full heart

It's a short and quick post today - I got back late last night from an incredible wedding weekend celebrating one of my dearest friends and her HUSBAND! It was one of those great wedding weekends where everyone just exuded happiness. We laughed so much, danced our feet off, and just had the best time. Weekends like this are so good for the soul, as my friend Natalie said. No matter how tired I am, I leave with such a full and grateful heart, and full of peace. These weekends remind me how lucky I am to have the amazing friends and family that I do. In light of the tragedy in Orlando over the weekend, I thank and praise God for each and every day I get to spend with the people I love so dearly. 

summer bucket list

So, I planned on doing a look for less post today, and then once I sat down and started, I realized two of my looks were sold out! So here we are at Plan B - my summer bucket list! It's beginning to really feel like summer, isn't it?! It has finally stopped raining every single day here in Lexington and the temperatures are getting higher and I LOVE it. I just wish that I could enjoy the summer days like I used to - being at the pool or beach with friends! I have a few trips coming up in July (Charleston and Austin !!!!!), but for the weekends that I am in Lexington, I want to make sure I make the most of them.

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image c/o The Blue Bijou

go to a drive-in movie   |  Growing up, going to the drive-in was a summer ritual. My mom would make homemade caramel corn and we'd pack up the suburban with tons of blankets and friends. There are a few drive-ins near lexington that look like good options - just need a great movie! 

visit 3 new breweries   |   Lexington doesn’t just do bourbon - they do craft beer, too! There are quite a few breweries in the area and I need to make a day of visiting them and trying out the different beers. 

go cabrewing   |   This is one of my favorite summer activities. Grab a group of friends, pack a cooler full of summer shandys and take a canoe trip down the river. It’s just the happiest day!

make s’mores   |   Because, why not? Is there anything that feels more summer than a great, melty s’more? I didn’t think so. Make sure to watch The Sandlot while eating s'mores. 

host olympics party   |   The Summer Olympics are hands down one of my favorite sporting events. I just want to take off work and do nothing but watch everything, even archery (it's addicting!) My friends and I are planning a beer olympics day for opening ceremonies, which is sure to be an eventful day.

What's on your summer bucket list? Did any of mine make yours?

BARRE3

One of my goals of 2014 is to get more fit. I think this year has been a little bit of an awakening that actually, I can't eat Chipotle, truffle mac & cheese, BBQ, and more Chipotle over the course of a week because my pants will not fit. So I joined the YMCA in April and quickly realized that I actually do enjoy working out! What a concept! My problem is that I like group workouts. I'm terrible at making my own workouts because I get bored easily and have a hard time finding motivation to go. I found a couple that I like at the Y, but they are only offered once a week, so it's hard to get a regular schedule and really see results in my body (ie being toned).

Luckily for me, one of my former co-workers opened Barre3 a couple weeks ago, and I am loving it. Like so many other barre classes, you do use the ballet barre, but you also incorporate pilates and yoga into the workouts. Each teacher does something a little different each class, so it's not super repetitive, which is good for me. You also have to sign up and can only cancel an hour before class. This is great because it holds me responsible for going. I don't want to pay an extra $15 just because at the last minute I "didn't feel like working out"! I've been to 4 classes so far, and I feel like I'm already seeing results (although maybe I'm just being super optimistic). I'm excited to see what changes just a couple of months will bring! I highly recommend joining Barre3 if it's in your area, and if not, I'm sure there are other great options.

Have you all ever tried a barre class? What did you think?

WEEKEND

Happy 4th of July week and hooray for 4 day weeks!! Those are just the best, and the 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday (so American of me, I know) so it's a great, great week!

Hope you all had a fun weekend. My weekend was pretty fabulous because I got to spend it with my mom, and in my opinion, there's not a ton that is better than that. Aren't moms just the best?! She got here on Thursday night and we had a great time catching up over dinner at Burger Up. On Friday we met for lunch, then went to J.Crew after work and scored some awesome deals, which put us in an even happier mood than we already were! That night we went to Pinewood Social for a drink, and then had a late dinner at Rolf and Daughters, which was fabulous as always. If you are visiting Nashville, these places are musts in my book, and I think my mom agrees!

On Saturday morning we went to downtown Franklin for the weekly Farmers Market which was awesome. I can't believe I've been in Nashville this long and just went for the first time! We got so many fresh goodies, like lemon pepper pasta, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, bread, peaches, a candle... just really fun. My friend Mary Jeanne met us for lunch at Meridee's and we explored the cute shops in Franklin - one of my recommendations when visiting!

Saturday night we relaxed, drank some wine, and went to Martin's BBQ (more great food!) Sunday brought church, errands, relaxing, and Mellow Mushroom take out to cap it off. It was such a perfect weekend and I'm so glad my mom made the trip. Now it's just 4 days until I head home for the 4th and a family friend's wedding! 

