Summer Grub

With all the hot weather we have been getting here in Northern California, I have been craving delicious recipes packed full of fresh, organic ingredients. Seeing that today is July 4th, I began searching for a little something to bring to all those BBQs and gatherings of friends and family. Did I mention it is going to be over 100 degrees here today?!? Better make it a COLD something!

Grilled Corn, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Honey Lime Dressing. See the full recipe here.

Summer Caprese Appetizer from Mimi + Meg.

I seriously want to make these right.... now.

Happy Mother's Day!

In the midst of this crazy month where I have simultaneously launched a new business and interviewed for a new full-time position in my current career, I must take some time to celebrate my wonderful mother! This beautiful woman has spent the last three decades supporting, nurturing and inspiring her three children. I am thankful for every day that we are able to share laughter, memories and hugs. I love you, Mom!

A Little Sparkle Never Hurt Anyone

I need these in my wardrobe. I need these in my life.

Photos: 1. Outfit via Accidental Chic 2. Miu Miu via Net-A-Porter.Com 3. Dress from Yo Vintage 4. Ballet Flats from J. Crew

This Week in Weddings

After an overwhelming week at work, I am thankful to share the beautiful weddings I have seen shared all over the blog world this week! Here are some of my absolute favorites!

1. In case you missed this Bohemian inspiration shoot. I adore this!

2. Cupcakes...the Beatles way! These are seriously amazing.

3. Love the vibe of this wedding!

4. Adorable engagement session.


Emma & Pete from cine8 on Vimeo.

The End of Mustache March

Thank god March is almost over! March is notorious around here for a time when my husband and his friends conspire to grow the most foul looking, dirty, scraggly strips of hair just above their upper lips and call them mustaches. I am convinced this is only done to irritate the hell out of their spouses. Why else would a man commit himself to 31 days of celibacy?

Despite this absurd annual tradition, I happen to adore the way the mustache revival made its way into home decor and fashion. In fact, here are some mustache inspired pieces around our house.

Poster for Of Shape & Sound Mustache March Social 2010, Light switch cover from JulieTew


Our wedding guests had fun in our photo booth last July using these props from MaroDesigns.

One more day of my husband's hideous mustache is almost more than I can stomach, but knowing tomorrow is the 31st makes it possible. So long March! I can't say I will miss you :)

Runaway...

Today is one of those days where I'd like to escape... for just a few hours.

I wouldn't go far. But my phone would be off. And I would bring snacks.

It would look something like this...

Photo one via: Twurts and Geekery Photo two via: vi.sualize.us

Online Magazines

Moving into the age of technology has been quite easy for me. Cell phones became a necessity just about the time I got my first car and I have been reading and sending emails to friends and family since middle school. However, one area of technological advancement that has seemed to elude me is the online magazine market. I know what you're thinking: "But you're a blogger! You live for online media!" and yes that's true.

However, since I can remember I have been an avid reader of thick, glossy magazines. In my younger days the magazine content revolved around pin-ups of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Lawrence and other 90's "hotties." My magazine content matured with me and now I find myself flocking to fashion staples like Vogue,  InStyle and Elle. Regardless of the magazine, I have never felt the desire to divert from purchasing these glossy pages.

Alas, in the recent year my magazine reading has come mostly from online sources. I have given in and given up my need for tangible print material. In so doing, I have not only uncovered a huge pool of independent merchandise and vendors, but I've gained some extra cash in my pocket from the savings of free online media. Score!

Here are some of the online magazines I can't live without.

Rue Magazine: Beautifully photographed and designed, this mag is full of fab design and fashion ideas from bloggers around the web.

N.E.E.T. Magazine: Vintage clothes, delicious design and funky crafts gives this magazine an indie feel and makes it so addicting!

High Gloss Magazine: A brand new, lovely lifestyle magazine covering everything from design to fashion.

Check out the new spring editions! And let me know, which online magazines are you addicted to?

London on My Mind

Today I am dreaming of London while cuddled up inside with my husband, listening to a storm rage outside. There is so much to adore about London. I miss it everyday...sigh.

Photo Credit: From London with Love; Just Be Splendid; All Things Europe; all other photos taken by me :)




I could use this London inspired decor for my house...


Art from Three Potato Four

Globe from John Lewis

Vixen Spotlight: Kate Moss

Ummm...hi, can I be Kate Moss for a day? Maybe just for an hour? She looks incredible doing absolutely anything. Right?

Confession Time

Sometime this week I began to notice a problem with my wardrobe. Well, it is not so much a "problem" as it is an obsession, which could eventually become problematic.  I have a thing for belts. I mean, I find a way to put a belt with EVERYTHING. I guess it could be worse...I could have a thing for beige, iridescent lipstick.

Photos: Emerson Made, Chictopia,  Kendi Everyday, Ave Styles

Redheads Have More Fun

Okay, so we all know that the common saying is "blondes have more fun," but seeing so many gorgeous redheads featured in Spring fashion collections, I am beginning to think the phrase should be changed. Gorgeous!

