of corgis & cocktails

Recipe : Grilled Potatoes and Onions

2013-05-18T12:30:00.000-04:00

Years ago, Jason and I moved into our home and got all excited to get a grill. Sad part was, we never really figured out where to put one, so two years passed without a grill. Once we moved into our new place, we found we had the perfect deck for grilling out. I was so excited to be able to make potatoes and onions on the grill, one of my favorite things my mom made when we grilled out at home.

What You'll Need :

4 Medium Sized Potatoes

1 Onion (Or two if you are feeling really in favor of onions)

Butter or Buttery Spread

BBQ Spice (We use Grippo's, a local Cincinnati favorite. You can use a similar one or make your own. If you make your own, I suggest adding a small amount of hickory smoke powder) or Seasoned Salt

Wash your potatoes well. Cut off any parts that don't look so pretty.

Slice 2 potatoes into 1/8" thin pieces. Layer onto a piece of non-stick foil.

Cut 1/2 the onion into thin slices. Layer atop the potatoes.

Top with three slices of butter or buttery spread and a good amount of seasoning. Repeat these steps with the other two potatoes, the other 1/2 the onion, and an additional 3 slices of butter/buttery spread and seasoning.

Top with another piece of foil and fold to make a packet. Place on the top rack of the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes while your meats/corn/whatever else cooks. We had some filet mignon with this batch (see corner). We're so cute, sharing our steaks and what not.

Remove from grill and devour.

That's The Last Straw

2013-05-17T15:11:00.000-04:00

I have been planning this post for so long, waiting and anticipating the day I would be able to reveal that third and final resolution (the full one) I couldn't share with you back in January. This post has been written for awhile, even before I knew what exactly would happen. You see the planner in me needed to try her best to plan that which was unplannable. So, big breath in. Big breath out.....

I've got a new position, as in job. One of the big new year's resolutions was to move on from where I was working, whether it be moving across the country because Jason had a new job or moving down the road to get me into a new one. My work situation got progressively worse over the past year, and I felt like my time was limited there. I watched nearly everyone on my team, which I moved here to be a part of and that I loved working with, be let go. I have been lucky in the past to work at stable companies with employees that stayed for years, so this experience was definitely, well, an experience, but I am glad to be moving on. I have made some great friends in Pennsylvania who I will stay in contact with forever, and I wouldn't change a single way Jason and I chose to do things. So this goes out to Julie, Jim, Adriane, and Shauna - you were all wonderful to work with and have become great friends to me and my family. I am lucky to have met you all both professionally and personally, thank you for helping me grow over this time and believing in me and my work. I couldn't have grown so much without you all!

I am really excited about my new position - it's truly going to be a great new leap for me. I'm no longer working in pure product design and focusing on more graphics and web design, which is what I feel like I have been more into doing for awhile now. This is also why I have been so crazy busy lately. It's not easy to have a blog, move, and be interviewing for multiple positions all while having a full-time job. I am really so excited, and this outfit was my 'power outfit' I wore on the day I officially resigned. A dog print dress, bright heels, and a cheeky bag that just felt right for the occasion. We treated ourselves to a night out at the Circular Dining room at the Hotel Hershey - a fun and yummy dinner that ended with congratulatory chocolate strawberries.

cavorting canines dress :: anthropologie via ebay

belt :: modcloth remixed

wedges :: enzo anglioni remixed

bag :: kate spade

headband :: free people remixed

necklace :: target remixed

ring :: kate spade remixed

May's Sweet Sixteen

2013-05-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

This will be the last of the sweet sixteen / nifty nine sponsor posts as I am changing things up a bit next month! You'll have to wait to see, but here's a great farewell post with tons of lovely girls.

//I adore this little floral lace dress that Sara wore perfectly in a field of flowers.
//Katie looks amazing in this lace top and shorts! Such a great combo.

//Kelsey's dress is a really interesting print and pairs perfectly with the beautiful flowers in this post. Also, her eyes are always like magazine cover beautiful. If what I'm saying here makes sense.
//Jessica got this dress from Ashley, and I absolutely adore it! Plus, her big hats always make me wish I could pull her outfits for derby.

//Chloe and I are kindred, animal-outfit wearing spirits. I would totally wear this outfit and might try and copy it.
//If I were going to wear jeans ever again, the only way I would do it would to be how Bevin did it here.
//Elana is back home from college for the summer, but her last outfit from Illinois is beyond adorable and perfect in every way. I love red and blue together like this!
//Marisa lives by the prettiest lake, and I adore this little nautical themed photoshoot.
//I'm completely smitten with this detailed jacket that Meghan wore.
//Ridgulous is a brilliant smart dog collar idea that can have a GPS fence, track your dog, speak to your dog, and more. It's seriously amazing - I would love to have one for Raynor as I fear her getting lose (even though she never has in the 4 years she's been with us).
//This Marrakesh vegetable curry sounds like nothing I have ever had before, and amazing too.
//Em went exploring in Michigan and came back with brilliantly beautiful photos that make me want to explore there too.

