Oh, My Darling

Living Colorfully

2012-01-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

First off, thanks to those of you who still drop by this blog after a little hiatus -- I really appreciated your little "hellos" and "welcome backs" and missed you ladies! So, one little tweak to this blog, at least for now, is that I am really planning to focus on this whole "living colorfully" resolution for 2012. Writing about the goal, and posting inspirational words, images, and so forth, seems like the first and best way to embark on this fun, bright and vivid journey.

To get the wheels turning, here are a few thoughts that I have for really infusing color (figuratively and literally) into my life in the upcoming months. I'd love to hear your suggestions for even more!

1. Decorate my apartment in fun, colorful ways -- Since moving to Pittsburgh, I haven't had much time to really make my space my own, so focusing on special crafty projects will help to have me wake up to a colorful life on a daily basis.

2. Smile as often as possible -- I'm already a smiley lady, but really focusing on this bright, happy facial expression certainly can't hurt.

3. Infuse color into my meals -- Nothing says happiness quite like a vibrant, lovely salad, or sipping a beverage from a fun, rainbow glass, no?

4. Go on local, colorful adventures -- Exploring a new city has been super-fun so far, but I want to amp it up by looking for quirky, random things to do, to really show Pittsburgh's true colors.

5. Try to meet new, interesting people -- A colorful life means never turning down an invitation to a party or conversing with a new, friendly person, since you never know what those little moments can bring.

6. Plain and simple, wear bright colors -- Because homegirl has been rocking black leggings for waaay too long, and that needs to be changed.

(image via here)

Happy 2012: Living Colorfully

2012-01-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012, folks! The new year seemed like the perfect time to get back to blogging, since it's all about fresh starts and re-prioritizing, right? I've missed writing regularly and keeping tabs on all of your lovely blogs. Last year's sole new year's resolution was to "embrace life's adventures," which was definitely an accurate theme for 2011. From travelling all over the place, to learning about wine tasting, to dancing like mad at concerts, to taking huge strides in my professional life, to meeting some wonderful new people, to saying goodbye to one city and a big ol' enthusiastic hello to life in Pittsburgh -- 2011 was filled with adventures, all of which I gave a giant bear hug and treasured for their special places in my life.

So, what sort of new year's resolution could possibly top that one? In the spirit of keeping it positive, the theme of 2012 is: Live Colorfully. Admittedly, it's inspired by the Kate Spade campaign, because every time I visit that website, I instantly smile and feel really good about life. So, with the goal of having an incredibly positive, joy-filled, full life in 2012, I am going to have the theme "live colorfully" in the back of my mind as I go about my daily life. Perhaps this means something as simple as wearing some fun, bright socks with my boring office clothes, or something as meaningful as making bright, bold choices in my interpersonal relationships. Regardless of how I choose to interpret it in the day-to-day, you better believe that living colorfully will set a most excellent tone for the new year.

How would you life colorfully? What resolutions do you have for 2012?

(image, inspired by the Indian holiday Holi, via here)

Autumnal Salad

2011-10-08T08:47:00.000-04:00

'Tis the season for salads filled with butternut squash, applewood smoked bacon, and oven-roasted pecans, all of which make this lady's autumn-loving heart sing with joy. What happiness inducing autumn-themed recipes have you been concocting as of late?

(recipe/photo via The Kitchn)

Take A Guess

2011-10-04T07:39:00.000-04:00

Ready for a fun little game? Guess the price of these shoes, and where they can be bought? (No peeking, even though it's like a line below this text, folks.)

They're less than thirty-five dollars, and they're from Old Navy! It's safe to say that they would be a very welcome addition to your ever-growing autumn shoe collection (because, let's be real here, autumn shoes are by far the most fun of them all).

Baggu Leather!

2011-10-03T07:36:00.000-04:00

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back, y'all! Long time, no see -- how have you been? Admittedly, my return was mostly inspired by seeing that Baggu now makes leather bags -- this is quite possibly my ideal purse -- slouchy and casual, but crafted out of some very soft and buttery looking apricot leather. Perfection, I say.

(found via For Me, For You)

Squirrel Paper Clips!

2011-08-28T10:36:00.000-04:00

So I recently started a new job (hence the blog silence -- sorry, y'all, I can't wait to have a free evening to catch up on reading all of your lovely blogs!), and I have decided that acquiring squirrel paper clips is a pretty important thing to do, to brighten up the work day. It's also pretty important that I have the right kind of pens (Pilot G2s, of course) because nice ink makes me excessively happy. What strategies do you use to help infuse some extra fun into your 9-to-5?

(paperclips are from Modcloth, found via Hellogiggles)

Beirut First Listen

2011-08-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

You guys, I very enthusiastically recommend that you check out the NPR first listen of Beirut's new album, The Rip Tide. It is exceptionally amazing! This has been one of my favorite bands since early college, and the music of Zach and company has been there with me through some of the best times of my life, as well as some of the more painful ones (which is sort of what amazing music is all about, no?). This album is a stunner, of course, with "Goshen" as the stand-out track amid the many musical gems on this album. Enjoy!

(picture via here)

Spotted: Glamorous Owl

2011-08-19T04:28:00.000-04:00

Do you spy a subtle and exceptionally glamorous owl, when feasting your eyes on this Kate Spade purse? Because I do, and I'm pretty sure it's love at first sight.

(via My Owl Barn -- of course!)

Super Mario Brothers Genderswap!

2011-08-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Have you guys had a chance to see the awesome illustration of a hypothetical Super Mario Brothers genderswap (by Rolling Rabbit Productions)? I think it's pretty brilliant, and a great dose of 90s video game nostalgia with a fun twist. A commenter on the story about this on Jezebel suggests a movie version of genderswapped Super Mario Brothers, with Kristen Wiig as Luigi and Neil Patrick Harris as Peach. What do you think?

(via Jezebel)

Simple Truth

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Well, this print pretty much sums up my life mantra. I think the blog world should start some sort of initiative in which we come up with a cheap way to mass-produce this print and then distribute it, as a reminder to the people in this world who are in need of this sort of inspiration. Seriously, it's amazing the sorts of great things that can come to fruition with a delicate combination of kindness and hard work -- so simple but true!

