last friday night, my adorable cousin ashlin flew in from florida for a little visit.  we had a little sleepover at my apartment with lots of late-night giggles and secrets and stories about cute boys, and then on saturday we had a girls’ day – always one of our favorite things to do!

{ashlin is all ready to shop ’til she drops!}

mimi and my mom met us at the quaint little corner market on greenville avenue for breakfast.  ashlin and i both had a lox sandwich.

{lox is one of my favorite breakfast treats.  this open-faced sandwich was piled high with sprouts, red onions, and capers.}

next we ambled next door to my beloved buffalo exchange.  i found a funky and fabulous little black strapless dress covered in strips of tulle that look almost like feathers [i’ll have to take a picture in it one of these days].  it will be the perfect thing to wear to a wedding that i’ll be attending in december.

{speaking of weddings, i also had a blast trying on this denim and tulle dress. texas wedding anyone?  not what i plan to wear at my wedding, but oh so fun!}

next we headed to northpark mall, where we were able to hit nordstrom, anthropologie, papyrus, and urban outfitters in one swoop.  you can’t go wrong with that kind of lineup, i’ve decided.

{ashlin striking a pose in a chic hat at urban!}

of course, we had to stick to tradition and make our stop at the nordstrom bistro for a late lunch. i did decide to venture beyond my usual cilantro lime shrimp salad [which happens to be mom’s and mimi’s usual as well!  it’s so delicious!] and ordered the crab stack.  i wasn’t disappointed!  it was so fresh and light and perfect for summer.

{how could you go wrong with avocado, tomatoes, onions, mango, and fresh lump crab meat stacked on top of each other to make a beautiful and elegant tower?!  you can’t.}

and finally, we stopped at nordstrom rack and home goods to round out the trip.

after our big day of shopping, ashlin headed back to mansfield with mimi and mom.  unfortunately, i wasn’t able to join them and the rest of my family for dinner at mimi and papa’s, because i had to get ready to move into my new apartment the next day!

so here i am on thursday, finally moved in.  well, i should say that all my stuff is in my apartment. “moved in” does not accurately describe the current predicament that my place is in; right now it falls somewhere between a chaotic jumble of boxes and complete mayhem.  but it’s slowly getting there.  AND tomorrow my family leaves for argentina!!  i’m very excited.  and when i get back next saturday i will be sure to post lots of pictures!

ashlin, i’m so happy you came to visit me in the big d!  i had such a wonderful time and am lucky to have a cousin who’s as fun to be around as you are and who has so much in common with me!  love you!

xoxo