Over It

Overalls are pajama like in that they are uber comfortable and have a youthfulness about them that transcends age. Not only for the youngest of the fashion set, we women can wear them too. I like them dressed up or down because they have a simple touch of  feminine allure. They are just as appealing with a pair of Vans and a fitted tee as they are with a flowy top and the perfect statement accessories. We have successfully brought this retro look into the new millennium. I like to call it farm fresh. 

Hat Lack of Color. Top F21. Shoes Seychelles. Bracelet gifted. 

Clutch Nene California

Single Girl Salad

Being single isn't so awful. I was with someone for a very long time so finally being able to do the things I choose when and how I want has been pretty refreshing these past few years. There is no sharing, there is no consultation, there is no need for compromise when you run your life solo. The hard part I found was eating well on my own. The weekends or weeks in the summer that were mine I tended to eat a lot of fast food or leftovers covered in melted cheese. It became too time consuming and costly for me on a single mom's budget to eat well. Then the invites by friends for dinners out added to the mix. Who wants to be out with friends and not have a cocktail? Over time those things start to add up and if you're not making healthy choices most of the time you're going to see and feel the difference. These days I have fun trying new recipes so the ingredients are better. I try and balance exercise with plenty of sleep and lots of water. This little meal I put together in a snap and it took me just as long as a ride through the drive through.

Prepared rotiserrie chicken from your local grocery store

a tomato (I ate one per salad)

pre-packaged artisan lettuce

balsamic oil and vinegar

Cost a total of  $12.

Not too shabby and I ate this twice in one weekend. 

For now it's just me but easy enough to make for two.

Pound for Pound

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a serious sweet tooth. Not only am I in love with chocolate in all of its glorious forms, but also fruits and baked goods alike. Take this pound cake I made for Memorial Day Weekend. Not only was it moist and sweet, but who doesn't love a big bundt?? What better way to enjoy your cake and eat it too than in its circular form?? You can melt a little chocolate and drizzle it on top, adding some sprinkles and you've got yourself a full sized doughnut my friends. Worth it's weight and yours. 

The recipe I used came straight out of a cookbook that I have had since I graduated college. Betty Crocker knows her stuff.

1 cup butter (unsalted sticks)

4 eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

I doubled the recipe because "go big or go home".

We sliced each piece, added some of the berries and an individual scoop of whipped cream. I make mine myself but you can just buy the can. It's more fun let's be honest.

Inflated

The thing about the summer that is, without question, my favorite, are all the festivals. I like mine small and I am willing to drive. Jazz, Ice Cream, Popcorn as well as fashion, there is something for everyone. It makes it hard to say "I have nothing to do". The balloon festival has become the latest in my list of obsessions. I love balloons sometimes more than flowers. Being able to stand beneath one of such monstrous proportions was like a dream becoming reality. More than likely because the idea that one can soar so high and ever so softly yet with such force seems almost a fantastic physical improbability. Until you've done it. I hope someday I will.

At the Coshocton festival we were able to walk around them and get up close.

Check the weather in your location the day of the event. Any weather issues will inevitably terminate the balloon lift off.

Both shows were able to inflate and light the balloons for a fun effect but did not take off due to inclement weather.

Coshocton was attached to the cutest little array of games and rides and all your favorite festival treats. Even doughnuts!!

We took these over to the stadium to watch the show.

You can find a show near you at the  Balloon Federation of America web page.

All I Ever Wanted

Nothing says summer like a great pair of cut-offs. These are just about as good as it gets. With a soft and stretchy feel, they are more comfortable than the average denim variety, and the elastic waste makes them fit like a glove. I wish every day could be spent looking like this. Just a cool collection of neutrals to slow down the overflow of vibrant colors this season brings. A nice little vacation. 

Anthropologie booties. (old) Hat UO. Tank Amuse. Bag F21 on SALE. Shorts are old Good hYOUman. 

All In One

Grilling out in the summer months can be a fun way to entertain friends, but I have to say that one dish dinners are my fave. Nothing is easier than being able to hit all those necessary meal components without having to bust at the seems with all the kitchen accoutrements. I am discovering that a skillet can do it all, from desserts to biscuits and steak, as well as this pasta dish I found. They last forever and if you want to throw it on an open flame for a full pan of smores it can more than take the heat.

Take four breasts of chicken and add some salt and pepper. Use some olive oil and cook through. 

 Set aside.

Take 1/2 cup of the water you used to boil your pasta and add that, small tomatoes, and chopped artichokes (I thawed a bag of frozen pieces} cook on medium until the little tomatoes start to split.

Add fresh spinach leaves (I used half a bag) to the above mixture and then add back in the chicken as well as 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I tried to cheat and used the can. Don't do that, In this case fresh is better.

It was the perfect light yet filling meal for a summer dinner. Keeping you inside and out of the heat, but making sure you still feel like you're on vacation. 

Original recipe in the April issue of Southern Living.

For My Father (and yours)

{Individual Medley Store $18}

My father has been gone almost 5 years now and there are so many days I wish I could call him for his advice. He had the best way of telling you exactly how he felt about everything and making you laugh even when it was hard. I find myself resourcing my memories for words of wisdom for my own children. With both my parents deceased, Mother's Day and Father's Day feel sort of empty. It has been only in the past few months that I am able to finally have a picture of him out where I can see it every day. I find myself  still shopping for him when I least expect it, filing away the things I think he would have loved to have, and I would have loved to give him. Happy Father's Day Dad.

{Gift Card to Nike id}

{Beer basket $100}

{Bella Coffee Maker $50}

{Coleman Stainless Steel 54 Qt cooler $175}

{Hugs are always free}

Double Time

Nothing says "I'm a grown up" like a crop top am I right? Something so simple gets such a bad wrap. Of course we can thank Taylor Swift for making it new again, and giving it a touch of class. Even I have ventured where most would never tread. This lace crop from Forever 21 is perfect in that it isn't too tight and too short. Paired with a high waist anything, and you've got yourself a ticket to ride the wave of this trend. If you skipped it's first go around then step up to the plate and take a wack at it. You might be delighted to find that there are things that are better the second time around.

Top and shoes F21. Bag Zara (old), Sunnies Free People. Skirt Jcrew.

Toasted

Beef brisket is something I typically eat out where someone else has prepared it for me. The last time I had some it was in sandwich form and drenched in delicious BBQ. I was anxious to experiment with a different way of preparing and eating it that was quick and easy and no need for a drive anywhere just a tiny jaunt to the kitchen to combine the ingredients. Needless to say the result was pretty fantastic.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

stir together 1/2 cup salsa and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Place 8 pitas on a cookie sheet(s)

Spread the salsa mixture on each

Chop two sweet bell peppers and one medium onion 

divide between them evenly

Warm 1 lb smoked beef brisket 

Add to the pitas you've prepared

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. 

You can add things like avocado or tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese but if I am being honest with you this and a beer is all you need. 

What I've Been Crushing On

{Smiles for days}

{A little girl time}

{Off duty}

{Pool time}

{Don't mind if I do}

Aloha

I don't know about you but the end of the school year incites a lust for adventure, Not being on that strict schedule makes the days seem so much longer, and with the balmy air and warm rain permeating your senses, it is as if you boarded a plane for a place where the rivers run wild and nature wraps around your soul. Take all that and let's just call it Sunday for the rest of us, The perfect weather, The perfect morning light. It almost felt tropical, but without a doubt it was magical.

NeNe clutch. Windsor  romper. Old Anthropologie necklace. Ann Taylor wedges.

CRAP sunnies.

Summer has arrived.