Friday, June 30, 2017

Friday Morning

Hey everyone, how was your week? Since the next month and a half I'll be spending almost every weekend out of town for weddings, a getaway with my guy for our anniversary, celebrating birthdays and a few other mini trips; I'm happy to be a little bit of a bum - do laundry, clean and binge Game of Thrones this weekend. I have two seasons to catch up on before it starts next Sunday! What are your plans for the weekend? I just finished season four, episode two and I need to talk to people about it, because I didn't see it coming or happening the way it did. I need answers! Are you planning any trips? What are doing for the fourth? Hope you have a cool weekend and see you next week :)




Thursday, June 29, 2017

Patio Goals



If you follow me on social media, then you know my sister and I are redoing our back patio. For the past few months we've been talking about what kind of plants and flowers we want to grow and how we want to decorate it. I'm a succulent person and my sister would rather live in an English Garden, well me too but she isn't as keen with desert plants as I am. Little by little we've added lights, we'll be adding an herb garden (it's a little too hot to start that project) and found some rose bushes and vines we want to grow to make our patio space look and feel cozy. When it's completed, don't worry! I'll be posting the final look! What's your style when it comes to designing your backyard space? 

(1,2,3)

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Daily Escape



For the past few months now, I've been dreaming about the Hamptons. Six years ago when I was living in Manhattan with my sister, I hopped the Jitney when my mom came to visit, we toured and spent the day in East Hampton. It was the perfect day trip and I seriously can't wait to get back. Did you know these five things about East Hamtpon? 

1. East Hampton was the first English settlement in the state of New York.

2.It is about six miles wide aand less than a mile at its narrowest point.

2. Polly Sweet was the first woman from New York State (from East Hampton) to cross the Great Plains to the Pacific coast by prairie wagon. When gold was discovered in 1848 in Central California Polly Sweet became the first American woman at the scene of discovery.

4. The town has jurisdiction over Gardiners Island, which is one of the largest privately owned islands in the United States.

5. Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner made East Hampton the artist haven it is today!

(1,2,3)

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Summer Challenge #3: Taking the word busy out of my vocabulary! When someone asks how you are, what is your response? Usually within the first minute of the conversation, I allude to how busy I am but even if I am, I'm sick of that response. It's like an auto-pilot response to that question. Over the last month, I've really tried to slow down and enjoy my down time, and it's working! My evening and weekends feel so long because I've cut back on television, I've learned to say no to one event a week and I try to do new things, my time is so much more enjoyable. Lately, when people ask how I'm doing, I'll say "I'm good, I'm art journaling at night or going to the local Silent Book Club meeting." Those responses are usually met with a confused look but it's something new to talk about rather than wasting an hour of complaining about our busy lives and work schedules. Hows your summer challenges going so far?

Monday, June 26, 2017

Weekend Wrap Up...

 finally new art to hang in the kitchen.
 a fold out classic.
 our little place is looking good :)
 all about woman empowerment in our house.
bathroom details...

(images via instagram)

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Friday, June 23, 2017

Friday Morning

Happy Friday everyone, I'm definitely looking forward to just chilling out for the next few days. It's the first week of summer activities and I'm drained. Even though I've been working in libraries for six years now and spent three and half years studying library science, it still astounds me how many people and families visit the library, especially during the summer! It makes me happy to see the support and love that people give us. Don't mind me, I'll be in bed by 9 PM if not earlier this weekend. What are your plans? Have a good one and see you next week!





Thursday, June 22, 2017

Top 5





If there's one thing I horde, it's coffee table books. From Princess Di (because I grew up idolizing her) to travel books, interior design and fashion, I love to swoon over glossy photographs and dream...dream of wearing overpriced shoes or haute couture gowns or fall into serious wanderlust with all the travel books I have. I've had some of these for a awhile and others are recent purchases but these five I often revisit whether for inspiration and just to let my mind wander. Are you a serious book collector? What type of books do you like to keep? How do you organize your oversized books?

