{things i made} graham crackers
I should not have attempted this recipe–it's dangerous…dangerously good. The last thing me–or my health or my waistline–needed were quick access to amazing homemade 'smores. But a part of me always wanted to attempt to make graham crackers, just to see if it was doable. I never cook with butter–and hardly ever bake with it–so I relished the challenge of making such a uniquely textured cookie butter-free. Turns out it was more than possible. The dough was easy to work with and the end-product was tasty, soft, and perfect to layer with ooey-gooey chocolate and marshmallows.
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1 cup + 2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp salt
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup or molasses
1/4 cup oil
2 tbsp water
1. Combine dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then mix together.
2. Form dough into a ball, place on a piece of wax paper, then place another sheet on top and use a rolling pin to flatten.
3. Cut into rectangles, place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and pierce to form decorative holes. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, careful to avoid overcooking
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{things i learned} fiesta forever
[a paper garland i wish i owned]
[my drink of choice: an organic skinny margarita]
[a very refreshing lime paletas]
[gorgeously colorful hand-tooled leather purses]
[guacamole en molcajete: a rosa mexicano specialty]
[a perfectly sweet dessert: tres leches de zarzamoras]
For me, Cinco de Mayo celebrations have always involved cooking at home. I'm constantly looking for an excuse to try Mexican recipes–I've yet to find one I haven't loved for being tasty and unique. The holiday is also to me the completely unofficial earliest possible reminder that summer is just around the corner. I've yet to decide what exactly will be on Sunday's menu–but I'll be checking out my blog's archives for some inspiration.
{things i learned} ella moss & swimspot
Clockwise from top left: Reflection Triangle Bikini in Cream, Ella Moss c/o Swimspot, [$63, top; $57 bottoms - no longer available, similar Ella Moss styles here]; Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]; Shoes: Arlette Thong Sandal, Pour La Victoire [$182, available here]; Hat: J.Crew [old, similar here]; Bag: Cestino Tote in Caramel, c/o Massi [$180, available here]
This week's heat wave has got me thinking all kinds of summery thoughts. While it's not quite yet swimsuit season (I really can't wait), it's never too soon to start daydreaming about sun-worthy outfits. Although I already have an embarrassingly large swim suit collection–I don't think its possible to own too many bikinis–I definitely have a new favorite. This gorgeous cream-colored set by Ella Ross and sent to me by Swim Spot is just begging to be worn poolside. I'm a long-time fan of the line, established in 2002 by designer Pamella Protzel Scott, and it's so exciting to finally own one of their well-made, bohemian-inspired pieces. If you're looking for a new bathing suit this year (or, if you're like me and just love to look for the sake of looking), be sure to check out Swim Spot–they have both a spectacular selection and great sales.
{things i learned} when daylight’s fading
[fresh picked blueberries]
[gerber daisy floating centerpieces]
[my purple rain boots (Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boot in Aubergine, Hunter Boots - $135, available here)]
[a seed pod from a faded flower]
[a batch of these sea salt chocolate chip cookies ready for the oven]
I'm not yet fully in fall mode, but tomorrow marks the official end of summer and the beginning of autumn. I've already unearthed my rain boots from my closet (I must say I did not miss them), switched to favoring deeper colors like the oranges and reds of changing leaves (captured perfectly by those beautifully simple floating flowers), and started manically baking like I need the heat from the oven to stay warm (on some nights I do). I'll miss summer–it was a good one–but I'm ready for the changes a new season brings.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to fall?
{things i wore} chiffon maxi dress
There are certain fashion staples I begin to miss as summer fades. Floaty maxi dresses are definitely hard to part with–they're comfy and practically style themselves. This Judith March dress was sent to me by the wonderful Ladyee Boutique, a chic online store that curates an amazing collection of ultra feminine pieces (their selection of dresses alone is phenomenal). I love the bold floral print on this maxi and the subdued colors–it's a perfect way to send off the hottest season.
p.s. Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway for the Kioni Chevron Bracelets from BellaFusion. The winner is Katy Morris! I'll email you soon for your info! x
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Dress: Chiffon Spring Poppy Maxi, Judith March c/o Ladyee Boutique [$124, available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, no longer available]
Shoes: Thong sandal in Nude, Nine West [old]
Jewelry: Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Assorted Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Cornelian Expandable Wire Bangle for Haiti, Alex and Ani [$18, available here]; Jordan Expandable Wire Bangle in Yellow Gold, Alex and Ani [$38, available here]
{things i learned} bringing home the magic
[adorable iced sugar cookies]
[hand-carved african wooden masks]
[sassy coffee mugs]
[toy bin at downtown disney marketplace's enormous LEGO store]
[colorful hand-painted mexican pottery]
[the most adorable wind chime]
[my new favorite fragrance: the incredibly sweet 'prada candy,' available here]
[OPI's most recent disney collections: 'vintage minnie mouse' and 'the muppets']
[my personalized mickey mouse ears in front of cinderella castle]
I barely need an excuse to shop, so when I'm on vacation and there is a huge variety of merchandise to peruse I know that my wallet will be getting lighter and my bags heavier with hardly any effort. I got some fun souvenirs from our trip to Walt Disney World–some typical and cheesy (cute character mugs), some unexpected and unique (hand-made knick-knacks), but in the end they're all, like the memories, magically special.
