Peek A Boo

I've never been one to flaunt my tummy.  It has always seemed too risque, and in my opinion my abs have never been great enough to want to put on display.  However, this spring and summer I'm seriously reconsidering.  The hottest body part to show off has got to be the upper abdomen.  It was the focal point of nearly every Spring/Summer 2013 runway show and the look translates beautifully to street wear (as seen below).  Also, is there any greater motivation to get one's bum to the gym? 

The Bloomer Shorts

Lacey, little shorts, reminiscent of bloomers have to be one of the prettiest things that can be worn this coming spring.  The pair above are so cute they might be something you'd find on a Victorian baby doll and I love their sweet detailing yet saucy length.   I picture them being worn with flowing tops or structured button downs. 

Happiest St. Valentine's Day!

It's a little late, but here's hoping your Valentine's Day was wonderful!    If you didn't get flowers, here are some to brighten your day - and get you in the mood for spring!  x

Warm & Rainy & Cozy in March

The weather here in Iowa (and most of the midwest) has been scary warm.   Magnolia trees are in full bloom, the grass is now green, and I still have to pinch myself when I walk outside every morning in light blouses.  The past fews days have been rainy.  But the kind of rainy you can't help but love.  Soft, and warm, and the kind that unthaws the earth to make the air smell so pretty.  Here are some things that have me wanting to indulge in this warm weather all the more.

Tea in the Spring is very different from tea in the winter.  I ditch the richly spiced flavors for everything floral - my favorite being a good jasmine tea.  Nothing is more refreshing and just sipping on it makes me happy.  

Fresh flowers are the first thing I need when the weather turns mild.  I love this photo and the simple elegance of putting fresh lilacs from the garden into a simple mason jar.  This also makes me excited for the farmer's markets (I can never leave there without a fresh bouquet.)

I found an article on Gwenyth Paltrow's Easter table settings and instantly wanted to re-create the look for my own dinner party.   It's so simple and so whimsical, and I am literally in love with those blue and white plates (hello, wedding gift ideas!)

Spring Taste Buds

I've had enough of casseroles and soups.  I'm ready for light meals that involve quick preparation and lots of flavor.   In the winter months, I don't mind spending hours on end in the kitchen.  I actually love it.  However, the exact opposite holds true when temperatures start to get a little warmer.  These recipes are quick and look wonderfully flavorful.

{Fruit-schetta - toasted bread, creamcheese, fruit, and honey. Recipe here.}

{Blueberry Green Iced Tea - combination of my favorite things. Recipe here.}

{Cuban sandwiches are my favorite food ever.  Found a 'skinny' version & am so excited to try it.  Recipe here.}

What's your favorite spring dish?

. Oh, So Pretty .

With wedding planning on my mind, I've been completely drawn to everything romantic.  When I'm not thinking about bouquets and wedding dresses, I'm thinking about being romantic - candlelit dinners, moonlit walks, and lazy evenings consisting of conversation and vino are all I want.  Well, it just so happens Valentino's Spring 2012 line completely satisfies my current craving.  The dresses couldn't be more feminine and the and easy floral prints are the stuff dreams are made of.  I really can't get enough of the dusty rose, powder blue, and subtle silver that seems to highlight this amazing collection.

Springtime & A Recipe

The weather was warm this weekend.  I spent every moment I could outside, and it was heavenly.  On Sunday I took a little trip to Barnes & Noble and bought the book The Great Night by Chris Adrian.  It's  a retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream and wass the perfect book to read in my garden with an iced tea. Wanting to keep this warm weather trend going, I've been craving light meals, that require little effort. I found a recipe for a ricotta and penne pasta frittata that sounded delicous. I've always been a fan of frittatas, but always assumed they were complicated and time consuming.  Umm, they're not.  This recipe was quick, and served with toast and jam, it was a the perfect simple dinner.  How have you been welcoming spring?

Below is the frittata and here is the recipe.  Although it was delish, I wish I would have cooked up some bacon and had fresh fruit on hand to go with it.  Had I done that, it truly would have been the perfect meal.

How Does Your Garden Grow

It's officially time to garden!  Gardens have been an obssession of mine since I was very little (and when I say little, I mean, like two.)  It all started with a book called Two Little Gardeners (pictured below) and for some reason I just became obsessed with growing vegetables.  But growing up, my summers were spent in the stables, and I just didn't have the time a garden takes. But alas, I finally have a place (and the time) to start my one of my very own.  We've already started some peppers indoors, and within the next couple weeks I hope to get the actual beds planted.  I'm also very anxious to get flowers.  I'm thinking of doing all whites (lots of different kinds of flowers, but all the same hue - sophisticated or boring?)  If you're interested in gardening and are a beginner like me, there is some great information here. 

Where I Hang My Handbags

The Winter Wonderland that welcomed me home from my cruise on April 18. Yes, April.

Being gone for the past ten days has been wonderful, and to be honest, I had been dreading coming back to the dreary midwest (I was welcomed with 2 inches of snow.)   But it wasn't until I actually got home that I realized how much I missed it. Here is what I'm happy to be back to.

• My own bathroom.  No matter how hard I try, I never remember all of my beauty products. Plus, I hate how hotel towels never smell like fabric softener.  I love fabric softener.
• My own bed.  This might seem obvious, but it's not just my bed.  It's all my stuffed animals, and my blankets, and my kitties.
• The prettiest part of spring has still yet to come!  Everything is about to blossom, and being gone for a week makes warm weather that much closer.  Sunshiney weather *has* to be right around the corner.
• Seeing my family and friends.  Duh.  Even if you're not gone long enough to really get homesick, it's still such a great feeling to see the ones you love after being away.
• Cooking.  I will be cooking nothing but vegetable for the next month I swear, due to the fact that I ate enough to feed a small country on my vacation.  Far too many quesadillas, escargots, and tequila shots.  Detox time.

H&M Looks Good On Gisele

H&M, why can't you have a store in Iowa?  Believe, that's the first store I hit up when back in Chicago or Milwaukee.  As a general rule, I get excited for their new stuff, but for their Spring 2011 campaign, Gisele has me sold.  It's the picture of carefree, boho, chic, and I want litereally every piece. 

Ya Give Me (Spring) Fever

I get really excited for changing seasons (if ya couldn't tell.)  The season I undoubtedly anticipate most is Spring.  As much as I love winter, I also love to see it go.  Give me bright fun colors, flirty details, and sunshine.  Below are some looks and general insprition getting me ready for warmer weather. 



Karolina Kurkova's messy, braid infused pony tail.

 

A dress from Asos that'd I'd wear to Easter brunch.

Perfect for spring -Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen - every color please?

Perfuming my house with fresh cut flowers instead of candles, and what could be prettier?

Vibrant, beautiful, striking prints (I died when I saw this spread in Vogue, so gorgeous.)

  Making my own limoncello for the perfect, sunny-day cocktail.