Let's Play Dress Up!

For work, dresses are my "go to" outfit on days when I'm running short on time in the morning. There's no effort involved in matching pieces, and they offer a put-together, polished look in minutes.

For play, they're a wardrobe essential too. Easily packable for vacation, they're comfortable and transition from sight-seeing to dinner. And since I have vacation on the brain (I NEED a tropical one for sure!), my latest obsession is this caftan from Calypso St. Barth...

Buzios Silk Caftan

At $1,200, it's a little out of my price range though. And, let's be real, it's just not that practical for Upstate New York. How often would I really wear it?

Moving on to a few other flowy, boho chic frocks on my radar that are a bit more wearable and affordable...

 Victoria's Secret Ombre

Young Fabulous and Broke Hamptons Maxi

Calypso St. Barth Felicity Dip Dye

I know I'm not the only one longing for a warm getaway! What wardrobe essentials would be on your wish list for a weekend  escape?

Brunch and Bubbly

Although February is a short month, it usually feels like it drags. Not this year though! The Sailor and I have been really busy--we traveled two weekends and entertained two weekends, which has made the time fly by. A couple of weeks ago, we planned a wine tasting complete with a six-course appetizer tasting menu (more on that to come!) And I had my girlfriends over for a champagne brunch this past weekend.

Needless to say, much of the inspiration came from Pinterest.

The decor...

Inspiration: Tissue Paper Banner
 Saturdays are for Mimosas sign

My chalkboard sign was made from an old picture. After scratching up the glass with some sandpaper, I sprayed chalkboard paint on the glass and used some gold metallic spray paint to spruce up the picture frame. Here's an easy step-by-step tutorial. 

The party favors...

Inspiration: Celebrations at Home

These tea bag party favors stuffed with cookies take a bit of time, but they're so cute! I used a paper cutter and hole punch along with some craft supplies I had on hand-- scrapbook paper for the tea bag, embroidery floss to hang the tag and some double-sided tape to keep it all together. The sweet surprise inside-- two Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies!  

The menu...

Ham and Asparagus Strata 

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad on Croissants

Pancakes and Warm Maple Syrup

Cinnamon Rolls from Leah's Cakery (to.die.for) 

Fruit Salad

Ham and Asparagus Strata 

12 eggs
1 1/2 c milk
1 T fresh tarragon
12 t salt
1/4 c pepper
8 oz deli ham
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2" pieces
8 oz swiss cheese, shredded
6 oz challah bread cut into 1 1/2" cubes (7 c)

Coat 2 1/2 qt baking dish with cooking spray. In a bowl, lightly beat eggs, milk, tarragon, salt and pepper. Stir in ham, asparagus and 1 c cheese. Stir in bread cubes until well coated. Pour mixture into dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover, refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8
Calories: 335
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbs: 16 g
Sodium: 816 mg
Chol: 371 mg
Fiber: 1 g

Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the party. It took some planning and prep, but it was such a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Three Things Thursday

Three things I'm loving these days . . .

     Eucalyptus Tea Bath Wash 
This body wash has turned my mood around on many cold mornings this winter. It's been dark and miserable when I jump in the shower, but the eucalyptus scent is invigorating. I've even picked up a small bottle of eucalyptus essential oil to use in hot compresses. It's an effective natural decongestant for a stuffy nose and pain reliever for sinus pressure.  

      Big Girl Bedroom  
Loving the pink and gray combo that makes this room so feminine and serene. Julia Ryan of Pawley's Island Posh clearly put lots of love and care into decorating this room for her daughter, Wells. Don't miss the details-- my faves are the "You are my sunshine" calligraphy wall hanging and the curtains on the closet with the pom pom fringe! To view larger pics of Wells' room (and to see lots of other pretty stuff!), visit Pawleys Island Posh.

     EMS Endo Pants

They're stretchy and breathable-- even more comfy than yoga pants in my opinion! And they're pretty flattering despite the photo. Put on a base layer and throw these on, and you will be warm enough for a winter hike. Chalk one up for the Sailor who found these pants when we were browsing at EMS in Lake Placid  a few weeks ago! 

48 Hours Off the Grid

After doing the whole Valentine's Day thing, the Sailor and I got up bright and early on Saturday for an Adirondack adventure.

The Sailor surprised me with these beautiful flowers
 and Moonstruck chocolates-- my favorite!

Weekend Rewind: Lake Placid Getaway

Last weekend, the Sailor and I had a little getaway to Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid. On our way there, we stopped in Keene, just outside of LP for some snacks. Keene is a very residential, charming, small Adirondack town. There's no grocery store (unless you count the Stewart's mini-mart), but we did find a treasure- a bakery/market with a wine store next door. Genius.

Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This

It's kinda not been the best week or so for a number of reasons... In true Cancer fashion, when the going gets rough, I just want to retreat to the comfort and safety of my home.

Game Over: DIY Necklace

Ladies, if you're anything like me, this Sunday night doesn't mean anything special. Sadly enough, I've been paying so little attention to football this year that I don't even know who's doing the half-time show! But I know that the Sailor will be glued to the Super Bowl, regardless of the fact that his "team" isn't playing.

RIP Pete Seeger

Might be hard to believe given my 'eclectic' taste in music that now leans hip-hop/Top 40s, but I used to listen to really thoughtful, soulful music... Stuff that you can't twerk to.The lyrics were mostly political and social commentary about decades gone by and references to things that were happening in my parents' generation.