Wedding Season

Summer wedding season is in full swing! 

1. Bauble Bar earrings, $26

2. Shashi ring, $35

3. Mango dress, $110

4. Zara heels, $80

5. Mango clutch, $130 (really love this)

1. BaubleBar bib, $34 

2. Zara heels, $50
(great heel hight and low price tag... i need to snag these ASAP)

3. JCrew Factory dress, [on sale for] $58

4.  Madewell scarf, $34

5. Tory clutch, $295

When it comes to accessories for summer weddings, wearing white is never off limits!

also..
Can't belive it's been almost a whole
year since I was a June-Bride!!

Half & Half

When going with the bright colors of a springing-into-summer wardrobe, sometimes it's nice to have a subtly-glam nail color (it's gotta sparkle, right?!) 

I used OPI- Samoan Sand (which is the perfect nude nail tone) & OPI for Sephora- Is She For Reel

after applying two coats and allowing it to completely dry... don't rush!! I used a piece of regular old scotch tape lightly pressed across my nail on the diagonal. 

[tip: I tried to stick the tape mostly to my skin rather then the nail itself.] 

Polish in the downward direction off the tape, onto the nail with the glitter polish and promptly and carefully remove the tape peeling strait across the finger on the diagonal. 

[tip: I applied the tape to each nail as I went so it didn't have time to settle onto my nail too much!]

The best part about this, seamless touch-up for chipped tips!

I'm eyeing some of the other Sephora OPI jewelry top coats! What a fun concept. 

Springtime Brunch

Hope you enjoyed the long weekend. I know we did!

J had some family visiting from out of town, so I offered to host a little brunch on Sunday.  The most important thing about hosting a brunch is having all the prep work done ahead of time so that morning you can relax and just put it all together. Overall it was a big success and everyone left full of yummy food.

Set the table the night before! I set out all the platters and put little post-its on each with what was to be in/on them for my own peace of mind.

Trader Joe's mini croissants thaw on parchment overnight and swell into these lovely decadent beauties! 20 minutes in the over for perfection, and super easy!

I made these the day before, then rested them out an hour before putting them in the oven to rise a bit. Store bought sweet dough or pizza dough with homemade filling and cream cheese frosting was a decadent treat.

Veggies cooked and potatoes roasted the day before makes for a delicious 20 minute frittata.

Also on the menu was bacon, fruit salad, and store-bought Trader Joe's banana bread! It was nice being able to sit at home and chat and relax rather then being rushed around and shouting in a restaurant. It was a great morning. My mother in law took a pic with all the food on the table- I was shy to take my own so I'll have to get it from her! 

Click through for my Veggie Frittata Recipe !

Coral Crush

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This hue is hot this summer, gracing magazine covers and actresses alike.  

Some of my favorites can be found here. Embrace the bright and bold.

work-it girl.

Paleo Lasagna

Now, I know "Paleo" is a big fad right now, but if you look into some of the science and research behind it- there's some sound reasoning there!  I read It Starts With Food and have thought about doing a 30 day challenge...

I just really love bread & pasta...

After reading the book, I do think it is good to cut back on processed carbs and grains however, so I made this pasta-less lasagna recently.
 Reality: the pasta was not missed. It was yum.

Recipe here! 

Wanting.

Happy Friday!

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I'm left with some post birthday funds and have been considering getting myself something new for summer! Some of the above have caught my eye- including a home accessory #5.

Honey & Lavender Ice Cream

One of my dear friends just had a baby! Which led to me think about her incoming lack of sleep and adjusting to motherhood (well, from what I've heard from other friends).  I looked up foods to eat while nursing on google and found that milk products are great- and to consider the flavors you're ingesting.

I considered all of this in choosing some lovely Honey & Lavender ice cream from BiRite Creamery's cookbook, Sweet Cream and Sugar cones to make for her. I used all organic ingredients as well!

after straining, I knocked into this container during the second straining process and knocked nearly half of it down the sink unfortunately. This just meant there was a little less to churn, but there was plenty to fill some little jars for great presentation. I didn't take anymore pictures after the spill though out of anger...

The flavor of this ice cream is funny at first, and is best enjoyed in a small amount. The Bi-rite book suggests a scoop of Salted Caramel to go along with it... so I also made them a batch of that as well just for good measure!

Recipe Here!!

Happy Birthday to me!

Yesterday, I turned 26!

I decided to take the day off of work in order to spend some time with myself and celebrate. The past 2 weeks of work have been challenging, so this was a much needed break!

I spent the day relaxing and pampering myself. Hair blow out at a local BlowBar, followed by a mani pedi, and some shopping. Then J and I went to Milkwood for dinner (chef Edward Lee's new restaurant here town!) 

Some image highlights:

 Gift from mom and dad! So pumped about this.

awesome gift from J! He got it when a local art fair was going on the weekend before Derby. I love thoughtful one of a kind pieces!

Bubble bath with a Lush bathbomb before dinner.

fantastic dinner at Milkwood!

I had such a great time chatting about the high's and low's of 25, and thinking about the awesome things lined up for 26... 

I think this could be my best year yet.

Derby Day

One of my favorite parts of living in Louisville is everything KY Derby related! We didn't have any friends/guests this year visiting from out of town, so we got to take it easy and enjoy the weekend. 

oversized mint julep cup and horse shoes. I had every intention of filling with lilies and roses, but never got to the store.

Unfortunately, the forecast was bleak with nonstop rain on the horizon. Nonetheless, we were psyched because this year we had the privilege of having REAL SEATS! ahh! 

No mud people land infield for us like years past. 

fancy-seat wrist bands

up close texture of my Lilly P dress, modest heels (on my feet allll day) and my clearance Target scarf.  Lovelove this dress.

Despite the rain, we managed to still have a great time. And... we actually saw the horses run! 

I bet on a favored horse, Orb #16 to win since the 16th is our wedding date. My $2 bet won me a whopping $12.80 since he finished first!! 

It's fair to say we've been spoiled and may never be able to do the infield thing again!