DISASTER!!!

After a spotty connection at the beach, storms caused a power outage once we got home, followed by our Internet being down. (so frustrating!) I was thrilled to be back online after a long week away.

Tucked into the couch this morning, with a cup of tea and an hour to myself, I was so happy to catch up on my reader and work on this weeks posts when.....

Wait for it........

I contracted a huge virus and crashed the computer.

UGHHHHHHHHHHH!

So, I'm writing from my iPad, using a not-so-great app that I can NOT possibly tolerate posting from all week. I am beyond upset! I have come to really love and look forward to writing this blog over the last few months!

For my little group of devoted readers, please don't give up on me!

Just wanted to let you know this is temporary! I will be back and posting daily as soon as I can. I'm hoping that the Mr. will forgive me for killing his laptop, successfully sweep it clean, and hand it back over to me by the end of the week. Thankfully, he is an extremely understanding person, and much better with computers then me!

P.S. I am considering digging my 10 year old Apple laptop out of the closet. Oh Mac, how I miss you!!! PCs just don't get me, or maybe I don't get them. Either way......

See you soon, I hope!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Via Pinterest

all images: Pinterest

(Spotty internet connection at the beach, sorry for the missed posting! Home now and back online, photos of my adventures coming soon.)

Gone To The Beach

Momma

Carson

So we are off to the beach, hooray!

In celebration of family and a long awaited retirement we are headed to the Florida coast for some fun in the sun. The vacation is super casual and centered around the kids so nothing fancy is getting packed.

I took a bunch of photos as I was throwing our stuff in bags.....thought it would be fun to see the big and little packing combo.

Mom's Must Haves Include:

• Lots of linen, cotton gauze, and jersey in loose and relaxed fits.
• Tons of skirts, dresses, and tent tops, for lazing about in the heat.
• Billowy coverups to disguise and camouflage, especially needed while lying next to super hot sister in law.
• Scarves, large hats, and bottles of sunscreens of course!
• No heels! But a few great necklaces, in case we go out.
• Magazines, blogging books (lame I know), and a beach read (An Object of Beauty, Steve Martin. Finally!)
• My camera

Carson's Must Haves Include:

• Super cute bikinis and her panda to keep her afloat.
• Bright Beautiful colored everything in soft cotton jersey to play hard in.
  
• Beach hat and summer shoes, because she has been dying to wear them for months.
  
• Minature die-dye scarf, because mom is obsessed with how adorable it is!
• More toys and books then any kid should travel with.
  
• Kidco Tent to sleep in, if you don't know what this is....you must check it out, Amazing!
• The constant companion, Bunny Roo.

Hope you guys have a great weekend and can't wait to share some pictures and catch up from the last couple adventures when I get back home.

Nontraditionalist

via mociun

via etsy

via sticks & stones

via eric de gesincourt

via etsy

via nga waiata

I am a huge fan of jewelry! HUGE!

I always gravitate to the pieces that are unique and different then what is, in my opinion, common. I love vintage that feels irreplaceable, and modern that is innovative and seems undiscovered by most.

These are just a few of the things that I have been obsessing over.

The solitaire ring and stud earrings come in both silver and gold and are INCREDIBLY clever! If I was just now getting married, I would choose this over a traditional diamond in a heartbeat! I am not kidding!

Mara Hoffman

It all started with this amazing swimsuit by Mara Hoffman......

that comes in multiple amazing color combos and patterns, eeek!

Then I found more gorgeous swimsuits from her Resort Collection, and the perfect cover-up......

followed by the most beautiful printed silks and woven pieces for day in her Spring Collection.

and more printed silk in relaxed fitting tops and dresses, plus a sexy dress.

and then a handful of FOREVER pieces in solid black and one in an amazing red.

Finally, I discovered her blog full of beautiful inspiration images, like these above.....and detailed shots of the most gorgeous little frocks in the Fall 2011 show.

So now I am officially in love with Mara Hoffman!

Structured and flowing, neutral and colorful, solid and printed, simple design with complicated details, feminine and bohemian, yet modern and strong...... styled to perfection!

In my opinion, this line has it all!

The bustier design in the swimsuit and in some of the dresses reminds me of the early Proenza Schouler stuff. I love that structure at the top of the garment! I think it is beyond flattering on the body!

After looking through the rest of the line, it is the prints that really have me in awe. They are spot on for the current trends.

I leave for the beach in two days and I wish I had all of the above to stuff in a suitcase!

all images: Mara Hoffman

One Pot Wonder: Bulgur Pilaf with Mint

Heat 2 TBS of EVOO and 1/4 of pine nuts of raw almonds in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the nuts are toasted, about 2 minutes. Add 1lb of ground beef (I use bison instead), breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of allspice and cook, stirring, until the meat is not longer pink, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of bulgur and cook until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, bring the mixtures to a boil, and then adjust the heat to maintain a gentle boil, and then adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Dice on medium zucchini and scatter over the surface of the pilaf (don't stir it in; it will steam on top) and sprinkle with 1 tsp of the salt and pepper to taste. Cook, uncovered, until the bulgur is tender but not mushy, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, halve 2 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes.

Thinly slice 2-3 scallions.

Chop 1/4 cup of both mint and dill.

Grate 1 to 2 cloves of garlic and zest a lemon. Toss all together with juice of 1/2 a lemon, 2 TBS of EVOO, 1/2 tsp of salt, and pepper to taste.

Mound the pilaf on a serving platter and spoon the tomato salad evenly over the top. Serve warm.

Here is a yummy recipe that I make often!

I had not cooked with bulgur before this and didn't really know what to expect the first time that I prepared it, but it is truly delicious!

The most important thing is to take the time to toast, both, the nuts and the bulgur. The flavor of the toasted grain is different and wonderful! We are happy to eat it either warm and cold, and have even packed it for picnic lunches.

With farmers markets packed with produce and everyones backyard gardens growing it is the perfect recipe for summer!

Via Pinterest

images: my pinterest