Style Icon :: Ali of the Drawing Mannequin

2013-05-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

Ali of the Drawing Mannequin is amazing, there's no other way to put it. She's insanely creative, hilarious, nerdy, and stylish beyond my wildest dreams. She's the type of person you'd see walking down the street and want to be her. I want to be her BFF. Because not only is she beautiful, she's nice. She's a genuinely pleasant person, and her blog is just full of such inspiration for me. She's an artist - a damn good one at that - and her style is really inspiring. I was really excited to have her as my May style icon - I got happier and happier as I read her answers to my questions (she likes Pokemon AND Full Metal Alchemist. Swoon.) Hand down, Ali is my biggest girl crush. So here's her answers to my questions!

You've had your blog for quite a long time - since 2009. What inspired you to begin a style blog, especially at a young age!
I can always remember loving to dress up since I was a wee grasshopper (fuzzy Disney princess crowns and oversized pearl necklaces, anyone?), but it all truly began in my high school years--I can specifically remember joining Tumblr and discovering tons of these fun fashion blogs that people who liked to dress up had. I've always been one to dress up, and so taking pictures of my outfits and smacking them on the interwebs totally made sense. Plus, I'm rather into archiving memories, creating things, and writing short little blips about my life (I've kept a diary since the day I learned to write), so transitioning those things into the form of a blog was pretty natural.

How would you describe your style if you had to? Any big influences on your style?
I totally have to say that Michael Jackson was one of my biggest inspirations fashion-wise. The loafers, the oxfords, the ankle socks, the totally badass jackets and blazers adorned with zippers, buttons, and the like... He had it all. I don't know if I channel my inner MJ as much as I used to, but he was definitely influential in some of my earlier outfits. As for now, I just make up outfits based off random color palettes I see around in everyday life (like Ketchup and Mustard) or nerdy little puns. But really, there's no magic system! Usually I just dig around and decorate myself until what I'm wearing feels right.

Your art is really impressive! I love that you share on your blog and how your artistic side shows through in your outfits and photos as well. What are some of your favorite pieces you've done?
Ooooh, you're too lovely to say that! My favorite right now would have to be this guy, Dreamstacks.

I definitely feel like it's the beginning to a whole new world of drawings that I'm going work with when I start getting into my upper level art classes in the upcoming Fall semester. I want to start rendering these fairly undefined objects that have flowy lines and allude to some kind of hidden feeling or subconscious idea. I just really love playing with lines,' cause they can vary in thickness and sharpness and be anything at all! Lines are just great.

You're also a bit of a geek too! What are some of your favorite movies or games?
Oh, man--don't even get me started! I'm a huge Legend of Zelda nerd. Huge. I totally have a playable ocarina in real life and I'd have to say that my favorite Zelda games are Ocarina of Time and the Oracle series, though Twilight Princess is pretty rad, too. Honestly, I can't pick--I really like them all! Oh, and we can't forget Pokemon--Pokemon is life, and has been my life since I picked it up and played it on my prized clear purple gameboy. I hope I can play Pokemon games until I'm rotting in my grave. I'm not as much of a movie watcher, though I do watch a few of the better known anime and cartoon series--namely Bleach, Full Metal Alchemist, and currently I've been rewatching... da da da... Justice League!

If you only had one meal you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'd have to go with Fuji apples smothered in raw cashew butter. There is literally nothing better to fill an empty soul (and stomach!) than that. The combination is so sweet and tangy, and the taste and texture cashew butter totally resembles cookie dough--'tis most excellent!

Be sure to follow along with Ali on her blog, Tumblr, and Flickr.

Busy Little Bees

2013-05-14T12:30:00.000-04:00

I think life finally caught up with me. Jason and I have been scurrying lately it feels, and while this isn't a bad thing, it certainly makes difficult for outfit photos (I actually didn't take outfit photos for the past TWO weekends, and only on Sunday this weekend.) This coming from a girl who usually has outfits scheduled awhile in advance, this is one of few times you will actually see an outfit only 2 days after I actually wore it. I love dressing up for errands on weekends - there is something about wearing a strapless dress while parading a giant shepard's hook around Lowe's that makes me immensely happy. I'm also really happy that the weather has been beautiful, sunny, and perfectly spring like. I'm still playing catch up though - my blog comment inbox is crazed (the most it has ever been) an I haven't checked some of my favorite blogs in weeks. Eek! Still, I don't think I'm a 'bad blogger', I'm just a normal person who gets caught up in the whirlwind too.

sweater :: j crew factory remixed

belt :: target remixed

native birds dress :: anthropologie (available on ebay) remixed

sandals :: charles by charles david remixed

tote :: shinzi katoh remixed

bracelet :: kate spade remixed

necklace :: rusty chain jewelry remixed

DIY :: Polka Dot French Tip Nails

2013-05-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

I wanted to do something fairly simple for this DIY - something that you could wear out without having animals or something too weird on your nails. I decided to try a polka dotted French tip - and it turned out to be pretty easy. All you need is two nail polishes, a toothpick or bobby pin, and a bit of patience!

