Monday, August 18, 2014

Hoboken... Gorgeous Walks & Good Pizza

Good Monday Morning,

I skipped the weekend with good reason, its the weekend and summer is almost here so I suspect that most people aren't sitting around at their computers reading blogs they are out there enjoying every last second of the nice weather before the cold weather rolls around, and let me tell y'all... that isn't too far off!

Last Thursday Tanya and I set out to complete the second half of the Hoboken walking tour we started a couple of weeks ago and let me tell you it was the most gorgeous day! There was a cool breeze off the water so we weren't sweltering like the last time, it was really great. Having said that we came across a park where the leaves were changing and leaves were falling, it was like one small park in Hoboken reached fall before everywhere else! It kind of shook me, as much as I love fall and dare I say I am looking forward to it seeing it live in person made me feel like I want to hold onto the rest of summer a little tighter.

We really had a great day, we found a great little spot by the University called Castle Point that had the most amazing views of the Hudson and New York City.. naturally we took a ton of pictures that I am going to share with you. I'm not going to lie this is not going to be at all like the last part of the walking tour, part two is just not going to exist. Reason one I forgot all the things that corresponded with the pictures which made posting a lot harder and the post a lot crappier. Reason two I didn't take pictures of everything because I didn't plan on doing part two. So this is more of a photo dump with some descriptions.. there are some that are part of the tour but you'll have to find the info on your own, unless I start to feel generous and look up the information for the ones I remember.

I will say that we finished at the Hoboken Historical Museum which is where the walking tour actually has you starting and I wasn't overly impressed. I know its not really a big place and I wasn't expecting the Natural History Museum or anything like that, but there wasn't much at all and they wanted to charge for information pamphlets, not cool. However the girl that worked there was super nice and chatty so that helped.

Ok pictures..

Summer morning pick me up! Caffe Bene.. my new favorite coffee place! This is a large french vanilla ice coffee, believe it or not even better then Dunkin Donuts and this baby is a heck of a lot cheaper then Starbucks. 

Disclaimer: This information is from the Hoboken walking tour website. 
701 Washington Street, 1856. Richard Upjohn, designer, Deutsche & Dietz, Hoboken architects. Gothic. 
All Saints was originally consecrated as Trinity Episcopal. It was enlarged and reconsecrated as All Saints in 1882. The church is notable for its vaulted interior and fine stained glass. It serves an active congregation today, hosting a school, a book fair, and many other activities.

I can't remember if this is on the tour or not but I thought the the place was beautiful. There are actually a ton of beautiful homes in Hoboken, a lot of them so beautiful that I would assume they would go for over a million dollars.. lots of stairs though, I suppose you would stay in shape. 

My thoughts exactly.

This was not on the tour either but honestly I love some of the architecture! 


The random park in Hoboken somehow already experiencing fall? A little early. Quit it. 


Stopped to pee at the baseball field and this is the view! This place is actually really neat, its in the middle of the city, but a really great field. They have an announcers booth and when a game is going on you can hear it for blocks. Probably not appreciated by the neighbors but hey!

Part of the Stevens Institute of Technolgy. University of Innovation. This campus is absolutely gorgeous and right on the water, we actually arrived during orientation so the place was pretty busy but it is a must see.



This is part of the tour.. let me see if I can find out what it is exactly... I believe this is the corresponding information. Disclaimer: This information was taken from Hoboken walking tour website.
 Sixth Street off River Street, circa 1856.

The oldest structure of the Stevens estate is constructed of the same serpentine rock mentioned in Henry Hudson’s log. It was the grand entrance through which all guests approached the castle. Nearby a flight of wooden steps descends through the rocks to the River Walk below.

The entrance into the university campus, its pretty amazing. Ignore the cop car, no one was even in there. 





Panoramic's from Castle Point which is part of the campus.



It was such a gorgeous place! 





All of these photos were taking from different parts of the campus! 

Disclaimer: This information is from the Hoboken Walking tour website. 
1005 Washington Street, 1906. G.B. McIntyre, designer. 



