Friday, March 30, 2012

Working For The Weekend


Ladies and gentleman, we made it to the end of the week.  Great job everyone.  So, what's your weekend looking like?  I have a few items on the agenda, most notably a conference this Saturday I'm very much looking forward to.  And if I can squeeze it into the schedule, I probably need to clean out my closet, too (which should be a project and a half...say a prayer for me just in case I try).  Enjoy your weekend and the links...see you Monday!

Tea party, anyone?

Looks like there's potential here for the best...nap...ever...

Crazy.  Just....crazy.

I may need to try this?

These little guys get me every time.

Gorgeous.

Hmm...interesting...I don't hate it.

Get you some merch!

I could do some damage with this stuff...

Can't stop making this!  It's way delicious.
Thursday, March 29, 2012

Bathing Beauties

Is it too early to talk about bathing suits?  I certainly hope not cause I've been stalking suits ever since this year's first drop of sunshine.  These pretty numbers are a little pricy (read: a lot pricey) but they made me all kinds of happy.  Keep your eyes peeled for a sale, folks!  


1. Scalloped Halterneck Bikini, Chloe $410  2. Vivid Bits Maillot, Anthropologie $328 3. Nosara, Steven Alan $180 4. Red Stripe Gathered Bikini, Topshop £30
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Mirror, Mirror

I had a love at first sight moment with both the earrings and pants in this ensemble...and the rest- as they say- is history.  The color combo is a little unorthodox, but it makes a fun statement!  I'm diggin it.  (P.S.- typing the word 'diggin' just made me laugh so hard...okay, fine...guess you had to be there).



1. AG Neon Stevie Ankle Pants, Anthropologie $158  2. Tall Cutout Shoulder Blouse, Topshop £36  3. Perspex Clutch, ASOS $50.13  4. Patent Leather Skinny Belt, J.Crew $36.50  5. Prop Suede Pointed Platform Shoes, ASOS $107.43  6. Thin Smooth Double Cuffs, ASOS $26.86  7. Enamel and Pyramid Ring, ASOS $14.32  8. Sunnie In Beige, Need Supply $109  9. Chartreuse Resin Earrings, Bergdorf Goodman $450  10. Neon Yellow Nail Polish, Forever 21 $2.80

Operation: Address Book

Through a series of unfortunate events, I managed to loose every last one of my phone contacts over the weekend.  As you can imagine, I was less than thrilled about it.  And it got me thinking...when technology is good, it's so good, but when it's bad it's awful.  I don't know if it's the nostalgia, the letterpress or the residual annoyance speaking, but I seriously want one of these address files from 1canoe2.  In fact, you can consider it wish-listed!




Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Get It Together: Modern Class


1. Osman Chair, Anthropologie $2,498  2. Golden Sap Pendant, Anthropologie $248  3. Brass Bowls, Dwell Studio $238  4. Grow Your Own Vegetables in Pots, Amazon $13.57  5. Art Deco Rug, Toomey Galleries  6. Nuevo Kieren Counter Stool, All Modern $704.52

Neon & Neutral

Neon, meet neutral.  Neutral, this is neon.  We're thrilled you guys could finally meet.  You look great together, you really do.


1. Neon Edge Linen Scarf, Juicy Couture $78  2. Neon Stripe Flat Clutch, Clare Vivier $155  3. High Heeled Sandals, Jil Sander $268  4. Mixed Media Tote Bag, Urban Outfitters $49  5. Geometric Pillow, Etsy $58
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012

Chipmunk Cheeks

I think we can all agree these illustrated prints by Katie Vernan are almost too adorable.  I nearly posted every last item in her Etsy shop, Chipmunk Cheeks (best name ever, by the way) but instead tried to exercise some self restraint.  If you like these, there's so much more you need to see!  And you can't believe how affordable they are ($20-$25...that's crazytown, folks)!









Thursday, March 22, 2012

Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah

I've been partial to pom poms ever since my glory days as a Kings Christian School cheerleader (and by glory days I mean the very peak of my awkward phase).  Although I do have "coach an elementary cheerleading squad" on my bucket list (sandwiched between "participate in a flash mob" and "see bioluminescent algae in action"), I think these'll have to pacify me for the immediate future.  Seriously, though- is this stuff cute or what? 