(images)

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Summer Challenges

How is your summer going so far? Aside from the heat, it's going by pretty slowly, which to be honest I'm glad. Usually this time of the year flies by for me. Time spent at home is focused on relaxing and working on projects whether that means making waffle pressed cinnamon rolls, hosting a nostalgic movie marathon or getting started knitting a blanket. If you remember a few weeks ago I started a little challenge, which I'm still working on by the way and one that I completed, well sort of. A few weeks ago, I promised to not watch television for an entire week and I was doing pretty well until the fourth day in. My sister just introduced Broad City to a friend and without even thinking about it I joined in because, well it's Broad City. About half way through the second episode my sister sort of freaked out and called me out, "You better not tell people you made it through your week of no tv." Almost making it, I plan on doing this again over the summer and hopefully incorporate it into my routine later into the year. How are you doing on your summer challenge? Are you following some sort of to do list over the next few months? What's on your list? What are you up to this summer? 
 

Monday, June 19, 2017

Weekend Wrap Up...

 summery attire calls for pink and straw bags...
 sunday staple includes waffle pressed cinnamon rolls.
slowly but surely getting our patio in order...

(images via instagram)

Saturday, June 17, 2017

this week's favorites...





Have you seen the trailer for Sofia's newest film, The Beguiled? Sofia dishes about life and her  retelling of 1966 Southern Gothic book, The Beguiled by Thomas Collinan. I cannot wait to see it next week. What are you watching?

Friday, June 16, 2017

Friday Morning

I don't know what it's like in the Midwest or the East Coast but I'm so not ready for the extreme heat! We're only three weeks into June and it's suppose to hit 120° by Sunday! So I plan on staying indoors, sleeping in, reading in bed and lying low in preparation of the hordes of children coming into the library next week as we are getting ready for our summer festivities. What are your plans for the weekend and fathers day?By the way, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Stay cool and have an excellent weekend. See you on Monday :)




Thursday, June 15, 2017

I Stole My Sister's Purse For This Post





 
Every once in a while, I feel confident enough to put myself in front of the camera if there's something I really love and want to share it with you. I'm not saying, you should get use to outfit posts because modeling is something that does not come naturally. Despite, getting requests on the regular to produce more personal content, I'm not sure I could ever be comfortable or patient enough for photo shoots or being the center of a post. So here I am attempting to showcase a piece of my very simple wardrobe and some jewelry that was just too good to pass up.

 A few weeks ago, I came across these classic tassel style earrings. They come in several colors, in fact these pink ones were just released so I may have to get them too. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with black! Whether you wear them to work, an evening outing with girlfriends or for a hot date, these are a staple piece that should be added to your jewelry collection, at least I think so.  Also, I kindly asked before going into my sisters closet to take her YSL clutch. But one of these days, it may just go missing for a few hours :)

(photography by Tatum O'Brien)


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Life Lately


I'm reading the most exhilarating children's series with my tween book club at the moment. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann creates a world similar to Hunger Games and Harry Potter but does a fantastic job with the detail and character development. If you're looking for a book for your middle schooler to read over the summer, this is it!!!

I grew up loving the animated movie of Anastasia and would spend my entire Easter break freshman year of college researching her family out of boredom and the school being closed. It's so funny looking back, there were clear signs that I was destined to being a librarian. So, if you're not in New York, you can listen to the Broadway recording on iTunes.

For the last month or so, I've had a serious craving for shrimp (well any fish) tacos

My coworker introduced me to a new podcast, Sword and Scale. Outside of Serial, this is one of the best out there and I'm just now coming across it despite it being out for the last four years. If you're into true crime and pyschology, I promise this one will not dissappoint. 

I can't remember how I came across The Blonde Abroad, but if you're into travel, you have to follow this girl. She talks about how to travel on a budget and why she left her career to become a travel vlogger. She's even worked with the Travel Channel! Can I just have your life please!!!

A few weeks ago, it was restaurant week here in the desert and my guy took me out for french food. With some wine, excellent food and quite the desert, I'm already planning on going back again. 

I've been using the "Yes To" brand on and off over the last couple years and now that they have masks, they are some of my favorites. Take a nice relaxing bath, listen to some music and soak in a cool calming mask and bubbles. 

Stila came out with these metallic glittery eye-shadows and they are gorgeous. Since my sister watches beauty youtubers and knows all the big time makeup artists, I never hear any of them talk about Stila products and I want to know why. I've been wearing Stila for years and it's by far one of my favorite makeup brands!