Lodge #74 was founded in Hoboken in 1888 in the Gayety Theatre building at 1015 Washington Street. The edifice at 1005 Washington was designed      especially for the Elks, and is the oldest lodge in New Jersey, designated as the Mother Lodge. Many of the original     features remain, although the bowling lanes built in the basement are gone. The Lodge hosts  a wide variety of community  gatherings. 

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Hoboken walking tour website. 
1041 Bloomfield Street. 

This four-storied 19th-century brownstone with period awnings is the childhood home of socially-concerned   photographer Dorothea Lange (1895-1965). Her photos are among the most memorable images documenting the plight of farmers and their  families during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. 

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Hoboken walking tour website. 
1313 Washington Street, 1880. 
Charles Fall, architect. Neo-Romanesque.
Hoboken’s firehouses  provide distinctive examples of 19th-Century architecture: seven are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This firehouse was restored outside and modernized within following a severe fire in the 1980’s. Consult the map for additional  historic fire stations in Hoboken.

This was pretty cool, as we were almost finishing the tour we came across these sky writers! We don't know entirely what was being written but none the less it was pretty cool. I will attach a short video at the end if it will work to show it in progress. 



New Jersey and New York ports actually played a huge role in World War I and World War II, its something worth reading up on!

And after many miles of walking we were obviously hungry, so why not stop at Benny Tudino's and get the largest slice in the State!! This baby was $3.50.. how in the world do you beat that? It was divine too!! 

So that was our day and it was fantastic! I'm not going to lie I love the days we spend out walking around, seeing new things and taking in all the wonderful things this place has to offer, it makes being here and away from home a heck of a lot easier, not to mention the days FLY by!!

That's a wrap!! I hope y'all had a fantastic Monday and I really hope I can stay productive this week and be around here.. I'm sure going to try!!




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Friday, August 15, 2014

Places to Eat in Jersey City, New Jersey

Good Morning,

Well because you all now know the places you need to eat at in Hoboken I thought why not continue on and tell you all the places you should eat in Jersey City as well.

Lets now waste time..

1. Brownstone Diner & Pancake Factory
426 Jersey Ave. Jersey City, NJ


Although I can't say I have been here myself Guy Fieri featured it on TRIPLE D.. so how can it be bad? Not to mention many of our friends here have been here and have raved about its greatness! This place has been in business for over 25 years, it is family owned and loved. The MENU is extensive and reasonably priced, they are not just a breakfast place although pancakes appear to be their thing! Jason and I don't tend to go out to breakfast a ton but this place seems to be a must visit and I am actually excited about it!

560 Washington Blvd. Jersey City, NJ


Mmmm... Bertucci's! Brick over pizza and classic Italian food! I have visited this place a few times, I am told it is a chain and let me tell you if you are lucky enough to have one around you.. GO! Everything is fresh and incredible! I have nothing bad to say about any experience I have had here, everything I have tried was absolutely incredible, drinks included! We are planning on going back very soon because Jason is drying to try their lobster risotto and I am dying to try their pasta with their amazingly fresh sauce! Get up and go.. just do it. 

564 Washington Blvd. Jersey City, NJ


I kid you not this is Bertucci's neighbor.. good deal right? Now you all know how I love Mexican food, especially burritos but Jason isn't the biggest fan so sadly we have not been here yet. But seeings how Josh and Tanya recently went and said the food was fantastic I feel like I need to go, like now. The menu has a great variety and they also do take out.. I think with Jason's late nights a work he might come home to some Mexican one night! 

475 Washington Blvd. Jersey City, NJ


Can I just say all these pictures with snow.. ICK! 
Anyways we love pizza, that's all there is too it and when we arrived here and started unpacking we figured our best bet that night was take out while unpacking and something that didn't require plates or utensils.. yay pizza and its wonderful simplicity! We ordered a pizza and it was excellent, good price, quick delivery.. no complaints! On another location we happened to have a later lunch so we didn't plan dinner.. we were out for a walk and decided we would share a personal size pizza later that night and stopped in at VB3, we got pizza to go.. we tried something new and let me tell you it was soo good! We haven't actually been into the restaurant but I would really like to try it one night, we know the food is good so why not check out the atmosphere! If you are just swimming by though attached to the restaurant is a to go part where you can get a slice or order a pizza to go! 

