simply gray

fall favorites

Published on October 25, 2018October 25, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

This past weekend, Connor and I celebrated our sixth anniversary! I feel so blessed to have someone like him by my side each and every day, and I am always amazed by how much we have done and accomplished together — being in love with my best friend is truly something special. We have shared so many memories and milestones over the years, and our anniversary is the perfect excuse to celebrate all of that!

In the past, we have always tried to travel somewhere new for our anniversary, but this year, we chose to do something different. Life has been pretty busy these days, and our work schedules are completely opposite, so we decided to take a step back and have a relaxing, fun weekend at home.

From pumpkin picking and carving to dinner and a movie, we spent the weekend doing some of our favorite things together. We had such a great weekend, and in the spirit of celebrating, I wanted to share some fun activities that you can add to your fall bucket list. Grab your significant other or a group of friends and hit up some of my favorite spots before the season ends!

Demarest Farms
Demarest Farms is the perfect place to spend a crisp fall day. Hop on a hayride to search for the perfect pumpkins to carve for Halloween, and on the way back, grab a bite to eat. Make sure to pick up some apple cider donuts before you leave, and heat them before you eat them! They are so delicious!

Tip: if you visit Demarest Farms earlier in the season, you can also go apple picking there! Connor and I have some apples that we are planning on baking into a pie this weekend!

Angry Orchard
This is a great place to go with a group of friends! From cider tastings and treehouse tours to live entertainment and lawn games, Angry Orchard has a great property for all-day entertainment.

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Warwick Winery
Warwick offers wine and cider tastings, as well as a distillery tour and live music. In the cooler months, there is an indoor tasting room complete with a wood-burning stove; when the weather is warmer, there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy drinks and food with friends!

Pennings Farm Cidery
There is a variety of ciders on tap here, offering a variety for all palettes. Pair your favorite with lunch or dinner and enjoy! Starting in November, the tasting room is only open on the weekends and for adults 21 and over.

Bear Mountain Oktoberfest
This is your last weekend to visit Bear Mountain for Oktoberfest (it closes Oct. 28). Grab a stein, fill it with beer or cider and snack on some pretzels while hanging out with friends!

Brownstone Pancake Factory
Brownstone is great any time of year, but it offers amazing fall-themed dishes! From Pumpkin Cheesecake Nutella Pancakes to a Halloween Ultimate Shake, you will be drooling over all of the options!

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Movie Night
Halloween is the perfect movie to get you into the fall spirit this season. Michael Meyers makes his chilling return to the big screen in this classic series, and it is definitely worth the watch. Movie theater popcorn is always an added bonus!

Netflix & Chills
Netflix has several Halloween movies available for binging, but this season, give your full attention to The Haunting of Hill House. This show may have given me nightmares for days, but it is so good. Cuddle up with some hot cocoa and light a few candles, because you will not want to watch this one in the dark!

Almost all of my suggestions are for locations that are open throughout the year, but I do love visiting these places in the fall! Let me know if you have visited any of these spots or have any suggestions of your own in the comments below or on Instagram by tagging @ livingsimplygray!

chocolate covered oreos

Published on October 19, 2018October 19, 2018 by simply gray2 Comments

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset I have to admit, I am a chocoholic, and I have my mother to thank for that. For as long as I can remember, my mom has been making and decorating chocolate. From chocolate-covered ice skates for one of my birthday parties to bridal shower favors and holiday-themed creations, she has both a passion and a knack for this craft. Over the years, she has passed down that love of making chocolate to me. While we always love making chocolate for events or holidays, lately, our go-to has been to make chocolate-covered Oreos.

Chocolate-covered Oreos have proven to be a hit at any gathering, whether it be a work function, graduation party or holiday. Chocolate-covered Oreos take two classics — chocolate and Oreos — and combine them in a fun, delicious way for all to enjoy.

To make approximately 35 chocolate-covered Oreos, you will need the following ingredients/supplies:

Oreo molds (I purchased mine from a local chocolate store, but Amazon has a similar mold available for purchase)
1.5 – 2 lb. of chocolate melts (I prefer milk chocolate, but use your favorite type!)
1 package of Oreo cookies
Colored chocolate melts
Small squeeze bottle(s) for decorating

When it comes to melting chocolate, my mom and I have found that melting a handful or two of the chocolate melts at a time in the microwave is the fastest and most efficient way to work. We start by microwaving the chocolate in a small bowl for 30 seconds. We then stir the chocolate, and put it in for another 15 seconds. We repeat the stirring process and continue melting the chocolate for seconds at a time until it has a nice, smooth consistency. Every microwave is different, so be careful when heating the chocolate. If you overheat the chocolate, it will burn.

