Friday, August 31

So Long ...


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Autumn doesn't officially begin until September 22nd and I'm sure there are still a few warmer days ahead but there is something about the last day of August + Labor Day that has me saying so long summer!
 

Thursday, August 30

Inspired


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Feeling quite inspired + motivated today!
xo

Wednesday, August 29

The Lucky One


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If you're like me, you love a good love story. Most of my favorite movies happen to be in this genre. And I can honestly say I watch them more times than any human should [Ps I Love You should really be taken away from me]. So I was beyond thrilled when one of my roommates text me last night asking if I wanted to watch The Lucky One.

 I kinda want Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling to be together forever in real life.
They would make one good looking couple.

But seriously, I had seen the movie in theaters when it first came out and was just as excited to see it again. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do. That is, if you are a fan of love stories, two insanely good looking lead characters, an adorable little boy, beautiful locations, all mixed in with a few good laughs.


Tuesday, August 28

On My Wish List


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When I was a little girl I fell in love with a bright red claw-foot tub. At the time I was delivering Girl Scout cookies around the neighborhood. One stop was to a beautiful old home built during the first World War. My mom being curious about the inside asked the owners if it would be possible for a tour, to which they said yes. There were many great things I discovered that day, but the one that sticks out the most is that red claw-foot tub.
It has been on my wish list ever since. And although the color has changed from red to white, I still am as in love as I was the first day. My dream home is an old farm house with at least one bathroom dressed up like one of the images above: all white decor, a beautiful white claw-foot tub and of course a gorgeous chandelier.
Some day ....

Monday, August 27

Must Have Piece



One of my favorite things to do with an upcoming season change is to check out the 'New Arrivals' section of my favorite shops. While the bank account doesn't allow for a full closet overhaul it is always fun to do a little dreaming. And per the usual I've fallen in love with everything that Madewell has to offer. One piece in particular is this top. I'm completely in love with the combination of the scalloped edges and the beautiful detailed lace. Pair this with dark denim, a fitted blazer, fun pumps and a colorful necklace and you are set for a night out.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention this beauty, or this one, and even this dotted treasure ... a few must have items!

Friday, August 24

Road Trip: The Look



When I think of summer I think of road trips. I usually have one or two planned each year but my favorite kind has to be the unplanned, just get up and go type. I usually end up driving [even with a car full of guys!] so it's a must that I'm rockin' something comfortable + versatile which is why I always have a cardigan in tow.

To see this look and others pop on over to Long Distance Loving.
And who knows, you might even be inspired to hop in the car and go!

[images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Thursday, August 23

Sneak Peek: Downtown Digs







My best friend recently ditched the 'burbs for a downtown condo so I thought I'd share a little sneak peek of his progress. There are still a few projects, like painting, that need to be finished but um, wow.
The amount of amazing work he gets done in such little time always leaves me speechless.
 My favorite piece has to be his grandfather's old work bench, a few coats of polyurethane did wonders.
And after seeing it I immediately told my mom I will doing the same to my grandfathers.

So what do you think? Pretty amazing, right?
Oh, these photos were all snapped on my iPhone so ignore the quality!

Wednesday, August 22

Tasty Craving


This morning I woke up craving a buffalo chicken pizza. Weird, I know. Especially since I woke up at 5:45am.
And since I can't get the craving out of my head today's post is a yummy recipe that I will definitely be making.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza


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Ingredients

3/4 pound chicken breast cutlets
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 teaspoons grill seasoning, (recommended: McCormick Montreal Seasoning) eyeball it
1 pizza dough, store bought or from your favorite pizzeria
Cornmeal or flour, to handle dough
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, medium to spicy heat
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a few generous handfuls
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
3 scallions, thinly sliced
 

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Preheat grill pan to high.
Place chicken on a plate and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken then season with grill seasoning. When grill is hot, add chicken and cook about 3 minutes on each side.
Stretch dough to form pizza using cornmeal or flour to help you handle it. If you let it rest and warm up a few minutes it will handle even easier. Set pizza on pizza pan to the side and clean board.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in Worcestershire, hot sauce, and tomato sauce.
Remove the chicken from grill and thinly slice it. Add chicken to sauce and coat. Cover the pizza dough with the saucy Buffalo chicken, cheeses, and scallions. Bake 18 minutes or until crisp. 