611 Jersey Ave. Jersey City, NJ


Why not stick with the theme right? We love pizza as I said. Again this was a recommendation from Josh & Tanya, those two are so adventurous and try so many places that I love their recommendations! Tanya had mentioned how absolutely fantastic this pizza was so last week when I was super sick Jason came home one night and suggested instead of cooking we just ordered pizza and said we could try this place! Now I will say this pizza was different then your usual New York/ New Jersey pizza, they used very fresh ingredients including the mozzarella and if you know Jason at all you know he doesn't like change, therefore he really didn't like it. Let me just say though, it didn't stop him from eating almost the whole pizza. I however really enjoyed it, it was something different, everything tasted really fresh! I will say I wasn't too impressed with the wait for it but when I called to inquire and order both people I spoke with were beyond polite and apologetic for the wait, wanting to help.. overall it was a really good experience and I would absolutely have it again. 

97 Green St. Jersey City, NJ


This is on the to try list but I have done my research and this really is a place to try! First of all they have a gorgeous roof top patio that I wish we would have taken advantage of more this summer with the beautiful weather we have had. They have a really great menu that has everything from brunch to late night goods. They have a variety of food as well, nachos to duck confit! Jason wants to get there just to try to chocolate peanut butter pie but I think we could manage to have an actual meal before dessert. The prices are really reasonable and the place is unique! I cant wait to stop in for a drink and a bite to eat!

15 Exchange Place. Jersey City, NJ


Who doesn't love a good sandwich? Honestly for me a sandwich out is just better out than a sandwich at home because of the shredded lettuce, I swear I don't know what it is but I just love shredded lettuce on a sandwich. Now that you all think I'm nuts.. lets move on. We walk by this place all the time and I have always wanted to try it but Jason felt like it was a crappy ol' sandwich shop so we never have.. Mr. Sunshine right? Well Mel said that they tried it last weekend and it was excellent.. so now we have to try it! Sometimes when you're out walking around in the afternoon a sandwich is a good idea, this place is conveniently located right outside the PATH station, a block up from the NYC water taxi and right by our apartment! Not only do they have sandwiches, they have soups and shakes, malts, etc! They offer a variety of breads and sandwiches in different styles all at reasonable prices. If you are touring around the city this may be a place that interests you if you are looking for something quick! They have an outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the Hudson River and the Freedom tower! 

25 River Dr. S. Jersey City, NJ


You cant see it in this picture but this place has a gorgeous patio outside and sits in a quaint little part of the city with not a lot of traffic. I will say this recommendation is entirely for you as Jason and I have looked at the menu and haven't really seen anything that appeals to us, however many of our friends have tried it and rave. Its a little nicer dining, with more specialty items but at a very reasonable price. They don't deliver but you can order and run over and pick it up, however I think the atmosphere is too nice to miss out on. If you are looking for something a little fancier this may be right up your alley! Give it a try! 

Alright I am sure there are many more places to recommend but truth be told after all this talk about food I am getting a little hungry so I am going to go make dinner (you will see this post in the morning because I am writing ahead of time and then scheduling it to post, so I am less inclined to slack). 

Before I go check out THIS link with 30 things about Jersey City.. interesting stuff!!


















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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Places We Need to Try in Hoboken

Good Thursday Morning!!

In the last couple of weeks Tanya and I have spent a bit of time walking around Hoboken and let me tell you there are a TON of restaurants there! With a little research it is also easy to find how acclaimed and highly recommended some of these restaurants are!

I cant say that Jason and I eat out a ton but when Football season rolls around we tend to make it out a little more for an appetizer and beers while we watch the came. Being on the East coast right now should ensure they play more of the Patriots games on TV but none the less I am sure we will get out with people to watch the games if the guys aren't working Sundays!

Hoboken is close enough that heading down there for a bite to eat or a beer is by no means a trek! So last week while talking to Jason about all the places Tanya and I had come across he suggested I make a list of places I would like to try (so I don't forget) and maybe we could check some off when we get a chance! In all my list making I thought what better thing to share with all of you if you are thinking about visiting New Jersey and Carlos Bakery was the only thing on your list!

