Anytime I travel I always make a point to try something new! The last time I was in NYC, it was Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side. Russ & Daughters is a famous ‘appetizing store’ ful of rich family history… but most importantly, it’s known to have the very best bagels & lox in New York City!

So, with husband and sister (who lives in the city) in tow, we headed down to the Lower East Side for breakfast.

Just ordering was a bit overwhelming, because you had to be a pro. But, with a little help from the counter staff, we ended up with some amazing noshes:  a classic bagel & lox with gaspe nova AND a delicious wasabe and white fish bagel, which I imagined would be something Morimoto would have for breakfast!

It was an experience that was rich in culture & incredibly delicious… and, really, it was just so nice to spend the day with my sister! Love ya, sis!

Being from the Northeast, bagel & lox are a standard, but I’ve met so many in the South who have never even heard of it!

Ever had bagel & lox??  What do you think?

Photos by Kevin Dotolo

Happy Monday!! I thought I’d kick the week off with an awesome giveaway. This giveaway is from one of my favorite sources for home office, journaling, travel, and photo accessories. I absolutely love the way Graphic Image has taken these products to a new and stylish level… plus, they sell to some of major luxury retailers, so I’m not the only one who thinks they’re fabulous! But, enough gushing… let’s get to the task at hand… The giveaway!!

Graphic Image is giving away a

free personalized iPad/iPad 2 embossed crocodile case with stand,

valued at $151.00.

To Enter:

Simply visit the Graphic Image website and comment on this post below with a link to your favorite item!

For a bonus entry:

Tweet a link to this giveaway!

You must mention @GraphicImageNY & @hellosplendor and leave an additional comment below.

You have until this Friday, June 24th, at midnight to enter!

Wishing you lots of luck!!

But, wait, there’s more!

Whether you win or not, Graphic Image is still giving all Hello, Splendor readers the chance to save!

From now until July 20th, you can get 20% OFF their entire site using promocode SPLENDOR at checkout!!

I’ll be taking advantage of that little gem, myself!!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there….

And, especially to the Dad’s in my life.

Have a great weekend full of love, family, and relaxation!

Shop the Look: BCBGeneration Tapis Ruby White Stripe Shoes | Anthropologie Stripe Bangles | Aryn K. Stripe Mini Dress | Marc by Marc Jacobs Stripe Dome Ring | Kate Spade Vanston Stripe Small Maryclare Satchel | Adidas Promenade Off White Striped Sunglasses | White Stripes DeStijl

This summer there are stripes, stripes, stripes everywhere and I just love it! I’ve always been a fan of stripes and this summer is no different. In fact, I wonder what inspired this post?? Take a look at these two twinkies around the Pulp Design Studios office…

Are you sporting the stripes this summer??

I’ve introduced you to my friend Jennie before & told you about her amazing blog, but I’d like to do it again… Because… Last night she made the TOP 38 on FOX’s Masterchef! If you haven’t heard, Masterchef is a cooking show where amateur home cooks compete to be the next Masterchef. And, it stars the scary/adorable Gordon Ramsey, among other rockstar culinary geniuses!!

Help me cheer her on!!

Firstly….

Follow Jennie’s blog The Perfect Last Bite!! It’s full of amazing recipes & stories of her journey in food and life.

Secondly…

Join her on facebook & twitter!

Twitter: @Jennie_Kelley

Facebook: The Perfect Last Bite & Jennie Kelley – Masterchef Season 2

Thirdly…

If you’re in Dallas, come support Jennie! There’s a viewing party at Good Records, with free drinks & food cooked by the one and only Jennie Kelley! RSVP here!

Fourthly…

Just plain join me in cheering her on! Because, honestly, no one deserves it more. Jennie has a major passion for food. And, everything she puts her heart into she does with full blown love and determination… That includes her friendships, which makes her just a super rad person.

Congrats Jennie!! I love you, lady!

Photos courtesy of FOX & Kevin Dotolo

After traveling for what seemed like three weeks straight, this week was all about catching up (which I’m still not there yet!). But, this weekend, was all about catching up in the fun way with friends and spending time at home with my family. It was nice to be at home where it’s quiet to enjoy Kevin & see Max use a little imagination. We had a great GREAT weekend!!

How was your weekend??

Links to friends that I spent time with this weekend: Carolina | Jennifer | Betsy | Kevin | Chris | Corinne

I visited my Grammy while in Jersey and let me tell you… My Grammy has got it going on! I like to think I got my sassy personality (not to mention the colorful vocabulary) from my sweet grandmother. I mean just take a look at these photos of her breaking it down at my wedding.

The woman knows how to party… And, in style. Case in point: Her vintage liquor dispensers.

Somehow I never noticed these vintage pump liquor dispensers tucked away in her bar, but they are incredible. From the lucite tray, to the perfectly measured shot that the pump dispenses, I am completely smitten with them. I found them online, but I’m just hesitant to buy from this site.

Has anyone else ever seen these or know how to source them?? I’d love to find a fab set at a good price!

Side note: Would you believe that my Grammy has never dyed her hair… almost zero grey! After surviving breast cancer, colon cancer, and (a few) open heart surgeries, the woman is amazing. I mean her defibrillator was going off when she was be sandwiched at my wedding. What girl wouldn’t be excited??