Why not pack a book?

Alright our darling adventurers! I know Spring Break or winter get-aways are right around the corner, so I thought I would share with you my top reads for every vacation destination!

1)The Long Flight Read: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

This book is a quick fun read. Two strangers meet in an airport and instantly have chemistry, but what is the statistical probability that this might be love at first sight. You'll honestly love every second with this book and putting it down will be hard. I definitely recommend if you are going on a long flight, you'll have it done by the time you land! And who knows, you may be sitting next to your one true love!

2)The Road-Trip Read: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

This is probably one of my favorite books ever! When Amy is forced to move to Connecticut from sunny California her mother gets Roger to drive out with her. What ensues is an epic detour! Totally original and touching! Great read for a road-trip!

3) Kicking it at Home read: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I know the cover looks corny but this is one of the best YA novels that I've come across in a long time! It's a great self-discovery and first love novel about the boy next door. I can't recommend it enough! Good for those of you just chilling out at home this spring break!

4) The International Jet-setter: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Fell in love with this book so quickly! Anna is ready for her senior year to being in Atalanta but when her father ships her off to boarding school in Paris she is less than thrilled. While there she meets Eteinne St. Clair who is perfection...too bad he's already taken. Watch as Anna conquers Paris and her own heart. (Good news, this book is part of a trilogy.)

5) Coming off your Hunger Games High: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This book is on the same level as Hunger Games, and don't tell J. Law or J. Hutch, but I think this one is better. In this world love is discovered to be the most dangerous of all diseases. When you turn 18 you receive the cure to this disease then you can live without fear, but when Lena is days away from her 18th birthday she meets Alex and everything she's ever feared begins to happen. Seriously couldn't put this book down. It is fast paced and the ending leaves you in shock! (This one is also a trilogy, and all three books are out!)

6) The Beach Read: Along for the Ride by Sara Dessen

I had trouble picking this beach read. There are tons of good ones out there, but Sara Dessen can always be counted on! Auden has moved out to Colby to live with her father and his new family for the summer. Ever since her parents split she's been an insomniac and there she meets Eli. Together they explore the night and embark on their own journeys. I can smell that salty ocean air now!

7) The Big Apple Gossip Girl: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

This is a great series for those of you who enjoy historical fiction. This is like Gossip Girl but in the late 1800s. This series follows New York's richest and most fabulous through scandal and deceit. For you Downton Abbey lovers out there! You can follow this up with the other books in the series!

8) The Lake House Escape: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I can't get enough of this author! This one is perfect for those of y'all with lake houses and a good view of the dock. Taylor hasn't been back to her family's lake house in forever, and with good reason. But this summer things are different and she struggles to put things right and before it's too late. Warning, I cried, but it was well worth the tears.

9) The Cafe Corner: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

I'm sure you've heard of this one or seen the trailer but this book will change your life. I won't even summarize it. I will just tell you to read it. It is worth every page. John Green is brilliant and his work is innovative and gut wrenching.

10) The Fantasy World: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Nothing will ever top Harry Potter in my world, but this is a great series. I actually read this forever ago but I'm going to re-read them this summer. After the suicide of her mother Gemma is sent from her home in India to a boarding school in England. She is haunted by visions of the future that have a frightening habit of coming true. Again this is a trilogy and all of them are out, so there is no wait when you get hooked!

I hope this helps guide you in the right reading direction! Make memories and read your heart out.

An Eagle, a Donut and a Princess

Today Nee and I went on another whirlwind adventure! As with all great adventures one must load themselves with great food. Our first stop was The Eagle on Vine street. This is probably the best fired chicken you will ever eat in your life. Make sure you order a side of Mac and Cheese! On top of the amazing food and drinks (try their Bloody Mary) the vibe in the restaurant was awesome. It used to be the old post office and there are lots of little artifacts from a different age that can be seen throughout the place. Totally worth it. Make sure you get there early because it fills up fast and there will be a wait!

The next stop we made was to Holtman's a little donut place that will blow your mind. We probably shouldn't have stopped because these beach bodies aren't going to tone themselves with donuts, but what's life without a little extra icing. These donuts are to die for, far superior to Dunkin or Krispy Kreme. The moment they hit your lips they dissolve away in your mouth and leave you with sweet sugary bliss. I highly recommend the chocolate one, although the bacon covered one did catch our eye! Next time! 

After we were stuffed to the brim Nee and I made our way to Union Terminal to see the Lady Diana Exhibition. Learning about her life was inspirational and touching. She was an amazing woman. The fact that she is still so adored and honored is truly heart warming. She was a charitable and elegant woman who will live on forever in our hearts.

"I don't go by the rule book. I lead from the Heart, not the head." - Princess Diana 

Princess Diana was only 19 when she married Prince Charles in the $1,900 wedding gown. Check out the train on that thing!

This was my favorite room in the exhibition. She was truly a style icon! 

