PERFECT ICED COFFEE RECIPE

Although I don't drink hot coffee very often, I love to sip iced coffee around the holidays. 

The recipe is rather fattening and that is why I only drink it on special occasions. (The sweet and condensed milk is what makes iced coffee divine!) However, once you have tasted a sip, the extra calories are worth it!

I used the following recipe when making the coffee.

 The Recipe 

+ make your coffee-whatever brand and flavor you prefer

+ Add one can of sweet and condensed milk per pot of coffee

+Stir and let chill overnight

+ Pour yourself a glass and enjoy

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UNSEEN PICTURES FROM EUROPE | PART III

  

 Now more than ever I wish that I was back in Europe exploring the unknown. It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life and I can't wait to go back in the future. 

MY SKETCH OF THE WEEK: TRENCH IT

By: Michelle Elizabeth

CURRENTLY

sweater | book | hand balm | watch 

Cozy cashmere in a lovely pale pink. 
The perfect book for experimenting in the kitchen.
Hand cream for the increasingly chilly night.
A watch- to make sure that time does not completely slip away.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

MORNING IN BED

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This school year has been one of the most stressful of my life. My high-school years are coming to an end and college is going to be here at any minute. It has made me realize just how much I take for granted, such as getting a good 8 hours of sleep! My mom assures me that it is just a part of growing up ("woo-hoo"). These days I am just grateful to sleep in until 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday instead of taking standardized tests! A lot of my friends are taking the ACT tomorrow and I am so glad that I am not one of them! Tomorrow I am going to sleep in and relish my few moments of peace!

This would be my ideal version of a morning in bed with nothing to worry about! I would light a candle re-read Jane Austen books and take as long as I want to in order to get ready!

This is going to sound so cheesy, but in a world where there is so much chaos, I can at least be grateful for a roof over my head and the opportunity to make something of myself!

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LOVING

First of all, I am so excited to hear that Domino Magazine is back in print and stronger than ever! 

These images of Lauren McGrath's studio apartment make me swoon and give me some fresh ideas for my own room decor. I love the pops of orange and the budget friendly tips that were included in the article. Let me know if you will be reading Domino in the comments below!

photos via domino.com

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PRETTY THINGS

jacket- Ted Baker | sweat-shirt- J. Crew | skirt- Madewell | flats- Zara | bag- J.Crew 

I am posting this simply because I love making collages!

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HOME INSPIRATION

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BUDGET BUYS

Zara Tote  | Blush Oxford Blouse | Trench Coat 

| Ballet Flats | Pleated Skirt |

We all love it when we see pictures of celebrities mixing high and low fashion. I think that it is because the average woman and girl can relate to them and love that they can own something that a star has. However, with an (sometimes) unstable economy, it is not very realistic to spend $1000 on shoes once a month. If the individual can afford it, all the better for them, but everyone enjoys finding great pieces at a low cost. We enjoy pieces that make us feel good and have low price tags. There is nothing like the adrenaline and sweet satisfaction of knowing that you got a good deal.

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WEEKEND FAVORITES

Some of the things that I have been enjoying lately.

wearing | Essie nail-polish in 'sugar daddy'

drinking | low-fat peach and mango smoothies

craving | light blue flats

loving | the yellow roses 

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CLASSIC MOVIE OF THE MONTH: "TO CATCH A THIEF"

Set in the amazing setting of the French Riviera, Alfred Hitchcock's "To Catch A Thief" film can be considered an all-time classic. Starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant, the film tells the story of an ex-jewel thief who is blamed for the thefts of several rich tourists in the Riviera. The costumes are amazing and Grace Kelly dazzles across the screen. The romance of the film juxtaposes the suspense, making this a must see for everyone.

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INSPIRING

Old photos from the Red Valentino spring 2011 collection that are simply amazing! I totally wish I owned these pieces! They encapsulates my style completely and makes me excited for fall!

     

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HAPPY EARLY WEEKEND

        illustration by Peonies and Ballet Flats

I can't believe that it is already the first week of August! Time has flown by and soon it will be fall! Even though today is only Thursday, I wanted to wish everyone a happy weekend! I am leaving this afternoon to go camping (what am I thinking??) and will be without internet connection for the next four days! I am really living it rough!

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

                            

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INSPIRING

   

                               

{photos}

I have lived in the middle of horse country my entire life. Sometimes when driving through the country, you will pass by fields of horses and the views are breathtaking! Horses really are some of the most beautiful creatures on earth!

