Not Your Grannie's Pearls

I've never been a huge fan of pearls.  Don't get me wrong I think they are really pretty, but they usually give off a vibe that is too "sweet" for my personal taste.  Here are a few pearl accessories that are a little more to my liking...

How do you feel about pearls?
For more info on the accessories featured click here.

Midsummer Melancholy

It's that time again!  When it's 90+ degrees out and the retailers already have their fall merchandise out on full display.  Personally this time makes me a little melancholy.  It means summer is almost over ; /

Before the summer officially ends I would like to...

{Enjoy a few more iced coffees}

{Spend a little more time at the beach}

{Get another mani/pedi in a brightly colored hue}

{Wear a few more sundresses}

{Ride my bike until sunset}

Are you over the summer yet?

pics via Karla's Closet, Cupcakes and Cashmere, NY Mag, The Glamourai, and What I Wore

Food Porn of The Week: Tie Dye Cupcakes

These cupcakes are super easy to make.  All you need is a box of white cake mix, some food coloring and a toothpick...

Divide cake batter into six bowls.  Add food coloring until you get your desired colors.

Spoon a layer of each color into the liners.

Use a toothpick to create the tie dye effect.

For the icing recipe click here.

The Brooklyn Flea

Stopped by the Brooklyn Flea this past weekend.  I must say we really had no intention of buying anything other than food.  The Brooklyn Flea is full of some of the most amazing food vendors EVER.  Here's a few photos of the day...

{First stop People's Pops for a Sour Cherry and Apricot pop.  So refreshing on a scorching hot day}

{Prosciutto served on a piece of baguette with handmade ricotta cheese, black pepper, arugula, and olive oil from Salvatore Brooklyn...OMG!}

{The prized gem of the day Porchetta's sandwich}

I really wish I could describe how this sandwich tasted, but I really can't even find the words.  It was a euphoric experience.  So amazing!  We are definitely planning on visiting the restaurant ASAP!

A Touch of Flair

My plain brown couch is in need of some serious decorative flair.  I found all of these really great accent pillows for inspiration, but I refuse to pay more than thirty bucks for one.  Believe me it is possible.  They have some really great options at stores like Home Goods, Ikea, and Target. 

For further info on all the pillows featured click here.

Preggo Style

{Nicole Richie super fashionista mama}

I am completely elated to become an auntie for the third and fourth time very soon.  Both my sister and sister in law are expecting.   It is such an exciting time!

Anywho, I really think maternity clothes and style have evolved for the better.  It is no longer about wearing a mumu or some shapeless piece of clothing.  The belly is being embraced and I love it.  Even stores like Forever 21 are meeting the needs of mommies to be with their new maternity line.  Here are some examples of true hot mama style...

{Halle Berry flawless mama}

{Jennifer Lopez sexy mama}

{Ashley Simpson Wentz bohemian mama}

{Angelina Jolie drop dead gorgeous mama}

{Gwen Stefani coolest rocker mama ever}

Food Porn of The Week: Butter Toffee Popcorn

While enjoying some Butter Toffee Crunch & Munch at the beach this past weekend we came to the consensus that it is one of the most perfect salty/sweet combinations.  I thought to myself how hard could this be to make from scratch?

It wasn't hard at all!  I found this recipe and I was sold.  Instead of pecans I substituted slivered almonds.  It was so good I had to sneak some in to the movie theatre when we watched Despicable Me last night ; )

Head Over Socked Heels

So the no socks with sandals "rule" has gone out the window.  Pick up a recent issue of any major fashion magazine, or check out the fall collections from Marc Jacobs, Prada, Rodarte, and countless others and you will see this nerdy-chic trend. Here are a few sandal/sock combos...

I'm not completely sold on this look myself.  Don't get me wrong, I think it looks super cute on other people, but I guess I just have to find the right sock/sandal combo.  What are your thoughts on this trend?
For info on the socks and sandals featured click here.