~~Also, my Twitter is randomly suspended. Won't you follow me at @corgisandcocktails now? Thanks :D~~
It's back up! You can still find me at @corgiscocktails though, I have officially changed my Twitter handle.

First, paint all of your nails one solid color and allow them to dry.

Next, take your toothpick/bobby pin/necklace (edit : WHY oh why would I write necklace? Please someone make my brain focus! I meant mechanical pencil or nail tool. Doing your nails with a necklace seems strange) and the second polish color. Dip our tool into the nail polish and carefully draw a line of dots along the tip of your nail.

Coat with a top coat to protect, and voila! Simple nail art!

Humming Along

2013-05-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I am really amazed at the things I have missed so near by where I live. My friend Julie invited us to the Warwick Hotel in Hummelstown, which I believed I had been to, but in reality, has completely missed this little town right next to Hershey. Prooves that there is always more to explore than you think! I think I'm pretty decent at exploring where I live and all around it, so I find it shocking when I have managed to completely overlook something so cute. I think I need to spend some more time on Yelp and Google Maps!

The weather is wonky here. One day it's warm and I can wear shorts and be fine, the next day I walk out and I need tights. I can't wait until summer when it's just constantly hot.

coat :: anthropologie remixed

sweater :: gap remixed

feline karma dress :: leah reena goren for anthropologie remixed

tights :: target remixed

hydrangea heels :: seychelles remixed

bag :: emma fox remixed

necklace :: tiffany remixed

ring :: sanrio remixed

watch :: instawatch.me (custom) remixed

iPad Mini Giveaway!

2013-05-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

I'm really excited to be working with a bunch of bloggers based on Chantilly of ChantillySong's awesome idea - an iPad mini giveaway - your choice of black and white! I carry my iPad (a Gen. 2, I don't plan on upgrading any time soon) everywhere - it's easy for planes, car rides, small trips, and everything. Tablets are really a great accessory to have - we use them to watch moved and more. Please note: This giveaway will be open until May 30th, and will be open only in the US, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Australia. Check out everyone's link, find some new reads hopefully, and cross your fingers to win!

Chantilly ~ ChantillySongs ♥ Marisa ~ The Shades of Monet Chronicles ♥ Lisa ~ Lala Faux Bois ♥ Shell ~ Kitty and Buck ♥ Marilyn ~ Pulp Sushi ♥ Sammy ~ The Cookie Button ♥ Amanda E ~ Little Lady Little City ♥ Regina ~ Acute Designs ♥ Katherine ~ Of Corgis and Cocktails ♥ Amanda A. ~ Little Tranquility ♥ Joanna ~ ModaMama ♥ Roxy ~ GrrFiesty ♥ Vanessa ~ Take Only Memories ♥ Sabrina ~ The Little Owl ♥ Miss Angie ~ My So-Called Chaos ♥ Shai ~ Vagabond Studio ♥ Chelsea ~ Life Unpublished ♥ Lauren ~ A Wild Tonic ♥ Jenna ~ Kitty Cat Stevens ♥ Jessa ~ Caked Blog a Rafflecopter giveaway

May's Nifty Nine

2013-05-09T12:30:00.000-04:00

Ohmygosh Jackalope necklace! Need I say more?! Crave Jewelry always has the best animal jewelry, I promise. #everythingwithanimals

I want Naomi to lend me her hair skills! Her amazing dos make me miss long hair. This rockabilly retro one is a fave of mine.

I love Mandy's outfits all the time, but her spring mixtape Reverie is awesome! Seriously, we had like the same taste in music in high school or something, but I've found myself having a sing along to these songs while working.

Ashley's use of polka dots and polka dots is just briliant. And her new hair color - downright awesome!

Emily shared some yummy cocktails - including a pomegranate margarita! Jason and I love those, only we use rock candy syrup and Pama instead of pomegranate juice.

I've been friends with Jen since before I started blogging here - we met through Flickr! I was so excited when she started her Fashion Fridays - her photography and style are both great. I love this sunny yellow dress on her.

It's getting closer and closer to bon fires and s'mores time - and Sugar Cookie has the cutest little s'mores button set. Here's hoping that my friend Mark has a bonfire when I come in town (hint hint Mark).

