What I been cookin'.

Chocolate Macarons.
Mimosas.
Country French Omelet.
Baguettes.
French Apple Tart.

Continuing my love affair with cooking this week, I made some tasty treats! My first attempt at baking macarons resulted in a some yummy, albeit a little undercooked and misshapen treats. The batter was light as air and it only cemented my resolve to try them again. I'm thinking I'll try lemon for my one of my friend's upcoming bridal showers.

We had a mini-dinner party Saturday with some good friends and enjoyed Fillet of Beef Sandwiches (minus the truffle butter- our town doesn't have a lot of truffle butter available, ha!) on homemade baguettes, raspberry spinach salad and some French Apple tart with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. We chatted for hours and dreamed of all the good dishes we wanted to try. So fun to have friends just as excited about cooking as you are!

A few things I want to try soon...Coq au Vin, Lemon Tuscan Chicken, homemade croissants and some pizza concoctions I have floating around in my head including but not limited to prosciutto and potato and leek. Don't you want to come over? :)

What's been on your table lately?

Culinary Adventures.

Barefoot Contessa's Italian Wedding Soup.
Barefoot Contessa's White Pizzas with Arugula.
Barefoot Contessa's Chicken Stock.
Bob's Red Mill products.

Whether it's reading cookbooks, watching cooking shows, shopping at kitchen stores or watching my favorite "food" themed movies (Ratatouille, Because I Said So, Life As We Know It, No Reservations) I've become a little obsessed. I've got more recipes to try than I have time and more items to buy than I have money. But I'm really, really enjoying it. There's just something so relaxing, fulfilling and intriguing about creating delicious things. And I've added yet another profession to my "I could do that," list. Anyway, I was thinking about how the one area I'm lacking cooking resources is in the blog world, so if you wouldn't mind or you haven't already answered me on Twitter, what are your favorite cooking/baking/all things food blogs and websites?

What have you been cooking?

Weekend Uniform.

Tee: American Apparel | Jeans: MiH Roadtrip Jean | Flats: Target | Whistle: Falling Whistles

Uniform dressing is not a new topic on this here blog, but it's something that I've whole-heartedly embraced this winter, especially for weekends. The concert tee I bought at the She & Him concert led to me finding these tees from American Apparel that I am obsessed with. I wear them every day on the weekend, as soon as I get home from work and even sneak them under a blazer on casual Fridays. They're amazing. Thus they have become a weekend uniform staple, as have these MiH Roadtrip jeans. They're a combo between boyfriend and boot cut and I love the way they fit, the way they make my legs look and the super comfy denim they're made of. I add either my whistle or Emersonmade necklace, a pair of flats and a zip-up and I'm set for the weekend.

What's in your "weekend uniform?"

Have you entered my ShopBop giveaway!? Only two more days to win a $100 gift card!

Asking for Favors.

Hi loves. The time comes, in every blogger's life, that they need to ask, nay BEG, for a favor from their readers. A favor that really has nothing to do with their blog persay, but would be MUCH appreciated.

My little brother, Cole, a senior in high school, is up for SWX (A local Spokane sports channel) Player of the Year. He has worked so hard, had a really fantastic year and is hoping to play in college (hopefully somewhere close to me!). This award would mean a lot to him and look great on a college scout sheet! There are two other guys from the bigger schools that already have a lot of votes, so I need YOU GUYS to flex your online muscle and head over and VOTE!

Head over HERE and vote for Cole Ramey for SWX Player of the Year and I'll forever be indebted to you! In fact, if he wins, I may (will) just have to have a little giftcard giveaway!

Thanks! You guys are the best!

VOTE HERE.

First Light.

Blazer: J.Crew | Jeans: 7FAM | Top: Boden | Boots: Dolce Vita | Bow: Anthropologie

I rushed home tonight to take some photos in the LIGHT!!!! Yay for spring! Too bad my new lens is a little hard to use with a tripod. Needs a human operator! I still love it though. Speaking of love, this is yet another variation on my winter "uniform." I love the red scarf with an otherwise neutral pallet. I feel so comfortable, yet totally chic! And my hair is insane these days, so it went up into a bun with a wee little bow pin. Haircut soon!

How's your week been? I'm exhausted, I've been working my tail off! Looking forward to Friday and a great weekend with family!

Have you entered the ShopBop giveaway!? DO IT!!!!

Catching up.

Blazer: J.Crew | Blouse: Gift from brother's GF | Cardigan: J.Crew | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Dolce Vita

Things which have been going on in my life lately...
I got a new lens! Which I haven't really had time to mess with too much. But yay!
I got the flu. BAD.
I went to Spokane for my littlest brother's senior night!
My dearly loved co-worker moved to Portland, started her master's program and LEFT ME! :)
I moved offices...temporarily...maybe.
I took on a whole lotta work for the next 3-4 months, until we hire someone new.
I fell behind in blogging.
I lusted after all of the New York Fashion Week posts, hoping to someday attend.
I made my first batch of Bolognese sauce.
I had a FAB Valentines date with my husband.
I bought some kitchen supplies and a couple of Giada dvd's.
I watched Desperate Housewives, almost in it's entirety (on the 5th episode of the current season).
I finished reading Martha Stewart Cooking School.
I realized how much I love our church.
And I did A LOT of fun things with friends.
And tried to sleep here and there.

What have you been up to?

Spring Blooms.

As soon as spring styles started to grace my favorite websites and store windows, I made a list of items that I'd like to have for my Spring/Summer wardrobe. Since I'm still working on fine-tuning my wardrobe, moving towards a more simple, classic look, I wanted relatively tailored pieces in primarily whites and blues. I snatched up this top from J.Crew (in blue); wouldn't it go perfectly with these white linen pants or my AG boyfriend jeans? I also love the idea of adding more simple gold jewelry to my collection. I've loved the Emersonmade necklace I bought a couple weeks ago and another necklace and some bangles would work great with all the white and blue! I couldn't help but add this adorable gray dress from Anthro, which I immediately forwarded to a friend looking for bridesmaid dresses. Would love to be standing beside her wearing this dress come July! What's on your radar for spring?

1. Oval Heirloom Locket Necklace, J.Crew, $50.
2. Hatshepsut Bangle, Anthropologie, $38.
3. Wrap Around Blouse, Anthropologie, $98.
4. Button-up Sundress, J.Crew, $68.
5. Salina Leather Sandals, J.Crew, $98.
6. Major Linen Pants, Joie (Shopbop), $188.
7. New Wayfarer, Ray-Ban, $119.
8. Fountain of Youth Dress, Anthropologie, $168.

Drinking Cappuccinos.

Tuxedo Jacket: J.Crew | Pitter-Patter Blouse: Anthropologie | Scarf: Target | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Steve Madden | Glasses: D&G

Enjoying your life is often a matter of enjoying the simple pleasures. Relishing in that rare cup of-albeit decaf- coffee. Buttoning up a new, perfectly-fitting jacket. An inspiring, interesting and educational photography lesson with a best friend. Even biting into one your sister-in-law's delicious cookies. These are just a few things that are helping me get through a pretty crazy time right now.

What simple pleasures keep you going?