Can't Overdo It

I love this bright kimono-style top, but I kept wanting to layer it, and you just can't overdo it in the middle of the summer heat.  So, I paired it with my black Gap jeans and a little leather belt.  Done.  Oh yeah, and big earrings and big shoes, just to have fun on a Saturday night.

 

Top: H&M

Pants & Belt: Gap

Sandals: Franco Sarto

Polka Dot, Polka Dance

Even though this is not an old shirt, and it carries no sentimental value, I think of my grandmother when I stare at these photos.  I think about how she would approve of this shirt-- it's modest, yet cute and feminine.  It also makes me think about the ribbon she would always tie in my hair.  She told me that I should always wear that ribbon because it would make my hair curl under naturally.  It never actually worked, but even as a little girl, I think I really enjoyed that old-fashioned part of her.  

My grandmother was much older than my friends' grandmothers; she was born in 1916.  Her wedding dress was actually a polka dot dress, so maybe that's why these dots have made me so nostalgic.  Or, perhaps it was all the polkas we used to dance.  Family weddings?  Polka time on the dance floor.  It was the only time I ever saw her dance, but boy she sure knew how to polka!

It's so unexpected, silly even, to think that some print on a shirt could bring up so many wonderful memories.  Do you wear anything that reminds you of someone special?

Blouse: H&M

Watch: Fossil

Bracelet: Loft

Shorts & Sandals: Gap

No Reason At All

I recently watched another entire season of Mad Men.  After enjoying this amazing show I couldn't resist putting on this new skirt for no reason at all!  

Perhaps it's not as chic as Betty Draper's skirts, but I'm still pretty excited about this pretty piece of chiffon.  Any Mad Men fans out there?

Skirt: H&M (new!)

Top, Heels & Belt: Urban Outfitters

Bracelet & Necklace: Vintage (Mom's & Grandmother's)

The Orange Zebra

I've had this zebra t-shirt for quite a while, and I love my bright orange friend!  This is one of my favorite t-shirts, and I thought my zebra friend deserved all the respect he could get, so I kept the rest of the outfit fairly neutral.... except, of course, for my turquoise sandals.

Sandals

Blazer: Gap

Ring: Ross Simons

Zebra T-shirt: J.Crew

Shorts & Necklace: Loft

The Reverse Way

My friend and I were recently discussing how our parenting styles with our pets will probably translate into a similar style with raising children.  She shared a few funny moments about her bf and their dogs, and all I could think about was the constant baby-talk that E does to our cat and dog.

As I was sitting here thinking about this, E walked in the door from work, in a particularly good mood.  (Particularly good mood = excessive talking to the animals.)  He bent over and tried to put his tie on Browny (our dog), then said, "Aww man, I don't know how to put it on the reverse way!"  

I have a funny feeling that our future kids are going to have hilarious Dad stories. 

 

Shirt: UO

Jeans: Gap

Earrings: H&M

Cuff: Ross Simon

Shoes: Nine West

Envelope Clutch: Shopkempt

Shoe Fly

I've had these sandals for years, and I love the colors and unique style.  Apparently the little fly in this photo loves them too.. and I actually didn't notice he was there until looking at the picture.  

Now I can't stop singing, "Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me," which is so frustrating.  I'm on summer vacation.  Even if I am an elementary school music teacher, I should not be singing nursery rhymes right now...  

Sandals: UO

Earrings: Old Navy

Pink Shorts & Blouse: Gap

Mom's Zucchini Bread

Some of my favorite summer memories include daily visits to my grandfather's garden.  My parents shared a yard with them, so my grandparents were my next-door neighbors for my first 18 years. 

Some of my favorite memories include sitting with my sister in the garden and eating cherry tomatoes straight from the vine, running to the bottom of the yard to pick up some veggies for my mom while she made a dinner salad, and helping my grandfather install iron stakes that he had taken from the coal mine (so the tomatoes could grow nice and high).  I also remember our over-abundance of vegetables.  We gave a lot of food away to family and friends, but always had buckets upon buckets of extra tomatoes, green beans, and zucchini.  

My mom tells me that zucchini bread is specifically intended for zucchini-overload from your garden.  Well, I have 1 measly zucchini plant in my current back yard, and it's certainly not supplying enough to make this bread.  So, I cheated, and took a trip to our local farmer's market to round out my stash of squash.

Here are some of the other ingredients that I use for this very easy recipe (minus the watermelon in the background):

The zucchini gets shredded into a bowl, then mixed with the other wet ingredients, such as sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.  Separately, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and walnuts.  You simply blend these two mixtures together, pour them into well-greased/floured pans, and enjoy a very delicious breakfast bread in an hour!

Turned off at the idea of putting squash into your bread?  Don't be!  You really don't taste it, but it's an easy and healthy ingredient!

Here is the complete recipe that I took straight from Momma:

* Note: To add a nice touch to the top of the bread, sprinkle some brown sugar and smashed walnuts to the top of the loaves before you bake them.

Feels Like 116ºF

At "feels like 116ºF" today, I pretty much hate everything, including my dead plants and scalding hot car.  Even this super cool belt (from my high school years) couldn't put a smile on my face.  Maybe I'll smile this weekend... when I make it to the beach.

Sandals: UO

Belt: Gap (10+ years ago)

Nails: Essie's California Coral
T-shirt & Skirt: H&M (skirt also worn here)

Everybody Everywear: Thrifting

I "thrifted" this vintage shirt several years ago, and I'm ashamed that I don't wear it more often.  It is really beautifully made.  All of the flowers are meticulously sewn, and the scalloped sleeves and neckline are adorable.

Now let's discuss this skirt, which was purchased new, but is also rarely worn.  I bought this skirt from a J.Crew outlet in the early Spring, only to realize that my legs were the same color as the skirt. (ewwwwww!)  So, other than wearing it with tights (not happening in this 100+ degree weather), I had to wait for some tan legs.  And trust me, my Eastern European genes don't like to tan.

Wooden & Gold Bracelets: Vintage (thanks Mom!)

Top: Thrifted from shop in Philly

Skirt: J.Crew Outlet

Wedges: Old Navy

Lesson Learned

This has been the hottest, stickiest, grossest week of summer yet.  Yesterday morning B and I took a walk around a local park.  We got half-way around the long circle, and B decided that he was too hot and tired to continue.  My poor old man (yes, I'm talking about my dog) was so hot, the other people at the park thought I was crazy for profusely apologizing to him.  (Yes, I had mom-guilt.)  We ended up stopping several times for water and taking well over an hour to complete the 3 miles. 

I've certainly learned my lesson about not taking Brown out into the heat anymore.  I've also learned that talking to your dog (while in public) should be kept to a minimum. 

 

Purple Shorts: Gap

Coral Top: H&M (old)

Straw Bag: Birthday Gift from J.Crew

Mother of Pearl Sailboat Necklace: Thrifted

Sandals: from Macy's (so over-worn that I can't read the brand)

The Envelope Clutch

I recently purchased this bag from Shop Kempt, and I have been using it constantly.  I have to admit that when I made the purchase I overlooked the measurements, and expected to receive a small clutch.  This guy is pretty sizeable, but comes with a wristlet and shoulder strap.  It's really grown on me, and I have such a weakness for bags this color.  The light brown/orange-ish color goes with practically everything!

What's your most versatile bag?

Top: H&M

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: UO

Red Earrings: Target

Clutch: Shop Kempt