Neroli Blossoms

Color Trend: Minty Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

I absolutely love the mint/seafoam/aqua color trend that's I'm seeing everywhere. This has always been one of my favorite colors (and I love all shades and hues of it), but I love how it's popping up all over apparel for spring. I actually just bought the sandals shown here, they're from Asos and on sale for $35! I can't wait to wear them in Hawaii. I really want a pleated chiffon skirt, but I haven't found one yet. All the places I look online are sold out, so apparently everyone else wants one too!

On Ice

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:53:00 +0000

sweater: H&M, vest: H&M, scarf: Fossil, gloves: Macys jeans: Delias,

socks: Kohls, ice skates: rented, I haven't owned skates since I was oh about 7

Random fact about Milwaukee, we have an Olympic ice training facility here. The Pettit Ice Center has 2 hockey rinks and what I assume is a speed skating track circling them. We however used it during their open skate time last week to wobble around and look like fools. I haven't ice skated since I was about 9 years old, which was right around the last time I had been to the Pettit. So Kacey and I decided that we might as well check it out since we had nothing to do and there was really no reason why we shouldn't have a fun time. It was a blast! Neither of us knew what we were doing, but that's what made it sweet. We held hands at first like some dorky high schoolers on a first date, but as we found our footing we started getting more competitive. We raced, he won, I was sad. Well not really. It was a great indoor winter activity to beat the blahs and I definitely recommend it for a fun date night!

112 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Source

We passed the 4 month mark last week and it's getting to the point where I just want to be done with all the wedding planning hullabaloo and just be married. I'm so ready to be married.

- I just want to live with my husband. To have a place that's ours.
- I want to cook dinners together and not have to scrounge around trying to find the right utensils to use in a kitchen that isn't mine.
- I want to be able to see him more than just the weekends, or maybe one weekday if we're lucky
- I want to wake up next to the love of my life every morning.
- I want to spend more nights at home on the couch eating, drinking wine, and watching Lord of the Rings for the millionth time.
- I want to start our own little family (I don't mean kids! So not ready for that yet. Just me and him, being a family together. And maybe a puppy.)

But for now, I'd settle for this wedding to be over and to be sitting on a beach in Hawaii with a pina colada in my hand watching the sunset with my beloved. Is it June yet?

Modern American Girl - Kirsten Learns a Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:53:00 +0000

I took a few liberties with this look. First, I think that if Kirsten was walking to school today she would definitely be wearing jeans. Second, I like plaid flannel, and she's wearing a plaid shawl. Sure people don't really wear shawls anymore, but they do wear plaid flannel shirts! I suppose I could have put her in red pants to go back to the red dress, but I already did that with Felicity and I'm all about giving each American Girl their own fashionista personality. After all, Kirsten is a pioneer and would definitely wear jeans to school.

I won't get into the whole English vs. Swedish thing that was in this book, since I mentioned it last time. But this was the book where it threw my whole childhood into disarray because I just didn't understand why couldn't she speak English even though I was reading it in English! It was right there on the page!!! Anyway I grew up, moved on, and made this Polyvore set, so it all turned out ok.

See all of Felicity
See all of Josefina

In a Cabin in the Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:26:00 +0000

chambray shirt: Banana Republic, jacket: Kohls (old), jeans: Delias

socks: Kohls, booties: Aldo, necklace: Macys

Here's the other half of the Winter Remix Challenge that I participated in. Believe it or not, this jacket is actually from high school. I loved it when I bought it, wore it for a few years, then stuck it in the back of my closet where I promptly forgot about it through most of college and after. I was cleaning out my closet to give away the clothes I don't wear anymore when I found it. And lo! It still fits! So out of the closet and onto my back it went. And that's how it ended up in this photo. It's corduroy, and I still love it after all these years.

Kacey told me he likes this outfit because it looks like I'm 'comfy and ready to go live in a log cabin in the mountains' with him. I like to think of that cabin as a luxury ski resort in Colorado. Yeah, I think I'm down with that.

Monday Blahs

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Source

I'll be honest, it's Monday and all I want to do is snuggle up under the covers in that bed and sleep all morning. Then maybe read a book with a cup of tea under that gorgeous chandelier. I can do that right? I don't need to work, do I? Right?!?!

Try the Trend - Leather Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

chambray shirt: Banana Republic, tank top: H&M, skirt: Forever 21

tights: Target, booties: DSW, necklace: Bloomingdales, watch: Michael Kors

That last picture is my "It's 16 freaking degrees outside, why am I doing this?!" look. I think it's pretty awesome and is definitely going to catch on, you just wait. It's a bit 'I don't want to be here' with a little 'hurry up and take the picture!!!' on the side.