(via here)

Fall Feet

2011-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to take a moment to pause and discuss how this particular shoe from ASOS gets me ridiculously excited for autumn weather and its associated footwear. Sandals are great and all, but I just love a ladylike t-strap pump in a luxurious camel-colored suede, in a way that is almost (but not quite) too intense to feel about a pair of shoes. Oh, and I didn't even get started on the perfect square heel that's going on, too. Sigh.

Ode to the Avocado

2011-08-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

I'm very fond of Anne Emond's illustrations and comics, especially her oh-so-fantastic and clever Ode to the Avocado.

Illustrated Guide to Cocktails

2011-08-11T07:06:00.000-04:00

Attention, folks who have an equally soft spot in their hearts for a cool illustration and a delicious mixed drink -- I think this super-cool book might skyrocket up to the top of your wishlists. Doesn't the martini-sipping fox look like he needs a hug and a warm chocolate-chip cookie?

(via Design Crush)

Aphrodite

2011-08-10T07:02:00.000-04:00

Wooboy! The colors and sparkles of this duo of gemstones just might make the Aphrodite Ring the prettiest piece of jewelry I ever did see. Definitely a fun statement piece!

Oh, Figs

2011-08-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

There's just something so special about summertime recipes -- the plethora of fresh produce and party-perfect treats makes for a very happy kitchen. Lately, I've been thinking about figs (sidenote: are they even a summer thing?), particularly this fig and strawberry tart.

(via here)

Winter Kate

2011-08-04T15:11:00.000-04:00

Wow! How stunning is this kimono-style dress by Winter Kate (the collection of oh-so-stylish Nicole Ritchie)? It makes me long for chilly autumn evenings and/or a refreshing breeze during dusk at an outdoor concert.

Block It Like It's Hot

2011-08-01T05:08:00.000-04:00

Dang! I am so smitten with this colorblock dress from Modcloth, almost to an excessive degree. The reason why is this: I love the aesthetic of colorblock stuff, but many of the dresses done in that style seem to be boxy or angular, which just doesn't suit my figure. This dress manages to bring some femininity to the whole trend, which I appreciate quite a bit. Well done, designer of this dress!

Satchels of Gold

2011-07-31T08:34:00.000-04:00

First off, did you notice my slick Real Housewives of New York reference in the title of this post? Okay, now down to business. Wouldn't this oh-so-classic satchel be like the ultimate grown-up version of a back-to-school backpack? Mmmhmm, I thought so.

Gold Dipper

2011-07-30T07:01:00.000-04:00

Oh, how freakin' cool is this recycled leather pyramid necklace, dipped in a whimsical bit of gold paint? I really dig the juxtaposition of rustic and shiny, with a bit of geometry thrown into the mix. The best part of this lovely accessory is that it's a very affordable twelve dollars. Fantastic all around, y'all.

(Laurel Hill necklace)

Kin Ship Press

2011-07-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

The quirky-cute aesthetic of Kin Ship Press is putting such a smile on my face. I suspect that the fact that my former state of residence is printed in the prettiest shade of aqua is a sign that it needs to be on the wall of my new apartment -- right? Do you keep any special keepsakes that remind you of places you once lived?

Minty Fresh

2011-07-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

Goodness gracious, the Got a Date Mint Dress is so beautiful and dainty! It's a little like that one chemise you have that makes you wonder if you could wear out in public without anyone noticing that it's really a nightgown. Someone will. So get this pretty dress instead, it's like the best of both worlds or something.

Mandipidy Baby Shower!

2011-07-27T09:34:00.009-04:00

Hooray, it's the surprise virtual baby shower day for the lovely and crafty Mandy of Mandipidy. She and her husband are expecting the arrival of a sweet little lady very soon, so Gina of Hiya Luv and Rachel of The Chatty Mommy are throwing this baby-themed blog surprise just for Mandy! I can tell from Mandy's blog that she is such a kind-hearted person and that she is going to be one amazing new mommy.

To contribute to this fun celebration, I'm highlighting a few adorable outfits for a tiny fashionista to sport (because, let's be real here -- my baby knowledge is limited, but I do aim to have any eye for cute clothes, of any size). First up is this adorable summery dress -- isn't the fabric so pretty?

And then there is this tiny and super-chic Indian Voile tunic.

And to keep that adorable little face safe from the sun, there is this really fun floral print baby hat with a chin strap that I imagine is convenient.

And since I fully support gender-neutral clothing and toys for little ones -- here's a fun owl onesie i blue and orange (a refreshing change from the pinks and purples)!

(many of these cute baby items were found via Unruly Little Things)

Classy Cornhole

2011-07-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

I love a good, friendly backyard competition and am weirdly talented at cornhole, of all games. So you better believe I was pretty thrilled to see this idea of crafting some wedding-themed cornhole boards, to bring out some feisty fun among guests. This totally beats throwing the bouquet and garter.

(found via Lovely Little Things)

Perfect Sandwich

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing rivals the simple pleasure of devouring an amazing sandwich. I've become a bit of a sandwich snob over the years -- it needs a good, crusty bread, and the cheese must not come pre-sliced, for example (sorry, Kraft singles). That's why I am way too eager to try making this sweet potato and avocado sandwich -- what a dynamic duo to slap between slices.

(via Honest Cooking)

Amy Winehouse

2011-07-24T07:00:00.005-04:00

It was shocking to read news of Amy Winehouse's passing yesterday. She was a very talented musician who contributed so much to the music community during her too-short life. Both the deeply honest lyrics of her songs and her powerful, passionate voice touched the lives of many music lovers, through times of heartbreak and happiness and everything in between. I had the great luck of seeing her in concert back in 2007 -- it was a treat of an experience to hear her raw talent flowing straight from the microphone, one that will now be treasured even more fondly.

Her loved ones are in our thoughts during this difficult time of loss, and the memory of Amy's strong spirit will remain in her gorgeous music.

(image via here)

Ghostfunk

2011-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ghostfunk will seriously revolutionize your summertime music collection. It's a 10-track free download of Ghostface Killah raps mashed up with vintage African funk songs. Max Tannone is the brains behind this moment of mashup genius. Just listening to these tunes transports my mind to a series of gloriously sweaty, dancey barbecue parties. And what a delight that is.

(album art via Joe Dichiara, found via the Hairpin)

What Does Your Favorite Glitter Shoe Say About You?

