Closet Craving || Tory Burch Floral Print Shorts

Gap Faded V-Neck T || Tory Burch Floral Print Shorts || BP. Straw Fedora 

Michael Kors Watch || Old Navy Fold-Over Clutch || J.Crew Ankle-Wrap Wedge

I wasn't always a shorts girl but ever since I got over the fact that my legs aren't as skinny as a super model I'm all about 'em. You just gotta love the body you have! And right now my legs are loving these Tory Burch floral print shorts.
Perfect for dressing up or down or even a little of in between like above.

DIYs On My List Vol.4

decorative paper lanterns || camera strap || pastel dipped glassware || floral letter 


Another round of a few DIYs I've added to my list.
I think I need to throw a party so I have an excuse to make these paper lanterns and I've been on the hunt for a new camera strap so this DIY seems perfect. I love the idea of having pretty pastel dipped glassware on display in the kitchen on some open shelving and if anyone can find the actual instructions on this floral letter I'd love you forever!

To see the other DIYs I've got my eye on check out my Pinterest board.

Tuesday's Tune

 Coldplay || A Sky Full of Stars

image via

I can't get this catchy tune out of my head.
Maybe it's because it's been on repeat since I first heard it!
If you like Coldplay I have a feeling you'll love this new song.
[escpecially since Avicii is on the track!]

Enjoy!

The Perfect Day for a Margarita

 Mango Margarita with Chile Salt & Lime

I've always loved a good margarita, frozen or on the rocks, I'm not picky. And who doesn't love a giant bowl of salsa, guacamole or queso?? I could basically live on those three dishes alone. That being said, Cinco de Mayo is hands down my favorite holiday where yummy food is in the spot light [yes, it even trumps Thanksgiving!]. My favorite+best memories of Cinco de Mayo would have to be college when we would all make our way to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants who served the best and strongest margs. [Mad Mex for any of you Ohio Staters]. Seriously the best memories. So in honor of those fun times I wanted to share with you a margarita I recently discovered and will probably become obsessed with once I start serving them up at home since I'm on a huge mango kick. It also gives me a reason to buy this nifty little gadget.

Mango Margarita with Chile Salt & Lime

Ingredients

2 medium mangos, peeled, pitted and chopped into large chunks

2 cups ice

6 ounces tequila

4 ounces orange liqueur

3 ounces fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon super fine sugar

1 tablespoon chile powder

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 lime for garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, puree the mango then add the ice, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and super fine sugar and blend until smooth.
2. Mix the chile powder and kosher salt on a small plate. Moisten the rim of a glass with the lime wedge; dip the rim in the chile powder and twist to coat. Pour into the glass and serve with a wedge of lime.

image and recipe via Foodie Crush

 

It's the Weekend!

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Hope you all have the best weekend!

xo

Amanda 

Closet Craving || Mara Hoffman Shift Dress

Pleat Front Shift Dress

Spring and summer usually means a lot of fun events and trips and this year is no different. So I've been keeping my eye out for fun prints that would be perfect for any and all occasions. Mara Hoffman is a genius when it comes to fun prints so a few of her items are on my wishlist right now. Like this fun this shift dress [perfect for a shower, wedding, date night or even just a day out with the girls], this weekender, the cutest mini dress, and this high waisted swim suit [top, bottom].

Take a look at her lookbook and the whole collection here.

A Beautiful Bungalow

all images via

I've always loved the idea of owning a bungalow style home. I'm not one who needs a ton of space which makes this style of home perfect. And when decorated as cute as this one located in Venice California is it's easy to see why I'm such a fan. The Domaine article also features 7 other amazing bungalows that are currently on the market [love this other Venice bungalow!}. Sadly the million dollar + price tags are a little out of my budget! But that doesn't mean I can't look!

And you can too, here!

[A Little Late] Tuesday's Tune

Brett Eldredge || Beat of he Music

image via

Still on that country kick and right now I'm loving Brett Eldredge's new song.

I'm pretty sure they shot the video in paradise, seriously gorgeous. I want to be wherever that is!

