Mom's Shopping/ Style Guide

Mom's Shopping/ Style Guide by lefemmelle featuring tops

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SUMMER READING LIST 2014

Recipe Roundup: Week One

Cooking is not my strong point. When it's going well, I thoroughly enjoy it. The process: planning, buying ingredients, preparation, and of course eating it! There are few better feelings better than cooking a delicious meal then sitting and devouring it, every bite (maybe even some plate licking). What I don't enjoy is feeling rushed and the imaginary pressure that I put on myself when cooking for others. For some reason i always go into panic mode when I am cooking a meal and someone is waiting for me to finish, peaking their head into the kitchen every so often sniffing the air with longing and the inevitable hovering near me and the stove. It drives me sick! But it's ridiculous and it's something that I should get over, especially if I want to feed myself and the ones I love on a regular basis.

One thing I have been doing with my free time is collecting recipes on Pinterest. I always found Pinterest so overwhelming. There's just so much coming at you at once, you know? Maybe it's the layout, I'm a minimalist and visually like everything to be clean, easy to dissect and for some reason I just don't get that with Pinterest. Despite my qualms, I have been using the site quite a bit at work during down time as a way to connect with our customers at the shop and increase our online presence. Many of our younger customers and 'work from home' clients use (and love) the site so I've been getting used to it. I love that there is an abundance of recipes for any type of meal imaginable. I've gained so many new ways to cook my favorite foods and it's a blessing because I was getting so bored & tempted to eat out every night.

My goal is to overload on veggies in an effort to transition into Vegetarian only meals. As much as I do like meat, I don't crave it as much and really never miss it when it's not on my plate so I figure I can just eliminate it. My veggie staples at the moment are kale (how cliche), zucchini, mushroom, squash, asparagus, green/red/orange bell peppers, and spinach. Trying to incorporate these into meals in different ways takes creativity, which I am lucky that Pinterest provides. Below are some recipes that I have made this week and planning to make before the week is up.

First 'Simple Sesame Noodles' by the Pioneer Woman. These were delicious and ridiculously easy to make. I had all the ingredients aside from the sesame oil, so technically they were "Sesame Noodles". I don't like sesame flavor so I didn't miss out. I topped the noodles with a bell pepper, mushroom, zucchini stir fry and it was the bomb!

Next, 'Garlic, Lemon & Parmesan Zucchini' by Cooking Classy. Again, so darn easy to make! I am a zucchini fanatic and this was perfect to curb my in-between lunch/dinner appetite limbo. Next time, I may think of cutting back on the olive oil and baking just a tad longer to see if these crisp up a bit more in the oven. Michael and I munched on these and he kept going on and on about how the lemon really brought out the flavors in the zucchini. He swears by lemon. *eyeroll* Will definitely make these a staple in my repertoire.

On the menu for later in the week is, 'Garlic Mushroom Quinoa' by Damn Delicious. I pretty much make this on my own, but mix in the mushrooms while the quinoa is boiling and let them cook down that way. This recipe calls for sautéing the mushrooms with garlic in a separate pan then adding them to the finished quinoa. Seems like a no brainer that this is going to be yummy. Michael is not the biggest mushroom fan, but when done right he can't complain.

On a separate note, I am so happy people have really nice dish ware, cooking pans, and excellent lighting in their homes because photos like this would not be possible in my dark, little apartment with all our epically hand me downed cookware. One day it'll be a reality for me, but for now I am grateful for the food bloggers out there :)

Wanderlust

wanderlust: \ˈwän-dər-ˌləst\

1. a strong desire to travel

2. a strong longing or impulse towards wandering

Growing up my family did not take a lot of trips, it's probably the one thing that I would definitely change about my childhood. It's such a small thing, no one's fault really. My mom kept us active and involved with sports and worked two-three jobs to support us, so there wasn't a whole lot of time designated for leaving the country on lavish vacations. We did however take many weekend trips throughout California, Nevada and Arizona for our sporting events, sometimes staying an extra day before or after to relax, which was always so fun.

As an adult I have done some light traveling throughout the States, on my own and with friends, but I am trying to plan a trip for myself to somewhere I have never been before and just taking it from there. I am not a spontaneous person and in my mind it doesn't make sense to plan a trip to nowhere without having everything planned to the letter, but I need to get rid of those qualms, at least once. There are so many places I want to go, so that is the difficult part, narrowing it down.

