The $15 Lace Blazer

It always happens to me without fail. I walk into Marshalls and leave with something I wasn't looking for! Blazers are such a staple - not only for their versatility, but their classy, timeless appeal. They'll always be in style! This fun, summery take on the blazer was too cute to pass up. I'm looking forward to seeing how else I can wear it.

{Blazer: Eyelash Couture via Marshalls, Necklace & Rings: Forever 21, Skirt: c/o Banana Republic, Shoes: Madden Girl}

{My new favorite summer shoe! - the Madden Girl 'Klenn' Slingback Sandal}

Have a fabulous Friday!

Hectic Hot July

In the midst of decluttering my life in preparation for the big move, I admit I've slightly neglected my little blog. :( There's so much to do! Apartment hunting next month, donating and selling things I no longer need - which has been utterly refreshing, and making the extra effort to spend more quality time with friends and family. Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to:

{A lazy afternoon by the lake on a super hot day}

{Meeting up with friends at an outdoor bar for drinks and live music. So fun!}

{Co-hosting a beautiful surprise bridal shower for my friend Katy}

{Planter's Punch (a favorite tropical drink of mine) at a casual Chinese restaurant}

{and, planning an exciting meetup for Boston Bloggers in the South End. I love meeting local bloggers!}

Happy Monday everyone!

p.s. - congrats to Lei Ann for winning the $25 TJ Maxx/Marshalls gift card!

TJ Maxx/Marshalls Giveaway!

Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses - $30. A pair of dark wash Joe's Jeans - $29.99(!). Leopard print martini glasses - $2.99 each. Can you see why I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls!?

TJX headquarters is actually based in a town that's roughly 25 miles west of Boston. I had the opportunity to meet with a fabulous gal who works for them and as a result, have a fun giveaway for all you savvy bargain shoppers out there!

One lucky reader will receive a $25.00 gift card, valid at TJ Maxx OR Marshalls!

To enter:

1) Be a follower of KinseyM.com (follow via Google Friend Connect or BlogLovin')
2) Leave a comment telling me your BEST TJ Maxx or Marshalls find!

One winner will be picked at random on Friday, July 22nd. Special thank you to TJX for sponsoring this giveaway!

Birthday Party

My 25th birthday bash on Saturday night was a-m-a-a-z-i-n-g! I wore one of the girliest dresses I've ever bought - a ruched Arden B frock with a huge flower on the shoulder. Clubs are always fun for people watching, and this night was no different. We danced in a circle around a guy celebrating his bachelor party - "dressed" to the nines in a tight purple shirt, navy blue cotton shorts, and bright blue sunglasses(!!!)

I had the best birthday ever! Between tearing up the dancefloor all night non-stop, doing rounds of shots with the girls, and getting to party with my little sister (who's now 21!) it was fabulous!

Woo hoo!

Birthday Girl

Annnnnnd it's here! Today I'm 25!

Last year, I celebrated with a martini tree, champagne, and dancing.

This year I'm going out to dinner with a few close friends and then hitting up a new club to get our dance on! I can't wait to see everyone, dawn a pretty dress, and party!

Cotton Candy Carousel Summer Cocktail

For the past couple of months, I've taken an interest in the art of cocktails. The Cotton Candy Carousel is a sweet, summery favorite that's fabulous for parties. You'll want to try this immediately once you see what's in it! I started by buying a stainless steel cocktail shaker and double jigger. Here is what you'll need to pick up and have fully stocked and at the ready:

Mix all of the following into a shaker:

2 oz Pinnacle Cotton Candy Vodka

1 oz Coconut Rum {I recommend Malibu}

Splash of Grenadine

Shake up the mixture and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top off with 3 oz Club Soda.

Garnish with 3 maraschino cherries or a lime. And there you have it - the cotton candy carousel!

I think the best part about this drink is that you can really taste the coconut AND cotton candy flavors pretty predominantly! It's so good! I want to see what other drinks I can whip up with the cotton candy vodka as a base. Let me know if you end up making it!

Original Recipe Source: PinnacleVodka.com