Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Scout & Catalogue


Scout & Catalogue is back from their break and with beautiful limited addition "Scavenger Pouches" along with their ever so rustically lovely scarves. Scout & Catalogue is located in Toronto Canada and they are becoming a sensation. I see big things in their future! Scout & Catalogue are inspired by the simple bohemian beach culture in Mexico. They strive to make pieces that remind them of "afternoons at secret beaches, sun kissed skin and all day siestas." Browse their website here and visit their etsy shop.

xoxo,
Christina

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Veggie Fajita's








Yum! Veggie fajita's, served with refried black beans, fresh veggies, cheese, homemade guacamole and salsa verde. This combination is so fresh and satisfying, we have it practically once a week in my house hold.

Veggie Fajita's
2 red bell peppers
2 green bell peppers
1 large red onion
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt Pepper

In a large pan, bring light olive oil to medium heat add all the veggies and cook until the veggies start to sweat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then add in the remaining seasonings. Cook veggies to taste approximately 10-15 minutes.

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Refried Black Beans
1 can of organic black beans
1 garlic clove {thinly grated}
a few shakes of hot sauce {chalula}
1 teaspoon of cumin

Add two circles of light olive oil to a pan. Cook beans on medium high heat for about 15 minutes. Mashing with a potato masher every few minutes. Add in the garlic and remaining ingredients and cook until the beans come to a pasty consistency

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Homemade Guacamole
3 avocados
1 garlic clove {thinly grated}
1 tablespoon medium heat pickled jalapenos {diced}
1/2 roma tomato {diced}
1/2 red onion {diced}
juice of one or two limes
salt and pepper to taste

Combine and muddle if desired. I like to serve with organic blue chips.

Enjoy!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Ready for the Day


Stylish, primed, comfortable and ready for a successful work week! How was everyones weekend? Mine was very eventful as I spent the entire weekend in Florida visiting family. The trip was very pleasant and full of love. Now it's back to designing and fulfilling orders. I love that I can be excited about getting back to work. It's a gift to do what you love and love what you do.

Ready for the Day {Outfit}
Dress {Modcloth}
Blue Blazer {Nordstom}
Gold Flats {Zappos}
Gold Belt {By The Belt} Etsy Shop
Bag {Virginia Johnson}

Have an amazingly sparkly, happy, successful week!

xoxo
Christina

Friday, June 24, 2011

Gone to Florida



We are headed out this morning for a trip to the homeland a.k.a Tampa Florida. It will be a quick weekend trip, in on Friday and out again on Sunday. Never the less I’ll be visiting family and meeting my itty-bitty niece for the first time. Yay. Of course seafood and islandy drinks will be involved!

Those super fun sandals can be found at Nordstrom.

Have a beautiful weekend lovelies!

xoxo
Christina



Images via pinterest 

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Taking a Quiet Moment


Today I'm in the studio {aka my office} finishing up orders: wedding stationery, custom cards, etsy orders... and in the midst of it all, I've decided to take a quiet moment outside with some lemonade. It might only be 15 minutes, but that lovely time of solitude will be enough to restore me back to me. Which in turn will allow the rest of my day to be more rich and productive. As a side note, aren't the above flower stems a beautiful idea for stir sticks? I'm off now with lemonade in hand to enjoy my little quiet moment.

xoxo
Christina

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Pops of Colour


As the summer heats up and fashion moves along with it, I am loving neutral hues with vibrant spicy pops of color. It's fun fashionable and personally when I add pops of color to my outfit I feel that I bring a bit of sunshine everywhere I go and with it a smile to all it touches. Long live pops of colour!

Dot Quilt {Red Pepper Quilts} Bright Beaded Necklace {Modcloth} Yellow Flats {Urban Outfitters}


xoxo,
Christina

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Dreamy Delights


I'm currently in love with the food photography of Noel Barnhurst which is the photographer that took these amazing ice cream shots. He was able to capture every yummy detail: the rich creamy texture, the sweet melty nature, frosted bowls, down to the luscious specs of vanilla beans. Salivating yet? I also love how the photos capture a nostalgic nature to the ice cream by stripping the scene to focus on the creamy treats in their vintagely rustic serving dishes. Yes please!!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Pink Petals + Orange Slices


I'm loving this color scheme in decor and fashion for summer. Generally my eye is drawn to more neutral and earth tone colors for my own personal style but none the less I've done a fantastic job recently at branching out and adding more vibrancy to my wardrobe. I absolutely admire the above brightly vivacious colors in any and all design forms. So fresh!

I hope you have a brightly blessed week!


xoxo
 Christina 


all images via pinterest. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Summer Girls Night Out

Tonight, some girl friends and I are headed out for a much needed girls night out. The night will include: sushi, martini's, cute outfits, girl talk and dancin. What a beautiful combination! And I'm pretty excited about it!! Also on the agenda for this weekend is a house warming party, some light house and yard work {it's not glamorous but has to be done} yoga and maybe a movie... What are your plans for this summer weekend?

