lights, camera, action

So, I've had my eye on new camera for quite awhile now... Like a nice, professional, digital SLR camera. This one perhaps?

On top of the steep investment of the camera itself however, I would need to sign up for classes (because I don't know the first thing about photography (although I like to pretend I know)) and of course, I would need to accessorize.

Well, the accessory may need to be purchased before the camera because I am absolutely obsessed with this...

bloom theory

Adorable, right? It might also be the vintage camera that peaked my interest:) Check them out on Bloom Theory Straps and pick one up for yourself! (Isn't their whimsical logo just precious, too?)

Oh, and if any of you lovely DC readers out there have a digital camera you love? Please let me know! I'm looking for your expert recommendations.

Now, if only I had this camera for my trip to Chicago this weekend...

links of love, part II

I love how S and I always echo each other in our posts. A few weeks ago she posted about some adorable link bracelets and I couldn't resist posting the latest find. How gorg is this pave link beauty from jcrew? I think it's a must-have accessory for all of my upcoming summer weddings. Love love.

jcrew

birchbox: may

If you don't know what birchbox is yet, you need to. Because I. am. obsessed.

I signed up in January and for the past 4 months I have been delighted to receive a lovely little box of beauty samples in my mailbox each month, for only $10. It's such a fun surprise to come home to after a long day of work and I highly suggest you sign up.

Each month it seems to get better and better...My latest box included the following:

* BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette Spray {wearing it today and loving it}
* fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
* Kiehl's Abyssine Cream +
* Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow
...And as a bonus, a cute little xoxo notecard with matching envelope.

Is anyone else signed up for Birchbox? Let us know what you get in your little box of goodies... sometimes they switch it up across different regions!

if the shoe fits

Won't these Rebecca Minkhoff sandals be perfect for said backyard Cinco de Mayo fiesta?

shopbop

fiesta, fiesta

Happy {almost} Cinco de Mayo, dc readers! Anyone have any fun fiesta plans?

B and I will probably just be enjoying a few cervezas on the patio this year (after a long day of landscaping), so this adorable Mexican themed rehearsal dinner by Details Details will have to be my inspiration for a party in 2013.

style me pretty

To honor the day however, I think we'll plan on whipping up his family's famous fajita recipe. We make these very often for dinner because they are super easy and truly the best fajitas you will ever have. I highly suggest you add this to your recipe box.

The Galvan Family's Perfect Homemade Fajitas:

Ingredients:

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 C extra-virgin olive oil, or so... Add more if your chicken is not coated
Juice of 1-2 limes
10-15 jalapenos (canned) or 1 jalapeno (fresh - seeds removed)
1-2 cloves of fresh garlic
1 tsp cumin
dash of cayenne
salt & pepper to taste
1 sweet vidalia onion
3-4 bell peppers (any combo of red, orange, green, yellow...)
tortillas of your choosing
sour cream, guacamole, cheese, cilantro, or any other toppings you like

Directions:
Create a marinade of olive oil, lime juice, jalapenos, garlic, cumin, cayenne and s & p. Coat your chicken and marinade for at least 4-6 hours. Overnight is preferred.
Slice your peppers & onions and saute in a frying pan until you reach your desired texture and color. I like them nice & charred.
Grill your chicken, on a BBQ grill is best.
Slice your chicken & add to your peppers & onions mixture.
Serve on tortillas with the toppings of your choice and enjoy.

Ole!

if the shoe fits

Love this sophisticated wedge from DVF. 

nordstrom

if the shoe fits

I did not think I was a Toms fan, but these wedges are so summery and versatile, I think I need to add them to my wardrobe, pronto. Fun for work or perfect for date night. Just one more thing to add to my always overflowing online shopping cart. ;)

 nordstrom

links of love

I am loving all of these bold, gold-toned, link bracelets.  How perfect would these be to complete a fun, layered look?

shopbop

nordstrom

nordstrom

zappos

bloomingdale's

j.crew

::mint::

Is anyone else completely obsessed with mint green lately? My friend Monica was wearing the most darling minty green jeans at our brunch on Sunday and since then, I feel as though the color keeps popping up! Perfect color for spring? I think so...

see jane

atlantic-pacific

pink peonies

atlantic-pacific

asos

shopbop

elements of style

etsy

we love: skinnytaste

In case you were wondering, and I'm sure you were, the wedding diet is in full swing.  Thank heavens for Skinnytaste - a Weight Watchers friendly blog I've been following for a little over a year.  


Gina Homolka, the founder and author of skinny taste is a genius.  Her recipes are varied and will please even the pickiest eater.  Poke around her website and I promise you will find something healthy and delicious.


I'm certain you will love her lightened up recipes as much as we do!  Bon apetit!

skinny asian peanut noodles with chicken

skinny coconut chicken salad with warm honey mustard vinaigrette

skinny shrimp fajitas

skinny baked lunp crab cake with red pepper chipotle lime sauce

skinny pasta with italian chicken sausage, peppers, and escarole

skinny arugula salad with penne, garbanzo beans, and sundried tomatoes

skinny five spice roasted chicken

skinny chicken panini with arugula, provolone, and chipotle mayonnaise

skinny grilled peaches with honey and yogurt

skinny strawberry fool

made it to madewell

I hopped over to the new Madewell this morning and I was magically transported to the store on Broadway and Broome in NYC.  If you're in the KC area, you must do the same. As soon as possible.

pretty dressing room

 happy socks. are there any other kind!?

delicate lace blouse. reminds me a lot of this little joie number? 

springy polka-dots

another lace-y number and versatile denim shirt

brightly colored scarfs, all in a row 

I managed to contain myself (and my spending) and walked out with two purchases:

silk picket-stripe tee

spotted matinee blouse

As always, happy shopping!

hipster sister comes to kc!

KC readers, if you don't already know, Madewell is opening up at Leawood Town Center today! I am absolutely thrilled. Remember when S posted about the "hipster sister" over a year ago? Love it all. If I were to throw my budget out of the window, here are a few things I'd like to pick up tonight at the grand opening.

all via madewell

Oh, and if you spend $150+ at the store tonight, you'll receive a limited-edition Kansas Madewell tote with the below design. Adorable. Love the shoutout to Dodge City.

Happy Shopping!