Learn to accept this and life will become effortless and fulfilled. Isn't it funny how life has it's way of forcing even the straightest laced people to be spontaneous?
J.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
The weekend in review.
Summer is great in Minnesota. I like to think that we win awards like 'Best Outdoor City' or 'Most Active State' because of all of our weather related pent up energy and desire to get out and do something...
Anything.
So, even if you aren't a very outdoorsy, active person MN has something for you. Here is a little photo journey/trip report of my weekend (and Monday night).
Starting with Saturday. Rain was predicted, but held off for most of the morning and early afternoon. I caught up with a few of my favorite gals while enjoying cocktails and sitting on their dock. Low key, but hey. I was outside on a nice day with good company. No complaints.
Sunday brought me to St. Paul with some lovely gals. We did a little joy driving, which is pretty much required when in St. Paul, thanks to it's beautiful old charm feel and houses that walked right out of your dreams. I saw a picture of Harriet Island half underwater, so we decided to check that out before lunch. Once we did a good walk up and down the trail we went in search of a patio. My go to is always Patrick McGovern's, but we opted to mix things up and try something new. Now, I know my patios, but I always fear the crowds that go hand-in-hand with them. We ended up at The Liffey and were pleased to fill our bellies with good food and drinks there. The patio is pretty awesome too. :)
Anything.
So, even if you aren't a very outdoorsy, active person MN has something for you. Here is a little photo journey/trip report of my weekend (and Monday night).
Starting with Saturday. Rain was predicted, but held off for most of the morning and early afternoon. I caught up with a few of my favorite gals while enjoying cocktails and sitting on their dock. Low key, but hey. I was outside on a nice day with good company. No complaints.
Sunday brought me to St. Paul with some lovely gals. We did a little joy driving, which is pretty much required when in St. Paul, thanks to it's beautiful old charm feel and houses that walked right out of your dreams. I saw a picture of Harriet Island half underwater, so we decided to check that out before lunch. Once we did a good walk up and down the trail we went in search of a patio. My go to is always Patrick McGovern's, but we opted to mix things up and try something new. Now, I know my patios, but I always fear the crowds that go hand-in-hand with them. We ended up at The Liffey and were pleased to fill our bellies with good food and drinks there. The patio is pretty awesome too. :)
On the non-flooded side of the hill at Harriet Island.
And lastly Monday night was spent family style, with my main man's side. The Twins failed to bring home a win, but we managed to enjoy ourselves just fine. I love me some game food. In the few hours we spent here I put down a few brews, bloody Mary (topped with a hamburger slider!), and hot dog.
Take me out to the ball game, baby.
J.
Foodie craving.
July, means the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is a well celebrated American holiday. Holidays mean food. Good food. Food that makes you forget about your healthy eating. So, in the spirit of the Holidays, I may just have to whip up a batch of these little treats.
I found the recipe and of course this lovely photographic proof of their amazing-ness on Paint Chips and Frosting's website. The recipe seems reasonable, with not too many ingredients, many of which may already be on your shelves. I have posted a grocery list below, but be sure to head to their page for all the 'dets'.
Grocery List:
8 oz. cream cheese block
Eggs (2)
Sugar (1/2 cup)
Peppermint extract (1 tsp)
Green food coloring
Grasshopper cookies (30)
Andes candies
Chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups)
Cream or Milk (1/2 cup)
How bad could they be? Whatever, I'm worth it.
J.
I found the recipe and of course this lovely photographic proof of their amazing-ness on Paint Chips and Frosting's website. The recipe seems reasonable, with not too many ingredients, many of which may already be on your shelves. I have posted a grocery list below, but be sure to head to their page for all the 'dets'.
Grocery List:
8 oz. cream cheese block
Eggs (2)
Sugar (1/2 cup)
Peppermint extract (1 tsp)
Green food coloring
Grasshopper cookies (30)
Andes candies
Chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups)
Cream or Milk (1/2 cup)
How bad could they be? Whatever, I'm worth it.
J.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
A price that will shock.
(Photo borrowed from VIE magazine's March 2013 'Fashion Friday' post)
I bet your thinking this dress looks summery, flirty, and in general fabulous. You might like it less knowing the tag price is $145, but I got this baby for over 85% off at the Herbergers Clearance Outlet that just opened near my house.
Don't let the warehouse-esque feel throw you off; this store is packed full of designer label merchandise and SAVINGS. I went on my [very short] lunch break to check things out and was running around like a lady in a madhouse trying to find the best deals. Some stuff is cheaper than others, but I saw gorgeous things at great prices. Even prom dresses for under $20!
Don't let the warehouse-esque feel throw you off; this store is packed full of designer label merchandise and SAVINGS. I went on my [very short] lunch break to check things out and was running around like a lady in a madhouse trying to find the best deals. Some stuff is cheaper than others, but I saw gorgeous things at great prices. Even prom dresses for under $20!
This fabulous find was marked down to $40, but with the additional '50% an item coupon' I received upon entering the store, it only ran me $20. Unbeatable. Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers, but lets face it, she breaks the bank. I love finding marked down items of hers at re-sellers like Marshalls or TJMaxx.
Oh and if you fall head over heels, I found this dress on Ebay: BUY ME, BUY ME, BUY ME
J.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Food.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Shopping list:
Pasta (I used veggie, but feel free to get any style you prefer)
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil
Mozzarella pearls
Balsamic vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
Boil water and dump in desired amount of pasta. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Chop up basil (shred) and halve each cherry tomato. Set aside.
Separate mozzarella pearls. Set aside.
Combine a small amount of balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.
Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Drizzle sauce mix over salad. Stir. Enjoy.
This salad was delicious. I made a large batch, so I would have leftovers for lunches. If you go this route, I would recommend leaving the sauce off until ready to eat. I also made a Caesar/olive oil mix to mix things up. Equally delicious.
Happy cooking.
J.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Pinterest Project.
This craft [courtesy of 'The Mrs. & Mommabird's" blog] is definitely at the top of my 'to do' Pinterest project list.
Supply list:
Flowers
Hot glue gun
Sharpies
Scissors
Sheet of cardboard
Large frame
Lightbulb -- this would be adorable at the entrance of my wedding ceremony and/or reception
Bonus -- the demo already features the 'S' I would need to create
Double bonus -- I just scored a similar large gold frame for $2 at a local church garage sale.
J.
Imaginary Dream OTD
Dreaming that this type of little gadget will call my apartment home in the near future.
Genius idea, 5 gazillion:
The shower wine glass holder from firebox.com. It appears to be sold out or no longer offered; here's a similar option for around $15 - WaveHooks.
HA.
J.
Genius idea, 5 gazillion:
The shower wine glass holder from firebox.com. It appears to be sold out or no longer offered; here's a similar option for around $15 - WaveHooks.
HA.
J.
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