Have a great Monday!

BLACK BEAN & CORN SALSA

This week my office had a Cinco de Mayo party and my department was in charge of hosting. Anytime Mexican food and margaritas are involved, I obviously want to be involved! 

I knew that I would be coming home exhausted from a weekend at the Derby, so I wanted to make something really easy and quick, but delicious at the same time. Enter this black bean & corn salsa. I'm not kidding when I say this is probably one of the easiest things to make. As I said to a friend who doesn't cook, "Megs, even you could make this!" Literally dumping cans of beans and corn into a bowl. And a little chopping. But so good.

At the party I served it with chips, but last night I used leftovers to make a vegetarian burrito bowl, which was also amazing. I made a Chipotle lime rice and then added the salsa and a little bit of cheese and lettuce. If I had chicken on hand, I would have done that too with a little rub.

As a note - I doubled the recipe for a party, but I am giving you the non-doubled recipe. It makes a lot!

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Black Bean & Corn Salsa

1 can (15 oz) black beans (drain)

1 can (15 oz) yellow or white canned corn (drain)

1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes (drain)

1 bunch of green onion, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

2 T vegetable oil

1 T ground cumin

salt & pepper

Mix in a large bowl, add fresh lime juice and cilantro for extra flavor.

currently

I'm just so glad it's the weekend, aren't you? I don't know why, but this week seems like it has just gone on forever. It is supposed to be springy and warm, so I'm planning on spending time outdoors in the sunshine, maybe grilling out or sitting on a patio, sipping a drink. Sunday is Daylight Savings, which officially means our days will be longer. That might be better than Christmas, at this point.

Things I'm loving this week: How perfect is this hot pink Equipment dress? It would be a closet go-to for me, and if pink isn't your thing, don't worry because it also comes in black and blue. This little purse from Gigi New York is the perfect color and size for the warm weather months ahead. It is big enough to hold a phone, credit card, and lip gloss, but small enough to look a little dressier than an everyday bag. The blue and green vases from Target's Threshold line (can Target do anything wrong?) are so pretty and I love the idea of pink peonies and tulips in them. Finally - my sister gifted me this awesome print for Christmas, along with 3 others. She's insanely talented (check out her website) and I'm just obsessed. I haven't hung them yet - how do you hang anything on plaster walls?? - but I can't wait to get them up.

Happy Friday, happy weekend!

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Gigi New York Cross-Body Bag

Equipment Grayson Dress

Threshold Green Glass Collection

A.R. Trapp Sunglasses

Jane Black Design Print

HAM & RED PEPPER PASTA

I've got another recipe for you all this weekend, and guys, it's SO GOOD. This pasta has been a staple in my life for a long time. I grew up eating it - picking out the red peppers, of course - and it's still one of my favorite go-to's because it's so delicious and so easy to whip up. The recipe may look like it requires a lot of ingredients and work, but really it doesn't. Most things are low cost, or you already have it in your pantry. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers (I was eating it for every meal days later). The perfect weeknight meal, if you ask me. Even my picky boyfriend loves it, if that tells you anything about the magic of this pasta!

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Ham & Red Pepper Pasta

3 tbsp butter

1/4 c olive oil

1 red pepper, diced

1 package Hormel diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 tbsp basil leaves 

4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 c hot water

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 pound spaghetti

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in pepper, ham, and onions, and sautee until pepper and onion is tender. Add basil, parsley, garlic, and oregano. Cook for several minutes.

Heat water up to boiling in the microwave, and immediately add bouillon cubes and lemon juice after removing water from microwave. Stir to dissolve the cubes. Add to the ham and vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer and thicken. 

Cook pasta. When the sauce has simmered and thickened enough, pour over pasta and toss in a serving bowl. Serve immediately. 

*please note that note all ingredients are key. Sometimes I don't have lemon juice or parsley on hand and it turns out just as delicious. 

PINEWOOD SOCIAL

This past Sunday was definitely a fun-day. Me and seven other lovely bloggers of Blog Nashville had a little brunch at Pinewood Social, Nashville's newest hangout spot. It's safe to say I'm obsessed and already making plans to go back.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Pinewood Social, let me elaborate. A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to hear brothers Max and Ben Goldberg speak about the beginnings of their Nashville enterprises. They own a series of well known restaurants and bars in Nashville: Merchants, Paradise Park, The Catbird Seat, and The Patterson House. All establishments are fabulously wonderful and unique in their own way, whether it's Paradise Park with it's cheap drinks, green astroturf and tater tots and grilled cheese, or the famous Catbird Seat, with a meal that's more of an experience than just food on a plate.

