Friday, January 25, 2013

FAB $15 // LET'S CUT THE CHEESE

My obsession with cheese is nothing new. When you grow up in the Midwest, cheese basically is a food group. I would never dare eat my potatoes, pretzels and even veggies with a little bit of the yummy stuff. I never knew that cheese curds and mozzarella sticks weren't on every menu in America until I moved to California and was sorely disappointed when the craving hit. Luckily a Wisconsiner quickly befriended me and saved the day with what seemed like weekly orders of cheese curds from her family's Wisconsin cheese shop - thank you Sunny!

Luckily though, the lack of cheese curds and other deep friend varieties led me to discover new versions that I never knew existed - I would eat burrata on everything if that was possible.

 Anyways, the last few years I've been pretty obsessed with making delicious cheese boards and love trying new combinations. If a board has (in addition to some yummy cheeses) olives, apples, nuts and honey I'm pretty set. I saw this post a while back on A Cup of Jo blog that explains how to make the perfect cheese board if you need a little inspiration.

All of the above "cheesy accessories" can be found for under $15. Also if you are ever in San Diego and looking for a little of the good stuff, stop by Venissimo - great service and choices - just not a great smell :)

CHEESE-RS!

Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

{Fab $15 is a collection of four fabulous finds from the week, always for under $15.}

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A PERFECTLY MAINE HOUSE


As many of you know, back in December Kim and I took a trip out to Maine to visit my sister and her new little family. I shared here about my Maine crush and how I could totally see us living there someday. My sister Krista has immaculate, classic style that exudes that seaside New England vibe. I love her style because it doesn't change - she doesn't stray too far from what she knows works and I wish I had a bit more of that in me. I am way too all over the board in that regard..actually in most regards! 

So, I was thrilled when she said I could take pictures of her home to share here on the blog. Every corner of their house is so put together and so them. 












More photos to come!

Friday, January 18, 2013

FAB $15 // GET SCRUBBING

I say it every weekend, I try to muster the strength to do it every weekend, and every weekend I end up making excuses not to do it. A big ol' house cleaning that is. I'm fine doing a room or a corner at at time, but cleaning my entire apartment (it's small and only two bedrooms, haha!) is a daunting task to say the least. After being sick for nearly two weeks and spending most of my extra time laying on the couch, being "germy" and looking at the little reminents of Christmas still lingering (a ribbon here, an ornament there) I've told myself that I HAVE to get my act together this long three-day weekend and just do it. People with big houses, I have NO idea how you do it. I'm secretly hoping that by writing this down and talking about it that I will hold myself to it.

Not going to be a fun weekend but hopefully I will feel a lot better once it's over - mentally (the messes I create make me crazy) and physically (GERMS BE GONE!).

Fittingly, the Fab $15 picks of the week are related to cleaning. Maybe if I had all these tools I'd actually want to clean? Doubt it, but they sure are cute.

Now that you all probably think I'm disgusting, I do hope you have a more exciting weekend than this lady!

Sources:
1 // mint smiley dust pan, world market, $15
2 // common good soaps, mignon kitchen, $6
3 // mop bucket, west elm, $16 (ya, ya, I went a dollar over, so sue me)
4 // vegetable brush, west elm, $8 (those veggies need to be clean too!)

See all my other Fab $15 posts here

{Fab $15 is a collection of four fabulous finds from the week, always for under $15.}

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

BHLDN SPRING COLLECTION // WEDDING WEDNESDAYS

 

If you love Anthropologie for every day clothes and home goods, you will love BHLDN. For all you brides-to-be, be sure to check out their new spring collection - I was pretty pumped to see that it's already out, and scared at the same time because it means it's finally MY wedding season! I decided to have a long engagement so I can prepare for the wedding but it is certainly still sneaking up on me. Less than seven months to go! Oh my! So much left to do!


