Monday, November 30, 2015

Family, Laughter, and Oh So Much Food

Well, it's almost December, but before I fill Whale & Wishbone with Christmas cookies, winter markets and holiday posts galore, I wanted to share with you a few photos from my Thanksgiving break.


Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. For more years than I can count, my family has spent the holiday at my Aunt and Uncle's home in Virginia, and it's hard to imagine being anywhere else. For me, it's always three days full of family, laughter, and oh so much food. 
("oh hey, that's the post title!"-- good catch.)




Music, dancing and questionable singing are always a part of Salerno family gatherings.


The first of two beautiful table settings created by my Aunt on Thanksgiving Eve.


This year in particular was wonderful because I got to spend it with more family than usual, including my grandmother and great aunt. 

Side Note: Trying to arrange everyone for a photo is next to impossible, so sadly this is only part of the group. 


We're clearly cousins.


The second beautiful table setting prepared for our incredible six course Thanksgiving dinner. 




Honestly, what could be better than a holiday solely dedicated to family, food and giving thanks?

So, cheers to another Thanksgiving. I hope yours was as wonderful as mine.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

My Insta Obsession: Accounts to Follow

I'm always on the search for new and exciting Instagram accounts. I follow bloggers, artists, restaurants, celebrities, and of course some of my real life favorite people. While following 1,662 accounts frequently causes me to miss posts from my closest friends, it certainly makes for an interesting feed, overflowing with inspiration, humor and beauty. 

Occasionally, I like to share with you a few of my favorites. Below you'll find five accounts I've been particularly in love with lately. 

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Run by: Krissy O'Shea
Type: Blogger

Krissy has managed to cultivate an account that is perfect in its simplicity. Her warm yet muted color scheme must be meticulously planned, but I prefer to imagine that her entire world is in beautiful shades of brown, red and white. This account is for the traveler, the cook and for those who, like me, occasionally think life would be simpler in a country cottage. 

Run by: Hunter & Sarah Lawrence 
Type: Pup

This Colorado pup has gained quite the following in less than a year on the insta-scene and it's not difficult to see why. This golden is all about adventure; from playing in the snow, to hiking in the mountains, to going on road trips! I'm essentially living vicariously through a dog. Oh, and did I mention he's beyond adorable?

Run by: Chrissy Teigen
Type: Celebrity

I want to be Chrissy Teigen. She's beautiful, hilarious and a total foodie. Whether she's playing with an easy bake oven in her dressing room or posting #mancrusheveryday pics of her hubby John Legend as an awkward teen, her account always keeps me laughing! Clearly a model who doesn't take herself too seriously, her Instagram bio reads "Don't be all like uncool."

Run by: Adam Partridge
Type: Photographer

Oh Adam Partridge, the Instagram of my daydreams. Essentially this talented photographer just rides his bike around Dorset, England while taking breath taking photos of the sleepy town. A quick scroll through his account will have you wanting to pack your bags and head straight for the English countryside forever... or at least that's how it makes me feel.

Run by: Amber Fillerup Clark
Type: Blogger

Amber Fillerup of the Barefoot Blonde is the definition of hair envy. This stylish blogger knows how to braid with the best of them, and constantly looks like she's stumbled out of a Pantene commercial. That's not to mention the fact that her family is incredibly adorable. She even has another little one on the way. Just be warned that if you follow, prepare to develop some incredibly unrealistic hair expectations. 

Pssst: Looking for more instagram inspiration? You can find some old favorites here and here
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Sunday, November 15, 2015

Oh Hey, I Moved!


I thought I would use this post as a kind of reintroduction to what's happening with me, and what you can expect from Whale & Wishbone in the coming months. I feel as though I have been semi-MIA lately, but never fear because I'm finally back in New York with a new job and tons of blog related plans (keep an eye out in December, especially, for some awesome holiday posts including the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap!)


Anyway, I'm beyond excited to say I've recently started a new job at Birchbox as a Marketing Associate! I couldn't have asked to work for a more amazing company and although it's only been a few weeks, it's already pretty incredible. I  also think it's safe to say that there might be an upswing in the makeup related content you'll be seeing here.

I'm similarly thrilled to say that not only did I move back to New York, but more specifically I moved to Astoria, Queens. After four years of living in the Bronx at Fordham, it's definitely a big change! I honestly can't wait to explore everything my new borough has to offer: shops, restaurants, parks -- you name it... which actually brings me to today's post: the first of many "exploring Astoria" posts on Whale & Wishbone. 


I woke up on Saturday with big plans to explore Astoria with my fabulous Fordham friend Caroline, who made the long trek from Harlem just for me! 


This is Caroline, in case you were wondering. 


Our first stop was brunch at Sugar Freak on 30th Avenue. With its adorable kitschy decor and cajun-creole comfort food, Sugar Freak feels wonderfully homey. I'm in love with the exposed brick, mismatched wallpaper, and founding fathers placemats. It's also a good thing the portions are so gigantic because everything is absolutely delicious. Expect it to be added to my list very soon! 



Caroline's classic chicken and waffles combo



Astoria is really very beautiful. Each borough has its own distinct vibe, and already Queens feels completely different in a wonderfully relaxed and refreshing way. 




There are always things happening right next to my Apartment on Ditmars Boulevard! With tons of shops and restaurants it's definitely going to take me a while to really get to know it. Although, that's not to say I don't already have a few favorites.... 


I've known about La Guli since my freshman year at Fordham, thanks to my dad. I never imagined that I would one day move into an apartment just a stones throw away! So many visits from my parents ended with a quick trip to La Guli for what my dad, and now I, consider to be the absolute best cannolis in New York. Naturally, I made Caroline stop in with me to try one for herself and it did not disappoint!


Astoria Park is so close to my apartment and after visiting for the first time yesterday, I can't wait to spend more time strolling around. It's incredibly beautiful with phenomenal views of the city, which my new roommate say are even more amazing at night! 


Saturday's weather was perfect for a walk in the park. I'm honestly soaking in every last bit of fall before New York inevitably becomes unbearably frigid.  


I've finally been able to wear my new favorite fall coat and I'm beyond obsessed. It's so warm and comfortable, and I'm in love with the oversized look. 
  



[Topshop coat] [Madewell Jeans, similar] [J.Crew sweater, similar] [Aldo Oxfords, similar]

To recap: I'm overjoyed to be back in the city and have big plans for Whale & Wishbone. I can't wait to share more of my New York adventures, baking endeavors, personal style, and stories from Astoria. 

In case I haven't told you in a while, I'm glad you're here. 
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