The Little Things: Memorial Day Edition

(Patriotic Sunset)

Today is a day we step back and reflect on those big things special people do for us so we can enjoy the little things. Little things like cookouts, cupcakes, candles, and candy (complete conscience that all of those things start with C by the way). Little things like freedom, rights, family and friends. Although I'm working most of the day today, I'm looking forward to a quiet evening grilling out with my boyfriend. We're playing it simple; no fancy decorated desserts (although I did make a cake) or elaborate table settings. But even those special little moments can truly honor the men and women who have given everything so we can enjoy a nice evening. Thank you, and Happy Memorial Day!

(Cookout Ideas)

(Festive Fruit)

(More fun cookout ideas)

(Decorated Table)

My Very First Blog Award!!

Today I received my very first blog award. The lovely and talented Marissa over at What Makes Me Happy, gave me the Versatile Blogger Award. It really made me smile. I love trying new things, whether it be trends, food (probably my favorite thing to try), DIY projects, or fashion, and I LOVE bringing it all together in this blog. So thank you Marissa, for sharing this award with me. And now to pass it along to some of my favorite blogs.

 Clicked and Captured

For The Love of Cooking

How Sweet It Is

Misplaced Sequins

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!

Trending: Shatter Nail Polish

I have found a word for my addiction; I'm a Polishaholic. It's true. I get edgy when my nails aren't painted, and I dream about colors and trends. I stock up on nail polish like those people in TLC's Extreme Couponing (love that show by the way). But anyway, in my new found admittance, yes I've accepted what I am, I have found a new trend that I'm pretty much obsessed with. Enter the shattered color look. So far I've found three brands that offers this trend. I tried China Glaze Crackle last week and loved it. I'm excited to try new colors a little more summer appropriate! You might also want to try the OPI Shatter or the Sally Hansen Shatter. 

The Little Things

(A growing headband obsession)

Today was a glorious day. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the water was refreshing. I spent the day in St. Petersburg, Florida (pictures soon, I hope) cruising the Gulf on a boat. It was a wonderful way to spend a weekday and a much needed break from the office. Now to tackle the mess on my desk, but I like organizing, so I included a picture at the bottom. Lots of little things to keep me going, but a big adventure at sea is nice too.

(A summer classic)

(A little reminder of where I'm going)

(A new project to tackle: organizing my desk...)

Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream

Yep, I used these ingredients again. I told you it may seem repetitive, but this is the last one for a while. I used this recipe to spice up my tacos and it turned out wonderful. The creamy and tangy flavor was a perfect addition to an already wonderful dish. I think it would stand great on it's own too for a dip. Soooo good!

Pini-Martinis

Happy Friday! What better way to end the long week than with a sweet drink pick-me-up? My sister and I were enjoyed  these pini-martinis after a refreshing day at the pool. It's a simple twist on a summer classic and was the perfect way to spend a warm evening. Just omit the blended ice, add the pineapple juice (and rum of course) and shake!

Summer Days To Come

Today is my only day off this week, and I am taking advantage of the sun and dreaming of summer days. It's not hard when you're by the pool all day, which is exactly where I am. It's actually quite wonderful! And while I'm here, I'm thinking of all the beautiful summer dresses I could add to my closet to embrace the season. It's coming up quick and I can't wait to get ready! Maybe one of these picks will make it into my wardrobe. 

Ann Taylor Strapless Georgette

Forever 21 Spring Floral Sundress

Zara Printed Tunic

H&M Summer Dress

Cilantro-Lime Rice

I do apologize for the next few recipes, because while they are wonderfully delicious, they are entirely repetitive. After the Cinco de Mayo feast I made last week, I found myself with an overwhelming amount of limes and cilantro left over. This is great because I love these two ingredients and I've had fun trying new foods with them. This is also unfortunate (kinda) because you may become bored with my recipe selection this week. I hope not, because who doesn't love Mexican food? I certainly loved this painfully easy side dish. So simple, so filling, so tasty. 

Needing a Smile?

Remember my obsession with YouTube? It's actually an awfully entertaining habit that, as you'll recall, takes up hours of my time. Some nights I drag my boyfriend into this habit and we spend evenings taking turns picking videos. And usually, we spend those hours looking at kittens. I know, I know... it's incredibly lame, yet wonderfully hilarious! Here's a few that just crack me up every single time!

(Kitten Jump Fail)

(Ceiling Fan Cat)

(Stalking Cat)

Until We Meet Again

Photo courtesy of Colorado Springs Tribune

Lame, Blogger, for being down all week! All will be resumed next week, I'm sure. Until then, take time to smell the flowers. Yes, I used a cliche line, but it's spring and you totally should! See you Monday!

Campbell's Comfort

On nights that I don't particularly feel like cooking (almost every night), I'm very thankful that my boyfriend has simple tastes. Of everything I've made: steak dinners, pasta dishes, and a plethora of sweet treats, this easy dish from Campbell's is his favorite. Back in California we had this meal at least once of week, and the other night I thought I'd make it for old time's sake. The creamy texture mixed with the warm biscuits certainly make this meal a comfort food, perfect for a lazy weekday evening. 

The Little Things

(Girls night; party of one)

Oh the little setbacks that can almost ruin otherwise perfectly wonderful evenings. This week I had my fair share of them, but my wonderful boyfriend reminded me that everything has a way of working itself out. He, of course, was right. And it's great to know those big moments that shake spirits are easily calmed by the simple joys of the little things.

(An adorably chic martini shaker (and even more wonderful because it was only $2! I love bargains!))

(Fresh ingredients for a Mexican inspired meal)

(A soft graduation present from my Uncle)

Margarita Cupcakes

Cinco de Mayo! My roommates and I opted to have a quiet evening with tacos, chips and salsa, friends, and these amazing margarita cupcakes. I've wanted to try these out for quite a while now and what better time than the day of Mexican freedom. Plus, the evening was wonderful with tequila lingering in the air. I followed this easy recipe and would definitely recommend these cupcakes any time this season. The light, citrus flavor is perfect for the summer sun, which is probably where I am going to finish this bottle of Jose.