This spring I’m really drawn to soft pinks, nudes and pops of yellow. Pearls and bows are on repeat, statement sleeves are encouraged and any chance I have to throw on some strappy sandals, I’ll take it! Now more than EVER I am ready to get dressed and wear something pretty. We all deserve to get out of our sweats (I’m TOTALLY over athleisure wear at this point) and put on something that makes us feel happy. Here are some of my favorite items this season!
Read MoreThis time of year is my favorite for making pretty salads with lots of fresh ingredients that are perfect for light lunches with girlfriends. I really love a green salad with fresh herb dressing, simple deviled eggs and a sweet green smoothie on the side. It’s light but flavorful and leaves you feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed. If I could have this lunch every day, I would! This salad would also be a great addition to your Easter menu.
2 Heads of Butter lettuce
2 Sliced Avocados
1/2 Cup Sliced English Cucumber
Read MoreValentine’s Day is around the corner and what a great time to treat yourself or a loved one! Whether you’re baking something sweet and setting a pretty table, or feeling festive and dressing up, you have an excuse to sprinkle or splurge on VDay! Here are 15 items that will speak to any gal’s heart!
1. I am absolutely OBSESSED with these pink gingham pajamas! These are splurge worthy and worth every dime. What’s great about these pajamas is the feathers detach so you really get two looks in one! You can get functional and cute at the same time! …
Read MoreLet’s face it, we all tend to get in a funk from time to time. For me personally, I typically drift into a funk around January. It’s the beginning of a new year and there’s an expectation to start fresh or make changes, yet I feel least inspired or motivated for some reason. So, when I start to feel those funky feelings, I try and pull myself out of it by doing a few things that make me happy and lighter. Here are my 9 steps to getting out of a funk!
Read MoreEvery Christmas, I look forward to Christmas morning brunch! For years we’ve had the tradition of making French toast from one of our favorite restaurants in La Jolla. Brockton Villa makes a “coast toast” that’s absolutely to die for. It has everything you want in a French toast plus a little kiss of an orange flavor that’s unexpected and absolutely delicious. I like to add a little cinnamon to make it more “holiday” but this recipe is perfect for any special occasion brunch!
Read MoreI think mom’s deserve their own Christmas list because it’s an around the clock job that requires some serious gear to get the job done! I’ve rounded up 18 items that are sure to make any mom smile.
1.) This beautiful coffee table book is a really wonderful gift for around $50.
2.) Every mom deserves some diamonds and these baguette studs are classic. She can wear these everyday without fear of her little one tugging them out of her ear.
Read MoreSomething about fall has me craving muffins! There’s nothing better than waking up on a cold morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and warming up a muffin. I’ve tried a few pumpkin recipes and I finally came up with the perfect concoction to create a sweet (but not overly sweet), moist and warming muffin anyone would love. These muffins stay fresh for a good week and are a great baked good to send with your husband to the ranch or pack up and deliver next door to your neighbor. I can’t recommend them enough!
Read MoreGifts for guys can be tricky! In my opinion, most guys don’t tend to splurge on themselves when it comes to their wardrobe so I always like to incorporate a few items of clothes and shoes as well as some functional items they can use everyday. Most of the men (okay all) that I buy for generally like the same thing and have the same interests. As you can see, most of the gifts here are tailored to the outdoorsman who likes to hunt, fish and get their hands dirty!
Read MoreIf you’ve never made a quiche before, let me just tell you, it’s very, very easy and absolutely delicious! A quiche is really just a fancy breakfast casserole. This quiche recipe is cheesy, rich and very flavorful. The combination of mushrooms, asparagus and leeks really complement each other beautifully but you could easily substitute other vegetables if you prefer. The arugula salad on top is a must because it adds freshness and brightens up all the bold flavors. This recipe takes no time at all ot whip up and it’s…
The holidays are upon us and it’s never too early to knock out some of your Christmas shopping! I’ve rounded up a wide range of 27 gifts that are perfect for the special ladies in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your wife, girlfriend, sister, mom, daughter or friend, there is something here she will love! Gifts can be tricky so I’ve included items that range in trend and taste. Happy holiday shopping!
Read MoreYou know when you can spot a dress and instantly know who makes it? In my opinion, that’s what sets apart a great designer from a good one. Agua by Agua Bendita is a Columbian label who uses local artisans to create dresses and swimwear that are known for their embroidered and playful prints. I’ve been in love with this brand for quite some time but their dresses are more of an investment and not quite an impulse purchase. Although the prices can be steep, the quality and design warrant the price point. The fit and fabric is extremely flattering and comfortable. When it comes to splurging on items in your wardrobe, I love to choose pieces that just make me happy everytime I see them hanging in my closet and these dresses do just that. Here are a some of my favorite styles.
