Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lemon-Limeade

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Phew! I just survived the absolute craziest, draining, rewarding three months of my adult life. Starting my new job back in March, I could never imagine the long hours, the endless spreadsheets, the occasional break-down. There was also no way I could imagine the payoff and feeling as though I finally found a job I love with people who have become a second family. More on this later – believe me, I have a ton of photos and stories from the event to share with you all.

For now, let’s focus on the fact that summertime is upon us. These last few weeks made me feel like a school girl again, mentally preparing my summer can’t-wait-to-do list which is, unsurprisingly, heavily weighted towards food and drinks, intermixed with a few household projects. But one common thread seems to run through each item on my list: simplify. Take a deep breath.

Luckily, one of my favorite summer treats is incredibly simple to create and the result is well worth the few extra minutes required in making this drink from scratch. I love slowly sipping on a glass of this lemon-limeade, the tartness pulling at the sides of my checks and the sweetness instantly soothing them. Welcome sweet summertime.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Happy Anniversary Mum & Dad!


Wishing my incredible parents a very happy anniversary today!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Lysimachia Lady Jane

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LYSIMACHIA LADY JANE
New York, NY
© Dolcetto Confections | Allison M. Veinote, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Simple Syrup

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Once the warm weather rolls into the city, simple syrup becomes a staple in my refrigerator. By always having the syrup on hand, cocktails or a pitcher of lemonade can be perfectly sweetened on a moment's notice. Using a simple syrup ensures there is no grittiness in your drink, a sweet reward for a minimal amount of work.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Belmont Stakes 2011

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Saturday was a rainy, dreary day here in New York, but Mike and I nonetheless departed the apartment early, leaving behind our cozy down comforter and lazy Saturday morning routine. We sipped coffee on a train, speeding through Long Island on our to spend the day with family and friends at Belmont Park.

The Belmont Stakes was the eleventh race of the day, at which point we were all chilled and sleepy, the effect of the previous seven hours of races, betting, sipping cocktails, and willing the rain to stop blowing sideways.

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I bet a total of $16 during the entirety of the day, $12 of which I reserved for the stakes. While both Mike and his father have tried desperately in past years to teach me how to properly read the racing form, the statistics, conditions and results of the previous races, I prefer to stick with my personal philosophy when placing my bets: choose the horse with the best name.

As such, I put my money on 'Stay Thirsty'. Mike rolled his eyes and the guy in our row quipped, "Good luck with that one," when I told him my pick. But Stay Thirsty didn't let me down, placing second in the Stakes and Mike - who had been diligent in his research and evaluating statistics all day - just shook his head in amazement.

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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Urban Garden

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URBAN GARDEN
New York, NY
© Dolcetto Confections | Allison M. Veinote, 2011

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Chikalicious Dessert Club

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Every now and then, a girl just needs to meet up with a close girlfriend and dish about this crazy life over a fancy cocktail. And when that cocktail is accompanied by a three course dessert, well, all the better. A trip to Chikalicious is just what the doctor ordered, where we sipped on a sparkling lemon-blackberry cocktail and cooled off with honey ice cream, topped with espresso granita with three perfect squares of lemon genoise.

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Chikalicious Dessert Club
203 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10003-7636
P: 212.475.0929

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Sidewalk Shop

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SIDEWALK SHOP
New York, NY
© Dolcetto Confections | Allison M. Veinote, 2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Tompkins Square Park

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One of my favorite features of New York City is the ability to turn the corner and discover something new. So, for instance, when a friend might be running a bit late for a lunch date, I am able to quickly pass the time armed with little more than my camera and a few unexplored city blocks.

This particular time, I was drawn into Tompkins Square Park, a vibrantly green space nestled within the East Village. The sun was shining and summer days were suddenly upon us. An eclectic collection of people filled the park - children, basketball players, furry friends, people watchers, a handful of guitar players, and one woman playing the accordion - but each one embracing the outdoors, the sunshine, and the final send-off to a long, unyielding winter.

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Tompkins Square Park
500 East 9th Street
New York, NY 10009
Open Daily 7am to 12am
 
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