Floral Barrettes

Hi ladies!

I'm sorry it's Monday but I'm happy to see you!  I hope you had a lovely weekend and that your week is fabulous.  And if it's not, here are some fun and girly things to cheer you up!

Today I was thinking about Spring wind and upcoming Summer humidity.  What to do with your hair? It's frizzy, blowing all over, or some heinous mix in between those two.  Enter, the barrette.  It's simple, versatile and efficient.  Today I want to feature floral barrettes because they are feminine and perfect for this time of year.

   Shabby Apple, Amaretti clip, $12

I really love the mix of feathers with this barrette, just beautiful.

Forever 21, sequined rosette bobby pins, $2.50

You're running out the door to the grocery store, you don't have time to do your hair or find jewelry- throw these beauties on and instant glam.

Anthropologie, Anemone trio barrette, $18

This is perfect for a half-up-half-down hair day.  Jeans or sun dress.

Target, Bella V Vogue, $4

How unique is this barrette? I'm obsessed.

Etsy (Artbybarri), Coral satin flower, $8

Such a great mix of materials here.  And the pink is just fabulous.

What do you think? Too girly for you? I just love barrettes because they're easy, adjustable and fun.  And did I mention affordable?

Be fabulous today!

It list!!

Welcome to another inspiring installment of the IT list... take some time to be inspired by these amazing blogs - and Happy Friday! 

• rebecca with an R spells out her current wish list... what made the cut? This gorgeous clutch for one, the rest you are going to have to find out yourself by heading over there! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations recreates this gorgeous 70's inspired Elle Machpherson look on a budget - I am really loving this look!
• a spot of whimsy found these really neat graphic maps for popular cities in Europe.  They are so unique, I would love one for myself! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• capital barbie rounds up unique graduation gifts for a stylish grad - she has some great ideas here!  I really love this bow ring. (find capital barbie on twitter!)
• baby shopoholic got some great pieces and great deals at baby Gap recently. I can't stand how cute this denim moto jacket is!  
• lady M is sporting an adorable floral bib necklace and has the perfect outfit to go with it. I am loving this necklace for spring! (find lady M on twitter!)
• the stylish housewife celebrates her birthday in this gorgeous one shouldered maxi dress. Go over and wish her a Happy Birthday! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
• good clean fun brings you good old fashioned milk and cookies... chocolate toffee cookies to be exact! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is crushing on coral... what a perfect shade for summer. I am loving all her picks... especially this nail polish, but make sure you swing by to check out the others! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• the fancy red boots has an adorable outfit for a day away from the city... check out her boots that she found at an unlikely spot. I love them! (find the fancy red boots on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up 'sweet' macaron themed items from etsy - perfect for the francophile gal in your life.  This poster is just too, too cute!
• infashuation rocks this amazing horse sweater AND she dishes on where she finds one of kind pieces like these - don't miss her tips! (find infashuation on twitter!)
• along abbey road is giving away a gift card to Anthropolgie... need I say more? Pop on over to enter why don't you!?!
• thought and musing has the most perfect outfit for a picnic if there ever were one.  And I am absolutely in love with her hat!
• rose a la mode is looking perfect in plaid... also stop by to get the word on her new posting schedule. You know, the early bird gets the worm! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Friday Foodday!

Woohoo! Friday! What are your plans this weekend? As I mentioned yesterday, I will be heading home for my sister's graduation.  


Have a great recipe for me? I'd love to feature it! Email it to me!

Garlic-Poblano Guacamole

c/o Kings Mill Resort

Ingredients

6 garlic cloves, unpeeled

1 red bell pepper

1 poblano chile

1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and coarsely mashed

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, white and tender green parts

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Tortilla chips

Directions
Bake until soft, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then remove the skins. Place the roasted garlic in a serving bowl and mash with a fork.

Preheat the broiler. Place the bell pepper and chile on a baking sheet and broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat source until the skins are blackened and blistered all over, about 8 minutes. Remove from the broiler. Lower the oven temperature to 425°F.

Transfer the roasted pepper and chile to a paper or plastic bag and close tightly. Let stand for 10 minutes (the steam will loosen the skins), then peel, stem, and seed the pepper and the chile, and chop finely. Add the pepper, chile, avocado, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to the mashed garlic, stirring well. Serve the guacamole with the tortilla chips.

Tip: When storing this guacamole, press plastic wrap against its surface to help keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.

Makes 8 servings

Memphis Style Pulled Pork

c/o Your Southern Peach

Ingredients

1 medium onion

6 fresh garlic cloves

2 (14 oz.) can low sodium beef or chicken stock

4 cups (32 oz) Barbecue Sauce, divided

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 tsp pepper

1 boneless Boston Butt Pork Roast 

Directions

1.  Remove ends from onion and peel.  Slice thickly and place in slow cooker with peeled garlic cloves.  Stir in broth, 3 cups barbecue sauce, sugar, vinegar and pepper.  Add pork roast gently.  Cover and cook for 6-8 hours.  About halfway through cooking, I like to flip the roast to make sure both sides remain moist.  (Be sure to cook this roast a minimum of 6 hours to assure deliciously moist barbecue!)

2. Remove pork from slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes.  Shred with a fork and remove fatty parts.  Serve on top of a toasted bun and accompany with remaining BBQ sauce.

Pillowy Chocolate Chip Cookies

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- Melt the butter. Stir in the sugar. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes.
3- Beat in the egg and vanilla until well incorporated.
4- In a separate bowl stir together the flour and baking soda. Add to the butter mixture, stirring well.
5- Stir in the chocolate chips.
6- Using a tablespoon, scoop spoonfuls of batter onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until slightly golden around the edges and the top sets.
7- Allow to cool 4-5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Be fabulous today!

Graduation Gifts

I know you know someone, love someone or are thinking about someone who is graduating soon.  For me it's my fabulous sister, Sara, who is graduating from University of Pennsylvania this weekend.  Now I'm not going to tell you what I got her- because, she's a good sister, and she reads the blog!  (Thanks sis) Instead I wanted to feature some great ideas for your graduating friend/sister/neighbor/etc.

Fred Flare, forget me knot ring, $58

I love this ring.  It also comes in silver.  It's so simple and elegant; pair this with a nice card stating what you don't want her to forget.  For my sister it would be her unique sense of caring for everyone around her.

Nordstrom, Nine West Rocha, $79

What about buying her her very first career pumps?  Traditional and classic.  She'll always think of you when she puts them on before her 9-5.

Dogeared, Go! Make a wish, $26

This is a great option for maybe your roommate or neighbor. It has a great note on it and it's really simple and inspirational.

Etsy (Poppy Papers), Pink peony personalized flat note, $16.50

For the girl who still believes in the power of the handwritten note, personalized stationary is a fantastic gift that she would use for years to come.

What other ideas do you have? Jewelry is always a great option, but there are so many choices! When picking a gift, really think about the wonderful parts of the graduate: her drive, her confidence, her honesty, make sure those aspects come out in the gift.

Congrats grads!

Be fabulous today!