Maybe because I've been listening to You Must Remember This, a podcast that focuses on women in the entertainment industry at the turn of the 20th century, I've been checking out old films from the library on the regular. This week, I'm watching Swing Time with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 

Bando came out with these short sleeve sweatshirt tops and I love them so much. Hurry and get yours because these babies sell out fast. They're beyond comfy and obviously ridiculously cute. 

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Camp Walden for Girls





Now that summer is in full swing, all I can think about is summer camp? What is your favorite camp flick? 

(1,2,3,4,5)

Friday, June 9, 2017

Friday Mornings

Hey everyone, how's your week been going? With the heat setting in, I have felt nothing but lethargy all week but lucky I had plans almost every night this past week so I wasn't able to go to bed as early as I could have. I'm looking forward to a low key weekend! The summer activities are about to kick off at the library, so I plan on experimenting and tinkering with some of activities to make sure they are kid safe; we're doing a lot of science based programs, so I'm really excited to see the kids reactions. Besides a little gardening and reading to catch up for book clubs and future podcast episodes, I'm happy to just sleep in and relax for a few days. Have an excellent weekend and see you next week :)




Thursday, June 8, 2017

Wild Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream

A few weeks ago, a local blogger posted her own recipe of lavender honey ice cream and since then I've been on the hunt to find ready made; I have not been so successful in finding it. I found a decent ice cream maker and I already have a list of different flavors I want to make over the summer. When it comes to sweets, I'll typically pass on sweets after dinner. Ice cream - it's a whole different story, give me all the glacé!


Ingredients:

15 oz full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup Almond Breeze Almond Milk Coconut Milk Blend
1/3 cup coconut palm syrup 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
1 1/2 cups wild blueberries or wild berry mix
2 tablespoons coconut sugar

Instructions:
  1. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add coconut milk, almond milk , coconut milk and coconut palm syrup (or honey); whisk until smooth and well combined and mixture comes to a slight simmer (this should only take a few minutes). DO NOT BRING MIXTURE TO A FULL BOIL. After mixture comes to a slight simmer, whisk once more, then transfer to a blender, add in lavender and vanilla and blend for 30 seconds. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours until very cold. This is an essential step, so please do not skip it!
  2. While the mixture is chilling, you'll make a blueberry syrup. Add blueberries and coconut sugar to a saucepan and place over medium heat. Mash blueberries up with a fork and continue to stir mixture until it thickens; this should take roughly 15-20 minutes. Once mixture is thick like a syrup, transfer to a bowl, cover and stick in the fridge.
  3. Once ready to make the ice cream, add the cold coconut milk mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions until it resembles soft serve.
  4. Transfer half of ice cream to a freezer safe container, then add half of the blueberry mixture, repeat with ice cream and blueberries once more. Swirl mixture a few times with a knife to create layers. Cover ice cream and freeze for 4-6 hours or until ice cream hardens. Before ready to serve let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Makes 8 servings; 1/2 cup each.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Leadings Ladies

Five Things You Must Know About Butterfly McQueen: 

1. Graduated from New York City College in 1975 at the age of 64 with a degree in political science. 

2. Born Thelma McQueen, she planned to become a nurse until a high school teacher encouraged her to try an acting class.

3. She gained her nickname "Butterfly," after a ballet performance in A Midsummer's Night Dream.

4. McQueen was an atheist. 

5. She donated her body to medical science. 


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

No TV For A Week

Remember, when I mentioned working on a summer challenge? Every couple weeks, I'll introduce a new one to add to your small but manageable list of things to work on throughout the next few months. Have you picked your poem or passage or whatever it is you're memorizing over the summer? I only have a few stanzas memorized, but given that the poem I chose is extra long, it's definitely going to take some time. Also I haven't been very strict with myself, so I plan on having it completed by early August. This week, I plan on not watching tv! How long have you gone without the television. I'll be checking in with everyone on social media and we'll talk about what it was like with a week of no tv in our next challenge post. Will you join me? 

Monday, June 5, 2017

Weekend Wrap Up...

 finally finishing refurbishing downstairs...
 weekend attire.
 1/3 of this super cool bookish podcast!!!
 night time routine.
snapshots of our living room...

(images via instagram)

Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Bernadette Marie: 1. Trained and completed two degrees, an AAS in Communication Design and BFA in Textile S...