Obsessions

Super-sized Lizards in Key West- we just booked a trip for July!

Oh Starbucks, it's been months since I've had a Dark Cherry Mocha.  I do want one.  I really do!

Strawberries!  They are 3 cartons for $5 at the grocery store.  You can't beat that!

The bouquet of tulips sent to me by my husband.

Swan peddle-boats at Lake Eola- a truly romantic and fun way to exercise with your significant other.

Retro Flair

I'm loving the resurgence of 70's fashion.  It's like, totally psychedelic.

Of all the retro/vintage items pictured above, I'm most interested in finding a decent pair of bell-bottoms.

Jeans are notoriously difficult for me, but I'm definitely on the hunt!

1.) Alexander Wang Retro Sunglasses, $325.00

2.) Urban Outfitters Tea Lovers To Go Cup, $18.00

3.) Sass & Bide Simple Not Easy printed silk maxi dress, $495.00

4.) Urban Outfitters Diana Mini with Flash en Rose Edition Camera, $120.00

5.) Fred Flare Ocean Breeze Fedora, $34.00

6.) Rag & Bone Mid-Rise Flared Jeans, $180.00

7.) Fred Flare Cornflower Canvas Dolly Bag, $38.00

8.) David Yurman Pave Diamond Peace Sign Cable Collectibles Ring, $495.00

9.) Modcloth Library Science Heel, $107.99

10.) Jack & Friends Crosley 1950's Pink Pay Phone, $89.95

11.) Modcloth Parisian Patisserie Top, $92.99

Blueberry Crumb Cake

Of all the Food Network Goddesses, Ina Garten and Giada De Laurentiis are my favorites.

While I turn to Giada for entrees and appetizers, no one tops Ina Garten in the dessert department.  In my opinion, no one even comes close.

Her Blueberry Crumb Cake (recipe here) is slightly sweet with a crumbly strudel topping.

Fresh blueberries and lemon zest give the cake a burst of flavor.  

It's light enough to pass for breakfast, yet decadent enough for dessert.

Enjoy!

Coral Me Bad

Hello.  Please meet my new favorite dress.  

Besides being slightly wrinkled at the bottom (sorry), it's perfection.

I love the way it fits, the gathered segments of fabric, the asymmetrical neckline, and the vibrant color.

The shoes aren't half bad either. :)

Sheer Genius

Lately, I'm craving pieces that match the crisp & breezy coolness of Florida in the months before it becomes unbearably humid.

Trust me, once the real heat sets in, I'll live in tank tops, shorts, & flip-flops.

I'm savoring the sheer while I can!

1.) Sandro Jet lace-trimmed mini skirt, $255.00

2.) Isabel Marant Lincoln printed silk-georgette blouse, $605.00

3.) TopShop Sheer Bow Blouse by Wal G, $56.00

4.) Mara Hoffman Embroidered Story silk-chiffon kaftan, $310.00

5.) Norma Kamali Bill Embellished Bikini, $850.00

6.) TopShop Rust Sheer Sleeve Shift Dress, $100.00

7.) Miss Selfridge Petites Sheer Midi Skirt, $35.00 (converted from British pounds)

8.) TopShop Patsie Skirt by Motel, $116.00

9.) TopShop Burgundy Tubular Jumper by Boutique, $76.00

Obsessions

New Cat-eye glasses atop "The Postmistress" (my in-between book club read.)

Hot Tea brewed in mini teapots.

Animal Crackers!  Can't. Put. Them. Down.

Perfect shade of purple on these blossoms off Park Avenue.

My husband's David Yurman Necklace.

Chocolate Popcorn

Earlier this week, a reader requested the recipe for the pink popcorn photographed at my Wicked Book Club meeting.

Using the basic concept, I've been experimenting with a variety of flavors- pictured above is chocolate-caramel popcorn with walnuts.

Not only is it easy and fun to make, this treat makes for a beautiful presentation!

Here are the basic instructions- Don't be afraid to mix up the add-ins!

1.) Microwave a bag of plain/natural flavored popcorn (NO butter or kettle corn flavoring.)

2.) While the popcorn cooks, line a large baking sheet with wax paper.

3.) Spread popcorn evenly across the baking sheet, carefully removing any unpopped kernels.

4.) Pour a bag of chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) into a microwave-safe bowl.  Heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring at the end of each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

5.) Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate evenly over popcorn, using the spoon to turn popcorn in melted chocolate until covered.

6.) Place baking sheet in refrigerator for 20 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden.  

Enjoy!

* For Pink Popcorn, I placed 5-6 drops of pink food coloring in melted white chocolate before drizzling.  This idea is great for any color-themed event!

* For Chocolate-Caramel Popcorn, I melted Caramel kisses instead of chocolate chips, scattering walnuts over the mixture while the chocolate was still hot.

I can't wait to try more add-ins, like heath bar or shredded coconut!  Yum!