1. Rainbow Rug, Naughts and Crosses $349  2. Mini Pom Pom Set, ban.do $25  3. Conquistadora Necklaces, Akong London £560  4. Bring It Pom Scarf, ModCloth $89.99  5. Turquoise Pom Pom Blanket, Calypso St. Barth $65  6. Pom Pom Pillow, CB2 $24.95

The Foodie Files

I know...it's spring, it's already super hot out and you're ready to talk about warm weather foods.  I am too.  But first, you're gonna have to hear about this amazing cauliflower soup cause I can't wait 'til autumn to talk about it.  My Mom whipped this recipe up last time I was home and I went totally bonkers for it...you seriously can't believe how good it is!  Cauliflower is one of those vegetables I thought I hated until somewhat recently, but it's quickly turning into one of my favorites.  Not unlike brussel sprouts or beets, it's an underdog veggie that I've come to love as an adult almost as much as I hated it when I was a kid.  This particular soup is insanely easy to make, doesn't have a lot of ingredients and tastes really, really good.  It reminds me of a creamy potato soup, only exceptionally better (yes, I said better potato lovers.  Way better).  Spring or not, you've gotta try this one ASAP.

Ingredients:

1 shallot, diced
1 TBS Extra virgin olive oil
2 TBS butter
1 head of cauliflower
1 cup half and half
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add oil and shallots.  While shallots brown, chop cauliflower into florets.


Add cauliflower to saucepan, cover, and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes or until florets soften.  Add cream and chicken stock, re-cover and cook for 15 more minutes.  Using a handheld blender, blend until soup reaches desired creaminess.  
 

And that's it!  I served mine up alongside a Fontina and fig grilled cheese sandwich and devoured every last rich bite.  So tasty!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Mirror, Mirror

Nothing ushers in spring quite like an airy pastel dress...and since spring is officially here, by all means- get to ushering!  I love how this look juggles soft, bold, retro and downright pretty.  And the color combo has me swooning.  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.


1. Tall Pleat Midi Shirtdress, Topshop $100  2. Cuper Cat Eyes Sunglasses, Amazon $10.85  3. Turquoise Necklace, Loren Hope  4. Metal Bar Detail Envelope Clutch, Asos $32.23  5. Vintage Look Bracelet, Gogo Philip $21.49 6. Pastel Jelly Watch, Asos $32.23  7. Calcagni Wedges, Aldo $89.98
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Vivian's Here!!!

I put this post together awhile back and have been waiting anxiously to hit the "publish" button.  And I finally get to cause Sweet baby Vivian is here!  She made her appearance at 2:33 yesterday afternoon....at 8.8 pounds and 21 inches of perfection we're all obsessed (obsessed) with her.  One of mama Natalie's favorite books to read to Blake (the first of her wonderful children...children!  I can't believe we get to say that!) was Guess How Much I Love you.  Their favorite line?  "I love you to the moon and back".  I love that.  So I took the idea and ran with it.  We love you, Vivian (and Natalie!  And Adam and Blake!).  To the moon and back.      


1. Kraft Paper Cards, Etsy $9.50  2. Hand Stamped Keychain, Etsy $9  3. 8x10 Print, Etsy $20  4. Guess How Much I Love You Book, Amazon $5  5. Love You To The Moon Pillow, My Munchkin Home $49.95

Get It Together: Neon + Geometry


1. Echo Orange Chair, CB2 $89.95  2. Maze Pendant Lamp, Funktionalley £439  3. Pony Planters, CB2 $199  4. Girard Pillows, Design Within Reach $125-$285  5. Nine-O Stacking Chair, Design Within Reach $650  6. Babydeken Oranje/Grijs, Bijzonder Mooi €127.50
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012

Working For The Weekend


Happy early St. Patrick's Day!  Have you picked out a green outfit yet?  I'm reveling in the popularity of colored pants and going all "Mr. Green Jeans" tomorrow.  Super pumped.  Enjoy the rest of your Friday and the wonderful weekend ahead (and, of course, the weekend links)!

An important St. Patrick's Day resource.

SO expensive but SO cool.

Genius!!

Very informative...

Never thought about making these but, why not!

Crazy proud of that brother of mine.

Happy 40th Anniversary!


Gonna try this.

It's an iPhone miracle! (seriously DawnChere, you need to buy this right now).

Queen Marie

Regardless of what your stance on Marie Antoinette is (queen of excess vs. misunderstood scapegoat, bad movie starring Kirsten Dunst vs. underrated movie starring Kirsten Dunst), you've gotta admit she's a pretty intriguing gal.  While I wouldn't call French Revolution style my go-to look by any stretch of the imagination, I do think it's fun.  Great fun, actually.  As is this round-up!


