28

Jul

Fashion Friday: Closet Restoration

Some of you may remember I cleaned out my closet this winter. I had made a promise to myself to purchase only clothes/accessories that I loved. Somehow, this lasted only a month or two. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m not wearing clothes that make me happy. The fit is off, or I don’t like the color. Which has made me wonder why I’m holding on to things that in my mind, don’t work?

A frightening before photo

Now, some of this might seem like some sort of grand epiphany, but you should probably know that I typically go through a closet reorganization twice a year. Well, I’m glad I felt the urge to purge, because I couldn’t believe the things I found in there. For example, a dress two sizes too small was lurking in the back. How did that escape the first round of decluttering? This time, I was particularly ruthless and am now afraid I have no clothes. Continue reading →

307 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Fashion/Living

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27

Jul

Summer Wishlist – Update

Is summer flying by for anyone else? I feel like I blinked, and it’s almost August. I haven’t made the best progress on my list, but I don’t think I care that much. I spent June really just enjoying my summer. I read a lot, which has been great and have accomplished a few things. 

The next few months are going to be busy, so I’ve tried to take advantage of this time with little going on by doing absolutely nothing. Isn’t that what summer is all about anyway?  

  1. Try my hand at canning. I’ve picked up a few books on this, Tart & Sweet and Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It: And Other Cooking Projects, but have been too nervous to try it so far. I did it! I made jam, blueberry honey jam, from the Tart & Sweet cookbook. I have four jars at my house. Who’s dying to try it?
  2. Make a batch of popsicles, using these.
  3. Eat lots of plums, peaches and nectarines.
  4. Dine on egg sandwiches with fresh tomatoes and this basil mayo.
  5. Harvest vegetables from my garden. (My plants are dying. This one might not happen this year. I haven’t been as committed to watering as I should be. Also, my lawn has been invaded by chipmunks who’ve killed my desire to garden. Maybe next year?)
  6. Decorate my toes with shockingly bright polish. (Orange!)
  7. Treat myself to a summer blockbuster on a weekday afternoon.
  8. Work on my tan. (I could pass for Edward Cullen’s sister right now.) I’m not Snooki’s color, but I don’t look like an extra for Vampire Diaries either.
  9. Try to bring back the spritzer.
  10. Find some new jewels to perk up my summer basics and a cute hat that fits my big head. (I’m not fishing for compliments. My head is very round, which makes it hard to find hats that fit.) – Kind of, just not what I’d planned on. (Earrings and bracelets) The hunt continues.
  11. Take a trip or two. I haven’t taken them, but these are booked. The first is a bachelorette party in Chi-Town.
  12. Perfect my BBQ skills.
  13. Go to a few concerts. I have one this weekend, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band.
  14. Read. See here.
  15. Declutter my closet and our storage room.

309 days ago Short URL Comments

Fashion/Food/Guilty Pleasures/Living

25

Jul

Summer Squash & Potato Sauté

I’ve been playing with this recipe for the last few weeks. I loved the flavors, but had some difficulty getting the cooking time just right. It might not win a lot of beauty pageants and may have taken some time to perfect, but I couldn’t be happier with the results. Fresh summer squash, new potatoes, lemon and thyme slowly cook together in white wine, creating a dish that’s light and fruity. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes to put together, so if you’re roasting chicken, start this when you preheat the oven, and it should be ready just ahead of the meat.

This is great with a protein, but it would also be lovely with a fried egg on top. Feel free to serve it however you’d like. Continue reading →

310 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Food/Vegan

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20

Jul

Summer Reading

Well, I’ve been reading like crazy this summer, and I wanted to pop in to tell you about the book I finished last weekend, Spoiled by the Fug Girls (Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan). Another Young Adult find, it’s a fun, light read, perfect for relaxing poolside or on your next road trip. One of the main characters is from the Midwest, and I’m happy to report they did not make her an idiot (a little naive), but overall a likeable character, unlike Annie on 90210 (what was she thinking bringing baked goods to her crush).

Next up, The Happiness Project.

