I'm Sailing Away...Styx Reference and Week 2 Outfit: popped collar included

Hello Darling,

         I hope your week has blossomed into a fabulous weekend and as much as the snow sparkles I am ready for spring to warm us all up...so, this week's outfit will be the first, but not the last of nautical, ralph lauren feeling, relaxed, clean colors, mixed patterns, water, good smells, fun time themed. Shew Whee!

This look just has a taste of the nautical sense but is something that I could see being worn primarily during the day, sunshine recommended. But, then I read what I just wrote and it makes me make a face...there aren't any rules. This is an outfit that I could envision taking you through a day of shopping, galavanting, boating...to throwing on some pumps maybe changing out the jacket to a slouched tux blazer or something fun!

I had originally paired this with some Juicy Couture, navy, burlap flats with white rope finish and some fun detailing (retail about $170 v. $38 at our store-Mosaic) but then I had an affair with these beauties...

    Also From Juicy Couture, these are just a fun beachy

combo of platforms and wedges all rolled together

with braided rope and one of my favorite colors-camel :)

PS: The skirt is a sweet little navy and white thick striped basic cotton skirt from XXI. The "shirt" tucked in is actually a red and white thin striped, sleeveless mini dress with roping laced in front- our's came from a little boutique but I have seen similiar fits and styles at H&M and Ralph Lauren. The denim jacket is a classic Levi Strauss lightwash mid-length style just with the sleeves rolled up a smidge 50s-esque. And, of course those silver chunks in the front :)...this is just one of those fun finds that makes your day. These were strands of probably thick plastic silver oblong beads linked together and had some hammered detailing on them. They are 80ish but have been so versatile in styling at the store and are a lot of fun! 

Restrictions: hahaha, none- if you don't live by water or it's yucky outside, make a beach playlist (I have ones actually entitled: 'Beach' and 'I Want it to be Warm Outside'), create some tropical smoothie recipes, rent Gidget (Sandra Dee or Sally Field versions both acceptable) and light a coconut lime verbena candle. Have a relaxed and sizzling weekend :) 

XOXO

Valentine's Day, Sugar!

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

Sugar is Sweet

and so we get extra on Valentine's Day!

Whether you might enjoy this time with the love of your life by romance, watching Charlie Brown with family, sipping champagne and playing games with friends, or just having a sweet day (all of these are wonderful ideas and via experience, very successful)---everyone could use some extra sugar. I ran accross this recipe after baking with another that was very similiar. But, my recipe is more of a brownie texture and I was hoping for a sugar cookie feel to make cutouts. This delicious formula comes from the blog smittenkitchen (very fun-please check out!) and, as the author states, this recipe goes back to basics...and yumminess.

Ready? :)

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup lightly salted butter, softened (baker's note: use one stick salted, one stick unsalted)

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Mix dry flour, salt and baking powder in bowl and set aside. Combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and cocoa in mixer. Gradually add flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour. (My note :/ DO NOT chill for too long. I chilled the dough overnight and when I brought it to room temp and attempted to roll it, it cracked the whole time, learn from my silliness)

Roll out cookie dough on floured counter. Cut into desired shapes, brushing extra flour off the top. (It does disappear once baked, though, so don’t fret if they go into the oven looking white.) Bake on a parchment-lined or sprayed baking sheet for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft and puffed.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Another little note: don't be afraid to roll these thick, they are tough cookies and can take it...ohhh my :)

And, more importantly-- have fun, spill some flour, turn on music that you can sing to when no one is home and consistently taste test while decorating.

Here are a few of mine:

 

 I hope you enjoy this recipe and the decorating that follows! Have a beautiful day :)

xOxO

Almost Spring...Please?

So technically this is week 2...but since it has been more than enough time since my last outfit of the week let's just start fresh :)

Here we have a Pendleton Heather Grey Long Sleeve Sweater (no itchies!) paired with... a Vintage Black and Grey Plaid Pleated Mid Length Skirt and...

a Retro Faux Fur Oversized Dark Chocolate Vest accessorized by...

a Simple Black Glass Beaded Flapper Necklace and...

Clear Crystal Collar Necklace...

For fun pair this with some Chunky Brown Ankle Booties such as these
Steve Maddens:

xOxO

I am sorry...

Bonjour! This is an apology and sort of an excuse, poo. I moved back to my home town from Dallas and took on a full load plus some at school. I still have that very fun job at the sweet boutique downtown so my schedule gets angry when I try and write relax or fun in my planner. I will do better at posting and I am going to start a fun little weekly outfit from those I dress at the store. I hope your year has already been very blessed!

x o x o