Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler

 I certainly have a sweet tooth- and luckily so does my man.  Generally I want something terrible- chocolate covered chocolate topped with peanut butter and an extra side of peanut butter!  He on the other hand loves traditional desserts -pies and ice creams.  His favorite is an apple dumpling (read: NOT quick, Not easy.)

This week we happened to have a few summer peaches on hand.  So after dinner, when there is not chocolate on hand (because the only way is total avoidance)- I scurried through the kitchen to find some way to tolerate the slightly soft peaches before they had the chance to turn entirely AND to  satisfy my need for a late night post dinner snack!

A close second to a dumpling- is a cobbler.  I once picked up the most adorable mini ceramic loaf pans with dreams of making individual zucchini breads, or personal turkey meatloaves.  Neither nor ever came to fruition- but today they got to see the light of day (or a hot oven)!

Most of these things are usually setting around the average kitchen :


Preheat Oven @ 450 degrees.

  • 1 peach (we had a half each)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter
  • pinch 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 (plus) tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground flax seed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon flour (2 full if no flax)
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Slice your peaches thin- you wont bake them long and you dont want them to be cold in the centers!

 

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First mix the dry ingredients, then press the cold butter into the dry mixer until it is all wet and begins to clump. Leave no dry product!

 

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Top your peaches!

 

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Bake until you are happy with the color on top (this was about 12 minutes for my oven).

 

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I go without milk -but Mikey, he likes it!

 

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Soaking Up Summer

We’re trying to make the best of the last few weeks of our summer vacation, filling our days with last minute trips, family time, and several projects around the house.  I hope you’re able to take some time and soak up all that the summer of 2015 has to offer!
 

Family tunmy time!

Ainsley loves the football her nephews bought her!

Dog days of summer

  

Cousin love!

 

 

 

#currentmood

With summer right around the corner I have been feeling the incredible urge to try all the new trends!  I fully believe in trying something especially if it’s a great price and if it suit’s your body type.  Here is a list of my top five trends to try this summer!  

1. ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING Palm tree print – I have become full on obsessed with palm tree print anything.  I am automatically drawn to it, whether it’s home decor or a fashion piece.  I picked up this sarong from HM to try for our vacation.  I think a little bit might be better than over load (i.e. all over palm tree print romper was not the best fit for me)!

sarong

2. Tassel necklaces – I have been dying to get my hands on a bright and cheery one to go with white or ivory.  I have been eyeing up a few pieces on lisespieces.com and they range in price but are all very reasonable I figure I could get a few!

3, Peasant tops/dresses – I have been seeing a ton of off the shoulder looks lately.  Whether it’s in dress form or tops, this gauzy bohemian look is right up my alley in the comfort department.  For the summer I am always looking for breezy comfortable items that are not going to stick to me.

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4. Lace up sandals in flat or heel form- I love the high lace up look on my most favorite celebs (aka Kourtney K) but in all reality that would look not so great on me.  I found this pair at Target last time I was there but ended up getting another pair instead and that day I couldn’t justify buying two pairs with a laundry list of other items to get.   I do think I will make a trip back because it has a very slight wedge and I think it would be nice for work and play.

5. Oval nails – I’m not talking Lady Gaga status or anything like that but the oval nail trend has been going strong and with all my favorite lighter colors coming in gel polish’s now I really want to try this nail trend at least once.  I tried shaping my own nails at home and it did not work out too well.  Again, I’m thinking about right before vacation, anything goes right?

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What are you dying to try this summer??! 

Traveling with pets

  
Our two dogs, Bela and Libby, are not strangers to long car rides and exploring new places.  But, it’s taken some practice to know what to expect when traveling with pets over the summer. Today, I thought I would share some helpful tips that have made traveling and camping with pets a success for us. 

