Favorite Things Friday

One of my favorite things to do is cook, so today's post is for all the cooks out there and for everyone who wants to be inspired :) I know my love for cooking comes from watching my mom and sister cook, and eventually learning from them. Now it is one of my favorite things to do with both of them. Today I am sharing my top four all time favorite cookbooks (and one magazine). These cookbooks are sitting on the counter in my kitchen, well worn with notes and pages marked. Each of these cookbooks inspire me to step outside my comfort zone with flavors, ingredients, and preparation. I love to find new recipes, sometimes keeping them just the way they are and sometimes adapting them and making them even better :) Happy Friday everyone! 

The New Way to Cook Light: healthy, fast, simple recipes. This is my go-to cookbook for evening meals, and when I am looking for something lighter (see my posts using this cookbook here and here). 

Cook's Country Magazine: American cooking that is extremely delicious, but doesn't take hours to prepare. They also offer trustworthy tips and tricks (see my post on their chocolate chip cookies here). A subscription to this magazine is a must for all cooks!

Nordstrom Family Table Cookbook: family style recipes that are full of rich goodness and innovative flavors. I adore the Nordstrom cafe, so this is definitely one of my favorites! I am especially fond of their gnocchi and lemon cookies. 

The Gourmet Cookbook: a large must have cookbook, featuring a diverse array of cultures and cuisines. There are thousands of recipes ranging in difficulty levels, along with tips and tricks. I can't get enough of this one!

With Love,

A

Sources 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Lace // Bling

This summer is wedding season for P and I...literally! It has been so special to attend the weddings of our friends and family, and to be a part of some of these weddings as well. It is so special to stand beside your dear friend on their wedding day. Dressing for weddings can be difficult, however. I find that it is wise to have a handful of comfortable, chic, and fun dresses on hand in your closet for weddings, office parties, date nights, etc. This past spring into early summer I was having a hard time finding a dress that I loved, but I finally stumbled upon this new favorite from J.Crew. The lace, color, and fit are perfect! Happy wedding season everyone. 

: : Shop the Post : : 

J.Crew Lace Dress / / J.Crew Necklace, old (similar styles here) / / Stuart Weitzman Pumps, old (similar here) / / Coach Clutch, old / / Chanel Sunnies 

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

Nashville, TN {Lifestyle}

Recently my husband and I took a trip to Nashville, Tennessee for our cousins wedding. We had so much fun exploring the city and all of the local places. Our cousin gave us a list of her favorite places and we were able to hit up each one! It was a perfect weekend away, and with Nashville being only about 15 hours from the twin cities, I encourage you Minnesotans to get down there and visit a Honky Tonk! P and I cannot wait to visit again next summer. Happy Tuesday y'all! 

{We enjoyed delicious breakfast and lunch spots: lunch and a glass of rose at Frothy Monkey (if you head here, make sure you shop on 12th street and hit up imogene + willie - amazing custom made jeans); Red Bicycle for crepes and iced coffee; Barista Parlor for an egg sandwich and coffee (they have a stage outdoors for live music, a must see if you are heading to Nashville)}

{Every last weekend of the month, Nashville throws a huge Flea Market at their state fair grounds. We spent the morning exploring different vendors selling vintage and antique treasures, refurbished pieces, and one-of-a-kind masterpieces. We wanted to bring home almost everything that we saw, but we had very limited space. We ended up purchasing a frame built from 1920s barn wood, fresh peaches from the Peach Truck, and a vintage sun tea container (similar here). We cannot wait to get back here to find more treasures}

{Downtown Nashville on Broadway was an absolute ball. We enjoyed our time listening to live music both on the streets and at some Honky Tonks, seeing Ryman Auditorium, and having lunch at Pinewood Social}

{One morning it rained so we headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame and spent time exploring Hatch Show Print, a historic and famous letterpress shop that has been in operation since 1879. The prints were mainly created for music concerts and are still being created today. We ended up purchasing a print for our home and I cannot wait to display it} 

{Our cousins wedding was absolutely beautiful, reminding me of something out of Southern Living. It was a beautiful mix of southern chic with a rustic flair, while being perfectly timeless...so Jessie and Logan. At a plantation estate under the stars, lightning bugs, and live music, our dear cousins said "I do" surrounded by their friends and family. It was a night to remember and we were so thankful we were able to celebrate with them}

With Love,

A

Photos by Angela & Preston Anderson

Breezy Palms

Happy Monday my Friends! I hope you enjoyed your extra long weekend, I sure did. I love the beauty of a long weekend, even just adding one day makes the weekend feel like it goes on forever.