Breakfast After Dark Huevos Con Salsa de Maíz with ICBINB!

2013-05-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

I was really inspired by this episode of Breakfast After Dark from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® breakfast burritos always intrigue me, but I'm not huge on burritos. When I brought that I wanted to make these up to my husband, we suggested we do a twist on it based on one of his favorite dishes, huevos rancheros. Except he wanted to switch out the ranchero sauce with a corn salsa. I was into this idea, so we used the instructions from this breakfast burrito recipe to get an idea of how to move forward. Here's our edited recipe.

Huevos Con Salsa de Maíz (Eggs With Corn Salsa) - 2 Servings

Heavily Adapted from Toasted Breakfast Burrito via I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!

What You'll Need

1 1/2 Tbsp. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® Spread, divided
1 Small Can Diced Green Chile Peppers
1 Medium Red Onion, chopped
Seasoned Salt
Cayenne Pepper
Chile Pepper
2 Ears Fresh Corn (or 1/2 Cup Frozen Corn)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
4 eggs
2 Tablespoons Skim Milk
2 (6-in. ea.) fajita size tortillas
1 Spicy Sausage (Chorizo or similar)

To Make the Corn Salsa:

If you are going to use fresh corn, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes; drain.

Melt 1 tablespoon I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® Spread in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook chopped red onion and green chile peppers until onions are soft and translucent, being careful not to burn. Add in the corn (removed from the cob if using fresh) and sprinkle with seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and chile pepper to taste. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, then add in the lime juice and brown sugar. Keep warm while you prepare the rest of your dish.

To make the eggs and tortillas :

Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels. Melt remaining 1/2 tablespoon Spread over medium heat. Lay totrillas flat and flip once, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Place on plate.

Combine eggs and skim milk in small bowl with whisk or fork. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and cayenne pepper, just a bit. Add eggs into skillet and stir until eggs are set. Remove eggs from skillet. Add half of the eggs atop 1 tortilla and the other half atop the other. Top with corn salsa and a few slices of spicy sausage or chorizo. We used local S. Clyde Weaver fresh spicy sausage and warmed it by cooking it in about another 1/2 Tablespoon of ICBINB! Spread in a smaller skillet while the eggs cooked. Also - my husband prepped his eggs by cooking them sunny side up, over hard. He prefers this!

And yum! A perfect springtime dish for Breakfast After Dark! Do you guys ever eat traditional 'breakfast' foods for dinner? What's your favorite?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. For more information, please visit the disclosure of this blog.

ON Dollars For Doggies (A Birthday Fundraiser & GIVEAWAY!)

2013-05-07T12:30:00.000-04:00

I've teamed up with KerryingOn for her Birthday Fundraiser & Giveaway - Kerry contacted me about this and I was so excited about the idea of a giveaway that supported animals! This giveaway works a little differently. First, give a donationto the fund for Second Chance Rescue in NYC and Dogs Without Borderes here. The minimum donation requirement is only $1 but if you can give more, the dogs and rescue folks would surely appreciate it. I can understand that you might not live in these areas (I don't!) but it's a huge help and these larger cities have larger animal control problems to go with it. The giveaway will run through the end of the day (11:59 pm EST) of May 20th, 2013. So lets look at the prizes you can win - then hopefully get to a few donations! Kerry reached 600 dollars last year, I think it would be awesome to help her beat that. I'm giving away a custom blog header for you guys and social media icons, so you'll get to work with me if you win!

Second Chance Rescue NYC / Dogs Without Borders

Here's what you'll be entered to WIN:

a dog print from Bubby & Bean // gorgeous teal triangle earrings from Katilda

beautiful lavender earrings from Walkin' In Memphis In High Heels // custom hoop art from Ten Feet Off Beale

$25 Sephora gift card from Heather Hearts // $25 Starbucks gift card from KerryingOn (that's me!)

custom blog header and social media icons designed by Of Corgis & Cocktails

$25 Etsy shop credit from Let Me See You Sparkle

$20 Etsy shop credit from Head Over Heels

the stunning Muuto Flow Jug, generously donated by Viesso

and.. a FULL Scholarship to ZivaMind, generously offered by Ziva Meditation!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We've Moved!

2013-05-06T12:30:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to announce that Jason and I are moving! I suppose you already guessed / knew that though! One part of the third New Year's resolution was to move - especially upon Jason securing a job. We ended up staying around the area with Jason working in the sweetest place on Earth, so we began searching in the area. I'm not Harrisburg's biggest fan, but I loved every time we drove to the nearby city of Lancaster. We viewed a few apartments, and then we came across a townhome with a large kitchen and small yard - just perfect for our little family. No downstairs or upstairs neighbors, a neighborhood for the pups to walk around in, and not in a rental complex. We are seriously SO happy about this. I think Raynor's excited about the three stories she now has to run up and down. I've always wanted to live somewhere with stairs, so this excites me greatly also.

