Ring A Ding Ding.

Due to being consumed by all things wedding related, I am taking a blogging hiatus until mid-November.  The next posting you read will be written by a married woman :)

Girl Crush

Christina Hendricks at the Emmy's.  Perfection!

Clam Bake For Dummies.

Having just returned from my UBER-relaxing vacation to the Outer Banks, I definitely have seafood on the brain.  Part of me is dying to buy a ton of fresh crabs & clams, a gi-normous pot and host a good ol' fashioned clam bake!  But then I remember that I'm weird about having to kill creatures that are alive when you purchase them and...oh yeah I live in the city.  Here are some delicious summer recipes that are simple, quick and have a clam bake essence.

Buttery Crab Bake
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 stick of butter, melted
2 pounds crab meat
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in small glass baking dish.  Bake for 25-35 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Can be served with dishes listed below and also fabulous with steak or pasta!

French Potato Salad
2-1/2 pounds fingerling or small new potatoes, halved (quartered if large)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar - sherry or white
1 small shallot, minced
1/2 medium red or yellow onion, sliced
Salt & pepper to taste
  
Directions

1. You could boil the potatoes but that takes forever!  It's easier to microwave them in batches of up to 6, which takes about 15-17 minutes for larger potatoes.  Just make sure they are fully cooked through.
2. In large bowl, whisk together oil, mustard, vinegar, shallot & season with salt and pepper. Add potatoes and onion and toss to combine. Best serve at room temperature but can be stored refrigerated.

 Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad 

1 large package frozen corn
6 roma tomatoes, cut into large chunks
2 ripe avacadoes, cut into large chunks
1 medium white or yellow onion, finley chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 balsamic vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Thaw corn and combine with tomatoes, avocados and onions. 
2. Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt & pepper.  Serve immediately or chilled.

Hot As Hades

Oh good Lord.  It's hot as heck out there!  I love my sultry summer days, but sometimes it's just too much to bear.  Today is one of those days.  The only way to get through a scorcher without quarantining yourself indoors with the AC blasting is to wear as little as possible...without looking like a trollop or getting arrested for indecent exposure.

                                                     

Forever 21 dress, $20

Madewell shorts, $72

Modcloth romper, $45

Quiksilver dress, $45

Happy July 4th!  Hope everyone has a fab long weekend :)

I'm very excited for a day trip to the shore tomorrow.  And to make s'mores bars for a BBQ.  It doesn't take much to make me happy. 

Be safe and have fun!

Currently Coveting...

Ray LaMontagne's new album

 A kitchen chalk board

To buy a book about buying

Homemade Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip

Beach Time!

Take A Bow.

I'm currently having a moment with bows...they are just too darn cute. Maybe it's the association bows have with all kinds of pretty pleasantries: gifts, invitations, babies headbands, fancy clothes etc. Every girl could use more bows in her life...this girl included!

Blu Bijoux Necklace $35

Forever 21 dress $20

Tibi Jardin heels $341

Topshop bikini $50