Allergy Home Remedies

I have suffered from allergies for as long as I can remember, they are just a constant in my life. My brother and I have the worst bouts of them out of every member of our family and we've just learned to live with them. I've tried most over the counter solutions, but they don't really fix anything and almost always give me severe drowsiness so I try to avoid them. As I've gotten older, I've tried to climate store bought medicine from my life and find better alternatives. I may not have instant relief, but I feel better knowing that I won't be susceptible to unpredictable side effects like drowsiness, raw nostrils or my favorite ridiculously chapped, splitting lips. So cute.

My moms coworker, whom I exchange emails with about interesting things we come across online, sent me a link about natural allergy remedies from Everyday Roots. Some of them I may not try, like the 'Red Onion, Honey Water' mainly because I am not a big fan of red onions on my food so I don't think I'll drink the water. (My breath and Michael's is pre-thanking me)

I really enjoy drinking tea before bed, so I will give the Nettle-Peppermint tea a try and I have been on a water kick, but could definitely use a little vitamin C, citrus goodness in my morning routine, so we'll see.

Allergies, Schmallergies

Allergies have been the bane of my existence ever since we went hiking about two weeks ago. I woke up early last Tuesday, rolled over and poked Michael until he grumpily asked what I wanted. For some reason I was in a hiking mood. I think it was probably reading  the weather report before bed the previous night or maybe the obnoxious sunshine that was already peaking through our window, not sure. Whatever it was, it wanted me to get outside, be active and take advantage of the beautiful Summer weather, the weather I had been pining for all winter long. So we made it up to Horse Tooth Mountain Open Space and took the Horse Tooth Falls trail, something we both had yet to do despite our time in Colorado-- ten months for me and almost two years for Michael!!! Inexcusable!

It was super beautiful and the waterfall was a cold sand refreshing as I had hoped it would be. After huffing it up the mountain it was nice to dip our hands & feet into the shallow spring, though we did have to maneuver around tons of children and their pushy parents to do so. Hmph. We ended up spotting the cave next to the waterfall and it was completely unoccupied, so it was nice to have it to ourselves to take a breather before heading back down the mountain.

While I enjoyed myself and all the wonderful views I couldn't help, but become frustrated at my none stop sneezing. Mainly because it caused me to take a lot more breaks than I was anticipating for myself, it just slowed me down so much. I'm blaming all the beautiful grass and flowers growing near by. Pretty, but debilitating.

Bag lady

My love for bags has grown exponentially since childhood and I am afraid (and excited) that it will continue to grow as I age. I am pretty sure that I developed this love from my mother, who most likely got it from her mother. I just remember seeing my grandmother carrying those Bamboula Ltd. straw bags everywhere! She had such an assortment of sizes that were designated for specific occasions. Her square, oversized tote with the sturdy leather handles was for stops at the market. The small, half-moon shape with the extra long strap and hidden compartments was for church. The mini backpack with just enough space inside for keys, wallet and chap stick was for walking the lake on the weekends. She always utilized her bags and each one had its purpose, so the abundance never came off as wasteful.

My mother is similar, in ways. She has her every day work bag, her paper-work bag, her laptop bag, her gym bag, her lunch bag... she epitomizes the term "bag lady", but in an almost endearing way. You see her with her multiple bags and you can't help but think 'I hope she has everything...?' As I've matured I've learned the significance of having a bag that hold everything, that can be a staple of resourcefulness in a hectic life. I think that's why I have gravitated towards accumulating so many different shapes and colors, because there will always be a time when you need a specific type of bag and it would suck not to have the one that would be most appropriate.

While browsing Etsy I came across a brand of handmade crochet bags called, Sudrishta by Sudrishta. I really like these bags because they bring about a sense of nostalgia as I think about my grandmother and her collection of Bamboula Ltd. bags. Though I am forever undecided about most things that I buy on Etsy, I have at least narrowed it down to three styles that I want and current have nothing like in my closet.

All three styles are priced at $79.00, plus $17.00 for shipping which is a lot higher than I would normally be willing to pay, but that are coming all the way from Turkey and the craftsmanship looks exceptional from what I can tell through photos. My half birthday is coming up, so maybe someone will get this for me as a gift? (I wish...)

Stirred, NOT shaken please!

Last Wednesday turned into an impromptu date night, mainly because I got off early and time to curl my hair, find a cute dress and use the new lipstick Michael bought me. I think he was so taken aback and excited that he wanted to take advantage of my good mood. I have been really stressed out all Winter and it carried over into the Spring. I am trying to get back into the "Look Good, Feel Good" mindset with hopes that my mood will improve over time because my boyfriend misses my carefree, happy girlies! It takes time, but it's coming back!

