Jewel-tone Jade

While in Key West, I was surrounded by the most beautiful colors. What inspired me most were the shades and tones in the ocean. We spent all day Friday sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking (more on that later this week), and I was impressed with the many blue-green colors and clarity of the water.

In fashion, the combination of blue and green provides a powerful punch to one's garb. Jade has become quite popular over the past few seasons and won’t be leaving anytime soon. I love that the hue transitions easily year-round. Right now, in the summertime, you can pair it with bright colors, like pinks and yellows. Through fall and winter, I would pair it with neutral accessories, and in spring, pastel purples, pinks, and blues are a perfect complement.

Here are a few jade-colored items I'd like in my closet right now:

1. http://www.desireclothing.co.uk/products/d1263jade-jade-sequin-detail-chiffon-dress.html
2. http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=287974&scid=287974002
3. http://www.pullandbear.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/pullandbeargb/en/pullandbear/304001/1111056/PLATFORM%2BHIGH%2BHEEL%2BSANDALS
4. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/317194?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-Hy3bqNL2jtQ-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-0wJ0iPbaMHIxVx_h4qYcZA
5. http://www.ninewest.com/Cyndi/8687202,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=AQUASY&cgid=8346267&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=ninewest-catalog
6. http://www.loewe.com/international/granada-bag-jade.html

Pillow Perfection

When the boyfriend and I decided to move in together, I couldn’t decide if I was more excited to get out of my current living situation or actually move in with him. Turns out, I was more excited to decorate our loft than anything.

When the time came to actually purchase items, I could not make a decision. All of a sudden I hated everything on my pin boards.

Pillows were first on my list because the pillows that came with the couch were particularly heinous and I was going to poke my eyes out with a pencil if I had to look at them for much longer. However, I did love the size of said ugly pillows so I began searching for pillow covers. My criteria included: bright color(s), patterned, and machine washable.

I searched every decorating website and blog that I knew of, and all of the patterns I liked either did not come as pillow covers, or they exceeded my budget. Finally, I found this Etsy site and fell in love with the Arvin Nautical print. The owner of the shop was great to work with and she delivered a quality product that I’m obsessed with. The bright blue adds a pop of color to our otherwise monotone loft, and the pattern provides an elegant yet comfortable feel to our family room.

Next up: decorate our walls! Any idea what to do with 15 ft tall ceilings?

Pillow that came with the couch.

New pillow cover.

Cream accent pillows that came with the couch.

Backside of the pillow. The covers are removable for easy washing!

Full picture of the couch and new pillows.

Lock-up of all three pillows.

Key West, Key Yes

Photo courtesy of http://www.floridasedans.com/key_west_transportation.html

I leave for my first vacation of 2012 on Thursday and I could not be more excited. I will be traveling to Key West for four glorious days and staying at a house one mile from the beach. It's been an incredibly busy past couple of months, so this trip could not have come at a more perfect time. I’m looking forward to cocktails, shopping, beach time, and lots of eating!

For someone who is pretty meticulous, I don’t like to make a lot of plans when traveling. Vacation is a time for me to relax and let go. That said, here are the few things on my agenda:

• Duval street
• Danger Charters, day trip
• Fort Zachary Taylor state park

I came across this blog that posted a check list of pictures to take while vacationing. I like that it coves the trip from beginning to end and has unique ideas I would not have thought of otherwise. 

I can’t wait to share pictures with you when I get back!

Hundred Dollar Chocolate Cake

There are about 10 of my best girl friends from college that live in the same metro area as I do. Recently, one of them bought a house and decided to have a sleepover party to celebrate. To say I was looking forward to the party is an understatement. Some of my best memories are of staying in on Friday nights with these girls and prank calling people, or watching Mean Girls in the basement tube-room of our sorority.

Each friend volunteered to bring a snack of some sort to the party. I decided to bring two desserts that I had never made before that night: puppy chow and homemade chocolate cake. Surprisingly, the chocolate cake turned out better than the puppy chow.

The cake recipe is called Hundred Dollar Chocolate Cake and for good reason: the end product is divine. My mom sent me the recipe, but I also found it online here. I thought it was strange the recipe called for mayonnaise, but once I dug into the cake, I found out the dressing gives it unrivaled moisture and density. To top off the cake, I used whipped vanilla frosting – classic combo!

I love the color-contrast of the sugar/flour with the coca.

I use this Sunbeam electric mixer, which I love. 

I can't get enough Le Creuset kitchen utensils. I use my large spatula spoon daily.

Fresh out of the oven.

The end product!

Fashion Friday: Hello High-Low

As I wrote the other day, it’s hot in KC. The 105-degree heat severely limits the clothing options one has when trying to look cute. One of my favorite go-to items summer after summer is a sun dress. This year, there’s a new take on sun dresses and their hemlines: the high-low. Although this asymmetrical trend has been seen in formal-wear for a while now, it’s creeping its way into everyday-wear. I particularly like the high-low hem because it effortlessly achieves a casual yet dressed up look at the same time. The dress also allows for multiple shoe options, like wedges, strappy heels, or flat sandals.

Here are a few of my fav examples:

1.  Betsy Johnson

2. Xhilaration

3. Ella Moss

4. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent

Something Old

Antique shops and flea markets can be a particularly overwhelming experience if you don’t have a plan. There is an old part of downtown Kansas City, the West Bottoms, that is home to my favorite flea market, Good JuJu. It is only open during the first weekend of every month and, therefore, gets a bit competitive. You have to know what you’re looking for, otherwise you get left in the dust. Literally.

Before I go, I write a list of items I need or want (mainly want), which helps me stay focused. Once I find the items on the list, or figure out the market doesn't have anything on my list, I allow myself to wander and pick up anything that catches my eye. However, it’s important to not roam aimlessly. People take their antiquing seriously so it's important to peruse like you mean it.

My first purchases at Good JuJu are still my favorite:

{lamp, mirrored tray, tri-pod table}

{I love the hand-painted, gold detail on this vintage lamp}

{Simple and functional. Perfect for a nightstand.}

{Extra-feminine touch on the tray that holds my jewelry boxes and perfume}

Cool Down

It's hot. Like, really hot. I've lived in Kansas City my whole life and I'm still not used to the 100-degree summers. To cool off this past weekend, I made fresh watermelon-raspberry-lime ice pops. This Oprah.com recipe was quick and easy to follow.

{fresh watermelon and raspberries with sugar and lime juice}

{filled pop ice molds}

{colorful pop ice toppers to finish the job}

How to: Make-up Brush Cleaning

For my first post, I thought I would write about something I know: cleaning. Until I moved in with my boyfriend, I thought I had the highest standards of cleanliness. However, the boyfriend has given me a run for my money. One thing I am fairly certain he does not know how to clean is a make-up brush.

A good rule of thumb is to clean your make-up brush once every three months. An old trick my mom taught me is to use shampoo. Because I don't want to waste my Chi Magnified Volume Shampoo, I buy Pantene Pro-V for my make-up brushes.

1. Wet the brush and apply a line of shampoo. 

2. Using your finger and palm of your hand, rub the shampoo gently into the brush.

3. Rinse under the faucet. I like to use a good amount of water pressure so it cleans deep into the base of the brush. You’ll see all of the make-up build up that has collected over the previous months come out of the bristles. It’s a little disturbing sometimes.

4. Continue to apply shampoo and rinse until the brush no longer turns the water a different color.

5. Lay flat to dry and let sit over night.