagram – Follow me on jennasaisquois for more of my adventures! And while you're at it, follow me on Pinterest and Bloglovin as well!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
#Blogmas Day 23: The 12 Films of Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd do one last "12 Things of Christmas" post by rounding up my most favorite holiday films! This is a smattering of old classics I've loved forever (or discovered in more recent years on TCM), and all the best contemporary classics thrown in as well both from childhood and adulthood. They are all quite special to me and I make sure to watch each of them at least once or twice during the month of December.
Disclaimer: I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life. I don't know how or why, since I love old movies so much and that one is THE quintessential classic. But for whatever reason it has escaped me in each of my 30 years of life. Maybe in 2016 that should be a holiday goal! Also missing from this list is A Christmas Carol, which I love reading but am not too keen on any of the movies really, aside from the Muppets, and even that just doesn't make my favorites list! So hope a few of your favorites are on here, and a few you haven't seen that you'll still have time to check out this year or add to your list next year. Enjoy!
1 White Christmas My absolute favorite old holiday film since I was about 7 or 8 years old and made my mom buy the VHS tape for me at Sam's Club. It's become a family favorite.
2 Love Actually This is a classic, for me. I love all the intertwining love stories and British accents. And while maybe the recent criticisms have some slight validity, it's still my favorite contemporary holiday RomCom.
3 Meet Me in St. Louis This is a year-round favorite for me (and in my top 10 favorite movies of all time, non-seasonal), and of course the movie takes place through the course of a year as well. But Judy Garland's stunning rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this officially a Christmas movie, and that'a that.
4 The Holiday This movie, I just love. I watch it probably at least 6 times a year anyway. I mean, I'm a fan of Nancy Meyers' entire oeuvre, really, from Baby Boom all the way to this year's The Intern. So this is naturally in my favorite holiday films list.
5 Christmas in Connecticut This classic film has a special place in my heart, because the lead character (played by the stunning Barbara Stanwyck) is a bit of a predecessor to the modern-day lifestyle blogger. And like me, she doesn't quite have it all as together as it seems either. It's a hilarious romantic comedy that's definitely worth checking out!
6 Home Alone I'm using this as a two-for-the-price-of-one because I also love the sequel, and it was probably my first real look at the city I'd one day call my home! So both Home Alone movies are just total childhood classics for me. And they really hold up, in my opinion, since I watched them both this year. While the haircuts and home decor are a bit appalling, they are just 90s perfection.
7 Holiday Affair Janet Leigh is just the most beautiful woman who ever lived, in my humble opinion. And in this romantic Christmas drama, she is so unbelievably charming opposite Robert Mitchum. Plus the little boy in this movie will just break your heart and make you laugh all at the same time. You must watch this next year!
8 Elf I mean, do I even need to say anything about this one? It's easily the most quotable holiday movie ever. It's such a favorite, I have to watch it at least twice every December, but...sometimes more, if I'm honest! I love it so!
9 It Happened on Fifth Avenue This is such a cute story about a group of people who find themselves squatting in the home of one of NYC's multi-millionaires after the boys came home from World War II. Certainly not a plot that could be remade in 2015, but certainly hilarious and oh-so-charming for 1947.
10 The Santa Clause This movie starring Tim Allen is right up there with Home Alone as a total 90s classic. It just screams childhood to me, and it's both nostalgic for me but also a really nice story! I didn't realize until this year that it was made by Disney! Which explains why it has something for everyone, and has stood the test of time.
11 A Christmas Story Love love love this movie. It's a family favorite and we like to watch it at least once or twice on Christmas Day (after all it plays for 24 straight hours!)
12 How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Live-Action) While I love the classic cartoon just as much, I truly love the live-action version of The Grinch starring Jim Carey. The updates to the story are just so cute, and I really feel the Christmas charm whenever I watch this. Aww, it warms my heart.
