love.love.love.

I have admired this etsy shop forever now... before I even had a baby girl. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the headbands and clips. I would buy every last one if I could. You should check them out here LouandLee . If you have a girl.... you should buy a lot!

These two have been long time favorites. I think they are a must for the little miss.

Drink of the Week

White Wine Sangria

This is one of my favorite summer time drinks. I am not very exact with my measurements. I usually add, taste, add taste, etc. So here is a rough recipe for my white wine sangria.

1 large bottle of pinot grigio (cheap is fine)

1-2 cups fresh lemonade

1-2 cups 7up or sprite

1/2-1 cup of triple sec

a couple tablespoons of sugar

1 or 2 lemons

1 or 2 oranges

strawberries or raspberries or blueberries for garnish

Mix together wine, lemonade, 7up, triple sec. Add sugar to taste. Squeeze 1/2 of the lemon and 1/2 of the orange and add juice to mixture. taste. Cut up 1/2 of the lemon and 1/2 of the orange and add to mixture. Use the berries as garnish.

want.

Orange Grove Table Runner from ElkHorn Design on Etsy.com

Spicing up my look

I love clothes. If I had a lot of money, I would be an amazing dresser. Currently, that is not the case... either of those two things. I need to work on updating my sad, sad wardrobe. I love this everyday, running errands/kick around the house look. Cute, simple, not fancy at all, but still put together. let's see, I own the pearls and a scarf similar in red... and well, that is about it.

You can find all the pieces here, put together by megggers3 at Polyvore (classes on friday's)

Freezer Bag Cooking

This is such good idea! I am going to do this when I have to head back to school... in less than a month. Ugh, how does summer go so quickly?

This is from Mama and Baby Love (this site is a little extreme for me, but love the idea).

Making crock pot recipes, putting them in freezer bags and then in the freezer. Veggies, meat, spices, and all. Then just pull it out of the freezer, let is sit for 30 minutes, stick in crock pot and cook all day.

Nothing like coming home to dinner made and very little effort!

Since the Rain is back...

I am not sure what the deal is with this weather! The rest of the United States has been experiencing the worst heat wave on record, and here we are in Seattle, with rain, AGAIN. What happened to yesterday's, amazing, 80 degree day?!?!

With that being said, here is a raincoat to match the rain. Love the Polka Dots in the hood.

Heritage Raincoat from Anthropologie

Hydrangea Cupcakes

I love baking, making cakes, and cupcakes. I think it is fun and challenging. I saw a picture of these and HAVE to try to make them. I think they are beautiful and would be perfect for a wedding shower. Thanks Glorious Treats!

So, I have a sewing machine. I am pretty sure my friend Heather has spent more time using it than I have. I have made a duvet cover with it and well, that is about it. I really think it would be fun to make cute dresses and such, for Ms. Ellie. I mentioned this to my mom, and of course, she decided this was a fantastic idea.... so she started making dresses for the grand babies. It is an art, what I am able to do, I get an idea... mention it to my mom and the next thing I know, it is made. Not by me, but her. Really, with that being said, I do want to start making cute things for the kids. Here is one of the super cute dresses I found, pattern and all! Thanks Craftiness is Not Optional!

Shabby Apple Knockoff Dress

*There are a ton of other cute dresses, shirts, etc... not just for kids either!

Bubbles

Rain or shine, but especially when the sun is out, my kids love bubbles. I have to say, Gymboree has the best bubbles hands down. But, here is a recipe for some homemade bubbles.

Bubble Recipe

4 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup hand washing detergent

1/2 cup corn syrup

Combine water and detergent. For stronger bubbles, add 1/2 cup corn syrup.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head

Apparently the Nordstrom's half yearly sale gets Seattle weather too. This raincoat and shoes are a must for a little mini. Love them both, but together, it might just be too much. A good mix and match.

Hatley Apple Print Boot: $20 at the saleHatley Apple Print Raincoat: $30 at the sale

Drink of the Week

Marta's Margarita

Delicious, simple and better than most

1 shot tequila
1 shot triple sec
1 shot fresh sqeezed lime juice or Rose's lime juice


Pour over ice. Enjoy.

Butter Dish

I have been in the market for a butter dish. Random, I know, but I really want one for some reason. I am pretty particular about what I am looking for. Here are a few that have caught my eye.

Tea and Toast Butter Dish from Anthropologie

Green Depression glass from Hyacinth Vintage's shope on Etsy

Hobnail Milk Glass from Palimpsette's Shop on Etsy

Love this idea...

Thanks for the idea Gusandlula!

I had something like this in my classroom two years ago, but not nearly as cute. I found it when putting around pinterest, a great way to waste time. I think this would be perfect in my boys room and it will be added to the "to do" list for sure!

Summer, Where Are you???

Since, summer in the Pacific Northwest has decided not to join us this year, I have been trying everything in my power to convince myself it is July and warm. This is one of my favorite, super easy, summer inspiring pasta salads.

Thanks real simple, for the real simple salad!

Recipe:

2 cups short pasta

2 cups spinach (I will sometime use basil for a different taste)

1 cup grape tomatoes cut in half

4 oz mozzarella cut into chunks

2 oz salami cut into piece

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoons white wine vinegar (when I use the basil, I don't add this and make the dressing)

Kosher salt and pepper

Super easy... cook pasta. Drain. Rinse with cold. Put in bowl. Add olive oil. Toss in other ingredients. Add Kosher salt and pepper. Done. (not exactly like the real simple recipe, they make a dressing out of the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper.... you can do it that way too.)

Hobby???

So, I thought I would start a new hobby. I am the type of person that hates just sitting around and doing nothing, so I figured with the few extra minutes in the day, I would work on this blog. Nothing special... just fun ideas, recipes, crafts, tips, and who knows what else.