chance

While it still may be chilly here in Pittsburgh, I cannot help but dream of sunny days at the beach or by the pool.  Every summer I use to check out beach towels trying to find the perfect one... this summer, I think something fun and classy is a must! Wouldn't one of these Chance towels be perfect?

I think I'd have to go for the "reserved" one... it would make me feel very important.

chance

While it still may be chilly here in Pittsburgh, I cannot help but dream of sunny days at the beach or by the pool.  Every summer I use to check out beach towels trying to find the perfect one... this summer, I think something fun and classy is a must! Wouldn't one of these Chance towels be perfect?

I think I'd have to go for the "reserved" one... it would make me feel very important.

mka.

Ready for this? Don't judge. {I mean you McJudgerson out there} I kind of love the Olsen's.  My high school girls and I use to watch the corny movies on girl's nights and rainy days... often.  Honestly, I don't think anyone within a few years of my age can really, truly, honestly say they don't have a softspot in their heart for these two.  So when I saw these shots over at Vogue, I had to stop and smile.

So be honest, aside from some of the press they've gotten, aren't they just adorable?  I'm not going to lie, I may have to watch one of those old cheesy flicks just for good measure now.



{photos by bruce weber}

mka.

Ready for this? Don't judge. {I mean you McJudgerson out there} I kind of love the Olsen's.  My high school girls and I use to watch the corny movies on girl's nights and rainy days... often.  Honestly, I don't think anyone within a few years of my age can really, truly, honestly say they don't have a softspot in their heart for these two.  So when I saw these shots over at Vogue, I had to stop and smile.

So be honest, aside from some of the press they've gotten, aren't they just adorable?  I'm not going to lie, I may have to watch one of those old cheesy flicks just for good measure now.



{photos by bruce weber}

vintage {cornered} tuesday

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Typically when I share a new vintage item with you, it is because it is something I want for myself! I've always loved corner shelves and I think they are just so practical! This one from Vintage Jane especially caught my eye. Now, to find some corners in the apartment to put it in...

vintage {cornered} tuesday

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Typically when I share a new vintage item with you, it is because it is something I want for myself! I've always loved corner shelves and I think they are just so practical! This one from Vintage Jane especially caught my eye. Now, to find some corners in the apartment to put it in...

monday {curious} motivation

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We keep moving forward , opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

Walt Disney

monday {curious} motivation

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We keep moving forward , opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

Walt Disney

saturday {snapshot}

Another Saturday Snapshot linking up to yellow songbird! This is one of my most favorite pictures that I've taken... not just because it looks gorgeous (because it is, isn't it?!?) but also because it is my FAVORITE spot to be in the entire world.

I know a few of you know where this is... but for the rest of you, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina! It is the little island that holds so much of my heart. I fell in and out of love there, more than once. I was married there. My faith as I know it now began there. I've spent countless days and nights on those beaches. Words cannot express my love for that tiny little island... if you've been there, you understand.

saturday {snapshot}

Another Saturday Snapshot linking up to yellow songbird! This is one of my most favorite pictures that I've taken... not just because it looks gorgeous (because it is, isn't it?!?) but also because it is my FAVORITE spot to be in the entire world.

I know a few of you know where this is... but for the rest of you, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina! It is the little island that holds so much of my heart. I fell in and out of love there, more than once. I was married there. My faith as I know it now began there. I've spent countless days and nights on those beaches. Words cannot express my love for that tiny little island... if you've been there, you understand.

happy {much needed} weekend!

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I'm so praying that this is my last weekend... this week has been so stressful, long and slow. I need some serious relaxation.  I feel like I say that every weekend, but I don't know if I've ever meant it as much as I do this time. This weekend though, I don't want to lay around reading and catching up on old shows.  I'd like a date, a successful early morning grocery shopping trip {we haven't had food in over a month}, a clean bedroom, and some quality sewing and crafting time. If all of that happens, I believe I will be nice and relaxed and ready to start anew on Monday.

happy {much needed} weekend!

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I'm so praying that this is my last weekend... this week has been so stressful, long and slow. I need some serious relaxation.  I feel like I say that every weekend, but I don't know if I've ever meant it as much as I do this time. This weekend though, I don't want to lay around reading and catching up on old shows.  I'd like a date, a successful early morning grocery shopping trip {we haven't had food in over a month}, a clean bedroom, and some quality sewing and crafting time. If all of that happens, I believe I will be nice and relaxed and ready to start anew on Monday.

a few of my faves

Big thanks to Brandi for her wonderful guest post yesterday. I have been so bogged down this week {if you didn't notice by my lack of post on Tuesday} and it was such a help to have her around! Anywho, I realized that I haven't shared some of my favorite etsy finds with you in like... forever. I promise I will do so more often! Here we have it for today...

This bracelet from Cotton Lane. l-o-v-e. I just got mine in the mail yesterday! I also love this one.

These rosette barrettes from along for the ride.  One of these is certainly my next purchase... I just have to decide on the color I want!

This fun checkbook cover {that I would use to collect receipts in} from Alexandra Rose. I also love these, but have no use for them just yet!

Do you have any favorite shops out there? I'm always itching to find something new and fun and to support the handmade community!

a few of my faves

Big thanks to Brandi for her wonderful guest post yesterday. I have been so bogged down this week {if you didn't notice by my lack of post on Tuesday} and it was such a help to have her around! Anywho, I realized that I haven't shared some of my favorite etsy finds with you in like... forever. I promise I will do so more often! Here we have it for today...

