Friday Link Love

Happy weekend Mountain and Mode'sters! I cannot believe that it's already the end of March! Where has the time gone? Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend? I am cleaning my room (again) this Saturday. Sunday, I'm skiing Vail for probably the last time of the season. Writing that makes me sad, but I just have to keep in mind spring, sunshine, flowers and bare legs. Sunday night, the roomie and I are hosting a little Easter dinner. We're thinking this traditional menu, but we shall see. I'm taking a semi-long weekend and skiing the Legend on Monday for Gaper Day (my favorite snowy holiday). I can't wait to tell you all about it. I hope you have a sweet weekend too and enjoy these fun links from the web this week. xx


Mountains {a gorgeous place for an Easter hike}.


Mode {I love this perfectly relatable, perfectly wearable outfit}.


Jeff Gordon's test drive prank made me lol.


The surprising secret to getting ahead at work.


Subway style to be envious of.


Music festivals and their types.


6 clever items to simplify your life (#6 is brilliant!).


This recipe takes peanut butter and chocolate to a whole new level.


How about here for a tropical vacation?


Will you call the "Gosline?"


Bloggers everywhere chopping their hair: here, here and here. Maybe I should too?


Easter DIY projects.


What a cute idea for baby picts!


 I do agree this season is upon us and I can't wait to make some this weekend.


I want to see Spring Breakers. It looks like it really crosses some line. Have you heard of it?




Photo by Gray Malin via Sketch 42

The Uniform

Sometimes life is cray. For the times that I just can't handle one more thing and the thought of color coordinating makes me want to take a nap, I put on the uniform. Yes, a badass uniform, obvi. The uniform consists of jeans, a belt, boots and a button down, usually in varying colors. Sometime the jeans are black; sometimes the shirt is blue; sometimes the belt is leopard; and it's usually all J. Crew. (omg I'm such a poet).

I digress. The chambray shirt is J. Crew. and if you don't have one, you need to go buy one now. Cereal, it's as life-changing as a shirt can be. The jeans are Levi's, which are cool again by the way. The belt is Tarjet Boutique and all it's wearable holes make it easy to wear around the hips or waist. And finally, yes finally, the boots. You noticed? Yes they are the Sorel boots I obsessed over for months. Yes I did buy them when they finally went on sale for only $124. Yes I do believe it was a message from God confirming that I need them in my life. Any more questions?

dirty hair, don't care

zig cameo. shake it out

"I like big butts and I cannot lie"

Sorels how I love thee, so waterproof and chic

Chambray Shirt: J. Crew Factory

Jeans: Levi's 

Belt: Target

Boots: Sorel

Watch: Timex

P.S. No Thrifted Thursday today. It shall be back again next week, when the cray dies down (hopefully)


Photos by Wesley Worthington

Vacation Makes Me Happy

So I read an interesting article recently on A Cup of Jo about vacations and happiness. The New York Times reported in a Dutch study that people find the most happiness in the days leading up to their vacations. The study concluded that the act of planning the vacation creates the most happiness, exceeding even the happiness reported during the vacation and far exceding happiness after the vacation. I found this interesting because it truly relates to how I feel about vacations.

I love planning a trip and feel so excited in the days leading up to it. By far, my favorite day of vacations is first day, the travel day, the day you have everything to look forward to. Then, on the second day of my trip, I feel sad because it's one less day that I have to spend on vaca. It's such a weird feeling. Does anyone else feel like this? That once you begin your much anticpated vaca, you're not as excited anymore, because it's already started?

So in honor of this article and taking full advantage of my pre-vacation happinness, I am sharing with you eight things that I am excited about in my upcoming trip to St. Thomas.

1. I cannot wait to be tan! Is it said that that is first up on my list? I just feel so much better about myself with a tanned glow. I feel healthier, skinnier, more toned and prettier. I know do know it's terrible for you so I will be wearing LOTS of coconut oil and sunscreen. Don't be mad at me. I know it's bad. It's just once a year though...

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2. I can't wait to explore. One of my most favorite things about traveling is exploring new places, meeting new people and making lifelong memories. I can't wait to see what the Virgin Islands have to offer. Hiking, swimming, snorkeling, shopping and eating! It's going to be a blast!

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3. I can't wait to eat! I love eating my way through new places and I can't wait to try local foods, perticulary fresh fish! The bf plans on fishing while we are there, so I am really excited to cook what he catches in our private kitchen, in the private home, located on our private beach that we are staying at. Boomshakalaka.

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4. I am excited to spend time with family. Although we are taking this trip with the bf's fam and not mine, I am still really looking forward to spending time with them. It's always wonderful getting to know people better, and I believe travel brings people together more than most things in life. We are going to have so much fun.