I'm excited to share this carefree, easy breezy, shirt dress with you. I was drawn to the tie dye print only later discovering the the print was actually palm tress's- even better! Its been a go to on hot summer days, pairing it with fun summer sandals and an over sized tote. I've even been able to dress this piece up with a pair of black wedges and a clutch- perfect for a hot summer night!

Do you have a easy summer dress you gravitate to when it gets balmy? Something that can easily transition from day to night? I have my eyes on a few that look like they could beat the heat. Check them out here and here. 

:: Shop The Post :: 

Tommy Bahama Dress // J. Crew Sandals // Mar Y Sol for Tommy Bahama Tote old (similar) // Kate Spade Earrings // Tory Burch Sunnies

Thanks for reading, 

L

Photo's by Brendan Lorentz

Favorite Things Friday

Happy 4th of July! 

It's no surprise that one of my  favorite things to do is SHOP. So in honor of all the 4th of July sales I've put together a list of can't miss sales and included a few things on my wish list. Have a happy and safe 4th. 

J. Crew is offering an extra 40% off sale styles with code SHOPMORE, I have my eye on this pair of denim shorts, espadrilles, and this cute little white skirt you really cannot be the price on the skirt!

ASOS is offering 20% off full price styles with code PARTYINTHEUSA. I just pulled the trigger on this pair of Birkenstock sandals and could not be more excited for them to come in the mail. This gingham dress and classic black swing dress are other top picks of mine. 

Nordstrom Rack is clearing the racks and offering 25% off all clearance styles. Did you know you can now shop the Rack online? Check it out here but for the best finds I recommend checking out the retail location. A few of my favorite rack finds have been a Longchamp Le Pliage tote ($35), navy blue sequin Diane von Furstenberg ($10!), and a pair of Ugg slippers ($36).

Anthropologie is in full swing of their summer tag sale and is now offering an additional 20% off sale styles. Just use code BUZZ20 at checkout. I love this top, shift dress, and these fun wide leg pant 

Thanks for reading, 

L

Source

1

Tie-Dye

This past weekend P and I were in Nashville attending our cousins wedding. We had a fabulous time exploring a super fun city! It was about a 14 hour drive, so Minnesotans, you should plan a long weekend to Nashville to explore our countries' music capital. This dress is a new find for me from Anthropologie and I cannot get enough of it. I wore it to the rehearsal dinner and it was perfect. It is light and airy, a unique pattern/color, and has fun detailing in the back (which I always love). It is difficult to find a sun dress that you love, but I think I found that this summer! Happy early July 4th everyone! 

: : Shop the Post : : 

Anthropologie Maxi Dress / / Tory Burch Sandals / / J.Crew Clutch (on sale) / / J.Crew Necklace / / Tiffany & Co. Bracelets / / Prestonmade Walnut Ring / / Midi-Ring / / NARS Schiap Lipstick

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

The Empress 1908 {Food}

Ever since trying "The Empress 1908" at the Empress Hotel in Victoria B and I have been talking about recreating this impressive cocktail. The drink is made up of tea infused vodka making it a light, clean, and refreshing cocktail.Our helpful waiter gave us a few tips on the steeping process but we followed this recipe to ensure we had all the ingredients just right. 

I was so excited to share this drink with my sister and her husband who are visiting this week. Because the tea is steeped the night before and there are so few ingredients it was easy to whip up on a moments notice. 

:: Ingredients ::

1 1/2 ounce(s) Empress Tea-infused vodka

3/4 ounce(s) fresh lemon juice

3/4 ounce(s) Simple Syrup

3/4 ounce(s) egg white (1/2 of one egg white)

:: Directions ::

1.  To make infused vodka, steep a 750-milliliter bottle of vodka with 4 tea bags of Earl Grey, for four hours. Discard tea.

2. Combine all ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into martini glass with a half sugar rim.

Thanks for reading, 

L

Photo's by Brendan & Laura Lorentz