Lets get started!!

1. Girmaldi's Pizzeria
133 Clinton St. (at 2nd Street) Hoboken, NJ


Its exactly what you are thinking.. famous pizza places in NYC, Grimaldi's brick oven pizza would be on that list! The original one is under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York but they also have a location in Hoboken and because we have never been to the one in Brooklyn this one is on my list! Jason and I both love pizza and Jason especially is a fan of New York Style thin crust so this would be right up his alley! Although there is a lot of pizza to be had in this city, this is a must try!

79 Hudson St. Hoboken, NK


OK so this might be on our list of places to try but its a list for Jason and I to try because truth be told Tanya and I already have! We stopped here on our last trip to Hoboken after stumbling upon it. Up until this moment I didn't realize it was quite a large chain but let me tell you I can see why! This place is very rustic looking inside, they make all their own fresh pastries and seem to be known for their gelato and waffles.. but honestly their yogurt parfaits look pretty amazing too. We just got drinks, Tanya had an ice coffee and I had a green tea frappucino that was fantastic! We are definitely talking about going back and I Jason and I have talked about going for brunch one morning. If you are anywhere near a location (click above on the name to view their website) I highly recommend going! 

622 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ


Home of the largest slice!!! Apparently you get a slice of pizza here the size of a baby, if that isn't enough to entice you then I don't know what is! For a large 18" pizza its only $13.75!!! CRAZY! They don't just have pizza, this is a classic Italian joint that I would say you must try!! I told Jason it was the biggest slice in the state and he was sold!! I wont be offended if you stop reading to go there immediately... but come back and finish when you're done. 

1118 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ


OK again, Tanya and I have eaten here and I'm not sure why its only been once because its AMAZING! The family that owns this awesome place began the business with a gentlemen who learned the business from the people who run the famous Lombardi's in Soho, New York! When Tanya and I went we were shocked to find out that for two huge slices of pizza and a drink it was only $7! The woman who served us was engaged to the owner who was also there and they were beyond friendly and constantly checking to make sure everything was good and if we needed anything else, the service was FANTASTIC and so was the food! This place feels like going to a friends for some amazing and unbelievably priced food! I would highly recommend putting this on your list of places to try if you ever come to New Jersey, I promise you wont be disappointed.. that's what I keep telling Jason! 

1313 Willow Ave. Hoboken, NJ

(Sadly there is no picture as it is a new establishment)

This place is new and from what I can find I am not sure it is even open yet, but from what I can find their grand opening is due to happen mid-August which is right around the corner. This place is authentic Texas BBQ and although I am partial to Carolina BBQ when you are in the North you will take what you can get! I think its going to be worth trying, there is a lot of hype and its going to be unique to the area. If its set up like their other locations (see Washington, DC location) it looks like it will be a great place to get some good BBQ and a beer while watching the game! I will keep you posted on when this is open and if we make it there!

110 1st Street. Hoboken, NJ


A good ol' Irish pub.. need I say more? How about.. $5 all you can eat wings on Monday nights.. 2 for 1 Budlights on Thursdays.. feeling better about this place? I know I am!! On my little list I have stars beside this place because I feel like it would be a place we would really enjoy. Their have a vast menus and great happy hour specials. They seem to be all about football season and nothing makes me happier so I feel like we could potentially spend a lot of time here in the future! They are part of the Hoboken Pub Crawl, you can throw parties here (I'm sure you need to talk to someone there before throwing it) and they do your Irish classics. You are planning a trip to New Jersey now aren't you? and all you're planning on doing is eating, I know it! 

159 1st. Street. Hoboken, NJ


This is another heavily starred place on my list of places to try. This reminds me a lot of Daly's where we spent majority of our time in New York. Its full of TV's and beer taps, what more could you ask for during football season?? Haha apparently we aren't fussy right? Maybe the food sucks or something but I don't get that feeling by all that I have read online and therefore I am anxious to try it! Come the fall and winter we don't get out a ton but to watch football so having a list of places to try and potentially find a favorite is really important to us! 