Anyway, I bought this skirt last fall because I wanted to try the leather trend, but wasn't sure if I could pull off an actual leather skirt. I feel like this is a good compromise. I like to tone it down a bit with a casual shirt because let's be honest, I'm not exactly miss hardcore rebel over here. I wore this to brunch last Sunday and it was part of the Winter Remix Challenge.

Also, Kacey snapped this picture of us getting ready for his birthday brunch and I think it's adorable so I'm sharing it! Happy birthday, Love!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Sydney over at The Daybook started Awkward and Awesome Thursday a long time ago, and I've loved reading her silly posts. I thought I'd do a mini post of my own to recap Valentine's Day. First, the awesome.

Awesome:

- These cookies. Valentines for geeks and I scored mega points with the future hubby. In case you want to get in on this action, Williams-Sonoma sells 3 different Star Wars cookie cutter sets as well as pancake molds. Even if you don't want them, check them out and look at how the cookies on the box are frosted so perfectly. Then laugh hysterically and dip them in chocolate because there's no way you could ever decorate a cookie that nicely.

- Most of the Valentine's Day dinner I made Kacey. See the Awkward section for the rest of it.

- My first attempt at broiling turned out pretty well. Will be attempting this more often!

- Future hubby showing up with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries to nicely round out the meal!

- Bacon wrapped asparagus. Bacon wrapped anything, really. Mmmmm, bacon.

Awkward:

- The "super easy" 4 ingredient mousse that I was trying to make for dessert was a disaster. It. Would. Not. Thicken. No matter what I did, or how long I mixed it for, the stupid thing resolutely remained a liquid and I ended up having to dump it down the drain. Sad times.

- Um did you know that broiling steaks would create so much smoke? Because I sure didn't!

- Stupid blurry low lighting pictures from my iphone of said delicious dinner because I can't take a decent iphone pic to save my life.

- Dear downstairs neighbors, turning on your bathroom fan does not block out sound from my apartment. I can hear you. And it's uncomfortable. Turn on some music or something. I'm betting that if I can hear you, so can your children who are in your living room. I hope I never have to have a conversation with you because I'm just going to be snickering the whole time. Because yes, I am that immature. Also, 2:30 in the morning?! Don't you have to work tomorrow? Because I do and I'd prefer my sleep not to be interrupted by overhearing your um, party times. Thanks.

Modern American Girl - Meet Kirsten

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:40:00 +0000

But Sarah, it's not Thursday! Why is there a Modern American Girl post today? I know, I know, but I'm posting this a day early. I had planned to write about this amazing Valentines Day dinner I was making Kacey, complete with pictures of all its glory, but it ended up being a disaster and a half so this is being posted instead. I felt like the dinner deserved it's own Awkward and Awesome Thursday post. So instead you get Kirsten.

I don't know how I felt about Kirsten as a little girl. I mean I liked her braids and I thought it was pretty cool that she went off exploring by herself and had secret Indian friends and all, but the books just didn't sit right with me. I think this mostly came from the fact that they were supposed to be speaking Swedish, having literally just arrived off the boat, but the whole book was written in English. This especially bugged me in the second book where Kirsten is all "oh school's so hard because they only speak English there" except we wouldn't know that because this entire book is in English and my 8 year old mind was like, "uh aren't you speaking that all the time?" Eventually I got over this injustice to 8 year old readers everywhere and was able to enjoy the books. Although I have to say, having her best friend Martha die right in the first book was some heavy stuff back then. But on a lighter note I did always like that blue trunk and wanted my own life size version.

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:45:00 +0000

As I mentioned yesterday, I had the honor of participating in What I Wore's Winter Remix Challenge styling my favorite chambray shirt 2 different ways. I wanted to post the picture on my own blog as well. Look for details on the outfits later this week! There were so many great submissions and I loved finding new blogs to read. Thanks for hosting this Jessica!

Also, Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is full of chocolate. If not, well that's ok - it all goes on sale tomorrow!

Birthday Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Wednesday is Kacey's 25th birthday, but since we weren't sure if we'd actually see each other that day I decided to take him out for a birthday bunch this weekend. It was a 45 minute wait, but it was worth it. The food was amazing - all locally grown and sourced - and it tasted incredible.

My mimosa and Kace's man-mosa, aka beer and orange juice.

