Instantly Smitten

nostalgia.

2010-04-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Kia is a fashion student, and you can see all of her gorgeous designs at Nostalgia.

P.S. This is completely unrelated, but I hate April Fool's Day. I'm always the one being pranked. Has anyone been pranked today or tricked anyone? I need an idea to fool my husband and it has to be convincing...

wedding wednesday.

2010-03-31T19:26:00.003-05:00

{melangerie}

Perfect for welcome gifts for out-of-town guests, a pretty way to thank your bridesmaids, package an emergency kit for the bride-to-be, or just carrying your groceries and farmer's market finds.

favorite finds from DC.

2010-03-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

So cute, so inexpensive, and the color reminds me of daffodils. f21.
These carrot cake Clifbars are amazingly good. They have more sugar than I normally eat in bar form, but they're almost as delicious as real carrot cake, and I have a hard time resisting homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (the full fat variety, of course).

Okay, I didn't actually find this in DC, but I've been in love with L'Oreal Go Clean face wash since Lyndsy raved about it. My husband even likes the little scrubber.

I'm admittedly picky when it comes to jeans. I'm missing more than a little junk in my trunk, and while I'm only 5'5'' my legs are as long as my 6' plus husband. Somehow these Hudson jeans bootcut jeans fit me perfectly. I'm definitely a Hudson convert now.

nothing like cheesy lip balm.

2010-03-29T18:36:00.002-05:00

Ewww. This makes me feel slightly queasy, and yet I'm still compelled to google it after I left Walgreen's.

P.S. Sorry I was missing last week. I was in DC for work. I could have lived without the traffic and motorcades in a tiny rental car, but I was able to spend some time with my best friend and her husband eating delicious food patio side and maybe drinking a little too much sangria, just maybe. How was your weekend? Have you spent anytime in DC?

what i'm currently

2010-03-18T19:13:00.004-05:00

I love this idea from Tiffany.

What I'm currently...
{reading}I just finished actually. This is such a beautiful novel. I enjoyed it as much and maybe even more than The Kite Runner. I need a new book for my long plane ride this weekend. Any suggestions?

{cooking}
Martha's couscous stuffed bell peppers. I substitute low fat sausage and whole wheat couscous. And if I'm feeling guilty about eating all of those Girl Scout cookies like today, I drizzle the top with Sriracha instead of the cheese.

Smitten Kitchen's salted brown butter rice crispy treats. I adore Smitten Kitchen's recipes, especially this slightly gourmet take on a childhood favorite. To die for.

{buying}
A little black and white dress. Hopefully it's as cute in person because months of wedding dress shopping taught me that those boob bows can be oh so unflattering at times.

This seersucker twirly skirt seems so versatile and comfy for the warm weather.

{coveting}

Dolce & Gabbana's Miss Brigette Satchel. Enough said.

wedding wednesday: emersonmade.

2010-03-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

I'm drooling over emersonmade's gorgeous hand stitched blooms. They're the perfect springtime accessories for brides and those who fall for everything pretty like I do.

primele calligraphy.

2010-03-12T07:30:00.001-06:00

Oh.my.goodness. I am beyond smitten with Patricia Mumau's gorgeous, whimsical calligraphy. Since I'm already married and not having a bebe anytime soon, now I just need to plan something fancy so I can mail beautiful envelopes like these.

For more lovely lettering, here are my other favorites:

-Michele Clark {our wedding calligrapher}

-Jenna Hein {love Kristina's black and white invitations and gocco'd coasters}

-Emilie Friday {I want, wait, I really need one of her address stamps}

not only for the eighties.

2010-03-09T17:45:00.003-06:00

{via.}

Is it a bad think that I'm in love with this big hair? Because I am. Never mind the fact that my post-gym hair is disgusting at the moment. I'm going back to having lots of blonde highlights on Friday. I'm so tired of my current color even though it's far easier to maintain. And since I'm talking hair, does anyone have any recommendations for a great dry shampoo? I think that may be a necessity with the humid summer months approaching.

the best part of waking up.

2010-03-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

Besides my husband, of course.

I'm seriously addicted to this protein shake I've been making for the past few months. I actually look forward to it every morning. It's surprisingly filling and more satisfying than a bowl of cereal.