And there you have it! My holiday favorites! Which are yours? I'd love to hear more from you guys in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life. I don't know how or why, since I love old movies so much and that one is THE quintessential classic. But for whatever reason it has escaped me in each of my 30 years of life. Maybe in 2016 that should be a holiday goal! Also missing from this list is A Christmas Carol, which I love reading but am not too keen on any of the movies really, aside from the Muppets, and even that just doesn't make my favorites list! So hope a few of your favorites are on here, and a few you haven't seen that you'll still have time to check out this year or add to your list next year. Enjoy!
1 White Christmas My absolute favorite old holiday film since I was about 7 or 8 years old and made my mom buy the VHS tape for me at Sam's Club. It's become a family favorite.
2 Love Actually This is a classic, for me. I love all the intertwining love stories and British accents. And while maybe the recent criticisms have some slight validity, it's still my favorite contemporary holiday RomCom.
3 Meet Me in St. Louis This is a year-round favorite for me (and in my top 10 favorite movies of all time, non-seasonal), and of course the movie takes place through the course of a year as well. But Judy Garland's stunning rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this officially a Christmas movie, and that'a that.
4 The Holiday This movie, I just love. I watch it probably at least 6 times a year anyway. I mean, I'm a fan of Nancy Meyers' entire oeuvre, really, from Baby Boom all the way to this year's The Intern. So this is naturally in my favorite holiday films list.
5 Christmas in Connecticut This classic film has a special place in my heart, because the lead character (played by the stunning Barbara Stanwyck) is a bit of a predecessor to the modern-day lifestyle blogger. And like me, she doesn't quite have it all as together as it seems either. It's a hilarious romantic comedy that's definitely worth checking out!
6 Home Alone I'm using this as a two-for-the-price-of-one because I also love the sequel, and it was probably my first real look at the city I'd one day call my home! So both Home Alone movies are just total childhood classics for me. And they really hold up, in my opinion, since I watched them both this year. While the haircuts and home decor are a bit appalling, they are just 90s perfection.
7 Holiday Affair Janet Leigh is just the most beautiful woman who ever lived, in my humble opinion. And in this romantic Christmas drama, she is so unbelievably charming opposite Robert Mitchum. Plus the little boy in this movie will just break your heart and make you laugh all at the same time. You must watch this next year!
8 Elf I mean, do I even need to say anything about this one? It's easily the most quotable holiday movie ever. It's such a favorite, I have to watch it at least twice every December, but...sometimes more, if I'm honest! I love it so!
9 It Happened on Fifth Avenue This is such a cute story about a group of people who find themselves squatting in the home of one of NYC's multi-millionaires after the boys came home from World War II. Certainly not a plot that could be remade in 2015, but certainly hilarious and oh-so-charming for 1947.
10 The Santa Clause This movie starring Tim Allen is right up there with Home Alone as a total 90s classic. It just screams childhood to me, and it's both nostalgic for me but also a really nice story! I didn't realize until this year that it was made by Disney! Which explains why it has something for everyone, and has stood the test of time.
11 A Christmas Story Love love love this movie. It's a family favorite and we like to watch it at least once or twice on Christmas Day (after all it plays for 24 straight hours!)
12 How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Live-Action) While I love the classic cartoon just as much, I truly love the live-action version of The Grinch starring Jim Carey. The updates to the story are just so cute, and I really feel the Christmas charm whenever I watch this. Aww, it warms my heart.
And there you have it! My holiday favorites! Which are yours? I'd love to hear more from you guys in the comments below!
Labels:
Christmas,
Cinema,
Family,
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Gift Guides,
Gift Ideas,
Holidays,
Winter
Monday, December 14, 2015
#Blogmas Day 14: Holiday Candles from Bath & Body Works
Happy Monday, y'all! Hope you had a great weekend and are ready for more #Blogmas action here on the blog! I've said it before, but the holidays are not the holidays without a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works burning in the background. And one of my favorite things to do is pop into the store near Grand Central Station and just stick my face into each and every one of them until I decide which are THE BEST. It's a very scientific process, and part of my own personal catalogue of Christmas traditions. Anyone else? No? Well, that's okay... I've done the embarrassing legwork for you then! Below are my personal top 4 Holiday 3-wick candles. And, as always, pay attention to sales because you can get an amazing deal on these. In fact, as of now (for a limited time only) they are $15.00 marked down from $22.50, so get to shopping!