My incredible ham, gruyere and spinach omelet. With bacon of course.

Happy birthday future hubby!

Delicious homemade jam on toast. Also a random Statue of Liberty.

BACON COOKIES. You guys, I don't even know. I just...don't....I can't deal.

Edit: Check me out over on What I Wore as part of her Winter Wardrobe Remix!

Friday Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Fun comedy theatre breaks

Yummy lunch at fun new restaurants

A fun Thursday treat after a long week

So obsessed with posole

Trying to pick out dishes to register for is harder than I thought

I had to amuse myself in Cabelas while Kacey did manly shopping. I had to take a pic, Rage Acorns. RAGE!!!!!!! Although I don't actually know what this is...

These past two weeks have been a blur. Most of my life has been taken up with work and wedding planning and yet I feel like nothing gets done. These are a few of the things that made me happy and picked me up during the past weeks.

Modern American Girl - Changes for Josefina

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

I've been waiting forever to share this one, because I love it so much! I want to move down to Arizona and wear this every single day. Except in summer, because I hear it gets to 120 degrees and I think I'd die wearing jeans and a wool poncho in that. But every other day! In winter! And cooler fall days! And at night when it gets cold in the desert! I really can't say any more about this outfit, so I'll just let you soak in its awesomeness.

Fairest of Them All

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

As you probably know there are two Snow White movies coming out this year, each with it's own look and feel. The March issue of Elle Magazine had a little feature on Lily Collin's costumes from Mirror Mirror, coming out this March. Movie costumes are what got me into the fashion industry, so this was right up my alley. The costumes look amazingly ridiculous and fanciful! I couldn't find images from the article anywhere online, so I had to scan them. They aren't the best quality, but I love how they show the movie costume and how it would translate to a runway look and a street style blogger outfit. I especially love the yellow raincoats!

Almost Chicken Posole

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

Mmm, chicken posole. This was a fairly new discovery for me, and now I can't get enough of it. This is one of my favorite go to meals when I want a quick dinner. I started with Real Simple's Chicken Posole recipe as a base, but I've made it so many times and kept fiddling with it until I found my perfect version. In fact, I don't even think it can be called "posole" considering I took out the hominy in favor of gnocchi I'm not a huge corn fan. If this sounds in any way interesting to you, continue:

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 - 3/4 of an onion, thinly sliced
2 14oz cans of chicken broth
1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy, I don't)
2 cups of shredded chicken meat (you can either sauté breasts/tenders with the onions, or use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.)
1 15oz package of gnocchi
1 lime
cheddar cheese

First slice the onion. The original recipe calls for a whole onion, but I find that it's usually too much so I prefer to use between a half and 3 quarters of an onion. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion and brown the onions about 8-10 minutes until they are transparent and smell incredible.

Here's where you have a choice to make. I prefer to get raw chicken breasts, filets, or tenders and cook them in the pan with the onions, however, if you want a quick and easy route, get a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and shred about 2 cups of the meat with a fork. If you decide to use a rotisserie chicken, it's already cooked so don't add it to the pan yet, you'll add it at the end.

Add the broth, tomatoes, and chili flakes and bring to a boil. The original recipe calls for diced tomatoes which will give you a broth based soup with tomato chunks. I prefer using crushed tomatoes for a more hearty saucy texture. I feel it distributes the flavor better, but that's just me.

Once the soup boils, reduce head and add the chicken and gnocchi. Like I mentioned, I'm not a hominy fan, so this is a substitute. Simmer for about 5 minutes until gnocchi is soft and everything is heated through.

Spoon into bowls and squeeze a lime slice or 2 into the soup. Personally I think the more lime, the better it tastes! Top with some shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a nice loaf of bread for dipping and a glass of red wine for maximum enjoyment. Warning: this soup is filling and extremely delicious. You may find yourself making it over and over again. Or perhaps that's just me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go stuff my face.

Anchors Away

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:04:00 +0000

First of all, look at this Kate Spade clutch, isn't it phenomenal?!?!

I sort of freaked out when I saw it. But since it's waaay out of my price range, I'll just stare at it online. And let's be honest, where would I take it? A 100 year anniversary of the Titanic sinking party? Somehow I don't think that would go over real well. But joking aside, I love that every spring nautical and preppy looks come back in style. While I'm usually not a super preppy dresser, I do enjoy a good stripe and nautical themed accessory! Let's look at more pretty things from Nordstrom that I can't afford, shall we?

