Carpe Diem!

This tiny sterling silver necklace says it all... Carpe Diem!  YOLO seems to be the trendy saying lately... but Carpe Diem is a more classic and classical version, and a good reminder for me to make the most of each day.  And this tiny, hand cut, little square necklace designed by Lisa Hopkins has become my signature piece this summer as I try to make every day count.  I found this at Gretel's in West Lafayette, but Lisa also has an Etsy site for your convenience.  Etsy - Lisa Hopkins

Eatin' on Ito

It was time, actually way past time, to update our everyday dishes.  The Corelle pattern we had served us well for over 10, maybe 15 years, and possibly two moves.  Though the pieces were still in very good condition, they no longer matched our taste or style... and hadn't for quite some time.  So over the last few years I have been looking and shopping for just the right thing - and I found it in the Ito pattern by Crate & Barrel.  But I hesitated, a long time, because it wasn't sturdy, common Corelle, but actually china!  Really, china for everyday!  How frivolous!  But I checked it out carefully, over and over again, anytime I was within a mile or two of a Crate & Barrel.  It was lightweight, almost as light as Corelle, and sturdy, not a delicate fine china.  And most importantly, I loved the pattern and style.  So when C & B had their Memorial Day sale, I went for it, and I'm so happy with my decision.  It looks great in our kitchen and especially against our black kitchen table.  I added some cereal bowls in white from the Madison pattern, also at C & B, and we are set.

Chop-Chop

I found these just-right-for-lunch-for-two-size bags of salad mix from Taylor Farms at Sam's Club a couple of weeks ago.  We tried the Southwest flavor, a mix of lettuce, cabbage and cilantro, and topped it with the included bag of pumpkin seeds and tortilla strips, along with a hard boiled egg, handful of cheese and some red pepper strips from the fridge.  Tossed it all with the Creamy Cilantro Dressing packet and a quick and healthy lunch was ready in minutes.

Cuckoo for Coconut, again!

But this time it's edible!  Don't miss these tasty little bag of Trader Joe's Roasted Coconut Chips the next time your at TJ's.  These "chips" are not like a chocolate chip, but more like large shavings. Crunchy dry roasted coconut with a touch of salt and sugar.  Addictive!  It would be way too easy to devour the bag in one sitting, instead I've been saving it for a salad topper with some fresh pineapple or few orange sections and maybe some honey roasted almonds, but would be so yummy topping a hot fudge sundae.  A 2oz bag is $1.99.

Just Peachy!

Another summer salad option....  I love peaches so I couldn't resist trying the Peach Vanilla Dressing from Braswell's found on a shelf at my favorite meat market (D & R Market for the local readers).  A delicious and fresh tasting salad dressing, with only 15 calories per 2 Tablespoons.  Made from fresh peaches, and real ingredients like a poppy seeds, cider vinegar and a touch of honey, and comes in a reusable carafe.  So good over a spinach salad topped with slivered red onions, glazed pecans, and fresh blueberries!  Summer in a bowl!

Flat Out Fantastic!

For a quick and healthy meal, our latest go-to is Flatbreads using the Flatout Traditional Flatbreads.  Put the flatbread on a cookie sheet and pop it in the oven at 375 for about 4 minutes.  While that is crisping up, chop up your favorite toppings.  Use your favorite veggies, or the odds and ends lurking in the fridge.  Pull out the flatbread, cover with a handful of shredded mozzarella, the chopped up veggies, and stick it back in the oven for about 7-8 minutes.  Set the table, toss and salad, and dinner is ready.  

Today's lunch, roasted mushroom, green onion, spinach and cherry tomato flatbread.  

Easy to Pass By, but Worth a Second Look

Made a quick stop at Nordstroms last week and easily walked by this top, maybe even two or three times, but the texture and seaming caught my eye, so I added to my dressing room.  So happy I did - this cute little top, the Exposed Seam Top by Olivia Moon, is very cute and very comfortable, and a reasonable $39.  Its a bit slouchy, but not too slouchy, and a bit sheer, but not too sheer.  This model shows it over a white cami, which is ok, but it was a bit warm today so I opted to wear it with a dark  bra thought it looked very fresh with white skimmer jeans and my silver sandals for a couple of afternoon appointments.  Also available in a very pretty aqua, and a very faded red.

Flex Your Stuff!

I have been stalking this little gadget...  It was announced a couple of months ago, but has been backordered from the manufacturer and retailers for weeks!  Finally, last week while on my Target run, I stopped by the electronics department and asked about it on a whim .... it was my lucky day!  They had two in stock, still in the back room, but the sales associate was very helpful and tracked it down for me... and now I am the happy owner of a Fit Bit Flex!  The Flex is a small electronic device that fits in the bracelet to track your exercise and sleep patterns, the uploads them wirelessly to my iPhone app and FitBit website to track and monitor your progress.  The Flex also syncs it to popular fitness apps such as Lose It!, My Fitness Pal, and Spark People, and you can use it to track your weight and water, too.  The Flex comes in black or slate gray, and you can order a set of additional color bands and swap out the device to match your wardrobe.

See the FitBit website for more info.    FitBit

Flex™ Wireless

Activity + Sleep Wristband

• Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes.
• LED lights show progress against your goal.
• Monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm.
• Wear all day and night, even in the shower.
• Includes tracker, small and large wristbands, charging cable and wireless sync dongle.