a weekend in pictures

My friend Nathan returned from his military endeavors so I went to his returning/going away pool party.

Today my friend and I went to Davenport Winery in Eudora for a free wine tasting.

My favorites were the Rhubarb red wine and Peche. 

Tonight I grilled some yummy dill chicken and garlic asparagus.

To finish it all off, for dessert I put together a simple frozen yogurt parfait:

2 scoops vanilla or caramel fat free frozen yogurt

3 ripe strawberries

Handful of sliced almonds

I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for

abandon my notions

I didn't want to love it, but I do.
For some reason I resisted buying this shampoo and conditioner- maybe because the commercial of the woman looking mystical and lost around a eucalyptus tree didn't resonant with me. BUT, this stuff is amazing ($9 for the pair). It's affordable and the tingling sensation of the eucalyptus is refreshing. Plus your hair will feel silky smooth.

Compare it to Aveda Rosemary and Mint shampoo & conditioner ($24 for the pair)

No way! Mint sorbet!

Sally Hansen has a nail polish called "mint sorbet" that I love love love.
Love at first sight, that's what it was. I enjoy dessert inspired nails. So pretty and pastel-y, like sidewalk chalk.

This was my reaction:

 it's excitement in case you can't tell.

My sister and I made single charm necklaces at a bead shop in NC last summer. I made this pearl necklace, which I love. I'm wearing it right now, just like any other day. But I love the story behind it; what I went through making this thing, the time it took to choose my bead, out of the hundreds of vividly colored beads- I chose this simple little pearl. I like to think it has character. It's sophisticated and small, just like me (just kidding).

And as for life, I had a fabulous weekend full of play-dough, simulated roller coaster rides, creepy breakfast joints, apple crisp, friends, and lack of sleep :)

are we the last living souls?

Okay. Green smoothie. I'm determined to do this.
I've heard and read about amazing stories about people who drink these and lose weight, don't get sick for a long time, and have more energy. They tend to drink these all day long, while I'm only substituting one meal for a smoothie.

I liked it, really I did. It honestly just tastes like sparkling kiwi juice. That's the beauty of spinach, it has no flavor.

Recipe:
1 kiwi
1/2 gold mango
3 chunks honey dew melon
1 chunk cantaloupe
2 handfulls of spinach
1/4 sliced cucumber
Splash of aloe vera juice
Splash of lemon seltzer

If you don't want to make it yourself, you could always buy this, but it's also $4:

down by the seashore

My aunt is getting married in May, and my sister made her wedding invitations. It's a beachy, nautical card that fits my aunt's personality perfectly.

a breath of fresh air

I normally opt for fragrances for my home that are both warm and crisp, like fall fragrances. I usually have mulled cider, pumpkin spice, crisp apple, warm vanilla, and fragrances such as those lingering in the air.

BUT something happened that doesn't happen often....
I changed my mind. I bought two different fragrances today just in time for spring weather and they are both amazingly fresh, and under $8 each

White gardenia: fresh, floral, and bold.

Fresh linen: fresh, crisp, and clean.

(keyword fresh)

It's like a breath of fresh air.

On another note, I love the turquoise gems. I've slowly acquired them over the years and they are just wonderful, with vintage cracks and beautiful imperfections.

Necklace: F21

Bracelet: Artistic Works by Lu (downtown Leavenworth boutique)

Earrings: Target