Friday Favorites
May 30, 2014
It's been a jam-packed week, but a great one. We discovered a charming little bookstore and already I'm planning a trip back (it didn't hurt that the bakery adjacent to the bookstore had enormous chocolate chip cookies and a very tasty kale salad). We've no definitive plans for the weekend, and that's perfectly fine with me. I want to relax, read, have an iced coffee or two, and just be in the moment without rushing to be somewhere. I hope you have an amazing weekend. God bless!
A perfect brunch-at-home recipe: spinach, artichoke, and ricotta tart.
Dating tips from TV heroines. (Even us married women can appreciate some of these.)
More inspiration for my sweet baby's first birthday.
A cool weekend look, maybe for a breezy Saturday evening.
These incredibly beautiful (and, sadly, unaffordable) wood surfboards by Kelly Wearstler.
Passion, Compassion, Humor and Style
May 28, 2014
image via
Father's Day Gift Guide
May 28, 2014
1. Kiehl's "Ultimate Man" Body Scrub Soap-on-a-Rope 2. H&M Pajama Pants 3. Chillsner 2-pack 4. Daddy Lotto Tickets 5. Leather-Strapped Canteen & Lunchbox Set 6. Filmography of Cars Poster 7. DIY Furniture 2: A step-by-step guide 8. J. Crew Abingdon Travel Kit 9. Grill Scout by Mouth 10. Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf
Perhaps because it's lumped together with graduation (you know, the whole "dads and grads" thing), but for some reason Father's Day never gets quite as much love as Mother's Day. Still, dads deserve a great gift too, so whether he's your dad or your husband, your brother or your boyfriend, let the father in your life know he means the world to you with a cool gift made especially for him.
1. He's probably not thinking about how rough his elbows and feet are, so help him out with this body scrub.
2. Every man should own a nice pair of pajama pants.
3. Because sometimes a cold beer is essential to his happiness.
4. A major hookup that includes get-out-of-chores-free tickets and more.
5. A hard-working papa deserves an extra special lunch box.
6. All the coolest cars from film and television (including a time-traveling DeLorean) on one poster.
7. For the DIY guy in your life.
8. Whether he knows it or not, every man needs a good toiletry/travel bag.
9. For the gourmand father: grilling sauces, marinades, rubs, and even a bacon-infused mayo.
10.Spicy and slightly sweet, every man should smell this good.
Must-Have: Blank Denim Overalls
May 28, 2014
It took me awhile to decide, but, yes, I do want a pair of overalls. I think the last time I wore a pair was sometime around middle school, after which time they quickly faded out of the cool spotlight and back into "farmers only" territory. But denim has evolved over the years, and now overalls feel fresh and modern and, depending on how they're styled, even a bit glamorous. I'm liking the skinnier, less unisex look of this pair, especially cuffed with heels. I'm thinking they'll make a great, no-fuss look for those summer days when I want to look like I made a bit of effort, without actually having made an effort.
Egg White Face Mask
May 26, 2014
Egg White Face Mask
1 egg white
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Combine egg white and lemon juice and whisk until frothy (don't worry, the lemon juice will cover the smell of the egg white). Add the honey and mix well. Hold a warm, wet cloth on your face for a few seconds to open your pores, then use clean hands or a cotton pad to apply the egg mask in a gentle circular motion to your face. Allow to dry (about 10-15 minutes) then rinse off with warm water.
If you do have dry skin, even in the summer, combine the egg yolk with the honey (nix the lemon) and apply to your face for a hydrating, softening treatment.
Friday Favorites
May 23, 2014
Even though it's felt like summer for weeks now, I'm excited for the unofficial start of the season this Monday. My holiday weekend will involve lots of good food (my husband can't wait to fire up his grill), enjoying my sweet little girls, and, if I can steal away for a few minutes, a little reading. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, be safe, and God bless!
A gorgeous tomato and watermelon salad, perfect for this holiday weekend. (Tomatoes and watermelon are both super hydrating by the way.)
