See those pictures matted in brown with a gold frame in the center of the image above? They're from a swanky boutique featured in Elle Decor.

See these? They're mine found at the flea market and framed at Michael's! I feel so lucky to have found such a steal! {I do apologize for the poor pictures and how the color is off a bit. Photography is not my strong suit.}

Design Mom introduced me to this hilarious website and book called Stuff White People Like. It pokes fun at the things in mass media and our culture that white people hold near and dear to their hearts. It's laugh out loud funny because it's so true. Really.

My old hometown newspaper, The Arizona Republic, recently published a pretty great series on sustainability in the state. I know it's hard for people to imagine this concept--especially in the heart of the desert where water is at a shortage and the SUV is king--but its been my finding that Arizona is actually very proactive about the movement. Especially when I compare it to my new home, Charlotte. To check out the five-day series with topics ranging from the movement, air, energy, water and homes as well as tips to live a more sustainable life, click here.

One of the things I miss about Arizona is the abundance of Fat Tire beer. You see, it's a staple at restaurants and bars West of the Mississippi, but here you just can't find it. Which is a bummer because it's both Stephen's and my old standby.

So, when I found out a few of our friends were going to visit Alabama I casually mentioned that if they came across a convenience store with it for sale would they mind picking us up a 12-pack or two. Imagine my surprise when they brought home three cases! Thanks so much Tiff and Sean!!

Its been an incredibly busy and crazy week. I'll be back very soon with some posts that I can't wait to share.

The car broke down this morning. What a happy way to start a weekend I was so looking forward to. Hope your Friday is going a bit more smoothly! {image via Sly's}

P.S. Does anyone know of a reputable and reasonable mechanic in the area?

Although this article describes places that have choking air pollution and arsenic-laced drinking water, when I saw this image in the Mexico City portion I couldn't help but love all its different colored vehicles going around the monument.

I used the word shindig in an email today and realized what a fun word it is! A quick google search to see what I could pair with this random post yielded these fun old-time images. {I'm such a word junkie weirdo.}

July's book club selection is Bleeding Kansas. Filled with racial and religious tensions in the mid-west and a character who goes off to Iraq, the book should prove to be a lively mid-summer discussion.

This Q&A on Unruly Things was a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The answer to the question:
Most memorable advice you've been given?
You can have the life you want.
was exactly what I needed. {image via Stephanie's photo stream}

After a great visit I'm back from Arizona but have lots of catching up to do. You know the usual. Farmers market, pile of mail to sort through, laundry, writing assignments, haircut, send eight birthday cards, bridal shower, birthday party, dinner with friends I haven't seen in a year, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. No complaints, just wanted to let you know I'll be posting later this week.

Happy Summer Solstice! {image via A.Guandalini}

We're off to Arizona for a long weekend. Its been a year since I've seen my mom, step dad and brother. I'm so excited! See you next week!

I love how the outdoors come in with these tree stump tables. The look is so soothing and natural. Click here for the DIY by Martha Stewart.

Since Roost only sells to the trade, and because I haven't seen any of the magnifying glasses I posted about at boutiques I frequent, I've been on the hunt for one that us "common folk" can purchase. I spotted this one at Z Gallerie for a mere $17!

I don't enjoy spending a ton of time in the kitchen. But, I do enjoy eating well and that includes eating healthy. The cookbook I find myself going back to again and again is Weight Watchers Cook Quick Cook Healthy. I know what you must be thinking. Bland, bland, bland. But the recipes are actually very tasty. I feel great knowing I'm not loading up on calories with butter filled sauces and hidden extras. Even better, I know it's nutritional because it's not a fad diet but a meal based on a lifestyle of healthy eating. The book is out of print but it's easy to find cheap copies on half.com and Ebay.