Top Cincinnati Places to Dine for Valentine's

Previously Nee and I told you about our top picks for this Valentine's Day, but whats a good date without dinner? This post is all about the best places in Cincinnati to chow down this Valentine's day with your significant other!

$$$$ for the ballers--
1) Our first pick for a fancy feast is Jeff Ruby's Precinct or his Steak House downtown. The thought of his bone in filet mignon is literally making my stomach rumble as I type. This is the best place in the city if you are looking for a romantic and impressive meal. You will not regret the bucks you pour out there. Be sure to sample their Brussels sprouts and mac and cheese. Ladies make sure you wear a loose dress to this one that way you can stuff yourself without needed to unzip or unbutton anything! For reservations call (513) 784-1200.

2) Our second pick on the more pricey side is Orchid's Palm Court. I personally have not eaten dinner here but their brunch is to die for, so I can only imagine that their dinners are out of this world. This restaurant looks like it is straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel! It is the perfect romantic location for those couples who are old souls. It will take you back in time. Orchid's was named OpenTable's #7 Best Restaurant in the USA for 2014! For reservations call (513) 564-6465.

3) Our final pricey pick is the Melting Pot. This place is for our quirky couples out there. The Melting Pot is all fondue. When you are seated you choose from a plethora of cheeses and meats and dip away. And for dessert you get to choose some excellent fruits for your chocolate fondue. This is definitely a different dining experience, but what is cuter than feeding your special someone a fresh chocolate dip strawberry? Dig in! For reservations call (513) 530-5501.


$ for those of you on a tighter budget (aka me because I am in college) here are some of our options!

1) IHOP- now don't roll your eyes, what is more special than dressing up and eating breakfast for dinner? Those heart shaped pancakes are second to none and it is hard to resist bacon at any time of the day! No reservations needed for this fancy establishment!

2) Any pizza lovers out there? This one is for you! Word on the street is that Papa John's will be bringing back their delightful heart shaped pizza this Valentine's day. Order a large, rent a few movies and cuddle up with your special someone!

3) As lame as this one sounds, White Castle is always an option on Valentine's Day.  Make reservations and feed each other while you crinkle your face with some of those yummy crinkled fries.  Wear the chicken rings are your bling and scarf some burgers down.  Just don't wear something super nice, because you'll end up smelling like it!  No reservations needed!!

10 Things to do for Valentine's Day

The most romantic holiday is coming up.  To some, most dreadful day, but hey!  We all wanna be loved, so lets love away!

1) KJP bow tie bracelet - Scarlett O'Hara. It's preppy but with a hint of you in it. Make the bow tie one that you would wear so when she wears it she thinks of you.

2) Buy her a new dress and accessories to match, tell her to be ready by 7pm and make the whole evening a surprise.

3) Get an inflatable baby pool. Fill it with pillows and blankets and go stat gazing out in the countryside. 

4) J'adore new parfume! Buy her something that you love the smell of. Whenever she puts it on she'll think of you! 

5) A night in Paris. Make her a French meal, string lights from the ceiling and get a picture of the Eifle tower to hang by the dinner table. Have some Parisian songs playing in the back ground. And don't forget the dessert!

6) Monogramed necklace or bracelet. Find them all over etsy. They are a must have for a classy girl. If you're at the engagement stage make the monogram with her hopefully soon-to-be new initial. Then obviously you'll wanna get down on one knee and ask the question before she catches on. 

7) the Diamond Candle. These things are brilliant. At the bottom of each is a ring that's worth $10-10,000! She will hopefully love the scent and the ring at the bottom of it too! Supplement this gift with a few other things, just in case she doesn't get the $10,000 one.

8) Her greatest hits. Make her favorite food, watch her favorite movie, read her favorite book, listen to her favorite song, wear her favorite shirt that you own, go to her favorite spot. then don't forget to tell her your favorite things about her. 

9) Now this one is not really realistic but a girl can dream can't she? If you live by Disney this is perfect, if not then start saving up boys.  At Disney on Valentines Day, they have all the Princesses walk around with their Princes. Make it a point to see all of them, but especially see her favorites. Then make a reservation at the Be Our Guest restaurant and have an elegant evening of wining and dining with your very own princess.

10) Write her the story of how you guys first met from your point of view. She knows her side but does she know what was running through your head when you first saw her or how nervous you were when you asked her out for the first time? Tell her. She will love it.

Don't stay down for long Darling

Whenever I am having a bad day I know I can always turn to Nee. She always says, "Have a bad day Hannah. Those are allowed. But don't stay down for long darling." So here is what I do with my bad day. 

1) John Mayer. 

I begin and end my day with this man. Whether it's Free Falling, Dreaming With a Broken Heart or Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, John knows how to pick me up and get me back on my feet. 

2) Don't forget the whip cream and cherries. 

I know how easy it is to avoid food during stressful/painful/heartbreaking situations, but take it from someone who has been there, not eating is NOT the answer. So grab that carton of Graters Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip (a Cincinnati delicacy) and dig in. Trust me, he isn't worth an empty stomach. And one day of emotional eating won't ruin that figure. 

