Domestic

Summer Edition Pop Sugar Box

May 5, 2013

I’ve posted my love for Pop Sugar’s Must Have boxes before, and after getting their Special Edition Summer box this past weekend, I will do it again!  For $100 I got:

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  1. House of Harlow Sunglasses ($148)
  2. Henri Bendel Candle ($30)
  3. Swell Water Bottle ($35)
  4. Truffle Clarity Pouch ($38)
  5. Starbucks Coffee Refreshers ($8)
  6. Vitabath Exfoliating Sugar Scrub ($18)
  7. Sachin and Babi Sarong  ($70?)

Total Value: $347!

Thoughts:

  •  The sunglasses are not really my style but are great to wear boating or to the pool or when I don’t want to wear expensive lenses.
  • I am obsessed with Henri Bendel candles and buy these regularly anyway, so this was a win!
  • My mom filled me in on the joys of this bottle – you can put either hot OR cold beverages in it and the best part… it’s double insulted so it won’t sweat in your purse!
  • The Truffle pouch is awesome… way too overpriced for what it is but I’m already using it and it makes swapping purses so much easier!
  • OBSESSED with this scrub.  My hubby even noticed how soft my skin was and I didn’t even say anything about this scrub.  Super nice and great for daily use.
  • I am beyond excited for this sarong.  I’ve misplaced mine somehow and the fabric is gorgeous on this!

Overall: I’m super happy I ordered it.  I wish I LOVED the sunglasses, but with the sarong, candle, pouch and bottle it’s a success for me.  If I’ve convinced you to take the gamble click HERE to order your own!

Sip

Cucumber-Jalapeno Margarita

May 3, 2013

Made with Homemade Jalapeno Infused Tequila

Cucumber Margarita

To make the tequila I soaked 4-6 thick slices of jalapeno in blanco tequila overnight.  Make sure to take out the pith and any white part of the jalapeno.  If you would prefer less heat/spice I would recommend soaking 5-6 hours instead.

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Muddle 1/4 cup of cucumber slices, add 2 ounces of homemade sours, 2 ounces of jalapeno tequila and stir.

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Serve over crushed ice and top with club soda.

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Domestic

Bookshelf Decor

May 2, 2013

I’ve had this bookshelf since college and it still hasn’t let me down.  Here are a few of my tips on decorating it…
Bookshelf Decorating

I bought a leather magazine holder at Pottery Barn and use it to store my favorite editions of magazines.  I also use my bookshelf to store smaller pieces of art and this great butterfly I picked up at Paxton Gate.  If you don’t want to splurge on “art,” head to Papyrus and buy a gorgeous card to frame.  I also love displaying diffusers on a bookshelf.  Candles are tricky because of the whole “flame catching the next shelf on fire”, but diffusers are a great way to incorporate scent (just make sure to not let the oil touch any wood finish!).

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I love to store Jeremy and my books on one shelf.  Only here can you find a biography on the Gucci family and an automotive management book next to each other.

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We picked up this great piggy bank at Z-Gallerie and use it to hold our spare change/dollars that we have titled “Our Vacation Fund.”  Each year we frivolously spend our savings on a fun adventure or a lavish dinner during our annual trip.

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I love bringing nature into as many elements of my home as possible, and as much as I love the idea of changing fresh flowers weekly, I don’t have the funding or time. The best cheat tip? Gumps floral department!  They have the best faux blooms… you pay for them but I can’t tell you how many times people think their arrangements are real in my home.  Check out their line-up here (PS they often have 20% their florals, so if you aren’t in a rush I’d wait for the deal!).

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You can’t forget the best part of bookshelves… pictures! Put your favorite moments on display in fun and quirky frames.  Costco is a great place to get photos printed for cheap and they can do them same day if you pick them up (I love Shutterfly too… but it takes a week or so).  I also collect designer coffee table books, and enjoy displaying some of them here.

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What do you have on your bookshelf?

Tasty

Green Ginger Peach Smoothie

May 1, 2013

I’ve been putting fun spins on my breakfast smoothie as the warm weather is approaching, and when I’m in the mood for a light, refreshing drink this is my go-to.

Green Smoothie

Green Ginger Peach Smoothie

Adapted from: Everyday Food

  • 2 handfuls of baby spinach 
  • 2 cups frozen peaches
  • 1 tsp of frozen ginger (use less if you are not a huge ginger fan)
  • 2 tsp of honey
  • 1 1/2 water
  • Optional: 1-2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

Green Ginger Peach Smoothie

Just throw the following into a blender and blend until smooth.  Drink up!

Green Smoothie

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