Chocolate Banana Shake
8 oz. Silk Light Chocolate Milk
1 small banana, frozen (let it get really ripe before freezing)
1/2 scoop (15g) chocolate protein powder (I use EAS)

Calories: 260
Protein: 16g

What are your favorite foods?

currently coveting.

2010-03-04T18:36:00.000-06:00

{via.}

I love Dwell's gray and yellow Mandala bedding, and luckily it's affordable since it's from Target.

show and tell.

2010-02-28T16:16:00.006-06:00

1. Have you downloaded this image yet? It is oh so pretty and free!

2. Doilies and pom poms for the perfect handmade gift wrap. {via making it lovely}

3. Love these lamps. I'll take two please.

4. So maybe I'm on a taco kick, but this sounds so good.

5. Even though this is the one time of year you can get Girl Scout Cookies, I want to try these samoas bars. {Note to self- don't look at baking blogs on an empty stomach.}

6. Cute as a button letterpress coasters.

P.S. I can't decide- Are these cute or does the vinyl make them a little tacky?

nautical themed pashmina afghans.

2010-02-28T12:51:00.006-06:00

I'm a little late posting this, but I went on my first cruise. We started out in New Orleans, since I had never been. NOLA is a gorgeous city. It definitely felt more European than American, especially with the French and Spanish architecture. We ate so much great food, and since we walked for six to eight hours a day (not even exaggerating. I traded my heels for running shoes after the first day) I didn't feel guilty for indulging in beignets covered in pounds of powdered sugar or caramel vanilla bean pecan cobbler.

We left for the cruise on a Sunday evening and soon found out that our cruise was mainly Cajuns from across Louisiana who listened to the rural radio station (probably should have researched that before booking). And wow, Cajuns can drink. Our ship ran out of beer three times during the cruise. Cajuns without Bud Light are not happy people.

We went to Costa Maya Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan. We played with capuchin monkeys who were quite the pickpockets and stole both of my pearl earrings. We swam with dolphins and manatees (and apparently a jellyfish that left painful welts all over my bootay so I couldn't sit down for hours). We went zip lining through the jungle and inter-tubing through caves. We spent a lot of time on the perfect beaches in Roatan. The snorkeling was amazing there.

I have mixed feelings on cruising though. Cruising has its benefits. It's a relatively inexpensive way to travel. The restaurants, buffets and room service are all included, so you can easily eat your weight in food (which I did of course). It's difficult to get an in depth and authentic view of a country when you're there for less than eight hours. I found it slightly disconcerting to be in this cruise alternate universe where the same meals, shows, and destinations repeat week after week, but maybe that's just me. And the shows, they were corny. Almost laughable. I also didn't like not having any sense of the time of day while we were in our teeny tiny room. If we go again, I'd definitely splurge for a balcony or at least a porthole.

I don't know if our cruise experience is representative of the overall industry though. I mean, all cruises can't have drunk men eating in the formal dining room in coordinating lobster pajamas, right?

Has anyone else been on a cruise?

frugal friday.

2010-02-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

This has been the longest week ever. I think I'll start my Friday night with a pomegranate mojito and if I'm feeling really want to be wild, maybe I'll make these. Pomegranates are full of antioxidants, right? That should definitely counteract the rum and sugar. What are your plans for the weekend?

Now onto some frugal finds. 3/4 length sleeves are perfect for the transition into spring's warmer weather, and fortunately it spring is almost here in Texas. The second top would be adorable with leggings and flats. Are any of you still surrounded by snow?

{via f21}

{via f21}

{via tarjay}

Slim Aarons.

2010-02-22T09:00:00.002-06:00

via.

The oh so talented Slim Aarons spent his days photographing socialites, celebrities, and in his own words "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." What a terrible job. :) These images make me want to spend the day poolside in big black sunglasses indulging in cocktails and reading glossy magazines rather than under the fluorescent light of my 25 square foot cubicle. {sigh}

Here are some finds for the perfect day by the pool.

love this blog.

2010-02-20T15:31:00.005-06:00

I'm smitten with Mrs. Lilien's Styling House. She posts the most charming looks, clever finds, and she even rhymes! I love Mrs. Downtown and Mrs. In Wonderland.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. xoxo.

because it's friday.

2010-02-19T07:30:00.001-06:00

via.

all from piperlime.

