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In Search of a New July 4 Tradition

13 Jun

This was our old July 4 tradition: Watching fireworks along the strand in Redondo Beach. What are your favorite July 4 activities/lookouts?

I’ve decided. The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. It’s like the confluence of all the things I love in life: being outdoors, good food, good company, fireworks, magical sights …  independence. Ever since I moved to Southern California from Arizona – and gotten closer and closer to the beach – my love for July 4 has grown even more. (For me, add the beach to anything and you pretty much have it made.)

Up until last year, our July 4 activities were a no-brainer. The boy, whose birthday is on that very day, lived in Redondo Beach so we’d invite a bunch of friends over, have some food and drinks and then walk to the beach to see fireworks go off all along the coast. Now that the boy lives downtown, we’ve been thrown off our game a bit. We’ve adapted to life in the city and grown to enjoy it immensely, but on July 4,  the city doesn’t quite cut it for me.

But what to do? Drive to the beach and try and wade through the crowds for hours to find parking? No thanks. Stay in the city and try a find a cool rooftop somewhere? Maybe. What I’m getting to here, is that I want to hear your ideas, readers! Do you have special lookouts or activities you do for July 4? Where are the best places to go? I implore you, help us find a new July 4 tradition. I know you’ll make at least one birthday boy (and me) very happy :)

{Photo by me}

Fun With Pi

14 Mar

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie -- Bakerella

Happy National Pi Day, everyone! For those of you whose last venture into the world of math was a college communications math class (me), Pi Day is the one day each year when true math fans delight at the aligning of calendar days and the mathematical constant for circles that is March 14, 3/14, 3.14. No matter how you slice it, today’s the day to eat copious amounts of pie and fill your blogs with as many pie/pi puns as possible. So I’m rounding out the day with a list of some of the best-looking pies around, starting with this looker (above) from Bakerella that is pretty much my dream-come-true.

3.14 more pies that strike my fancy:

1. Blackberry Apple Pie from Good Things Grow

2. Pies in a jar from All Jarred Up

3. Apple Pie Caramel Apples from The Girl Who Ate Everything

.14. Blueberry Pie Wontons from Cheeky Kitchen (technically these aren’t round, but put a few of them together and you can probably get something resembling a circle)

Anyone Got a Penny?

1 Feb

DIY Scratch Off Cards

I have to agree with Bonnie from the “Going Home to Roost” blog. Those little scratcher cards are probably one of the best things ever. That’s why I’m so thrilled she reposted this DIY project from Martha Stewart that shows you how to make your own scratchers — without all the over-the-top graphics and color, of course.

I can think of so many fun ways to use this technology. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I may put one or two of them to use very soon.

[Photo via Going Home to Roost]

New Year’s Eve Hair

29 Dec

This 30-second updo would be so cute for a New Year’s Eve party, plus it looks genuinely easy to pull off.

Have a great weekend and we’ll see you on Tuesday! :)

Saying Thank You

27 Dec

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas weekend! I successfully ate my heart out and watched Mission: Impossible IV, so yup, I accomplished what I hoped to these past few days.

Now that it’s all over, wouldn’t this card be the cutest way to say thank you to friends and family for their gifts, company, and cheer?

Holiday Baking Guide

22 Dec

From chocolate-dipped shortbread and pecan pie bars, to toffee blondies and grilled pumpkin pie, Kelly has a holiday baking guide that looks too scrumptious not to get started on right now.

Are you guys making or craving anything sweet for this weekend?

{photo by Just A Taste}

Christmastime is Here?

21 Dec

Copyright Rune Guneriussen

Copyright Rune Guneriussen

Copyright Rune Guneriussen

Copyright Rune Guneriussen

Having spent most of my formative childhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, I often miss the dramatic change in the seasons from fall to winter. There was something magical about waking up to a snowy day and getting bundled up in front of the fire, especially on Christmas morning. These days, I barely even realize it’s Christmastime until the malls start overflowing with people and traffic becomes a nightmare.

This year to get into the Christmas spirit, I think I’ll just spend some time gazing at these dreamy photographs from Norwegian artist Rune Guneriussen. Guneriussen builds and photographs these stunning scenes all over Norway – and then unfortunately deconstructs them. I just love the magical winter-like vibe they produce. I could stare at them for hours.

See more of Guneriussen’s work, here.

Homeless Gift #7: Scarves

19 Dec

See-Through Infinity Scarf - American Apparel

Yellow Infinity Scarf - American Apparel

Infinity Scarf - American Apparel

I don’t know why, but this year I’m all about scarves. There are just so many great ones out there, and they’re pretty universally liked, so it’s always a great gift in my book. A couple years ago, I got an infinity scarf from American Apparel, and I wear it pretty much every day in the winter. Now, American Apparel has even more patterns to choose from and the scarves are pretty reasonably priced, too ($20 to $30). Perfect for a last-minute gift!

Pretty Party Dress #5

15 Dec

It’s the last party dress to share with you guys! This gorgeous sweaterdress looks warm and cozy, but it’ll give you a major silhouette, while the sparkly fabric makes it perfect for the holidays. I especially love the ruffle hem and the low-cut back.

You can see all five party dresses from the past week here, and I hope you guys have a ton of fun at the events you’re going to! :)

Pretty Party Dress #4

15 Dec

If you’re going to a more laid-back event, this dress looks so soft and light to enjoy the night in. I’m normally not a fan of animal print, but this design looks more a like a mosaic and the bow makes it extra sweet. To keep yourself warm, try pairing it with black thigh-high socks.

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