316 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Guilty Pleasures/Living

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18

Jul

Tomato, Basil & Whole Wheat Pasta

This recipe is summer personified. Roma tomatoes, fresh basil and whole wheat pasta make a wholesome and sunny meal that comes together in minutes. Because this recipe uses only a few ingredients, make sure the ones you select are of a high quality. Perfectly ripe tomatoes, good Parmigiano Reggiano and high quality evoo are essential to making this dish something special. Continue reading →

317 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Food/Vegan

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15

Jul

Fashion Friday: Fall Preview

I know it’s 100 degrees outside and that what I’m about to say might sound crazy, but I’m really excited for Fall clothes. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t had too many Fashion Fridays lately.

There, it’s out there now.

Once you see some of these photos*, I think you’ll understand why. The new pieces for next season are opulent and rich.

via Vogue.com

 

Think vibrant colors and intricate patterns mixed with textures (snakeskin, fur, soft wool, sequins, feathers and lots of leather). It’s all heartbreakingly beautiful — very Anna Karenina meets downtown. Here are some examples from Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenburg and Valentino. Continue reading →

321 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Fashion

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13

Jul

Grill Master

Slaving away at the grill is stereotypically a man’s job, but I think it’s one ladies should know a thing or two about. Now, I’m by no means an expert, who only believes in charcoal and takes a million precautions to make sure everything’s “just right.”  Instead, I’m a lady who has an appreciation for the healthy quick meals I can put together on my gas grill. Largely because, meals made outside require very, little clean-up.

My favorite grilling cookbook, Grill It!, by Bobby Flay is a great resource for those learning to grill. Each section describes the basics of grilling a certain item, like chicken, corn or burgers. It then goes on to provide great recipes for basting, marinating and generally, jazzing up simple ingredients.

This weekend, I picked up some corn at the farmers’ market. Cooking it on the grill is really simple, and the smoke gives it a nice, toasted flavor. I used Bobby Flay’s method. Continue reading →

322 days ago Short URL Comments

Food/Vegan

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11

Jul

Confession

I like my summer reading really light. When I’m basking by the pool, I don’t like to have to read between the lines to wonder what it all means. I’d love to tell you I’ve been brushing up on my Dostoevsky, while working on my tan, but that would be a lie. Also there’d be a chance you’d ask me questions about Crime & Punishment, which is not a good scenario for me.

This weekend, I found myself in a lovely book coma. I finished two books that were entertaining and perfect for lying around. The first, I’d heard about through a few magazines. It’s called Witches of the East End by Melissa de la Cruz. I should warn you it is a Young Adult book that centers around three witches. If that’s not your taste, ignore this suggestion. I will say though, the fact that I’m admitting here, online, that I liked it says a lot about how much I enjoyed the book.

The other book I read was called The Finishing Touches by Hester Browne. This one is a charming little read about an orphan who overhauls a finishing school in London. I’m a sucker for a book set in the UK and fell head over heels for this one’s sweet advice like, “Watch out for men, who don’t tip in restaurants — tight wallet, tight heart.”

Next up on my summer reading is Spoiled by the Fug Girls. What are you planning to read this summer?

325 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Guilty Pleasures/Living

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07

Jul

Confession

Have you seen Million Dollar Decorators yet? I came late to the party, but is amazing. I’ve been practicing my Martyn Lawrence-Bullard accent for several days and think I’ve finally got it down.

Here’s a description of the show in the decorators’ own words.

I’m also obsessed with this person. Her name is Jacqueline. She’s French and Kathryn Ireland’s housekeeper/cook. Glimpses of her are reason enough to watch the show. Watch it people, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. CST.

329 days ago Short URL Comments

Guilty Pleasures

06

Jul

Summer Essentials

I’m sad to admit I’ve been holding out on you. I’ve recently found some new, summer must-haves that I think you’ll really like, but haven’t shared them with you yet. Well, the wait is over.

The first gem is another Make Up For Ever product. Their eyeliner pencils are waterproof and stay put despite the rising temperatures. I picked up this eyeliner in a coppery brown, but they have a wide range of great colors available.

Continue reading →

329 days ago Short URL Comments

Beauty/Fashion

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