Pinewood Social. The idea came because the Goldbergs were spending so much time in coffee houses and restaurants while working. Except the thing was they never felt like they could just sit for four hours and work, or hang out and meet up with people - they had to get up and give someone else a seat. And there was nowhere in Nashville where you could really do that. So the idea of Pinewood Social was born. 

It's a place where you can literally spend all day if you want. Brunch (waffles or chicken & biscuits!!!) or coffee in the morning, do a little work here and there, have lunch, bowl a little, do more work, meet friends for happy hour (the cocktails are awesome), get dinner and dessert - bam, you just spent your whole day in one place. I mean, to me it's brilliant. Plus, the aesthetic and just everything about it feels cool. It's a huge open warehouse with couches and booths and seating everywhere. It's inviting, it's warm, it's fun. It's the place you want to hang with your girlfriends over a long brunch, go on a date and bowl and have a few drinks, or just slump in a chair and read a good book. You can rent private rooms and karaoke with friends or have a viewing party for the Super Bowl. There's supposed to be a pool and bocce ball opening this spring. I mean, seriously. How much better can it get? Pinewood Social can literally be anything you want it to be. It's a place to meet.

Can you tell I'm obsessed? I warned you :) If you live in Nashville, add it to your must-do list. And if you're planning on visiting, also add it on your must-do list. I'm telling you - it won't disappoint.

THE BAG THAT FITS EVERYTHING

Are you ever packing, wishing you had a Mary Poppins bag, where basically anything and everything could fit in it? I know that I am constantly cramming an extra pair of shoes or a hairdryer or another outfit into my bag when I'm traveling, especially if I'm flying. Thanks to Lo & Sons, a newish brand to me, you can fit everything (that can reasonably fit) into their bags. 

I have seen bloggers post about the O.G. bag and O.M.G. bag and if I were regularly traveling for business or still in school I would definitely want to invest in one of these beauties. They are so sleek, and by proof of Megan's demonstration, they really do fit a TON of stuff. Longchamp was a popular bag to carry in college, but I think anyone who has had one of these bags can confirm that they are not the most organized. the O.G. and O.M.G. have a spot for everything, so you don't have to be digging frantically in your bag for your passport or chapstick or cell phone (we've all been there!) The Catalina is a great bag for a weekend trip or for the beach - any bag that can easily fit a beach towel is an awesome bag in my opinion, and it's a little bit more affordable.

Do any of y'all have a Lo & Sons bag? What's your opinion?

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HEY Y'ALL!

In *hopefully* a few weeks I will be moving into a new home, so to say that decorating is on my brain would be an understatement. When I saw this "Hey Y'all" print on Pinterest, I knew I had had had to have it somewhere in my new house. Is it not the cutest? Even cooler is that the girl who designed it (check out her Etsy store) lives in Nashville - love supporting someone from my own city! Even more exciting was that I found a new blog, which I love. It's kind of insane how many bloggers there are in the world, and so many of them so successful and talented at what they do. The Hunted Interior is an awesome design and lifestyle blog is penned by Kristin Jackson who lives in Atlanta and has a seriously great eye when it comes to interior decorating. I'm considering my pinning a double success!

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WARBY PARKER

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had the best weekend and has safe travels this week! This post today is for all my glasses wearing friends (but non-glasses wearers can enjoy as well!) as I introduce my newfound obsession: Warby Parker. 

I've had the same glasses since probably about freshman year, maybe earlier. They are in good shape, I've had my lenses changed once so I'm not walking around blind, but you know when you just don't like them anymore? That's where I am at. Most people probably have no clue I wear glasses because I literally never wear mine until I'm going to bed or waking up. I think after 6+ years, I can get a new pair. But this is the problem with glasses - it is SO hard to find a pair of frames that I actually like, at a reasonable price. 

Enter Warby Parker. A couple of friends decided that the eyewear industry was monopolized by a few large companies, keeping prices insanely high when they don't need to be. Every pair of glasses - frames AND lenses!!! - retail for $95. No more, no less. Since it's pretty much online based - with the exception of a few showrooms scattered across the nation, Warby Parker will send 5 frames of your choosing home to try on - for free. Once you select your frames, it's easy. You submit your lens prescription and BAM. New pair of glasses in 5-10 days. But what I really love is their mission. For every pair of glasses they sell, they donate a pair to a person in need. According to their site, almost 1 billion people in the world are without glasses, and they believe that everyone in the world deserves to see. Don't you?! I haven't ordered my glasses yet, but when I do, I'll let you know how they turn out. And if you're in the market for some new specs, try Warby Parker. Awesome price, awesome frames, awesome mission.