Instagram Snapshots

::a few recent purchases:: 

dress via Marshalls || heels via TJ Maxx || tops via Loft || perfume via Francesca's

::a little obsessed with the boyfriend's dog, Rogue::

::signs of warmer weather::

fresh flowers from Trader Joe's || sunnies [UO] and a new tumbler [Starbucks] || antique shopping finds, I bought the chair! 

Happy Monday, friends!

How was your weekend? I hope you all had the exact same weather we had in Cincinnati because it was gorgeous here! My weekend was the perfect mix of productive and relaxing: read this book, got a few good workouts in, cleaned & did laundry, went antique shopping, spent time on the front porch, and a cookout at my brother and sister in law's. 

Basically a perfect weekend!

And I figured since I've been kinda in and out lately I'd share a few snippets of what's been going on.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @amandapattison_ !

A Recipe I Want to Try

Portuguese Baked Eggs

I think I could spend all day searching the Bon Appetit website. The articles are awesome, the recipes look so yummy, I love the how to video's and the cocktail recipes are amazing.  It's on the top of my list of favorite websites.
My latest binge on the website lead me to this amazing recipe that I'm dying to try: Portuguese Baked Eggs.
  

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil
3 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 beefsteak tomatoes, cut into wedges
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, with seeds, halved lengthwise
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup ricotta
6 large eggs
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar (about 4 oz.)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (about 1 oz.)
Toasted country-style bread (for serving) 

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 10–12 minutes.  

Add tomatoes, garlic, jalapeño, basil, oregano, chili powder, and paprika to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is thickened, 20–30 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard jalapeño.

Preheat oven to 400°. Transfer bell pepper mixture to a 13x9” baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, make 6 evenly spaced divots in mixture. Spoon a dollop of ricotta into each divot, then crack 1 egg into each. Top with cheddar and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Bake, rotating dish halfway through, until Parmesan is melted and egg whites are almost set but yolks are still runny, 15–18 minutes.

Serve baked eggs with toast. (Yolks will continue to cook as dish sits, so serve right away if you prefer your eggs soft.)

Now who wouldn't love having that for breakfast?!

image and recipe via

Tuesday's Tune

Keith Urban || Cop Car
image via

I tend to get on a country kick whenever the weather gets warmer and this year has proven to be no different.
And right now I'm loving Keith Urban's new song!

So good.

It's the Weekend!

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The weather this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous so I'll be soaking up every possible minute outside.

Hope you all are able to do the same!

xo

Amanda

A Retro Home Makeover

all images via

I'm a sucker for anything bright and especially anything teal. So when I saw this home makeover I was instantly in love. The home belongs to Melanie Bromley, the Chief News Correspondent for E!, and she transformed the 1957 home all on her own. Pretty amazing + beautiful!

To see more photos and read the entire story pop on over to Domaine Home.

Stela 9 Weekenders

Vida

Isabel in Blue Santa Fe

Isabel in Rust Santa Fe

Luna in Mustard

Luna in Turquoise

With so many weekend trips, bachelorette parties, weddings and a few quick trips planned with the boyfriend I've been on the hunt for a new weekend bag. And I've had my eye on these Stela 9 weekenders because I love the bright colors and bold patterns. My favorite would have to be the Isabel in Blue Santa Fe. The Isabel style happens to be on sale at Shopbop right now which means it's also included in the 25% off Friends & Family sale, making this $282 bag only $150!

Such a steal!

Tuesday's Tune

 

Sam Smith || Stay With Me

images via

I love when I find a new artist that I'm truly excited about, especially when I love every one of their songs. Usually there are one or two songs on an album that I could do with out but from what I've heard of Sam Smith, I don't think that will be the case. His album In the Lonely Hour is due out on June 17th and I've already pre-ordered it!

To see what I'm so excited about make sure you check out Stay With Me,  Make It To Me, or Latch.

It's the Weekend!