2011-07-21T21:08:00.000-04:00

I've always been a sucker for a fun personality quiz, so I'm turning this secret love into a new, tongue-in-cheek feature. This week's quick personality quiz is: what does your favorite glitter shoe say about you? Pick your favorite pair and get ready to gain some really important insights into who you are as a person.

Steve Madden Glitter Oxford: You seem like a practical girl to the world, but you have a secret love of glitz and glamour. You like to browse through the shelves at used bookstores and buy turnips at the local farmer's market. Sometimes you dance around your apartment, when no one else is around, and rock some serious jazz hands, while saying "JAZZ HANDSSSSSS" with lots of extra S's. Also, you are clumsy, hence your tendency to wear flat shoes. No judgment, everyone trips.

Kate Spade Charm Peeptoe: You're a sophisticated lady with a wild, multicolored sparkly streak. You are fond of to-do lists and day planners (bound in chic leather, of course), and you predicted the macaroon craze months before it happened. You're pretty sure that munchkin donuts will be hot next, but you'd never brag about having such keen baked goods trendspotting knowledge. Also, you are probably getting married in the next year because, let's be real -- Kate Spade shoes are a splurge best reserved for a very special occasion.

Miu Miu Glitter Platform Pump: You're fashion-forward with an extra dose of funkiness going on. You're capable of wearing these shoes to work without getting any weird looks, and most of us are totally jealous of your ability to pull that business off. You always either know or correctly guess the secret password at those speakeasy-style bars that are so big right now and, once you make it through those unmarked doors, can down champagne cocktails like nobody's business. Also, you don't own any clothing that involves fleece.

Promise Titanic Blush and Gold Glitter Platforms: You are a really cool person. You work for a nonprofit and/or go to great lengths to recycle things, mysteriously know how to contradance despite never taking lessons, and make a risotto so good that it once brought an entire dinner party to tears. You made out with a member of Animal Collective back in '08, but have mostly kept quiet about this (except during an intense game of "Never never have I ever," which is excusable). Also, I totally want to be your friend, especially if you wear a size seven shoe and are open to sharing these beauties.

Time Capsule from 1995...

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Check out the sweet time capsule I found in my childhood bedroom, curated in 1995 (age 10). Enclosed was the following letter to future self (transcribed as it was written, misspellings and all):

Time Capsule – DO NOT OPEN UNTIL 2005!

The year is 1995. I am Melissa. I am 10 years old. I am in the 5th grade. I have a tabby cat named Keri. I live with my mom and dad in a split level house. I like singers such as Boyz II Men, TLC, and Mariah Carey. I read a wide seliction of books, but I esspesially like Baby-sitter’s Club. In here is a BSC newsletter. Also, POGS are cool. They are small, flat circles. They pog with the ying-yang is my favorite. I do not like Pez dispensers very much, but I heard they would be collector’s items someday. I like trolls, so here is one. Yoyos are okay, so I put one in the capsule too. I like to make friendship braclets, so I made one for you. I love cats. There is a cat napkin in the capsule too. I have a balloon in here too. It is older than 1995. There is a picture of me too.

Funny thing is, I still love a Mariah Carey tune now and again, make the occasional friendship bracelet, and have a fondness for adorable cats. Apparently little has changed since 1995.

Did you make a time capsule when you were little? Or, what do you wish that 10-year-old you would have put into a time capsule?

Oh, Ryan!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Oh Ryan, look at you getting all sassy with the paparazzi, making your adorable (and now classic, it seems) stanky face yet again. Your menacing hand gesticulations demonstrate an impressive dedication to The Stank and, really, take it to the next level.

(via Crazy Days and Nights)

A Little Bit of Mad Men

2011-07-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'd like to ask everyone to pause from their days for a moment, to discuss how deliciously Mad Men this dress is. I could see just about every woman from the show rocking this frock, from Joan to Peggy to Betty. What a stunning vintage piece!

(via Dear Golden Vintage)

Backless Brogues

2011-07-18T07:10:00.000-04:00

My attention was totally captured by these backless brogues, while browsing through the Madewell sale section. This might be TMI, but my feet almost always have a blister or two on them, either from the running that I do, or from an encounter with an uncomfortable pair of shoes (that I'm always convinced will fit perfectly this next time). These brogues would be the perfect way to look a bit more polished than, say, a pair of flip-flops, while giving those pesky blisters a break from the confines of shoe-backs.

A Breakfast Picnic

2011-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

This recent post by Amber Blue Bird got me completely stoked about the idea of having a breakfast picnic, in the company of a special someone. Wouldn't it be so relaxing and magical to drowsily lounge on a blanket outside and share a thermos of freshly brewed coffee, while nibbling on a picnic basket filled with muffins and other culinary morning delights? Definitely an exceptionally lovely way to drift into the rest of the day.

(image via here)

Succulent Garden DIY

2011-07-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, you better believe I'm trying out this stellar summer succulent (alliteration, woohoo!) garden, from over at Oh, Hello Friend. As if the succulent wasn't enough on its own, this great idea includes a banner made from cupcake liners and and sweet little "hello, summer!" flag. Doubling up on supplies for this seems like a good plan, as it would be such a fun gift to give, to spread the succulent lovin'.

Birthday!

2011-07-15T04:00:00.001-04:00

Oh hey, I'm 26 today! Here's a vintage gem from my days of having a naturally-occurring mohawk and a tendency to have frosting smudged all over my face at birthday parties, due to excess enthusiasm for cake (only one of these characteristics remains today).

25 was one helluva year, with its fair share of changes, but I learned so much along the way. Here's hoping for this next year to be filled with continued positivity, new adventures in Pittsburgh and beyond, and at least a few extra-special moments that warrant having frosting smudge across my smiling face.

P.S. Check out the super-fun birthday shoes I'll be rocking while celebrating today. A love of all things sparkly and sequined is something else I'll never outgrow, that's for sure.

On Positivity

2011-07-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, girls. It's about to get really sappy up in here. So recently I've been all about self-reflection. One thing that keeps coming to the surface is the idea of having a positive outlook. It's really amazing how, for the day-to-day sorts of things, the perspective you choose to have makes such a difference and seeps into your life in so many ways. You can be stuck waiting in a long line, and if you think "wow, I'm so lucky to have this extra time to think and relax," the outcome of the rest of your day will be very different than if you thought "oh, it figures I get stuck waiting again -- this sucks so much." Same event, but totally different moods afterward.

