Printed Shorts

I am originally from Florida.  It is a hot place, and I grew up wearing shorts.   It wasn't until I started getting into fashion that I ever realized that shorts weren't exactly "in".  Much like my Uggs, I wore them anyway.  I can be a rebel like that.

In recent years it has become hip to wear shorts again. Lately, every time I walk into the Gap or Old Navy I notice printed versions in varying colors and patterns.  I really love this take on what has been such a wardrobe staple for me.  Also, there are some hard to pass up price-points here.  Call me smitten, if you will.

What do you think about printed shorts (or really just shorts in general)?  Do you wear them?  Which are your favorites?  Will you be picking up any for yourself?

Printed Shorts by threepsblog featuring old navy shorts

Zara short shorts
$40 - zara.com

Ikat canvas shorts
gapcanada.ca

Gap shorts
$50 - gap.com

Shorts
gap.com

Canvas shorts
gap.com

10 Crosby Derek Lam linen shorts
$225 - shopbop.com

Staring At star
$29 - urbanoutfitters.com

Forever 21
$16 - forever21.com

J crew
$60 - jcrew.com

Zara short shorts
$60 - zara.com

Old navy shorts
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com

Shorts
$88 - anthropologie.com

Old navy shorts
$15 - oldnavy.gap.com

Women's Printed Tie-Belt Shorts (3 1/2") | Old Navy
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

Easy Homemade Granola

When I made my resolutions at the beginning of the month, eating a healthy breakfast was high on my list.  My dear friend Stephanie read my post, and then sent me this recipe from the Leon restaurants in the UK.  I had never made homemade granola before, but I never knew it was this easy.  It is delicious on its own, but I also love to add it to Greek yogurt with some berries.  Just a little is very filling.  The best thing is you can change up some of the ingredients to suit whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients:

(note: the recipe I was given was all in the metric system, and these are my conversions)

3/4c honey

1/4 c sunflower or groundnut oil (I use canola)

1 3/4 c rolled oats

2/3 c bran

1c sunflower seeds

2/3 c hazelnuts (I have also used walnuts and almonds)

1c dates

2/3 c dried apricots (I have also thrown in dried mango)

2/3 c sultanas (these are golden raisins)

2/3 c wheatgerm

The How:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour the honey and oil into a pan and heat gently until the honey has melted.

In a bowl mix the oats, bran, and sunflower seeds, then pour the liquid honey mixture on top and mix well.

Spread out on a large baking tray.  Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning everything 3 or 4 times, then leave to cool.  Note: Do not bake this on wax paper.  I did the first time, and it all sticks together.  No bueno.

Meanwhile, roast the hazelnuts until golden brown, then roughly chop along with the dates and apricots.

Note 1:  If you need directions for roasting nuts, this is very helpful  

Note 2: You can really use any kind of nuts and dried fruit

Note 3:  You can buy nuts pre-chopped in the baking aisle, and dates pre-chopped in the dried fruit aisle

When cool, mix everything together with the wheatgerm and store in an air-tight container; lasts for about a month.

Eat alone, or with berries and yogurt.  I promise, you will not want to go back to the store-bought variety.

As always, I would love to hear from you if you make this recipe.  Enjoy!

Things to Do in the Bay Area: The Lafayette Hillside Memorial

Happy Memorial Day everyone.  It is a time to remember all of brave souls who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Today, many people will visit war memorials to honor departed loved ones.  In the suburbs of San Francisco, sits a famous local memorial referred to as the Lafayette Hillside Memorial.  It is located in Lafayette, visible form the freeway, and right outside of the local BART station.

This memorial was started in 2006 as an anti-war statement.  The woman who owned the land wanted to create a subtle protest of the war in Iraq (and later Afghanistan), while honoring (and giving a visual representation of) the men and women who have lost their lives.  This memorial has been the subject of much debate in years past, due to the anti-war message originally behind it.

In more recent times it has become much less controversial.  It is now a place to come and reflect, honor, and pray for the soldiers we have lost, as well as those that are currently overseas.  No matter what your stance on the war is, this is a sobering visual reminder of the price that is paid, and the sacrifices that so many families have made. It is well worth the drive into the suburbs to honor those that have fallen.  

The numbers are updated frequently to reflect how many soldiers have been lost.

A view of just how vast this memorial is.  Powerful.

If you look closely, you can see that there are not only crosses, but Stars of David, and Islamic crescents.  

It really makes you think.

One Day

It took me two months to read this book.  I really wanted to like it.  Then nothing happened. The premise of the book is this:  Emma and Dexter hook up on the night of their college graduation, July 15, 1988.  We then take a peek into their lives on July 15th of each following year, all the way through 2006.  Their lives are mundane.  I kept waiting for something to happen, and even when it did I was only happy because it meant the book was almost over.  

via

I would give this book 1.5 stars.  It wasn't the worst thing I have ever read, but I just couldn't find myself investing in the characters.  Of course, immediately following the end of this book, I had to see the movie.  It was definitely better than the book, for what that is worth.  If you are still interested, I would definitely go the movie route.