506 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ


The smokehouse thing must be something new because its not on the sign but it is on the website! We generally don't go out a ton for breakfast, I don't like a lot of breakfast food but occasionally Jason gets a hankering and we find somewhere to try. I think the next time breakfast is in order this will be the place we try, the pancakes look AMAZING and they offer multiple other options! New York & New Jersey are totally about their bagels and I'm not complaining because the bagels here are truly amazing.. but sometimes a girl just needs some pancakes!

205 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ


OK so technically I have been here too, BUT just for drinks therefore it doesn't totally count! Not only am I mentioning this place as a football season go to because its a pub with lots of taps and TVs but they have Sunday brunch bloody mary bars.. WIN! I love nothing more then a good bloody mary bar and therefore this place is at the top of my list. In my experience it can get really busy so if planning to venture there fore game day you might want to get there early. They have outdoor seating like most places in Hoboken but as the weather gets colder I am going to be less inclined to sit outside! This place is worth checking out, its actually huge and always packed.. that has to say something!!

70 Hudson St. Hoboken, NJ


Well this gem is known at a staple in the downtown scene since 2002, their website advertises it as a place for good friends, good food and good times.. I like it! Its located in the Historical Terminal building extremely close to the Hoboken Path station making it a convenient stop of the way home from a long day at the office! They have a good variety of beers on tap, a great pub food menu and of course the wonderful outdoor seating! They advertise via pictures as a sports venue and therefore its up my alley and a place to try! 

As you can see there is a running theme here, most of these places for the most part are aimed towards those of you who like to go out to catch the game on a Sunday! With summer coming to a close they are still places to check out for a beer on the patio and something good to eat as well! But with football season coming priorities people!

I hope if you're in New Jersey you will check out one or all of these places, one thing this place does have is good food! Possibly in the future we will do a post on places to eat in Jersey City! Stay Tuned!























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Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Products I'm Crushing On... 02

Good Morning,

I was thinking about making this a regular post around here because there are always products I am swooning over and wanting to try and sharing them here and possibly getting an opinion or two before putting out the money is never a bad thing.

I get my Ulta catalog sent here even though we don't have an Ulta here (damn shame) and so I am always keeping a list of things I am interested in trying when we go home. Not to mention with the change of season and what not different products can become more dominant in your daily routine and therefore finding the right one for you is important, or at least it is to me!

So what products am I crushing on right now and hoping will make it into my shopping cart sometime soon?


Benefit Cosmetics - Hoola Bronzer

I'm not going to lie having not tried this puts me way behind in the times! People have been raving about this baby for quite some time and now that I am getting low on my own I am thinking this will be my next purchase! As fall is coming to an end and my fantastic tan will inevitably fade I feel like a little bronzer in your daily makeup routine is a must if you are as naturally fair skinned as I am. I have read rave reviews about this for a very long time, all the popular beauty vloggers (that I follow) mention it often and because bronzer really does last me a long time I don't feel too bad spending $28.00 for this product. As you can see it also comes a long with a contouring brush (which I haven't heard much about) but would be very interested to try out. 

If you are looking to get a little extra color this fall as your summer color fades I would recommend trying this, not everyone can be wrong about it? Right? If you are interested you can find it HERE at Sephora. 


Benefit Cosmetics - POREfessional

This baby has been on my list for awhile, but because I wear significantly less makeup in the summer it has taken a back burner on the priority list! If the name doesn't speak for itself this product is meant to minimize the appearance of your pores! You put it on before your makeup and voila.. pores? where? You can apply this product with a brush (when viewing the product online at Sephora.com they give suggestions of appropriate brushes to use for application) although I have noticed most people apply the product with their fingers. Whatever works, right! 0.75oz of this product is $31.00 and truthfully I don't know if I think that is reasonable or not! If it works fantastic, I have always heard a little of this product goes a long way! 

I would really like to give this a try and if you would too you can find it HERE online at Sephora.com.


Mario Badescu - Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

This bad boy targets T-zone shine control and overall deep cleansing of the face. If you are looking for something to really rid your pores of built up make up and dirty this might be something of interest to you as well. After washing your face morning and night you would apply this product to a cotton ball or pad, apply the product to the cotton applicator and then dab on skin, when finished apply moisturizer and go about your day! I will say I have tried many Mario Badescu products and not only are they super reasonably priced but they really work. I plan to pick this up while I am home and at Ulta!!