Anywhoo--- We went to Elliot's Martini Bar and it was super cute and very quiet, which normally isn't what people look for in a bar, but Michael and I are little homebodies and like low-key settings, the more intimate the better!

I like the configuration of the bar, it's really open when it's near empty and you can get a great view of the overhead projector which plays movies. Edward Scissorhands was playing much to my delight because it's such a good one!

Their menu is really, really extensive as they are a true martini bar and have so many different combinations, possibly more than the average person can come up with! The only martini's that I have had were a "Mango Madness Martini" that a friend ordered me on my 21st birthday & the ridiculously strong "Maker's Mark Martini"that Michael ordered me a few birthdays ago. They were my favorite drinks, but I was excited to have so many options to choose from and find a drink that suited my taste buds! After scouring the four page menu I decided on the "Bad Bitch" mixed drink-- mainly due to the name, but the ingredients seemed the yummiest! Spiced rum, Malibu run, peach schnapps, orange juice, pineapple juice, and creme de cassis (which I have no idea of what it is, but tasted good I guess???). Michael ordered the "Winnie the Pooh is Drunk", I can't quite remember what was in it, but it was strong and had a sweet, honeyed after taste--which may have inspired the name :)

We also snacked on spinach dip and french bread pieces because when spinach dip is on the menu you never NOT order spinach dip! It was a nice night out and I ended up having two Bad Bitches, while contemplating a third. Ultimately we left it at two and walked home. We'll definitely go back because there were so many other delicious drinks on the menu.

Birk, please!?

Birkenstock's have always been a staple amongst what my grandmother would call "the granola crowd". You know them, they shop at Whole Foods, wear cargo shorts year round, frequent farmer's markets, grow veggies in their backyards, get cage free eggs from Bob down the street, etc. (the list could go on). My grandparents are apart of this crowd, creatures of comfort who prefer the minimalist style and always put comfort over style. Growing up I would slip on my grandmother's Birks to run outside to get the mail, water the lawn, or generally do anything that required me to get out the door fast. While they were the most stylish pieces in her closet, they were definitely comfy and she loved them. I have a vivid image of her many pairs in various colors and strap combinations lined up outside the door of her small closet, soles stained from years of use yet remaining overwhelmingly intact.

Now I see Birks everywhere, mainly on young "fashionistas" who wear them in an almost ironic fashion, like they know they are (somewhat) seen as the iconic unattractive shoe, but because they're wearing them with silk blouses and carrying their Chloé bags it cancels out their higher tastes.

I don't know, as someone who grew up with reformed hippie grandparents who put Birks and Teva on our feet faithfully, and the fact that I was teased for wearing them in junior high and high school, it's confusing because I don't understand this obsession with incorporating tragically 'norm core' pieces---it's just strange lol.

The thing with Birkenstocks is if you truly like them and not just because they are popular, you have to be unapolegetic when wearing them. I guess only time will tell if those who rushed to get a pair this season will keep them around until next year.

The styling of the sophisticated & sleek silk black slip with the hat and Birks works, in a way only a ridiculously chic woman could pull off-- yet I think this look is super inspirational to anyone wanting to attempt the trend. She looks unbothered and gorgeous, total date night.

The thing about MK and Ash is that they can literally wear anything and totally be trendy& unbothered, so seeing them in Birks is no big surprise. Julianne is a goddess, so pffft! Heidi most likely grew up in Birks--German beauty in Germany's crowning achievement.

Teva's are like Birkenstocks wholly uncool cousin, but I don't care I love those Metallic polka dot shoes and they have been sitting in my cart waiting for Summer and my upcoming trip to Santa Fe is the perfect time to bust those babies out. 

*photos courtesy of honestlywtf.com

Summertime Madness

I'm a total nut when it comes to Summer time. As soon as the sun starts a steady rhythm I retire all my long sleeves, pants and anything that restricts my shoulders from getting some warmth. After twenty or so years, it's become a second instinct for me! My next instinct would be to start the eternal search for the "perfect bathing suit". Through the years I have discovered that there is no coveted perfect suit, it only exists in our minds--which isn't' necessarily a bad thing! Confidence is definitely the key to feeling beautiful in your swimwear and honestly what could be more perfect than confidence and a smile? But that doesn't stop me from scouring the inter webs for something with the right amount of coverage, adorableness, and enough sustainability to last me until next Summer.

