What's cookin.....

I've been a bad blogger. Honestly, the tragedy in Japan makes me feel guilty about discussing purses, lipstick and the rest of it all. I know "life goes on", but situations like this really help you put things in perspective. Don't get me wrong, I still love all things beautiful and pretty and horribly expensive....I just felt it was good to take some time off. I have, however, kept things going in the kitchen. Here's what has kept me motivated to get on my treadmill:

Ms. Big boobs Pea Pesto Crostini. Don't just put this on crostini-a.k.a. bread that you could lose a tooth on---we have had it on salmon and tilapia. Yum. I also may have eaten it by the spoon full.

Chocolate Mint Pixies. Stupid good. And ridiculously easy to make. Not a fan of mint? Leave it out. I should be a life coach.

A very tasty THIN crust pizza dough recipe. My husband made this the other night and added fresh cracked pepper in the dough. Insane.

This BLEW my mind. I subbed spicy chicken sausage, and added more crushed red pepper.

Smitten Kitchen Toasted Coconut shortbreads. Just try to stop at two. Try.

NIfty Thrifty

I have been coveting a blouse by Equipment for quite some time. They can go casual or dressy, and the cut is super flattering. What's not so flattering is the almost $200 price tag. I just can't justify it--even with the versatility of the blouse. So, I began my hunt, and found these two gems at some local thrift stores. I am obsessed with them...just goes to show, when there's a will, there's a way.

7

Really, red?? 7 months? Why are you doing this to me? It's all happening way too fast.

I am trying not to be sad about how big you're getting, so let's focus on the positive:

You are STILL a dream baby....you sleep like a champion, and are so, so happy. Thank you, GOD!

Your hair is getting longer, and brighter. Get ready pigtails, here we come.

You are rolling over! Right on schedule!

I am able to get sweet potatoes in your mouth for 30 seconds before they fall right out.

You love to go for walks, which works out great with your tree loving brother.

I love you so so so very much. Happy 7 months my fair skinned little lady.

Adding to my list....

Jeana Sohn has an amazing blog. Her photos, friends, style, and recipes are always inspiring.

She recently started a new project called the closet visit, which I am beyond obsessed with.

Her most recent closet visit was Shiva Rose--I adore her style, and have for quite some time. She is a lover of all things vintage, and has an amazing sense of style. I was thrilled to find out through Jeana's blog, that Shiva started a blog of her own, The Local Rose.

It was on her blog that I found out vintage clothing isn't all that we have in common. Shiva is very big on local farming, organic eating, and also sings the praises of raw milk.

Her blog looks like it is just starting out, and I am so excited to stalk her daily!

One of these kids is doin' his own thing.....

You , my boy, continue to amaze me. We went to the zoo last Friday, and as soon as I took you out of your stroller, you were on a serious mission. I thought hat you were headed straight for the polar bears (where 50 some others were gathering). I couldn't have been more wrong. You went straight for this little shelter with picnic benches tucked inside. At first I though maybe you wanted to sit and have your snacks. You didn't. You just kept walking in and out of this covered area--as soon as you would get under it you would look up. And as soon as you got out of it you would look up You did this over and over and over for about 15 minutes or so...it gave me time to get your sister situated, and I wasn't thinking much of it....but then I realized what you were doing...you were looking at how the inside of the shelter was shaded, and the outside of the shelter was sunny. You were fascinated by it!! After my realization, I went over to explain to you how the sun gave the light and the shade gave the ..well, shade. You looked up at me and , then looked at the sun, and then the shade, smiled, and then were ready to move on.

It's these little moments that I want to remember forever.

Get your Shop Bop on!

Who doesn't love shop bop? And who doesn't love Mollie's blog???

Enter for your chance to win $100 gift card!!

These are a few of my favorite things.

This Chanel eye cream really does deliver. I put it on right when I wake up, and the puffiness diminishes. It isn't the most hydrating, so I usually have to layer a richer cream on top, but for something that helps me not to look like Rocky Balboa, I'm okay with layering.

The moments where I get to wear a heel are few and far between. I just bought these moccasins, and I love them. I think they are a great transitional shoe before busting out the sandals.

As I have mentioned many times before, I am a total tea junkie. One of my absolute favorites is Mate' tea. I discovered Republic of Tea's Mate Latte (which tastes EXACTLY like Teavana's Java Mate' for WAY cheaper, btw). I love the taste of coffee, but it rips my stomach apart. This tea gives me the taste without the tummy issues or the jitters. I usually get a craving for something sweet late afternoon, so I brew this tea add 1 packet of stevia, let it chill in the fridge, and drink it over ice with some vanilla almond milk. YUM.

NARS multiple stick in Luxor. I think I own every single multiple this man has ever created, and the latest one, Luxor does not disappoint. It is an iridescent pink that looks amazing as a highlighter, as well as under the eyes if you're fair. It really "perks" up my face and gives me a faux glow--great for those mornings where I don't have a ton of time to get ready, but don't want to scare the public.

I have been out of control lately hunting for vintage kid's clothing. I am so excited for Frankie to wear little romper's and dresses this summer.

Another tea obsession. My in-laws just got back from San Fransisco where they got me this amazing Pearl Jasmine tea from Ten Ren. It is seriously the best Jasmine tea I have ever had. Very flavorful and fragrant without being perfume-y.

Today

Four years. Four amazing years. So much has happened. We went from a long distance relationship, to moved, married, and two incredible kids in four years. Insane. God sure knew what He was doing.

I know it's beyond cliche' to say that you have taught me so much, but it's the truth. I am so proud of who you are, so proud of how you live your life on a daily basis, so proud that you're my husband.

I love you more than words can say.

Perfection.

It's no secret that I have an intense crush on Ms. Anna (See posts here, and here).

She is super inspiring, takes amazing risks, and dresses to impress. When I stumbled upon this picture on her blog, I drooled. She can do no wrong.

It's all in a name.

I guess if you're married to a dude named Mark, you'll look amazing.

Aside from Jessica, Cate, and Anne's first dress (the white w/ all the jewels), and her last gold fringe-y number (insane), these 2 are my FAVES!