Back in the day, I made a mean friendship bracelet.  It’s so funny the things that come back in style… Although now, there are so many more variations, which I love!  Adding metals, chains & other materials makes them modern again.  I should break out the clipboard & some yarns, but until I do, I’ve been checking out these cute styles on the web.

Top bracelet pictures via here, here, here & here

 

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BRIGHTNESS DAWN COLLECTION by Setareh Mohtarez

I’ve been loving the different ‘galaxy’ or ‘nebula’ prints in fashion lately.  They are very abstract, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation.  Every style is different & unique in their own way.  Plus the color choices are stunning & limitless.  Dress this look up with a formal dress (like the breathtaking one above) or just keep it casual with a vintage-style tee or tank.

1 > Galaxy-print silk-satin dress by Christopher Kane < $1,529.50

2 > Rainbow galaxy 99 Tie by Black Milk x Jeffrey Campbell < $189.95

3 > CN2: Carina Nebula skirt by Shadowplaynyc < $120

4 > Custom Galaxy Toms on Etsy < $100

5 > Galaxy tank top by Your Eyes Lie < $102.01

6 > Nebula Bows by Electric Alice < $12

7 > Burgundy galaxy print dress by Rag & Bone < $252

8 > Galaxy purple swimsuit by Black Milk < $89.50

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I dont think pumpkin is just for fall, so I made baked sweet potato fries the other night & wanted a little dip to go with them.  Sweet potato & pumpkin go so good together, along with spices like cinnamon & nutmeg.  This dip is super easy to make & really good (make it ahead of time so it can sit for at least an hour in the fridge to firm up).

Ingredients (this makes quite a bit, cut in half if you don’t need as much):

  • 8 oz light sour cream
  • 15 oz can of pumpkin
  • 1 teasp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teasp cinnamon
  • 3 Tbsp sugar

Combine all ingredients into a medium sized bowl

Mix well & cover

Let sit in the fridge for an hour or more before serving

 

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We’ve been on a bit of a healthy kick lately, but I decided something indulgent was in need for an post-Mother’s Day dinner-dessert.  Anything with peanut butter & chocolate is a pretty safe bet in my opinion… & I was right, these Peanut Butter Cup Blondies were a hit.  They are super super good!  (I think blondies are less time consuming to make than cookies too, if you’re on a time crunch at all).  I got this recipe from my Cooking Light magazine back in September & have been holding onto it, waiting for the the right occasion to make them.  I don’t think there’s anything “light” about these, but they definitely were gooey, rich & delicious!!  I used a 9 x 9 glass pan & ended up baking them for about 30 minutes, but every oven varies… also I doubled the chocolate chips :)

 

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Even though I live on the other side of the country from my mom, & don’t get to see her nearly as much as I would like, I could not wish for a better mother.  She is the most caring, selfless person I have ever met.  My brother, sister & I know how lucky we are to have such a special momma ♥

 

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I have a slight magazine addition, I admit it.  In fact, when I moved to CA after college, there were boxes & boxes (& boxes) of magazines that filled my closet. When I was all packed up, I tried to leave them there, but my mom made be get rid of them (she said it was a fire hazard, which, it probably was).  Although I’m much better at getting rid of past issues, I still keep quite a collection.  I just love editorial shoots; they made me so happy to look at.  So it’s no surprise that this editorial really caught my eye.  Unrealistic glamour in the desert, very SATC 2.

Images via http://fashiongonerogue.com

 

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Jewelry for the spring & summer should be light & fun, something that makes you happy to look at.  There are so many amazing colors in jewelry now; I’m loving neons & pastels for warm weather.  It really brightens up any outfit.  Plus, it can be worn for any occasion, from a casual work day to a black-tie wedding.

 

1 > Mixed-fabric and gold bangle by Cara Accessories™ for Madewell< $14

2 > Layered Neon Box Chain Necklace by F21 < $10.80

3 > Maize Lace Drop earrings by Bauble Bar < $28

4 > Floating triangle ring by Topshop < $25

5 > Turquoise dreamcatcher earring by Banana Republic < $36

6 > Super bright neon necklace by Adia Kibur < $48

7 > Stardust Small Druzy Stud Earrings by Dara Ettinger < $100

8 > Rubber Turnlock bracelet by Marc by Marc Jacobs < $28

 

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I had quite the weekend of showers (luckily, no actual rain showers – the weather was absolutely beautiful all weekend).  First, we had our good friends’ couples baby shower, & then Sunday my future sister-in-law’s bridal shower.  It was a weekend of family & friends, good food, lots of sugar & happy times.  I was extremely excited to give our friends this baby Dodger dress I made especially for them! The daddy-to-be & my fiancé are big-time Dodger fans, so I couldn’t have thought of a more appropriate outfit for his daughter to own.  We’re so happy for you Robbie & Erica!! ♥

 

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Just like many of you, I love looking at Pinterest.  It is quite addicting….  I find so many awesome things on there that I want to try or make or do; tips for cleaning your shower, to baking, DIY projects, you name it.  With that being said, I thought I’d share my top 10 favorite finds of the week.  Enjoy & have a fantastic weekend!

Skinny Sunrise cocktail

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Baked Stuffed Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes

Meyer Lemon Bread Pudding

Stained Glass Wedding Cake

Galaxy Nail Tutorial (definitely trying this one)

DIY Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub

Crocheted Baby Boots (adorable!)

Stairway Bookshelves

Giraffe's back Print

 

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We took a little trip to my hometown in Ohio, but now I’m back with an east coast specialty!  My parents were originally from Pittsburgh, PA, so I grew up eating Devonshires.  We’d always have them after a holiday with the left over turkey. They are typically a brunch meal, but we had them for dinner mostly.  So when we were visiting, my mom cooked up this delicious dish for us. She always makes them in disposable tins, but individual ramekins would work too (sometimes you can cut through the bottom of the tins, so make sure to line it with a plate underneath).  There are endless variations on this recipe, but this is my grandma’s version, which in my opinion, is the best version.

Ingredients for the sauce (for 2 meals):

  • 1/4 cup AP flour
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth or milk (your preference)
  • handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • salt & pepper too taste

Ingredients for the sandwich part:

  • 2 thick slices of chicken or turkey breast
  • 2 thick slices of ham (or you could double the chicken or turkey)
  • 4 slices bacon (pre-cooked, but not completely done)
  • 2-3 slices plain white bread (toasted with crusted taken off)
  • another handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Start the sauce by placing the butter in a medium-large pot on the stove

Cook the butter at medium heat until melted (less than 1 minute)

Add the flour & whisk well until combined (about 1 minute)

Add the chicken broth or milk & mix well

Add a handful of cheese & mix until smooth

Turn the sauce down to low while you prepare the rest

Assemble the ‘sandwiches’ by placing a piece of toast in each tin

Top with turkey & ham slices

Cover the meat & bread with the cheese sauce

Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes (just warming it up)

Next top each one with a sprinkle of shredded cheese & bacon

Place them under the broiler just until the bacon is finished cooking & the cheese is melted & bubbly (it will go fast to watch them!)

 

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