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Once the chocolate is melted down to the right consistency, we spoon it into the molds.We have found that this process works best for us in terms of coverage within the mold. The last thing you want are cracks in the chocolate once the Oreo is submerged!

It is important to work fast when it comes to filling the molds, as the chocolate tends to harden quickly. Once you have covered the bottom and sides of the mold, add an Oreo in, and cover it with more chocolate, so that it is completely surrounded by chocolate. Tap the middle of the mold to flatten out the chocolate on top of the cookie if need be. Repeat this step until all of the molds are filled.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset Once that is complete, place the molds into the freezer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes are up, remove the molds from the freezer and turn the molds over to remove the Oreos. Lightly pressing on the mold should release the Oreos easily. Place them on wax paper for decorating.

Here is where you can get creative. Melt your colored chocolate down using the same process you used for melting the chocolate for the Oreos. Once the colored chocolate reaches the same smooth consistency as the regular chocolate, put it in the squeeze bottles and have fun decorating!

Once you are finished decorating the Oreos, be sure to keep the cookies in a room-temperature environment. Putting the Oreos in the refrigerator for storage can cause them to crack, so keep them in a container on the counter until you are ready to serve!

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travel guide: austin, tx

Published on October 16, 2018October 16, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

This April, my friends and I hopped on a plane to Austin, TX for a girls’ weekend. Our trip to Austin included a lot of BBQ, beer and bats — read on to find out more about our favorite Austin spots!

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Downtown: We had a great experience with this hotel. It is located in downtown Austin, so everything we needed was always a quick car ride away. The rooms were clean and spacious; there was more than enough room for the five of us! The hotel staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful. We planned this trip for our friends’ birthday weekend, and the staff helped us kick off the celebrations by bringing champagne and some cake up to the room as a surprise!

Where to Eat

Kerby Lane Cafe: This was our first stop once we landed in Austin, and we knew we were in the right place when our waiter suggested we order queso at 9:30 in the morning. I would do anything to get that queso in Jersey! The food was so good, that we had brunch here twice!

Gordough’s Public House: Gordough’s has a food truck and a restaurant, but I recommend heading to the restaurant. Pitchers of Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s were plentiful, as was the food here! Hands down, this was one of the best meals I have ever tried: crispy fried chicken, a potato pancake, warm cream corn, candied jalapeños — all on top of a hot donut. What more could you ask for?!

Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden: Banger’s is an awesome spot for dinner and drinks. With outdoor seating and a menu of 30 homemade sausages and more than 100 craft beers, it is a great place to hang out with friends, have a few laughs and share a tasty meal!

Torchy’s Tacos: This is the best taco spot we found while we were in Austin! The menu has a huge variety that will cater to anyone’s taco cravings, and while there might be a bit of a wait, it is definitely worth it!

Truluck’s Steakhouse and Seafood: One thing we have learned while traveling on long weekend trips is that we should set aside one night to wine and dine ourselves. Truluck’s was the perfect choice for that. The wine list was extensive, and the food was absolutely delicious.

What to Do:
Bat Watching: Admittedly, I was skeptical about watching bats, but when a handful of people recommended this activity to us, we had to check it out. There are 1.5 million bats that reside under the Congress Ave. Bridge in Austin, and around dusk, they fly out in swarms. Most people were lined up along the entire bridge, while some even sat in boats nearby to watch this phenomenon. If you are looking for an experience unique to Austin, this is it!

Graffiti Park: This was our last stop before we left Austin, and it was one of the coolest things we saw while we were on this trip. The original location of Graffiti Park is on Baylor Street, but there are plans to move it to a new location. We were able to visit the original location while we were in Austin, and it is safe to say we left our mark in Graffiti Park! It was so much fun to look at all of the art that was created here, while making some of our own! I cannot wait to see what the new location will look like once it is launched!

UnBARlievable: This was our favorite bar in Austin, and it was 100 percent because of the “Fun Slide!” Besides an actual slide in the middle of the bar, UnBARlievable has a great atmosphere, live music and good drinks!

Lucille: This bar is set in a renovated house and has an outdoor space with hammocks and lawn games. We stopped here on our first night out in Austin, and we had a great time!

Recess Arcade Bar: This is a fun bar to visit on 6th Street during the day if you want to channel your inner child. From giant Jenga to Skee Ball, there are a ton of games to play while having a drink with friends.