I (like many women) spend the winter months getting in shape for the Summer months... well attempting to at least. I am usually successful enough to wear a two-piece, but for the past two Summers I have worn super cute one pieces. I like the coverage and the fact that I don't have to worry about my top slipping or my bottoms riding up my bum. Considering that I have gained about seven pounds this winter, most of which has settled into my thighs, bum and boobs (somewhat luckily???), I will definitely rock a one-piece while I get used to this new body. It can be so hard to find a one-piece that isn't super plain or stuck in that 1940's, pin up era style. While I think it is obviously cute, that style doesn't work the best for my short, somewhat athletic body type.

1,2,3 Mara Hoffman Spring Collection 2014

I am a big fan of vibrant color & intricate print when it comes to swim wear because WHY NOT??? Since being introduced to Mara Hoffman's brand, I have long admired her designs for their flair, such intoxicating symmetry happening! I love the cohesion of color and print, plus her more is more approach works indefinitely.

1. Zimmerman Swimwear Spring 2014

2. Zimmerman Swimwear via Madewell 2014

These two suits are on the plainer side of things, considering that floral print is pretty standard for swim designs, but I do love the interest shapes these create. My bust is still relatively small, so strapless bandeau designs work for me and the addition of the bow (left side) is adorable and playful. The plunging neckline of the floral one (right side) really adds some sex appeal to the design. I already have a floral print, plunging neckline suit (with straps!) so maybe that's why I like this one.

1. Mara Hoffman Spring Collection 2014

2. RVCA Spring 2014

3. RVCA Spring 2014

I'm the girl who finds every excuse to wear a romper, I can't help myself! I'm pretty small and I am not a fan of how my legs look in shorts, but for some reason short rompers work for me. It's just so freaking cute!

Vida de Vacaciones

I'm desperate need of a vacation. This past winter was particularly brutal for me, mostly because I was so unprepared for the harshness of the snow so it was really hard to get used to it. I was in constant need of sun, even just a hint of warmth, but alas it never came. At least I can say that I survived -10 degree mornings and I only cried once... okay twice-- three times maximum!!

Michael and I really want to go on a road trip and take advantage of the beautiful Colorado summer that is approaching. He wants to get outdoors and be active and I want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and engage in activities, so with these factors in mind we have decided on driving the car down to Santa Fe, New Mexico!

It's a straight shot on the highway from our home and there are quite a few National Parks along the way, so he will get his camping fix in! I am super excited to visit the Georgia O'Keefe museum as well as seeing the amazing, Mexican architecture that is still prominent in Santa Fe.

We will be staying at an "off the grid" casita that is far enough for a secluded, technology absent week, but close enough to town that we can make the 20 minute bike ride when we want to be more social and see the tourist sites. Holy hiking and natural hot springs, I can't wait to get down there!

Can't wait to hike the Puye Ruins and get my natural woman on!

The Scientist

"The Scientist" by Coldplay. One of my favorite songs, it's just sweet, earnest and simple in nature.

Come up to meet you

Tell you I'm sorry

You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you, tell you I need you

Tell you I'll set you apart

Tell me you love me

Come back and haunt me

Oh, and I rush to the start

Running in circles, chasing our tails 

Coming back as we are

Elizabeth Suzanne Lookbook

My favorite thing about Instagram is being able to randomly discover new designers with little to no effort. I use this reasoning to justify my compulsion to check the app hundreds of times throughout the day-- never know what we show up on that popular page! A recent find is Elizabeth Suzann, a Tennessee based apparel designer who makes impeccable basics, in a range of fabrics from linen to silk bases. I am obsessed with her faux 'one size fits all' aesthetic. It's hard for me to not lust over every boxy shifty sac dress that I see this season, mainly due to my body type changing in the last few months. I've become very comfortable in these styles, tossing on my Fog Linen sleeveless shift or Oak and Fort linen shirt dress, pretty much every other day. It's just a major go to for me while I'm working on losing my winter weight.

Elizabeth's look book is very thoughtful and every look is put together with a nice touch of easiness. What caught my eye is how she accessorized with jewelry pieces from Madewell, as well as hats, leather booties & bags from outside brands. For me it showed how seamless her pieces can work into a minimalist wardobe. As someone who doesn't naturally gravitate towards color or patterns on a daily basis, knowing that neutral clothing can still be my stand out pieces amongst intricate jewelry and accessories is important to me.