Lately, I've noticed something: my default way of thinking tends toward the positive side of things. I feel happy and confident about myself (and believe you me, feeling confidence was quite a struggle in my younger years), and am also pretty excited about what the future brings. I relish in the daily pleasures of life, and feel genuinely good for the successes of my friends. The sad music that was once a soundtrack to my life has barely gotten any iTunes action in ages. There are certainly a lot of elements at play that have contributed to all this positivity (age, experience, life circumstance -- this list could go on and on). But, one piece that might seem to be small scale also deserves to be acknowledged, and that is blogging.

Yup, that's right -- blogging has helped contribute to all this positivity. A few years ago, my internet zone-out time was almost exclusively split between chatting on AIM with friends and reading celebrity gossip. Because I exposed myself to such a judgmental, mean-spirited world as celebrity gossip, on a daily basis, I think that my point-of-view started to follow suit, which was a pretty unhealthy way to see the world.

But then, a few years ago, I started reading blogs like A Cup of Jo (and sorta wanted to be her -- she seems so very nice!). And then I started cultivating this little blog and reading lots of similar blogs, including many of yours. In addition to loving all the pretty things and crafty ideas that resulted, I also noticed how wonderfully positive and supportive this little slice of the blog community is. Seriously, in two years, I haven't received a single negative comment. Where else can you go for two years with no criticism, hostility, and so forth? What a treasure this little community can be, if you think about it!

And now, the positivity that I've been been exposed to in the blog world has seeped its way into my regular ol' life. I've started saying words like "lovely" more often, probably because I type that word a lot when leaving comments on others' posts. On blogs, I've found delicious recipes that have been the hit of the dinner party, I've happened upon great outfit inspiration that has led to sartorial compliments in real life, and learned so many other great things. More importantly, I've connected with a community of positive people, worldwide, who I otherwise would have never had the pleasure of encountering.

For this, and so much more, I am very grateful for blogging. My internet zone-out time leaves me feeling refreshed (and, often, excited about a new crafty idea or cupcake recipe), and my default way-of-thinking tends toward the positive side of things, rather than the snarky or otherwise negative. And, you know what? I have no idea who's dating/divorcing/feuding with who in the celebrity world anymore, and, in this case, ignorance is bliss.

How as blogging impacted your life? I'd love to hear your stories and thoughts on this matter!

(image via here)

Powerful Platforms

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dang! These platform heels from Dear Golden Vintage are next-level-awesome! Now that I've started wearing heels, I've grown to love extremely high ones like these -- there's something really empowering about lifting my height to the point where I am nearly as tall as my six foot-ish guy friends. Seeing the world through the perspective of a tall person is pretty neat. It's even worth the occasional awkward wobble/stumble (but, let's be real, this clumsy girl manages to trip over things in the most stable of shoes, so why not go all out?).

Slumber Party!

2011-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love everything about the message printed on this tote bag! Remember how awesome slumber parties once were, especially in the already rather carefree summertime? I used to love playing flashlight tag and catching fireflies with friends, before settling in for a movie (Now and Then was a slumber party favorite), lots of Twizzlers and chocolate candy, and gossiping about whatever it was that 10-year-old girls found to be interesting conversation topics. Why on earth do slumber parties become obsolete with age? They were definitely such a blast, once upon a time!

(bag found via here)

Cook Often

2011-07-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

"Cook Often, Eat Well." This print sums up my life mantra oh-so-wonderfully. My most recent endeavor (which actually involved no cooking at all) was a watermelon-mint salad with feta and walnuts, a concoction I put together while staying at a friend's place (a similar recipe can be found here). It was so summery and refreshing, the sort of meal that makes you feel like a slightly better person after consuming it. What's your latest kitchen creation?

How To Love

2011-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I completely adore the occasional Lil Wayne jam (most songs off "Tha Carter III" still have a strong presence on my workout mixes), but I never expected to have a sincere emotional reaction to one of his songs. Well played, sir, as "How To Love" has accomplished the rather unexpected.

On Airports

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love getting to airports early. Partially because I'm a bit neurotic about missing my flight, but mostly because of the great joy that I derive from the phenomenal people-watching opportunities. There's something really heartwarming about watching family members embrace as they say goodbye or hello, or about seeing the pure excitement that a toddler displays while watching planes take off down the runway. I also get a kick out of seeing what books people choose as their travel reads, and I secretly wonder what they're listening to on their iPods or, if they're travelling alone, who they are en route to see. My imagination tends to get quite a workout when I travel, which might be part of why taking a trip is so refreshing in the first place.

Oh, and while we're talking about neuroticisms, does anyone else put an excessive amount of effort in planning their flying outfits? I like to look polished but not showing too much skin and not too dressy, which is a tough look to accomplish in the heat of the summertime. My solution this time around was a simple, striped cotton dress with a loose boatneck, and slip-on leather sandals (because I hate to be that person who holds up the lines).

(image via Fly Charlie)

Pretty Palette

2011-07-08T08:42:00.001-04:00

Oh wow! Let's all take a moment to soak in the perfect color palette of this print, "Eat, Sleep, Create" by Emily Dumas. Pretty sure I would be a very happy lady if I could decorate my apartment (and my wardrobe, for that matter) in lovely yellows, turquoises, and grays like this. What are your ideal color palette picks?

Ice Cream!

2011-07-07T07:32:00.000-04:00

Recently, I made a purchase that I'm pretty sure will be life-changing. I got a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker! So far, I've only made one recipe in it -- peanut butter ice cream with Reese's peanut butter cups (my absolute favorite), and I can't get over how rich the flavors of freshly homemade ice cream taste. Now that I've given it a whirl once, I'm in search of some interesting and unique ice cream recipes to try. First up is this pumpkin gelato (I'm such a sucker for pumpkin, are you?).

Then, I'm curious about the sweet/savory combination of this Salted Almond ice cream.

And I'm not even sure if I've ever eaten a fresh fig, but fresh fig ice cream sure sounds tasty. What cool recipes or flavors do you suggest trying to make?