I'll be sure to keep you updated as we begin to make this place ours - we hope to stay for awhile and make this more home-y than our place on King Arthur's Court. Yes, indeed, I quite literally lived on King Arthur's Court for the past year and a half guys. Pizza delivery places thought I was lying when I tried to get them to deliver to me! We completely moved in this weekend, and we are without internet right now so bear with me. Our old apartment still has internet so I got some things up while we stopped there Sunday, but it's going to be hard for me until we get it 100% installed. I always have trouble figuring out what to wear while I move, but since I got this corgi tee as a congrats to myself for getting a job out of college, it's been my go-to for moving. I'm big on weird traditions. I also meant to wear my shorts, but they got lost in the move for awhile, so my trust jean skirt came in handy. I have had this thing since high school - it's great to wear on weekends. These are my 'jeans' that you never really see up here since I don't wear pants.

cardigan :: j crew factory remixed

tee :: modcloth remixed

skirt :: american eagle remixed

sneakers :: keds remixed

necklace :: asos remixed

bag : sample remixed

headband : goody drive

Remix :: Yellow Polka Dots

2013-05-05T10:46:00.000-04:00

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it hanging in Anthropologie in Cincinnati and just absolutely had to have it. It's one of my most worn pieces, even outside of this blog, and holds up in the wash well. It's really just the perfect dress. And like everything, usually available on eBay if you look at the right time.

sunshine daises butter mellow // archival // auf widersehen!

hangs in the air // cabled knits & polka dots // along the susquehanna trail

to talk :: of manufacturing

2013-05-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

One of these dresses costs $27.80. One costs $57.99.

Which one are you buying?

Coming off my last topic, one of the things to pick up from (out of SO many things it brought up) was low costs and saving money.

I'm going to guess that with those two dresses you would much rather pay $27.80 than $57.99. Duh, right? Not....really. So here's the other question, after the jump of course.

made in china 27.80 // made in usa 57.99

One of these dresses is made in the US (or your country of origin for the point of this example, but seriously, one is made in the US). One is made in China.

Which one are you buying?

This tests well. On paper and in your mind, it's great to buy from the US. But do consumers actually follow that buying pattern? American Apparel seems to have built a successful company on the primary basis of US manufacturing, but how many times have you heard someone say how expensive they are? This could go really political, which I hope it doesn't, but definitely share what you want. I'm not saying I'm pro anything here - just that this is a really interesting topic I don't think is brought up enough. I've heard too many people complain about factories being outsourced who don't truly think about the big picture. There are so many aspects to this and it's really not all that black and white.

Let's start first with cost. Why does US manufacturing cost more? Our cost of living is higher therefore wages are set higher. We also have very different labor laws as well. When you compare the labor costs (only assembly by a human of a product, not the raw material cost) from America to an overseas vendor, the cost different is quite huge. Companies do pay larger freight and tax costs on imported goods, but the addition of those isn't enough to make American manufacturing companies all that competitive. We also have a smaller job pool for skilled workers, and many of the ones currently working in factories are beginning to retire, leaving jobs open that no one wants to fill.With all of that considered, often other countries have the skilled laborers to fill those jobs in the right areas, making it an easier bet than staying in the US where those skills are found less commonly.

I think it's important to take a step back here. America was built on manufacturing. We were full of those so-called smog inducing factories at each port, riverbed, and city throughout the country. Cities and areas boomed because of our industrial capabilites. But now? Do you know anyone who works in a factory? Factories now have moved and stay in fairly rural areas to save on cost of land and wages - hence why you don't find many factories in downtown NYC now and rather office buildings in place of them. Even more so, more of my generation (Gen Y) or the one below me are going to college and will possess at least a bachelors degree - nearly 63% of my generation does (one). This makes factory and industrial work less and less appealing. In order to drive people to want to work at these jobs, they need to pay higher wages. Yet, factories have to compete with China. In result, US factories are outsourced, leaving older employees with only that skill jobless. If you have ever visited a city that once boomed due to some sort of industrial economy, well, they aren't pretty to see. American factories are less common and typically no longer situated in citties like they used to be. This is beginning to happen in China too as costs in cities like Shenzhen rise, factories have gone further inland where living costs are lower, so wages can be too. This happened once in the US too - and why US factories are commonly located in cities a bit more off the beaten path.

US manfacturing today is really quite different. First, think of how many people (more relating to younger generations) are willing to work in a factory? My generation has fewer skilled laborers lwith regards to any sort of industrial work, which results in the positions actually having higher wages because they are such a rare commodity (two). But with more college graduates, the work and life in a factory is less normal, approachable, glamourous, and accepted. This is beginning to happen in China too, as we watch factory jobs be 'beneath people.' (three) Indeed, I took the college then 9 to 5 job path, and it seems to be how we push children to be. But each job is important to our economy, and if we are all web designers, we're going to end up a sad bunch.

