Happy Anniversary

I'm off to Savannah for a few days to celebrate my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. Aren't they cute?

Summer Movie

I saw (500) Days of Summer at an early screening last month, and it's the most original romantic comedy I've seen in while. It's charming, funny, and sweet. The leads are delightful. The soundtrack is terrific. It's the perfect alternative to a summer blockbuster. See it.

Cutest scene ever.

Three of a Kind

I'm enamored with this Anthropologie dress and the three color combinations it comes in. Cotton, delicate, and bright, it looks perfect for summer. And it has pockets. I'm a sucker for a dress with pockets. Which one is your favorite?

Short and Sweet: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Some friends and I recently had a girl's night in, so I brought along my favorite fast, but impressive treat: chocolate covered strawberries. There are many methods to this delectable madness, but my tried and true solution is Nestle chocolate chips. It doesn't get any easier (or more irresistible) than that. Bring along a bottle of Prosecco, and you'll have a real crowd-pleaser.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

6 ounces melted semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 pound of wash and dried strawberries
2 ounces melted white chocolate (optional)

Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes.

For a little flair, I melt a couple of ounces of white chocolate. Just dip the tines of a fork in melted white chocolate and wave in different directions over the strawberries, Jackson Pollock style. Then, stick the strawberries back in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Tote-ally Stylish Maps

I came across one of these tote bags back in February, and I still find myself wishing I had bought it. MAPTOTE is the the brainchild of a stylist and a cartographer. No joke. Their cotton bags feature silk-screened illustrations of different cities and their iconic sights and neighborhoods. From Nantucket to Paris, there are plenty of choices, so you can pick your favorite destination and represent. MAPTOTE has also teamed up with Target for a special edition denim bag, which highlights the age-old east coast/west coast rivalry.

Summer Sips: Watermelon Lemonade

Over the weekend, I was inspired by one of my favorite food blogs, smitten kitchen, to make this summery concoction for the 4th of July. The recipe comes courtesy of Bubby's, a great spot for brunch, pie, and homestyle cookin' in New York. This lemonade is refreshing and not too sweet, summer day perfection.

Watermelon Lemonade
Recipe courtesy of Bubby's

2 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice
4 ounces fresh watermelon puree, strained through course strainer to remove seeds
1 1/2 ounce simple syrup
6 ounces water

Shake and serve over ice with a big wedge of fresh watermelon for garnish. Makes 2 glasses.

Balloon Swoon

Between Pixar's Up and these beautiful engagement photos by Jessica Johnston, I've been reminded just how whimsical balloons are. I think it's time to take them beyond children's birthday parties.