puppy's first pool

we've held off on cutting kingsley's blonde locks for the last couple weeks, and with the rising tempatures it was only fair that we give him a way to cool off, right?

the only problem is that the big guy keeps trying to swim and its way too shallow for his now 52 lb body.

hopefully the rain will let up and he can go on his first trip to antrum park.

happy memorial day (and beginning of summer) to all!

4th flair!

ok so it may be a little early to start getting excited for my 4th of july outfit, but i love, love, love the shirt that i just picked up on etsy.

thank you twostringjane! it will be the perfect complement to my red and white pin-striped vineyard vines skirt.

now i just need to figure out where i will put my antique pin.. maybe a mid-party wardrobe change is necessary.

espresso martinis!

these delicious drinks made quite the splash at my last summer cookout.. perfect to put a little pep in your party!

{recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee, Food Network.com}

Ingredients

1 1/2 shots vodka

1 shot coffee liqueur

1 shot coffee, cooled to room temperature

1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee granules

Ice cubes

Directions

In a martini shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, coffee, and instant espresso. Shake. Add ice cubes. Shake again. Strain into martini glass.

.. let me know what you think!

pretty spring insiration

airy dresses, lush and beautiful blooms, gentle breezes, pinwheels.. lemonade.

welcome spring!

these are some of my favorite things...

party flair for the 4th

yes... the 4th.... of july. i''m getting a little head start this year because we are planning our first indepenence day gathering in our house and i want it to be one to remember.

i got some great recipe and decor ideas from martha and a delicious recipe that i may have to test out for our signature cocktail.

not a bad start, right?

now onto planning out those party outfits... on the look out for a yankee doodle shirt for kingsley doodle.

happy weekend!

off to anthro!

as the weather begins to warm up.. i've finally gotten around to rotating the sweaters into the back of the closet, and am in some serious need for a summer wardrobe refresh.

i love the fun and feminine tops that i'm seeing at anthropologie..

.. a little ethnic flair

.. and the perfect new 4th of july top!

next step... the gym for some summer arms!

feliz cinco de mayo!

..out to enjoy a corona!

the met costume gala

not sure that i'd ever want to be a celebrity, but I sure am jealous of all of the beautiful clothes that they get to wear.

the met gala is always one of the best and this year didn't disappoint.. check out some of the standouts..

derby day!

while i am admittedly not a avid fan of horse racing, there has always been something intriguing to me about the kentucky derby.

maybe its the wild hats, or the mint juleps- but on a rainy saturday it's provided me some inspiration for indoor fun.

i found some great recipes for mint juleps, a  kentucky derby creamy cheddar grits souffle and run-for-the-roses-pie .. perfect for vegging with john, kingsley and our basset hound guest "head coach marvin lewis".