PEEL! BANANAS! PEEL PEEL, BANANAS!

Anyone else sing that song around their family campfire? Just us? Ok, your loss. I'm totally seeing bananas these days and it's really okay with me. I mean, just look how fun! "Yeah I've got a moto jacket, but it's a bajillion times better than yours because it's covered in bananas." Mhm. Be jealous. 

1. necklace 2. jacket 3. shorts 4. pouch 5. converse (unfortunately no longer available! criminy!) 6. banana print fabric

p.s. - This totally makes me think of that one episode of Psych where Shawn has to improvise words for the spelling bee on the spot. "The word is: banana."

5 ODDS & ENDS

1. How cool is this piece by Georgina Vinsun? Check out her stuff.

2. Sleeping bag, LET ME SNUGGLE YOU! You totally beat out my hand-me-down Coleman.

3. This song is ultra catchy. Plus little Kim Jong Un dances around passing out flowers and spreading peace (TAKE A HINT, NORTH KOREA). Bonus: Hannah Hooper has that chicken-having-a-temper-tantrum move dooown.

4. The more I see this room, the more I want it to be mine.

5. I've got simple meals on the mind, and this about . . . *mouth-watering* . . . uhh, what was I saying?

MY PARTY WAS THE BOMB

Of course just showing you some pictures and giving you some details isn't going to do the event justice, but I figured I'd try. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and just imaaagine... wait, no. I take that back; open your eyes, you have to see the pictures! I'll give you a walkthrough. Party recap time!

1PM - My good friend Abbi helped me put up pictures, hang ruffle garland (harder than you'd expect), and plate food (among other things). Check out the shortest video of all time >>

2PM - All the little details are finished!

3PM - 4PM - Stretching and meditation, because I party hard.

JK. It was mostly food prep and talking to relatives and helpers.

4PM - 7:30PM - Welcome! Grab a plate! Salad, mashed potatoes, and chicken? Step outside and say hello to the graduate! Clearwater Christian College, business major (was communication arts major until I found out two days prior that that was only offered as a minor now, but I'm totally content with business). Peruse my pictures, please! Have a seat under the tent, nibble on some sixlets and admire the carnations. What's that you hear? Why yes, that is the Creepy Clyde on keyboard (he's actually really great, don't be thrown by the "creepy" title. I don't know who came up with that). The drinks for the evening are water with cucumber and mint, water with lemon, iced tea, and Liz Elwart's famous lemonade (alas, I didn't get to the famous lemonade *sad face*)! I don't have to tempt you with dessert, one of Shelly Keenan's fabulous vanilla bean cupcakes is already in your hand and Haley's peanut butter dream bars are eyeing you. A second trip is already planned to pick up a key lime cupcake before you head out. 

8:30PM - 10PM - The party don't stop until someone's had a bonfire. In this case it was Alex. Thanks for hosting us, bud.

And just like that, my big day had come and gone. The result of months of planning passed with the sunset. (<< too dramatic?)

THANK YOU. Whether you came, wished you could have and were not able to come, helped, or whatever, thank you. I had an absolute blast at my party and it wouldn't have been fun at all without the help and support of others. I wish I could've talked to each of you longer!

All photos by Haley and Co. J.Crew dress.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS RUG?

What's black and white and shaggy all over? This rug. Subtle yet interesting to look at. I've nicknamed this style shag "the blogger rug" because it keeps popping up on my favorite sites' home tours. Maybe it's the official "I'm a real legit blogger, and I have the rug to prove it" rug... in that case, can I just buy the rug and automatically call myself successful? (No? For shame.) Whatever the case, it's a pretty awesome floor accessory and obviously has loads of approval from the blog world. Not interested in rugs? No problem, your friend Anthropologie has you covered. Perhaps an ottoman is more your style; wait no, you like sectionals. Hold on, you can't decide. You'll have to take them both. On second thought, the rug is actually perfect. All three are going home. Problem? I didn't think so, you shaggy diamond lover, you.

If Emily Henderson has it, I want it.

Oh hey, Bri Emery from Designlovefest couldn't help but get in on the fun, too!

A Cup of Jo's Joanna Goddard concurs. This rug rocks.

Why don't you sit down on my diamond shag couch, kick your feet up off my diamond shag rug and onto my diamond shag ottoman? 

Yes, yes, this is perfect. And on sale.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

in case you're interested, you can pick up a blogger rug here.

FALLING FOR: KATE SPADE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

Pretty and classy, that's all I can say. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the whole "Mrs. on everything" trend, but I don't think a chic passport holder with the title can hurt ;). 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

IN & OUT: PART 2

IN

Chocolate-covered Bananas with Almonds

I had a sweet tooth the other night but didn't feel like baking or eating unhealthy food. Logical answer: bananas with dark chocolate and almonds! I used this recipe, even though it doesn't require much precision. Simply melt the chocolate, dip the bananas, sprinkle with almonds, and freeze until the chocolate hardens.

OUT

Sandwiches at Mudgie's Deli

One of Corktown's finest, the little deli packs a powerful punch. They claim to serve "only the freshest, highest-quality food. We use local products whenever possible, and roast our own meats in house. Our soups are always fresh, our coffee is outstanding and WiFi is free." And I believe they really do! For my order I like to switch up from time to time but typically stick to their iced tea of the day and Toney's Caesar Wrap. Also, if you're the dessert type, definitely snag the Fudgie Mudgie at the end of your meal! A brownie waffle topped with Calder Dairy ice cream . . . Three words: TO. DIE. FOR. 

Love this candid of my dad! :)

1. image via na krachyn spodzie (even though I'm Polish, don't ask me what that means.) 2. The Madill sandwich (house roasted turkey, Neuske's nitrate free cherrywood smoked bacon, avocado, tomato, romaine lettuce, Mudgie- made garlic mayo and melted pepper Jack cheese on an 8 “ served warm) and one of their fresh pickles, taken (and eaten) by me. 3. My dad enjoying the tea of the day, ginger lemon. Taken by me.

IN & OUT: PART 1

Thought I'd share a few tasty dishes and snacks that I've enjoyed recently- both at home and at some of my favorite restaurants!

IN

Avocado Toast

Ok, new favorite snack alert! I've had about two a day since I found this on pinterest last week. The how-to is extremely simple: make some toast (I use Ezekiel bread), shmear half an avocado on it, then season with salt, pepper, and turmeric to taste. And I like to jazz it up a bit with a little hot sauce, too! Healthy and tasty? This snack has it all.

OUT

Crepes at Le Petit Zinc

We've tried other crepe restaurants in the area and this is definitely our favorite place. It has a very authentic european feel and a lovely patio! Of course sweet and savory choices are offered, but they also provide classic french dishes along with a selection of salads and sandwiches. My current favorite is the Fromage De Chevre Et Epinards, a savory crepe filled with goat cheese (marinated in olive oil and rosemary), spinach, and pine nuts.

My dad enjoying one of the specials of the day!

I'm officially an unsweetened tea convert!

Come back tomorrow to see some more of my favorites!

1. via sacramento street 2.-5. by me.