While walking around my apartment complex this evening I stumbled upon a lovely hydrangea bush right around the corner. First thought: The renter of this unit is so lucky to have this by their front door instead of the stupid prickly brush that's by mine. Second thought: score! Now I have free flowers {not to mention my favorite} for the rest of the summer! {image via original_ann}

I'd never heard of the 'Dead Zone' in the Gulf of Mexico until I read this Time article. Why won't the federal government do more to control fertilizer runoff? This is how scientists describe it, "the water becomes as barren as the surface of the moon. What sea life that can flee the zone does so; what can't, dies." If that's how the sea life is, imagine how that runoff is impacting humans as it finds its way down the Mississippi River into the Gulf...

I love the simplicity of this image. Isn't it amazing how an everyday product can look so beautiful when observed through different eyes? {image via Funny Bunny-Helena}

Today I had my eyebrows threaded for the first time. Since my skin sometimes gets irritated with waxing, I've been thinking about it as an alternative. Then, after I saw the shaping of my friend Alexis's eyebrows I knew I had to try it. And, I'm so glad I did. I love the way they look! I'm a threading convert!

Can you believe these are crochet and hand embroidery? Talk about dedication to your art. Amazing. {via kirtsy}

Love these magnifying glasses. I picture one sitting on my desk next to my large dictionary--just like how it is in my parents house. {image via Elle Decor}

This might be the perfect bed. It looks so peaceful and serene. I think Room and Board needs some new stylists to do their online shots. This image would sell the bed so much better than the one online. {image via Elle Decor}

Found! My first pair of summer sandals!

One of my favorite Southern fiction novels, The Secret Life of Bees, is being made into a movie! I absolutely cannot wait to see this film about mothers and daughters and the women in our lives who nurture us.

I've been wearing Calvin Klein Euphoria for a few years and I'm starting to feel like it's too heavy and musky. I rediscovered Lovely and adore how light and, well, lovely it is.

Today I stumbled upon the 1930s to 40s collection from the Library of Congress' Photostream. I'm a history buff and love photography so I could look at this for hours. I find it fascinating how all within one decade I see women working, the industrialization of the North and yet extremely poor conditions in the South. What a fascinating time it must have been.

Yesterday I did a search to check out some flight times and boy did I get a sticker shock! I've been hearing about price increases but when I saw it would be nearly $700 to fly to Phoenix from Charlotte I couldn't believe it. Then today I heard a great thing. If you purchase a ticket through Orbitz and there is a price decrease of more than $5 before your date of travel, they will refund you the difference up to $250! {image via The Library of Congress}

Yesterday my friend Bayley and I made this recipe out of Real Simple. It's the first recipe I've tried out of the magazine and boy was it tasty! We substituted shrimp because that's what she had on hand and it definitely worked just as well as chicken. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Chicken and Cashews in Lettuce Cups
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch
pieces
Pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced
1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 cup roasted unsalted cashews
1 small head Boston or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated

Combine the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl; set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes.

Lower heat to medium and stir in the garlic and ginger. Add the scallions and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the water chestnuts and half the soy sauce mixture and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with the cashews.

Divide the lettuce leaves among individual plates and spoon the chicken over the top. Serve with the remaining soy sauce mixture for drizzling.

Substitution: In place of the chicken, try steak, pork, or shrimp in this zesty update of the Chinese-restaurant classic.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

I am behind. Its been nearly 100 degrees here for a few weeks and I've yet to buy sandals to go with my summer dresses. These caught my eye. Which is your favorite? Or, if you have another be sure to comment with a link!

Aldonia- These dress up and down nicely. I'm a little concerned about the wrap around my ankle-- I think they might make me look even shorter.

This summer I feel so uninspired about my clothes. Part of the reason is I'm trying to put all extra spending money toward our condo. {This is hard!} The other part is that I'm still trying to hone my style, without spending a fortune and that's been tough. This outfit spotted on Oh Happy Day speaks to me and makes me want to shop! {image via Lucky}

This flickr stream was a nice midweek pick-me-up. {via kirsty}

If you're a stickler for an RSVP like I am, you'll appreciate this article. {image via UglyKitty}

I discovered this amazing Etsy furniture designer from a Domino slide show. I love everything on the site, but this vintage raspberry high back chair is my favorite.

Ever since I saw an ostrich egg shell at the farmers market last week, all I can think of is how simple and lovely one would look in my home. {image via poorusher}