Do It

2011-07-06T06:00:00.007-04:00

Simply loving the message of this Kate Spade necklace -- it seems appropriate for all of us who are starting new chapters in our lives ('tis the season for those types of transitions and changes!). What chances have you been taking lately? For me, I'm hopping on a flight to North Carolina and exploring the many treats available in Asheville, alongside a very dear friend. Here's to taking a chance, and all the good stories that ensue!

Oh, Anthro

2011-07-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Oh, Anthropologie. This dress is so very beautiful, with the cream-colored lacy bodice and muted mint jersey skirt. It's also a staggering $258. Why you gotta do me like that?

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July, y'all! Hope you have a fun day, filled with delicious barbecues, magical fireworks, and possibly these adorable red, white, and blue whoopie pies.

(via Annie Eats)

Serious Dress Lust

2011-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Polka dots, a sweetheart neckline, and a cheeky peek of lace? I am seriously lusting after this dress from Paul and Joe. It looks like it would be the perfect dress for some twirl-filled dancing.

(found via Hip Hip Gin Gin)

A Case Of You

2011-07-02T07:50:00.000-04:00

Feast your ears on this delightful music treat -- a cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case Of You," as performed by James Blake. Lately I've been noticing that songs I thought were romantic are actually about heartbreak (there's probably something to interpret in that), this one included. Do any of you suffer from this tendency to misinterpret as well?

For example: the lyrics "Oh I could drink a case of you, darling, and still I'd be on my feet" seems really sweet, in that we're so in love that we can't get enough of each other sort of way. Right? But then, upon reading the lyrics, it occurred to me that the whole piece starts off with a lovelorn: "just before our love got lost, you said..." Ah, well.

Blog Birthday!

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Along with being the first day of the oh-so-wonderful month of July, today is also my little blog's second birthday! If we weren't all scattered around the world, I would love to invite y'all over to celebrate this milestone for a lovely outdoor party, to thank you for your many kind words and virtual companionship.

We could sip on some delicious peach sangria...

And snack on beautiful cupcakes with icing that looks like hydrangeas (my favorite flower).

We'd listen to beautiful music by bands like Beirut, with sangria-soaked sing-a-longs abounding.

And, you better believe a dance party would surface, by the evening's end.

Into the Fields

2011-06-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Despite an epic love of gorgeous, buttery leather, most of my days are spent carrying around a canvas tote bag (yes, I'm that sort of girl). My old standard is a black The Strand tote, which has turned out to be quite a conversation piece on several occasions, my favorite of which was when a cute boy at a party recently told me that employees of The Strand need to pass a literature knowledge test to prove their love of books and provide solid recommendations to customers.

Lately, I've also been rocking a canvas Baltimore-themed map tote, which I bought as a way to sort of literally carry my memories of the city around with me. In the past, my Hemingway tote bag caught the attention of Rhett Miller of the Old 97s (who, at the time, was my number one musician crush). Considering this longstanding love of canvas totes, I'm pretty excited about the idea of adding a denim tote into the mix. The Into the Fields tote from Fieldguided puts such a cool new twist onto the traditional canvas tote.

Passing Afternoon

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

An aesthetically pleasing poster, featuring exceptionally beautiful lyrics by one of my all-time-favorite musicians? I tend to over-use the word perfect, but I really mean it this time: this poster by Music Philosophy is straight up perfection.

(found via Fill Your Well, one of my favorite delightful blogs!)

Chevron Cupcakes!

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty much obsessed with the adorable chevron cupcakes that Erin of Sunshine and Carousels made. They're simply the perfect color palette (and design, for that matter) for a summertime soiree.

Skincare Regime?

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this is embarrassing, but recently I've been having breakouts that rival the skin situation I had in my teenage years. What skincare regime or products have worked wonders for you?

In light of this unfortunate onset of zits and blackheads, I've changed from my usual routine of washing my face with Dove soap and using a basic moisturizer to the following, both in the morning and at night. I've also been a lot more vigilant about washing my face before and after the gym, and I pin my bangs back at every moment whenever I don't care if it's styled well or not. It seems to be working fairly well, but I'm desperate for any other secrets or quick fixes that you can share!

1. Cleanse with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

2. Treat the forehead and nose with Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent

3. Treat problem zones with Clean and Clear Persa-Gel

4. Occasionally use Biore strips on the forehead and nose

5. Ditch all of my old foundation/powder/etc makeup, replacing it with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer and Physician's Formula Mineral Loose Powder

(photo via here)

Bye, Baltimore, It's Been Real.

2011-06-27T06:00:00.003-04:00

After just about eight years of living in Baltimore, I said an official goodbye to the city and moved out last week. It's kind of unbelievable how you can really develop a relationship of sorts with a city, a kind of attachment based on memories specific to certain places, friendships and personal connections, and favorite restaurants and secret spots. I bid my farewell the best way I could think of: at a neighborhood rooftop bar, drinking Natty Bohs and sharing laughs with fifteen friends, some of whom I've known for many years, others I've become close with in the past handful of months.

On my last full day in the city, I went to a favorite bookstore at my old college campus. I was wearing a business-appropriate black dress and stilettos, rushing in to get a bridal magazine for a friend, feeling confident and powerful from passing my dissertation defense (and being called "doctor" for the first time, eeks!). I thought back to 17-year-old me, walking along the same street and going to the campus bookstore, wearing converse sneakers and a denim mini, feeling shy and overwhelmed. Wow, I really transformed during my years in this city, I thought, pausing for a moment of introspection, during an otherwise fast-paced day.

Baltimore has been the backdrop to so many momentous life events and memories, more things than I could ever do justice to with a paragraph on a blog entry. It's a place where I've fallen in love and had a broken heart, where I've made amazing friends and lost loved ones, where I've failed and succeeded, where I've had some really low points and some stellar reasons to celebrate. It's the city where I, well, became me. For these reasons and more, Baltimore will always be a special town and will put a smile on my face.

A wonderful difference between saying goodbye to a city, rather than ending a relationship with a person, is that you know that you can always come back (and have many couches and beds to crash on, when that happens), maybe to reunite with friends, or maybe to introduce the place that means so much to you, to another person who has yet to experience the city through your lenses, or at all.