1. Use a gentle leader– Walking two dogs can be tiring when they are constantly pulling you every which way to smell the closest mailbox or bark at the dog across the street. The gentle leader is a collar that has helped us tremendously reduce the amount of pulling during our walks. It loops around their noses and redirects their attention each time they pull.  (If you’re interested, here’s a short video explaining how to use the collar.)   

 

2. Vet records – We learned this lesson the hard way when we forgot to take a copy of our dogs records on a recent trip.  It’s not uncommon for hotels, campgrounds, or other rentals to ask for a copy of your dogs shots. We simply call the vet the week before our trip and keep a copy of the record in the glove compartment.

3. Run, run, run – Did you ever spend so much time in the car that your legs become sore or your butt falls asleep? Your pet feels the same way! Before leaving for a long day on the road, go for a long walk to help your dogs get out some of their energy.  A napping dog is a happy dog! 

Morning run on the beach

 4. Dog-friendly?– When picking a destination, look for dog friendly towns. Last summer, we stopped in Burlington, VT and loved how dog friendly the town was! The dogs were able to ride over on the ferry, swim in the lake, walk through the shops downtown, and even sat with us at dinner. Check with the staff to be sure dogs are welcome. 

Crossing Lake Champlain on the ferry

 
 

Resting while momma shops!

 
5. Special treats – You’re on vacation, so treat yourself…. and your pets! Don’t forget about your furry friends when you order. 🙂  

Staying cool with vanilla ice cream

Birchbox Limited Addition: Under the Sun box review!

I have mentioned in the past I am a loyal Birchbox subscriber since 2013.  I absolutely love the concept of monthly subscription clubs.  At $10.00 a month (or $110.00 for an annual subscription) you can receive 5 or more sample-to-full size products a month varying from mid-to high end beauty products.   From hair, make-up, nails, and body birchbox knows all the trends.  They also have a huge face on social media with posts and videos of inspiration and how-tos to guide you through the seasons, the trends, and the every day life of being a fashionable lady (or man!).

Outside of your monthly box you can shop at full price or with a points program for the products you loved, Birchbox (aka “BB”) exclusives, and limited addition boxes.  I have been storing points (10 points for every dollar spent at the stores and also points for every product review you do.  100 points = $10.00 off).  With almost 900 I have been scouring the store for the perfect free gift for myself.

It never fails that each summer the new summer limited addition box grabs my attention.   The Under the Sun box was no exception and PACKED full of products for only $55.00.   At a $143.00 value- I felt this box was well worth the the price point.  Here’s what I think ….

Under_the_Sun

 

Chloe + Isabel Birchbox Exclusive Medina Convertible Pendant Necklace :

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LOVE!  Its absolutely adorable and an appropriate length.  I received uncountable amounts of compliments in just day one of wear.  Convertible is cool- but I love the classic layered pendant look:  One turquoise stone and a row of sparkling crystals on a tarnished brass chain.  The idea of the Chloe and Isabel exclusive lines means not every girl on every corner will be wearing your new everyday chain.  Throw on with a plain tee or a boho look for Friday  night.   BONUS:  hypoallergenic and nickle-free for us ladies with easily bothered skin.

BAGGU® Standard Baggu Tote Bag (prints will vary)

baggu_standard_baggu_elephant_jade_900x900This was a very cool bonus.  Incredibly large and there is not a single color or pattern that I do not like.  It folds up into a tiny pouch which makes it convenient to toss into a clutch until you are ready to use it.  This will be nice for days that I go to the grocery store and forget my reusable bags.  At $9.00  I would say it would be hard for me to consider purchasing this outside of this box.  Maybe it would make for a nice gift?  It stands as a product I could live with out- but will use now that I have it!

