Sunshine and Relaxation

Excited for a relaxing, low key weekend with plenty of sunshine and some quality time outdoors. Hope the weather is blue sky and sunny in your neck of the woods. Any big plans?

image/youaremyfave

Best First Dance

This wedding clip features a friend of a friend, a charismatic couple who dazzled their wedding guests with a *surprisingly* rockin' first dance. They start off romantic and traditional, but just wait...you won't be disappointed!

video/youtube

Love on the Rocks

I'm loving the diversity of engagement photo shoots these days. Check out the fab photography going on over at Steep Street, love the eclectic range of shots that really captures this couple's zeal for adventure.images/steepstreet

So Debonair

Cigars are the ultimate congratulatory hobby. Gather 'round and celebrate with an oh-so-debonair cigar. Kind of like the masculine alternative to a girlish squeal and clinking of champagne glasses. Debonair Cigars is the "it" cigar it seems, boasting not only clever packaging, but a slogan to boot - "stay confident, stylish, and charming."
images/dieline

Happy Hour Come Early?

Can't make it to happy hour? If you can't get to the bar, whip up a batch of these, margarita cupcakes! Too bad Cinco de Mayo has already past, these sweet treats, spiced up with tequila-lime frosting are the perfect way to bring some entertainment to the office. Olé!
Margarita Cupcakes
(from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World)
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1/2 tsp lime zest (1 lime)
1 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp tequila
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Fill a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
In a large bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, soy milk, oil , tequila, vanilla and sugar.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to lime mixture and stir until just combined. Divide evenly into muffin tins.
Bake for 20-24 minutes, until a tester comes out clean and the cakes spring back when lightly pressed.
Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
*****
Tequila and Lime Frosting
1/4 cup butter or nonhydrogenated shortening, softened
1 tbsp soymilk
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp tequila
2+ cups confectioners’ sugar
coarse sugar for “rims”
Cream together shortening, soymilk, lime juice, tequila, and 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Add in more sugar as needed to make frosting stiff, but spreadable.
Spread on cupcakes and roll the edges in a small amount of coarse, colored sugar (poured into a small bowl, so it’s easy to direct it).
image+recipe / hostessblog

Give Green

I love these! What a darling, unique way to say thank your guests for coming to an event. Not only is the thank you flag simple and sweet, but it's a great way to literally pass it on, and make the world a little greener.via ohappyday

Make A Little Rainbow

It's so bright and sunny outside, I'm feeling like it's the perfect opportunity to make rainbow cake. Just know, this isn't your average rainbow-chip cake made from the boxed mix can buy at your local grocery store, this cake requires a little more TLC. Check out the recipe.image/omnomicron

Memorious Memorial Day

My weekend was packed with sun, fun, and great company. My friends and I trekked out to Central Washington for a 3-day weekend of camping. Our 4th annual Memorial Day trip of sleeping under the stars, campfire, and of course - honey buckets - was for the first year marked by 48 hours of straight sunshine. After surviving years of hail, torrential downpour, and crazy winds in years past, the sun was a welcome surprise. Cheers to a fabulous tradition!

image/greenlight

Memorial Day Fun

Going camping and concerting here this weekend, it's supposed to be sunny skies all 3-days. Excited to relax, soak up some sun, and spend some quality time with friends. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

image/houseofblues

Meow

I was just asked by a co-worker if I was interested in adopting a free 8-week old kitten...While my heart said "YES," I had my mind set on no until I saw the pictures. Cute, white, fluffy, precious little whiskered faces looking up into the camera with those take-me-home-and-love-me eyes. I am so tempted to say "yes," and jump on the pet bandwagon again since it's been a few years since my beloved cat and dog died...but still up in the air if this is a wise decision...

Thoughts? Inspiring stories about adopted pets?

image/absolutelyunique

Vision in Blue

I am in love with the Cynthia Vincent dress Kristin Cavallari wore to Heidi and Spencer's wedding. Yes, I know it's Kristin Cavallari. Yes, I realize it's Heidi and Spencer... But in the name of good fashion, will you look at this dress, the color, the cut, it's just so pretty!images/usmagazine

Cream In My Coffee

I love this! Without cream, coffee just isn't quite the same...Share this with someone special, to let them know how truly important they are to you. While I know it's terribly tacky to reference last week's Grey's Anatomy finale right now - I think the message in that particular episode was a valid one worth repeating. It is so important to tell those you love and care about how you feel NOW...today...this moment...before it's too late.

image/keepcalmgallery

Living Legend

She's glamorous, she's gorgeous, she's got a loving husband, a beautiful family...and she's got an accent. Let's face it, Heidi Klum might just have it all. Featured as the "it" cover girl for the June issue of German Vogue, Heidi Klum flaunts it with some high-fashion photos, and tells the world that even a model at age 36 can have it all.

image/vogue

Hot Dog

I am one of those unfortunate few who suffer chronic headaches. Unfortunately, having had these headaches since I was a teenager, I've perfect my pattern of how to deal. Of course, every headache is different, from dull to throbbing, regular to migraines. No fun at all!