1 Cinnamon Caramel Swirl Basically a christmas cookie/dessert in the form of a candle. Yum!
2 Mahogany Teakwood This is a totally masculine, woodsy scent that (not gonna lie to you) kind of smells like a sexy man! I told another lady who was sniffing it, and she bought two! Heyyy girl.
3 Vanilla Bean Noel This is a classic. It's just so sweet, creamy, and totally just warm, and I love burning it in the kitchen.
4 Frosted Cranberry This is also totally an annual classic, and really reminds me of home. It's fresh and fruity, and totally festive.
1 Cinnamon Caramel Swirl Basically a christmas cookie/dessert in the form of a candle. Yum!
2 Mahogany Teakwood This is a totally masculine, woodsy scent that (not gonna lie to you) kind of smells like a sexy man! I told another lady who was sniffing it, and she bought two! Heyyy girl.
3 Vanilla Bean Noel This is a classic. It's just so sweet, creamy, and totally just warm, and I love burning it in the kitchen.
4 Frosted Cranberry This is also totally an annual classic, and really reminds me of home. It's fresh and fruity, and totally festive.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
#Blogmas Day 13: Short Stack Editions
My best friend Cate shared these super cute cookbooks from Short Stack Editions with me this past week, and I was totally inspired. They include recipes centered around a specific ingredient which would be perfect for someone with a favorite food (did someone say broccoli?) or for people with a CSA box who knows without a doubt that there will be tons of surplus fruits and veggies during various parts of the season. But most importantly, the covers on these are beautifully illustrated. I would love to have each and every volume in my kitchen, but could easily pick and choose the ones that will work best with my own cooking lifestyle. These are one of my top gift ideas this season, and super affordable at $14.00 each! How about you guys? What's your favorite food to cook with? Leave a comment below!
Labels:
Books,
Buys on a Budget,
Color Lover,
Cooking,
Family,
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Gift Guides,
Gift Ideas,
Health,
Illustration,
Meal Planning,
Nutrition,
Recipes,
Shopping
Friday, December 11, 2015
#Blogmas Day 11: Holiday Wish List - 2016 Planners
It's that time of year where you really start to wrap your head around the fact that it's about to be a new year. Whether you start getting your resolutions ready, or you at least try to get your affairs in order, a new year totally feels like a new beginning. And sometimes even just the feeling of a new beginning is important for keeping things in a busy, overwhelming life feel fresh, new, and fun. This also happens to be the perfect time to start the new year right with a planner. In the digital age, I know my phone and computer calendars keep track of my appointments and office obligations, but there's just something so charming and fun about keeping personal plans, birthdays, and other fun fetes in a beautiful agenda book. And why stop there? There are meal planners, diet planners, grocery planners, even content planners for bloggers and vloggers and people who work from home. I put together a few planners that I either have and am currently using, or have had my eye on for a while now. They would make excellent holiday gifts for someone special who's looking to grab 2016 by the horns and live their best-ever life!
1 Kate Spade 2016 Planners I'm currently using the gold polka-dotted planner and it makes me so happy to look at it every day.
2 Skinnytaste Meal Planner I've blogged about this before, and I'm loving using it to plan out my meals (and grocery shopping/cooking schedule) for the week.
3 The Erin Condren LifePlanner This planner has a huge cult following on the internet. People create products specifically for it, they blog and vlog about it in Plan With Me videos on YouTube – it is kind of like the Rolls Royce of agendas.
4 Ban.do 2016 Agenda These are so cute, and the design is flawless. I love the look of these planners, and they come with super cute stickers. This would be an amazing gift for someone in high school or college, but hurry because they are selling out fast!
1 Kate Spade 2016 Planners I'm currently using the gold polka-dotted planner and it makes me so happy to look at it every day.
2 Skinnytaste Meal Planner I've blogged about this before, and I'm loving using it to plan out my meals (and grocery shopping/cooking schedule) for the week.
3 The Erin Condren LifePlanner This planner has a huge cult following on the internet. People create products specifically for it, they blog and vlog about it in Plan With Me videos on YouTube – it is kind of like the Rolls Royce of agendas.