Photos: Martha Stewart Weddings, Mountain Musing 

This Week in Weddings

Oh, hey there! Are you ready for the weekend?!? I sure am! I thought I would take time today to begin the first edition of the new Friday series "This Week in Weddings," which will search to feature the prettiest, sweetest, funkiest, most drool-worthy weddings featured around the web throughout the week. Check these little goodies out :)

1. If only I could DIY like this!

2. There is nothing like a man in a kilt.

3. Holy, amazing wedding, Batman!

4. Pretty, pretty pink flowers on a rainy day.

5. Origami garland :)

6. Quick video advice for the newly engaged.

7. Escort card ideas from Martha Stewart.

8. Some of my "pinned" inspirations from Pinterest.

1. Photo via 100 Layer Cake; 2. Cake via My Sweet and Saucy

Nude Shoes

I have a confession to make. I have been hearing about nude shoes being "the new black" for a while now and I have yet to own a pair. I know what you're thinking, but for a 5'10" woman with a size 11 narrow foot, finding that perfect pair of shoes is nothing short of impossible. After years of sending patient sales associates into the depths of the Nordstom basement only to see them emerge with a single box containing 6 inch healed, hot pink sandals (when I had asked for a trendy running shoe) I began to give up on buying new shoes altogether. I surrendered myself to the comfort of my black and white Chuck Taylor's with the "adorably quirky" holes in the toes and convinced myself that shoes should, above all else, be comfortable even at the sacrifice of fashion.

Then came nude shoes. NUDE. SHOES. How amazing are nude shoes? I fell in love with them the instant I saw models strolling casually in them down the runway, but (with good reason) I have not been able to find that perfect pair. Some are too short, too wide, too tall...you get the idea. I had almost given up on my pursuit of trendy shoes yet again when today I came across this post from Ave Styles. In her post, Alexandra Evjen suggests that nude is "THE most important color in a shoe collection." THE most important!?! And I, fashion blogger (kind of) and "trendy" twenty-something is lacking a shoe of this caliber? Well, dear readers, TODAY my nude shoe search continues with confidence and strength! I WILL find those nude shoes, even if it takes hours of basement scouring by top Nordstrom professionals. Or maybe I will just start by ordering these Jessica Simpson pumps...

...or these strappy peep-toes from Kurt Geiger (online).

Bridal Inspiration Shoot

I love the work of Casey MacKenzie! Not only is Casey a dear friends of mine, but she also photographed my fabulous wedding AND she is brilliant! I always enjoy seeing the work of creative photographers and I just knew that you would want to see it too :) This shoot was done in collaboration with Brianna Scheff. Brianna's work with hair & make-up is beautiful & innovative- this bridal inspiration shoot is stunning! After looking at these photos, I am inspired to cut my hair, sport some amazingly smokey eyes, and wrap some burlap in my hair. And, what a beautiful model! Michelle is a great muse, just check out those eyes.

Photography: Casey MacKenzie Photography; Hair & Make-up: Hair & Make-up by Brianna Scheff

Outfit Remix- Engagement Party

I love blog posts that feature outfit choices. Feeling inspired by Kendie's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, I have been creatively transforming my wardrobe with what I already own. I am gearing up to officially start the Remix Challenge soon, but I am finding that I am a little scared. Scared of failure, scared of bad outfits, just scared. If anyone has tried the challenge, I would love some advice! Let me know how you and your closet fared. For now, here is an outfit I threw together over the weekend for a friend's engagement party. Pardon the shadows...I'll get better at this- I hope :)

Finding the Silver Lining...

All right, so the Academy Awards last night were a bit weak. While my husband (predictably) napped through the opening sequences and found himself in a hot bath long before any substansial awards were given away, I'll admit that even I was having a difficult time getting into the swing of the show- don't tell my husband! Despite the limited humor provided by hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco I was somehow able to find a way to enjoy my evening with the surprises the night included. Here are some of my favorite moments from last night.

1. The Autotune Montage



2. Kirk Douglas



3. "I should have gotten a haircut": Best live action short film winner, Luke Matheny, accepted his Oscar after first confessing to his red carpet faux pas- shaggy locks in desperate need of a trim! Don't you just love people who are genuinely themselves 100% of the time- even at The Academy Awards?

4. Good Looking Men: The night was full of dapper men attempting to keep sexy right where it is. The biggest offenders were Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr., Collin Firth, Jude Law- heck, even Jeff Bridges was kind of bringing some heat last night!

Oscar Party Essentials!

Scanning the web this week, I have come across a number of yummy treats, fabulous outfits and other creative ideas showcased to enhance the viewing experience for tonight's Academy Awards. I am always so inspired by the creativity of others! Here is some of the best stuff I found out there. Makes me want to skip that "grading party" I was about to throw myself (as fun as grading 9th grade students' essays about Greek mythology can be) and call up some girlfriends to host a little shindig!


1. This first "Oscar Party Kit" comes from The Academy itself. Search here to find some great cocktail & appetizer recipes along with some amazing freebies- Oscar ballot cards and even Oscar bingo!

2. Wise Bread also has some great budget-friendly ideas for hosting the star-studded event. I love the quirky idea of placing a mustache on your TV screen to catch a glimpse at an unsuspecting star with facial hair!

3. Party ideas from Evite include invitations (of course!) & a playlist from previous Oscar winners.


If I were lucky enough to host my own event this evening, it would include all of the following goodies. What's an Oscar party without gold?

Photo Credits:  Homemade by Holman, This is Glamorous, How About Orange,  Sephora