Frame Worthy

I just want to jump inside these beautiful prints! Check out the whole art collection here.

found via {Cup of Jo}

Summer Fruit Desserts

I have been seeking out some delicious summer dessert recipes for the Memorial Day weekend. We have a few gatherings to attend and I am REALLY looking forward to getting in the kitchen to bake... it's been too long! My friend Claire made these scrumptious looking Strawberry Cupcakes for her husband's birthday party that I have been swooning over. Here are some other lovely desserts from the queen herself, Martha Stewart:


Blackberry-Swirl Pound Cake

Blackberry Crumb Bars

Summer Fruit Tart

Strawberry Tartlets

Raspberry Plum Crumb Tart

Blackberry Basil Tart


Now, which one to choose... What are you making on this long holiday weekend?

image and recipe via {Martha Stewart}

Oh So Sweet

My heart be still... can this little cutie-pie be any more adorable?!

A Study on Italian Food

I just picked up this behemoth book at the library, The Oxford Companion to Italian Food. It was as if I was being pulled into its atmosphere of overwhelming food study on Italian gastronomy... I'm in love. This thorough masterpiece of knowledge includes everything from Art and Culture to Regional Cuisine to History and Society with all the necessary stops in-between such as Culinary Terms, Baked Goods and Pasta/Rice.

I plan on devouring this gem before our trip next month to... ITALY!!!!

Falling Short and Things Learned

I am sure you have noticed I've been a bit MIA... the cleanse was quite the time-taker. "Was?" Yes :( I am proud to say I made it 1 week through the raw, gluten-free, vegan cleanse... then caved under the pressure of a lovely, delicious brunch with my sweetheart...!! I even packed my own food for a wedding on Saturday, can you believe it?! Even though I only made it 1/3 of the way here is what I have learned:

• I feel good and am MUCH more aware of what I am eating and how I am filling my plate


• I have been introduced to some cool new items such as coconut water, kombucha (more on that later) and have FINALLY added the beloved quinoa to my pantry


• some great new recipes like Carrot Miso Dressing and Mexican Pilaf (really super yummy!)


• the greatest thing of all: a growing understanding of the pros and cons that certain foods have on my body and how to eat for optimal health

I am still continuing with many of the Crazy Sexy Diet suggestions; still starting my morning with tea (Yerba Mate) and green juice until noon, loading my plate with fresh salads and veggies, and REALLY limiting the intake of sugar (helps with no coffee!). I am still really interested in implementing supplements and dry brushing into my routine... what are your experiences with these?

All in all, it was a great, challenging experience. This is not the last you have heard of the cleanse though... I plan on giving it another go after all the weddings, travels, parties, and celebrations for the summer have passed :)

Freedom Riders

Credit: Library of Congress

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders monumental struggle for Civil Rights. The 2010 Sundance Film Festival opened last year with a documentary called Freedom Riders that will be airing tonight on PBS American Experience. Such a great, moving, emotional, and inspiring recollection of great american heroes and heroines who risked their lives to realize a better America for all.

Crazy Sexy Diet Preview

Want to learn more about this Crazy Sexy Diet and Kris Carr's healthy philosophy? Check out the Google books preview here (I think this is most of the book minus the cleanse + recipes) or her website here.

p.s... Day-2 is going much better...!

Adventure Cleanse: Day 1

Ok, ready or not... actually, I am totally ready! Nervous, of course, but after my fun-filled weekend (complete with not-so-cleansing food) I am really looking forward to restoring a healthy pH in my body... dang, I'm going to miss coffee! I went to the store last night to stock up on all the yummy things I will be indulging in over the next 21 days... but realized I had forgotten my 2 page list, so I had to improv a bit. I only purchased a few things to get me through the day, then plan on stopping AGAIN for the BIG list. Here's what's on my menu for today:

a.m.: warm water with lemon and tea (I was looking forward to the Yerba Mate I bought, but left my lovely mug w/brew on the mantle as I was heading out of the house, arms overflowing with stuff...bummer)

breakfast: green juice (I opted for the Green Machine by Naked)

lunch: shaved kale salad with radishes, carrots, and Avocado Cumin salad dressing

dinner: TBD... I think we will be having something along the line of a Thai "Peanut" meal... we'll see.

I have a bit of a coffee headache and no energy. I realized that I actually will snack throughout the day to keep my eyes open... enjoying a green apple and almond butter now... hope that works!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the lovely mothers in my life and to all the wonderful mothers out there; I hope you have a joyous day :)

A Favorite Snack

While Brian has been addicted to the Chili Mangos from Trade Joe's, I have a small obsession (ok, fine- a BIG one!) with this TJ's Mediterranean Hummus and sugar snap peas. Every time I go, I replenish my fridge with this super-yummy snack. I will have to say "au revoir" once the Great Cleanse of 2011 begins. No worries, this little buddy-pack will be there when I return.

*NOTE: My book came in yesterday (only 2 days to arrive = awesome)!! I will start the 21-Day Adventure Cleanse on Monday 5/9 for those wanting to participate. If you need to start later, feel free to jump in anytime!

**Update: Oh snap! Hummus is on the Cleanse menu... mama like!

Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Mexican victory over France day! Here is my ideal Cinco de Mayo menu: I would begin the day with a bowl of warm chilaquiles (although this recipe, seen above, looks UH-mazing too!); melty cheese, once-crispy tortilla chips that have since gone limp from soaked up juices, melt in your mouth chicken. I would be so stuffed from breakfast that I could forgo lunch, no problem. The evening would be welcomed in with this yummy Puelba Chicken and Potato Stew and Mango Margarita. The warm night would be cooled down with these Paletas de Mango con Chile (mango ice pops- a nod to my hubby who is OBSESSED with the chili mangos from Trader Joes…I’d soak the mango in tequila first, though!). Feliz Fiesta!

image and recipe via {Gourmet}

Goodies on the Way!

I had an Amazon credit that I decided to cash in on yesterday... here's what I got:

Yoga Mat

Hinds' Feet on High Places: recommended by a friend

Crazy Sexy Diet: also recommended by a friend

I plan on starting the 21-Day Adventure Cleanse next week (if my package arrives by then, fingers crossed!)... wanna join me? Have you tried a cleanse before?

Hat Kinda Day

Now, not just for those days when you need to hide some crazy bed-head hair. I am really into the hat as a genuine accessory and think we should move more towards a lovely-hat society; with these adorable selections, how could one resist?

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of course... how could we not mention the lovely Kate? {image}

"Tell me yuh like muh hat, Shannon!" {image}

What is your hat style? I think I have fallen for this one from H&M.

leading image via {hearblack}