CINCO DE MAYO

Hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend.  As I mentioned on Friday, Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday! You can guarantee this Texas girl LOVES to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and couldn't be more excited about getting to spend this year's day in Austin, CAN'T. WAIT.  I hope ya'll have fun plans for the weekend, and it is not too late to throw together a fiesta for friends with the essentials and recipes mentioned below.  

Paper Flowers//Corona Pops //Mini Tequila//Ruffled Streamers//Topo Chico//Chiclets//Plants in Cans

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Margarita Cupcakes
(via Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World)

1/4 cup lime juice

1 1/2 tsp lime zest (1 lime)
1 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp tequila
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Fill a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
In a large bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, soy milk, oil , tequila, vanilla and sugar.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to lime mixture and stir until just combined. Divide evenly into muffin tins.
Bake for 20-24 minutes, until a tester comes out clean and the cakes spring back when lightly pressed. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

WEEKEND LINK LOVE

It's Friday and nothing like this video to get you ready for the weekend!  I had forgotten how much I absolutely love this scene from the movie Something Borrowed... AMAZING.

A few favorites I've come across this week:

1. For those of you who didn't get their Margarita fix from the previous popsicle post, these Watermelon Basil Margaritas look amazing & delicious!
2. This amazing article on the Huffington Post for all of us who are rapidly sliding into the big 3-0.  And the BOOK that came out earlier this week!
3. Great thing to try out this weekend if you are wanting to take on a craft project.  These painted tumblers look pretty simple to make and are super cute.
4.  Can't wait for the fabulous Clare Vivier's candy colored messenger bags to make their debut in stores soon.. in the meantime you can check out my favorite Clare Vivier bag, the messenger bag, on her website.

MARGARITA POPSICLES.

Cinco de Mayo is only EIGHT DAYS AWAY, yes, you read that right, it is one week from tomorrow.  That means you have only a few days to pull together a fun Mexican fiesta to celebrate the day! Not to worry, I have all the essentials for the perfect celebration, but you'll have to wait until Monday's roundup for that.  While I was looking for the perfect party ideas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I came across so many ways to create the perfect margarita and wanted to share the first of many margarita recipes, the margarita popsicle.  Even if it is not sunny and 90 degrees here in NYC this weekend, it doesn't mean you can't make a dozen of these popsicles sit outside and pretend you're basking in the sun enjoying the springtime weather.  Let me know what you think of them!

Recipe via 

TINY BITS OF TRUTH.

Can not believe it's already Thursday! Feels like the week has flown by, right?  Tiny bits of truth series for this Thursday, and I also included a pretty adorable "What It's Like to Be A Dog Toy" video... amazing!

What It's Like to be a Dog Toy from Beep Show on Vimeo.

SNEAK PEAK...LULULEMON SWIMWEAR

It is no secret that I would wear Lululemon spandex every day of every week for the rest of my life if possible, yes I do believe it is THAT GOOD...so you can only imagine the excitement I felt when I came across a post yesterday on Glamour Magazine giving a sneak peak at the new Lululemon swimwear line launching next week.  Oh my goodness, I can't wait to check it out next week.  Until then, we have the two photos below, which sadly, don't offer too much insight into the greatness I know this swimwear line will be.  If you are not familiar with Lululemon, check out their wunder under crop pants.  These are my favorite of the entire collection, and I truly believe these look good on every any woman, any size, any shape, anytime.  I couldn't resist including a few other favorites currently online at Lululemon right now as well.  Are you a Lulu fan? 

LET. IT. RAIN.

"If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain it would be..."

When it rains, it pours.  Thankfully this weekend there was a brief moment of sunshine on Saturday, because for all day Sunday it was a wet, chilly mess here in NYC.   I found myself caught without an umbrella (again!) in a downpour Sunday morning, and it got me thinking about rain in general.  Prior to moving to New York I always took for granted the ease with which in Texas we easily navigate the rain- walking from building to car to garage and never really worrying we will get stuck without our umbrella stranded in the rain.  In New York, I've quickly learned it's better to ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS bring the umbrella because there is nothing worse than being stuck without your umbrella and still six blocks from home.  I always debate whether I should make a run for my apartment and arrive soaking wet resembling what I like to think of as a drowned rat when I get there, or suck it up and buy another cheapo umbrella from the man who appears without fail every single time it rains to sell them on the street (I've lost count of how many times I've ended up purchasing one of these gems!).