Tuesday, August 21

Currently Coveting: Jewel Tones


After being out and about this weekend I couldn't help but notice that fall is in the air. I love browsing my favorite stores to see what's to come for the upcoming season. One thing I can't get enough of currently are the gorgeous jewel tones popping up everywhere. As some one who is pretty fair skinned I find myself drawn to shades that won't wash me out and provide a good contrast, especially in the fall and winter months.
Plus a fun pop of color is always necessary.

Here's a few jewel tone beauties I'm currently coveting:


Green Satin Blouse || Card Case || Bubble Necklace || Jonaha Wedges || Magenta Peplum Skirt || Rhinestone Cluster Teardrop Earrings || Tiered Flap Cross Body || Ballet Flats || Pointelle Tights 


What about you, any color palettes you are particularly loving right now?

Friday, August 17

Have A Lovely Weekend


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Happy Friday, everyone! You know that that means, it's officially the weekend! I for one am thrilled and it's mostly because once again Cincinnati will be seeing some beautiful weather. Which means I'll be soaking up as much as the sunshine and cooler temps as possible. And hopefully completing a few projects.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!



Thursday, August 16

Joyful Food


One thing I love is discovering new blogs. Even more than that, new food blogs. Don't get me wrong I love fashion, interior and lifestyle blogs, but there is something about a good food blog. Maybe it's because I secretly [well, not a secret anymore] would love to quit my job and start fresh at culinary school. Or maybe it's because I love how food can be so pretty you don't want to even eat it. Or that it brings people together in a way few things can.









 So when I discovered Joy Wilson's blog, Joy the Baker, I was in love at first site.  And for those of you who already knew of Joy, well ignore the fact that sometimes I live under a rock boulder. Not only does she share delicious recipes, savory and sweet, but she fills you in on all the basics as well. And let's face it, sometimes you just need help when baking a pie crust, because I usually, ok ok, always cheat and buy the store bought crust.
But the one thing that really stuck out was how genuine and real Joy is, which really comes out in 'about me':

"I’m a self taught/ family taught/ taste buds taught baker.
I grew up in the kitchen in between my father, who makes a mean Sweet Potato Pie, and my mother, who makes a really weird purple hot dog casserole… don’t ask.  Between my kitchen loving parents, the clinking cake pans, and the flying flour, it became clear that baking is in my blood."

I love that she is a self taught baker and knew from a young age that baking was a family thing.
So I recommend you jump on over to her blog for some tasty recipes!
There are quite a few I'll definitely be trying out and one thing is for sure, I'll be purchasing a copy of her book!


Monday, August 13

Life via Instagram


Hello lovelies, happy Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I soaked up every second of the gorgeous [fall-like] weather here in Cincinnati. Which left me extremely excited for fall. Each day started and ended on our front porch and the days were filled with friends, sunshine, good food and a few fun events. One thing I did realize this weekend was that it's been quite sometime since I've posted a life update!
So here's a peek into what I've been up to lately:


Spoiling myself with a few new coffee table books, a gorgeous new bauble, and a much needed pedicure in a fall inspired shade.


Enjoying yummy beverages and fresh fruit at some of my favorite local spots: ATavola + Taste of Belgium 


A quote to live by. An adorable card for my parent's 34th wedding anniversary. Beautiful Cincinnati scenery.


Celebrating with my best friend Brandon + lounging in his new downtown loft.

 Instagram @amanda_pattison_
^             ^
Follow me to find these snapshots + more.

