Cape May Recap

I had a very interesting Easter Weekend BB and I went down to Cape May and it was quite the adventure there were definitely some high lights and then there were also some down falls as well.

*Disclaimer lots of pictures to follow!

We stayed at Lake Laurie in one of their Cabins which was really cute and nice. It was nicely tucked into the woods and so it was truly a getaway but there were some nice amenities.

 There was a double bed, kitchenette, dinning room table, flat screen TV, leather couch which also had a pull out mattress, a full bathroom, and a bunk bed not pictured.

While it was nice having these things the water was for sure a camping water and by that I mean you couldn't drink it or use it for domestic purposes. You could shower and all that but it was not an enjoyable experience because the water had a weird odor and I was so over it.

Our first stop after settling in was to the Cape May Winery  which was literally the cutest place! Its too bad that we went so early in the season and the vineyard wasn't fully blossomed but it was still really beautiful and I would love to visit again in the summer. Everyone who worked there was so nice and helpful especially our bartender Jerry who was so fun during our wine tasting. I learned more about wine from him than I ever needed to know and it was fabulous!

 

We did a little exploring on Sunday morning with our first stop being The Mad Batter for some brunch which was so delicious! Regrettably though I didn't take any pictures of it because we were so hungry that as soon as the food came we ate it all. I do have a tip however if you ever end up going GET THE PANCAKES! They were literally the most delicious pancakes I have ever had and just amazing! After brunch we explored downtown cape may which has the most beautiful Victorian houses lining the streets and most of them serve as Hotels, Inns, or B&B's. If I do return to Cape May I'm looking forward to staying in one of the charming houses.

Some of the shops were open and everyone was getting ready for the Summer season which I am pretty safe in assuming is the busiest time and I could totally tell that during the fall, winter, and spring months it is just a sleepy little town and that's pretty charming.

 

It's always important to pick up a gift for a friend

Since Sunday was such a beautiful day we strolled onto the beach which is GORGEOUS especially when you don't like near the Atlantic coast line. When you get  a chance to go to a beach that is actually by the Ocean you really enjoy it. All the beaches in Connecticut are pretty rocky and so the walking around in the sand is not the most fun, but Jersey beaches are perfect.

  

A fleeting moment captured 

We rounded out the day by attempting to fish and enjoy the afternoon by the Lake.

There is no such thing as too many monograms!

Finally for dinner we stopped by the Oyster Bay which was a cute restaurant located right in town. The service was fabulous shout out to our waiter! Dinner was very good BB got the duck which was delicious I was not a fan of the sauce but according to BB the duck was cooked perfectly. I ordered the steak and crab, which has been their number 1 seller according to their menu for 17 years. Here is how I feel about it the steak was pretty good I didn't like the sauce it was a Bearnaise sauce of which I am not a fan and I don't like crab either so I gave it to BB but the my steak was cooked well and seasoned appropriately and my veggies and mashed potatoes were pretty good :).

Overall it was a nice trip and fun to get away but through this whole experience I have learned something about myself and that is that I am a Lady of Luxury and I don't think I will be staying in any more cabins any time soon. It will be all hotels and not motels in a our travels from here on out.

I would recommend a trip to Cape May for the weekend but be prepared for a tourist city!

Stay tuned for a post on my traveling tips!

Happy Monday!

XOXO-RPO1

Fabulous Fiesta Friday

So I am kind of obsessed with South Western food and there are no shortage of great places that are opening up in the area that are serving up any kind of burrito, taco combination that you could desire. It is because of this interest that my quest has brought me to a new Mexican style restaurant in the area Salsa Fresca. The restaurant opened just a couple weeks ago not to far from my house and I have already made a visit but for take out and it was good so I have ventured back tonight with some dining companions.


The decor and menu are pretty welcoming which is nice and there are lots of different options to choose from even vegetarian so that really makes it accessible for all people which I appreciate. I'm all about inclusion.

We ordered ground beef tacos on the hard shell and the soft shell. They did not disappoint as they were fresh and made to order so quickly. The staff is very accommodating. I was able to try the shredded beef which tasted like pulled pork to me, so in the end I ended up with my favorite ground beef. Also it is important to note that the salsa that is given to you for FREE with chips is AMAZING! It literally is so fresh and I could not get enough of it!