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Wishing you all the happiest of weekends!
xo
Amanda

Tuesday's Tune

Oh Honey || Be Okay
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Soooo, I've been away for two weeks. What?!
Here's why:
I was supposed to have surgery last Wednesday but when I went in for a check-up with my doctor the Friday before he said no way. Well, for now that is. Chances are I'll still need the surgery but not right now. But because I was supposed to have surgery I spent a full week getting work squared away and training some one who would have been covering me while I was recovering which is why I was MIA the first week. Then last week, I just kept that break going. Partly because I wasn't feeling motivated or inspired due to not having the surgery. That might seem strange so let me explain. After dealing with this ongoing health issue for quite some time (since October!) having the surgery meant finally reaching the light at the end of the tunnel. And eventually that might still be the plan but for right now, I'm on hold. And without explaining all the gory details it actually means I'm healthy so I can't be to upset about not having the surgery. I'm just to the point where I want it to be done and over with!

So until then I'm just going to go with the flow and listen to this happy song!

It's the Weekend!

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Happy Friday! Now that it's officially spring [as of yesterday!] it seems that I'm much more excited about Fridays + the weekends. Not that I haven't been before now, but something about knowing it's spring and that nice weather will soon be here makes the days off so much better! There isn't much scheduled for my weekend, other than going to my parents and cleaning out my old bedroom, sorting through what I want to keep and what can be donated. Exciting, huh? But I'm sure I'll manage to squeeze something fun in! What are you all up to? I hope it's something fun!

Have a great weekend!

Closet Craving || Relaxed Leather Skirt

TopShop skirt || Gap boyfriend shirt || BaubleBar necklace || OPI 'The "It" Color' || Loeffler Randall clutch || Tibi sandal

I love how versatile this leather skirt could be and that it's a little edgy while still being 100% girly.  I think I'd wear this with about everything: t shirts, sweat shirts, chambray (like above), heels, sneakers, sandals ... and the list goes on!

DIYs On My List Vol.3

sculptural hand dish || branch clothing rack || bone inlay tray || floral letters


Here's another round of DIYs that I've added to my list.
I think my favorite would have to be the floral letters, such a fun idea for a wedding or shower!

Find all the other DIYs on my list here!

Tuesday's Tune

Ellie Goulding || Beating Heart
image via 

After flying through all three books in the Divergent series I'm so excited the first movie is coming out this Friday. And on top of that the soundtrack features a few of my favorites: Snow Patrol, Zedd, and Ellie Goulding [4 sounds from her!]. So of course I've already purchased! My current favorite is this one from Ellie. Can't wait to see how the soundtrack plays into the movie!

A Green Cocktail

image & recipe via

I love a good margarita and though they usually make me think of Cinco de Mayo when I saw this green margarita from Ali at Gimme Some Oven it seemed like the perfect drink to share since today is St. Patrick's Day! I don't know about you but I'd feel a little better about having 1 or 2 [or 3 or 4] of these knowing there is a healthy green juice mixed in!

It's the Weekend!

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To me there's nothing better than ending a long week with a weekend full of fun activities. Especially when the weekend forecast is warm and sunny. The family is finally getting together to celebrate my mom's birthday [only 3 weeks late!] and my brothers and I decided on a Mexican fiesta. We split the menu which means I'm in charge of the drink, a side, and dessert. So I'll be making this yummy sangria, attempting to duplicate Chipotle's rice and to stay with the theme ... dessert nachos! On top of eating way too much hanging with the fam I'm also planning on a little spring cleaning and switching my closet to my spring wardrobe. Should be a productive but fun weekend.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

xo
Amanda

Closet Craving || TopShop Playsuit

PJ Wrap Playsuit via TopShop

I've been seriously crushing on jumpsuits and rompers lately and this beauty from TopShop is the latest obsession. I'm loving the soft blush color and think it would be perfect for dinners out with friends, a date night with the boyfriend, or even weekend errands. And I'd definitely pair it with a cute pair of heels, a bright bag for contrast, and a denim jacket.

Little Lego Man

all images via

Confession: I love Legos. I have the Harry Potter Lego game for my Wii and I am dying to see The Lego Movie. Which explains why I was obssessed as soon as I saw these shots from photographer Andrew Whyte . So fun, right? This little guy is a world traveler and has managed to find himself in some really cool places. 

You can check out all his stops here.