Fabulous Flea market Finds!

Over the last couple of weeks I have attended a couple flea markets! At the market in Malibu, my friend Franchesca cleaned up...she found all kinds of neat treasures. I found beautiful embellishments that look they could be from the 1930's. I plan on making hair clips out of them!

Adam and I attended the Flea market of old town Tustin. As an Eagle Scout, Adam was drawn to vintage boyscout supplies. He was excited to snatch up a vintage scout knife and stamped, leather holder. He also found a plate, painted by Norman Rockwell. The plate depicts George Washington praying, with two boy scouts. He said he likes the plate because reminds him the integrity he learned from scouts and the honor he holds as an Eagle Scout! He plans on putting the plate up in his office! I found a pair of matching pictures frames that I plan on repainting and crackling!

Fun at the Malibu Flea Market!

We scored at Old Town Tustin's flea market!

You Go Girl!!

This is my cousin Erica Ann! She is a Second year law student/ sweetest person alive! She tried out for Mock Trail....(which is a big deal in the law student world!) She will find out tomorrow if she makes it....I figured I would put it out there in the universe, that "i wish her GOOD LUCK!!" I hope it helps!

Erica Ann is on the right....this is her with her cousin at the Tea house, after I tricked them into taking their first Bikram Yoga class!

Birthday Bliss!

Another year, another candle, another get away with my hunny. Last year Adam surprised me with a New York get away. This year we stayed clear of city chaos and headed for the tranquility of the beach! After a wonderful girls day with my Aunt and friend, Adam surprised me with a relaxing get a way to Laguna beach. We had a wonderful week-end. We spent the majority of our time cruising through local art galas, boutique shopping and playing like kids at the beach! We made sand castles and sand trees, and played in the waves until we were water logged! As I am not a cake fan.....we opted to get milk shakes from the famous shake shack.......it was a perfect birthday week-end!

Beautiful birthday flowers!

Shopping around town!

Adds from the paper + a hair clip + cut out of Adam's dream muscle car= Adam's take on gift wrapping!

Vanilla and Oreo shakes are our favorite!

I taught Adam how to make "sand trees!"

Trash to treasure...

A few week-ends ago, my Aunt Lisa, Grandma, and friend Franchesca, spent a "girls day out," antique shopping. I love to shop flea markets and antique stores, there is a joy in making the unwanted, wanted! There is something beautiful about old things that have been well worn......they are perfectly, imperfect! I found a beautiful hand stitched headband from the 40's, sweet handmade baby shoes, and elegant onyx cuff links that date back to the 50's. In addition to finding our must have treasures, we had a goal to find wonderful old hats for the perfect picture opt! Thank you ladies for the perfect vintage outing!

"my finds"

Vintage hat + vintage glasses= fun afternoon!

Super star!

Granny, you are so beautiful.....and that hat matches your eyes!

Fabulous Franchesca!

Grandma, who knew you were such a cover girl? Thanks for modeling my new headband!

When life gives you lemons.....

We all know the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Lately, life has given us a few lemons, but my Grandpa has given us even more.....so we are making lemonade.....literally! Does anyone have any good lemonade or lemon recipes? I am in the mood to try something new!

Day-cations.....

With Adam being so busy this summer, we have not been able to take a much needed vacation......so instead, we have been trying to take "day-cations." As you can imagine, most of our day trips lead us to a beach somewhere. We recently spent a day-cation in Newport, with friends, and one in Old Town San Diego! We enjoyed the history of old town, and the warm waters of the beach. Though we are only gone for hours....we return home relaxed as if we have been gone for months. I encourage anyone who needs a vacation, but can't seem to find the time or resources, to take a day trip. No matter where you live, there is always something great to see or do... pack a picnic, hit the park and enjoy your day-cation!

Berry Beautiful!

During the summer, there are blackberries that grow wild, near my parents house. We have gone out several times this summer to pick the berries and satisfy Adam's country roots. We froze most of the berries to use for smoothies. However, I tried a number of new delicious and healthy recipes, using the berries. I thought I would share a few of my favorites...

Blackberry and avocado salad:
Ingredients:2 packages (4 to 5 oz. each) fresh Naturipe® Farms blackberries, washed and drained1 tablespoon butter1 cup pecan halves1 package (6 oz.) salad greens or 6 cups torn mixed greens1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheeseDressing:3 tablespoons virgin olive oil2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon honey1 small garlic clove, finely chopped1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard1/4 teaspoon sea salt1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
DirectionsIn small skillet, melt butter. Add pecans and saute until lightly browned. Cool and set aside. In small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper, and set aside. In salad bowl, combine salad greens, blackberries, pecans, avocado and goat cheese. Pour on dressing and toss.

No sugar added freezer Jam:
Ingredients
4 pounds blackberries24 packets Truvia2 tsp cinnamon2 packages Ball No Sugar Needed Fruit Pection
Directions
Clean all blackberries before using. I filled a sink with cool water and them pulled them out. Place in large saucepan. Add 24 packets Truvia, cinnamon, and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Slowly stir in two packages of fruit pectin. I use Ball's No-Sugar Fruit Pectin because I don't use sugar! Bring to boil that does not stop or slow when stirring. Using the amount of blackberries and ingredients above, you will end up with about 10 1/3 cup jam. This means you have about 165 tablespoon servings!!