Simply Because...

Last week J brought me flowers home.  

Just simply because.  He knows how happy flowers make me.  

I had a rough/sick week and felt a little defeated but he knew 

exactly how to brighten my day.

Below are links that definitely put a smile on my face this week...

This is the most inspiring red carpet video I have ever seen.  It's beautiful.

I made this recipe for J and I this week and it was a hit.
Who doesn't love loads of cheese?!

I'm loving all of these computer backgrounds.  It's too hard to just pick one
so I keep switching it up. So pretty!

Have you tried applying blush slightly below the apple of your cheek?!
I haven't but after this post I'm thinking it's worth a try...

One of my nearest and dearest friends got a gig this week writing
for the Huffington Post.  She is such a talented gal.
You can read her first post here.


My goal this week is to brighten someone's week like J brightened mine.

Happy Friday xo

{photos & styling by me}

Back to Basics

This year I'm going to try and buy mostly classic pieces.

Fitted and loose t-shirts, quality denim, and everyday basics. 

My work requires a suit so I usually buy pieces that are more formal.  

However, when I get off work the last thing I want to wear are tights or a dress.

For Christmas my parents gave me my first pair of designer jeans.  

I know, it's shocking that I'm in my twenties and have never invested in a 

"nice" or "quality" pair of jeans.  My A&G skinnies have forever changed 

my perspective.  I mean they're more comfortable than my leggings... 

w h o a .

Below are some of the pieces I may just have to purchase...

J.Crew Tees

   

A&G Jeans (I'll never have enough)

   

Classic Flats

    

This necklace would dress up a T-shirt 

   

This Jacket is a must

What items do you want to splurge on?

{Photos from: Feather Factor, TheYouWay}

Insta Inspiration

I love finding new people to follow on Instagram so 

I thought I'd share some of my recent favorites.

Enjoy!

Jenny's feed is light, pretty, and calming. 

You could get lost while scrolling.  Jenny is a 

calligrapher and an artist out of Portland.  

I envy her ability to keep things soft and sweet.

Jenna Kutcher's feed is full of simple pops of color.  

Her love for macaroni and cheese and orange sweet 

rolls guarantees she and I would be very good friends.  

I love her food posts but Jenna's specialty is 

weddings and engagements.

Lemonstripes is so fun to follow.  

Julia Dzafic is the photographer behind her collection.  

Its full of bright accessories, flowers, and decor.  

Patricia Shen is the artist behind this lovely account.  

She has an eye for design and her posts always brighten your day.

Who are your favorite instagram account?

xo


{top photo by Jenna Kutcher}

Energy Bites

As mentioned in a few posts now (see here, here, and here) 

I'm polishing my baking skills to help get my husband through fire academy.  

This recipe is proving to be one of his favorites: energy bites.

They are healthy and really yummy (I've sampled a couple myself).  

They are the perfect quick pickup treat and super easy to make!

 Ingredients:

2 Cups of Oats

1 Cup of Peanut Butter

1/3 Cup of Honey

1/2 Cup of Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup of Shredded Sweetened Coconut

2 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds

1 Tablespoons of Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Mix together in a large bowl

Roll into small balls - this recipe makes about 25

Place on a cookie sheet in the fridge for 45 minutes 

(if they're a little runny place in the freezer)

Move into a sealed tupperware and let sit in the fridge

They are good for about a week

That's it! Super easy!

Do you have any quick and delicious snacks?  

We are open to all ideas!

Happy Friday xo

{photos and styling by me}

Brighten My Day

I'm attracted to bright colors and blooms right now.  

It makes me feel like spring/summer isn't too far away.  

I love Winter but I am craving warm sunshine.  

I also can't get enough mimosas and how about that doughnut tower?!

(remember my cinnamon roll tower).

Are you counting down the days till warmer weather?   

This weekend we had unusually warm weather.  

