Frozen Fuchsia

I have never found a photo more representational of the color fuchsia.....until now.  Not only do I love it, I want to eat it!

Photo via Pinterest

Holy Colors!

I stumbled upon this Etsy shop and am in love with the color combinations used in these Ombre Hand-Dyed silk pieces.  The first silk top is my ultimate fave in this photo series- these are the best color combinations for rockin' this Summer!

Meg + Milo

All photos via Meg + Milo Etsy shop

Have you added any 'brightness' to your wardrobe this Summer?

Summer Crusin'

Crusin around SD this past weekend..........

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday.  Hope your weekend is bright and cheery.  We're planning to go on a coastal bike ride and enjoy getting our iced coffee drinks ( did I tell you were cutting back on Starbucks and only getting them on the weekends? It's been tough, but we're strong)!  Enjoy.

photo via Flickr

Perennials

Swingin' back around, I know my posts have been sporadic- hope some of you still stop in every now and then.  I returned from that mini-vacation about 2 weeks back and knew my Etsy orders would be high priority (or rather taking over life).  I'm getting them complete and have been working for some very sweet clients so work life is full to the brim!

Since its been a while since I've waved hello, I wanted to share one of my very favorite outdoor fabric collections, Perennials.  I've used these fabrics lots for client's projects (in my interior design side of work) and they are great alternatives for indoor use as well, especially with children and pets.  They are less resistant to fade and a bit more durable for those well-lived in spaces.  I've always adored their colors and patterns- check out their site to see all the options.  Every few months when the rep would plan on visiting our design studio, I would get so excited to see the new prints and thrilled once I  actually had them in hand to review.

I'm a sucker for their advertising and have always loved the way they showcase their collections.........
my new fave, the Road Trippin' collection:

All photos via Perennials

Do you not LOVE?  Next time you're thinking of sprucing up your space, or are in need of outdoor material for cushions, check them out instead of going straight toward a standard canvas or Sunbrella fabric.  You will love the quality and color options- no doubt.  I have a small pillow on my indoor sofa using their fabrics and I adore the variation it gives to our space.  I'll have to snap a photo to share on the next blog.

Happy beginning of Summer!

Bright Return

We're back in town from vacation and trying to adjust back into our normal schedules.  Going back to work was tough yesterday, although my lovely co-worker brought me the most gorgeous bright pink Peonies......love.

I don't think I've shared our new ("old") bistro outdoor chairs- so here's a snap of the beautiful blooms on top of one of our chairs.

personal photo

Hope you're having a great week!

A Little of This......and That

Now that I've just gotten back to the blog, I'll be taking a mini break to do a little of this:

Poolside lounging

Pedicures

(I was thinking of some outlandish color, but knowing me I'll get there and choose French tip)

Design planning for my Sis

all photos via Pinterest

Vacations are few and far between, yet D and I are welcoming this mini break.

Most likely I won't look as fabulous as any of these photos while doing my activities, but hey- all the same to me when I can get some time away!  It will be our first vacation this year- bring it!

Random Thingy-ma-jigs

I've been up to some random things lately- here are just a few:

Enjoying my new iPhone cover and deciding it's really time to

get the office organized (look at that junk)!

Going on awesome bike rides with D.

Taking in the gorgeous view while cruisin' around on our bikes.

Hoping that I'll be able to learn at least one project out of the

new book I picked up.  I don't know how to knit yet (only crochet), so I'm

feeling intimidated.

How have you kicked off your Summer?

Sweet Return

Hi All!  Comin' back to the blogging world, it's been a while as last month was really quite a month.  There were some good times, some stressful times, some tired times- glad to be in June and kickin' off the Summer.

I was pinning away last night (mostly food recipes) when a little light popped on inside my over-tired head.  I decided- "hey, what's the point of pinning things just to stare at them?"- I should start implementing these things:  DIY projects, baking recipes, using tips/tricks for organizing, etc.  I told D to scroll through all the food recipes I had saved to date and pick one, I would then cook or bake it the next day.  Fast forward to today and what did he choose.......................

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

photo via Bakerlady

I found the recipe via Pinterest- came from Bakerlady's Blog (I think she found the recipe somewhere else, yet I followed her instructions because I like her style).  She brought her laptop into the kitchen to read the recipe from (which is what I did), and she also would rather microwave the chocolate chips rather than heat them over a stove top to slowly melt- uuuuummm, yes.  Shortcuts please.  Since I dubbed her my baking bud, I followed her recipe and took photos along the way in case any of you may want to try it: 

Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

(from Let’s Dish, but followed from Bakerlady's Blog)

Ingredients

1 cup butter melted (2 sticks)

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (use the boxed kind, or grind them in a food processor. Tiny granules.  I put the whole grahams in a Ziploc bag and let my husband go at it with the rolling pin).

2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

My Rating: Easy and OH SO DELICIOUS!

I gathered the ingredients first, choosing unsalted butter and natural PB with no hydrogenated oils, if it's possible to make anything somewhat healthier, I'll give it a whirl.

I then mixed together the ingredients for the base level:

Powdered sugar, peanut butter, and butter.

Then firmly press the mixture into an ungreased pan:

I then proceeded with the chocolate mixture for the top layer, melting the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave for about 75 seconds, then stir together until fully melted into a soft mixture.  Then pour and spread onto top of the base layer (if you have an awesome husband, he'll help you out).

Done, ready to stick in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour:

Once chilled, time to cut and serve.

Hope you'll try it, it is so darn scrumptious!