In terms of supporting products made in the USA, I think it's really admirable. I definitely will prefer a product made in the USA a bit over another, but I also have truly come to terms with the fact there are things that we do not excel at making here. Other countries are set up with more advanced factories for producing technology, for instance. In terms of a global market, I find it interesting to see the strengths of each area and what they can produce. Is it better that we can share these strengths?

This is a topic I hope you all have a lot of opinions to share on with me. Experiences, things to add - I'm hoping to help you learn more and hopefully you can help me learn more as well.

resouce one // resource two // resource three

cincinnati incline image // women in factory image

Cocktail :: Mint Julep

2013-05-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

My family says y'all. We're from the area that you can nicely call Appalachia but really just means down in the hills of Kentucky. I'm quite proud actually that I can say my roots are in the rural, strange Corbin, Kentucky (home of KFC) even though I never lived there and was actually born in New Jersey. Nonetheless, since Cincinnat is so close to Louisville (and a good chunk of Northern Kentucky is part of Cincinati metro area), I have a real tie to the derby. I'm missing my friend's annual derby party this year, an event we looked forward to every year. I'm unable to host a true Kentucky party for my Pennsylvania friends (I am the only one who cares about Derby Day) this year, but I will still craft myself a mint julep in honor of this big day in Kentucky. So tune in tomorrow to the race and sip this cocktail! (Yes, I own the authentic Mint Julep glassware. I love these glasses.)

Don't have a crushed ice maker? I don't either (yet!). Take a paper towel or other soft towel and wrap your ice cubes in it. Hit with a hammer to crush well. You will need a lot more than 4 cubes, I totally misjudged.

Get the following things. Kentucky bourbon (I suggest Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark), powdered sugar, water, mint leaves, and crushed ice.

Put 3 spoonfulls of powdered sugar and about 1/4 cup of water in your glass. Toss in about 5 mint leaves, and muddle this all together well until you can smell the mint scent.

Fill your glass to the top with crushed ice (mine is half full because it was the middle of the day on a Sunday, so hear me out, sometimes I can't actually DRINK these things I'm making because I have to clean the bathroom after this). Then, pour the bourbon over. Stir well until the outside of the glass is cold, almost frosty.

Top with a mint sprig and serve!

Corgis & Elephants

2013-05-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

I'm really quite ready for summer. I'm ready for a little mini vacation for our anniversary, to wear shorts all the time on the weekends as we work on our projects, and have our first summer together as a married, working couple. It's really crazy now that Jason and I both work 8 hours a day - it seems like the two days a week we have to clean, grocery shop, and what not are jam packed now. More comfortable clothes are a must when you spend most of your day running errands, cooking for your blog, and cleaning the bathroom. This is just the cheeriest thing for the most drole of days - bright yellow elephant shorts and all the corgi things I could muster! Too bad Teemo can't come to the grocery store.

sweater :: louche via modcloth remixed

shorts :: j crew outlet (old)

loafers :: target remixed

watch :: instawatch.me (custom) remixed

ring :: kate spade

tote :: diy (get the tutorial here) remixed

May Favorites

2013-05-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

I have had this ottoman on my wishlist for two full years. It's going to happen.

After many years of wanting to, I finally broke down and bought a bottle of derby edition Woodfoord Reserve. YUM!

Speaking of Kentucky, I'm thinking this Cattucky print is AWESOME!

These polka dot Zatchels are so adorable - the perfect amount of prep and girliness.

Summer Sunnies from Glasses.com

2013-04-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

Now that summer is fast-approaching, I find myself reaching for my sunnies each time I climb into the car. I am a big sunglasses person - I've toted my Ray Ban Clubmasters to every vacation, car trip, and park we've ever been to. I feel like sunnies are one of the best accessories - especially if you pick a pair that will never go out of style and grow up with you. I have chosen, and highly suggest, investing in a nice pair. They do hold up better, they protect better, and they come with great customer service (I have had my straightened a few times because either I'm crooked or clumsy). I've had my first pair of ClubMasters for about 3 years, my tortoiseshell ones were a gift from my father in law who also sports the same pair. In light of the more sunny days, I wanted to share with you my suggestions for frames that won't go out of style, have chips on the lenses in a few days, and be a real timeless pair for you.

Classic
I'm a stickler for Ray Ban Clubmasters - I swear by them and them alone. They are classic, sturdy, and amazing. You can hand them to your boyfriend, and they won't make him look ridiculous. I even wore them to my wedding.