Through the years, I've perfected my headache regiment, which usually includes a heating pad or hot water bottle of some sort. Since I've been through my fair share of sub-standard heating accessories, I was intrigued this these - dog inspired hot water bottles. Aren't they cute?image/showpony
via greedy girl

Doh!

With stamp prices ever rising, it seems the USPS is hoping to spice up mail delivery by steering clear of tradition and embracing pop culture. 44 cent Simpson's stamps are now on sale, featuring the modern-day dysfunctional cartoon family - The Simpson's. Send a little love old school style with a little help from Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
images/usps

Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries

Get excited!!! Cherries on sale at the grocery store! Cherry season has officially begun, and I couldn't be more excited. My favorite edible Spring indulgence. I'm off to buy a pound (or so...) today!image/rocketout

Rainy Day Love

Have to say, I'm loving these love-in-the-rain prints by ArtShark. Thanks to Nicole for the introduction to this fabulous designer. The contrast of the red umbrellas to a handful of America's finest landmarks is artful and stunning. I'd love to own the entire collection (and visit the cities to match!).image/artshark{etsy}
via la mia vita

Reading Craving

I am so close to finishing the 4th book of the Twilight Saga, it's not even funny. My friends have been giving me a hard time since they all pretty much swallowed the series whole, hardly coming up for air between the pages. I hear it's worth it, hoping to stay up tonight (as late as I need to) to finally have some closure on Bella and Edward...

Stay tuned!

image/merricat

Sweet Weekend

My weekend was oh-so-sweet. I had a blast with Lindsay in town, we had girls night out on the town Friday night, and hit up the Pike Place Market Cheese Festival on Saturday. I only wish the weekend was longer so we could continue the good times. Miss you already!

image/prettygood

Hooray!

It's Friday, one of my favorite people - my friend Lindsay - is in town for the weekend, so I'm psyched to get out and have some fun! Hope you all have a great one!

image/filemagazine

In Cognito

Feeling an touch Inspector Clouseau or some other celebrity with a 'stache? Tom Selleck from the FRIENDS years perhaps? Whip out your handy-dandy mustache necklace for some quality detective time, or just to add a little pizazz to an everyday outfit!

image/etsy

Bike Thoughts?

I'm going shopping for a new bike next week with my dad. I haven't had a bicycle of my own since I owned one with pink over-sized handlebars, pedal brakes, and a banana seat, so needless to say, it's been a while. This time around, I'm looking for a bicycle that's equipped for riding distances. I'm kind of a novice in this area, any suggestions?

images/maryruffle

Itadakimasu (Translation: Let's Eat)

I'm on a foreign pizza kick it seems. I recently saw this - okonomiyaki - affectionately referred to as Japanese pizza or Japanese pancakes on Anthony Bourdain: Tokyo. Essentially it's a concotion of shredded vegetables, cabbage, bacon, egg, and a worcestershire flavored sauce to top it off, (appropriately called okonomiyaki sauce). According to Anthony, this is a popular street food you must try in Japan!

If I haven't blogged about this already, Japan is absolutely a must-see on on my travel to-do list. I have yet to go, but am dying to because I took Japanese for 8 years in school. Fab blogger Miss Jane and I even sat next to each other in HS Japanese class, which included a daily event of listening to Okada Sensei sing some interesting Japanese songs.

I'm very curious to see if I could still get by in Japan armed with my (now) rusty conversation skills. In an effort to jumpstart my saving habits for a trip to Japan, I'm going to try out this dish. I'll report back with details!

image+recipe/closetcooking

The Cards You're Dealt

Teacher layoffs are this week...I'm getting really nervous, seeing as in this economic crisis, education budget cuts are pretty substantial... Even those seemingly secure are not really feeling all that secure these days. I'm trying to be optimistic, hoping I get dealt a good hand (and not a pink slip)... Wish me luck, I need it!

image/maryruffle

Beautiful Wedding

I know these wedding photos have already been circling the blog scene, but they're simply too lovely to pass by. I love the casual elegance of Sarah and Adam's wedding, the ethereal dress, strings of pearls, bright roses and candid smiles. What a beautiful wedding!images/oncewed
via cupofjo

Friendships

The best ships are...FRIENDSHIPS. Love this print, perfect for that cross country gal pal.image/etsy

I Love You Mom!

Happy Mother's Day, you're the best!

Happy Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day, we've been making Mother's Day cards all week, and I just watched as all my little ones crumpled their love notes into their backpacks... If you've moved past the days of homemade cards, and are still wondering what you'll get your mom by Sunday...send her a checklist for some feedback.

This Mother's Day gift checklist is available in PDF form, perfect to your mom if you don't live closeby is available here. You might not be able to provide all of the choices, but I'm sure she'll get a kick out of it!

images/ambrosiagirl