3) Titanic or The Notebook?

If you are anything like me a good cry will do you wonders. However as a matter of pride I don't like to cry over something I know isn't worth it. Thus, I pop in a movie that is a tear jerker and let the water works go. 

4) Why go out? Bring the store to you. 

I don't encourage this every time you are upset or going through a heartbreak, but I definitely advise it for the bad ones. Pull out your computers ladies and buy ONE item that puts a smile on your face. Don't go crazy, you don't need to break the bank, but if those pair of heels make you smile then go for it sister.

5) Write a letter. 

I always do this no matter what situation it is. When I am upset I write it down. Whether you deliver the letter or not is up to your discretion, but I know it helps to get it ALL out in front of you. 

6) Hugs. 

As the show Pushing Daisies taught me, hugs are like emotional Heimlich maneuvers. When someone wraps their arms around you and squeeze they dislodge that ball of emotions you're choking on. It's also nice to know that there are always constants in your life. Find them and ask them to hug you tight. 

7) Get ready to face tomorrow. 

Eventually you are gonna have to brush your teeth and take those sweatpants off.  Make sure you make it count. Get in the shower. Shave those legs. Curl your hair and spray yourself with your favorite perfume. Make sure your outfit is amazing and your heels are high. He will rue the day he ever let you go, why not show him what he's missing? 

8) Remember who you are. 

This moment doesn't define you. Whoever you are will remain through everything. Remember you are confident, strong and important. Don't let a broken heart tear you down. Be better not bitter. 

So ladies, mope and eat and cry and talk nonstop about the situation, but don't stay down for long. Two days MAX. show them what you're made of, and you're a lot stronger than you think. 

Why every girl should have Kate Spade on her shoulders.. Literally

Kate Spade... Do we need to say more?

You know how guys get turned on when they hear the vroom to some ridiculously expensive car that looks like it has eagle wings, but supposedly it's carbon fiber helping it fly fast like lightning?? Yes that's what Kate does to us.  Weak in the knees.. Yes give it to me!

If you don't own one, get one.  Everyone has Coach. Everyone has Michael Kors, but Kate Spade, she's a classic.  You can never get tired with your darling Kate. Such a simple yet classy piece of luxury in your closet, on your shoulder, or in front of your eyes.  

We both have Kate.  Combining our collection together, we could probably open an exhibit.  Her jewelry is divine and the colors are just so dainty. The home decor... Love!  Such an inspiration.  

This is Nee's newest buy... Adorable!  Perfect for the moms on the go with a J. Crew twist.  We adore!  

Just go buy one and make sure you share it with us. 

10 Things to Leave Behind in High School

10 things to leave behind you when you leave high school. 

1) DRAMA.
Leave it behind.  Who care what he said she said.  Who cares if so and so did this and that. When you graduate from high school consider it your graduation into the adult world where petty fights and backstabbing are unacceptable. Or at least they should be.

2) Your wardrobe.
Make a fresh start.  Reinvent yourself from your toes up.  Think blazers, pumps, dark jeans.  Enough of these ripped pieces of fabric.  Say good bye to Paris Hilton and hello Natalie Portman.

3) Your bad habits.
I pick at my nails.  As a manicurist you can imagine how much that vexes Nee. I am trying to stop.  I still have my polish on!

4) Your one true love.
This may seem a bit cynical but dump them. College is a time to meet thousands of new people.  Get out there and find the one.  I can guarantee you, mine wasn't at in high school.

5) Your insecurities.
Take charge.  This is your time to define yourself, so do it with confidence.  Do it now or else be forever lost.

6) False modesty.
If someone says, "You look pretty today." Say "Thank you." Don't deny it.  You know you look good. That's why you took the time to curl your hair and match your shoes and your sweater.  Own up to it.

7) Your mistakes.
There is no use crying over spilt milk.  It happened in your past.  Share it with those that matter, but don't air out your dirty laundry in front of your new college friends.  Don't dwell on it and forget to live the life in front of you.  Learn from it and carry on.

8) Don't let people think you peaked in high school.
No one wants to hear how amazing you were on the student council or if you held an office in high school. You are playing with the big kids now. Don't let them think you don't have anything left in you.  Keep your dream alive and keep going.  BE SOMEONE.

9) That ex that keeps coming back for more.
There was a reason it didn't work the first 3 times you tried it.  Let it go and meet a new Prince Charming.

10) Your judgements.
Everyone is fighting their own battles.  Be gracious and understanding, you will meet tons of new people from many different backgrounds.  Don't jump to conclusions just because they aren't exactly like your high school friends.  People change, you change.. be open minded and embrace.

While you are leaving all the bad stuff behind in high school, don't forget the good stuff.  There are friends in high school that are going to be with you forever.  Value them because they know you better than anyone.  I may not have the whole class, but I have a handful that I adore.