I spent far too long last night looking for new wedges. Am I the only one who's anxious for the arrival of spring? Winter, I think it's time for you to move on. I'm ready for blooming flowers, bare feet on green grass, bright colors, and sandals.

P.S. Happy birthday, Daddy! {even though he doesn't read my blog}

fluffy pink hearts.

2010-02-16T20:22:00.008-06:00

"In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
~Paul McCartney
via.

Although I have mixed feelings on this commercialized holiday that oozes with everything red, heart-shaped, and sugar coma inducing, it's nice to have a reminder to always appreciate those you love. Ours was filled with crème brûlée french toast, good music, shopping, champagne out of plastic cups, and cake batter frozen yogurt (the calories never count on Valentine's day, right?). Stay classy, Texas.

birthday boy.

2010-02-15T09:00:00.001-06:00

One year ago today my nephew was born. Happy birthday, Tyler James! xoxo.

monograms.

2010-02-11T19:54:00.008-06:00

via.

via.

via.

via.

via.

I adore monograms and not only because I'm a newlywed. Monograms are an elegant and classic way to make something distinctively yours. {Just don't become the old man I know who exclusively wears monogrammed shirts and ties. We know your name, and no one is going to steal your clothes. Mmmkay?}

sugar rush.

2010-02-09T09:00:00.001-06:00

I must make these cupcakes again.

Maybe I'll bake minis so I can eat more of them without feeling so guilty? Although I doubt I'm capable of baking anything as beautiful as Aran.

via.

currently making me smile.

2010-02-08T19:51:00.008-06:00

via.

via.

via. I think life needs more picnics.

"Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible." ~Doris Lessing

red chile-rubbed steak tacos.

2010-02-06T14:08:00.000-06:00

Apparently drive-through taco diets are all the rage these days, so here's an alternative that doesn't involve Taco Bell's powdered meat. Since we're apartment dwellers and don't have a grill, I use a grill pan, which is easily one of my favorite kitchen inventions. I either serve the tacos with the avocado lime salsa mentioned below, guacamole, or mango salsa. Sometimes I like adding black beans to the tacos or I serve them on the side.

Recipe adapted from Ellie Krieger.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon chile powder (I use this)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
A pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/4 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
12 small corn tortillas, 5 to 6 inches in diameter (or whole wheat)
3 cups shredded red cabbage or lettuce
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 cups Avocado Lime Salsa, recipe follows

Directions
In a small bowl stir together chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks.

Grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve into thin slices.

Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, for about 30 seconds, turning once. Or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in cloth napkin or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm. Place the carved steak, warm tortillas, cabbage, cilantro, lime and Avocado Lime Salsa in serving dishes and let diners make their own tacos at the table.

Avocado Lime Salsa
1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)
2 avocados, cut into chunks
1/2 red onion, diced
2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
Salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 jalapenos, chopped, plus more to taste

Place cucumber, avocado and onion in a large bowl and add lime juice and salt. Add cilantro and jalapenos and toss gently.

Yield
2 cups (1 serving is 1/3 cup), 2 tacos per serving

valentine's gifts for him.

2010-02-04T19:23:00.005-06:00

Some love tokens for the Mr. Valentine in your life...

1. Razorantium Shaving Cream
2. Charging Station
3. Hidden Message Collar Stays
4. Money Clip Card Case
5. Perfect Button-Down Shirt
6. Car Toolkit
7. Cute Love Book
And I saved my favorite for last because I gave these silver locket cuff links to my husband on our wedding day. {insert collective awww! here} I think they would be a perfect gift paired with the collar stays.

P.S. I'm sorry for neglecting my blog this week. Is anyone else still recovering from the holidays? Five day weeks seem so long now. :(

eight months later and still wedding obsessed.

2010-01-31T09:00:00.001-06:00

pink+black

Okay, I admit it. I'm still obsessed with weddings. I tried to boycott all of my wedding related blogs after our wedding, but I just can't. I love these gorgeous pink and black Ariella Chezar floral arrangements featured on Snippet & Ink. Pink and black can be the perfect color palette for a romantic wedding. Anemones with their dark centers and the frilly petals of ranunculus are a pretty focal point for bouquets and arrangements. The monogrammed mugs are available from Anthropologie. I gave one to my best friend at her bridal shower with the initial of her soon-to-be new last name.

via.

via.