I spent Valentines day with one of my best friends strolling the streets 

of Ballard and sipping on Rose Lemonade and Strawberry Champagne Sorbet.  

It was a perfect girly Valentine's day.

{photos from: Wedding Chicks, Design Love Fest, Sugar & Charm, Inspired By This, and Me}

Happy Valentine's Weekend

Happy  l o n g  Valentine's weekend!

I'm spending my valentines day with one of my closest 

friends (practically sisters).  We're going to spend the day watching 

chick flicks and sipping on some sparkling Rosé and baking treats.

What are you doing for the long weekend?

I will also be listening to this on repeat.  

Take a listen, you'll be glad you did.

It's beautiful.

Happy weekend.  I'll be back on Wednesday

xo

{photo from Oprah}

Here we go...

I have been hinting for a while that J was about to enter a new job 

that had me baking and preparing.  Well, today I get to tell you a little more.
I try to keep my private life pretty private but this stage is one that I will let you in on.
J recently accepted a job as a firefighter and today is day 1 of academy.

The next four months are going to be really really difficult on him and us.  

I spent my weekend holding him close and being SO thankful for my guy
who chased what seemed to be an impossible dream and is oh-so-close 

to achieving it.  Just one more step away.  

With this being said my posting may be a little spotty 

while I get use to our new schedule and routine. 

Thank you in advance for your understanding xo

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

{photo by Love Song Photo}

A Champagne Bar

How gorgeous is this champagne bar?  

Wouldn't this be perfect for a bridal shower or a spring wedding?  

I love the use of proteas (remember this post?).  

It's soft and flirty and who doesn't love a champagne cocktail.

Here are some cocktails I really want to try:

Lillet Rose Cocktail

   

Pink Passion Lemonade

   

Peach Bellini

    

Ginger Basil Grapefruit Spritzer

Happy Monday xo

{photo from Divine Party Concepts}

Baked Oatmeal

My aunts in Alaska make the  b e s t  baked oatmeal!  

It tastes a lot like bread pudding (my favorite!).  

Its easy to make on the weekend and then warm up 

each morning for an on the go breakfast.

Below is my family's recipe. 

Ingredients:

    

1 Cup Cooking Oil or Butter

    

1 Cup Honey

   

4 Eggs Beaten

      

6 Cups Rolled Oats

     

4 tsp Baking Powder

    

1 tsp Salt

2 tbl Chia Seeds (optional)

       

2 Cups of Almond Milk (or regular)

Directions:

     

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

    

Combine wet ingredients in a bowl

        

Combine dry ingredients in a larger bowl

      

Mix both bowls together in the larger bowl

       

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan

     

Cook for up to 45 or until slightly golden on top

Refrigerate after cooling.  

This amount lasts all week for my husband and I.  

He loves to warm it up with milk and peanut butter.  

I prefer almond milk with shredded coconut.  

You could also top with maple syrup, cranberries,  

blueberries,  or apple slices.  The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!

{photos and styling by me}

February Mood Board

I am really good at over thinking things instead of 

being slow and faithful.  This month I want slow my thoughts 

and focus on being calm and and relying on prayer.  

February is shaping up to be well... chaotic.  

If I go into it calm and without over thinking it I hope for it 

to go more smoothly.  This month I wanted to do a mood 

board to represent simplicity.  

What would be on your board this month?  

I'd love to hear!

xo

Photo Credits: The Gifts of Life   Refinery 29   ParrisChicBoutique   Jen Huang       

Superbowl Snacks

The Monday after a big loss is never a good day.  

Can you believe that ending?!  Ugh.  

Anyway,  I wanted to share with you my fail-proof 

Superbowl snack, or recover treat: Carmel Apple Nachos.

Its simple and delicious.  

The recipe can be found here.

Did you make any good snacks for the big game?

Now I'm going to go mourn... it hurts but there is always next year.

G  o   H  a  w  k  s  !

{photo and recipe from Butter, with a side of Bread}