Dace Looks

I came across this brand Dace the other day and found it to be so feminine and lovely. The fabric looks as though it just kisses the skin. I kinda want all of these!

I couldn't resist posting a few more looks...

I read a little on the history of Dace and the company was launched by designer Dace Moore who started the company all on her own amongst humble beginnings. I am always inspired by strong women who use their creative spirit to build a successful and beautiful life for themselves.

Fettuccini with Zucchini Ribbons

One of last weeks dinners: Fettuccini with Zucchini Ribbons served with Cherry Tomato Basil Salad.

Fettuccini with Zucchini Ribbons
12 ounces fresh Fettuccini pasta
1 large or 2 medium zuchinni {slice into ribbons}
2 garlic cloves {grated}
2 tbps organic butter
1 cup organic whole milk
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh parsley {chopped}
2 pinches nutmeg
coarsely ground black pepper to taste
extra virgin olive oil


Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta as directed.


Bring a medium sized pan to medium low heat. To the pan, add a circle of extra virgin olive oil and saute  the zucchini ribbons for 4-5 minutes or until they are slightly translucent. Remove and set aside.


To that same pan, add the butter and garlic and sauté the garlic for 3-4 minutes. Lower heat to medium low and add in the flour and milk, combine and cook for  3 minutes. Add the cheese and nutmeg to the cream mixture and stir in the shape of a figure eight until the cheese is melted.


Add the zucchini to the cheese mixture then drain and add the pasta. Stir and combine all ingredients.


Serve on a warmed plate and top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Cherry Tomato Basil Salad 

20 cherry tomatoes {halfed}

8 basil leaves {diced or torn}

1.5 turns of extra virgin olive oil

2 splashes of sweet aged balsamic vinegar 

sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients to a bowl. Stir and serve!

Colour Combo {Rose & Mustard}

Colour Inspiration. {Color spelled the European way is so much more chic!}

Opposite one another on the color wheel, rose and mustard or {pink and yellow} are a gorgeous and soft color combination that speak sweet nothings when paired together in the right way.

images via pinterest

One Night at Lost Pines

This past Friday, my husband and I took a lovely one night getaway to Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa. Located just outside of Austin in Cedar Creek TX, it was only a 30 minute commute for us. Although the trip was short, once on the property we felt worlds away. This resort has a wonderful mixture of luxury amenities amongst rustic simplistic beauty. We strolled around, laid by the pool, roasted marshmallows, dined on champagne and pizza and gazed at the stars. The next morning we took a little hike on one of their many nature trails and then packed and headed back to our life.

I tell you, there is no better way to re-connect with oneself and the ones you love than to be with nature.  

Something Blue

As we head into the weekend I thought I'd post a collection of things that make me feel homey and happy.

Handmade Organic Turkish Bath Towel from AllOrganicTextiles. Flower arrangement by WOW Factor Floral in Wimberley TX. Vintage Mason Jar from Solstice Home. 'Hello Beautiful' Flat Note Stationary Set by Twig & Lily.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Wall Flowers

Now that I am an avid Etsy user, I'm fortunate to come across so many smart and beautiful handmade things on a daily bases. Below are just a few of my finds that I think when grouped together would create a handsomely whimsical space.

'Flock Ceramic Wall Art' and flower 'Grace Porcelain Wall Sculpture' from Prince Design UK. Removable tree wall decal from Homedecal.

Italia

Last September my husband and I took a 10 day trip to Italy. It had been an adult dream of mine to travel to Europe, specifically Italy and the trip was truly a dream come true. We traveled to Venice, Florence and Rome, in that order. We did 2 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Florence and 4 nights in Rome. I was inspired by everything I saw and experienced during our time in those three lovely cities. The food, lifestyle, music, art, history, beauty, everything touched me in a deep way and I am forever changed and inspired. Thank you Italia!

There is so much more to say and to show about our inspirational trip to Italy. More details about the trip to come in future posts. Arrivederci!

Spring Dress

These spring dresses from Madewell are so cute! I love that they look super feminine but have a hip comfortable edge. They would look great with sandals, flats, wedges or even a light pair of boots.

I love Spring!

Frittata with Sweet Potato Hash

This past Saturday I was making my usual oatmeal and somehow ended up burning it. Yikes! Not wanting to mess with the oatmeal process again and seeing how it was almost brunch time, I rummaged the fridge for items for an impromptu brunch for the hubby and I. We had a left over baked sweet potato, eggs, red bell pepper, whole grain bread and some other ingredients. From those key items was born our 'Red Bell Pepper, Feta, Basil Pesto Frittata' with 'Sweet Potato Hash'.

Red Bell Pepper, Feta, Basil Pesto Frittata

4-5 eggs (organic, free range)
1/2 of a red bell pepper (diced)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 full tbsp feta cheese
squirt of spicy dijon mustard
small splash of milk
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

In a skillet add one tbsp of butter, cook the diced red bell pepper on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. In a bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together thoroughly. Add the egg mixture to the pan and turn the heat to medium low. Let sit for 5-8 minutes until the eggs have set at the edges. Finish with a dollop of basil pesto and a sprinkling of feta.

Sweet Potato Hash

one baked sweet potato (chopped into pieces)
1/2 red onion (diced)
olive oil

cumin
paprika
cayenne pepper
dried thyme
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Set a skillet to medium heat. Add one or two turns of the olive oil to a pan and add in the sweet potato pieces. Add in a dash of each seasoning. Cook for approximately 5 minutes and add in the diced onion. Cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the potatoes are browned.

Note: You could use uncooked sweet potato for this recipe, just cook for 10-15 minutes longer.

Enjoy!

For Japan With Love

So Succulent

I am and have always been in love with succulents. They remind me of vibrant sea anemones that somehow ended up on land.  And I am so excited and inspired by all the lovely ways people have started to use them. These Succulent photos are curtsey of SucculentsGalore an amazingly delicious etsy shop!

The colors of these succulents are so rich and vibrant. I particularly love the sage green succulents paired with soft cream or red roses. Or better yet white peonies. Just beautiful! Here are two more pics: bridal bouquet and party favors. LOVE.

Green with Love

I love green, in fact it's my favorite color. To me, green feels fresh, natural and alive. In light of St Patty's day, here are a few green items that I love, including an Irish Blessing card from my shop.

Purse from Zara. Fabric flower brooh from RiRiFisch. Cotton Jacket from Banana Republic. Irish Blessing Card from Twig & Lily. Floral Pillow from MyFriendEmily. Organic Lemon Balm from Twig and Leaf Botanical.


Happy St. Patricks Day!

Let it Shine.

This stationary and art was inspired by the freshness and promise of spring. Let it shine! 

Posted in the shop today. 

Twig & Lily

Ok here we go! I've been meaning to start a design, lifestyle, inspiration blog for some time now and must be inspired by the newness of spring because today I've decided to finally create this blog. I am an Advertising Professional turned Yoga Instructor turned Stationary Designer slash Yoga Instructor. I’m inspired daily by love, life, nature, beauty, grace the creative spirit and all the blessings that come with the gift of everyday. This is where I will catalogue all the random and lovely things I love.