The best piece of advice that I can give at this point (about half way into being engaged) is WAIT to a while make the big decisions. Everyone told me to just wait a while and see where the vision went. I didn't listen....meaning I'm now the owner for three wedding dresses and a lot of decor that I will now need to sell. Oops. I finally found my dress (this better be the one!) on BHLDN earlier this year on sale and am now selling the one that I thought was "the one", a J.Crew Streamer Gown, on 100 Layer Cake here. If you know anyone looking for a size 8 wedding dress, be sure to let them know :)

What is the best words of wisdom you can give to brides-to-be? I'll be sure to share!

Links to all these BHLDN beauties:

1 // isadora gown 2 // the new-fashioned wedding (so excited to get my paws on this book!) 3 // streamline clutch 4 // wingspan dress 5 // tulle blossom topper 6 // agata swing dress 7 // over the moon balloon (maybe my favorite yet by Geronimo!) 8 // happy wedding card by sugar paper


Sunday, January 6, 2013

NEWS YEAR'S RESOLUTION // SIMPLIFY


Happy New Year everyone! Do you make New Year's resolutions? I'm always scared to make them for fear of not following through but I'm trying one out this year. If there is one resolution that I'd like to hold myself to this year it's simplifying my life a little more. I'm not just talking about cleaning out my closet - I need to simplify my schedule, my thoughts (my brain never shuts off) and yes, my home. Sounds easy enough but I have a funny feeling it won't be so simple. I want to believe that if I can simplify those aspects that the rest of life's craziness will fall into place - eating better, not shopping so much, relaxing, doing more yoga - you get the picture...

Problem is, I'm such a sucker for all the latest trends and am constantly buying little knick-knack and sub-par quality clothes. From now on I'm trying to shift my focus to only buy high-quality pieces that I can have for the long run. Here are a few things that seem like they could simplify someone's life (ok, my life, but I won't buy them all I promise!). Note the neutral colors, high-quality and classic items.

Let's do this 2013!

a // wallet, iphone case combo, amazon b // fog linen towel, anaise c // light grey jacket, she inside d // turkish towel, textile e // transport tote, madewell f // triangle binder, ferm living g //pink wire basket, ferm living h // ruffoni copper saucepan, anthropologie i // falcon enamelware bake set, pigment (can't get enough of this line) j // threshold organic blanket, target k // sam eldman petty boots, piperlime (have and <3 these) l // barr co. soap, bath and unwind

Thursday, January 3, 2013

FAB $15 // PIGMENT SAN DIEGO


Happy Friday! I think three-day work weeks should happen more often, eh? Now that the holidays have come and gone and a fresh new year is here, I'm hoping to get a little more consistent with posting on here.

I'm so excited about this week's Fab $15 - they are four of my picks (always under $15) from one of my favorite shops in San Diego, Pigment. Located in North Park, it always has so many fun things to look at and buy - their terrariums are to-die-for and they carry all the supplies to make one for yourself on the spot. If you are from out of town, have no fear because they also have an online shop which is where all the items above can be found. I have a slight obsession with Falcon Enamelware and Mast Brothers Chocolate right now and love that they carry fun/quality lines like those.

Cheers to a good weekend!

Treat yourself to my picks:
1 // Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar, $10
2 // Citrus Stork Scissors, $11
3 // Falcon Enamelware Mug, $12.50
4 // Edison Manufacturing Co. Leather Key Cover, $12


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

BLANCHE AND MIMI // PORTLAND, MAINE












While in Maine, my sister introduced me to her favorite little shop in Portland, Blanche + Mimi. Stocked full of gifts, clothes, home goods and vintage pieces, I could have spent hours browsing everything. It almost felt like a smaller scale, independent Anthropologie. Was thrilled to find the Rifle Paper Co. letter garland in the shop and now have those cuties hanging in my living room.

Portland has so many little shops, restaurants and bars in its downtown area that it's hard to see them all in a day. However, if you are ever in the area, be sure to make time for Blanche + Mimi - you will be happy you did!

(Photos by me.)