new read.

So excited to have a new blog to browse when I should be doing productive things—ehem—I mean when I have a free moment at work.  I love when one search leads me to a new blog, which leads me to another new one…every click is like the turn of a page in a book.  I just stumbled upon this one—I was looking for pictures of tile that look like wood (my sister bought a new house and that’s the plan for the flooring) and it brought me to this charming blog full of vintage inspirations and beautiful photography—

Raised In Cotton

Gorgeous Table Scape

Creative

Vintage Buckets

Blue Mason Jars- love.

Christmas.

Pretty Christmas Decor

Cute!

Tile Floors that look like Wood

Spring Table Scape

Love

Enjoy!

be happy.

The Huffington Post is one of my favorite spots to find news, blogs, opinions, etc...

The "Post" has even become an essential widget on my iGoogle homepage. This morning groggy eyed and un-caffeinated I opened my browser and this little inpiration piece was waiting for me. It resonated so deeply with me I decided there must be someone else who would benefit from reading it. 

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life... Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.   -Steve Jobs

3 Simple Steps to Find the Courage to be Yourself:

1) Knowledge Is Power

Socrates said it best: "Know Thyself." This includes understanding what makes you feel alive, what captures your imagination, and also what comes naturally to you. Knowing your strengths is a huge advantage. If you have a great sense of humor, creativity or an ability to communicate easily with people, then you can build on those qualities to create your best life. By focusing on enhancing your strengths rather than trying to make up for your weaknesses, you can move more quickly in your desired direction and have fun in the process.

2) Get Into The Flow

Have you ever been so caught up in an activity that the hours fly by in what seemed like minutes? This is called being in a flow state. According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow can happen when you're totally immersed in what you are doing and feeling both serene and connected. This buoyant state can happen many ways, including when deeply focusing on a sport, writing a paper or even playing music. Yoga and mindfulness are reported to increase flow, but it can occur anywhere your skill level is equal to your challenge and you get totally absorbed in the activity.  Think of times when you were engrossed in something: your attention was heightened and you felt that everything was aligned.

3) Embody What You Believe In

Once you know your strengths and where you experience flow, you can consciously tweak your life to include more of that. By stepping into your authenticity, you automatically come into greater alignment and a peace that serves not only yourself but others, as well. Gandhi stated that "happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." Don't underestimate the importance of your own fulfillment and happiness; it ripples out farther than you may know. Rather than rocking the boat by being who you are, you actually give other people permission to do the same.

Follow this link to the entire post: Authentic Happiness
Author Randy Taran

And don't forget to smile.

a to z.

This has been posted to a couple blogs I follow (Dream Book Design and The Epper's Adventures), so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and fill it out too!

A. age: 26

B. bed size: king

C. chore you hate: laundry, I always fail to put it away.

My Little Mountain Man- Riley

D. dog: Riley- best dog ever.

E. essential start to your day: coffee, coffee, more coffee

F. favorite color: green

G. gold or silver: gold

H. height: 5'10”

I. instruments you play: none- I wish I played the drums- maybe I will learn.

J. job title: Client Services Coordinator

K. kids: Not “technically” mine, but I consider Madison (my niece) my child.

Madison with a tadpole!

L. live: Phoenix, someday will move to the Pacific Northwest where the sun doesn’t shine and it rains all the time.

M. maiden name: Rohn

N. nicknames: Trace, Suzie, CiCi (my fav), twinkletoes

O. overnight hospital stays: oh goodness- when I had a concussion and cracked my skull rollerblading- always wear a helmet people.

P. pet peeve: ignorance, self-righteousness, sloppiness, narrow-mindedness

Q. quote: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you’ll be criticized anyway.” Eleanor Roosevelt

R. righty or lefty: righty

S. siblings: Two Older Sisters, Two Older Brother—I definitely have the “youngest child” syndrome.

T. time you wake up: about 6 usually.

U. university attended: Graduated from Northern Arizona University.

V. vegetables you dislike: brussel sprouts- I tried them and ICK.

W. what makes you run late: my forgetfulness I must run back into the house at least 5 times before I can officially leave.