There was something wonderfully nostalgic about my drive home from Baltimore. I listened to a stellar goodbye playlist, and sang loudly to some wistful songs about leaving, saying goodbye, and moving on. It was such an appropriate way to mark the end of an era, of sorts, and to prepare for the next steps. Here's a little snippet of it, if you'd like to join in some nostalgic listening:

(picture via here)

Bridesmaid Advice

2011-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, a close friend asked me to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding (I'll admit I got a little misty-eyed when she asked, it felt like such a lovely honor). In light of this, I wanted to ask you all about your bridesmaids experiences. What advice do you have? What good, bad, or hilarious bridesmaid stories do you have to share? Can't wait to hear your gems!

(image via here)

Dots Galore!

2011-06-25T07:26:00.000-04:00

How sweet are these Betsy Johnson dot platforms from Ruche? They seem like the perfect reward for my recent, relatively stumble-free endeavors in wearing awesome high heels. Grown-up shoes, with a slightly girly twist, for the win.

Succulent... Magnets?

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to shake the hand of Alissa Rose for coming up with this stellar idea: tiny succulents housed in re-purposed corks, all with tiny magnets attached. This might just take the cake as being the most innovative way to display the succulent.

So Last Year

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Red velvet cakes are soooo last year (read that in the tone of voice of Cher from Clueless). The summer of 2011 is all about blue velvet cakes, if you ask me. Wait, what's that? Nobody asked? As if.

(recipe via Adventures in Cooking)

Hooray!

2011-06-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I rarely talk about work stuff on here, but today is a very exciting milestone moment and I'd just love to share it with you: I'm defending my dissertation! Here's hoping for a brainy day filled with eloquence and intelligence, followed by a relaxing evening of celebratory pomegranate champagne cocktails.

(photo via here)

Happy Summer Solstice, Y'all!

2011-06-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy summer solstice! Here's to sun-drenched days and starlit nights (if you squint, you'll see this lovely phrase on the DIY tag dangling from the bottle of summery lemonade).

(found via Eat Drink Chic)

Foxy

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to walk up to someone and say: "my, my, my -- your moccasins are looking quite foxy today." Thanks to Darlingtonia for Red Velvet, looks like this can actually happen.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T06:00:00.008-04:00

Happy father's day, to a dedicated dad who tenaciously works to solve any problem I encounter (most recently: a battle with formatting in Microsoft Word), sends daily emails that seem to be perfectly timed with my morning coffee, and always fulfills his personal mantra of "show me what you've done, don't tell me what you're gonna do." I love and appreciate your support and all that you do for me, today and the rest of the year.

Dads are the Original Hipsters

2011-06-18T06:43:00.000-04:00

In anticipation of Father's Day, let's all stop by the hilarious and clever blog, Dads are the Original Hipsters. I'm particularly fond of this entry, which includes the following hilarious description:

"Your dad wore short shorts before you did and he has the upper thigh tan lines to prove it. It takes a certain kind of man to pull off wearing what most would consider lady attire, but your dad was that man... People today call it swag, but your dad didn’t need a name for it because he had it everyday."

(via Dads are the Original Hipster)

Nose Wings

2011-06-17T06:30:00.000-04:00

For the month of June, a bunch of fantastically designed No Star t-shirts are available for $11 on Little Paper Planes. I'm particularly found of the mustache-inspired shirt, of course, and am really hoping that they get a re-stock of it in size small very, very soon! If not, I may or may not rock a baggy t-shirt with leggings, just so that this stellar t-shirt can be included in my wardrobe repertoire.

The Styling Dutchman

2011-06-16T05:33:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been trying to up my fashion game a little bit, as I have become pretty reliant on my old standard of a pretty dress and want to start mixing, matching, and creating more interesting sartorial treats. Fashion bloggers have been a great source of inspiration for this little endeavor -- I've been loving The Styling Dutchman, particularly this outfit, which just really captures the sort of clothing aesthetic I aspire to.

Who are your favorite fashion bloggers? I'd love to collect more great inspiration.

What a Druzy

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wow! The white druzy slices of this Helen of Troy necklace from BHLDN are as beautiful as the Greek mythology namesake was believed to be.

Bookish

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

What a delightfully nerdy pickup line. Here's hoping that the next time I go to the library, I'll happen upon a cute boy who appreciates corny book jokes.

(Until then, I'll just have to buy this card from Power and Light.)

Wearing Nothing New

2011-06-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Vintage lovers and people who believe in the power of a unique personal style need to watch this video of designer Jessi Arrington. My favorite quote (it was hard to pick just one, there are so many great nuggets of wisdom that she shares) from her inspiring speech is: "just be who you are -- if you are surrounding yourself with the right people, they will not only get it -- they will appreciate it."

She has a fun, colorful blog, too, if you're looking for continued delights and inspiration.

A Little Something

2011-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Stay out super late tonight

Picking apples, making pies

Put a little something in our lemonade and take it with us

- The National, "Fake Empire"

(image via here)

Magical Lamp

2011-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

The gemstone and geode lamps by Matthew Studios are a dream come true. Isn't this one simply magical?

(found via Elements of Style)

Hairy Bikers Potato Crisps

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dang, these Hairy Bikers Potato Crisps have such pretty packaging (and interesting flavors -- prosciutto and blue cheese sounds like a treat). They would be such a good-looking contribution to a potluck cookout (sorry, traditional brands of chips, you just can't compete with these beauties).

(via Mustard and Sage)

2011-06-09T23:25:00.000-04:00

Who out there has gotten into Pinterest? I've had an account for awhile, but only recently started using it to bookmark things I see around the web and love, and to learn about the other cool recipes, fashion, art, etc., that other folks are pinning. I know that you all have such great taste -- if you do have a Pinterest account, let me know your link so that I can start following your well-curated boards (here's mine)!

(this Morgan Blair print is one of the many great finds I've stumbled upon from Pinterest)

Breaking News, of the Bon Iver Variety

2011-06-09T09:32:00.000-04:00

Breaking news: the new Bon Iver album is available in its entirety via NPR's First Listen. As you'd expect, it's a powerful, beautifully haunting, and well-composed work of aural art. Hope it improves your day as infinitely as it has mine.

(album art by George Euclide, via My Love For You)

Totes McGoats!