Outfit: Earrings {Banana Republic} Coral Mixed Bangle Set {Miss Selfridge} Nail Polish {Chanel La Vernis 'Riviera 537'} Jersey Linen Tank Dress {Alice + Olivia} Necklace {Jacqueline Kennedy Collection} Clutch {Anya Hindmarch} Tan Heels {Michael Antonio}

Have a fun and beautiful weekend!


xoxo 
Christina

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Toasty & Melty {Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil Sandwich}







Sunday we were in the mood for something toasty and melty. So to curb the craving, I made tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil sandwiches and they were to die! The basil was fresh from our little garden which made it amazing. But the ingredient that makes this combination outstanding is the balsamic reduction. I would have eaten three on my own but I only made one for each of us. I'll know better for next time. YUM!

Ingredients for Sandwich:
Fresh buffalo mozzarella
Shredded mozzarella
Roma Tomatoes
Lot's of fresh basil
Fresh garlic paste {spread on one side of the bread}
Freshly ground sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Reduction

Instructions for Balsamic Reduction:
The only ingredient needed is good quality sweet aged balsamic vinegar. The vinegar cooks down to less than a quarter of the vinegar you start with so, to a small pot, add four times as much vinegar as you'll need for your meal. Set temperature to medium and let mixture come to a light boil. Then turn to low and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes or until the mixture reduces down and becomes very thick and syrupy. Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pretty Packages


As a lover of beautiful packaging {it's all about the presentation, right?} I had to share these lovely finds.

Products: Preserves & Sweet Goodies {Tell Tale Preserve Company} Chocolate {Mast Brothers Chocolate} Gelato Bars {Bar Gelato By Naia} Nail Polish {Anthropologie} Tonics {Noble Handcrafted} Candle {Designed by Peter Gaskell}

Have a lovely day!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Summer Cutie

Love this look for summer. Cute, comfy and chic. I just bought a high wasted tie belted skirt and must add the above shorts to the mix too. How was everyones weekend? We had a casual dinner on Friday, went camping with friends on Saturday, yes with s'mores and the whole bit. Then on Sunday, I got my CPR/AED certification. Ready to save! That evening we made tomato, mozzarella, basil grilled sandwiches {pics to come} and watched a movie. Today, I'm finishing up some stationery projects and will be starting some new ones. I hope you all have a beautiful rest of your day!

Outfit: Blouse {Modcloth} Earings {Anthropologie} Shorts {Anthropologie} Watch {ShopMamie} Flats {Modcloth} Clutch {BCBGeneration} via Piperlime.

 xoxo
Christina 

Friday, June 10, 2011

An Afternoon Baby Sprinkle


 The Tea Sandwiches were to die!


Last weekend my lovely mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I hosted a baby sprinkle for my other sister-in-law. We had a baby sprinkle for her instead of a baby shower because my sister-in-law already has one child and wanted less of an ordeal and didn't need the "big" items like she needed for the first. So no games or trivia questions, no registry, but rather a simple & lovely afternoon tea gathering with all the close women in her life.

The Menu:
An afternoon summer tea

Four tea sandwiches:
  Goat Cheese with Olive Tapenade
  Fresh Apple with Almond Butter
  Egg Salad with No Mayo
  Roma Tomato and Fresh Basil

Vegetable Platter with Hummus
Cherries
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting {topped with cute white chocolate toppers hand made by my mother-in-law}

Refreshments:
Iced Black Vanilla Bean Tea
Iced Hibiscus Mint Tea
Iced Cucumber Water

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Happy Friday! What does everyone have planned for the weekend? After finishing up some orders today Hubby and I will find something relaxing to do this evening. Then tomorrow we head out with some friends for a camping trip! I haven't camped in years and am thoroughly looking forward to the one on one time with nature. 

Have a beautiful weekend lovelies! 
xoxo
Christina


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dip-Dyed LOVE


Dip Dyed items along with water color inspired items are rocking my world right now! I love the delicate gradient, horizon like feel it gives to any design medium. I feel a project coming on. And maybe even a new addition to the shop? That's all for now, more details to come soon!

All of these lovely images are of course by Martha and can be found on marthastewart.com along with DIY instructions.

Have a beautiful day lovelies!

Christina

Monday, June 6, 2011

All American Date Night

Beer {Veggie} Burger & Fries + Mini Golf






Friday night my sweetie and I went out for a low key date night. We headed to the retro, contemporary 24 diner for dinner. I went for the made in house veggie burger served on a soft challah bun with goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, arugula and lemon vinaigrette. YUM! Hubs opted for breakfast for dinner with a frittata. After  dinner we headed to Austin's only putt putt golf joint and had such a fun time acting like kids! I won the first nine, he won the second.

Have a lovely week lovelies!

Christina

Friday, June 3, 2011

Sunshine!


Sun, Sun and more Sun. That's the forecast for the entire weekend. So naturally I have to leave a little sliver of my day on Saturday for some fun in the sun. But the real highlight of the weekend will be family in from out of town. That mean's fun get togethers, outings and yummy food! And I'll be hosting a baby shower which I'm super stoked about!

'Pure Sunshine' Text Art is in the shop now! Twig & Lily
Those cute wedges are from Modcloth

Love & Light to you all!

Christina

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sweet & Pretty


As I sit at my desk today designing some lovely custom stationery for a client, I'm SO craving some delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches and I'm always craving fresh cut flowers. So I'd thought I'd share the craving with you.

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!

Love,

Christina