Town and Country did a shoot inspired by the equestrian style several years ago and I find the looks and photographs very inspiring! The clothes are amazing and make me want to go for a ride!

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GET THE LOOK

                                                                          

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Hello everyone! I hope that you all are having an amazing week. 

Today I received my J. Crew catalog with all of their amazing new looks for fall. I was so excited upon receiving the magazine, that I had to re-create the look on the front cover. 

The model looks gorgeous with a peachy eyeshadow placed across the lid and a light pink lipstick on her lips. This look seems very wearable and is one that I think I can re-produce on myself. Hopefully things go smoothly because I do not claim to be a beauty expert. When I was a little girl, my mother would find me with lipstick all over my face. Thankfully, I have improved somewhat haha. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

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LOVING LATELY

. New York T-shirt - I can envision this t-shirt playing an active role in my wardrobe! A trip to the city wouldn't hurt that much either. 

. Winifred Paper- I have seen this image all over pinterest for the past month. Kelly, the creator of Winifred Paper, looks stunning in a dress by Camilyn Beth and the photograph has the most glorious color scheme. 

. Hot Pink Lips- I love the color of the lipstick in the photo! If anyone knows a color similar to this one, please tell me in the comments below!

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Tonight I am attending the a tennis tournament and I am extremely excited. I love the atmosphere, the energy and of course the tennis. It is the perfect start to my week. Hope that everyone has an amazing week!

Link up!

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THIS WEEK

Since Wimbledon has come to a close, I have been playing a lot more tennis. While tennis has been "my sport" (the only other thing I have tried was cross country), I haven't been playing competitively  this summer. It was nice to have a break, but now I am ready for more court time. 

One thing that I love about tennis is the fashion. The sport is mentally and physically challenging, however girls get to dress for the sport. If you have to be sweaty, you might as well look cute and sweaty! I have been inspired by the Wimbledon fashion and have been wearing all white. 

Heres to a week full of tennis and good food!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

CLASSIC CHIC

             EMBROIDERED DRESS | ANKLE STRAP FLAT | CROSS BODY BAG |BOYFRIEND BANGLE |SUNGLASSES |

      

White dresses are a necessity for me in the summer. When you have a tan and the weather is hot, white is the perfect color to wear. Not only do I love wearing white in the summer, but dresses are my normal uniform. They are simple, so you don't have to correspond more than one piece of clothing within your outfit.

What is your favorite thing to wear in the hot summer months?

CLASSIC MOVIE OF THE MONTH

You may have already seen pictures from this film all across tumblr. This 1960 French film, directed by Jean-Luc Godard, has become notorious for its 60's fashion and lead actress Jean Seberg. 

The plot begins as Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo) is running away from the police after stealing a car and shooting a police officer. While on the run, he returns to Paris and his american girlfriend Patricia looking for a place to hide out. The rest of the story unfolds as the police begin to catch up with him and Patricia is placed in a compromised situation. 

The film and the actors do not leave this film wanting, making it the perfect summer film to watch at home.

SUMMER BEAUTY WISHLIST

Illustration by Michelle Elizabeth

 My summer beauty routine varies from my winter routine. I don't wear a lot of heavy makeup and try not to wear any foundation. I don't really like the feeling of foundation and prefer to wear it only when it is necessary. During the daytime a I wear a little bit of mascara and cream blush and I like to add a pop of color on my lips in the evening.

 Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume | Who wouldn't want to smell like the beach in the summer.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu | Perfect pop of color to brighten up your face and any outfit.

FACE Nail-polish | A light pink polish makes my nails look dainty and clean.

Stila Convertible Color | Cream blush is the way to go in the summer because it will not sweat off your face and will last all day long. 

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray | Adds the right amount of texture to your hair for the perfect tousled look.

What is your beauty routine for summer and what are your beauty must-haves?

CLASSIC MOVIE OF THE MONTH

One thing you all may or may not know about me is that I have an obsession with classic films. I get this obsession from my family. My grandfather has literally seen almost every film made between the 1930s-1970s and probably a few in between. You can describe any movie or ask a question about it and he will have an answer for you. One of my personal goals was to become old-movie smart just like my grandfather. 

