Crazy for Chevron

Loving my new chevron dress from Sosie! I added a belt and paired it with tights and my Squared boots. I've worn these boots more than I ever thought possible. Most definitely my fave pair of lace-up boots from this season.

Lovely Lady: Grace Brumley

Have you met Grace Brumley? If not, she should totally be on your radar! Grace is a model, lover of vintage and an in-house blogger for Shoeternity.com. She is currently spending her days writing away in my sample room. Surrounded by shoes all day is not a bad place to be! Check out more of what Grace is up to on the blog.

2012: A Fresh Start

I've always thought that New Year's resolutions were made to be broken. You know...plan to eat better, exercise and spend less money. Sure, January is a breeze but by the time February rolls around I am ready to ditch my resolutions for a greasy cheeseburger while laying on the couch in my latest and greatest stilettos. This year might be a little different. Instead of going balls to the walls I am going to ease into my new healthy lifestyle. This is the first time that I have made this dish. It is fresh and healthy but with a little indulgence thrown in there (bacon!). I plan to make this more in the spring when all of our farmer markets are open for business.

What you need:

1-2 pounds fresh green beans

1 white onion

6 plum tomatoes

6 slices bacon

2 cups chicken stock

 

What you do:

 

Clean and snip off the ends of your green beans. In a large sauce pan cook your bacon for just a few minutes then remove and set aside. Chop your onions and cook them in the bacon grease until they are transparent. Add chicken stock and green beans. Put a lid on your pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Add back in your bacon and quartered tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes longer then salt and pepper to taste. Yummy!

Resort 2012

This morning I would like to thank the ladies at Who What Wear for posting these inspiring images of Resort 2012. Loving the bold color, simple lines and chic feel of these looks. Who has time for the winter blues when you could be planning your spring wardrobe?

Rombachs Farm

{My little "B"}

{Pretty pumpkins- love the orange!}

{Indian corn that reminds me of my Granny}

{OK, so "B" climbed on them just a little}

{Tiger striped pumpkins}

We have been extremely lucky here in Saint Louis. We are still having some amazing weather and days are still getting into the 70s. This gives us the perfect opportunity to spend our weekends out at one of our favorite places, Rombachs Farm. This place is quite magical to my family and we have made it a family tradition to come each year on the first weekend in October. Of course with this much sunshine, we had to come back for a second visit and some pumpkin playtime. Not that we needed another pumpkin at our house...but we took home 11 more. So much fun!

Banana Bread

Ever since I had my little boy we have had an abundance of fruit in the house. The only problem is that it goes bad before we ever get to use it. Bananas are no exception. The great thing is that if they go bad, you can freeze them and still make an amazingly yummy treat with them. This is why I started making banana bread. I find myself making this at least a couple times a month. It is perfect for breakfast on lazy Sunday mornings and makes your house smell amazing! Let me know if you try this recipe or if you have one that I should try.

What you need:

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup butter (softened)

1 cup sugar

1 cup mushed bananas (2 medium)

2 eggs

2 1/4 cups flour

1 cup chocolate chips (just for fun)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

What you do:

Beat cream cheese, butter and sugar. Mix in bananas and eggs. Add all dry ingredients and mix a little. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 10 minutes.

Lemon Sunshine Cookies

I am beginning to think that there are 101 things that you can do with a boxed cake mix (it's true). This includes making Lemon Sunshine Cookies. With only a few simple ingredients, this has become my go-to recipe for whenever I need to take in a sweet treat to the office. You can use any flavor of cake mix to make these. Go with your favorite (I love lemon) or try something new like a spice cake mix with pumpkin pie spice for a unique October flavored cookie. I could think of a million great combinations that I'd like to try!

What you need:

1 egg

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1 10 oz tub of Cool Whip

1 18 oz boxed cake mix

2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

What you do:

Mix the first 4 ingredients with an electric mixer until blended. Make small balls (2" in diameter is good) and roll them in powdered sugar. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes at 360. Enjoy!