Friday, July 12, 2013

Floral Friday

I am pretty much obsessed with all things floral and I love having fresh flowers around my house. It has become a must in my world. The make me feel relaxed and luxurious without spending a fortune. I don't spend $100 worth or anything. I usually spend about $20 bucks a month to keep them in the house all month. I by the inexpensive ones that last a long time and when I can, I cut them from my yard (that is the best way). I like to make sure I have some on Thursday night fresh and ready so we can enjoy them over the weekend. The same way I like to clean my house and make sure I make the bed so when I come home on Friday afternoon my house greats me and says "sit back, make a cocktail and relax it's the weekend!" So here's what I have going on for this weekend....






I think all of these cost about $8 and I have had the top and bottom ones for a week. Super Man brought home the middle ones last-night. I hope you have a wonderful relaxing weekend filled with slow days, cold drinks, late mornings, the cool side of your pillows, and lots of good food!!

Speaking of food I will post our ceviche recipe soon.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Cobalt Blue Breezy

I love cobalt blue its a striking color that looks good on anyone. I also love breezy dresses in the hot Texas summer. So when I saw this dress for $14.99 at TJ Maxx I was sold!!



Added some gold accessories, a skinny belt from Charming Charlie's, wedges from Target, Juicy sunnies and my Zink summer bag. Here is a close up of the belt and wedges.


Breezy and comfy but makes me feel fancy...summer perfection in my book!

 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Ancient Ovens and Hidden Hills

Friday night date night I threw on my boots and Super Man grabbed a couple bottles of wine and some peach vodka then we headed out west...north west to be exact.



we drove for quite awhile and the road was flat and boring. Then all of the sudden the road went from flat to hilly and green


and the temp dropped 15 degrees so the windows came down for the rest of the drive



Then we took our first turn and ended up here in a little sleepy town



The kind you see in movies it was quite and mysterious


We took one more turn and we were greeted by a sweet country road and some barnyard friends



The view just kept getting better



Once we made it the very sweet hospitable owner and his wife welcomed us in and gave us a spot right next to the oven. (if you come in a small group your chances of getting in close are good) Not that there is a bad seat in the house. You just might have to wait in line longer once the grub starts rolling out.





We took our seats


Poured our drinks and settled in to take in the sights



Then the first course was ready to be served. They cook four delicious courses in the wood burning oven that the owner built after he retired from the navy



Yummy soft bread covered in a delicious cheesy, herb dip. I had to pace myself.





Then Lauren prepped the next course ...Italian tear drops. The only tears will be when they are gone.




These were my favorite, olive and cheese hugged by a thin crispy shell!!



We got to my favorite part of the night when the sun started to set...


and the twinkle lights came on


my bartender mixed me up some drinks


The music seemed to get a little louder and the pizza's went in the oven




Everyone seemed to jump up with excitement and hunger to help themselves. They had every thing pepperoni, spinach, jalapeno, all kinds of peppers, sausage, mushroom ...



Just when we thought we couldn't take another bite and we had gotten deep into conversation with some of our neighbors. I was starting to feel really relaxed and wondering why we don't live out in the country, then it was time for dessert...nutella goodness wrapped and baked in pizza crust.



it was ooey, gooey and just the right amount of sweet crispiness.

I had to walk my food off a little so we headed over to check out their stash of local art.



We wound it down and stumbled out of our little western retreat.




thanked our host and headed on down the road. I spent the walk to the car and the drive looking and how bright the stars were. I grew up in East Texas on some farmland and I have seen the stars this bright before. I guess they are always there, sometimes we just have to stop, look-up get out from under the lights and mess that clouds our day, to see the tiny beauty shining through. I watched during the drive home as my stars started to fade back into the city lights.



Thank you Ancient Ovens for getting us out of the city, for stuffing our belly's and for reminding me to look up!! 



Monday, July 8, 2013

Sweet Treat For My Body

I like fancy things and I am a sucker for packaging and pretty stores. Until recently I was always on the lookout for the best body butter/cream. I think hydrating your skin (along with sunscreen) is one of the most important ways to stay looking young. Of-course having good genes doesn't hurt either. My mom is in her early 60's and people think she is in her 40's so I hope to partake in those good genes too but it doesn't hurt to take care of the pasty white skin God blessed me with ;).

My search for body cream is over and I am a complete and loyal convert. I loved the lavender cream from L'Occitane but the price point was not quite right for my budget so I was soo happy to find this line and it is made right here in Texas!

Tree Hut - I love their shea body butter and scrub. My favorite scent is Hawaiian Kukui but for the summer I am loving Tropical Mango (Super Man loves it too on me and for use)



It's very very creamy and thick but soaks into the skin well. As you can see I have almost used all of this one. It smells so good and really keeps my skin soft it also last a while and a little goes a long way. 


Then there is the body scrub...I love this stuff. I don't know about you but in the summer I feel like I need a little extra polish to get that healthy glow. I even use this once a week on my face and lips for some really good exfoliation. It is very gritty not wimpy which I like but also gentle enough my skin doesn't feel like someone is pealing it off. 


Made right here in Texas, Flower Mound to be exact...I love buying local. Plus not tested on animals always good to know. 

Beauty shot...

You can purchase it at Walmart, Ulta, Target and it runs about $6 to $9 can't beat that!

You can see all the scents and products here as well as their story. Let me know what scents you try!