1. Stylista Strut Wedge, ModCloth $89.99  2. Pragmatic Vase, Anthropologie $48  3. Marie Antoinette Illustration, Etsy $6.99  4. White & Pink Beaded Multi Cake Stand, LampsPlus $39.99  5. Pink Tufted Sofa, The Bella Cottage
Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Foodie Files

This is my second year attempting to make Irish food for St. Patricks Day and- despite the fact that last year was great- I'm stressed about it.  The thing is, it's totally my fault...I hear myself saying "hey, everyone come over my house for Irish food this weekend!  We'll celebrate St. Patricks Day!"...after which I immediately remember "wait a minute...you don't like Irish food".  Regardless, it just seems like the right thing to do.  Plus it's always good to stretch yourself.  I'm not sure what I'll make Saturday, but I pre-gamed with a little Guinness chocolate cake.  I based the recipe on this one from Taste of Home and was super happy with it.  In fact, I'd probably make it even if it wasn't part of a silly celebration!  So, what's your plan for 'ol St. Patty's Day?  Anything exciting?

Ingredients:

1 cup Guinness beer
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Cream cheese icing

Grease a 9-in. springform pan and set aside.  In a medium to large saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted.  Remove from heat and whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended.


Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. 



Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth.   


Pour batter into prepared pan.  Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Remove sides of pan and cool completely on a wire rack.


Once cooled, spread that icing and enjoy!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mirror, Mirror

Can't...stop...loving...neon.  Can't....do it.  I bought my first extra bright items this week and I'm way hooked.  It's like sunshine in an outfit.  And yes, it's March and I'm posting sleeveless shirts with sandals...buuuut it's also 80 degrees out so I'm feeling good about it.  Hope you get a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather today!


1. Circle Leather Clutch, Jil Sander $360  2. Kate Spade 'Dot to Dot' Earrings, Nordstrom  3. Lemon & Mint Necklace, Etsy  4. Rope Bracelet, Noir Jewelry $125  5. Two Finger Ring, Sticks & Stones  6. Sierra Estrella Sandals, Anthropologie  7. Skinny Jeans, 7 For All Mankind $143.99  8. Dropped Back Sleeveless Shirt, Topshop $60
Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Get It Together: Subtle and Organic


1. Patch Wall Art, West Elm $59  2. Patch Wall Art, West Elm $59  3. Patch Wall Art, West Elm $59  4. Frasier Vintage Silver Desk Lamp, Arteriors $648  5. Urbn 2.0 Klaas Arm Chair, ABC Carpet & Home $155  6. Stainless Steel Hanging Platers, Bari  7. Hour Glass, CB2 $29.95  8. Silver Pillow, Velocity Art & Design  9. Paperback Boxes, Jayson Home & Garden $8-$22

Shanna Murray Illustrated

I went through a phase where I thought wall decals were the coolest things ever...shortly thereafter, I was over it.  And now, (surprise, surprise) I'm circling back around.  But I've refined my taste tremendously...only a few decals make the cut these days.  Shanna Murray sits at the very top of that list.  Her designs have a Rifle Paper Co. feel to them- sweet but smart, whimsical but sincere.  I love them all (oh, and there's more here!  Check 'em out).






Monday, March 12, 2012

Design Musings

Gold Marks The Spot

Kate Spade has me all enamored with gold polka dots these days...so much so that I rummaged around outside the Kate-box to see what other gold dots I could gather up.  Enjoy this little burst of confetti...hope it soothes your Monday blues!


1. Cup and Saucer, Kate Spade  2. Card, Paper Source  3. Shamiana Throw Pillow, Funky Furniture San Francisco $65  4. Brushstroke Polka Dot Scarf, Nordstrom $38  5. Foil Dot Crop, TopShop £22  6. Gold Polkadot Lucite Bangle, Fantasy Jewelry Box $22.95  7. Monaco Gold Tumblers, Bed Bath & Beyond $29.99
Friday, March 9, 2012

Working For The Weekend

On paper, this last week doesn't look that great.  I had to run all kinds of annoying and expensive errands (car inspection, registration change, auto repairs, etc.), I had more than one "there's a possibility I'm dying" hypochondriac moment and to top it off, it was rainy.  Weird thing, though....I'm all "sunny side of the street-y" for some reason.  The errands ended up reminding me that people are freakishly nice in Tennessee.  What should've been horrible experiences (c'mon the DMV!) were not only tolerable, they bordered on pleasant.  I spent part of last night laughing with my roommate, Courtney, about my "health scares" and marveling over the fact that I didn't so much as WebMD my "symptoms".  Improvement!  And when it comes to the rain, all I can say is it made me so thankful that I work from home.  I mean, I'm a pretty positive person but what's my deal?  I haven't the slightest clue.  Whatever it is, I hope it carries into next week (or month or year would be fine too).  I'm happy to accommodate it for as long as it wants to stick around.  I hope your weekend is as brazenly positive as my week was.  Enjoy the links!

I'm all for mastering important techniques...

Yay for fun color combos!

In stores as of yesterday (and probably already sold out...still lovely, though).

Too funny.  But I kind of love it.

Reminds me of Anthropologie (not so secret code for awesome).

Adorable idea.  Also...an insane amount of work.  But primarily adorable.

