Classics: State Fair

When I was a little girl, I used to watch all of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals with my Dad. The Sound of Music, The King and I, Carousel, South Pacific, Oklahoma: they were all favorites, and still are! Although, State Fair has a special place in my heart, especially in summertime. As a little girl, I remember being dazzled by the bright fair lights and enchanting music.

When I saw the Mormon Tabernacle Choir , they preformed the song posted above. I felt like I was walking the fairgrounds back in 1945...

Read more...

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I recently had the opportunity to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They preformed for one night in my favorite local venue and the tickets were a steal! The night was mild, perfect for sitting on the lawn. My dear friend Anna and I were celebrating her birthday, so I brought a picnic to enjoy as we watched the show. Sitting on a red-stripped blanket, we had chicken sandwiches and orzo pasta with feta and vegetables (see my recipe below!). For desert, we indulged in oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. The night could not have been more lovely. Anna and I just laid down on the blanket and closed our eyes, listening to the beautiful sounds of this timeless group! We felt transported! Enjoy listening to some of their music I've posted above! The first song is the one they're particularly famous for, the second song is simply one of the most beautiful I've ever heard.

Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
     Ingredients:
         1lb Orzo Pasta
         1 Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
         2-3 Cups Baby Spinach, roughly chopped
         1/2 Medium Size Red Onion, diced
         1 6oz Container Crumbled Feta Cheese

      1. Cook the pasta until it is aldente. Run under cool water and let sit until room temperature.
      2. Add some olive oil (maybe 3 tablespoons?) and salt and pepper to taste.
      3. Add the vegetables and cheese. Enjoy!

I came up with this super easy recipe while at the beach last year. It's quickly become one of my favorite, fresh summer dishes!

Read more...

Athlete Chic: Golf

I love this picture. Although, if someone were to walk out onto the golf course today dressed like this, I'm not sure when the staring would stop. Instead, try this look to take your place in the modern, golf-savvy crowd.

1. Try the traditional pleated, white skirt that's sporty and breathable from K-Swiss.
2. Most golf-courses have dress requirements (after all, it is the "gentleman's sport"). So, add this high collar shirt from Banana Republic. It's made of modal, which is 50% more water absorbent and breathable than cotton (perfect for that hot sun on the golf course).
3. For before and after putting on your golf shoes, wear this laid back pair of Converse.
4. Sunglasses, like this inexpensive pair from Forever 21 for protection. Bring along some waterproof SPF as well...

Don't forget to brush up on your golf lingo, so you'll blow everyone away as you make multiple "aces."

Read more...

Simple Pleasures: Bread and Jam

When I was a little girl, I loved reading "Bread and Jam For Francis" by Russell Hoban. Perhaps it was that book that has instilled in me a love for the simplicity of bread and jam. Look at this yummy recipe for making bread.

Also, if you've never made your own preserves, it's really worth the extra time and effort. There is nothing that compares to homemade jams. We have 40 fruit trees at my house and have made many batches of peach jam. Now that summer is beginning and the fruit trees will be laden with ripe, delicious fruit - try your local farmers market for some peaches to make homemade preserves. Once they're canned, they'll last for a long while to be enjoyed again and again.

Read more...

Flash Back: Sequins

Originally, when sequins started showing up in every storefront window and on runways, I was skeptical of how glamorous they could be. All I could picture were '80s fashions with big shoulder pads and synthetic fabrics. Or, I'd think of ABBA's '70s sequin splurging.

But, I was converted. There are so many modern, fun fashions that incorporate sequins in a tasteful way. They do add a little glamour to everything, even the everyday jean, like tank top in the middle picture above from J. Crew. Or, when paired simply with tame hair and no jewelry, the dress (from Nordstrom) at the top is stunning. Finally, the shoe from Ann Taylor at the bottom is really fun. I like that the sequins are toned down by the soft, feminine peachy color....plus, they're on sale.

Listen to this to bring out your sequin side....

Read more...

Just Because.

I especially love the third pictures. It makes me think of the lanterns in Tangled!

Read more...

Now and Then: Meryl Streep

From a cheerleader in high school to Hollywood's A-List, Meryl Streep has always been such a stunning woman. She is without a doubt one of my favorite actresses and is so versatile (Mamma Mia! to the Devil Wears Prada to Julie and Julia). A funny side note: My beautiful Mom always gets mistaken for her! She is quite lovely as well :)

Read more...

Tour de l'Europe: Rome

This is the first in a series of posts that are inspired by the semester I spent abroad in Rome, Italy last Fall! I will highlight a city, place, or museum in each post and try to describe a bit of the culture, giving you a "Tour de l'Europe." So, I thought it was fitting to start off with my "home city:" Roma.

Oh Rome. Where to begin?

Imagine: Cobbled, dusty streets warmed by the golden Italian sun. Vespas zipping along, red checkered tablecloths on outside restaurant tables, hear the sounds of foaming milk for strong cappuccino, street artists in Piazza Navona, and rich gelato dripping down the sides of cones. Storefront windows are filled with leather and the trickled down fashions from Milan.

People: Italians are friendly and laid back. Although in the city, like in any other, the people are less likely to slow down and chat.

Food: Pasta and pizza are offered in almost every restaurant, you are left to find which are the good places to dine. There are essentially two types of pizza offered in Rome: pizza by the slice and personal pizzas typically ordered at a sit-down restaurant. By the slice, the pizza has a thicker, crunchy crust with more sauce. Personal pizzas tend to have a thin crust with more inventive toppings (although my favorite is the simple margarita pizza with lots of basil). Gelato is a must in Rome. My favorite gelato in Rome is the dark chocolate gelato found at Giolitti's (a short trip from the Pantheon) and my favorite go-to gelato shop is Old Bridge, next to the Vatican. Of course, the wine and the cappuccino are, well, quite divine.

Places: The Colosseum. The Roman Forum. Scholar's Lounge. Trastevere (the coolest neighborhood in Rome). The Four Major Basilicas. Fiddler's Elbow. The Spanish Steps. Porta Portese. Keyhole at Knight's of Malta Headquarters. The Mouth of Truth (Audrey loved it, so do I). Finnegans. Gardens at Santa Sabina (great view of Rome). Climb the Scala Santa. Pantheon. Walk along the Tiber. St. Peter in Chains. Piazza Navona. St. Maria del Popolo. St. Luigi. San Eustacio.

Pictures: First, a picture of street artists on the top of the Spanish steps. Second, a commemoration to Rome's greatest gelato. Third, the cross inside of the Colosseum. Fourth, the merry-go-round at Piazza Navona's Christmas Festival. Lastly, the Spanish Steps.

P.S. Don't think I've forgotten the Vatican, I just thought it deserved a separate post because of how amazing it is :)

Photos by me

Read more...