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.
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!
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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."
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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.
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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.
Once, a little girl changed my life. Joy. Love. Courage. Pink Roses. I think of these things when she comes to mind. Every day, she gives me perspective. "Live joyfully, live well, for each day is precious." Like her, I now choose to look at life through shades of rose.
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." - C.S. Lewis
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Somewhere I Have Never Travelled
(By E. E. Cummings) Somewhere I have never travelled, gladly beyond Any experience, your eyes have their silence: In your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, Or which I cannot touch because they are too near Your slightest look easily will unclose me Though I have closed myself as fingers, You open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (Touching skillfully, mysteriously)her first rose Or if your wish be to close me, I and My life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly, As when the heart of this flower imagines The snow carefully everywhere descending; Nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals The power of your intense fragility: whose texture Compels me with the color of its countries, Rendering death and forever with each breathing (I do not know what it is about you that closes And opens; only something in me understands The voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses) Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands
About this Blog
This is a place for: fun, creativity, fashion, art, poetry, travel, food, music, literature, beauty, faith, and the simple things that make life completely and utterly beautiful. I hope your day is a little brighter and your heart a little lighter for having read this collage of thoughts.
