Weekend Wish List

Blouse {J.Crew}; Jeans {Seven}; Scarf {Next}; Bag {Aldo}; Shoes {Asos}; Sunnies {Rayban}

TGIF am I right?? Comfy weekend wear. Put it in my closet. Please and thank you.

Any good plans for the long weekend?

DIY: Wall Art

Finished Trio

Talk about instant satisfaction, this project was done in just a couple hours after work and dried overnight. I got to hang them up in less than 24 hours!

You'll Need:

 - 3-4 Tubes/colors of acrylic paint (Any colors you'd like)

 - 3 White canvas squares

 - Masking tape

 - Paint Brush

 - Newspaper or plastic to protect your work surface

How To:

Begin by taping off the each canvas in the pattern you want.

They do not all need to match!

Wrap the masking tape all the way around the back so its easier to pull off later. 

Begin painting the white areas, make sure to use enough paint or the white canvas will show through.

Be adventurous with the color mixing. As long as you stick with the same pallet they will all coordinate at the end.

Leave the masking tape on and let dry over night. 

Remove the tape in the morning and this is what you get:

Max(i)ed Out

Happy Hump Day! Just a quickie post today since its a busy busy Wednesday. This is one of my favorite dresses ever. I remember dragging a friend clear across the mall to try it on after I originally spotted it. Its so flowery and girly - I feel like a million bucks every time I wear it.

Since I didn't take any real "outfit photos" for this one, here are links to the key elements:

 - Dress - Ann Taylor Loft - Unfortunately not being sold anymore but I found it {here} on Ebay

 - Shoes - American Eagle - Also sold out, but found them {here} on Ebay

A dress like this stands on its own, so I kept the rest of the outfit simple by accessorizing with white and silver bangles, simple stud or hoop earrings, and some great sunnies :)

Mini Chicken and Quinoa Poppers

These little pop-able mouthfuls are not only cute-as-a-button, but pretty good for you too (and tasty!). I packed 'em for lunch yesterday, and have been snacking on them around the house. They were good both ways, but I think they be especially awesome to bring to a pick-nick or cookout!

I tried the flavors of the original recipe and used zucchini, cheddar, and parsley. But you could do any number of combinations. Next time I think I'm going to try spinach, tomato, and goat cheese.

So here is what you do (full recipe at the bottom):

 Gather the ingredients



Cook quinoa according to package directions - use a liquid to quinoa ratio of about 1.5 to 1 
      instead of 2 to 1. The quinoa will continue cooking in the oven, and they will be crispier with less moisture.

Put all ingredients in a large bowl.

 Mix to combine.

 Liberally spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray and spoon mixture to the top of each cup.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cups are golden brown.

 Let cool for at least 5 minutes in the tin before eating. 

Do not under bake or they won't come out of the pan.

Ingredients (makes ~28 mini cups)

 - 2 cups cooked quinoa (about 3/4 cup uncooked)  
 - 3 eggs
 - 1 egg white
 - 1 medium shredded zucchini
 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 - 1/2 cup shredded chicken
 - 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
 - 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (add a little extra if you love cheese)
 - 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
 - 1 minced garlic clove (optional)
 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
 - 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Liberally spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray and spoon mixture to the top of each cup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cups are golden brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes in the tin before eating.

Recipe slightly modified from IGE

Little Moments

 

Rhinestone and Cowhair Belt{similar}and much loved boots {similar}

I had a fantastic weekend despite feeling a little under the weather. My favorite day of summer was Saturday: Country Fest. I've been going for 6 years now. and it just gets better and better. Tailgating. Friends. Sunshine. The chance to wear my under-utlized-in-new-england cowgirl attire. What more could you want?

Now, Mondays are a different story, and I tend to need a little more motivation than usual to get out of bed. I'm so not a morning person. That's why its always nice to start the week being grateful for some of little things that make life so great. 

 The stinkin' cuteness of my furry babies

Surprise flower from the Hubby - hoping I keep this one alive!

Late afternoon walks through Newton with a good friend

"I live for little moments.." Brad Paisley

Weekend Wish List

{One} {Two} {Three} {Four} {Five}

Cold weather is approaching fast here in New England. Here are some fall goodies I have my eye on.

Happy Friday!!

Babies Babies Everywhere

Finished Diaper Cake

I don't know about you guys, but for me it seems like I have babies popping up everywhere. Could it be Baby Fever*? One of my good friends at work is due soon, so we threw her a shower. My contribution was a Diaper Cake, and I have to say, it was a blast to put together! 

Its actually pretty easy, this is what you do:

Materials:

 - 60-100 Diapers - More if you are doing a really large cake

 - Cardboard - Cut into a circle the size you want the base

 - Rubber Bands - Small and Large

 - Plenty of Ribbon - Go with a color pallet or theme, and get wide and curling

 - Small presents to stuff the cake with - I got Onsies, Hats, Socks, Baby Lotion, Blankets, etc.

Step 1 - Roll all your diapers and tie curling ribbon around them, then curl

I found that using the small rubber bands to secure the rolled diaper made it easier to tie ribbons on afterward

Step 2 - Assemble your layers, adding in the small gifts to the middle of the cake. Use the large rubber bands to keep the cake layer together. Start with the bottom and work your way up.

I used the lotions to build around in the middle. It made for a sturdy center, and then i could just keep stuffing diapers into the big band until I had a shape I wanted.

Step 3 - Decorate the outside! Cover the rubber bands with the wide ribbons, make sock flowers, put a big bow on top.

I used the blankets as additional decoration around the outside too!

Glowing Mommy-to-be and her Diaper Cake

*Baby Fever - A period of time where you can't stop thinking about babies/munchkins/nuggets.

Workday Uniform

Sheath {Nicole Miller}; Cardigan {JCrew}; Necklace {Amrita Singh}; Shoes {Monsoon}; Laptop Tote {Brahmin}

 
Since I work in a conservative field, I usually try to put on some version of this outfit for work (unless I press snooze one too many times..)
Polished and professional, without being too CPA-ish, ahem, i mean... flat? ;)

ps - I'm really craving that laptop bag!

DIY: Magnetic Makeup Board

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Apartment Therapy

A few months ago I decided to make myself a magnetic makeup board after seeing a post on Brunch at Saks. I had so much fun with it! 

Mine!

Most of these sites tell you to find an antique frame, get some sheet metal from the hardware store, cover with fabric, etc., etc. What a pain! 

For mine I picked up a magnetic white board and painted it with Martha Stewart multi-surface paint. Added some sparkle, pearls, and flowers, and Voila! A makeup board in just a few hours!

Liz Marie Blog

The only thing I may still add are eyeliner and brush containers like on the one from Apartment Therapy. Or this one below:

Our Crazy Beautiful Life

My husband was even on board with this being in the bathroom since my makeup is no longer all over the counter! Such a great weekend project!

The Beginning

I married the love of my life on July 28, and couldn't be happier about it!

Well this is the first post! I've been waiting to start a blog until my wedding was over and I had a little more time on my hands.. so this is very exciting for me!! I hope to be able to share some life tidbits with my family (they live far away), some fun projects, delicious recipes, fashion finds, and whatever strikes my fancy.

So to begin with I'll share some things currently making me very happy. This isn't a wedding blog, but since I just got married 3 weeks ago, these things are still making me smile big!

My lace trimmed, cathedral length veil

My wedding dress hanger with love birds (I wish the picture was sharper!)

Some of my best girlfriends and our matching getting ready robes and slippers

An oh so romantic dip during our first song <3