Literally so good there was nothing left #sorrynotsorry

Final thoughts.

Overall it was a wonderful evening with friends that turned out into a spontaneous night wandering all around the Danbury area, which are sometimes the best nights! My dining companion and I have decided that we are now fans of Salsa Fresca and we will be returning the next time we are having an LTF outing. It is a welcome addition to the area because now we don't have to drive 30 minutes away to another favorite Mexican dinning option.

Have any favorite restaurants? Leave your recommendations in the comments! Have a good weekend!

XOXO-RPO1
 

Winter Blues

Living in New England can really get you down! I love the seasons and it really is the most beautiful place to live, but the only down side. WINTER CAN LAST FOREVER!

I am unfortunately not immune to this. I have lived in Connecticut my whole life and these long winters really get you down. I am so looking forward to the spring and as April 1st is upon us I think it is about high time that we get some Spring weather! It even partially snowed today! #whatislife

I'm so excited for the Spring and I can't wait to be able to enjoy the Spring days. Spring days bring spring fashion which I am also excited about.

April is looking like a pretty packed weekend with my upcoming trip this weekend! More to follow on that later but Hopefully this weather will cooperate and we will have beautiful flowers soon enough!

What are you looking forward to most this spring? Happy Tuesday!

XOXO-RPO1

Words on a Wednesday

I have been pretty much non existence to the rest of the world for the past week, due to being horribly ill. And because I had so much time on my hands just sitting in bed and resting, in hopes of becoming better. I was able to enjoy all the little things, like finally finishing The Andy Cohen Diaries which I LOVED!!!

 

#obsessed 

 I got the book as a Christmas gift and I have to say it was one of the best gifts that I got. It made me excited to read again. I used to really enjoy reading when I was younger, in fact my dad and I used to go to the book store every weekend to pick up a new book for me. There are however so many excuses as to why we no longer get to enjoy the simple pleasures in our lives, like work, school, and any other thing that could possibly take time away from you.

Reading a book however I find fills that time with some real relaxation. It is a time when there is nothing else going on to distract you and you are in a world of your own that has been created by the words on the page.

I also assume at this point that you think that this book was some life changing novel that has made me put a new perspective on things but sadly you would be wrong, but also right I guess.

I LOVE ANDY COHEN. If Wendy Williams is my queen then the is my King. This book was perfect because it took me into another world and by that I mean the fabulous life he was living hob nobbing it with more famous people than you can even imagine to begin counting. The year that he chronicles is so funny and fabulous and just like the blurb that Sarah Jessica Parker writes on the back of the book in which she says the book leaves her wondering is Andy Cohen actually Carrie Bradshaw? I 100% agree with her. This was a roller coaster of a ride from him falling in love with his dog, to spending the most fabulous summer in Southampton. *Side note I NEED to go to Southampton ASAP* I felt reading this book that not only was I there with him living the luxe life but it felt like I was watching the reality TV that I love so much, of which he is the master mind behind.

I was addicted to Netflix but as soon as I picked up this book I literally started thinking when am I going to get home and be able to find out what Andy is up to now?

I would highly recommend this book if you are a Bravo addict like me and love Andy Cohen or if you just want a book that will take your mind off things and bring you to a funnier place.

 Hi, my name is Riya and I am a book abuser.

I literally ripped the cover off it, I need to love my books and there is no room for a flimsy cover!

Also those random colors on the book are smudges you know they happen. #life

What books are you loving right now?

XOXO-RPO1

Fabulous Fashion Friday!

Happy Weekend!

The cold is totally kicking my butt right now and I am currently fighting a cold :( which stinks. All of this sad January weather however is making me so excited for the spring and all the spring fashions that are coming out. I remember last year when there were so many cute pieces that I wanted but could not justify buying them and waiting for months to wear them. Then when the time came for cute spring clothes I was a hot mess express. This year I am all about it though. I have already scoped out a few things that I can not wait to put in my closet.