This bracelet from Cotton Lane. l-o-v-e. I just got mine in the mail yesterday! I also love this one.

These rosette barrettes from along for the ride.  One of these is certainly my next purchase... I just have to decide on the color I want!

This fun checkbook cover {that I would use to collect receipts in} from Alexandra Rose. I also love these, but have no use for them just yet!

Do you have any favorite shops out there? I'm always itching to find something new and fun and to support the handmade community!

guest post {grilled pizza}

Hello again, everyone! It’s Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary and I’m back with another post – a food post. Last September, I started a second blog, Pizzelles, that focuses entirely on food. I couldn’t help it – I love cooking and baking and trying new things. I could just direct you over there for some delicious recipes, but I decided to write something special for you (and Kate) today.

One of my absolute favorite things to make just as the weather starts to get warmer is grilled pizza. Honestly, I even considered pulling the barbecue inside so I could grill pizza all year round, but my understanding is that’s a bit of a fire hazard.

This is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I know. You’ll need some pizza dough (check any local Italian bakeries – they’ll make it best if you don’t want to make it yourself) and your favorite toppings.

You’ll also need a good rolling pin to get the dough flat after you stretch it out, and a pizza peel. You might be hesitant at first to buy a pizza peel, but trust me, it’s a fantastic tool to have around, makes this whole process much easier, and will look fantastic on your wall!

Grilled Pizza
(adapted from Alton Brown)

Heat the gas grill to high. Make sure all the grill grates are clean and have no debris on them. Stretch the dough out on a floured surface and transfer it to the floured peel.

Decrease the grill heat to medium. Rub the grill grates down with olive oil. All you need is an old kitchen towel rolled up and tied with string; brush it with olive oil and use that to oil the grates.

Brush one side of the pizza with olive oil and place that side onto the grill. Leave room to roast some sliced tomatoes on one side (this is so much better than regular sauce). Close the lid and wait about 1-2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the bottom of the pizza is golden (or as you like it).

Pull pizza off the grill will the peel, oil side that was facing up and flip back onto the grill again, oiled side down (you’re cooking both sides). Remove tomatoes from grill and place them on pizza, smashing them down. Add mozzarella cheese on top and any toppings that may need to cook. (You can also grill additional toppings as you grill the tomatoes.) Close lid and wait another 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown and cheese has melted.

Serve immediate and enjoy.

Fantastically simple, no?

{all photos by Brandi}

guest post {grilled pizza}

Hello again, everyone! It’s Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary and I’m back with another post – a food post. Last September, I started a second blog, Pizzelles, that focuses entirely on food. I couldn’t help it – I love cooking and baking and trying new things. I could just direct you over there for some delicious recipes, but I decided to write something special for you (and Kate) today.

One of my absolute favorite things to make just as the weather starts to get warmer is grilled pizza. Honestly, I even considered pulling the barbecue inside so I could grill pizza all year round, but my understanding is that’s a bit of a fire hazard.

This is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I know. You’ll need some pizza dough (check any local Italian bakeries – they’ll make it best if you don’t want to make it yourself) and your favorite toppings.

You’ll also need a good rolling pin to get the dough flat after you stretch it out, and a pizza peel. You might be hesitant at first to buy a pizza peel, but trust me, it’s a fantastic tool to have around, makes this whole process much easier, and will look fantastic on your wall!

Grilled Pizza
(adapted from Alton Brown)

Heat the gas grill to high. Make sure all the grill grates are clean and have no debris on them. Stretch the dough out on a floured surface and transfer it to the floured peel.

Decrease the grill heat to medium. Rub the grill grates down with olive oil. All you need is an old kitchen towel rolled up and tied with string; brush it with olive oil and use that to oil the grates.

Brush one side of the pizza with olive oil and place that side onto the grill. Leave room to roast some sliced tomatoes on one side (this is so much better than regular sauce). Close the lid and wait about 1-2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the bottom of the pizza is golden (or as you like it).

Pull pizza off the grill will the peel, oil side that was facing up and flip back onto the grill again, oiled side down (you’re cooking both sides). Remove tomatoes from grill and place them on pizza, smashing them down. Add mozzarella cheese on top and any toppings that may need to cook. (You can also grill additional toppings as you grill the tomatoes.) Close lid and wait another 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown and cheese has melted.

Serve immediate and enjoy.

Fantastically simple, no?

{all photos by Brandi}

monday {springtime} motivation

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So I know the weather isn't 100% Spring yet, but can you believe that it is already officially here??? Yesterday was absolutely beautiful and J and I decided to take a bike ride around the neighborhood.  Little hills kicked my rear but it was nice to get outside!  I'm just itching to get out of tax season and enjoy some more warm(ish) Spring days! I'm looking forward to more bike rides, picnics, fresh flowers, some camping... what about you? Did you do anything to celebrate the first day of Spring?



PS - Did you check out the supermoon on Saturday night? So bright!

monday {springtime} motivation

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So I know the weather isn't 100% Spring yet, but can you believe that it is already officially here??? Yesterday was absolutely beautiful and J and I decided to take a bike ride around the neighborhood.  Little hills kicked my rear but it was nice to get outside!  I'm just itching to get out of tax season and enjoy some more warm(ish) Spring days! I'm looking forward to more bike rides, picnics, fresh flowers, some camping... what about you? Did you do anything to celebrate the first day of Spring?



PS - Did you check out the supermoon on Saturday night? So bright!