Laundry Luxe - 5 Dreamy Laundry Rooms

July 14, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Busy weekends hiking and beaching mean a week of playing laundry catch-up. And while mountains for laundry definitely isn't pretty, laundry rooms certainly can be. White and gleaming with a place for everything, these laundry rooms are totally and utterly lust-worthy, especially while you're waiting for that last batch to finish the spin cycle.

Apartment living isn't always (ever?) conducive to a glamorous laundry room, but you can infuse a little luxury into your laundry routine with these squeaky clean accessories:

-MC-

Friday Finds

June 26, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Some weeks, the word crazy just doesn't seem to do it justice. And after a relaxing trip to the Caribbean (more details on that soon), heading back to reality felt especially well, real. In the midst of playing catch-up on life, these 5 things have caught my eye:

Social Media Formulas - Want more IG likes? Apparently there is a method to the madness. Check it out.

There is a serious sale happening here. The sample sale in the city was nothing short of mania, but I'm still swooning over this and this.

Summer is all about fresh produce. Consider this your farmer's market cheat sheet. Current obsession - fresh plums.

This bag has everything for the warmer months - clean, streamlined design, perfect handles and a touch of monogram. Perfection.

Newly discovered and totally enamored - cutest gift idea for every occasion.

Happy Weekend

-MC-

Sips: Iced Latte

June 9, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Mornings are my favorite part of the day. It's calm and quiet, and I get to perch at the counter and leisurely read the paper, check out my favorite blogs and drink my coffee, totally unhurried. It's probably the most relaxing part of the day and, for me, helps start the morning off on the right foot.

Having coffee prepped and ready to go is key, and, not surprisingly, we've been all about iced lattes. Espresso (my favorite is Cafe Bustelo) instantly cooled and then later poured over iced and topped with cold milk. Perfection. (The key to any iced coffee treat is to avoid pouring the hot liquid over the ice. No matter what you do, the ice will melt, and it will dilute the flavor.)

While I love iced lattes day to day, they don't really lend themselves to a crowd. In that case, bring on the Iced Coffee! This recipe from The Pioneer Woman is easy and makes enough for 24 servings. Consider your next brunch handled.

-MC-

Style Edit: Chunky Knits & Shorts

June 2, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

My favorite evenings are spent near the water (pool, ocean, lake, you name it). However, as the sun goes down, I'm the first one to feel the chill in the air. Balance the drop in temperature by pairing chunky knits with shorts for a polished, yet cozy, feel. Keep the look relaxed by layering over-sized sweaters (much more chic than just a plain sweatshirt) with tailored shorts (and make sure they are still visible underneath to avoid any of those is-she-wearing-pants situations). Pair with strappy sandals or Sperrys, and you're set. Here are few pairings that I can't get enough of:

Look 1: Sweater/Shorts, Look 2: Sweater/Shorts, Look 3: Sweater/Shorts

-MC-

Friday Finds

May 29, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

As is evidence in the lack of recent posts, the last few weeks have been utterly hectic - a cold that finally reared it's ugly head after weeks of vitamin-C-binges, late calls and a rotating (somewhat unpredictable) social calendar - exhaustion had set in. But at last, I'm blissfully back to writing, and here are the 5 things that I'm obsessed with this week.

- Ever since reading about it in the NY Post, I've been utterly captivated, and I am itching to get my hands on a copy of this book.

- My love for picnics is well documented (here) and this article sums up its appeal perfectly!

- Watermelon has already become our desert of choice. Apparently we're not the only ones.

- While I love to cook, on especially warm evenings, it's nice to have a no-oven-necessary meal. These wraps look incredible!

