Purple in the Park

July 22, 2013 Kelly Donohue

July 22, 2013

Roxbury Park. Beverly Hills, CA

When in doubt, go for a picnic! That’s my motto anyways.

Since returning to LA, it has been a bit dreary and oddly muggy (I guess the Boston weather followed me back here!) So this weekend, instead of heading to the beach or the pool, my boyfriend and I decided to go picnic at a local park that we had never been to before. And it was great!

Picnics are really perfect for the not-so-beachy summer days that are bound to come around from time to time. And let’s be honest, there’s really nothing more relaxing than spending the afternoon hanging out under a tree, eating a sandwich, and reading a good book at the park. Ok…I guess if you factor in the kids running around and the ants crawling up your legs, it’s probably pretty easy to think of more relaxing spots, but let’s just agree that it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. It’s a place to disconnect from the internet, admire other people’s dogs, and lay back making up stories about the cloud shapes above. For me specifically, it’s a place where I can be content to just sit quietly (which is RARE) and take a moment to appreciate the beauty that’s actually always around me, just usually unnoticed.

It’s the little things.

Life is certainly busy, stressful, and tough so to take a moment to appreciate the positivity that is all around you. Whether it’s a picnic or a longer walk on your lunch break, it will recharge your soul and it will make for a better day.

This adorable purple summer dress is from Ruche and will bring a pop of color to even your cloudiest of days. I paired it with some classic nude heels and a turquoise handmade wrap bracelet by Victoria Emerson. Usually, this item would be oustide my price range, but I got it on livingsocial. Yay for great deals! Sometimes I forget about livingsocial for jewelry, reserving it mostly for getting involved in new exercise classes and getaway packages, but don't make this same mistake. Check it out from time to time- you'll find some gems!

Dress: Ruche

Heels: Forever21

Bracelet: Victoria Emerson

Oh and hey! Meet my photographer/boyfriend:

There he is ladies and gents…a stud of guy who’s not afraid of anything! (Including stealing a kid’s soccer ball for a bit at the park;)

The Best Brunch in Town

July 16, 2013 Kelly Donohue

July 16, 2013

Cuttyhunk Island, MA

The day we head home: perfect weather! Ah yes. After days of being cooped up inside, dodging rain storms, and playing several rounds of Taboo, the sun has finally resurfaced over here.

We didn't want to waste any of it and so before we left the docks, we headed off on a walk to the local island brunch spot. It's the only breakfast place in town so maybe I'm biased, but I must say, both the views and the food are top notch. In fact, I'd say eating there while visiting is a must.

Aside from the quality food, I think it's also interesting to note that our waitress was actually the same girl that served us pizza at Sopranos the night before. This is actually quite common. Since the town is so small and the stores/restaraunts are only open a few hours a day, the locals shift around from job to job as the day goes on. And although Ive experienced this many times now- it always throws me off a bit when the same person who I got my dinner from the night before is then selling me a T-shirt at the gift shop the next morning. Yet another unique trait of this quaint little town.

Oh Cuttyhunk, I hope you never change!

Seen on the path along the way!

I chose this daisy dress from Forever21 for today's sunny morning brunch. I love floral. I love vintage. I love this dress. Most of all though, I love that the whole look is under $50. Yahoo!

Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Forever21 (Similar)

Earrings & Bracelet: H&M

ALL FOR UNDER $50!

A Tiny Island "Hike"

July 15, 2013 Kelly Donohue

July 15, 2013

Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts

Unique, quaint, and unlike anywhere I have ever been, Cuttyhunk is a tiny little island on the very tip of Massachusetts. Like the Vineyard, it has been a vacation spot of ours for many years, but it took me a bit longer (ok WAY longer) to appreciate it as much. The beaches are beautiful and we usually go waterskiing, swimming, and kayaking, but aside from that, the main attraction of this island has got to be its solitude, which as a kid, I kind of hated. I have, however, become wise in my old age, learning quickly that a quiet getaway place should not only be appreciated but worshiped, really.

Admittedly, it is much more enjoyable when the weather is nice, and on this trip, it was rainy and cloudy most of the time (so much for the “tropical" weather I boasted about on the Vineyard). However, we were still able to have a great time and even go on a hike of the entire island one day! Now when I say, “hike”- I am referring to an “LA Hike”. For those of you who are not familiar with what I’m talking about: There are several canyons in Los Angeles that are more or less walking paths with great views of the city. Excellent for people watching, ogling designer puppies, and running into famous people, they’re not exactly challenging (unless you’re one of those people who run the whole way or strap weights to yourself – ha! NOT ME!)

Oh wow I am loosing track here. Ok but anyways, we “hiked” the island… the lengthy mile and a half that it was, in just under two hours. Not too shabby! Now just give me some weights to strap to my ankles and I’ll be a HIKING PROFESSIONAL!

Some of the things that make Cuttyhunk adorable:

- Because of its size (1.5miles long and ¾ mile wide) most people get around by walking on foot or driving a golf cart!

- Only 1 dinner restaurant (an amazing pizza place where I had “The Don”). It is outside someone’s house and open 6-8PM.

- Only 1 breakfast place open 8-11AM.

- Only 1 shop and 1 tiny market but they do have an ice cream place on the dock right next to the marina. It serves 5 flavors a night and the flavors change daily (depending on what has been shipped).

- Only about 30-40 year long residents which swells to about 350 during the summertime.

- Local fishermen bring fresh lobster and seafood, ready to eat, right to your boat- YUM!

Cuttyhunk truly embodies all the beauty that is a New England summer. It has breathtaking landscapes, plentiful wildlife (we saw deer, bunnies, fish, and crabs while visiting), and incredible seafood. For me, it has become an indispensable retreat away from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life back in Los Angeles.

The best part about vacationing on the island is that anything goes! In fact, it’s the perfect place to kickback, forget about makeup, and tie your hair up in braids for the day. My look here is not particularly fashionable but it is fitting for a casual day of “hiking”, or a rainy summer day wherever you might be.