One Day...

I dream of having a beautiful closet when I'm older.... here are a few inspirations

J.Crews creative director, Jenna Lyons, has a shoe rack that really does take my breath away. I could stare at it all day! 

Picture taken by Rebecca Greenfield for Elle Decor

I love everything about Olivia Wilde's walk-in closet/office space.  The cedar walls and antique furniture give a relaxed and bohemian feel to the room.  The warm colours and textures of the room makes it very welcoming, not over the top!  One day....

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20302958_20180970_20666215,00.html

My Everything Bag

I am about to purchase this Marc by Marc Jacobs black nylon tote with hopes that it becomes my new school bag for the fall.  For years I have been carrying my Longchamp, but the popularity of it has lead me to search elsewhere for my "everything" bag.  Marc Jacobs is a designer I admire very much... he is constantly innovating fashion with his collections, and adds a touch of originality to all his pieces.

When looking for an everyday bag, it's important to consider a few factors.  First, the size... make sure it is big enough to carry what is needed.  Secondly, the strap should be long enough so that it can comfortably sit on your shoulder.  Finally, make sure it's washable.  The nylon and black colour makes this bag accident proof!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon tote in black

I use the term "everything" because this bag will be used everywhere and for any occasion.  School books, over night bag, shopping bag... you name it, I'll use it!  Zappos has a great collection of Marc Jacobs bags, check it out!

An All American Weekend

Lazy summer days are one of the best things that exist.  J.Crew has a great selection of comfortable weekend clothing.  I've spent the last while searching through the sale section of their website, and I might have to invest in some of these simple but very practical pieces.

This sweater is thin, making it much more feminine.  The stripes add a nautical touch!

Who says baseball shirts are for boys? Go the masculine way and try this look out! 

Lightweight shorts for summer afternoon BBQ's and campfires. 

Cotton blue romper, oh how I love it! 

All of these simple and wonderful pieces can be found at j.crew... there's nothing quite like the weekends.

And once again...

I know, I love pasta.  Most of the recipes I share involve pasta, but there's nothing like a one dish dinner.  It makes great leftovers, and a hot dish with veg, meat and pasta is always a good way to go.  Tonight, I made a mushroom and chicken dish with bow tie pasta.  Here are some pictures to help visualize!

Mushrooms with a little olive oil

Chicken that will be cut and put into the pasta, extra was made to put in future salads!

Asparagus cooking in the same pan as the chicken, this gives it more flavor. 

Some pine nuts because they make everything taste better...

The final dish, chicken broth was added for taste. 

I enjoyed every bite! As mentioned in the caption above, I added chicken broth which really pulled everything together nicely.  Salt, pepper, a little parsley, and ta-da!!

Simple Specialty

Whenever I come home for the summer, mini banana chocolate chip muffins is on the top of my lists to do! William Sonoma "Muffins" cookbook has the best recipe.  Extra chocolate chips and extra bananas is the secret to making these treats delightful!

Mini banana choco chip muffins, great for anytime of day!

William-Sonoma cookbooks are sure to keep my family happy! Every recipe they offer is delicious.

Recipe for the Muffins

Ingredients:
1.5 cups of flour
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 of walnuts (I replace walnuts with choco chips since the recipe doesn't actually call for them)
1.5 tsp of baking soda
1/4 tsp of salt
1/2 cup or canola oil
1 large egg
3 medium ripe bananas
3 tbs of buttermilk

Preheat over to 375 degrees, and grease muffin pans. Stir together the dry igredients (flour, sugar, chocolate chips, baking soda and salt).  In another bowl, whisk the oil, egg, mashed bananas and buttermilk.  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are golden.  Eat whenever and wherever!

A touch of colour

 Accessories are a great way to update a simple outfit and add colour to anything and everything.  Bangles are my favorite, they add a bohemian touch and all have an original touch. Looking for an inexpensive update? Add bangles!!

A collection of my personal favorite bangles  They range from Kate Spade to Forever 21!

I absolutely LOVE these! Colourful and gold, doesn't get better than this.

Metallic bangles add an edge touch to an outfit. 

I found these bangles at anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) and they are very affordable.

White and Light

Summer days call for classic and fun white pieces.  Here are some of my favorite...

A white shift dress is a go-to for casual dinners and warm days (Banana Republic)

These Gap white jeans lighten up any outfit.

Short sleeve shirt with neck detailing (zara)

Easy, breezy and so so beautiful! I'm in love with this piece (Anthropology)

I love white pieces because they are simple and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.  All of these pieces are affordable and very wearable.  Oh I love summer!