Use: On Sunny Days

I went thrift shopping the other day and got some cool sunglasses! I've been wanting to expand my collection (which basically just consists of Mosley Tribes aviators--see below) with some cheaper fun frames.

Here are my new ones:

I got just what I wanted! They are sassy, no? I'm channeling Catherine Deneuve in Manon 70.

Mosley Tribes, Manon 70

Beach Scenes

Now that we've reached the end of July, a slow lull has come over everyone. Everyone's had their pool parties, and barbecues, and sweated out any toxins they accumulated over the spring, and now there's much less incentive to actually go outside. This week, it took me over 5 days to take my car to get repaired simply because I didn't want to leave my house while the sun was out--and apparently Discount Tire isn't open past 6:00. Alas, in the effort to inspire myself--and if it works on you, too, then huzzah!--here's some beach scenes! Don't they make you want to get in the water again?

Elle France, Elle France, Foam with Zippora Seven, Foam with Zippora Seven, Foam with Zippora Seven, Harper's Bazaar US, Foam with Jessica Hart, Elle France, Elle France, Elle France, Foam with Zippora Seven, Harper's Bazaar US

New Shooz

Aren't they cute? They're Lucky Brand, and thanks to Macy's, they were on SALE. Nothing I love more. Excuse me, readers, I have to go tower over my friends now.

Coloration

Sometimes, on lazy days, I like to look through interior design blogs and get inspired by all the cool ideas people have for making their homes beautiful. People are just so creative. I especially love the use of unexpected colors and really big art pieces. I think a well-placed piece of art can transform a room. I'm not an expert on this at all, I'm just talking aesthetics, people. So, if you're planning a room fix-up or just like getting inspired for future changes, here are some lovely pictures to indulge you.

All pictures courtesy of Coco+Kelley.

Mini Art...or should I say, MANI Art

We are worldly folks, yes? I think it takes a lot to make us do a double-take. So when I see a manicure that makes me stop and look twice, crazy shit is going down. Some of the following manicures I would never do in a million years and some of them are awesome, but they are all art. So try them out if you get inspired or just look at the pretty pictures if you've already done your mani for the week. See the full article at Refinery29.

If you want, you can ride my train.

Summer has its perks to be sure. You get to walk around in very little clothing and it's acceptable. You can have steamy love affairs. You get to be in/around water 72% of the time. You have a glow (sheen) brought on by the heat. But after these things lose their luster, fall becomes awfully appealing. And as such, I've found a lovely editorial from Vogue Nippon by Josh Olins with Anja Rubik and the jackets are FABULOUS! I wish I was angsty enough to pull them all off because they are awesome.  Never fear for my fashion, I will just have to up the angst level. You can be sure I'll be on the lookout for leather, studs, and baggy pants.

And for your hot summer day, here's a classic:

All pictures courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue.

Easy Margaritas

It's 5:00 somewhere, right? So, how about we have a yummy margarita this fine Monday. Not to promote alcoholism, but sometimes it just feels good to have a mid-day drink, and if today is that day for you, here's a recipe that's gonna keep you happy for a long, long time. It's pretty easy, but the trick is having fresh-squeezed juice. My brother buys the sweet and sour mixes, and believe me, they do not COMPARE to having the real thing. Yeah, Ty, I'm calling you out. On the internet.

So, I hope you enjoy! Get into some shenanigans. That way you can just blame the drink. (I never do that in real life.)

Here's the recipe for a yummy margarita:

Ingredients:

1 lime, halved

Kosher salt

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (~5 limes)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (~1 lemon)

2 tablespoons simple syrup (2 tablespoons hot water combined with 2 tablespoons sugar, or just make a half cup batch of simple syrup and save the rest for later.)

1 cup Triple Sec

3 cups ice

1 cup white tequila (I know this seems like a hellova lot of liquor, but there's lots of ice in it, and you serve them over ice, so that dilutes it a bit.)

Directions:

If you like salt around the rim, use the halved lime and run it around the top of your glass and dip it into the Kosher salt. I tend to just use salt around half the rim because too much salt overwhelms me and I don't feel like carrying more water-weight than necessary. It's science, people. But live yo life! If you like salt, then salt the hell out of it!

Combine lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Triple Sec and ice in a blender. And blend it. Add the tequila and blend for two second more. Serve over ice.

If you prefer frozen margaritas, halve each of the ingredients and double the ice. Blend in two batches to avoid spillage.

Oh and beware, this recipe makes about six margaritas. Go big or go home.

Thanks to ifood.tv for the image!

That's all I want to say

Ash covered landscape, Glastonbury Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Here comes the sun, La Guayaba Azul, La Guayaba Azul

Petite Cocoa Batons

Okay, those of you who know me, know I'm not much of a snacker. I eat a lot, but it's typically in meals or little meals throughout the day. I'm not the type to eat a whole bag of chips or cookies...blablahyadayada. So, when I tried these cookies from Trader Joe's and I had to FORCE myself to put them down since my mother needed them for an event, I knew I had stumbled upon something delicious.


They're. Just. SO. GOOD. It's like heaven is popping by your mouth to say hello. It's like little chocolate clouds wrapped in a thin crispy shell are resting in your mouthhole. I feel like I don't need to sell them anymore since that would be pandering, and I DON'T PANDER. Fine. One last one: It's like God is planting soft chocolate flowers on your waiting tongue.


So there. Eat them. 


Plus they have a fun name to say. Petite Cocoa BATONS.