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Modern American Girl - Josefina Saves the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:03:00 +0000

The good thing about still owning all the American Girl books is if you're staring at a set wondering what on earth happened in this story because the cover art doesn't tell you anything, you can just go pick it up and read the book in about 10 minutes. In this installment, American traders come to Santa Fe and there is much trading. Blankets are traded to a fairly cutely illustrated man of Irish decent and then everyone spends the rest of the book freaking out thinking they can't trust him. Except he was actually honest and Josefina and her sister have a little midnight adventure into the bowels of 19th century Santa Fe to recover a violin at a church to prove his trustworthiness. And nothing says 'I'm ready for a midnight adventure' like a hand tooled leather vest and puffed sleeves . Her boots are pretty cool though, and I'm digging the ones in this set as well. As well as the feather necklace - gotta rock the feathers.

Wedding Wednesday - Bouquets

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

{1, 2, 3, 4}

I admit, I know nothing about flowers besides the fact that they look pretty and die in a few days. I really have no idea what to do for my wedding, however, I'm finding myself drawn to muted, dusty colors in ivory and blush, and I really like the lambs ear/dusty miller stuff (like I said, no floral knowledge at all) in these bouquets. And peonies, I know I like peonies. And succulents, but those might look out of place in a Wisconsin wedding.

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:59:00 +0000

One of my favorite bogs, Automatism, posted these pictures last week of the Berlin based clothing company Maye r's Fall 2010/11 Peace Collection. As a former history major, I absolutely love the vintage feel to these photos and clothing. Also, the embroidery on that last sleeve! Be still my heart.

Modern American Girl - Happy Birthday Josefina

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

You know how I keep saying how much I love all the Josefina outfits? Well, yeah I love this one too. It's a little bold with all the bright colors, but that's what makes it awesome. So Josefina's turning 10 (um, let's age her up to about 20 for this post ok?) and wants to be a healer like her aunt. But then she breaks a vase and causes everyone to be mad at her, so she goes off and fights a rattlesnake and saves her best friend so all is forgiven. Let's be honest, this outfit would not help you in a battle against a rattlesnake, you'd probably be bitten. But at least you'd be wearing some awesome orange shoes and blue shorts! Besides, the dreary weather outside makes me long for bright colors and spring time.

See all Modern American Girl posts

Got the Moves

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Break ton Neck from Alex Yde on Vimeo.

This has been around for a while, but I still like watching it. This guy is amazing. It's like he's doing some sort of yoga/breakdancing combo. It's true his flexibility creeps me out a bit at times, but mostly I'm just jealous because I wish I could move like that.

Monday Miscellany

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

I feel my posts haven't been incredibly interesting lately because I haven't been doing anything. All my free time has been going towards wedding planning. Less than 5 months to go, I just want my life back. I'm so ready to be married.

Antioxidant Power Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Technically this should be a Wedding Wednesday post, but honestly I'm burnt out on wedding stuff. So instead here's a super easy recipe for a delicious smoothie full of antioxidants to keep you healthy in the winter. Only three ingredients! Ready, go!

One cup of POM pomegranate juice. Yup, the stuff old people drink.

One cup of frozen fruit. I used whatever was in my freezer which happened to be blueberries and blackberries. Add a few ice cubes and blend. (Not pictured, make sure you put the cover on first. This is a very dark and staining drink)

Pour into glass and drink delicious smoothie, soaking in those antioxidants and feeling their super powers.

Note: smoothie will not give actual super powers such as flying, invisibility, or telepathy. This only involves fruit super powers, giving you the ability of being fruitful...fruity? On second thought, never mind, no super powers are transferable to you, only the power of being awesome for making it.

Loving Tartan

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Now that the holidays are over (and it finally snowed!) all I'm thinking about is how to stay warm. There's just something about tartan that just makes me want to curl up next to a fire.

Source

Modern American Girl - Josefina's Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:21:00 +0000

This outfit was harder than normal but I like how it turned out. The dress is perfect and literally the only thing I could find in a tan and black with stripes that weren't completely horizontal. I went a little more conservative with this outfit since it's a Christmas outfit and church is involved. I really wanted to do a fabulous headpiece but a black veil just looked weird. Like some sort of bridal ninja. I suppose this outfit isn't very true to the story since there's no way you could go riding around on a donkey acting out the part of Mary in this dress, but we'll just say today Josefina would have had a speaking part in the church pageant instead so she can wear a dress and shoes that are a bit more restrictive.

See all Josefina looks
See all Modern American Girl posts