Friday, August 10

Gingham Type of Day


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Happy Friday, lovelies! I for one am so glad that the weekend is finally here!
Today over at {av}'s the theme for Friday's Fancies is Gingham Gorg so I thought I'd round up a few pretty snapshots.
Although I can say I don't own anything gingham [ is that weird? ] I love the look. Now-a-days it plays very well with the preppy style; however, for me it will always have a vintage feel. I picture my grandmother and her sisters rocking this trend fabulously. Maybe that is why this would be my favorite shot:


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So fun, right?

The weather in Cincinnati is supposed to be borderline fall-like, high 70's low 80's. Which is perfect for the super fun activity I'll be involved in tomorrow. Unfortunately I can't share just yet!
But I hope you all have an amazing weekend!
xo.

Thursday, August 9

Help Me Decide!


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I'm in desperate need of your advice. I mentioned yesterday that I have been searching Pinterest to gather ideas+inspiration for the curtains in my bedroom. Well I have the curtains, I decided on gray and white panels. But the big question, the one I go back and forth on, is do I hang the curtains directly on the rods or do I use rings? When I think I've made a decision I second guess myself. These are in my bedroom, so there isn't a need to be super fancy. And honestly my bedroom has started to take on a very eclectic vibe which I'm obsessed with [I'll get pictures up once it's complete]. But with that being said it almost confuses me more. Does one option lend itself more to funky+eclectic? Or should I mix in a few formal elements to create balance?

 I would love any and all thoughts, suggestions, and advise etc. So this is where I need you! What should I do?

Wednesday, August 8

Something Pretty

 It's Wednesday, which means we are half way through the week! Although for me it feels like it has taken forever to get here. I'm not sure if it's the lack of sleep from staying up late to watch the Olympics or if it's just being completely ready for the weekend but this week sure is moving slow! Any one else feeling that way?

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But can we talk about how gorgeous this room is?
I was on Pinterest last night looking for inspiration+guidance for the curtains in my bedroom [more on that tomorrow] when I stumbled upon this and um, hello! From the whimsical feel to the insanely beautiful mix of colors I'm completely in love. I want to be wherever this is taking place because not only are there delicious treats but I'm dying over the amazing ceiling poufs. Like, obsessed, I want them in my bedroom.
So for the rest of the day I'll be pretending I'm hanging out in this pretty space and not at work.

Friday, August 3

Gabby Goes Gold + The Weekend!


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So did you all watch Gabby Douglas take home the gold last night [SO exciting!]?
I sadly did not as I was playing chauffeur for friends+family going to the Jimmy Buffet concert.
Lucky for me my roommates and I are Olympic obsessed so we had the smarts to make sure it was recorded.
And even though the internet had spoiled the surprise earlier in the day I still can't wait to watch every second!
Which I plan on doing this weekend along with quite a few projects that have built up.
Enjoy your Friday + Weekend!

Thursday, August 2

Layered Perfection


If you haven't met, let me take a moment to introduce you to Jack, the men's stylist over at J.Crew. 


This fashion forward gentleman is dishing out key styling tips regarding a J.Crew staple: the cashmere sweater.
 Make sure to stop by to collect his tips [for your man], see his layering skills at work and shop the entire collection. Or maybe just to admire a man who knows how to dress!


Wednesday, August 1

My Dresser Needed You


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Since moving to the new house my room has taken on a new color palette. Mostly due to the fact my bedroom walls are now teal instead of the mauve they were previously. With such a vibrant wall color and a few pieces of furniture I gave new life to with crisp white paint I've found myself leaning towards silver, clear, and wooden accents. Although I love gold there are very few gold elements in my room which would be why my current tray wasn't working for me. With my inspiration above and finding lucite all over the blogging world I knew exactly what I needed. I found the perfect piece for my dresser here, although I couldn't find the exact item on the site and couldn't be happier with the finished look because really, every girl needs a little lucite in her life!