Wednesday Wishlist

A couple of things to keep me motivated this week...

1. STEVE MADDEN Warrick $150

2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Matte Cutout Daisy Studs $38

3. HENRI BENDEL The Brown & White Hobo $325

4. HENRI BENDEL Rivet Print Scarf Keyfob $38

5. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Retro Sunglasses $98

6. HENRI BENDEL Carnaby Striped Compact $30

7. MELIE BIANCO Oversized Clutch $48

8. FRENCH CONNECTION Vision Dress $90

9. HENRI BENDEL Bendel Girl Wellies $88

10. JESSICA SIMPSON Oversized Floppy $44

What things are you currently coveting?

"There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds."

^ This quote from Gilbert K. Chesterton illustrates the idea behind Anthropologie's July 2010 catalog. Chalk drawings on the black walls of the set show the playful side of the store and draw you back in to the magical world of childhood fantasies where anything is possible. It's a fun, yet sophisticated spin on the conventional and practical side of the home and bedding section we see so much in catalogs. 

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.

-Theodor Geisel

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.

-Edgar Allan Poe

 It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
-Henry David Thoreau

Trust that little voice in your head that says "Wouldn't it be interesting if..."; And then do it.

-Duane Michals

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

-Theodor Geisel

*All photos from Anthropologie.com

Blueberry Crumble Muffins

My fridge has been overflowing with fresh blueberries for a few weeks, which prompted me to make batch after batch of blueberry muffins that my family gobbled up. I got a little fancy with the last two batches and topped the muffins with streusel... My result is a perfect summer breakfast or on-the-go snack.

I work the butter into the streusal with 2 knives.

...................................................Blueberry Muffins...................................................

1½ cups flour

1 cup oats

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

1 cup milk

1 egg

3 tbsp canola oil

1 cup blueberries

Mix dry ingredients together in one bowl; mix wet ingredients together in another bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients, don't over stir! Fold in the blueberries. Spoon into greased muffin pan and then sprinkle on streusal topping (below).

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 425°F.

...................................................Streusal Topping...................................................

½ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp softened butter

¼ cup oats

¼ cup flour

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix ingredients together. Using two knives and cutting in opposite directions, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles small crumbles! 

P.S.- I had to put foil over them halfway through baking so the streusal wouldn't burn.

glaga

I just got caught up in seeing the last bunch of Glee episodes, and one of the most memorable was the Lady Gaga episode (if you can call it that). What's memorable isn't the songs but the costumes. Granted, there weren't as many outfit changes throughout the week as I'd have liked, but what costumes they had were great. I especially loved Kurt's own recreation of the 10-inch Alexander McQueen monster heels from the Bad Romance video.

I remembered seeing Gaga wear most of these outfits, but wasn't sure about a few of them. So, instead of being lazy, I decided to google the other costumes that eluded my memory.  Just as I was concluding my search, my sister walked in and was also curious, so instead of going through it again I said I'd post it. So this one is for you! Here are some of the crazy costumes:

sweet PINK & glamorous GOLD

There's nothing more feminine than pink and nothing more glamorous than gold, so it's only natural that pairing the two colors together becomes a truly beautiful thing...

My inspiration for this post comes from Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Along with 4 other bloggers, she was fortunate enough to design a bag for coach and picked the prettiest pink for her bag and accented it with gold hardware.

1. ANTHROPOLOGIE Eccentric Concentric Necklace $32

2. COACH New Emily's Satchel $498, see it at Emily's blog

3. Tablesetting from The Knot

4. ANTHROPOLOGIE Hardy Begonia Necklace $52

5. Teacup & Saucer Wedding Favors Set of 6 for $52

6. Pink Room

7. STEVE MADDEN Chainge $69

Movie Pick: Crush

In a quaint English town, there is a middle aged Headmistress named Kate. She falls for one of her former students that is half her age... her friends don't approve...

This is one of my all time favorite movies. Sweet, touching, heartwrenching and hilarious. Watch this and it might become one of your favorites too.

“I don’t want to settle for someone just because there’s nothing wrong with him.”

"I can make people cry anytime."

“-You have the wrong soundtrack on your movie, Kate. Early 70s folk rock…wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.
-On her movie?

-It is an attitude thing. I should know. Every time I get a sniff of a man I go all Stravinsky. Really, what I should be is Classic FM.”

Shopping trip to Paris... ooh lala!

 “-Why did you come back?

-I didn’t want to be with anyone that isn’t you.”

*All images via the Crush DVD.

What to Wear Now: Summer Neutrals

Neutrals don't have to be boring... take a cue from these shades and textures that are anything but.

...................................................Cool Neutrals...................................................

1. ALICE + OLIVIA Sequined Jersey top $330

2. ALICE + OLIVIA Jewel-Shoulder T-shirt $240

3. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Paragan Sequined T-shirt $157

4. MCQ Cotton-Satin Harem Pants $210

5. ALEXANDER WANG Rocco Mini Duffle Bag $875

6. ALEX AND ANI Quil Feather Bangle $48

7. FOREVER 21 Metallic Foil Bangle Set $5.80

8. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Cotton-twill Blazer $486

9. BURBERRY PRORSUM Ruched Leggings $1,295 

...................................................Warm Neutrals...................................................

1. ALEXANDER WANG Devon Pump $525

2. GIVENCHY Medium Old Pepe Nightingale Rose $1,815

3. AE Embellished Vest $49.50

4. AE Medallion Buckle Belt $14.95

5. BOTTEGA VENETA Jersey Racerback Tank $260

6. BOTTEGA VENETA Jersey Harem Pants $252

7. MODCLOTH Boho-ken, New Jersey Dress $58

8. RAG & BONE Farringdon Sandal $325

Honey, Pull Over!

Somewhere in Lake Wales, FL  just off road 60, is a quaint honey store, Struthers' Honey, Inc. Since 1935 this establishment has produced quality local honey and sold it in a museum-like store to travelers and locals alike. There are no employees working in the store, though. You pick out your product, then drop your money in a slot self-service style. Their honor system seems to be working well.

I pass this every time on road trips to Grama's and have gone in a couple times to get something sweet. If you're ever in the area, pop in for a look.

The selections

Drop your money in the slot

"But do you ever take time to stop and smell the flowers?"

Lewis Struthers getting up close and personal with his bees.

Yes, it's a bee beard.

Yummiest honey in FL!

Signing the guest book- represent!

Struthers' Honey Inc

8024 Rose Terrace

Lake Wales, FL 33898

(863) 696-4319

Givenchy SVS

Oh, how I love Splurge Vs Steals! The new Anthropologie catalog came out today, and with it a new beautiful striped jacket. It's just like my beloved striped Givenchy Ottoman Jacket from the Spring 2010 RTW collection (as seen here) that I've been oogling for months. You better believe I already ordered mine... get yours too before it sells out!

Anthropologie "Hello Sunday" Blazer $98