A swingy ice cream cone dress.
Funfetti marshmallows that I'm thinking of making for my baby's first birthday. (Gah! It's two months away!)
A cool DIY geometric corkboard.
A cute and affordable beach/pool cover-up.
Burger Recipes for Memorial Day
May 22, 2014
Memorial Day is this Monday, and to celebrate the brave men and women who died while serving our nation, folks across the country will fire up their grills or frying pans and throw down on some all-American hamburgers. This holiday weekend I'm feeling fancy and looking for a more gourmet take on the classic meat-and-cheese burger. I found a few recipes, including a vegetarian version, that look insanely good; so good, in fact, I'll likely try them all by summer's end.
1. Fries on a burger? We've all tried it (nd probably loved it) at some point in our lives.
2. Red wine is the ultimate upgrade.
3.The red pepper spread alone...
4. This recipe actually calls for searing the avocado--genius!
5. A marriage between a caprese salad and a burger.
6. A French twist on a classic: crispy French bread replaces the traditional, soft bun.
7. I've never had a quinoa burger but this one looks so amazing I've got to try it.
8. Like the best spinach salad you ever had, but on a burger.
9. Because bacon.
Must Have: Collina Strada Nico Clutch
May 22, 2014
I was traveling yesterday and missed posting this week's must have, but it's so good I just couldn't save it for next week. I have a thing for foldover clutches; I think they add interest and an unexpected edginess to a look. This one, with its slanted pleats and exposed zipper, is definitely on the chic side of rocker-chic, and the price is right for this buttery leather clutch--after all, it's made by hand from eco-conscious materials. The fact that the label's designer, Hillary Taymour, went to FIDM, my alma mater and former place of employment (I used to be the Fashion Editor), only makes me a little biased.
FIFA World Cup Lingo
May 20, 2014
Advantages: When a team possesses the ball and outnumbers the opponent near the opponent's own goal.
Air ball: When the ball is airborne; also called "lofted" or "lifted" ball.
Attacker: The player who possesses the ball.
Banana kick: A kick used to angle the ball around another player or obstacle.
Fast break: When the attacker advances toward the goal undefended.
Flick header: A player ricochets the ball off the top or side of their head.
Handball: A player fouls by touching the ball with their hand.
Hat trick: When a player scores three or more goals in one game.
Killer ball: A pass that sets up a goal.
Long ball: A long pass.
Nutmeg: When a player passes the ball between another player's legs.
Pass: A play, kick, or strike of the ball with head, chest, or thighs, to a teammate.
Pop-It: A player passes the ball to themselves.
Save: When the goalie intercepts a shot and keeps it from scoring a goal.
Shut out: The goalie prevents all shots from entering the net, resulting in a zero score for the opposing team.
Trap: Controlling or slowing the ball with the feet, thighs, or chest. (called "foot trap," "thigh trap," or "chest trap")
Under the ball: Using the head, chest, or feet to keep the ball aloft.
World Cup: The official international soccer tournament held every four years among the world's top professional teams.
image via
Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage
May 19, 2014
Chicken Apple Sausage1 lb ground chicken (you could also use ground turkey)
1 small apple
2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 egg
Core and peel your apple, then use a cheese grater to shred it. Next, you want to wring out your apple shreds to get them as dry as possible (I put mine in a couple of paper towels and twisted). Place apple shreds, chicken, and spices in a medium bowl. Lightly beat the egg, then add it to the bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they're well combined, then shape into patties. Heat a nonstick or lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat and cook patties, turning once, until cooked through. Enjoy!
Friday Favorites
May 16, 2014
It's been kind of a crazy week--my husband and four-year old both have colds, and my nine-month old is teething--so I feel like I haven't had a second to myself (hence the lack of attention to this blog baby of mine). I'm thankful for the weekend and am looking forward to spending Saturday morning enjoying pancakes in bed with my family. Have a fantastic, restful weekend, and God bless!