- Maybe it was the Vogue cover or maybe the idea of a period film, but this movie looks so sweet.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Summer Skin

May 26, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Image Source:  Laurie Bartley, Harper's Bazaar — Image Source: Laurie Bartley, Harper's Bazaar

It's unofficially summer, and that means two things, summer Fridays, and it's time to tweak your skincare regimen. Since East Coast weather is, just now, starting to heat up, I was a bit behind on my own update, but now that we're in full swing, it's time to assess and readjust. Here is how I make the seasonal switch:

- Lighten Up - Time to replace heavier foundations for tinted moisturizers or BB/CC creams. These let skin breathe (ie. less clogged pores), and you won't have to worry about having a makeup meltdown - double win. My all time favorite is VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible. It's super lightweight, gives skin a dewy finish and offers SPF 30 protection. Completely obsessed.

- Switch Your Scent - Heavy, lingering fragrances can feel a overwhelming come the warmer months. If you are a certain scent devotee, look for a lighter eau de toilette or eau de cologne version. My go-to this summer is this scent from Burberry. It feels clean and fresh.

Embrace Bronzer - Just a dusting along the forehead, cheek bones and jawbones gives a well-rested radiance. Look for formulas that say illuminating, which will give an ever-so-slight glow, rather than full-on disco shimmer.

Put Your Best Foot Forward - It's sandal season. Make sure nails and nail beds are well-kept and hydrated. (This foot cream from LCN is amazing.) Complete the look with a fun pop of color. Right now, I'm wearing Elephantastic from OPI.

Lash Out - I like to keep my makeup minimal in the summer and that means just a hint of bronze plus mascara. I'm currently obsessed with this one from Touch in SOL. If gives super long length and doesn't budge or flake all day. Add a poppy lip color and you're set!

-MC-

Weekend Warrior

May 6, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

May is one of my favorite months. Not only is it my birthday (!), but May represents the kick off to summer AND that means summer Fridays. Those blissful days of wrapping up at 1pm and getting a jumpstart on the weekend. And whether catching the cannonball out East or heading upstate, one thing is for sure, you need your bag to travel (and look great while doing so). Check out the below options to take on the weekend in style.

-MC-

Friday Finds

May 1, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Happy Friday! This week has been a busy one (when is it not, really?) but these are worth taking pause for:

- Can't stop thinking about this dress. It may have to happen.

- Harper's broke down style icons by city. I think NYC needs a recount. Dallas is spot on.

- This book is currently on my nightstand. It's fun any breezy and makes me long for 1950's NYC.

- Martha knows best. Check out her breakdown of pantry must-haves to always have stocked. Do you have anything you need?

- This week's mask was pushed back until Wednesday, but this one made it worth the wait!

Happy weekend!

-MC-

Style Edit: Gingham

April 30, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

In fashion everything old is new again, and this season, gingham is experiencing a revival. No longer limited to tablecloths and picnic blankets, this playful print is gracing everything from sportswear to work apparel, and the results couldn't be more chic.

-MC-

Delectable: Migliaccio (Lemon-Ricotta Cake)

April 27, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

This past weekend was the first time in forever that we got to indulge in a few blissful lazy days at home. We slept late, went for a run along the waterfront and watched movies. It was incredible. In honor of our Godfather binge-fest, I made Miglicaccio, ricotta-lemon cake.

What you need:

-3 tbsp unsalted butter

-1 qt whole milk

-1 3/4 c semolina flour

- 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 3/4 c sugar (I used a hair less since I'm trying to cut down on how much sugar we eat)

-4 large eggs

-1 lb fresh ricotta cheese, strained

-Confectioner's sugar

Start by pre-heating the oven to 325. Butter a 11-inch round cake pan. (I only have a 9 inch pain so mine was slightly thicker.)

Heat milk in saucepan until simmering, and then whisk in flour and salt. Boil stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in button and sugar. (By this time the kitchen smells heavenly.) Transfer the batter to a bowl to cool. Make sure to stir every so often to prevent a skin from forming.

Zest lemons and stir into the batter. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Beat in ricotta.

Pour batter into baking pan, and bake until golden brown, approximately 1 hour. (Since mine was a bit fuller, I baked mine for 1:25. I also took some of the excess to avoid an overflow situation and bake them in mini corning-ware.)

After removing the cake from the over, sprinkle a tiny bit of confectioner's sugar. Enjoy immediately!

*Recipe tweaked from this one.

-MC-