Sweet Spring Dressing

{Opening Ceremony}There is nothing quite like putting on a pretty feminine dress on gorgeous spring day. It's super easy to wear because you really don't have to put much thought into it. Maybe just a few accessories, a pair of wedges or strappy sandals and you are good to go. Here are some sweet options I stumbled upon...

 {Carven}

 {10 Crosby}

{Shoshanna}

 

 {Elizabeth and James}

{Ali Ro}

for further info on all dresses featured click here.

Paul Bunyan Chic

shirt - Old Navy, jeans & necklace- F21, boots - Steve Madden, Coat - Express, hat - thrift - photos by Christian Santiago

Just when we thought spring was here to stay we are hit with a day that started off at 30 degrees!  Stranger things have happened I supppose.  I wanted to be super comfy for our weekly date night, so really whats more comfy than some flannel and combat boots?  I like to call this look Paul Bunyan chic ; )

Baked Garlic Fries with White Truffle Garlic Aioli

I'm being very honest when I say I have yet to meet a French fry I did not like.  They are pretty addictive, but of course not very good for you.  When I found this recipe I knew I had to try it.  The results were AMAZING!  I added a drizzle of white truffle oil to the aioli for a little extra richness.  This is sure to please any fry craving and you don't have to feel so guilty about it.

Scenes From The Weekend

{made some seared salmon w/fresh mango salsa, coconut rice & sliced avocado}

Any weekend where I get to spend some quality time with my niece and nephew is always good one.  Those little guys can make the gloomiest of days bright.  So blessed to have them in my life.  Hope you have a great week!

 {toyed with some chartreuse and gray nail polish}

 {got our Sunday morning caffeine fix after church}

 {Chris and Jada clowning around}

{fighting the urge to bite off Josiah's cheeks is really hard for us}

Eye Candy of The Week

 {this is the epitome of spring}

Happy Friday!  As always I am thrilled that the weekend is here.  Tonight I plan on making a declicious Thai style meal.  Pretty excited about that.  Hope you enjoy every minute of your weekend.

 {Olivia Palermo looking gorgeous on the cover of Elle Ukraine}

 {I need a pleated skirt in my life ASAP}

 {these photographs of ink in water are so awesome}

{Jennifer Lawerence looking like a golden goddess}

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

DIY: Ombré Vases

During the holidays I purchased a limited edition 4 pack of Coca-Cola that came in old fashioned bottles. After we drank the soda I couldn't bring myself to throw these in the reycling bin. Instead I recyled them in another way with the help of a few cans of spray paint. All you need are four colors that go from darkest to lightest, spray your bottles, let them dry and they are done! They perfectly displayed the fresh flowers I purchased over the weekend.

Lime-Cotija Dip

This super simple dip is perfect for when you have unexpected guests.  It is ridiculously easy to make and has some of the same flavors notes of my favorite summer must have food.  You can be super fancy and make the plantain chips from scratch, but the store bought once are just as good. 

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens
Ingredients and Directions

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese

Juice of 1/2 small lime (about 1 Tbsp)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp minced parsley

3 dashes of hot sauce (I prefer Tapatio)

Mix all ingredients let rest for 30 minutes serve with plantain chips

 

Peace Out Winter! (fingers crossed)

dress, hat, earrings - F21, vest - Express boots - Guess, bracelets - small shop at Indian Square images by Christian Santiago
Yay, today is the official first day of spring!  This past weekend I had to give my faux fur vest and felt floppy hat one last hurrah before putting them into hibernation.  The chiffon fabric of this dress makes it the perfect transitioning piece.  I expect to be wearing it with flat and platform sandals in the near future.  Winter it has been real, but I am so ready for you beautiful spring.  Bring it on!

Scenes From The Weekend

 {really pretty stationery I found in the dollar section at Michael's}

This weekend was pretty relaxing.  Did some organizing, cooking, and reading.  I can't complain.  Hope you enjoyed yours.

Happy Monday!

  {my latest snack of choice - hummus toast with red pepper flake, olive oil and cracked pepper}

  {decision making at Trader Joes}

  {enjoying some sun in our backyard with magazines, wine and graffiti}

 {ended the weekend with homemade Mexican pizzas}

Eye Candy of The Week

 {it may be time to pull out the turban again}

This has been a long, tough week and I’m so glad Friday is finally here. Not sure what this weekend will bring, but catching up on sleep is defintely on my to do list. Cheers!

 {been listening to this Biggie and Lana Del Rey mix all week}

 {neon pop}

 {perfectly DIY-able sweater}

{in LOVE with this dress}

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

DIY: Fruit Salad Mani

The weather has been amazing lately.  Warmer weather heightens my cravings for fresh fruit.  This being said weekly trips to the farmers market are becoming more frequent.  After a recent farmer's market run I headed to the beauty supply store.  I must have had fruit on the brain because these adorable little guys caught my eye.  Of course I had to get them - we are talking about teeny, tiny fruit, people!  How could I resist!? Here is the play by play...

First, paint nails with a base color.  I chose a no name brand peach and seafoam.  I then dotted the nails I was placing the "fruit" on with Sally Hansen's nail art pen (um, best thing ever!). 

 Once polish is dry apply fruit in pattern/direction of your choice by dipping an orange stick in clear polish and adhering it to the nail. 

 Finish with top coat.  End result is a tasty mani.