Next up, Let's Pretend This Never Happened, by Jenny Lawson.  If you are not familiar with her, she is The Bloggess, and one of the funniest writers out there.  I encourage you to check out her blog.  Start with Wil Wheaton Collating Papers.  Let me know what you think.

MyGlam Vs. Birchbox May 12

May was another month of how-long-am-I-going-to- keep-up-both-subscriptions-because-they- aren't-so-great shipments.  If I get another month like this one, I might be looking to put these accounts hold and try something else.  Anyone have any recommendations?

Inside my Birchbox:

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum: This has a heavy floral smell that I do not care for at all.

Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow:  This is a tinted treatment that is supposed to erase blemishes and scars on arms, legs, and decollete.  It is honestly one of the weirdest products I have received.  

SHU UEMURA Cleansing Oil Shampoo- I really liked this sample.  It had a very nice smell.  However, I wish they would have sent a sample of the conditioner that went with it. 

stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Rock Candy:  I was already a huge stila fan, and this product did not disappoint.  The eyeliner is sparkly, so it wouldn't be something I would wear to work.  It went on smoothly (you need a steady hand), which was a plus.

Bonus: Notecard & card for Gossip Girl Trivia Sweepstakes:  Basically a cute, cheap post card with an envelope and a card with trivia questions on it (for a sweepstakes entry)

Inside my MyGlam Bag:

Blue makeup bag with lip prints: Cute, plus, you can never have too many make-up bags

Philosophy Love Sweet Love sample:  I am a huge fan of Philosophy scents, and this is not my favorite, but is still very pretty.  

Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick in Winter Red, full size:  This color makes me look like Elvira, which is not a compliment.  This product retails for $15, but it was like they were trying to unload the colors that weren't selling on MyGlam subscribers.  Not pleased.

Miss Beauty Nail Bling: I might actually give these a try over a long weekend, since they aren't really work appropriate.  I do like the idea here.

MyGlam concealer brush and defining eyeliner brush (to complete the set)

complete myglam bush set

I give both of these an F for the month of May.  What do you think?  Any products here you are interested in trying?  

What I Need...Now (May 12 Edition)

I haven't been shopping much at all lately.  Meatball's surgery was expensive, and I wanted to be sure that it was taken care of before I spent money on the fun stuff.  This hasn't stopped me from browsing all of my favorite sites and filling my wishlist full of the latest items I have been obsessing over.  

I find it useful to have lots of decorative trays around the house, and I thought these would be cute as a small catch-all.

Alphabet Trays  $3.99 (on sale)

I love anything having to do with the sea, which includes these trays.  I am sure I could find a use for them around my house.

Sea Life Decoupage Trays  $10-$12

This is actually a long necklace, which makes a really pretty statement piece.

Cameron Pendant  $79

I love this color.  I need this color.  I don't love the price.  When is Essie going to make a good dupe?  

NARS 'Thakoon' Nail Polish in Kutki  $18

These are my two favorite colors from the Summer 12 collection.  

Essie Nail Polish in Mojito Maddness and Bikini So Teeny   $8

These are the perfect little neutral work wedge for the summer.  I am a big Ivanka Trump fan, however, I have never purchased any of her shoes.  These would be a great first pair.

Ivanka Trump 'Brisa' Sandal  in Rustic Tan  $134.95

 Nike has come out with some great running shoes this summer in pretty colors.

Nike 'Free Run 3' Running Shoe in Tropical Twist  $100

I recently stumbled upon these ballet flats by Vince Camuto, and it was love at first sight.  The contrast of the neutral leather with the gold spikes creates the perfect combination of chic and edgy.  

Vince Camuto 'Ferguson' Flat  $97.95

I haven't shopped at Aeropostale since I was in high school (that was in the 90's), but I am a sucker for cute makeup bags.  

lime wedge make-up pouch  $10 (on sale)

I have been stalking these, which normally retail for $75.  It might be time to pull the trigger.

Eileen Feather Earrings in Green  $31.97 (on sale)

This eye peel works on dark circles and fine lines as well as milia (undereye bumps).   This both promotes cell turnover and unblocks pores, which puts it on my "must try" list.

Truth in is the Eyes by Ole Henriksen  $42

I love everything about this dress, the cut, the color, even the price (it is from Anthropologie).  

Damia Strapless Chemise  $78

I have recently started lusting after this bag, but I haven't decided on the color yet (but I am loving the blue).  Could this be my big summer bag purchase?

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Classic Q - Hillier' Hobo  $428

Any favorites from my list?  What do you have your eye on right now?  