Rain.  It comes sporadically. Steady. Softly. Unexpectedly. But no matter what, it comes.  And what we do when it arrives, is entirely up to us. Isn't that how so many things in life are too? I know I certainly have plenty rainy days, ones that I often believe they are so dreadful all I want to do is stay in bed and avoid the day at all cost, when in reality, a little rain is needed in order to grow and bring new life, right?   It's best to put your wellies on, throw on that rain jacket, grab your umbrella, and get out there and take in the rain and be thankful for all rain brings both to our own lives as well as to the outdoors surrounding us .  Rain has also taught me that you can never take yourself or life too seriously, because there are always going to be obstacles in your way, you're always going to get caught without your umbrella and seeking a place to take cover, and the best thing to do is find comfort in knowing the rain will pass and learn to laugh at yourself, because life is far too short to let a little rain get you down. 

Since it is springtime, and that inevitably means rain showers, I had to share a few of my must-have rain essentials.   Do you have any rain boots? If you are in the market for new rain boots, I absolutely LOVE my Loeffler Randal taupe rain boots and would highly recommend them! What are your rain essentials?

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COLOR COMBO CRASH COURSE: COBALT+CORAL

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Recently, I have seen the coral and cobalt blue combo EVERYWHERE.  I am not one to stray from my "uniform" of black, white, or the occasional red or bright pink, but this color trend is something I'm going to try out for spring/summer.  It's perfect to brighten up your look and there are so many different options out right now to get this look, as shown by Olivia Palermo below, I mean can rock anything she puts on, gorgeous!

Coral Blazer//Splurge Pumps//Steal Pumps//Photo

Have any of ya'll tried out this color combo for spring yet? Any favorite coral or cobalt blue pieces you've found? Let me know because I would  love to check them out!

TINY BITS OF TRUTH

LINK LOVE

I'm all over the place with links I wanted to share with ya'll today,  so here we go...

For all those who love puppies (because honestly, who in their right mind doesn't love puppies?), the Fluffington Post  is for YOU.... silly, amusing, and pictures of puppies..starting with a photo I took of the cutest puppy I know, Boo Radley ...

Coke machine takes payment in form of HUGS? Yes you read that right, no money required, only love and hugs for this machine... arms open wide.  A new coke machine at the National University of Singapore dispenses cokes in exchange for hugs... genius marketing concept? Maybe?

Unless you've been living under a rock the past few months, you're very well aware that Instagram is the latest and greatest in the social media world (hello, Facebook did just buy it for a ridiculous amount of money).  While it is a pretty amazing app, the one downside I've heard a million times over is people wishing to have Instagram online not just on their phones... well you don't have to wait any longer, because a website soley for taking YOUR Instagram photos live online, WEBBYGRAM.

For the Austin lover in me, I got a big laugh over the new tumblr WhenInAustin... And a few photos I took in Austin last fall before moving to New York...

Six Reason to Move to Austin, (what, like you needed any more reasons?), but seriously if you are contemplating it, what are you waiting for? Do it already, you won't regret it.

And finally, this has been in the news the past few days here in NYC, but in case it was not in other cities, I just had to share this article about a guy in finance here in NYC who emailed his dating spreadsheet to one of the many girls he was currently seeing.  MORON, of course the girl shared it with her nearest and dearest friends, who then shared it with their nearest and dearest, and you get my point.  Next thing you know, it lands up on the front page of the New York Post! Check it out below, and for the record guys, it is NEVER, EVER okay to keep a spreadsheet to remember the girls you are currently going on dates with, we don't care if you work long days and with spreadsheets, quite frankly we don't care if you haven't slept in ten years, there is no explanation for tracking our dates in a spreadsheet used for your number crunching. The image is a bit fuzzy, but ya'll get where he was going with this detailed spreadsheet...

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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON..

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Shopbop.  It is of course a one stop shop to find the PERFECT outfit for any occasion, always. They rarely have promo codes, but LUCKY YOU because right now for 2 days, until midnight tomorrow, you can get 20% off with the code INTHEFAMILY20.

This would be the perfect time to stock up on a few key staples for spring, or just if you are in search for the perfect spring/summer outfit, go ahead and buy it now while you get the discount, right?. A few of the things I'm currently eyeing on Shopbop....

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Oh and also wanted to remind ya'll that the special edition issue of Domino Magazine, yes you read that right, the quick fixes edition of Domino came out today, and is PHENOMENAL.  Oh how I have missed Domino Magazine! Anyone who isn't familiar with the original Domino Magazine (which ceased publication in 2009), was a fan favorite among those in the decor world primarily because it filled an enormous gap in decor magazines at the time, offering only the extreme high-end and the bare bones budget focused options for decor.  Domino offered a high-low approach to home decor and positioned itself uniquely as the lone youthful home decor magazine, encompassing both chic and bohemian, and accessibility for anyone who picked up the magazine.

The latest special edition, Quick Fixes, offers a look at the best home decorating stories, focusing on easy, inexpensive changes that make a world of a difference.  I would love to know what you think of the new Domino release? Is it going to fill the void for the huge fan base of the old Domino Magazine? 