Cynthia Rowley Beauty On the Go Multi Blush & Bronzer Duo

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This is it!  This is the perfect summer makeup package.  Small enough to travel with, light enough for hot summer weather, and a adjustable colors.  In the summer I dont have the energy for the same make-up routines as I do in spring/fall/winter months.  It is hot, I will sweat, my pores will get full, my face will be sticky – nothing is worth it.  Two-six swipes:  Pink on your check bones, bronze underneath, and  a bit above my brows.  Quickly blend with a sponge or a cover-up brush.  DONE.   You can go dark or light.  But the lack of effort and the beautiful easy glow you receive makes this duo totally a must have.  All you need is a liner, quick swipe of mascara, and a gloss- and out the door you go.  They are small enough to pack along, in case you want to reapply.   I will consider buying this (if I ever actually run out, its a nice size product!).

Knockaround Premiums

knockaround_premiumsunglassesmatte_smoke_redsunset_900x900These were what really pushed me to go for the box.  They just look super cool, and very different from all the the classic style sunglasses I own.  I thought they would be perfect for a day at the pool etc.  Unfortunately I wouldn’t say they are as amazing as I expected.  They weight less than a penny and there is very little shade provided.  In fact I feel like the reflective lens actually were not reflective at all – they seemed to attract light in a way.  I am sad- although they are a cute enough accessory that I may still wear them when I am not in actually need of shaded views.

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour (shades will vary)

lauramercier_bakedeyeshadow_terracotta_900x900This shadow is nice.  Nice means I do not really want to pay $24.00 for a single color.  Also the color I received was not one of the three shown.  It was light and pretty, not at all metallic or glittery.  I have to say I have not tried the suggested “Wet Application.”  I have to give it more of a chance before I can say its not perfection. The truth is- I dont wear shadow on a regular basis and do not feel I am the best judge of must-have shadows.

ncLA Nail Lacquer in Bikinis and Martinis

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This color is cute and fun for the summer.   It took 3 coats, it did not fill my natural ridges well, and even with 3 coats and a top coat it chipped relatively quickly.  If this were half the price I would say yes, yes, yes!  It is top dollar- and not comparable to the Essies and Julips in my current collection.

Sugarpova Flirty Candy

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YUM!  I ate the entire bag in two sittings.  I would have eaten them all in one – but had to talk myself out of it.  If I see these on the shelf out in the world, I would snag them up.  Gummies happen to be my fav candy! PSST- no fat!?  RUN dont walk for a guilt free snacky.

Supergoop!® Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen with Olive Polyphenols SPF 40 – Travel Size

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If you have never tried Supergoop products this is a company you need to get to know.  They have the friendliest products for face care.  I would say I have not met a supergoop product I did not like.  Your face is your FACE!  Hello, big deal.  You must wear sunscreen because you do not want to age or worse get cancer.  But you also hate the idea of another layer on your face, especially when heat is making you sticky or worse – sweaty!  This is the gem.   I forgot it was on as soon as I was done applying.  I felt safe to face a day of hiking and overlook views with out burning eyes, sunburns, or zits!  This one is the gem of the box for sure!

What are your summer MUST-HAVE products!?

Spring Accessories!

This past weekend my sister was in town and we did some serious spring shopping. I generally do not buy accessories as I would rather spend my money on actual clothes but this year I have decided to stick with a few of my favorite clothing basics and do more accessorizing. I am loving the bright pops of color in jewelry, the fun shoes and sandals, great hats and amazing sunglasses! Here are a few of my favorite finds so far!

20150312_171738Black Women’s Perforated Slip-Ons: I love the casual look of these sneakers; I can wear them anywhere and with pretty much anything and they’ll take me from spring right into summer.

Mossimo® Panama Hat with Black Bow Sash: I can not wait to wear this hat! I love the wide brim and the pretty bow detail.

Women’s Merona® Analog Link Wristwatch with Decorative Dials: I have worn this watch a handful of times and I have gotten numerous compliments. It looks great with a casual top but can also be paired with dressier clothes.

Women’s Cateye Sunglasses: I love these glasses. They look great on every face shape and they were under $20.00.

All of these accessories were purchased at either Old Navy or Target and were under $25.00. Stylish and affordable…can’t beat that, if you ask me!