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5. I can't wait to relax. I love reading and laying out relaxed on a pool chair. There is something so fulfilling about finishing 3 books in one trip, all the while with a Mai Thai in your hand. Yes.

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6. I can't wait to take pictures. Photos equal memories to me, and I can't wait to capture as much as I can via my iphone, then share them with you! :)

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7. I'm excited to wear summer clothes. With average highs in the mid 80s, I can't wait to wear shorts, dresses and skirts the whole time I'm there.

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8. I can't wait to take this trip with the boyfriend. This will be our first trip together to somewhere besides our family homes. Traveling is so fun with the person you love and I can't wait. (Hopefully we'll find some alone time too).

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 P.S. I hope you didn't find this post too boring. I know it's kind of unrelatable, unless you are going on a trip soon too. So, because I love you, and I never want you to be bored with my blog, here are some fun travel posts by my favorite, A Cup of Jo:
*A genius tip on packing for a trip
*The 5 best shoes for traveling
*Taking vacations by yourself

Easter Egg Cupcakes

Last year around this time, I was browsing the interweb for some fun Easter treat ideas, when I stumbled upon Cupcakes and Cashmere's recipe for Coconut Nest Cupcakes. They were beautiful, cute, a little kitschy and Easter-themed. I was sold. 

So I made them. Then I renamed them because I think these cupcakes look more like an easter egg basket. I gave to friends as Easter gifts and the boys and girls were wowed. Try them this Easter. You'll be the talk of the town.

P.S. Sorry that the blur factor is so noticable. I took these last year, when my photog
skills were obvi not as good, and I may have gone a little overboard...

Easter Egg Cupcakes (adopted from Martha Stewart)

makes about 24 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

Cupcakes

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 sticks butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups milk

{Vanilla Buttercream} Frosting and Toppings

1 1/2 stick butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tbsp milk

Shredded, toasted coconut.

Easter egg candy (Cadbury Eggs, duh!)

TO MAKE CUPCAKES:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners; set aside. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about  4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. 

Add the flour in alternating batches until thoroughly combined. Divide batter evenly among liners, about 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the middle of the cupcake springs back. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. 

*Leave the oven on and toast your coconut if you haven't already. The oven should still be at 350 degrees. Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, about 6-10 minutes.

TO MAKE FROSTING:

With an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. On low speed, add powdered sugar and vanilla. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, 1 tsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

TO ASSEMBLE:

Spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle frosting with coconut, pressing to adhere. Using your thumb, make a well in the center of each cupcake; fill in with candy eggs

Buttermilk Substitute

Sometimes I am the queen of preparation. Sometimes I am not. 

For the times when you are not and you completely space the buttermilk that is included in the recipe for the baked donuts that you wanted to try, for like 3 months, fear not! There is a way. There is a substitution (and I learned it from the brilliant Pioneer Woman, obviously).

It is called milk and vinegar! Sounds gross, I know. But it works.

Since buttermilk is essentially just sour milk, when you add vinegar to regular milk, it does the curdling/souring process for you. All you do is pour regular milk to just under your desired amount of buttermilk. Then, top it off with white vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes and presto! You have buttermilk. 

Milk + Vinegar = The easiest buttermilk substitution ever! 

P.S. I found a couple of other buttermilk substitutions, but they call for yogurt or lemons, healthy ingredients that I never have around the house. If you try them, let me know how they work!

Friday Link Love

Cheers to the weekend! I can't believe Spring is officially upon us, it sure doesn't feel like it in the high country. It snowed all day yesterday and is supposed to continue through Monday. Hoping to squeeze in a little skiing tomorrow and maybe attempt to make these babies (holy yum) on Sunday. I hope you have a fun weekend too and enjoy my link love.

Mountains [Canadian mountains and photoshop].


Mode [swimwear on my mind].


I want to have an Easter brunch at the bank this year.


Tips on taking better Instagram photos never gets old to me.


Sneakers with dresses: a fashion do or don't?


5 tips for blogging longevity.


Top knot typology.


An interesting article about how social media can protect us.


I am loving Slim Aarons' photography.


I'll take one of these in Bailey's Cottage.


Reflections of Paris.


Children around the world and their toys.


I love the idea of changing your desktop wallpaper every month!


A sweet and salty homemade treat. Yum.


Such a fun fun idea for a party.




Image via Pinterest

Thrifted Thursday: The Provencal Candle Holder

Oh, you did notice. No it's not Thursday. Yes it is Friday. Yes I am still going to give you my Thrifted Thursday post. Yes it is a day late.

