The Softest Summer Sweatshirt

There is something wonderfully cozy about throwing on a sweatshirt when the sun starts to set and a bit of chill enters the night air.    In the summer, the goal is to be outside as long as possible, and a lot of the time, that involves sitting on a patio drinking a cocktail and chatting with friends - so a soft, comfy sweatshirt has always been one of my summer staples.  I picked up that pretty, palm-printed sweatshirt below for only $22.00!  Find it here.  Chaser has always been a brand I've loved - their stuff is always slightly funky, and perfectly worn in - and this soft as a dream sweatshirt is no exception. 

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Hot Toddies

Last week I was sick.  The kind of sick where it's an effort to move from the bed to the couch, and several days were spent in a cocoon of blankets and pillows drifting in and out of sleep.  When my throat was sore and I couldn't stop coughing, I decided it was time for a hot toddy.  When I was little my parents would make them for me - and drinking them now leaves me feeling instantly comforted.  Of course, back then they were mostly lemon and honey (and just enough brandy to make it easy to fall asleep).   I've enjoyed several of these in the past week and have tweaked the recipe to a fine perfection.  I've substituted whiskey for the brandy, added a cinnamon stick and a few cloves and am certain this will be a drink I'll be enjoying all winter.

Here is how I make mine...

- 3/4 cup of green tea
- 1 shot brandy or whiskey
- Juice of a quarter to a half of a lemon (depending on size)
- Honey to sweeten (I use around a spoonful)
- A cinnamon stick to stir
- A few whole cloves

PS, how cute is this idea for a winter party? 

The Coziest

As far as I'm concerned, it's autumn.  September is a month that always seems to fly by with an impressive swiftness, and I know I should savor these last few warm days.  But truth be told, I love my cool weather.   Mainly because it facilitates the cuddliest of activities.   Like curling up on the couch with a glass of wine, a good movie, and of course, someone to share it all with.  And let me tell you, the ultimate accessory for lazy nights indoors is a Denali blanket.    They are the sort of snuggly that is hard to describe - it's probably best to just order one and see for yourself.   They are soft beyond compare, and make falling asleep a little too easy.  Now for the difficult task of choosing a pattern.

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!)

Cozy in December

~ Things to look Forward to in December ~
Going to the ballet.Attending Christmas parties.Baking, baking, & more baking.Cuddling up with hot toddies.Reading my new book "The Greenlanders".Investing in flannel sheets.Do I even have to put Christmas?Starting to plan a wedding ;)

Cozy in November

If you are an avid reader of my blog you will notice two patterns (other than fashion in general)  and that's being cozy, and changing seasons.  I've decided to combine the two in a "cozy" post I will do at the beginning of each month.   Finding cozy inspiration in November is going to be particularly easy.   It's all about embracing winter, and the upcoming holidays and I couldn't be more excited.  

Summer Cozy

Cozy.   What comes to my mind is being curled up by the fire, sipping hot tea, and watching the snow fall through frosted windows.   We all know I'm a big fan of being "cozy".  But is it possible to stay cozy in the summer? I most certainly believe so!  Below are my summer essentials for staying cozy when temperatures are blazing.  And besides, I think the true definition of cozy is being utterly content.

Nothing is like hanging out on the water in the summer.  Being on boats is cozy in itself, and I can't think of a better way to enjoy the sun.

Reading outside is the best.  And my favorite is snuggling up in a blanket on a summer evening and reading till it's too dark to see.

As tea is my go to in winter months, water is my go to in the summer.  I am obsessed with cucumber water, but have found everything from a simple slice of lemon to muddled raspberries make water that much tastier.

Romance is best when temperatures are steamy and dresses are off the shoulder.



Late night, candle-lit meals.  Preferably with amazing seafood.  My latest obsesssion is oysters, and this looks like the best dinner everrrr.



Star gazing and constellation spotting.