I have one more tropical outfit to share with you on Monday–along with the winner of the BellaFusian bangle–and then it's back to New York City style, shopping, and dining. Until then, have a fabulous weekend! x
{things i wore} open-back tank
When the weather is swelteringly hot you can usually find me somewhere inside, not only in an air-conditioned room but stationed near the strongest cold air vent. This is impossible to sustain in Florida–you need to be outside to enjoy yourself, and that's where the heat, humidity, and mid-day sun are opressive and pretty much impossible to avoid. I tried my best to cope by wearing short shorts and a light tank–although the cute ties on its open back were for fun more than function.
p.s. These shots were taken in Epcot, my favorite of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World. For those of you who might not be familiar with its concept, the park features a "Future World" and "World Showcase"–eleven pavilions representing various nations arranged around a lagoon. I could spend forever in this international part for two reasons (both of which you could probably guess)–spectacular food and shopping (but more on that tomorrow).
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Shirt: Open back tank in Black, Belle Du Jour for Macys [not available online]
Shorts: Trouser fit shorts in Electric Blue, Banana Republic [no longer available online]
Bag: Medium Travel Tote in Black, LeSportsac [$78, available here]
Sandals: Sagitar T-Strap Sandal in Black, Hush Puppies [was $75, available here]
Jewelry: DKNY Unisex Stainless Steel Watch [$195, available here], Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani
{things i wore} asymmetrical scarf dress
From the moment I first spotted this dress in store, I knew I had to have it. I adore Rachel Roy and it really showcased the bold prints that are her trademark. Plus, it had a near-perfect color combination: all my favorites–black, purple, sand–were there. Things only got better once I'd tried it on. Not only was it fun to wear–I'm all about asymmetry lately–it was unbelievably comfortable. There was just one problem: as with any statement piece, it's sometimes hard to find an appropriate venue to showcase your find. Luckily for me our trip helped–the dress was the perfect fit for a late-night dinner at our resort with its tropical plants, tiki torches, and hammock-lined beaches.
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Dress: The Donna Sleeveless One Shoulder Striped Scarf Asymmetrical Dress, RACHEL Rachel Roy [$129, available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, no longer available]
Shoes: Thong sandal in Nude, Nine West [old]
Jewlery: Gold Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Wooden beaded bracelets [old]; Glass beaded bracelets [from Venice, Italy]
{things i learned} the most magical place on earth
[brightly-colored leis at check-in + the lush atrium in disney's polynesian resort]
[palm trees atop 'sunset point' near the seven seas lagoon]
[early morning crowds on maint street, usa, in the magic kingdom]
[mickey and minnie mouse meet and greet]
['wishes' firework show finale]
There's a reason why I've been a bit absent from social media lately–this past week I enjoyed a vacation to the 'Sunshine State's' most famous attraction. Regular rips to Walt Disney World, Florida, were a huge part of my childhood, which has made visits as an adult even more special. As you can see from these snapshots, the vacation blended some much-needed tropical relaxation with all the classic fun Disney has to offer. So I hope you're ready to see more of 'the Most Magical Place on Earth' because this week The Beautiful Things is going to Disney World.
{things i wore} cut-off shorts
Summer may be fading, but the weather–and my mindset–is still in the mood for beachy looks. Nothing says August fashion better than cut-off denim, flips-flops, white linen, and straw handbags. Speaking of which, how incredible is this Rebecca Minkoff tote? Wide stripes and leather accents–it's 'endless love' indeed.
p.s. Hudson River Park is a must-do if you're ever in NYC. I could spend hours on its paved shore with water on one side and the skyline on the other.
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Perfect Shirt in White Linen, J.Crew [was $79.50, available here]
Shorts: Frayed Denim Cut-Offs, American Rag [were $35, availabe here]
Shoes: Leather Capri Sandals in 'Weathered Wood,' J.Crew [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Endless Love Tote in Black/Natural, Rebecca Minkoff [$250, available here]
Jewelry: Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Studded Leather Bracelet, Banana Republic [old]; Miscellaneous beaded bracelets [old]
Nails: Essie "Limo-Scene"
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