4 Ban.do 2016 Agenda These are so cute, and the design is flawless. I love the look of these planners, and they come with super cute stickers. This would be an amazing gift for someone in high school or college, but hurry because they are selling out fast!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
#Blogmas Day 9: Merry Quizmas
Okay, my little Christmas Kweens (or Kings), the time to prove your Christmas Pop-Culture Know-How has arrived! The Challenge is Merry Quizmas - A Nearly-Impossible Holiday Character Challenge that my friend sent me this morning. Things started out well for me, checking off the entire top two rows, easy peasy. Then there were some head-scratchers like...was this a Christmas movie? Why is the Russian from Rocky IV here again? I think I need to rewatch a lot of movies, starting with Trading Places. Also, this must have been made by boys because Little Women and Meet Me in St. Louis are nowhere to be found and there are so many aliens and people with guns #boymovies #amirite?
...BUT by the time I was half-way through, the entire office was in on the challenge! We were completely obsessed with guessing correctly, and as designers, we were drooling over these adorable illustrations by James Kenison! I could only manage to get 42 out of 60 on my own (the images in white vs. the colorful backgrounds). Note: I whited out the correct names so as to not give away any spoilers! Tell me your score in the comments below!
...BUT by the time I was half-way through, the entire office was in on the challenge! We were completely obsessed with guessing correctly, and as designers, we were drooling over these adorable illustrations by James Kenison! I could only manage to get 42 out of 60 on my own (the images in white vs. the colorful backgrounds). Note: I whited out the correct names so as to not give away any spoilers! Tell me your score in the comments below!
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| How cute are these illustrations by James Kenison? |
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| Questions 1-30: Code by Tad Thorley |
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| Questions 31-60: Copy by Ryan Kroker |
Labels:
Art,
Christmas,
Cinema,
Color Lover,
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Graphic Design,
Holidays,
Illustration,
Retro Delights,
typography
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Bite-Sized Book of Bite-Sized Recipes
I am beyond excited and inspired to share my friend Catherine Murray of Photo Kitchen's latest project, The Bite-Sized Book of Bite-Sized Recipes. You may remember Catherine's stunning photography work from the Cocktail Couture series back in 2011. Now she's putting her love of cooking and food photography to use creating possibly the tiniest, most adorable cookbook ever and she's set up a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project.
"At 1 3/4 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide, it might be the smallest cookbook in the world. With 20 photos and recipes of cute, clever, bite-sized dishes, it's perfect for kids, cookbook collectors, foodies, anyone who loves to eat, cook, or entertain, photographers, book lovers, and collectors of tiny things."
If you want a mini-cookbook of your own, donate today! It would make an amazing stocking stuffer, and there's even an option to buy 1 book, and donate 1 to a children's organization. And the Kickstarter ends in just 19 days, so every little bit counts!
"At 1 3/4 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide, it might be the smallest cookbook in the world. With 20 photos and recipes of cute, clever, bite-sized dishes, it's perfect for kids, cookbook collectors, foodies, anyone who loves to eat, cook, or entertain, photographers, book lovers, and collectors of tiny things."
If you want a mini-cookbook of your own, donate today! It would make an amazing stocking stuffer, and there's even an option to buy 1 book, and donate 1 to a children's organization. And the Kickstarter ends in just 19 days, so every little bit counts!
Labels:
Art,
Christmas,
Cocktail Couture,
Columbus,
Cooking,
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Gift Ideas,
Graphic Design,
Photography,
Recipes,
Wining and Dining
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Artist Inspiration: Mary Blair
Did you see the beautiful article on Disney muralist and concept artist Mary Blair on The Huffington Post earlier this week? Her modern illustration style was a huge inspiration to me growing up, and her interesting take on shapes and colors was so quintessentially 50's and 60's that I credit her with being a large part of what I love so much about that period in art and design. Enjoy some of her paintings from the article below!