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MONDAY, MONDAY

Happy Monday ya'll! Hope your weekend was fabulous.  Two articles for inspiration and food for thought to start the week off on the right foot... check back later for a great roundup I hope to get up later today or in the morning! Oh and if it's anything like here in New York, it is HOT, HOT, HOT... we're talking mid-80's up and down the entire EAST COAST... seriously beginning to wonder if I brought the heat with me to New York this year, what happened to the cool weather? I'd love to be in that picture below cooling off in sparkling water... a girl can dream.... for now the picture will have to do!

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Also, a great post over on the blog Elements of Style and especially relevant for anyone on the job search..

And an article worth reading from Forbes with Spanx creator, Sara Blakely's top startup tips.

And a great reminder on forgiveness....

TINY BITS OF TRUTH

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LINE I'M LOVING: BRAHMIN BAGS

I first discovered  Brahmin's gorgeous bags on Instagram when I saw a photo posted by the Glitter Guide's Taylor Sterling, seen in the photo below.  I tweeted to the Glitter Guide to find out who made the bag and was so happy they took the time to respond and give me the designer name so I could go check the bags out for myself, thank you Glitter Guide! I fell in love with all their spring styles, and would like one of each of these, no seriously.  They are all amazing, so it was certainly hard to narrow down which ones to showcase on the blog, but below are a few of my favorites from their new collection.

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1/Glossy Suri Wallet 2/Vivan Color Block Dome 3/Vivian Polka Dot Dome 4/Laptop Case 5/Nicolette Dream Bag (Blogger Bag) 6/Weekender Bag 7/Vivian Color Block Dome 8/Jolie Dream Bag 9/Woven Tote

MAN REPELLER x DANNIJO

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 The Man Repeller's Leandra Medine has done it again with her second collaboration of colorful necklaces and bracelets with the sister duo making up DANNIJO.  MR. DANNIJO Volume II  strikes the perfect balance of femine and masculine themes.  Not to mention, it makes the perfect accessory to complete any spring outfit!  Check out a few of my favorite pieces from the MR DANNIJO line below and check out the entire collaboration on the DANNIJO website. Personally, I would give my left arm (ok maybe just a few fingers, but you get the point) for the GORGEOUS Betty Davis necklace below... HELLO FABULOUS!

DESIGNER CRUSH: INSLEE HAYNES

I recently came across the work of fashion illustrator Inslee Haynes.  It is clear that Haynes has a true talent in identifying and capturing of the moment fashion trends in her watercolor and ink sketches.  Not to mention, I absolutely love the idea of having these high end fashion sketches hanging in my closet or anywhere I choose, even if I can't afford the items themselves.  She also has personalized stationery and calendars which you can check out on her website.  

WEEKEND LINK ROUNDUP

In case you missed it, links from favorites around the web this week...

I AM SO EXCITED that a little bit of Austin is headed to the Upper West Side... put it on your calendars, yes you can plan this far in advance, because ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE will be here in NYC set to open spring 2013..check it out...

Food On My Dog Tumblr- absolutely the most ridiculous thing ever, and hilarious at the same time, who even thought of this in the first place?

And finally, this tumblr Texts from Hillary Clinton...

Hope ya'll have a very happy Easter weekend and are enjoying the holiday with family and friends!

TINY BITS OF TRUTH

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Ellen has started encouraging her guests to go up and dance behind people without the person knowing, sounds not so funny, but in fact, is actually hilarious, check out Emma Stone's take on Ellen's dance dare.. 

CLEAN YOUR SLATE.

In the April issue of Lonny Magazine there is an incredible article with designer Amanda Nisbet that I encourage everyone to take a look at.  One of the great things she reminds us all to do is to embrace our strengths.  She goes on to say that for years she would dismiss friends and family who suggested she pursue a career in interior design because it came so easily to her.  When she finally did become a professional designer, success and creative fulfillment both resulted.  Just another reminder to be in tune and listen to what your natural abilities are telling you.  They are called strengths for a reason, and often times we take anything that comes easy or naturally for granted.  This was something that was also brought up at the Blogging Your Way workshop I blogged about last month.  Holly Becker  asked all of us to answer the question, what am I effortlessly good at? What do I do that comes absolutely effortless that other people wonder how you do it with such ease?  Take a few minutes to think about that in your own lives. 

Something that particularly resonated with me during the Blogging Your Way class was Holly's suggestion of "weeding our garden" referencing the need to remove negative and toxic things in our own lives. It was a much needed reminder to take time to examine our own lives first in order to determine what inspires us and why.  

One of the best metaphors for the process of "weeding your garden" that Holly mentioned is that of the oxygen mask in an airplane.

When was the last time you "cleaned your slate"? Take a minute to think about the negative things in your life that are causing problems or holding you back and what you can do realistically to change those things!