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

I Love You, Man is, in my opinion, one of the funniest movies out there. I'll never forget cracking up louder than anyone else in the movie theater with one of my closest pals (who's now all the way across the country in Texas) at all of the ridiculous things that poor Paul Rudd said throughout the film. One of my favorite lines was "Totes McGoats" (here's a youtube link to the scene) which is why this illustration by Carolyn Sewell warms my heart a little bit.

(via Carolyn Sewell)

Pac-man Cake

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

An adorable Pac-man cake -- the perfect excuse for preemptively sneaking a slice.

(Audrey Jeanne, found via Where the Lovely Things Are)

Be Kind

2011-06-07T06:26:00.000-04:00

Just a friendly little reminder to treat yourself with heaps of kindness. You deserve it!

(print by Art Equals Happy, via Much Love)

Wisdom of Age

2011-06-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, I happened upon an interesting question while reading Eating the Dinosaur by Chuck Klosterman (one of my favorite authors -- definitely read his books, as he's an exceptionally witty and interesting writer). The gist of it is: if you were given the chance to make a 15-second phone call to the 15-year-old version of yourself, what would you say?

I would tell adolescent-me: Free yourself of the unhappiness of perfectionism and related insecurities. Take reasonable risks, go on adventures, and embrace your wonderful, quirky self.

What words of wisdom would you want to share with younger-you?

(Image via: Pop Pop Portraits)

Freakum Dress

2011-06-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Pretty sure this is the definition of what Beyonce refers to as a freakum dress. (Sample lyrics: "time to impress, pull out your freakum dress.")

(via Piperlime)

Crocheted Toms

2011-06-04T07:24:00.000-04:00

The artsy, crafty, folksy side of me is exceptionally excited about the idea of crocheted Toms. The practical side of me is like, "these would get dirty with a quickness."

(found via Yellow Songbird)

Puppy Bouquet

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Your eyes aren't deceiving you -- that is, indeed, a bouquet of flowers arranged to look like adorable, fluffy puppies. Oh, how I hope this catches on.

(via Jezebel, via cvxn)

Make it Work, Again

2011-06-02T06:17:00.001-04:00

Wow, here's some seamstress work to aspire to! Sarah of Wearing It On My Sleeves refashioned a thrifted dress into a wonderfully sassy and cute little number. Seeing projects like this really makes me want to turn this into the "Summer of Sewing" (or some equally catchy way of saying: must learn how to make clothing alterations).

Clouds in My Coffee

2011-06-01T07:03:00.002-04:00

Loving the stunning photograph of Carly Simon the cover of Clouds in My Coffee. What a perfect depiction of being happy and dreamy.

Watermelon Tourmaline

2011-05-31T07:32:00.000-04:00

It's appropriate that its gemstone is called Watermelon Tourmaline, because this ring is deliciously gorgeous. I love how its colors aren't traditionally pretty, but their earthy moss green and shimmery soil brown make for such a uniquely beautiful gem. Definitely fighting the urge to buy this beauty from Deaf Cat Studios.

(found via: Modish)

A Pretty Party

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Wow! I sure as heck would like to be a guest at this pretty party, styled by KaLice Events, wouldn't you?

(found via: Hip Hostess)

Let's Have a Toast

2011-05-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Since I'm spending Memorial Day at a Virginia vineyard, it seems appropriate to share these awesome toast coasters with you. What are you toasting to this weekend? I'm saying a special little "cheers" to savoring these last few weeks of having fun with friends, before moving along to a new life chapter.

(found via: Oh Joy!)

Clutch

2011-05-28T06:40:00.000-04:00

With weddings, summer travels, and parties on the horizon, I've been hankering for a versatile clutch to carry along for the ride. This clutch from Anve is pretty much ideal -- seems like it would go with almost anything, plus I love that it has a similar aesthetic to a good ol' brown paper bag (whattup, elementary school lunch).

(found via Indigo)

Adventures in Homemade Pizza

2011-05-26T21:31:00.003-04:00

As with most adventures into new culinary territory, my first experience with making pizza from scratch was disastrous -- everything imaginable went wrong, from the chewy dough to the burnt basil, all topped off with an unfortunate olive oil spill.

Despite this, I gave it another enthusiastic whirl, this time ambitiously for a dinner party with five guests (if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, I suppose). And, at the risk of getting all braggy about it, the outcome was magnificent. We’re talking four beautiful, unique pizzas, and a table full of guests who, at various points, each went into the kitchen to sneak another slice.

The process of making the pizzas was exceptionally fun and rewarding – there’s nothing quite like the simple happiness of having the scent of roasting thyme, rosemary, and potato wafting through your apartment as you listen to Deer Tick and play with globs of dough.

The trick to pulling off a quartet of perfect pizzas was a fair amount of research, thought, and planning (three elements I ignored during that initial blunder-filled pizza experience). Here’s a summary of what I learned, along with some modifications I made, in order to suit a grad student budget and a kitchen that lacks fancy gadgets. Seriously, give it a try – the results will be stunningly delicious and make for a fun evening with whoever it is that you deem worthy of your awesome pizza slices.

The day or so beforehand:

Go to the grocery store: Okay, humor me before you start thinking “who does this condescending girl think she is?” I’m usually frantically running through the grocery store two hours before my dinner party starts, which sets an equally frantic tone for the whole cooking process. There’s something really delightful about carving out the time to linger while you shop, and it creates a slow, leisurely pace for the whole pizza-making experience. Going to Trader Joe’s or a similar place first is a money-saver, followed by a brief Whole Foods stop, for the snobby stuff you couldn’t find for cheap.

The night before:

Make the dough: This recipe from The Pioneer Woman is amazing and involves a simple set of ingredients. I don’t have a stand mixer, so I just stirred it all up with a big spoon, which didn’t seem to create problems. Put it in a giant bowl and refrigerate overnight. Using homemade dough is, inexplicably, really impressive, despite the fact that it’s easy to make
Make the sauce: If you create some variation of this recipe, all you have to do is open a can of tomato paste, mix in some more ingredients, and refrigerate. It takes about 5 minutes at most. Add several torn up leaves of fresh basil, instead of the dry stuff.
Do any additional prep work: I sautéed mushrooms. Maybe you could grate some mozzarella, too. The goal is to make the next day as easy as possible – be your own sous chef.

The next morning-ish:

Work the dough: It should have ballooned in size overnight. Re-roll it into a smaller ball, put back into the bowl and cover. This time, leave it out on the counter instead of refrigerating it, so the dough will be room temperature when you want to use it.