Would totally use this.

The potential for cute is high here.

Love jewelry?  Appreciate old Hollywood?  You've come to the right place.

Lots of talk about this film, but for good reason!  The message is powerful.

Match Game

Saw these necklaces, saw these pictures a few days later and said...match made in heaven.  Plus they're a great reminder that warmer weather is on it's way.  Success on all fronts!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Friends Are Friends Forever

Throughout college, my roommates and I didn't have cable...what we did have, however, was ten glorious seasons of Friends DVDs that we kept on a pretty steady rotation.  Through no fault of my own, this resulted in me becoming a foremost expert on the topic of Friends trivia...a trivia wizard if you will.  I didn't realize how deeply it had permeated our lives until my roommate and I were deciding what movie to watch one night.  She said, "We should get Miss Congeniality...which one of our friends loves that?" to which I was forced to respond "...Chandler" (and, for the record, I was right).  You would think confusing the cast of Friends with our actual friends would've been enough to stop the madness that was our obsession, but it wasn't.  To this day I love the show and can't make it through a single episode without cracking up.  I grabbed a few Friends inspired pieces as well as a couple items I think the gang would love.  Any fellow fanatics out there?


1. The OCD Chef Cutting Board, ThinkGeek $25.99  2. Aux Buttes Chaumont Jouets Vintage Advertising Poster, Pop Art UK £23.98  3. Cropped Leather Skinny Pants, Net-A-Porter $259.20  4. Dinosaur Onsie, Etsy  5. Miss Congeniality, Amazon $5.65  6. Central Perk Mug, Amazon  7. Mini Penguin Plush Toy, Birthday in a Box $2.99  8. You're My Lobster Print, Etsy $12  9. Vintage 70's Mid Century Modern Turfted Sofa, Vieux Sofas

The Foodie Files

Ever had one of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments when two of your friends start dating each other?  It's happened to me on more than one occasion...he's great, she's great, they're just perfect together...how did I not see it until now?  Now, take that feeling and multiply it by a factor of at least two...that's pretty much what I experienced when I saw Mexican brunch on a menu for the first time (I'm willing to admit I may be too enamored with food).  I just couldn't believe it hadn't crossed my mind!  They're both so delicious!  After ordering many a Mexican brunch entree from many a fine eating establishment, I realized it was time to try making some myself.  I gave huevos rancheros a whirl last weekend and my only regret is not adding it to my rotation sooner in life.  I may even bust this one out for company (so you know it's good).  In terms of this exact recipe, I've got the flavors down but the presentation still needs some work.  I'll ask my Dad to give it a go next time I see him and let you know what he comes up with...he's the presentation king.  As for now...presentation, shmesentation (earmuffs Papa) the taste is on point!

Ingredients:
1 TBS sofrito
small sliver of butter
2 eggs
1 corn tortilla
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp chopped cilantro
1 TBS sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium frying pan, heat sofrito over a medium flame for about 2 minutes.  Add butter, mix, and cook for another minute or so.  Add eggs and salt and pepper to taste.  Cover pan with lid and cook until the whites appear solid, about four minutes.  


In a separate pan, heat oil over a medium high flame until a small splash of water makes it sizzle (side note: be careful).  Fry tortilla for 15-30 seconds a side, then dab dry with a paper towel.


To plate your meal, place eggs on tortilla.


In a separate bowl, mix cubed avocado, chopped cilantro and lemon juice.  Add to dish and finish with a sprinkling of cheese (and a sprig of cilantro for garnish).

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mirror, Mirror

It might interest you to know that- as I type this- I'm wearing a blue and white striped shirt and looking at the bauble necklace I just took off.  Suffice to say this whole "preppy meets fun" look is pretty much my favorite at the moment.  Nautical simply never goes out of style...which means you can wear it proudly and know that thirty years from now, when you're wearing a nautical space suit, you'll have no regrets.  



1. Swarthmore Mini Dress, Aubin & Wills $155  2. Baublebox Bib Necklace, Kate Spade New York $278  3. Clutch Bag w/ Metal Chain, H&M $17.95  4. Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps, Barneys New York $625  5. Tassel Bracelet, Rachel Leigh $68  6. Gold Scale Wallet, Splendora $68  7. Pink Sunglasses, Lazy Oaf
Tuesday, March 6, 2012

My New Thing...

Fun fact: I've started antiquing and I'm super psyched about it.  I'm still abuzz from the amazing pieces I picked up on my Florida trip, most notably my beautiful gold tea spoons.  Somewhere along the line I decided I want to start collecting gold silverware...so if all goes according to plan, these spoons will be first in my long line of flatware family.  And if the rest of my flatware family tree looks anything like the photos below...well...so be it.