Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Color Pallets

I am loooving the color pallets on Photo Card Boutique's blog. Seriously, for any color loving girl, these are candy for the eyes:










Check out more here: Photo Card Boutique

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The new dirty dozen

Organic produce isn't always easy on a budget, and I try to remember the things that contain the most pesticides. The Environmental Working Group publishes a list of the 'dirtiest' fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticide residue. Apples are number one. They are sprayed and sprayed to become shiny, big and pest free- but the skin absorbs those chemicals. I love to eat apples, but I hate to think about all of the chemicals I eat when they aren't organic. Here is the complete list:

Dirty Dozen
Buy these organic
 
1
Apple
Apples
2
Celery
Celery
3
Strawberries
Strawberries
4
Peaches
Peaches
5
Spinach
Spinach
6
Nectarines
Nectarines
– imported
7
Grapes
Grapes – imported
8
Red Pepper
Sweet bell peppers
9
Potatoe
Potatoes
10
Blueberries
Blueberries
– domestic
11
Lettuce
Lettuce
12
Kale
Kale/collard greens
 
While I try to buy these organic, there are other fruits and vegetables that don't contain a lot of pesticides. Whether it's because their skin isn't eaten, they don't need as much pesticide treatment, or because they don't absorb the chemicals, the things on this list are good to buy on a budget!
Clean 15
Lowest in Pesticide
 
1
Onions
Onions
2
Sweet Corn
Sweet Corn
3
Pineapple
Pineapples
4
Avocado
Avocado
5
Asparagus
Asparagus
6
Peas
Sweet peas
7
Mango
Mangoes
8
Eggplant
Eggplant
9
Cantelope
Cantaloupe
- domestic
10
Kiwi
Kiwi
11
Cabbage
Cabbage
12
Watermelon
Watermelon
13
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
14
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
15
Mushrooms
Mushrooms

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Iced Coffee How to from: "Pie Birds, Buttons and Muddy Puddles"

I'm a huge fan of Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee. It's smooth and has just the right coffee taste. I took my guy there while we were in FL to taste the wonders of a huge cup of it in the middle of the afternoon. They know how to make it. (shhh, don't tell but as far as iced coffee goes, I like it way better than Starbies...)

This how to comes from Pie Birds, Buttons and Muddy Puddles

 Start with whole bean coffee and a glass jar.

 Coarsely grind the beans...
 Pour water over the ground beans in the jar and store for 12 hours or overnight in the fridge.

 Strain using a colander and a coffee filter.

 Then pour over ice and add cream, sugar, splenda, flavorings, or whatever you like. (Caramel or Hershey's syrup, anyone?)

All pictures are from Pie Birds, Buttons and Muddy Puddles take a look for more detailed instructions and other fun recipes. Thanks Andrea!!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Quick Weekend Packing

I showed you last week what I would take on a week long vacation, but I was thinking about what I might take for a quick weekend trip.




If I was packing for a quick weekend trip AND I had all of these clothes, this is what I'd take:
  • three pairs of shoes
  • khakis
  • two tops
  • jacket
  • scarf
  • purse
  • small wrist-let
  • 3 tanks for layering and wearing alone
  • 2 tops
  • minimal jewelry
For only a couple of days I probably wouldn't wear all of this, but a girls got to have options, right?  All of these things would fit just perfectly in a small carry-on suitcase with my pjs, a sweatshirt, and other necessities.
This set is inspired by this jacket from Anthropologie. Isn't it adorable? I couldn't wait to start styling it.  Now if only I could afford it! lol, it's still fun to dream.