Sandal season.
The eye candy that is the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
A simple devil's food cupcake.
This baby orangutan getting a bubble bath. (Is that not the cutest?!)
An actual bath that looks like absolute heaven.
image via Pinterest
image via Pinterest
Must Have: Jo Malone Silk Blossom
May 14, 2014
Jo Malone is probably my favorite fragrance brand; I just love how the scents, each one fabulous on its own, can be layered to create something magical (I once spent 45 minutes creating custom fragrances at the Jo Malone booth at a swanky bridal event in Hollywood). I'm really looking forward to trying this limited edition scent, and possibly mixing it with another scent, but I'm also looking forward to having it, and its pretty, pink tassle, sit on my vanity for me to look at every morning.
Friday Favorites
May 9, 2014
I would be remiss if I didn't wish all the mommies, whether your babies are biological, adopted, or fur, a Happy Mother's Day. I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family this weekend--we always get together, the whole lot of us, and have a lovely brunch--and maybe even squeezing in a nap. I hope your weekend, and your Mother's Day are wonderful. God bless!
Kate Spade On Purpose--a concept that is helping communities around the world. The first collection is designed by a group of 150 Rwandan women.
A healthy "ice cream" that I want to try, mostly because I can eat it for breakfast, but also because it's good for me.
A Happy Mother's Day from celebrity mommas and their kids.
Mindy and Danny. (I love this show!)
A beautiful depiction of my favorite Nelson Mandela quote.
image via Pinterest
image via Pinterest
Must Have: Bliss Grapefruit + Aloe Soapy Suds Body Wash and Bubbling Bath
May 7, 2014
A good, rich, super lathering body wash is always on my must have list--I don't get to luxuriate in a bath the way did before I had my babies, so making my showers as decadent as possible is a priority. This body wash has a bright, juicy grapefruit scent, my favorite fragrance note, plus nourishing aloe, so I don't just smell heavenly, my skin feels delicious.
7 Baby Products to Share with Your Little One
May 6, 2014
Hair Brush
The bristles on a baby brush are super soft and are actually gentle enough to use on your face. Instead of paying extra money for a facial brush, borrow your little lamb's hair brush.
Baby Powder
In a pinch, a light sprinkling of baby powder can act as a dry shampoo. Just make sure you shake it out well and brush out the excess.
Baby Oil
Baby oil is an excellent, effective, and inexpensive eye makeup remover.
Baby Wash
There are tons of makeup brush cleansers on the market, but the truth is, baby wash does the trick, and likely for a lot less money.
Aquaphor
The same Aquaphor that relieves baby's diaper rash can work myriad wonders on you, including, but certainly not limited to treating dry, chapped lips, moisturizing cuticles, and healing irritated skin from shaving. For a moisturizing boost post-shower, mix a little with your body lotion.
Baby Lotion
With its lightly-scented, creamy-but-not-too-thick texture baby lotion makes the perfect shaving cream.
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper cream is another product with tons of benefits: soothe razor burn, shrink a pimple, or use it to de-puff under your eyes. You could also use it on other skin rashes such as eczema and psoriasis.
Unstick a Stuck Zipper
May 5, 2014
Friday Favorites
May 2, 2014
It's been an extremely overwhelming week; besides having a ton of work (for which I am truly grateful), I'm feeling emotionally drained after the whole Donald Sterling debacle, Shaquille O'Neal's mean tweet (so uncool), and reading about the 200 Nigerian girls who were abducted two weeks ago. I'm looking forward to a weekend of relaxing at home with my own girls, whom I'll be hugging just a little tighter. Have a safe weekend, and God bless!
Paper calla lilies and other sweet ideas for Mother's Day.
Not just a mint julep--a sparkling blackberry mint julep!
Faux leather coasters that are so easy to make it'd be a crime not to.
Twenty popsicle recipes that I can't wait to make this summer.
A sweet floral print that is neither too precious nor too curtain-y looking.
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