Last Saturday, I went thrifting at Summit Thrift and Treasure with a mission to find me some St. Patty's day green. As I was browsing the aisles, I suddenly found myself in the china section, staring at a gorgeous, French, Provencal-style thing. Although I didn't know what the thing was, I am a sucker for anything Provencal, especially in the blue and white color scheme, so I knew this thing had to be mine. As I picked up the thing to get a closer look, I realized it was a candle. A beautiful, authentic candle made in France China. WTF. Upon further inspection, yes, this candle holder, although blue and white, screamed Asia all over it. But China is cool too. I can get down with China. So I bought it. For a whopping $2. And now I shall store my makeup brushes in it. Cool, right.

{before}                                               {after}

An Update

It's dumping here in Breckenridge. I know all a couple of you are anxiously awaiting my Thrifted Thursday post. Don't fret. It's coming. I promise. But, as it's almost the end of March and that means resort skiing is almost over, I must take advantage of these last "powder" days. So for now, enjoy my handsome friend Ziggy enjoying the fat, snowflakes that were falling early this morning. Ski you soon.

Reasons Why I Will Never Be Sarah Vickers

I would like to begin this post by explaining it's origins. A few months ago, as I was browsing the inter-web, I came across a post by Jade Purple Brown explaining reasons why she would never be Rumi  Neely. Although I too love Rumi Neely, "the first lady of fashion bogging," according to Jade, this post hit me hard with another blogger. A blogger whom I admire in the way that Jade admires Rumi. A blogger by the name of Sarah Vickers.

Have you heard of Sarah Vickers? She is only the classiest, most prep-tastically awesome New England biatch out there. If you haven't heard of her, stop. Leave this post right meow and check out Classy Girls Wear Pearls. It's Sarah's blog and it's f'ing awesome. It's everything New England you want and more. Beautiful people, beautiful places and beautiful clothes.

Although I know I may, or may not, be mildly obsessed with her, I know will never be her. Here's why:

1. I don't photograph like a Ralph Lauren ad. Every time Sarah blogs posts pictures on her blog, the photos look like they should be in a Ralph Lauren Catalog. I mean, who really looks like this when they're on a sailboat, who really wears this to chop down a Christmas tree and who really has these kind of holiday get-togethers. Plus, why are you always running? I am always stationary in my photos, not mid-jog, hair blowing perfectly in the wind. I mean, I'm definitely just jealous because it's how I want to look, but in reality, my friends and I look like drunken pirate hookers most of the time.

running.... 

and running...

always running.

2. I shop at Target. When you're as prep-tastically awesome as Sarah, designers beg at the chance to dress you. As the essential poster child of New England, Sarah gets offered, c/o, the most fantastical brands out there, like Lilly Pulitzer, Cynthia Rowley, Hunter, Barbour, Anne Taylor and Brooks Brothers to name a few. And you know who begs to dress me? That's right. No one. So I spend my hard earned, crappy paycheck at Tarjet-Boutique. Kate Spade? Kate Shmade. You'll find me in a Mossimo, polyester/cotton blend sweater that shrinks upon its first washing (just kidding Target, I love you). But seriously.

Just getting featured by Lilly Pulitzer. Nbd.

KJPxLilly Pulitzer

3. Dessert is my favorite. Sarah basically has, like, zero percent body fat on her. I mean, have you checked out her bod? Pretty bangin'. And her legs? Stem-tastic. She shows them off regularly, on her blog, in sexylicious-yet-obviously-classy shorts, skirts and dresses alike. I mean, I get it, you are basically perfect and look awesome in everything, but I bet you're not enjoying dessert the way that I am... #Tradeoff. So while Sarah munches on lettuce, I'll continue to stuff my face enjoy all the cake, frosting, pie, ice cream, candy, chocolate, cupcakes and donuts that my thunder thighs can take.

My shorts don't touch my thighs. You know you're jealous...

My thighs don't touch my thighs. Still jealous...

4. I don't have a 6'4," designer/model boyfriend who employs me. Sarah's boyfriend Keil is the founder of the Keil James Patrick brand. He has the look of a young Chevy Chase, the mascarade of a charming frat boy and the bank of a Russian mobster. He's every girl's dream and he also employs Sarah. She even has her own Vickers bow collection in the brand. Now that's love. My bf on the other hand is 5'10," seasonally employed and is as broke as I am. Truth.

Even KJP is always running. Running, running, running!

5. I talk a lot. Sarah keeps her blog simple. She posts photos of her fantastic friends, fantastic boyfriend and fantastic life. Then, at the bottom of her post, where you would expect a message explaining those fantastic photos, she leaves you hanging. No explanation. No "these photos are of my real friends, in my real life, of the time we really did this." We get nothing at all. This drives me craaazy. Crazy because I just want to know more. I understand wanting to keep your life private. I tots do, I mean, you want to keep those crazies (like me) away. But then why have a blog? Give us more Sarah. What's your favorite color? Do you really hang out with those "friends" on your blog? Is KJP really your bf or is it all one, big, beautiful hoax? Tell us more. We want it! We get it, you are sooo mysterious. But enough is enough. Time to over-share. We'll still be obsessed with you even if you can't spell.