One of my absolute favorite films is Rear Window. This film by Alfred Hitchcock is about an injured photographer (Jimmy Stewart) bedridden who becomes convinced that his neighbor in his apartment complex murdered his wife. After watching the man's activities through one his photography lens, he informs that police, but nobody believes him except for his girlfriend (Grace Kelly) and his nurse. If you are interested in the ending you either (a) need to watch the movie, or (b) look it up online. The plot-line and costumes are fantastic and it stars two of my favorite actors together. 

If you are someone who only watches current movies, I would highly recommend this one. Alfred Hitchcock films are great for anyone "who can't stand watching a fuddy-duddy old movie." The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat and Grace will sweep you away.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

This past week has been so crazy! Classes finally ended and I have completed all of my finals. I can't tell you what a relief it is. Now that I am done I can enjoy spending time with friends and family, catching up on my old movie watching and spend more time blogging. 

The past three weeks (month really) have been so jammed pack. Although I haven't had a whole lot of free time recently, I have found that when life is hectic you start to appreciate the small things. Whether it is having a friend send you a nice note on a bad day or just hearing the birds sing, all of these things are something special.

This week, find the time to enjoy something you may not have noticed before. This might sound cliche, but the world we live in is so amazing. It doesn't matter what part of the world you are from, your culture and your surroundings are something to be enjoyed. Find the pleasures in the small things and just enjoy life. 

Have a good week.

IN THE MONTH OF MAY.....

WEEKLY WISHLIST

INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK

Spring is officially here. The trees are blooming and the flowers are budding.

This week I am all about wearing white dresses, light trenches, flowers and art! My desire for some major shopping has been aroused and I think that I deserve some.!(I really have been a good girl these past couple months haha.) Until some much needed retail therapy I will enjoy the sound of birds chirping. (yes I know super cheesy)

What is inspiring you this week?

SOMETHING SIMILAR | 4-15-13

skirt, top, coat -  Zara | shoes - Giuseppe Zanotti | bag - Topshop

Olivia Palermo has been one of my fashion icons for several years. I love her classic style with a bit of a twist, which always makes it feel modern. She always looks put-together and chic and she is always someone that I take note of.
Recently, Olivia has been sporting some of the affordable pieces from Zara's spring/summer collection. It is so nice seeing a celebrity wearing looks that are attainable for the girl on a budget.
Although her lovely bag is Givenchy, this Topshop bag is very similar.
I hope that you take some inspiration from this chic spring look.
Does Olivia inspire you? Tell me in the comments below!!

WEEKLY WISHLIST

sandals- Madewell | top- J Crew | sunglasses- Ray Ban | earrings- merry mishap |
skirt- Lacost | bag- Madewell | nail-polish- Butter London | cuff- Tory Burch |

Here is my weekly wishlist. Fresh and crisp colors that scream freshness.
Tell me in the comments below what is on your wish-list.

SOMETHING SIMILAR | 3.5.13

photo via pinterest- outfit me

bag- Coach | jeans- Current/Elliot | heels- Dolce Vita | tee- T by Alexander Wang

Spring is almost officially here and I can not wait for the warmer weather to come. I will gladly welcome all forms of spring attire.
I decided to start a new series that I will be updating every Tuesday entitled "Something Similar". I love it when people take their current inspirational picks and relate them to everyday life. I hope that by beginning this series I can inspire you all to make your inspiration reality. This is something that I am striving to do in my own life.
I simply adore this outfit. I would gladly wear this outfit while going shopping with my friends or while running errands. It is a very minimal chic look that I love. The simple tee and bright bag make it very spring or summer appropriate. While the girl in the photo is wearing a yellow celine bag, I actually prefer the Coach bag in my version. My entire life has been encapsulated into tiny bags and I am beginning to enjoy larger bags because they are more practical. (They also hold a camera better.)
Wishing you all an amazing week!
Tell me what has been inspiring you lately in the comments below!

INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK// BLACK AND GOLD

MONDAY WISH-LIST// 2.11.13

Monday is a great day for wishing!
I can't wait to get new fragrances, baubles and nail-polish!
Do you make wish-lists? 

INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK //

                       

SIMPLE STRIPES

blouse | Lands End // sweater | Old Navy // tights | Target

When my life is hectic I prefer to lean toward my favorite pattern: stripes. I LOVE stripes. I will but almost anything that has stripes on it and this skirt is no exception. Stripes and a simple sweater are the things that keep my life simple. 

How often do you wear tights? Tell me in the comments below!

QUOTE OF THE DAY