Fabulous Fashion Friday by riyapartyofone featuring a leather tote bag

This shirt is the perfect transition from spring to summer and it will be perfect for pairing with jeans or white shorts. (Confession: I am so obsessed with the shirt I went out while writing this post and bought it already :x)


I have been wanting this Jacks since last summer and I am finally ready to make the plunge. This color combination is perfect for me because navy and white is a constant color staple in my wardrobe, especially in the warmer weather.



 I am IN LOVE with this bag. I think that's all I have to say. If I only get one thing for my birthday which is in 56 days (hint hint) I hope this is it. 





What spring fashions are you lusting over? Are you so ready for spring?

Happy Weekend!


XOXO-RPO1

Classic: The Written Word

I love a good hand written note. I make it a point to send Thank You cards to people as I have posted about before. Now however I am making a point to really show appreciation to all the people in my life by sending them cards weather they be holiday cards, or just a nice thinking of you note.

There is just something so refreshing about receiving something nice in the mail for a change and I actually enjoy addressing and  stamping the envelops and it also helps me make sure that my address book is up to date. This way I will be able to make sure that I am able to keep in contact with my favorite people no matter what.

I have also recently decided that I was going to start writing in a journal, just as a private keepsake for myself. I have never been someone who is able to keep consistent with these kinds of commitments but it is a new year and that means that it is time for new challenges and experiences. There is also something so nice about looking back and reflecting on things that have happened or maybe I will wait until the end of 2015 to read through the whole thing and see how my life has changed.

What new things are you trying this year?

Happy Monday!
XOXO-RPO1

Fabulous Festive Friday!

What an exciting holiday season this has been and it has really taught me how into the end of the year festivities I actually am! Christmas is my new favorite holiday! There are so many facets to it in my opinion and I am absolutely obsessed! I love the music and the decorations all the gift wrap, gift bags and not the mention the gifts! I love giving and getting them!

It all starts with the tree; which I had the pleasure of decorating 2 trees this year! Which I loved! 

This is how the Sidhu's do Christmas 

This is how BB does Christmas 

You can not fully get into the Christmas spirit in my opinion without Christmas music and all December long I am all about it! I received the Michael Bublé Christmas album as a present and I had it on repeat. #perfection. One of my favorite Christmas songs that I feel I did not get to hear enough of was Dominc the Donkey but here is it on YouTube so please enjoy on my behalf.

Lastly on top of getting to enjoy this wonderful holiday with my friends and family I received some wonderful gifts, and I hope they feel the same way about the gifts I gave them! 

I hope your Christmas season was as fabulous as mine! 

Happy New Year!

& 

Happy Weekend!

XOXO-RPO1

Wanna be Type A

Hi my name's Riya and I am a wanna be Type A!

I really want to be a Type A personality person, all the people I look up to in my life are pretty much Type A and I am so envious of that. They always have their lives together or so it appears and they are so organized and I have tried so hard to be that person but here I am as the year is winding down and realizing that even though it was  great aspiration to become like them I just simply can not do it and it's not the person I am.

I do have to say luckily there are some habits that I have kinda, sorta taken on to help me deal but they are not things that I could do religiously. For example. I love my planner because it is beautiful but I do not use it everyday I will track some things so that I can look back and remember them at a later date but other than that I just put things in my phone if I need to. Otherwise if I forget to do something it's really not the end of the world.

Lets talk about lists and deadlines. I am not about them, I have a current to-do list on my night stand that was all supposed to be completed on Sunday. Guess what it's Wednesday now and I still haven't finished them (#sorrynotsorry). I think it's a great concept to get your ideas down but I am just to much of a take things as they come person that I can not keep up with them.

I also do not need to be doing something all the time. I LOVE NOT DOING ANYTHING. Call my lazy (it's okay my mom does). There are few things that I enjoy more than sitting in bed in my pajamas and watching Netflix for days and I mean days. I am probably the most notorious binge watcher I know, because other people will try to function and watch shows. I on the other hand will avoid going out with my friends so I can finish watching something. (you could say that I'm a completionist in that sense)

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I can't really think of anything else at the moment, but I wish I was a Type A but as of right now I'm just  Type RPO1

