Brenna Stevens

Snow in Central Park

Brenna — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 23:43:43 +0000

Just when I had declared autumn in New York as the most beautiful season, Central Park blanketed in snow steals its thunder.

The 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party

Brenna — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:24:33 +0000

Yesterday, Lulu and I boarded a ferry and headed to Governor’s Island for the 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party.

It was a blast! The people watching alone was memorizing. Attendees really revived the 20′s.

My favorite part was the live music and dancing. I think before next year, I need to learn the Charleston.

The view of Manhattan from Governor’s Island was gorgeous.

I love cities in the summertime!

Summer Work Blouses

Brenna — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 12:19:11 +0000

Last weekend my mom flew in and helped with all the fun new apartment tasks like IKEA trips, AC installation, and multiple delicious meals to replenish energy levels. I wish there had been more hours in a day.

With a sturdy birch table and the return of my beloved coffee maker, I feel like I can resume my morning blog routine. I still haven’t ventured into recipes but my kitchen is becoming stocked and I might attempt to make something tonight.

Here are some cute work blouses I’ve stumbled across. I need more blouses. Dresses always steal my attention when shopping.

ASOS | Sleeveless top with peplum $41.43

Diane von Furstenberg | Rina Sleeveless Blouse $245

Zara | Blouse with chain at the neck $59.90

Vince | Stretch silk top $225

J. Crew | Silk ruffle cami $88

A Work in Process

Brenna — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:32:57 +0000

I moved into my new apartment on Friday then ditched unpacking to reunite with college friends in Philadelphia.

My room is bare bones at the moment but I’m looking forward to making it a home! Getting the West Elm bed frame and headboard was super fun! My delivery window of 3-6pm turned into a 10:30pm delivery with phone call holds from hell.

Hopefully the rest of this process runs more smoothly. Doubtful.

First NY Piece

Brenna — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:56:05 +0000

Just bought this to hang in my new apartment. Ignore the fact it’s meant for babies.

NYC loves ABC | Mr. Boddington

The Best of Trader Joe’s

Brenna — Sun, 27 May 2012 15:32:16 +0000

I move into my new place June 1st which means for the past month, I’ve made due with the cooking basics– salads, easy stir-fries, and Trader Joe’s. Rather than begin to stock a kitchen with pantry essentials, I’ve relied on simple, no-recipe meals. Here are a few of my Trader Joe’s staples.

1) Steel-cut oatmeal

I ate a lot of this stuff in college and I’d forgotten how much I love it. It’s $1.59 for a carton of two servings. The oatmeal is steel-cut (my favorite!) and lightly sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, which means a quick 3 1/2 minute microwave and it’s ready to eat!

2) Falafel

A recent Trader Joe’s discovery I made was the frozen falafel. I love falafel. I’ve never made it before and I hopefully will someday but for now, you can’t get much easier than this. Buy some pitas, lettuce, and a carton of whichever TJ hummus suits your fancy (I love edamame and chipotle pepper) and you’ve got a delicious lunch.

3) Quinoa Duo

I have a quinoa obsession and this frozen dish includes two of my favorite veggies: zucchini and sweet potato. A friend introduced me to this in college and now it’s always in my cart. Try eating it with plain greek yogurt!

4) Lite Kettle Corn

I love these portion-controlled mini kettle corn bags.

5) Nonfat Plain Frozen Yogurt

Since moving to NY, I’ve been faced with the night-time dilemma that Pinkberry is only a mere 4 blocks away. Forget about my waistline, I’m more worried about my wallet. While I admit the chain fro-yo is better, this is a delicious alternative. It’s creamier and perhaps a bit tarter.

(And if you feel like splurging, I recommend Mango Mochi or Molasses Chews!)

Getting Settled

Brenna — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:35:19 +0000

This past week I finally found an apartment and joined a gym. Come June, I’ll hopefully be able to resume trying new recipes and training for the Philadelphia Marathon.

At work, I helped with the launch party for the NY Magazine Design Hunting issue.

Can’t wait for the long weekend already!