Perfect Summer

When summer comes around we all seem to make a mental list of the multitude of things that we hope to accomplish during the hot and sunny (hopefully) months to come. In saying that, I've realized that I am a very visual person and tend to rely on visual stimulation not only as a source of inspiration, but also motivation. In an effort to compose my summer to-do list (or wish list, shall I say), I've compiled the following set of images to remind me to make the most of our long summer days and warm summer nights.

:: Eat breakfast outside ::

:: Camping with friends ::

:: Get lost in a good book ::

:: Improve my golf game ::

:: Experiment with new cocktail recipes ::

:: Full days spent at the beach ::

:: Rekindle my yoga practice ::

:: Wear cute sun hats ::

:: Continue to set new running goals ::

:: Enjoy new ice cream flavours on hot days ::

:: Star gazing ::

:: Wine tasting in the Valley ::

:: Make my sister teach me the basics of surfing ::

:: Weekend road trips ::

:: Back yard parties ::

:: Rent bikes with my husband for the day ::

:: Take advantage of our local Farmer's Markets ::

:: S'mores. Enough said ::

:: Play tourist ::

:: BBBBBBQQQ ::

:: Campfires ::

:: Explore new hiking trails ::

:: What does your perfect summer entail? ::

all images via we heart it

June : Inspire Me

 

:: Rainbow coloured tribal print bags ::

:: Sheer layering pieces ::

:: Mixing bold patterns ::

:: Pretty crocheted shorts ::

:: Light pink, girly lipstick ::

:: Floppy wool hat + stunning Marilyn Monroe ::

:: Modern boho chic ::

:: So cute paired with an oversized white t-shirt ::

:: Metallic nails ::

:: Stripe overload ::

:: Mexican serape inspired shorts ::

:: I don't care if I'm already 5"8 - these are amazing ::

 :: MK, always ahead of the curve ::

:: Crochet over a bright bikini + cut-offs ::

:: Even cooler: to the side with loose face-framing strands ::

:: Mixing vibrant colours + neutrals ::

:: Patchwork florals ::

:: Summer wardrobe staples ::

:: Care-free summer hair ::

:: Dress up a LWD {little white dress} ::

:: Cropped bell-sleeved lace ::

:: Abundance of gilded finger candy ::

:: Beach glam ::

:: Heart-shaped sunglasses ::

:: Head scarf ::

all images via we heart it

Vibe Boards

Last year when I was designing my Spring/Summer collection, I created these four inspirational 'Vibe Boards' to reflect the  overall aesthetics that I wanted the collection to portray: garden brights, nautical, classics and bohemian. I came across the boards again while I was setting up my studio and fell in love with them all over again. I have since mounted them on either side of the window right in front of my desk and continue to find daily sources of inspiration in them.

:: Garden brights ::

:: Nautical ::

:: Classics ::

:: Bohemian ::

collages & photos by me

Edamame & Asparagus Salad

I first came across this recipe by British it-girl (and ridiculously talented) Sophie Dahl in the May 2010 issue of Glamour. As soon as I saw the mouthwatering photo and the very brief instructions, I knew I had to make it.

The recipe is so easy, filling and delicious that since my inaugural attempt, it has become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

I've made it as a side dish for several dinners and potlucks and even received 3 requests in one day for the recipe.

Edamame & Asparagus Salad

:: Boil 1 cup of asparagus tips in salted water for 2-3 minutes.

:: Drain and rinse under cold water.

:: Cook 1 cup of shelled frozen edamame according to package directions.

:: Combine asparagus and edamame in a small salad bowl and add a small handful of fresh chopped mint.

:: Pour on 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper (I prefer coarse sea salt & fresh ground pepper).

:: Add 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese.

:: Enjoy with a glass of pinot noir if you're feeling crazy.

This lettuce-free salad is also delicious hot or cold - enjoy!

all food photos by me

cookbook image via chapters.indigo

Wild Styled West

Some of my favourite looks from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2011 RTW collection. When styled together the pieces are a bit too cowgirl for everyday wear, but worn individually they are just the perfect touch of wild west style.

Save a horse and just be fashionable instead.



ps: how amazing are the cross-body fringe & serape handbags? Want.

all images via style.com