XOXO 

Holiday Gift Guide: for her

Gift Guide: Riya Party of One by riyapartyofone featuring soy candle

The holiday season is upon us and you know what that means; it's time for gifts! Even though the holidays should not be all about gift giving and receiving, it does make up a large part of it. I wanted to share with you some of my top picks for the holiday season!. Some of these items I own already and absolutely love, while others I am currently coveting.

one| Jewelery is always a great gift. Not only is it something that the recipient will remember you for every time they wear it, but it can also be something that they may not have picked out for themselves that will add a little pop to their everyday selection of accessories.

two| A candle is a great gift to evoke emotions, the scent of something familiar around the holidays can always bring a smile to someones face. They are also great to have around just in case. They make great hostess gifts when you are invited to a last minute holiday soiree.

three| I am now a self proclaimed nail person now! I love having my nails painted and I think it is the perfect way to bring your whole look together. My favorite nail polish that I have used was NARS. I like the application and the the brush handle fits in your hand. It may be a little more pricey than other polishes but it is a little luxury that I think is very appropriate for the holidays.

four| A treat from one of my favorite Etsy shops; BowtiqueByAlexa. She has just debuted these fabulous gloves and I literally can not wait to get my hands in them. Gloves are a winter necessity and this is the perfect way to add a touch of charm to your winter wardrobe, also they keep your hands from freezing which is exactly what you need when you live in the Northeast! (use coupon code SMALLBIZ at checkout for 10% off until 12/2/14)

 five| Winter footwear can be challenging because you don't want to always be in gigantic boots all the time. Moccasins are good for casual days just running errands or they can be used for indoor slippers. Either way you can't go wrong. I'm loving the blue I just don't know if I can make the jump, I normally opt for a tan but this may be the year where I step out in some color.

six| Every girl needs a monogram quarter zip! I have had mine since last year and it is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I love the cut because not only it is fabulously warm but its very flattering on a feminine figure which is so hard to find when looking for a sweatshirt. Literally all of my friends has one and if you don't you are totally missing out! So word to the wise put it on your list, as it will for sure be a hit! (use coupon code SIRIUSBLACKFRIDAY for 10% off until 12/2)

seven| A phone case is the perfect gift for any one. Everyone needs one and they are not hard to come by. I like this one by Kate spade as I have a couple Kate Spade cases already but there are hundreds of other options online and millions of ways to personalize them for everyone on your list.

eight| I love my weekender set! I would not trade it for anything and use it every chance I get. The monogram detail is one sure way your luggage will never get mixed up with someone else. It is incredible sturdy and the quality can not be beat. I also this would be the perfect gift to surprise someone with if you are going away for the holidays, you could use some fabulous luggage. (use coupon code SIRIUSBLACKFRIDAY for 10% off until 12/2)

nine| A watch is a must have in every woman's wardrobe. There is nothing that says style and sophistication like a watch. There are so many different options as well as different price points. This nautical one is fun and perfect for summers by the shore. #dreaming


I hope this post helps with some of the holiday shopping headaches many of up endure!

What are some of your holiday gift ideas?

Happy Shopping!

XOXO-RPO1

Fabulous Fashion Friday!

The cold weather is upon us and it's time to bundle up and accessorize for it! My favorite thing about the weather change is all the fashion possibilities that open in with the new season. In my opinion the best accessory for this is a statement scarf! I have been a fan of scarves for a while now and I continue to grow my collection every season, but there is no better feeling than a soft scarf that keeps you warm and bundled up. Today's post is featuring my newest addition from MarleyLilly.

 

The red monogram is the perfect festive touch!

If there is one thing I love more than all others it is a monogram. I think that you can never have too many monograms and having one on your scarf is the perfect touch of personalization. I've been using this cashmere feel scarf practically everyday since I received it, and it has really held up in all conditions. I like that it is perfect for casual wear or can help to dress up any outfit. 

Causal and Cute

I'm a really big fan of this color combination as well because I was able to mix it with a more neutral pallet like this, for when you are just running out the door. Or if you want to add a pop of color to an

outfit you really can't go wrong.

.

Fierce and Festive

Overall I think the scarf is a welcome addition to any wardrobe and I can't wait to see what other ways I can style it. Plus I know it will definitely be under the tree for a few of my friends!

