Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

May 31, 2011

Summer and a Winner

I can't believe tomorrow is June 1st.  Summer is definitely here and I am happy to say "hello" to her and enjoy all she has to offer.  I love nothing more than slipping on a flowy sundress during the Summer (adorned with simple Gold jewelry and Gladiator sandals).  It is my "go to" outfit of choice during these hot {scorching where I live} months.  It is so effortless, beautiful, and comfy all at the same time.

What is your Summer ensemble of choice?

 Of course I am drooling over several gorgeous frocks at Free People...






all images via
...a girl can dream right?  Seriously, I wish I could just own everything from there {sigh}.

Anyhoo, on another note, we have a winner from the Giveaway!  #14, Ashley Warner.

Ashley, email me so I can ship out your prize (brittanyh@gmail.com).  If you didn't win, don't worry.  I am doing a giveaway every month during Summer, so there will be another chance to win something totally sweet, very soon! Enjoy this day and Happy Tuesday everyone. XoX


May 19, 2011

Outdoor Dweller

One of my favorite things to do is spend time outdoors.  I think there is very little that comes close to the pure, natural, happy nirvana from spending time in Mother Nature with loved ones.  I dream of the day I have an oasis in my backyard to dwell in...right now I have a dirt, ha.  Good thing there are a million parks nearby for me and my babes to play in.  Enjoy and happy Thursday (It's Thursday?  How do the weeks go by so fast? Yay for Friday tomorrow)! XoX

These outdoor spaces have me swooning (and dreaming)...One day....

Love the colors, patterns, everything about this.

WOW

Modern and simple


The Moroccan feel is quite nice.


Love the simple, coziness of this space

So chic.  Love the Black and White.



I would love to eat and lounge here all day.

Bliss 

Well hello pretty in Pink!

So glamorous and perfect

Love the Living room feel outdoors.

Awesome.  I would spend every evening here.



Oh my.

eclectic and vintage

Perfection among the groves




pics 8-18 via

May 14, 2011

Summer "To do" List

My Summer "To Do" List.
Enjoy every moment of this fabulous Season...

Smile bigger and more everyday...

Dance like no one is watching...

Make loads of Lemonade...
Sail away in a Cardboard ship with my boys (We made one today, I'll post pics Monday)...
Swim till my fingers get wrinkled...

Use my Imagination...

Take Nature Walks...

Soak up the Sun...

Blow Obscene amounts of bubbles...

Dream on the Sand...

Swing high and not look down...


Ride like the wind on my beach cruiser, not caring where I am going.
all images via my pinterest
I hope you all have a magical Summer filled with love and fun memories. XOX

May 6, 2011

Randomness {part} Deux

More random thoughts from my head and life this past week.  Read on if you dare.  If you stop now, I don't blame you...because remember I told you I am very spastic, so I apologize in advance if my thoughts seem...well, random (for lack of a better word).

* Ok, It's Friday!  Boo-ya.  If I were a day of the week, I would want to be Friday.  It's not called "Fun Friday" for nothing.  I would hate to be Monday. Monday gets a bad wrap.

* JDubs was gone this past week which means I only shaved my legs once all week, oh and Makeup? No way. Attractive, I know. Don't worry though, I made sure I was in Glamazon mode when he got home.

* I have a weird phobia of dust.  I dusted my house 4 times this week.  I am semi-neurotic.  Ok, maybe fully neurotic.  Dang, I need to stop dusting so much.

* I love lemons.  I wish I could eat a Paradise Bakery "Lemon Zester" cookie {or two} every day.  Those are so good.  I am hungry now.

* Speaking of being hungry.  I made these muffins twice this week...can't get enough.

* It's Friday.  I mentioned that already, sorry.  I really like Friday's and Saturday's even better.

* Yay for all the mama's out there that are awesome and never get a day of rest because they would rather spend all day with their babes then anything else...you rock.  Happy Mommy Day to you.

* I can't wait for Summer, because that means the Beach.  The beach is heaven. I would be a beach bum and be perfectly content with it.

* Lately Mr. Delicious crawls into my lap, book in hand, to "tell" me he wants me to read to him.  It is my favorite.  He is so yummy.

* On Wednesday, in the car, Bentley said to me "mama you are my beautiful girl".  Melting.  I hope he always feels that way.  I love being a mom.  These two boys keep me going every single day...my little angels on Earth.

* If this news doesn't make you in a good mood, then nothing will; Behold, Target + Missoni.  Hello!!!!  Missoni is teaming up with Target for a line debuting in the Fall at Target stores.  Heaven. Read about it here.
Image via vogue

* Thanks to "Making It Lovely" blog (such a great blog), I was introduced to this Video. I was crying...a lot. The circle of Life is amazing.  Life in general is a miraculous event.  Please cherish every moment.

* P.S. It's Friday and mommy's day weekend and May.  Lots to be happy about blogging friends.  Sending Happy thoughts and vibes your way.  Oh, and thanks for reading and you have until midnight for your giveaway entries.  Winner will be announced Monday.  XOX

*P.P.S.  I scored more finds at the ever so fab, Home Goods.  I'm thinking of even going there again today (sans kids) with my sis.  I love that place!
Exhibit 1: Found this mirror on clearance for $20. Bam.

Exhibit 2: Found these candle sticks for cheap.

Exhibit 3: Again, another mirror (are we noticing a theme here...I really like round mirrors).

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

May 5, 2011

Inspired by the Sun

What better way to be inspired then by Nature?  The pure and raw natural beauty that surrounds us in the great outdoors, and the grandeur of the Sun the makes it all glisten.  Lately I have been finding myself totally inspired by all things Yellow, thanks to the glorious Sunshine that Spring brings. I hope you find time to be inspired today and have a great Thursday! XoX
Love this

So cute.  I think it would be great in a kitchen.

Loving this kids room.

The Eames rocker inYellow...yum.



Anthropologie chair.  


I need these.  I wish it rained here more.


Fabulous





I would wear this everyday



Glorious

Cute gift idea

all images via pinterest

Barefoot Contessa - Lemon Cake
via

Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, divided
3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
3 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. You may also line the bottom with parchment paper, if desired.

Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and the lemon zest.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.

Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. When the cakes are done, allow to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and set them on a rack set over a tray or sheet pan; spoon the lemon syrup over them. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and the lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over the tops of the cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides.

** I love the idea of making this into several mini bundt cakes for a party.  Adorable.
** Remember to enter the giveaway, you have until Friday at midnight.  Scroll down for Monday's post to enter there.  Enjoy!