Oversized
Oversized frames are great on some people - Nicole Richie especially. I suggest keeping them in a classic color (black or tortoise for example) like these Derek Lam ones and with little embellishment. Embellishments can make these a bit over the top - the shape alone stands out though!

Fun
My friend Leah rocks the cutest red frames ever. I think colored frames are one of the greatest styles for sunglasses. If you have a favorite colors, maybe red or green, try finding a thick frame in that color like these Micheal Stars red frames.

I think many of these rules apply to glasses as well. Many of these styles come in normal glasses form too - and if you are looking for those, try out the's free in-home trial! I am personally awful at telling if glasses will look good on me - seeing them on models and other people is not helpful for glasses. Oh - and your sunnies? If they don't look right on you - they offer free returns! And free shipping to get them to you too.

What pair of sunglasses have you always wanted? Check out Glasses.com and see if they have your dream pair!

The Skyline

2013-04-29T12:30:00.000-04:00

Weekends in Cincinnati are seemingly harder when we have to pack up both dogs and both people. I'm beginning to finally realize how impractical the 7 hour or so drive is to do on a Friday and Sunday. But the Saturday we get to spend in town is always amazing - we eat yummy food, see our friends and family, and inevitably go shopping somewhere fun. This time it was an Ikea trip. The dogs love it in Cincinnati too - they enjoy midday naps with my dad and running around my parents back yard.

We tried a new place, as I try to do when I am home, called the Incline Public House. It's really interesting as it is set atop a large hill where the incline (used to transport goods from the river up) used to exist. It has the most amazing view of our city ever - and I felt wonderful sipping a local beer while watching the sun set over the city. If you are curious, my review is on Yelp.

Like the skyline themed nails? Check out my tutorial on Delightfully Tacky!

sweater :: target (similar) remixed

kindling dress :: book of deer (also available at modcloth) remixed

belt :: modcloth remixed

shoes :: target remixed

sunnies :: ray ban clubmasters remixed

rings :: kiel mead forget me knot & modcloth remixed

necklace :: ornamental things remixed

teemo time watch :: instawatch.me (custom)

bag :: cambridge satchel via modcloth remixed

Photo Tip :: Outfit Photos Part Two

2013-04-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the month, I shared with you the preliminary outfit photos post here. This is the second follow up to it, and usually my step by step for when I go out and take photos. Ask any other questions you might have!

Frame the Shot
First, set your camera up. Stand behind the camera, look through the viewfinder, and figure out visually where you will need to stand to be in frame. Set the camera to a single focus point - usually the center one - and not automatic. Ensure that the camera is set to automatic timer or remote in the drive mode. If you have two options for the timer and a remote - like 2 second auto timer or 10 second - it doesn't matter which you choose. If you are setting the self timer and running, 10 seconds is always better.

Set Up Your Remote If You Have One
Depress the shutter button on your camera. Standing near your camera, point the remote at the camera and make sure you have it set to the correct drive mode and the remote is working. If you have the option like my remote to switch between one and second seconds between the shutter, try two seconds. This gives you enough time to hide the remote.

Work on Poses
After awhile, you will get your 'angles' down so to speak. If I leave my mouth open at all like those models do, I look like a brainless zombie. This will take time, but play around with positions you feel comfortable in. I want to say don't force it, but you'll have to force it a bit at first. It's an acquired taste.

Aperture Priority Mode
Trying to shoot these on manual is really rough - so set your camera to aperture priority with a small aperture (try below f/4) to get bokeh and freeze as much movement as possible.

Take Multiple Photos
For each set up I do, I take probably 20+ shots. This way, if my eyes are closed or I am at a funny angle, I'm not relying on one shot. Twirl, dance, move. Pause before you hear the shutter go if possible. I count 1, 2 then pause.

Make a (Mental) Checklist
I take note of each item I am wearing, and as I take the shots, check things off. Usually, my checklist goes something like :
-Full body, front
-Second option full body, front
-Full body with coat or sweater off, front
-Full body, back or side
-Shoe detail
-Bag Detail
-Nail Detail / Ring Detail
-Necklace Detail
-Other Jewelry Detail
-Head Shot
-Other Details, Dog Shots
I try and ensure I get enough to have a variety of shots. I also move around the park or location I am at, so that my full body shots aren't in the exact same spot. This is personal preference.

Avoid People
Try and find a secluded area if you are somewhere really crowded. Try not to set up right in the middle of a busy walkway, or if you do, set your camera off to the side and shoot towards the middle. When someone comes by, move out of the way for them to walk or bike past. In parks, be aware of your surroundings - the last thing you want is a child or biker knocking over your camera, right?