P.S. Head over to MarleyLilly right now for their Black Friday Preview sale for amazing deals on their personalized gifts, this fabulous scarf is even on sale!

Happy Shopping!

XOXO-RPO1

*Product provided gratis, all opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by a third party

Disconnect To Reconnect

 

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With the holidays coming up it's going to be a time where we all find ourselves spending more time with family and friends which is always interesting and exciting. However it seems as if all this quality time flies by so quickly that we don't even remember all the funny moments that are happening all around us. Do you know the reason for this? We all are all glued to our cell phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs! Don't get me wrong I love my tech as much as the next person but there are a few rules that I apply in my everyday life more so than before because I realize that I am not going to ever get this time back. I can mindlessly troll the Internet on my own time when I should be more productive and doing other things, but I have made the active choice to disconnect from any kind of technology when I am with a friend or family member I may even extend this to random strangers as well because I notice how much people are using their cell phones as crutches and it is really getting to me.

Here are my 3 rules to disconnecting;

1.) If you are out to a meal with anyone; significant other, friends, family, or business associate. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PHONE OUT AT THE TABLE! I can not explain what a pet peeve of mine it is to be sitting at a table to only be ignored by the company. If you are out spending your time with someone then they should be the most important person in that moment not the random you are texting. If talking to that person on the other end of your phone is more important than you should be spending time with them not the person who is sitting across the table from you. Not to mention it is also rude to the server, because they are not there to wait around for you to figure out what you want after having sat there for 30 minutes scrolling your Instagram feed or group texting. You are not the only person they are helping and you are also occupying a table for much longer than necessary. SO PLEASE PUT THE PHONE DOWN!

2.) Don't let your phone become your new best friend, don't let it be the first thing you look at when you wake up in the morning or the last thing you look at before you go to sleep. In my opinion I think it's important for you to distance yourself from your phone because how many times have you got out of bed and the first thing you reach for was your phone? I know I do it all the time but my with my new mantra I find that it is important to begin my morning routine without my phone in my hand. This is the time of day I find is best to collect my thoughts and get ready for what is to come. It shouldn't be when you are clouding your thoughts with the latest celebrity gossip but rather focus on yourself! Every night before I go to be I plug my phone in the charge away from my bed and turn it on do not disturb so that way I can fall into a better more restless sleep.

 

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3.) Be in the moment take in experiences with your senses not your screen. How many times have you taken pictures of things and never did anything with them only to delete them a few months later. I could not tell you how many pictures of fireworks I had or pictures of food that I never posted to Instagram. I have come to realize now though that I don't want to be looking at the world through a screen. I make it my mission to see, hear, smell, and feel all the things around me. That is how I believe true memories are made.

When was the last time you disconnected to reconnect? 

XOXO-RPO1

Wendy Williams Weekend!

This I would have to say was one of the best Weekends of my life! I met my idol Wendy Williams! I have been obsessed with her since my sophomore year in college when I would watch her show on midnight on BET and use it as an escape from the reality that was my first 2 very difficult years of college where I was anything but happy. I loved and still do love watching her show she is totally a friend in my head and whenever I get the chance to see her doing anything I am all about it! Luckily she lives in the tri-state area so most of her events are local enough. I went to a tapping of her show about 3 years ago and it was so much fun! If you ever have the chance to go I would highly suggest it because there is not better way to start off a party the Wendy way ;) this is also why I make sure I watch her show everyday because I feel like I'm just listening to chatter from one of my girlfriends and I love getting input from her about all different topics. Last summer which I can not believe was actually that long ago I went to see her in CHICAGO the musical on Broadway which was my first time seeing a Broadway show and I loved it number one and number 2 of course I was going to love it because my girl Wendy was there! She did a great job in my opinion. I also watch her after show segments that she does on YouTube so I feel as though I really get to know another side of her aside from what you see on day time TV. She gives great advice and is really a girls girl and I can not confirm it any better than by the fact that I actually had the honor of meeting her this past weekend! It was amazing but the way that I came about to getting to meet her proves how obsessed I was with seeing her. She was asked to do a Comedy Show in Las Vegas over the summer and was asked back for Halloween weekend and I was so close to booking a ticket and making my way to Vegas but logistically it would not have been possible. The saving grace of this all however was when she mentioned in her After Show that she would be hosting a Comedy show in New Jersey Saturday November 15th. I was literally freaking out I went to purchase the tickets and the prices were a little steep for the orchestra and I wanted to be as close to the stage as possible but when I saw the little note at the bottom that mentioned there would be a meet and greet I bought the tickets in an instant and told BB to deal with the date because I was going and this was a thing that was happening. I am not usually a person who makes hasty decisions but I was so excited that I could not wait this was a chance of a lifetime where I was finally going to meet this Woman who I very much look up to and I could not be more excited.