X. x-rays you’ve had: where oh where to begin—head, back, both legs, both arms, ribs…all except my back were broken (hence twinkletoes nickname above).

Y. yummy food: Mexican- I swear if it has cheese and a tortilla it’s going to be good.

Z. zoo animal favorite: monkeys.

Happy Friday!

things i need.

I am dreaming of cooler weather, unfortunately it is still 110 degrees in Phoenix...so while I am waiting unpatiently I decided to pick out the new things I will need to purchase for the upcoming season...

 Military Jacket from Banana Republic

Structured handbag from Michael Kors (my fav!)

Tribal Printed Scarves- Found at shopstyle.com

Classic Black Tory Burch Flats

A New Black and White Houndstooth Scarf (my old one has seen better days)

Some Navy and Bows

My best attempt at the poncho

Cobalt!

Chocolate Metals- this one is unrealistic, but hey a girl can dream

Ankle Pants

Skinnies (Paige of course!)

Leopard- Found at ASOS.com

Black Knit Riding Pants

Paige Flares

Thank goodness these are back in style!

Frye Shirley Riding Boots

(I have these already, but riding boots are a MUST have for fall)

make life beautiful.



I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. ––Audrey Hepburn

I cannot believe September is already here (it may have something to do with the fact that it is still 113 degrees outside), wow time flies! I have been through some pretty major life changes in the past year and recently sound out loud to myself “I need a life overhaul”. What a coincidence that while perusing the internet I came across a blog post titled The Charmed Life Challenge. The list gave me the push I needed to try new things and what better time to start than the first day of a new month. The goal is to find beauty and delight in every day. Every day for one month choose one item off the list. And for thirty days in September (or whenever you decide to get going)—feel life get a little more beautiful day by day.

1.  Give something broken a new life.

2. Put something beautiful on a bit of blank wall you see every day.
3. Wear something you love that you think “just isn’t you.”
4. Send a thank you note, for anything.
5. Spend an afternoon reading.
6. Cook in a vintage apron.
7. Have luncheon: a slow midday meal with cloth napkins and wine.
8. Go out of your way to do something kind for a stranger (offer a seat, hold the door, leave your copy of Us Weekly on the elliptical).
9. Donate five items from your closet that don’t make you feel unstoppably gorgeous.
10. Take care of a nagging life admin item (a trip to the post office, filing an insurance claim, making a doctor’s appointment).
11. Buy an utterly frivolous piece of lingerie.
12. Invite friends over for cocktails, dinner, or brunch.
13. Wake up an hour early to have a leisurely morning.
14. Try something that looks like pure fun (accordion, crochet, burlesque).
15. Dance. In public, in the living room, with a partner, with yourself.
16. Flirt with a stranger. (Smiling counts.)
17. Get rid of five things in your home that don’t bring you pleasure.
18. Go to a perfumery or department store in search of a signature scent.
19. Buy flowers for your home or office.
20. Make a recipe from a fruit, vegetable, meat or fish you’ve never cooked before.
21. Walk barefoot in the grass or on the sand.
22. Have a media-free day.
23. Write down everything you feel grateful for.
24. Hold a baby.
25. Pet a puppy.
26. Ask someone to tell you their life story.
27. Read a biography of your favorite glamorous screen star, or the bravest, most badass real life heroine.
28. Eat fresh berries, straight from the green paper pint.
29. Create an occasion to wear your most impractical pair of shoes.
30. Write down your wildest dreams.
31. Take one itsy-bitsy, teensy-weensy step to make one real.
32. Have a proper weekday coffee break: ceramic cup, idle gossip, and staring out a window.
33. Visit a playground and swing.
34. Make lemonade. (Literally or figuratively.)
35. Go to a junk or antique story; consider what your favorite object has seen in its life.
36. Jump in a body of water. Float.
37. Give someone a hug; let them let go first.
38. Look at the stars.
39. Replace one utilitarian item you use every day––a measuring spoon, a file folder, a key chain––with something really, really beautiful.
40. Pamper your body with a massage, an overdue haircut, a trip to the sauna, or a soak in the tub.
41. Research something that sparks your curiosity (Arthurian legend, photosynthesis, investing). If you’re still curious after a 15-minute google session, dive deeper.
42. Make a collage of beautiful images that resonate with you.
43. Read aloud to someone you love.
44. Forgive yourself.
45. Forgive someone else.
46. Spend an hour in silent reflection.
47. Dine by candlelight on a weeknight.
48. Take a walk after dinner.
49. Wear your no-fail, cheer-me-up lipstick.
50. Give a genuine compliment to an acquaintance.
51. Have a glass of champagne, just because.
52. Spend one day taking pictures of everything you find beautiful.
53. Describe your perfect day in writing.
54. Block out an afternoon (or day) on the calendar to make some (or all) of it real.
55. Select one drawer or surface and organize it.
56. Write a love letter.
57. Do something you loved as a child.
58. Upgrade your sleep wear, or go Marilyn Style.
59. Do the one thing you were relieved/sad wasn’t on this list.
60. Pretend for one day that you are as confident and amazing as you want to be.