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| All images via The Huffington Post article |
![]() |
| Mary Blair herself |
Labels:
Art,
Cinema,
Family,
Family Fun,
Illustration,
Retro Delights
Friday, September 27, 2013
World Maker Faire 2013
This past weekend, some old friends from design school at Ohio State were visiting NYC for something called Maker Faire. My first reaction was, what on earth is that? Well, I got my answer on Saturday...World Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth! Basically, it was a giant design/science/engineering nerd fest where people young and old got to play, create, shop, and get inspired. I saw 3D printers, antique crafts, build-your-own video games, robots, a Life Size game of Mousetrap, and much more. Have any of you been to a Maker Faire near your city? I will definitely be going back next year!
To follow me on Instagram, click here or search for Jennasaisquois
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| Life Size Mousetrap is definitely worth checking out! |
![]() |
| Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots that were actually robots! |
To follow me on Instagram, click here or search for Jennasaisquois
Labels:
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Great Outdoors,
Instagram,
JSQ in NYC,
NYC
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Blog Favorites: Skinnytaste
Skinnytaste, from blogger Gina Homolka, has been a favorite blog in our apartment all summer long, and it's been an amazing (and completely fail-safe) resource for delicious and low-calorie recipes. We are a Weight Watchers apartment, so it's great that she's listed the Points+ values there as well as the calories. A major strength of the blog is that nearly every recipe is loaded with fruits and vegetables, and it's great for families because the produce isn't disguised, but rather presented in a way you never knew how delicious it could be!
My roommate Colleen made the Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe for us last night and it was to. die. for. Seriously. A perfect welcome to Fall. (Note: this particular recipe is from guest blogger Anjali from The Picky Eater)
Below are a few more of our favorite recipes from throughout the summer! If you haven't already, I definitely suggest you check this blog out! So so so tasty.
My roommate Colleen made the Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe for us last night and it was to. die. for. Seriously. A perfect welcome to Fall. (Note: this particular recipe is from guest blogger Anjali from The Picky Eater)
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| Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe from Skinnytaste.com |
Below are a few more of our favorite recipes from throughout the summer! If you haven't already, I definitely suggest you check this blog out! So so so tasty.
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| Southwestern Black Bean Salad from Skinnytaste.com |
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| Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Skinnytaste.com |
Labels:
Autumn,
Family,
Family Fun,
Photography,
Recipes,
Summer
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
New York, New York
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| Illustration by Carolyn Gavin |
I explained to my roommate once that I was a bit depressed that I never got to see or do the things I thought I'd certainly have crossed off my to-do list in the first year. Things like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or eating a Nathan's Famous Hotdog at Coney Island, or freezing my butt off watching the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade live and in-person. But then, he said something that really got me thinking...Jenna, you LIVE here. And you've LIVED here for a year. And that doesn't mean going to tourist attractions or vacation spots everyday. It means going to work, sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating takeout. It means paying way too much for a cab home because there is now nothing at all whimsical about riding the subway after a long, hard day. It's not about going to the hottest gallery openings, or taking vacations aboard Ramona Singer's yacht. Because life in New York is not a TV show. It's just life.
And for those of you who are curious about what I HAVE done in my time here, below is a list of things I am incredibly proud to have done/seen/accomplished:
- I took a surfing lesson on Long Beach
- I drove an actual racecar (!!!) in New Jersey
- I got to sit in a floor-level box to see Madonna perform at Madison Square Garden (where Psy also made a surprise experience)
- I added Hellmann's Mayonnaise, American Express, Klondike, and Dove Style+Care to the list of clients I've worked with
- I drank a Black & Tan in the same bar that Abraham Lincoln used to hang out in
- I saw Bon Iver perform at Radio City Music Hall
- I saw about a bazillion shows on Broadway. Some favorites include: Newsies, Anything Goes, Porgy & Bess, Bring It On! The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Heiress (Starring the dreamy Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey...sigh), A Christmas Story, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and maaaaany more.
- I had visitors in the form of friends from high school, friends from college, friends of friends, my aunt, my parents, and friends of my parents...
- I rode the Long Island Railroad and then took a train to Connecticut all in the same weekend
- I got sunburnt to a crisp on the 4th of July on the beach at Fort Tilden Park
- I danced the night away in a basement bar on Bowery street (a few times...)