While I’m thinking of it, these are the pizzas I tried:

Roasted Potato Pizza with Chive Oil and Blue Cheese: substituted gorgonzola for blue cheese, though, because I needed it for another recipe and was trying to save money on cheese.
Gorgonzola and Grape: substituted the cheapest port wine available for the Vin Santo.
Truffled Taleggio and Mushroom: didn’t use truffle oil and put a thin layer of tomato sauce on this one. I learned about Taleggio cheese from the cheese whiz at Whole Foods – it’s a rustic, soft cheese that smells weird and tastes odd by itself, but it is shockingly good on the pizza. This one was the unofficial favorite of the night.
Mozzarella and Basil: did a thin layer of sauce, used slices of mozzarella instead of grated mozzarella, and put the basil on after it was done baking.

One or two hours before pizza-time:

Do any final prep-work for the pizza toppings: For my experiment, I used this time to roast potatoes, garlic, and herbs, plus I made a wine/grape reduction. This is also a fantastic time to open the first bottle of wine and dance around the kitchen, twirling while you think “this is so fun, I feel like a real chef!”
Roll out the dough: Here’s a great tutorial. For those of us who don’t have professional pizza stones, a cookie baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a little cornmeal works fine. If you feel weird about a rectangular pizza, tell yourself it is “rustic” and pretend like this means something important about your knowledge of food.

Fifteen to twenty minutes before pizza-time:

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees: This is also an appropriate time to turn on your air conditioning or open some windows, unless you want your pizzas to be naturally salted with your sweat droplets.
Slather the dough with all your fancy toppings: At this point, you’ve had two glasses of wine and your pizza guests are hovering in the kitchen. Thus, you want the final preparations to be as breezy as a cooking segment on The Today Show.

And then:

Put the pizza on a middle rack in the oven: You’ll want to cook all the pizzas at 500 for about 12 minutes. You can do two pizzas at a time. Resist the urge to keep peeking at the pizza every two minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn to a crisp in the intense heat. Maybe check it once, just because neuroticism is a feisty little beast.
Once you take the pizzas out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing ‘em up and devouring the cheesy, doughy, saucy goodness.

Alternately, ignore everything you just read and, 30 minutes beforehand:

Call for delivery and enjoy the fact that, really, any pizza is a treat.

(image via: here)

One-Ingredient Ice Cream

2011-05-26T06:15:00.000-04:00

When I stumbled up this recipe for One-Ingredient Ice Cream, you better believe I dashed to the grocery store to get some bananas and give it a whirl. The verdict: this just might be the most nutritious and guilt-free alternative to my tendency to want a big ol' scoop (or three) of ice cream every night in the summertime.

(Found via: the Kitchn)

Cheers

2011-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

When browsing through The Wine Source for a gift to take to party, I almost always judge a wine by its bottle. This Op Art design by Meeta Panesar takes cool packaging to the next level of awesome.

(found via The Coolist)

Annie Hall Skirt

2011-05-24T07:24:00.000-04:00

I luuurve, loave, and luff this Annie Hall skirt from Spotted Moth. Diane Keaton sported such timeless, enviable style in that classic movie. I'm all about taking fashion cues from her, 30-plus years later.

Letterpress, Textiles, Oh My!

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

A simple formula for today: Leah Duncan + Satsuma Press = a stunning combination of letterpress and textiles.

(found via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Vanilla Pear Muffins

2011-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Pretty excited to try baking some vanilla pear muffins. It seems that the flavors would accompany a morning cup of coffee just swimmingly.

(recipe via The Pastry Affair, found via The Hip Hostess)

Word Nerds Unite!

2011-05-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

As a bookish child and a lifelong word nerd, I'm instantly drawn to a clever homage to Scrabble, one of my favorite games to play. Needless to say, this business card holder by Roberta Grover elicited quite a bit of nerdish, Scrabble-lovin' glee.

(found via Bride Blu)

Faceplant

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Possibly the most clever vase and the classiest homage to the chia pet that I've ever seen. Well played, Chiasso.

(found via: Little White Whale)

Sweet Nothings

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Um, how cute is this Sweet Nothings dress from Francesca's Collections? A sweetheart neckline and a hint o' ruffles? Yes, please!

Colette

2011-05-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I would love to be wearing these Collette Earrings by Armelle Jewelry...

While listening to this gorgeous ode to Colette by Langhorne Slim.

Mustache Marriage

2011-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Um, so I may or may not consider only dating mustachioed boys from this point forward, just so I can someday get my own version of these super-awesome save the dates by Blackbird Letterpress.

Kidding. Mostly.

(found via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Ahhh...

2011-05-16T07:56:00.000-04:00

You know what would be incredibly refreshing? An ice-cold glass of Pear and Raspberry Fruit Crush, perhaps being consumed while sitting on a sunny patio.

(found via Eat Drink Chic)

Orange Blossoms

2011-05-15T07:23:00.003-04:00

Well, well, well, look what we have here -- gorgeous cupcakes not only decorated with tiny orange blossoms, but with orange blossom extract amongst its ingredients.

All that talk of orange blossoms reminds me of a favorite springtime beverage -- Orange Blossom Cream Ale by Buffalo Bill's Brewery. Perhaps the cupcakes would pair well with it?

(Cupcakes via Dean and Deluca, found on Oh Joy!, beer picture via here)

Brownpaper Designs

2011-05-14T07:18:00.000-04:00

There are just so many little details of these wedding invitations by Brownpaper Designs to gush over -- the gorgeous simplicity of kraft paper, the picnic-inspired gingham envelope lining, the whimsical touch of the doily, and the sleek font are a few that immediately come to mind.

(found via Frolic)

Pucker Up

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, ladies, it's fairly rare for me to get excited about a beauty product, but I just have to spread the good word about Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in the Rose shade. For quite a few years, I've been on the lookout for a lip product that gives a natural-looking infusion of pigment and shine (sort of like how Michelle Williams' makeup tends to look), so the discovery of a product that does just that was pretty darn thrilling. Seriously, it's like a makeup miracle -- pretty sure it's making me smile more than usual, even. What's your favorite source for lip color (maybe this will start a new makeup-loving streak).