Showing posts with label Things I Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things I Love. Show all posts

3.13.2014

Coffee Talk & Tea Time

I usually try to make my own coffee each morning and then use the office coffee pot for my refills. As much as I would like to visit a coffee shop each morning, I know that my budget and morning timeline could not handle it. With coffee shop java costing me an average of $3 per trip, plus standing in line behind the mix of high schoolers and corporate crowd, a daily trip just isn't in the cards for me. 

This week was a little different and I admit that I have visited a coffee shop almost everyday. With the weather constantly changing in Oklahoma, that means I have also had very different drinks this week. Depending on the weather I have two caffeine-boosting drinks that I can't get enough of. As of recently I have given up most dairy products (ice cream is my favorite exception) and have been staying away from milk as much as possible. I don't enjoy drinking my coffee or tea plain so I have been using milk alternatives and truly believe they make the drinks so much better.
While basking in the beautiful weather (78 degrees!) on Tuesday, I ordered an iced almond milk chai tea latte (from Whole Foods) to keep me cool and refreshed while running errands for work. There is nothing better than a chai tea latter when it is warm out and the almond milk only makes it more delicious.

On Wednesday morning the weather was cooler so I ordered my new, favorite cold-weather drink. A regular coffee with steamed soy milk (or more specifically at Starbucks, a "grande pike with steamed soy for Kathleen" in which they always spell 'Cathline').  I have been ordering this all winter and I think it is close to the perfect cup of coffee. I definitely like a little "cream" in my coffee with just a hint of sweet and that is exactly what the soy milk adds to the coffee. 

If you are looking for a new cold or warm-weather drink or need a great dairy-alternative cup of caffeine I would recommend both of these!


Keeping you caffeinated, no matter what the weather.

1.15.2014

Falafel and Baba

My sister and I are alike in so many ways. People say that we look alike and have the same mannerisms. We both love coffee, breakfast, blogs, baking, and now, calligraphy! When we shop together we usually end up in the dressing room with the same items and when we go out to eat we almost always want to order the same thing. We usually compromise and order different dishes so that we can eat off each other's plates, but there is one salad that we both order, no matter what, because we know that we won't share one bit with each other.

The Falafel Salad at Saturn Grill in Oklahoma City is a favorite for both of us. The mixed greens are topped with cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, onions, and crunchy falafels and served with tahini and red pepper sauce. Annie and I both clean our plates everytime, practically scraping up the bits so as not to miss a crumb. After enjoying this dish together last week, we decided to recreate our favorite salad at home for our parents. For dinner, we paired the salad with baba ganoush served with toasted pita and fresh cucumber slices.


I am sharing the recipe for baba ganoush today, but head over to Annie's blog for the rest of the meal. 

I used a recipe for baba ganoush from one of my favorite posts from Marshall's Abroad. I would love to make this entire mediterranean feast one day, although lamb is one meat that I have not attempted yet.
To add a kick to the original recipe for this eggplant dip, I sprinkled in a pinch or two of cumin and a small squeeze of a lemon to add flavor. It was easy and perfect with warm pita and vegetables!




Baba Ganoush
1 large eggplant {or 2-4 japanese eggplants}, charred
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons EVOO
pinch of salt
about 1 tablespoon tahini
Roast the eggplants in the oven or char them on the bbq until they're darkened. Cool in cold water and drain. Peel the skins off and pulse the insides in a blender or food processor. Add in the remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve! Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.



Wishing I could have this meal again tonight. 


1.14.2014

BEBE Calligraphy Workshop

Ever since I began working at a stationary shop I have wanted to learn calligraphy. When the chance to  take a Blue Eye Brown Eye calligraphy class in Oklahoma came about, my sister and I both jumped at the chance to be a part of it. 


 I was swooning the second I walked in to Chirps & Cheers (one of my favorite places!) for the class this past Saturday. Our personalized stations, the snacks, and decor could not have been more perfect. Not to mention that our teacher (Lauren) was the sweetest! As someone who has had to teach hand-writing in the past, I admired her patience while instructing the room full of beginners. 


My first attempts were rough but the art of holding the pen plus applying pressure at the right places got easier as time went on. I have been practicing every day since and am hoping that one day my calligraphy will look even half as good as Lauren's. 



One more reason to write handwritten notes!

1.08.2014

500

Today's post marks the 500th time that I have created something for this blog and sent it out for you to read and hopefully enjoy. I have been thinking about it for the last couple of days and it has been fun to remember all the locations where posts have come together; the various bedrooms I have had over the last three years, where I would plop down on my bed or at my desk to write, most likely with a cup of coffee or tea by my side. Blog posts have happened on airplanes, in coffee shops, in the back of a crowded lecture in college, and tons of napkins, post-its, and homework assignments have fallen victim of a creative moment and moments later are covered with notes and ideas for a post. 

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For my 500th post I thought I would revert to an old blog segment that I started during the first week of my blog. Things I Love Thursday was a weekly occurrence on A Peony for Your Thoughts and while it is not as frequent, it is still one of my favorite posts to put together. You can check out my first Things I Love post here.