#howyoulaughin?

It was fabulous! The comedians in the show that opened for her was all hilarious, literally my face started hurting from laughing so much that by the end of the show I was too exhausted for facial expressions. There was music and the crowd was so lively that it really brought the whole experience the another level.

Wendy looked amazing in her romper!

(p.s) she is literally a twig in person
Lastly I finally got to meet her and I could not contain my excitement, even though the wait took a little while I didn't mind.

I literally had no words! All I kept saying was Thank you!

 
When I finally got up to meet her I said hello and of course "HOW YOU DOIN'?" she told me I had beautiful hair and I nearly lost my mind and she was just the most pleasant woman, she smelled so nice and was so beautiful in person and I think all her fabulousity really gets lost through the TV screen so meeting her really was the most amazing thing ever!


I will never forget all the fun I had in New Jersey this weekend meeting the Wonderful Wendy Williams!

How was your weekend? Have you ever met anyone famous?

XOXO-RPO1 

Fabulous FRENCH Friday!

So I have recently become obsessed with french things and going to Paris! Which I have put on my must travel to list which I will share with you later!

A couple of weeks ago BB and I ventured out to a french restaurant in town called Mon Petit Bistro and it was really small and quaint. There were some down sides but it was a big step for me to get out of my comfort zone and try something new but I have has escargot before!

  #adventurous

While we were out for dinner we tried the MOULES  À LA MARINIÈRE which were fabulous! (I love muscles) and then as entrees we ate the FILET DE POULET Á LA NORMANDE (bland) and STEAK AU POIVRE (way too peppery!) so overall it wasn't that great of a meal because not only was the service really slow but because it was next to the cinema every time the door would open it would smell like buttered popcorn. The plus side was the interior decor it was all posters of old french movies and different locals all over France like Cannes and Nice. très chic!

Although I did not enjoy the restaurant that much I am looking forward to visiting another french restaurant and won't let this experience ruin it for me :)

Going back to what really got me interested in France and Paris specifically is this beautiful Eiffel tower candle holder I saw at home goods and it was just so beautiful that I became obsessed with it and for a moment I was considering redoing my room in a Parisian style but I refrained because that would have just been too much.  But I have been inspired and I can not wait to visit the city of lights one day and bring back all my fabulous finds!

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I will post all about my weekend adventures from this month on Monday! There is one more weekend left this month so make the most out of it!

Have a great weekend!

XOXO-RPO1

Hello Fall!

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Today was a such a beautiful day! I feel like we are being eased into Autumn and I could not be happier. I have said it before that I was counting down the days until summer was over and it was time for all the fall fun!

I would definitely say that Autumn is my favorite season and I think the fact that I live in New England plays a major part of that because no matter how beautiful a sunny summer day is it can not beat the true beauty of fall foliage on a crisp October day!

I can not wait until its officially jeans, boots and sweater weather! With the current unpredictable temperatures it makes it difficult to plan out an appropriate outfit! Although this is not the worlds biggest burden to wear but I am overly excited for my new wardrobe so the weather needs to flip fast! I also love the rain as I posted about here! On top of how cool and calming the rain is, I love wearing my rain boots and rain coat and fashion always makes a rainy day a little bit brighter!

On top up all the beautiful scenery that is soon to come I have so many fun fall activities planned and I can not wait to share them all with you!

 First up this weekend is the Big E! Which is a New England tradition in my opinion and it is something I so look forward to every year for all the food, fun, and attractions! Pictures to follow of course!

What are you favorite fall traditions? 

XOXO- RPO1