We had a great time in Austin, and we cannot wait to go back and visit again some day!

healthy shrimp tacos

Published on October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 by simply gray4 Comments

I am all about fast, easy and healthy meals during the week, and this recipe for cilantro lime shrimp tacos checks all of those boxes. Try this recipe for your next Taco Tuesday!

Ingredients (serves 2 to 4 people):
• 1 bag of frozen, uncooked, peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1 large container of Greek yogurt (I use FAGE Non-Fat yogurt)
• 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro
• Cayenne pepper
• Whole wheat tortillas
• Salt and pepper for flavor

Start by defrosting the uncooked shrimp, removing the tails and rinsing it clean. Cut the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces, and add it into a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper for flavor, and cook the shrimp until it turns pink. Be sure to toss the shrimp periodically as it is cooking.

While the shrimp is cooking, put the Greek yogurt into a bowl and combine it with the juice of half of a lime, a handful of chopped cilantro and a few dashes of cayenne pepper. Mix all of the ingredients together, and add more lime, cilantro or cayenne pepper if you feel necessary.

To assemble the shrimp tacos, lay out a tortilla, add the Greek yogurt mixture and top with some shrimp. Feel free to add in any other healthy toppings you may like, such as shredded lettuce, tomatoes or avocado. Share your take on these healthy shrimp tacos in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @ livingsimplygray. I hope you enjoy!

decorating for fall

Published on October 8, 2018October 8, 2018 by simply gray4 Comments

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. The crisp, cool air, red-orange leaves scattered across the ground, pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters are just some of my top reasons for loving this season. While the weather in New Jersey has not fully transitioned into fall just yet, our apartment certainly has!

I love decorating for fall because there are so many different looks that can be chosen for a space. It is easy to feel overwhelmed while walking through the aisles of stores like Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and Michaels at this time of year, but focusing on a few key design elements will narrow down your search for the perfect fall decorations and help you create a cozy environment for all to enjoy.

When I am shopping for decorations, I look for pieces that will reflect the season and fit seamlessly into my year-round design style. I love the welcoming atmosphere that is created by utilizing the warm reds and oranges of fall, but to blend it better with the color scheme of my apartment, I added in some neutral colors and some blues. Using a more neutral color palette provides more options for you as a decorator, and a few pops of color can really help bring the look all together.

I also look for decorations that will get me through an entire season. I picked up classic fall staples like pumpkins and candles, but I also found a few items that will transition our apartment from the start of fall all the way through the end of November. As tempting as it can be to buy new decorations each month, pieces like these help me create a more cohesive design and save money in the long run.

Focusing on smaller details and unique pieces is also important to me when I am decorating a space. I like the idea of incorporating something into my design style that cannot be bought “as is” in a store. To get that unique element for fall, I picked up a bunch of separate flower stems and combined different styles and colors together to create an arrangement for our standing vase. I utilized some of the fall colors I found for my decorations, but I also kept the majority of it neutral so that it could tie together the look of the warm, cozy atmosphere I set out to design.

No matter what season it is, my goal is to create a space where our family and friends always feel welcome in our home. I hope these tips help you create and decorate your own space for fall!

travel guide: charleston, s.c.

Published on October 4, 2018October 8, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

I like to say that I leave a little piece of my heart everywhere I travel, and that is definitely true of Charleston, y’all!

This summer, Connor and I traveled to South Carolina for a family wedding, and we immediately fell in love with Charleston! We decided to stay a couple of extra days after the wedding so we could explore this southern gem, and from some of the tastiest foods to the liveliest night life, Charleston certainly didn’t disappoint! Read on for some of my recommendations for a charming weekend getaway!

Where to Stay:
King 583: Located on King Street, King 583 is a suite-style boutique hotel that is never more than a few steps away from a good meal, a cool drink or a strong cup of coffee. The rooms are clean, spacious and are equipped with a kitchen and fireplace. What more could you ask for?

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset Courtyard Charleston Waterfront by Marriott: Located near the French Quarter, this Marriott is a quick ride away from downtown Charleston. This hotel has greatwaterfront views, a pool and a nice outdoor space to enjoy a late night snack while reminiscing about the day’s adventures.