Whatever, Whatever, I Do What I Want
When in doubt, be Eric Cartman. Laugh at yourself. Something awkward is going to happen. Someone is going to insist on taking a photo for you at Disney because you're forcing your husband to take outfit photos in front of Splash Mountain. Someone is going to stare at you. A waiter is going to giggle as you snap photos of yourself sipping a cocktail. You will drop your camera on the ground as your dog topples the tripod over. Things are going to happen - go right, wrong, awkard, and everything in between. Don't be nervous! Shrug it off - at least you'll get a good photo out of it!

Sponsor Of Corgis & Cocktails in May

2013-04-27T12:30:00.000-04:00

April showers....... bring what? Put what April showers bring (two words, no capital letters) into the promo code box in my Passionfruit for a surprise discount! Go get yourself a spot now!

Also - I have some clothes and stuff on Threadflip and I kind of need them to not be in my house anymore for some reason or the other. E-mail me if you want something on there - we can work something out like a swap or something if you pay me shipping.

One Rewards Pet Treats

2013-04-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

A bit ago, One Rewards Treats sent me a few bags of their pet treat samples. I had requested these over any other treats I had ever seen and passed on. You see, I've mentioned it before, but Raynor might be allergic to the world. Grass, wheat, birch trees - you name it. Dust. Seriously. It's hard to find dog treats that she seems to enjoy that are also a-okay for her to eat. I'm amazed to find so many popular pet treats full of grains and things she can't eat - no greenies for my dogs! So when I was approached about one ingredient dog treats, it sparked my interest.

One thing I like about these is that they are small. Basically just cubes of dehydrated meat, they smell enough to get a dog's attention and would be great for training. Both of my dogs became suddenly very obedient when I pulled a few out of the bag, each diving into their own array of 'tricks I know.' Which looks like a messed up circus since Teemo's default is beg and Raynor's default is turning in a circle.

The packaging suggests I top their kibble off with some One Rewards for an extra treat. There is a guideline on the back of the package for how many bits per weight a dog can have a day - which is actually quite a bit! I used that as a guideline, minus what I had already fed them, and added to their other foods. Raynor was quite happy - her Nulo kibble also gets topped with Missing Link and a bit of olive oil to strengthen her nails. Teemo was like a kid pulling the marshmellows out of Lucky Charms. That overbite works wonders for getting the good stuff out first.

Overall, I'm really happy with these treats. I've gotten an array of treats that Raynor will downright ignore and sit unused in the treat bin for a year until I realize she hates them. We went through the first bag of these in about 2 weeks - record for us! I keep them by our apartment door and use them to get the pups to sit before we go outside so I can get their leads on in a more orderly manner! If you are interested you can visit their website for more information.

This post was written on behalf of One Rewards. While I received product in exchange for writing this post, the opinions and ideas expressed are my own - and my dogs for this matter. For more information - read the disclosure of this blog.

Remix :: Keds

2013-04-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

Here's a bit of a different remix post. Maybe it's addressing my addiction. Probably not. I own quite a few pair of keds that have popped up here on the blog, but these royal blue ones seem to be my go-to amusement park, goes with everything shoe.

treasures untold // great big beautiful tomorrow // disney princesses have an animal obsession too

ohana means family // a very instagram outfit post

The Hunt

2013-04-24T12:30:00.000-04:00

I forgot how much trying to find somewhere to live is an awful experience. Our first apartment was furnished and university affliated - which meant our neighbors were awful and ended up peeing on our door and verbally assaulting me whenever I walked down the hall. They also had a knife fight in the hall...so we got out of our lease but had to be out within a week. And buy a whole 1 bedroom's apartment worth of furniture in that time. That apartment ended up in Jason's vows, because I was smitten with the hardwood floors and adorable cut outs in the doorways to notice it might have been falling apart. Back when we bought our home, we visited countless places, made two offers on other homes that didn't end up closing, and had some really emotional experiences. The process was long, there were too many houses with black mold or creepy reindeer with all the antlers ripped off. Finding an apartment here in Pennsylvania was done in less than a day, and I needed one that was available right then at that exact moment - and accepted dogs and had a washer/dryer. It's always stressful, awkward, and a system of compromises. It seems so awesome hearing of people and their new places, but really, there's a lot of stress that comes before it. Plus - moving is terrible. Does anyone else feel this way? Or are we the only people who find the hunt to be unbearable?

Well, at least we were able to grab beers and an awesome dinner at Pour while searching!

blazer :: loft remixed

dress :: dear creatures remixed

belt :: modcloth remixed

third degree heels :: seychelles remixed

bag :: emma fox remixed

necklace :: crewcuts factory (similar)

rings :: modcloth & via grey colt remixed

Central PA General Annoucement

2013-04-23T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! I know not many of you are located in the Harrisburg/York/Lancaster general area, but if you are, I am speaking at a blogging event for SheSays this Thursday April 25th. If you care to join me there! Here's the event information on Facebook and Eventbrite! Let me know if you are going!