One of the best ways to celebrate Easter is finding a new dress! Shopping for one with my mom is my favorite tradition. It should probably be church, or family dinner, or something of that nature. But it’s not. It’s always been about the dress for yours truly. And besides, I feel it should count for something that I’m putting in so much effort for the big day.;)
There are lots of good ones out there this year! Here’s a few of my window shopping favorites:)
Whatever you celebrate the day in, I hope you feel loved and beautiful!
Hope you are enjoying the first weekend of spring! Here are a few of my favorite finds for starting off the new season.
1. This candle I’m not crazy about the jar, but the fresh, clean scent more than makes up for it. ($12.99 at World Market)
2. This quote:
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. …They went out and happened to things.” Leonardo Da Vinci
3. This recipe: California Quinoa Salad. Easy and delicious. (Best part is- you can get everything in one stop. If that one stop is Trader Joe’s. Also, I’d cut the recipe in half.)
5. This print. I saw it and had to have it while working with Kayla Adams (designer of many beautiful things, including olivemepost.) Be warned- the print is an odd size, so framing is a bit tricky.
6. These shelves. Custom built for me by the fireman. You’ll have to snag one of those if you want some;) (There are online tutorials, too.. If you’re up for a spring DIY)
Trying new recipes has been an unexpected benefit of my new health kick. While looking for yesterday’s dinner, I came across this adorable site and wanted to share. They Draw & Cook is the largest collection of illustrated recipes from all over the world. Have a look and let me know if you try any (especially that lemon cake I can’t have at the moment).
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A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here
A Color stands abroad On Solitary Fields That Science cannot overtake But Human Nature feels.
It waits upon the Lawn, It shows the furthest Tree Upon the furthest Slope you know It almost speaks to you.
Then as Horizons step Or Noons report away Without the Formula of sound It passes and we stay —
A quality of loss Affecting our Content As Trade had suddenly encroached Upon a Sacrament.
Only two more days before the Christmas season descends upon us. Before it’s too late, I’m sneaking in a few of my fall favorites into this week’s pin & tell. I’d love to hear some of yours:)
Easy Dry Nail Polish
This tip will change your life. That is, if you are a person who paints their nails. Otherwise, it’s a waste of your time. Anyway, when you are done painting your nails, lightly spray with PAM cooking spray and it instantly dries them! GAME.CHANGER. I picked up this Essie in ‘Very Structured’ at TJ Maxx for $3.50! I thought it would either be the perfect fall color or a terrible 90’s mauve throwback. You tell me.
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Bobby Pin
I saw this tip and was shocked. Have I really been doing it wrong all these years? I’m going to vote NO. I tried it and it works better for me the other way around. However, my trusted friend Heather says she does it this way. Hairstylists? Care to settle the friendly dispute?
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Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
If you are looking for a non-fussy mashed potatoes recipe that hits the spot, look no further! Seriously, my family would riot if it didn’t make it to the Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
10 large baking potatoes
1 cup of creme cheese
1 cup of sour creme
1 stick of butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tblsp garlic salt
Step 1 : Wash potatoes and pierce the skin in several places with a fork. Bake in a baking pan at 350 for an hour and a half or until soft.
Step 2: Once baked, slice each potato in half and scoop out the insides into a large mixing bowl. While hot, add 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of creme cheese, and 1 cup of sour creme into the bowl.
Step 3: Mix ingredients with mixer until potatoes are smooth. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste. Ready to serve!
My mom makes it up the day before and refrigerates. On Thanksgiving, she butters the sides of her crock pot and heats the potatoes on low before serving. Easy! (Serves 10-12: Prep Time- 25 minutes: Cook Time- 1.5 hours)
Fall Playlist
By the time fall rolls around, I’m in the mood for plenty of folk and country. Something about this season almost makes me wish (almost) that I was back living in my old hometown, Stagecoach USA. Enjoy!! What are you listening to? What signature dish does your family enjoy?