Please visit The Life Seduction Challenge for more information

arugula.

Lately I have been having an Arugula obsession; I don’t know why.  Maybe back to my younger years working in the French Bistro and eating hamburgers with Arugula piled on top.  That was my first exposure to the lovely little green lettuce.  It has been popular in Italy and France for ages, but caught on in the US and Britain somewhat more recently.

Arugula is a spicy little leaf, some may describe it as bitter, but I consider it to have a "peppery" flavor.  It is a very aromatic salad green and like most salad greens—low in calories and high in vitamins A and C.  A half cup serving is only 2 calories- who can complain about that!

Here is a very simple recipe I found on Trader Joe’s (my favorite place to grocery shop) website:

This salad really doesn't require measuring, but I included some measurements below. If you love pine nuts, add more pine nuts. If you love Parmesan, then load it on.

Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts and Parmesan

Ingredients
- 1 bag Arugula
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan
- Salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:
1) Toss the arugula with the olive oil till coated.
2) Add the pine nuts and Parmesan.
3) Add a little salt to taste and the lemon juice. Toss lightly and serve.

If you want to make this salad into a light meal, boil some pasta (say half a bag of penne) and toss it all together, allowing the arugula to wilt slightly.

bridal shower inspiration.

My best friend got engaged a few months ago- I couldn't be happier for the two of them.  After she asked me to be her maid of honor I went into full planning mode.  I am over the days of the awkward Sunday afternoon bridal showers- we are too young and fun to sit in a circle and stare at eachother.  So why not do what we do best- cocktail hour! 

Another friend of mine got married last year and her bridesmaids threw the best bridal shower I have ever been to.  It was an evening get together with a 1950's theme (Mad Men style)- complete with dirty martini's, red lipstick, peep toe heels, pencil skirts and a whole lot of good food. Everything was done with class and nothing was shoddy or kitschy.

I think I'm going to go ahead and steal their evening idea and run with it. 

I have done some searching around on the internet and below are my inspirations so far-

yum. el encanto.

I am such a sucker for Mexican Food, I love love love it. When the theoretical question is asked “What would you want for your last meal?” most people I know respond with steak and potatoes—not this girl.  Give me a plate full of stuffed burritos, fish tacos, Mexican rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa and top it all off with a delicious margarita—salt of course.  Luckily for me I grew up in Phoenix—the “unofficial” best place to get Mexican food north of the Border. When the mood strikes you for some delicious, Old-World Mission-style cuisine head north of the Valley to Cave Creek and stop in at El Encanto. This place boasts authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine made daily with fresh ingredients.  No you won’t find enchiladas that have been sitting under a heat lamp for hours waiting for you to order it, you won’t find questionable “meats” here; but what you will find is some of the most delicious fish tacos (my favorite!), Pollo Fundido which is a deep fried chicken burrito with fundido sauce smothered on top.  What is fundido you ask—well it is creamy, cheesey, jalapeñoy melt in your mouth delectableness.  If you just can’t decide what to get, order the fajitas, they are brought to the table still sizzling and they are so tasty.   Last but certainly not least- order a margarita “Cadillac” style (floater of Grand Marnier).  I am a self-proclaimed margarita snob—my Dad, hands down, makes the BEST margaritas.  El Encanto shocked me when I ordered my first and then a second margarita, a rare occurrence for me.  Most Mexican restaurants disappoint me with their margaritas and I end up drinking a Mexican Beer, not here.  Whether you like them frozen, on the rocks, salt, or no salt, just order one, they are delish! I haven’t even gotten to the ambiance of the place yet- outdoor seating around a pond- or sit inside and admire the pond through the floor to ceiling windows!  It’s a great spot for a date, a “ladies night out”, or a family dinner.  They cater to it all! Below is a link to their website. nom. nom. nom.