- I took the Chinatown bus back to Columbus for an incredible weekend
- I made it through a major natural disaster relatively unscathed and sent many prayers to those who felt it's effects more closely
- I have made incredible memories with incredible friends that I didn't even know existed only a year ago
- and I have made an incredible, lasting bond with friends I did know existed but now I know them a whole lot better
It's been an incredible journey. One that I haven't been too communicative about...apologies about that. But while my plans of documenting my first year didn't go so well, I like to say that it's because I was too busy experiencing everything. And next year comes the writing!
Labels:
Columbus,
Family Fun,
Friends,
fun,
Illustration,
JSQ in NYC,
New York City,
NYC,
Winter
Monday, December 17, 2012
A Christmas Story: The Musical
I don't think I need to tell you how magical Christmas in this city is...I've always thought that New York City was the setting of every Christmas carol from the chestnuts roasting on the open fire, to the city sidewalks, busy sidewalks all the way to the what are you doing new year's eve? But this season, I was happy to introduce a few original carols to my holiday season in the form of the show, A Christmas Story: The Musical. Of course it's based on the classic movie, and definitely sticks close to the plot (and the flagpole) for you die-hard fans. But the original songs and choreography add something even more special to this story. I've seen it twice now... And I highly encourage those of you near enough to the city to check out this Triple-Dog-Daring Musical!
1 Ralphie hates his pink bunny suit in the musical just as much as in 2012 as he did in the 1983 film.
2 The World Premier Cast Recording will definitely have you singing along.
3 The driving force of the show is Ralphie Parker's quest to unwrap a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun with a compass in the stock (and this thing that tells time...) this Christmas.
4 The ensemble of kids in this cast will impress even the most top-notch Broadway connoisseur!
5 The leg lamp gets the fanfares, accolades and (spoiler alert) KICKLINE it truly deserves in the show-stopping Act I number that would make "the Old Man" proud.
1 Ralphie hates his pink bunny suit in the musical just as much as in 2012 as he did in the 1983 film.
2 The World Premier Cast Recording will definitely have you singing along.
3 The driving force of the show is Ralphie Parker's quest to unwrap a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun with a compass in the stock (and this thing that tells time...) this Christmas.
4 The ensemble of kids in this cast will impress even the most top-notch Broadway connoisseur!
5 The leg lamp gets the fanfares, accolades and (spoiler alert) KICKLINE it truly deserves in the show-stopping Act I number that would make "the Old Man" proud.
Labels:
Christmas,
Family Fun,
Friends,
New York City,
NYC
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Post-Hurricane Report: Jane's Carousel
Hello, friends. I wanted to report that I am indeed safe and well after Hurricane Sandy blew through Manhattan a week ago, leaving disastrous damages to the city in its wake. I am lucky enough to live way uptown on top of a big hill, so flood waters weren't a concern. We never lost power either, unlike many of my friends and coworkers who live below 40th street and dealt with wind damage, power outages, and serious flooding.
But, I am very happy to report that Jane's Carousel (which, like me, is from Youngstown, OH) survived the flood as well, and it is sort of a beautiful hurricane miracle. This carousel, built in 1922, lived in a beloved, local amusement park, Idora Park, that both my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles visited back in Youngstown, OH. It closed the year before I was born, after a fire swept through the park. Jane's Carousel was relocated, eventually, to New York City where it was housed in a glass pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This photo puts the hurricane into quite an eerily beautiful perspective.
But, I am very happy to report that Jane's Carousel (which, like me, is from Youngstown, OH) survived the flood as well, and it is sort of a beautiful hurricane miracle. This carousel, built in 1922, lived in a beloved, local amusement park, Idora Park, that both my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles visited back in Youngstown, OH. It closed the year before I was born, after a fire swept through the park. Jane's Carousel was relocated, eventually, to New York City where it was housed in a glass pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This photo puts the hurricane into quite an eerily beautiful perspective.
