Monday, April 30, 2012

Keeping It Simple

Thrifted Sunglasses, F21 Tank, Victoria's Secret Cargo Pants (on sale!), Michael Kors Watch (right arm), Saks Fifth Avenue Leather Bracelet (left arm), Thrifted Bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors Heels

Comfort is key when it comes to the weekends, and in my book, nothing beats the simplicity of a billowy tank paired with fitted cargoes. These aviators, with their bursts of neon yellow on the sides, remind me of shades you'd expect to find on a surfer/skater circa 1992, which only adds to the laid-back vibe of the overall outfit. A sturdy pair of wooden heels still feels casual but dresses everything up a bit, making this look perfect for hanging out with friends, running errands and all else in between.



Saturday, April 28, 2012

Bright Spots


Reading up on spring trends, like these iridescent tribal earrings & Michael Kors sunglasses (similar to these) found for a steal at Ross

This past month certainly has been a busy one. Work dominated my schedule for a good part of April, including three weeks straight when I was chained to the computer every single day for a minimum of 10 hours trying to finish stories by deadline. I also started training for another half marathon, which is now exactly one month away! Things are finally getting back to normal, and after being MIA for nearly a month (is it May next week already?!), here is an update on what's been keeping me smiling these last couple of weeks.

New running gear in bright colors & bold patterns

Fresh basil growing in the window

Batgirl playing in patches of sunlight

Jacaranda trees in full bloom



The purple petals create my favorite running path this time of year


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tasty Tuesdays: Glazed Donut Muffins


Certain foods will always be a reminder of childhood, and for me, donuts bring to mind lazy Saturday mornings when my parents would take me down to the local bakery to pick up freshly made pastries, which we would swiftly take home to enjoy while they were still warm. Even though donuts hold a special place in my heart, I haven't had one in years because of the overload of sugar and fat found in most commercially made varieties. Thankfully I came across this recipe. Rather than being loaded with lard and deep-fried in oil, these "donuts" rely on a scant amount of butter and oil (I used heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil) and are baked in a muffin tin, resulting in a denser cake that is far less greasy but just as tasty as its traditional counterpart. And even though it did take a few dips in the sugary glaze to coat the muffin tops, taking a trip down memory lane more than makes up for it.