The beauty of eating alone. (I have to admit that I don't hate it, even at restaurants!)

How fun would this be with friends? Baked Potato and Beer Night

16 Ways to Help You Fall Asleep (When all else fails I turn to my Badger Sleep Balm)

4 Can't Live Without Lip Colors

Being Authentic - this hits home for me

I have been wanting to try this cake for a long time. 

I love all of these resolutions.


There is a science to it. 


Here's to the next 500. 

11.22.2013

Have a Great Weekend

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I have been looking forward to this weekend since 6 a.m. on Monday morning. I have been overly exhausted and this change in the weather and the huge drop in the temperature are not helping my productivity. Despite being tired, I woke myself up early this morning to get things done (like this blogpost) so that I can move straight in to the weekend after the 5 o'clock quitting bell. Enjoy these links and the weekend!

Julia has been killing it with the outfit posts recently, but I loved her "LBD, Five Ways" post the most

This playlist, based on Marnie from 'Girls' has been on a constant loop on my computer

Just one more way to use pumpkin this season, Pumpkin Ice Cream Snickerdoodle Sandwiches

25% off winter favorites at J. Crew, I will take thisthis, and these


Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) Ideas and Decor

twist on your traditional turkey

I love the idea of winter whites - inspiration by two of my favorites, here and here

master bedroom makeover to swoon over

This is an all-too-accurate reaction to the greatness of Spotify

friend's wedding was featured on Style me Pretty! How gorgeous!

an interesting article about four unlikely lives that were changed that day. 


Happy weekend and may the odds be ever in your favor

9.12.2013

Links I Love Thursday

Just a few lovely links for your Thursday. I don't know about all of you but I feel like I have been stalking blogs, instagram, and twitter more than usual recently for posts and snapshots of New York Fashion Week. What a thrill it would be to be there!

Have a thrilling Thursday, it's almost Friday!
Classy in the City

This post and this one for all your Fall Fashion must-haves.


11 Untranslatable Words From Other Countries  I want to use all of these!

How to Read a Recipe I actually learned a lot from this
Classy in the City

I know summer shades are over but I am tempted to snatch up this tote for next year

I made this salad for dinner club on Sunday and it was a hit! We finished off dinner with these homemade drumsticks - another hit and completely nostalgic of my youthful summers!


Something to get your taste buds watering

Love this look by molly.

Linked in for inspiration. 

7.11.2013

Things I Love: Lele Sadoughi

I fell in love with Lele Sadoughi's jewelry when flipping through this month's Elle. If you happen to pick up the magazine, first turn to page 128 for some serious man candy. Armie Hammer. Swoon.
But before I came to the good-looking man, I spotted some of the most beautiful jewelry I had ever seen. I was immediately drawn to the mixture of pave crystals and natural stones of Lisa "Lele" Sadoughi's designs. All the jewelry seems to be statement pieces that are completely wearable in an everyday environment. 





It doesn't hurt that Lele got her start designing jewelry for J. Crew. It is clear why I am so smitten by her designs. As much as I love them all, I cannot stop thinking about this bracelet.
You can shop for and swoon over all of her designs here.

I love Things I Love Thursdays.

5.30.2013

Things I Love


It's Things I Love Thursday! I love this day and I love sharing these lovely things with you. This week was quite wonderful, starting out with a fantastic Memorial Day weekend in which I attended an emotional service to remember all those who have shaped our lives but are no longer with us. The rest of the weekend was full of some delicious food, including the pop-up restaurant by the OK Chef's Relief event in OKC. There was thrice cooked bacon... that is a piece of bacon cooked three different ways... Simply frying it will never be good enough after that. 

In preparation for a little beach vacation (and wedding!) this weekend, I got my hair and nails done earlier this week. While letting my color process at the salon, I was flipping through a magazine and read an intriguing article about new trendy diets. One diet that particularly caught my eye was called "Cookies for Breakfast" and it recommends eating your biggest meal in the morning and incorporating cookies. Supposedly it helps curve those sweet cravings later in the day, but really who cares the reasoning if you get to eat cookies for breakfast. I love cookies. 

A few other things that I love...

A lesson on Peonies

A post on signature scents, including those that we loved when we were young. Not only did I love Gap Dream, but Clinique Happy was my real 7th grade signature scent. I even had a roll-on applicator for my sequin purse.


Summer Fashion// The perfect summer outfit and the best way to dress up those cut-off shorts


Who is buying me this shirtHoly swoon...

I started the "cookies for breakfast" diet this morning. 

5.16.2013

Things I Love

It's Things I Love Thursday and goodness, I love so much. It is one of those times when I love everything that I see in stores, online, and on blogs. This always happens when a new season comes along because the colors and styles are new and different. I am officially ready to swap out all my jeans for shorts and my leggings for dresses. I am ready to retire my dark bags for bright and cheery totes and all of my red and purple nail polishes have been replaced with pastels and neon hues. Summer is here and I am loving it all! 