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| Image by Koseli |
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| Image by Door Sixteen |
Labels:
Family Fun,
Friends,
Great Outdoors,
JSQ in NYC,
Photography
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Little Boy Blue
I am completely in love with this perfect bedroom for a little boy. It is colorful, stimulating, and styled to perfection. And of course it prominently features my favorite color...so there's that. The child that lives in this room is beyond lucky to have such a cool space with a place for everything and tons to look at... But, if the little owner of this room is anything like the boys I've encountered through being the oldest of a gaggle of cousins and a middle-school babysitting pro, then I just pray none of these beautiful things get destroyed in a child-sized maelstrom. Enjoy!

| All images via Rafa Kids via 101 Woonideeën |
Labels:
Accessories,
Color Lover,
Family Fun,
fun,
Home Décor,
Photography,
Savvy Styling
Monday, July 9, 2012
Wonderful + Whimsical
I think I happened upon quite possibly the most amazing Pinterest account I've ever encountered! Will you get a load of these bright, cheerful, colorful interiors? I can't imagine better eye candy on a Monday... Thank you Pinterest, and double thank you to Live from IKEA FAMILY for a major dose of inspiration. Check these beauties out!
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| Originally pinned from Camille Styles |
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| Original pin here |
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| Originally pinned from Bungalow 5 |
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| Originally pinned from Éénig Wonen |
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| Originally pinned from by.bak |
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| Originally pinned from House to Home |
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| Originally pinned from Coco+Kelley |
Labels:
Art,
Color Lover,
Family Fun,
fun,
Home Décor,
Homekeeping,
Interior Design,
Savvy Styling
Monday, January 23, 2012
Snow and the City
I woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of a snow shovel scraping across gravel. I instantly jumped up and ran to the window to find that sometime during the night, New York City had been blanketed by at least three or four inches of perfect white snow! I could sense the aggravation of everyone else around me from roommates to those riding with me on the subway, but I didn't mind a bit. It was sort of my first taste of home in NYC. Something very familiar, and sort of Mid-West-like. Especially when I got off the subway at 72nd near the West side of Central Park and saw a million little kids in scarves and mittens and boots dragging their sleds through city crosswalks on their way to what I can only imagine is the most glorious sledding hill in all of Manhattan... This city has felt like home since the day I arrived, but now that it's snowed, it feels even more familiar.
I found an entrance to the park right across the street, and followed behind a few dads pulling their little kids toward a hill like a dog pulls a dogsled. Then I found a sign telling me I was in Strawberry Fields... I managed to snap this picture before my fingers nearly froze to my camera. And then, it was back underground to wait for the train again. Have I mentioned how much I love it here?
Labels:
Family Fun,
JSQ in NYC,
Winter
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
I Love You, Mom!
Attention, Attention! Today is my amazing, creative, incredibly special mother, Susan Brucoli's BIRTHDAY!
So, since she is constantly bugging me to teach her Adobe Illustrator, but I usually end up getting frustrated and wanting to bang my head up against a wall, I am presenting to her this coupon! (See Below) Because do you think she was frustrated when she was carrying me for 9 months? Probably. Do you think she wanted to bang her head up against the wall when she was experiencing labor pains in the wee small hours of the morning until I finally decided to make the earth my permanent locale? Definitely! But did she complain? NO WAY, (or at least not to my knowledge) because being a mom clearly teaches you a selflessness you never even knew you had before. And, Mom, you are easily the most selfless, wonderful, person on this planet and the best friend a gal could ask for. Thanks for being born today, and you know...for all that aforementioned labor stuff... I love you!
Labels:
Autumn,
Family Fun,
Friends,
Holidays,
Illustration,
typography
Thursday, March 31, 2011
For You, Mom
It must really pay to have a child who is a graphic designer by trade...My mother, a high school teacher in Howland Township, Ohio, is in charge of organizing the Prom. She enlisted my help on the ticket, and I figured roughly 10 hours of labor is payment enough for me. So this one's for you, Susan! As you can see, I gave it a little Jenna Sais Quois ribbon twist as well. It's kind of my signature at this point...
Labels:
Family Fun,
Graphic Design,
Personal Portfolio,
typography
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