Accolades:

Phoenix's Best
Phoenix Magazine

Best Margarita
New Times 2001

Most Romantic
Good Morning Arizona

Best MexicanReader's Choice
North Valley Magazine 2006

 

"Like a trip to Mexico
without the long drive"
Where to Eat from Chic to Unique, 2007

Top 12 Outdoor Eateries
Desert Living Magazine, 2004

Perfect Spot to Pop the Question
GoCityKids.com 2007

http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/index.htm

be nice.

I was perusing through one of my daily read blogs—320* Sycamore--and came across this little gem.  I like the saying--I think I’m going to make myself one of these…who knows I may even make my mom and sisters one too! This is a super easy and cheap little addition to anyone’s house.  You can customize it to fit your décor.  Who doesn’t need a daily reminder to be nice? Wink. Wink.
http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/little-shelf-in-bathroom.html

cake cookies.

"funfetti" cake cookies.

Two Birthdays in the office- of course that means there was a smorgasbord of food that everyone brought in.  One of my friends/co-worker brought in the most delicious treat to share. “Funfetti Cake Cookies”, I’m not kidding these things were gone before lunch. One co-worker even wanted to give her a hug because they were so scrumptious.   Naturally and the ladies in the office requested the recipe. I have the recipe listed below as well as the link to the site where it was originally posted:

http://www.fortheloveofblogtherapy.com/2011/05/cake-mix-cookies-funfetti-birthday.html

ingredients:

1 box of “Funfetti” Cake Mix

½ Cup Butter or Margarine softened

1 teaspoon of vanilla

2 eggs

1 jar of “Funfetti” Frosting

preparation:

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat cake mix, butter, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, or mix with spoon

Onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less than tablespoonful’s 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set (centers will be soft). Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Cut each cookie in half once cooled and fill with a generous amount of Funfetti Frosting.

Enjoy!

inside-out carrot cake cookies.

So after tasting how delicious those were when I stumbled upon this recipe I HAD to share it.  Carrot cake is my all-time favorite.  When I was in college I was unable to get home for Easter one year, and I spent Easter in my apartment making a homemade carrot cake, shredded carrots and all. I tried to perfect my mom’s recipe- I didn’t- I will never have her touch on baking, but I gave it a valiant effort and proceeded to eat the entire cake.  Makes me miss college, when I could eat an entire cake- and not gain weight. Sheesh.  

I’m pretty sure it’s the cream cheese frosting that makes any and all willpower disappear as soon as I see a slice of carrot cake- these I’m sure may be my ultimate demise.  (I will not add raisins when making these). Below is the link where I found this recipe:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/inside-out-carrot-cake-cookies-2483350/

ingredients:

1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup coarsely grated carrots (2 medium)

1 scant cup walnuts (3 ounces), chopped

1/2 cup raisins (2 1/2 ounces)

8 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup honey

preparation:

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 2 baking sheets.

Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Beat together butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in carrots, nuts, and raisins at low speed, add flour mixture and beat until just combined.

Drop 1 1/2 tablespoons batter per cookie 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are lightly browned and springy to the touch, 12 to 16 minutes total.

Cool cookies completely.

While cookies are baking, blend cream cheese and honey until smooth.

Sandwich flat sides of cookies together with a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling in between.

Enjoy!