You can purchase these products at Ulta in store or HERE online. I believe you can also purchase these products at Sephora or online at the Mario Badescu website. This product in particular is $15.00 for an 8oz bottle.


TARTE - The Slenderizer Bamboo Contouring Brush

My Ulta magazine came the other night and this baby was in it and I have been swooning over it ever since. I firmly believe a good makeup brush is essential, I use quite a few makeup brushes everyday that range is quality and brands and you can definitely tell the difference. Sadly makeup brushes are extremely expensive, but having said that if you take care of them properly then can literally last forever (years!), I have had most of mine for a very long time! I feel like this would be a wonderful addition to my makeup brush collection (small collection) and I think although it is $32.00 it would last me forever and be the best brush I have ever owned (and most expensive).. this is going on my Christmas wishlist, a which point Jason's boy brain will cause him to have a meltdown about spending $32.00 for one small insignificant brush.. because he has NO IDEA! 

If you think this brush is fantastic and want to give it a try.. Sephora sells it in store and online HERE


Philosophy - Purity Made Simple Mask

I know, another mask. As I mentioned before I am more into taking care of my skin then I ever have been before and as I am aging I think making sure you use the right products is just as important now as it will be in 20 years from now. I really love Philosophy products, I use their face wash daily and couldn't love it anymore. I also just recently purchased their perfume in Loveswept and love that as well, therefore in my search for another great face mask this is at the top of my list. When you love a certain brand and their products work for you I think its inevitable that trying more and more will happen. The list of Philosophy products I would like to try is lengthy but this is the next on the list. It is a deep cleaning mask which is necessary at least once a week in my opinion, this product is $25.00 for 4oz. 

You can purchase this product at Ulta HERE or online at Sephora HERE


Bed Head - Rockaholic Dry Shampoo & Dry Conditioner

I am the biggest fan ever of dry shampoo, I have tried a bunch of different kinds. I tend to lean towards certain ones when I need to replenish but recently in my Ulta catalog I came across these bad boys! I cant say that I have ever tried Dry conditioner but I think as a combo it might be a really good thing! I am running out of my current dry shampoo and am tempted to try this duo but I will be honest its a little more pricey then most. I found this duo on Amazon for $21.62 HERE and free shipping which is a great deal, but it generally runs $21.99 each bottle HERE at Ulta. I suppose like anything else it is always worth it to search for deals, so I think if I decide to give this a whirl I will go to Amazon first! You should too!



Maybelline - The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette 

Pretty right? As I have mentioned before because of my skin tone and hair color I tend to stick to earth tones for my makeup colors, especially eye shadow. I am always on the hunt for a great eye shadow and recently I have really been enjoying NYX shadows. This palette recently came to my attention and I was really impressed with the colors and variety. Its hard to find a palette where you may actually use all the colors but I think I could do a lot with this one. Maybelline is well known, their products are generally really great and the color pay off make their products worth every penny. This bad boy goes for $9.99 at Target HERE but I am sure you could find it at any local drug store as well. As of right now it is not in my local Target so I plan to take a look when I am home at the end of the month!


Boots No7 - Pampering Dry Oil

I love the idea of anything that moisturizers you skin while rejuvenating it. I have never tried No7 products but Tanya has and absolutely loves them. This caught my attention online some time ago and not only does it have great reviews, it smells like vanilla and white florals all while moisturizing your skin. The thing is, its hard to find something other then lotion to moisturize and often lotions can leave you feeling greasy! I use Mac Mineralize Charged Water Revitalizing Energy which I love but I do think this would give a different result I am interested to try. I believe you can find it in your local Target in the No7 section (generally near cosmetics). Unfortunately it is not coming up online so you will just have to Google it for a store near you! 

That is it for a the products I am swooning over at this moment, really its just as much as I am going to share today, sometimes I think the list is endless but that works out well for making this kind of post a regular around here! 

I hope you are all having a less rainy Wednesday then we are! Have a wonderful day!! 














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