Green Chile and Cheese Egg "Muffins"

One of my resolutions for this month was to stop drinking coffee in the morning and calling it breakfast.  I am a person who usually eats her weekday breakfast on the go.  I wake up in the morning with just enough time to walk the dogs, shower, and get dressed, which does not leave me time to eat before I leave the house.  Everyone has their priorities, and mine involve an extra fifteen minutes of sleep in the morning.  

This led me to an internet search for delicious and portable breakfasts.  I stumbled across the blog Kalyn's Kitchen, and decided to try her recipe for Green Chile and Cheese Egg "Muffins". I am not a big egg lover, but the fact that this recipe called for both chilies and cheese gave me some inspiration.  I changed up the recipe a bit to our taste (and also because I couldn't find Spike's Seasoning anywhere.  Do they still make it?), and here is what we came up with.

Ingredients:

1- 12 eggs (one egg per muffin cup, depending on how many you want to make)

Low-fat cheddar cheese, chopped or shredded (feel free to use a full fat version of any variety of cheese) 

Splash of non-fat milk (you can use whole milk or half and half if you prefer)

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Garlic powder (or other spices you like)

1 4oz can of diced chilies (I used the hot variety, but I like a lot of heat. Use the regular mild variety if hot is not your thing)

1 4oz can of diced (not pickled) jalapenos (optional)

Canadian bacon

How To:

This is what I like to refer to as a "loose recipe."  I didn't really have hard and fast measures for what I was throwing together (please click here if you want measurements from the original recipe).  

Preheat the oven to 375F.  Spray your muffin liners with cooking spray. If you use paper liners, use two of them.  Important note: Kalyn recommends using silicone muffin pans or wrappers instead of paper.  After making this once, I also recommend silicone, and have already purchased some for the next time I make this.

Add cheese to each muffin liner.  How much you add is really a matter of preference, but Kalyn recommends filling the cups 2/3 of the way.  

Break your eggs into a bowl (I used a 4 cup measuring cup, which made pouring very convenient). Add a big splash of milk.  Whisk together until well blended.

Add garlic powder, salt and pepper (or any spice of your choice).  Add chilies and jalapenos to egg mixture, to your liking.  As another option, you can add Canadian bacon instead of hot peppers.  

Pour the egg mixture over the cheese, filling each liner to the top.  This took me two rounds of pouring because the eggs settle.  Use a fork to mix all of the ingredients around.  

Bake at 375F for about 35 minutes (per Kalyn's instructions, I started checking them at about 25 minutes).  When they are ready, the tops will start to brown and the muffins will puff.  

These can be refrigerated and microwaved the next day.  I recommend putting them in for 30 seconds or until warm.  They should keep in the fridge for a few days.

Now you have a perfect portable breakfast, which is both delicious and packed with protein.  You can change up the ingredients, creating the perfect egg muffin for you.  What do you make for breakfast when you are rushing around during the week?  I am always looking for some new ideas.  

As always, I would love to hear from you if you make this recipe.  Enjoy!

My So-Called Instagram Life

I am officially back!  My computer finally arrived late last week, and I couldn't be happier to be connected once again.  I have definitely missed blogging, but have been enjoying reading about what you have been up to.  Thanks again for sticking around.  I really am grateful to have such sweet and patient readers.  This is what you have been missing out on in my life, in no particular order.

Petunia ate three of Meatball's pain pills one night last week.  They were in a pill pocket that Meatball dropped (he has a whole post-op pharmacy). Petunia is very fast and gobbled it right up.  We had to rush her to the emergency vet who made her throw it all up.  It was not a fun evening, but luckily everyone is ok.  Here, we are snuggling on the couch and reading magazines.  

I took this picture of my kitchen for the Instagram Photo A Day (for May).  I love the way my rose bowl turned out (fresh from my garden).

My friend Kristen and I recently attened the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the deYoung Museum.  It was weird and creepy and wonderful.  I will have a post about it coming soon.

I was totally obsessed with this song for a full week of non-stop play.  The album is pretty good too.

I love my Gap tunic that I had on my last wish list here.  I actually wore it tucked into jeans (and it worked pretty well).

 This weekend, I opened my garage and saw this.  I am pretty sure the slowly flooding garage means that my water heater is toast.

Homemade won tons for dinner.  

Homemade rhubarb jam from my garden.  I used this recipe here.

This is fantastic with celery and apples (not to mention a healthy snack alternative).  Justin's is delicious, which makes it easy to make good choices.  

My first rose bowl of the year with roses from my garden.

Hot weather means it is officially Icee/Slurpee time.  Do you prefer one over the other?

 I saw this at Target, and I can't resist anything Middleton related.

Roasting poblanos for homemade salsa.  A sure sign that summer is coming.  I used this recipe.  

Spring always puts me in heavy cleaning and redecorating mode.  I am currently obsessed with Method products.  They are natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic, plus they smell great.   

A view of Coit Tower while driving in to the city on the Bay Bridge.  

The end.