Slammin' Salmon

{Jacket: Le Chateau, Sweater: Old Navy, Cami and Flats: Gap, Jeans: American Eagle}

When I wore this sweater, the first thing a coworker said to me was, "slammin' salmon!" It made my day. And is now officially the name for this sweater.

Other than that, I only just got around to watching the season finale of The Bachelor {because, little did I know when I wrote this, the awful model stayed around to the bitter end}. Really, I don't even know why I watched it. But once I started, there was no stopping me!

A Weekend of Breakfasts

My friend Teri came over for a visit this weekend and it was awesome. We had a lot of laughs, really great chats, and amazing food. We're lucky in that our taste in food is precisely the same. Somehow at the beginning of our visit, we decide to make all meals breakfasts - because who doesn't enjoy a little breakfast for dinner... and lunch and, well, for breakfast?

Smoked Salmon and Shrimp Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise and Garlic Fries

Fried egg sandwich with avocado, cheese, capers, and extra cheese.

Crispy french toast with fruit salad and whipping cream.

Fruit salad and english muffins with cream cheese.

 Other highlights:

We saw a man walking his pet snake on the beach. It was ridiculous and terrifying.

We watched the new "Footloose" and listened to this song on repeat.

We goofed around on the guitar and she discovered that they do make "Teri-sized" guitars.

We came to an understanding that we shall not spread old nicknames with new acquaintances - many threats were thrown around.

Book List: How To Be A Lady

How To Be A Lady by Candace Simpson-Giles

I've decided to re-read this "contemporary guide to common courtesy" for a number of reasons. First, it's always good to have a refresher on the subject. Second, I've found myself becoming frustrated with a few situations life has thrown at me over the past several weeks, which I am hoping can still be solved through mutual respect and understanding. And since the only actions I can truly control are my own, I thought I'd start by taking some time to go through this book. 

Kill'em with kindness, I say {although I'm still unsure if Ms. Simpson-Giles would agree with me}.

Treat of the Week: Summer Sips

Even though Spring only just arrived, I've already started to prepare for Summer {thanks to Pinterest}. In doing so, I've come across so many gorgeous - not to mention delicious-looking - drinks that I can't wait to try out. And then I thought, why not share my excitement with all of you! Here are my top picks for recipes to try in the coming months. And no, it isn't a coincidence that they are all in the pink color family.

Pimp Your Lemonade

Mango Ginger Smoothie

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

Blackberry Sage Cooler

Lemonade Sparkler

FYI

I spent a good portion of my vacation last week exploring new blogs and not paying attention to my own. So, to celebrate, I've updated my Blog Roll! Check it out.

From the Oven: Introductions and Blueberry Muffins

Meet Freddie Mercury, my new best friend. No, not the singer/songwriter - the Kitchenaid! Yes, that's his name. Please do not judge me - it fits him, okay? And my goodness have I waited a long time for this bad boy. As a teenager, I typically spent my Saturday nights doing my laundry, watching Trading Spaces and the Food Network, and making lists of all the items my dream home would one day have. The Kitchenaid was always at the top of those lists. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Why couldn't I be that cool when I was in high school?" I'll tell you: it's probably because you were too busy hanging out with real people.

Freddie and I decided to jump right in with some Blueberry Muffins for the office last night. In case you're wondering, Freddie performs really well. Both the mixer and the person. Okay, so this may get confusing.

Recipe from here.

I'm a little behind on the times...

... because I only just discovered this song. 

But, I tell ya, it's really great for having solo dance parties in your living room.

Hello, Springtime! (kind of...)

{Tshirt: Old Navy, Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger, Jeans: American Eagle, Flats: Gap, Necklace: H&M}

Today, I dressed for spring. Since today was the first day of the season, and the skies were bright and clear when I woke up this morning, I thought, "why not?"

And then I walked outside.

Cue: rain, hail, sleet, and snow. Apparently.
Regardless, I felt very The Glitter Guide today and even the fake spring weather couldn't ruin that. Finally, you should all know that I'm officially on the colored jeans train. So, have fun with that.

Now Playing

This View

that's all.

Vacation: Part One

I'm on some much needed vacation time this week. Here are a few snapshots of the first part of my time off, spent at my parents' house.

vacation reading: The Summer Kitchen by Karen Weinreb, and The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomons

the rustic elements of my mother's kitchen

a cup of tea and a warm blanket while the rain falls on the tin roof

this guy has been my best friend these last few days - we've been almost inseparable

Farmer's Daughter?

{Button-up: J.Crew, Cardigan: American Eagle, Jeans: Big Blue, Boots: Steve Madden}

I am in no way a farmer's daughter. My father is a naval architect/Spanish flamenco guitar player {he's really amazing, people} and my mother is a homemaker and dream chaser {in the most inspirational sense of the term}.

Having said all that, this outfit makes me feel like I grew up on a farm in the middle of the prairies and my dad was the essence of Alan Jackson's "Small Town Southern Man" {although he does maintain several of those hard working qualities}. There's something about the gingham pattern partially showing through the yellow cardigan that makes me feel like I need to go muck out the barn, plant some crops, and then run into town to pick up some feed for the animals. I don't even know.
All I know is that I need to go attend to the chicken coop.
and "G'day," she says while tipping her cowboy hat in your direction.

Treat of the Week: the onesie

Prepare to be attacked by a wave of cuteness that will melt your heart. Guaranteed.
You're welcome.

Eightysomething

{Sweater Dress & Clutch: Gap, Leggings: Aritzia, Socks: American Eagle, Boots: Steve Madden, Necklace & Earrings: J.Crew Outlet}

Last night, I somehow managed to fall asleep on my couch at around 6:30. I have no idea how it happened. All I can remember is sitting down to watch the latest Craig Ferguson show and then waking up at 8:30, completely confused and horrified. Confused because I could not comprehend my exhaustion nor the time, and horrified because I thought I had missed dinner. Thankfully, although I apparently have the bedtime of an 86 year-old woman, I do not participate in the Early Bird dinner special. Yet. I'll be saving that for at least another year.

Happy March First!

Here's hoping that Spring makes a quick and beautiful entrance!

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