Friday frugal finds.

2010-01-29T10:30:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I enjoy alliteration; sometimes it annoys me. Oh well. On to more important things- here are a few of my favorite things that won't break the bank.

1. Rosebud Salve-$6. This has been around for-ev-er. It's the perfect shiny pink for lips and multitasks for moisturizing, irritation and diaper rash. 2. L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner- $6. Sulfate free, which is a must for those with color-treated hair (me!). I use the smoothing version, but I've heard good things about the volume formula too.It's much less expensive than the Aveda I previously used and smells great too (although I will admit that the husband does not agree with me).

3. L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara- $6.54. I've been on a hunt for the perfect mascara for years, and this might be my favorite so far. It's almost better than this favorite and 1/4 of the price.

4. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque- $4. Cleanses and shrinks pores all while allowing your family to reveal your monster-esque green camouflage to the Facebook world. Oh, wait...that only happens to me?

5. Merona Grey Gingham Women's Camp Shirt- $18. I bought this a few weeks ago and it is adorable and a fraction of the cost of J.Crew's check shirt. I heart the detailing on the buttons too. See it on Gigi.

Do you have any recommendations? Please share :)

currently coveting.

2010-01-28T15:00:00.000-06:00

hello, gorgeous!

pink pretties.

2010-01-26T19:01:00.000-06:00

Unlike Steven Tyler, pink has never been my favorite color. I tend to stick to more boring neutral shades, but since Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away, I'm finding myself gravitating to all things pink. Maybe it's time for spring (even though I can hardly complain on this 70 degree January day).

song of the week.

2010-01-25T16:40:00.000-06:00

Am I the only one who can't resist Kate Nash's adorable accent?

etsy finds: home

2010-01-06T22:34:00.000-06:00

How adorable is this ruffly pillow? via Hettle.

A gorgeous upcycled china clock. via FaireHoure.

Pillows with Kelly Wearstler fabric. via decorativeinstincts.

And of course a gorgeous aqua giclee print. via farouche.

football food.

2009-12-26T20:11:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have two very different tastes in food. He loves meat and anything fried, while I try to eat (key word: try) mainly fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. This recipe is a compromise because it hides lots of vegetables into one of his favorite foods, chili.

Turkey Chili
adapted from Shape

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground turkey breast
1 large carrot, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
2 sticks celery, diced
2 jalapeños, diced (or serranos if you like it spicy)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
1 yellow pepper,seeded and diced
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 28-ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato purée
2 1/2 cups water
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Red pepper sauce (I use either Tabasco or my favorite, Sriracha!)

Directions
In a large soup pot, heat half the oil over medium heat. Add turkey and brown for 5 minutes. Remove turkey and add remaining oil; sauté carrot, onion, celery, jalapeños, garlic, peppers, chili powder, fennel, and cumin for 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft and begin to lose their color.
Return meat to pan and stir in black-eyed peas; add crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for one hour (if you're in a rush you can probably shorten the cooking time to 30-45 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper sauce to taste.

You can serve it as prepared, garnish it with fat free sour cream, or add some Fritos and cheese for a Frito pie.

A 2 1/2 cup serving has 384 calories, but this is so filling, I normally eat half of that amount.

song of the week.

2009-12-22T18:06:00.000-06:00

John Mayer covering Tom Petty. Of course I love it.

books for the new year.

2009-12-19T15:50:00.000-06:00

Reading at Starbucks is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon, especially when the weather is terrible. I get easily distracted at home (thanks, internets and furry, four-legged monsters!) so spending a few hours with a latte and a book is a pleasant escape. Here are some books on my must read list:

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Eating the Dinosaur by Chuck Klosterman
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (can't believe I haven't read this yet)
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
A Thousand Splendid Sons by Khaled Hosseini
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Three Cups of Tea by Oliver Relin
Drive by Daniel H. Pink
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

What are you currently reading? Do you have any suggestions to add to my Amazon cart?

living.

2009-11-18T18:43:00.000-06:00

via.

well, hello!

2009-11-06T14:41:00.000-06:00

I finally caved and decided to start blogging. I'm a twenty-something newlywed living in Texas with the love of my life and our two amazing dogs. I hope to document our life as we make our apartment a home and control my shopping addiction by living vicariously through others' closets. We will see where this takes me...