This is true... (and yes I am a poet and I know it)

P.S. Other reasons I will never be Sarah Vickers...
6. My hair is not thick and I can't rock an aggressive side part.
7. I don't live on, near or around an ocean (or yacht club).
8. My friends [also] shop at Target.
9. Lilly Pulitzer has no idea who I am.
10. I own fake pearls, and although I try to "keep it classy," it rarely happens...



All photos via Classy Girls Wear Pearls

Sugar Sandwich Cookies

Yesterday was cellulite. Today is cookies. Are you catching the vicious cycle?

I digress. As a woman that is approximately 1.87% Irish, I honored my heritage this past weekend with green sandwich cookies. Although food coloring sort of definitely freaks me out, I sucked it up in honor of St. Patty's day and green leprechauns everywhere. The cookies were chewy, the frosting was sweet and the bf informed me that they taste better chilled. You decide.

Sugar Sandwich Cookies (adopted from Martha Stewart)

makes 48 individual cookies or 24 sandwich cookies

INGREDIENTS:

Cookies

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

*optional: food coloring

Frosting Filling

1 stick butter, softened

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp milk, if needed

TO MAKE COOKIES:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla. *Optional: add in desired food coloring (I used green for St. Patrick's Day). Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated.

Dive the dough into 3 or 4 pieces, flatten each piece into a disk and waro in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour and up to overnight. Bring to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) before rolling.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out each disk on a floured surface until just under 1/4 inch thick and cut out desired cookie shapes. (I used an empty can to cut out my circles, you can use whatever shape you want). Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze until very firm, about 15 minutes. Bake until barely golden brown around the edges, about 8 minutes. Allow to cool completely on sheet before frosting.

TO MAKE FROSTING FILLING:

Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add powdered and granulated sugars gradually, beating until thoroughly combined. Beat in vanilla. If filling is too thick to spread, beat in milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until spreadable.

Covering It Up

I love food. I think it's pretty obvious via my Instagram. However, food doesn't always love me back. Sometimes it rebels in the form of cellulite. That's right. I said it. Dimply, cottage cheese that lives on my thighs. It pisses me off. I hate it. Rawrrr. Cellulite is officially public enemy #1.

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I've been thinking about this enemy for the last couple of weeks, as I've come to the realization that I will be wearing a swimsuit in less than a month. This thought has made me feel like this:

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But not to worry Mountain and Mode'sters, I have a plan. It's called the tunic, and they are fantastic and chic in a beach setting. I have compiled some fantastic tunic options for you (and for my upcoming beach vaca). Check 'em:

Left to right, top to bottom:
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Friday Link Love

Happy Friday Mountain and Mode'sters. Do you have anything fun planned for this St. Patty's Day weekend? I am playing a Snowpitch Softball Tournament tomorrow. It should be a blast, I just feel bad for the team I'm on (I may or may not be the worst softball player ever). Sunday I'm recipe testing for this contest. How cool would it be if I won?! Also thinking about making one of these, just to keep in the holiday spirit. I hope you have a fun weekend too. Enjoy the links I love from this week. xx


Mountains [an analysis of 25 topnotch mountain photographs].


Mode [J. Crew's March Style Guide- floral baseball cap be mine].


Is this what it feels like to be a guy?


Iconic sitcom couples.


Strappy ankle heels, (still) so hot right now. Makes me remember this DIY...


How to throw a last minute dinner party.


Whaaaat? Get ready. Can't wait.


I couldn't agree more with this post on hair envy.


A new blog to follow (and in love with her dress).


Maybe my favorite Nicole Richie look, ever.


How to make a small apartment feel bigger.


The ideal age gap for couples.


This tunic would be perfect after a long day on the beach for my Virgin Islands vaca next month!


30 Irish recipes for this St. Patty's Day.


Invisible driver prank (thanks wes).


The Faux Martha's tips of the week. So helpful.






Image via Pinterest

Thrifted Thursday: The Vintage Coach Bag

Happy Thrifted Thursday! Today I would like to introduce to you the coach bag I thrifted this past summer at the Funky Trunk. Isn't it lovely?

I remember the day clearly, feeling sad at first that I was about to depart the store empty handed. But, fear not. As I turned to the woman at the counter to give my "thanks, but no thanks" statement and exit, I spotted it. Sitting behind the counter, on top of a pile of fresh, new donations, was a perfectly off-white, perfectly sized, perfectly vintage Coach bag. I stopped dead into tracks and asked quickly, heart pounding in my chest, if the bag was for sale. The woman responded that she was just about to put it out for $20. STOP I shouted, I mean asked. Ill take it. I payed, left and then did a little dance to myself.

Now I'm the proud owner of a $20, vintage, cross-body, Coach bag. Boom.