Where to Eat:
Toast: The food at Toast was so good, we went back twice! If you have a sweet tooth, try the stuffed French toast, but if you’re more of a savory foodie, the Eggs Meeting Street option is the way to go!
Another Broken Egg: This was a great breakfast spot to pop into while walking around downtown! The infused mimosas are a must!
Blossom: This restaurant is a short walk away from Rainbow Row. The blue crab ravioli at Blossom was amazing, and the drink menu was full of great options.
Hall’s Chophouse: Conveniently located on King Street, this is a Charleston-must for all steak lovers. With a wide variety of steak options, full-sized sides for the table and delicious desserts to top off the evening, you cannot ask for much more! I highly recommend making reservations before you go!
Indaco: Located on King Street, this restaurant offers a rustic environment and great Italian meals. Try the Corn Mezzaluna for a great twist on the classic ravioli dish!
Stars: Connor and I popped in here on our way home from dinner, and we stumbled upon a cute rooftop bar with fun drinks like frozen bellinis! I recommend getting there early if you want a table, but even on a Friday night, there was plenty of room to stand comfortably while taking in some downtown views!

Eggs Meeting Street from Toast

Infused mimosas from Another Broken Egg

A nice drink to end the night at Blossom

Where to Grab a Sweet Treat:
Jeni’s Ice Cream: This is the only ice cream shop I have ever been to that offers a flight of ice cream: three half scoops of whichever flavors you would like, plus a piece of a waffle cone! This was my personal heaven. The ice cream here is packed with flavor – some of my favorites were frosé sorbet, cream puff and darkest chocolate. Jeni’s was probably the spot we frequented most on this trip!
Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar: If you have a sweet tooth, you must try Carmella’s! The desserts here looked so good, that it was hard to choose just one! We settled on the coconut raspberry cake and the tiramisu (one guess who picked the mini cake…and finished it later that night…). Not only does Carmella’s offer desserts, but it also offers a full bar and specialty cocktails!

What to Do:

8beb215d-9c39-40ee-9981-393cf5558313-e1538669366986.jpg Boone Hall Plantation: America’s most photographed plantation is bursting with history and picturesque views. Upon entering the plantation, you will drive through the Avenue of Oaks, a beautiful path of oak trees that John Boone, the original owner of the plantation, started planting when he lived there. Once on the grounds, you will see that nine of the 27 slave cabins that were present on the property are still standing today. All nine have been turned into exhibits to educate visitors about the lifestyle of the slaves who once lived there. After exploring the cabins, head over to the mansion for a tour. Hint: you may recognize the mansion from The Notebook – it served as Allie’s family’s summer home. End the day with a walk around the gardens, and a wagon tour of the property.
Rainbow Row: This is Charleston’s famous line of pastel-colored row houses. Located right near The Battery, it’s the perfect place to stop after walking along the water and learning about Charleston’s history!

Rainbow Row

Historic Charleston City Market: This market extends four blocks and is full of vendors selling products. There are so many things to see and purchase, plus there are plenty of other shops and food places to pop into along the way!
Second Sunday: If you happen to be on Charleston on the second Sunday of the month, then you are in for a treat! King Street shuts down so people can walk through the street freely. All shops are open and musicians and other artists line the streets, providing entertainment for all those exploring downtown! Maybe you will even find Charleston Max enjoying a mid-day treat!

Charleston City Market

Charleston Max!

We had an amazing time in Charleston, and we cannot wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful city! I recommend you walk as much as possible while you are there, so you do not miss out on any of the southern charm that this city has to offer!

celebrating one year of apartment life!

Published on October 2, 2018October 4, 2018 by simply gray6 Comments

My boyfriend Connor and I moved into our apartment one year ago today, and in that year, we truly have made this apartment our home! It feels like just yesterday that the whirlwind of moving barely sunk in before we were packing our bags, buying furniture and making sure we had enough late-night snacks stocked away. It is crazy how quickly a year has gone by, but we are so excited to kick off our second year of living together (and our anniversary month!) with a movie marathon and some wine! While we celebrate this little milestone in our lives, I hope you enjoy some of these before and after shots of our apartment!

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welcome to simply gray!

Published on October 1, 2018January 28, 2020 by simply gray2 Comments

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My name is Christina, and I am a fun-loving, coffee-obsessed Jersey girl with a desire to share my passions with the world. For a long time, I have wanted an outlet where I can write about the things I love most in life, but it took some inspiration from my boyfriend, family and friends to encourage me to create simply gray.

The name for simply gray was inspired by my favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird. One theme that always stood out to me is that not everything in this world is black and white; there is gray in between that cannot be forgotten or ignored. The purpose of this blog is to be that gray in between the rigidity and structure of life. If anything, I hope readers are reminded that life can be hectic, but if you take some time out to enjoy the little things, it makes the bigger picture so much better.