May Must Haves

3.27.2013

Mid Week Update

I had planned on blogging every day this week until my plans hit a bump in the road. Well actually a truck in the road hit my car, leaving me with a dent, without an automobile, and car-pooling middle-school-style with my mom the last couple of days. So since I have been at home with my parents all week, I also have been without internet, as theirs was down until Tuesday afternoon. Not to worry, because all is well now! I have internet and my fingers are double crossed that my car will be ready tomorrow afternoon.

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Here is what has been happening, what is currently happening, things I have learned, and things I love.
  
things i love
 There have been some serious good blog posts already this week. I have been in love with Cupcakes and Cashmere for years and this blog post by Emily is so real and fun (and brave!). Bee is looking stunning again in her girly, French inspired post. And Camille shared exciting news in her post, Read All About It. If I was being completely honest, it would be my dream (20 years down the road) to write a book and just share all the lovely things from life. I think at that time I would have many pages of things that are too sweet not to share. 
things i have learned
 This week I learned that life is far too short. Every day is a chance to live and love and that should never be forgotten.
things that have been happening
 I (finally) got my hair done today. I was feeling so much inspiration to chop off my long locks like Julia recently did. But once I sat in that swivel chair I heard myself saying those familiar words "oh, just a trim". So here I am feeling refreshed with clean ends and shiny color but I can't help thinking "what if?". I usually am pretty fearless when it comes to my hair (which explains dying it brown, red, pink and blue, as well as chopping off ten inches in high school), but I think maybe I will think about cutting my hair for a little longer and do some research on short hair styles before I make the big chop. 
things that are currently happening
I am watching the timer slowly count down until some delicious banana bread comes out of the oven. It is a wonderful recipe that my mom has been making for years. I made the banana bread tonight and am hoping it turns out as well! It makes the perfect evening snack and I will go to sleep on Tuesday night, excited to wake up and enjoy it again with my morning coffee. 
Live and love. Every day and always. 

2.11.2013

V-Day Fun and Links

Either your favorite or least favorite holiday is happening this week. Whether you will be spending this Thursday with girlfriends (like I did last year- we watched First Wives Club and ate copious amounts of chocolate) or with your sweetheart, these links from some of my favorite blogs will provide you with fun ideas for this holiday. Regardless of your feelings towards this day, it gives you a great excuse to eat sweets, drink wine, and dress in flirty pink and red.  



Valentine's Day Dress

Valentine's Day DIY

Valentine's Day Fun

Valentine's Day Sweets

Have fun, lovers!

2.04.2013

Febru-Any {+Link Love}

I had to name this post after one of the many Super Bowl commercials that aired last night. The Subway ad that inspired this blogpost title had me giggling and then prompted my family's own attempt to say "Febru-Any" without sounding ridiculous. Even though it is already the 4th of February I wanted to start the month by sharing some of my favorite things- swoon-worthy sweets, new blog crushes, and even a video about Russians and their tall hats.

These heart bowls from West Elm have been all over the blogs in the last couple of weeks- so it is no surprise that when I went to find them on this Monday morning, they would be no longer available. Typical Monday morning move by West Elm. For that reason I am especially loving J. Crew who still has these beautiful earrings in stock. I love the combination of colors and texture that would be sure to liven up any outfit. Speaking of outfits, how badly do I want to be wearing the outfit above? Even if it is going to be warmer today in Oklahoma, I know that I will still be freezing and that sweater and fur scarf look wonderful. Valentine's Day is officially next week and if you haven't yet made dinner reservations then why not cook at home? Making homemade pizzas, like this chicken caesar salad pizza, is not just delicious but fun- especially when you actually make the dough and throw it in the air like you a real dough man. 

More Link Love
This video had me laughing out loud

More ideas for cooking in on Valentine's Day

To & From Valentine's Gift Guide (which you can send to your sweetie anonymously with certain items starred- genius!)

I love this sandal for Spring.

I couldn't come up with my favorite Super Bowl ad, so I have been re-watching them all here.



Blog Crushes
Love and Olive Oil - plus a great giveaway!










Let's just make it to Tuesday.

1.30.2013

Things I Love


I fell in love with these initial lucite letters when I first saw them on my favorite blog, Fabulous K. A single letter would add a touch of personalization to any surface and two would work perfectly as book ends on a shelf. Valentine's Day is coming up so if you are swooning for one of these letters then I would start dropping hints now. You can send the link to my blog or just leave the Tory Burch website open on every computer in the house. Whatever you have to do to make it happen!

I'll make room for all three on my shelves. 

1.11.2013

Happy Weekend!


Happy Friday everyone! Pardon me if I want to belt out in song a certain YouTube hit by Rebecca Black to celebrate this day!
Enjoy these links to get you through the day and in to the weekend.


This necklace is divine and it's on sale!

Quvenzhane Wallis is adorable and apparently pretty talented

I love the winter white


So many goodies at The Glitter Shop

Exciting news in music

Fashion predictions for the golden globes

Working on my New Year's Resolution to eat more fish


Smart forks - what will they think of next

Such a fetch acceptance speech


Do you have this app yet?

Photo of a perfect weekend pairing
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Have a fabulous weekend!

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