Read MoreFor quite some time I’ve had a love for all things floral, especially when it comes to home decor. To me, botanicals create an extension of the outdoors inside the home and add to an overall calm and serene atmosphere. I’ve always loved nature and over the years I’ve looked for florals, wildflowers or even leaves to add elements of the outdoors inside our home. The contrast of florals with wicker or rattan elements pair so nicely together but I also especially love florals layered on top or next to each other for more of a bold statement. There is something bright and happy about all of the items pictured above that are sure to add beauty in any space.
Read MorePimento cheese is one of those southern staples that everyone knows and loves. I’ve had many different types of pimento cheese but this recipe is hands down my favorite. The great thing about pimento cheese is how diverse it is. You can eat it as a dip with crackers, potato chips, bread or fresh veggies, or eat it in a sandwich, grilled cheese or baked potato. You could also use this dip as a spread to make pinwheels for bite size appetizers! The options are truly endless! My preferred way of eating pimento cheese is with crackers and a cold glass of sauvignon blanc. This recipe will make a generous portion which is great for packing up in a mason jar and bringing over to a friend’s house for happy hour. Enjoy!
Read MoreWhether your spending most of your time at home or venturing out, a layered metal look is always cute! I’ve been loving dainty chain necklaces layered with small hoops and rings. I also love the look of a slightly chunkier chain necklace paired with hoops or simple studs. If you’re hesitant to invest in a lot of fall clothes this year because your calendar is looking rather sparse, look for a few (or more) simple metal pieces to add some freshness that will update anything you have hanging in your closet!
Read MoreThere are few things more comforting and delicious as banana nut bread! In my opinion, banana nut bread is acceptable to bake all year around, but it’s especially wonderful as the season changes and the weather cools down. This recipe works for both a loaf of bread and muffins. I love to double the ingredients and make both! When you have a few old bananas lying around, throw them into a mixer and follow this recipe! The muffins make a great treat to bring over to a friends house or keep on the counter for a quick and easy breakfast on the go. You won’t find a more yummy recipe than this one, trust me!
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. of vanilla
1 stick of softened butter
…
Read MoreSleepwear has never been more important than it is now. As we’re finding ourselves spending a LOT of time at home, it’s nice to have comfortable pieces to lounge around and sleep in. Since being pregnant, having a newborn and isolating due to COVID, I’ve spent a good amount of time in pajamas. I think it’s important to invest in pajama sets that feel really nice and look really pretty. I’ve always “dressed up” for bed by wearing pajamas sets and I truly think it makes difference in how I sleep and how I feel when I wake up in the morning.
Read MoreLemon thumbprint cookies are the perfect spring and summer treat! These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up and most importantly, require very little clean up (always a bonus in my book!). These sweet treats aren’t TOO sweet and have a little bit of saltiness so you can have half a dozen with zero sugar hangover! Need I say more?!
2 cups margarine
6 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of salt
4 cups flour
Read MoreHappy April!!
The happiest month of the year in my opinion! Although this year is a little different (let’s be honest, TOTALLY different) it’s still important to create some normalcy and find the little things that spark joy for us. Easter has always been an important holiday that I have lots of happy memories of. As a family, we always celebrated Easter by going to church in a new dress, having a big brunch and going on an Easter egg hunt in the afternoon. I’ll never forget waking up to our Easter baskets with all our spring goodies before we got ready for church! From all of the colors to all of the flowers, carrot cake and chocolate covered bunnies, what’s not to fall in love with?!
Apart from all the fun, frills and fluff the holiday brings, Easter holds a special place in my heart because of why it was created and what it signifies. As a believer…
Read MoreSpring is finally here and although life is looking a little different than usual with the Caronavirus, we can still appreciate all the wonderful things about the change of season. If there was ever a time to update your outdoor/patio space, it’s now! Self isolation and distancing doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon so it’s even more important to get outside and soak up some vitamin D to lift our spirits and give us some energy.
One of the reasons we bought our current home was the backyard and deck. When we moved in last summer, the landscape and outdoor space was moved to the back burner as we had so many other indoor projects to complete first. Now that the weather is warming up and we’ve sprung forward, I’m feeling inspired to put a little love into our outdoor space! I have a feeling we’ll be utilizing the deck and backyard more than ever this spring and summer!
Read MoreIt’s officially SPRING and I couldn’t be happier for the change of season! This time of year, Austin is full of beautiful wildflowers and bluebonnets around every corner and surrounding all the streets and highways. It truly is my favorite time of year in the hill country. Warmer and longer spring days always get in the mood to bake, and muffins are a really great go-to. They’re quick, easy and can be enjoyed all week long! I’m calling these blueberry muffins ‘Bluebonnet Berry Muffins’ because they’re perfect for whipping up as soon as the bluebonnets start blooming!
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups frozen blueberries
4 teaspoons sparkling sugar
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