Fashion Friday: Neon

Live in color: Neon! 

Don't get stuck in a summer rut...brighten your go-to looks with pops of neon! From subtle nail polish to a full-on ensemble, neon is a trend to try. Shy away from neutrals and go BOLD this summer. Here are a few ways I'm going to rock neon!

A Wise Thought: Be Bold

"Fortune befriends the bold" -Emily Dickinson 

At Home Wednesday: Saucer Champagne Glasses

An Ode to Gatsby 

I love all things 1920's and Great Gatsby related...be it the text itself to the decor and fashion inspired by the era. When browsing through the Anthropologie home section, I came across the most amazing saucer shaped champagne glasses adorned with delicate silver floral details. I couldn't help but be swept away to the time of Gatsby upon eyeing them! 

Since, I have been all consumed with glamourous and classic champagne coupes and other vintage glassware. This past weekend  I hit a local estate sale and picked up a few more champagne glasses in this same style. 50 cents each, can't beat that! I sense a collection coming...Oh My Gatsby! 

Foodie Tuesday: Planks

Planks! 

Hors d'œuvres can be boring. How many stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, or chips & dip can one make. For the next party make planks! Bite size deliciously topped breads that can spice up any happy hour.  These are even delicious for a quick lunch! 

I Made: 

1. Fig butter, proscuitto, mascapone cheese, walnut baguette, and a drizzle of truffle oil

2. Goat cheese, garlic infused olive oil,  crispy roasted garlic, arugula, balsamic vinegar drizzle, on walnut baguette

3. Smoked salmon, lemon dill mascapone, capers, on classic baguette

4. Traditional pesto, thinly sliced roma tomatoes, salt & pepper, on classic baguette


My Tips: 

• Prep everything first, this way assembly can be quick and efficient. This means pre-slice all toppings, make all spreads, get out all ingredients and tools.
• Slice baguette into individual portions before toasting or adding toppings. While it may be easier to make one large plank then slice, you'll spend more time fixing the arrangement ruined by cutting the portions than assembling individually.
• Details are important. Pay close attention to each detail to make a clean and chic appearance. 

Muse Monday: Ginnifer Goodwin

With Skin So Fair! 

Chic. Spunky. Whimsical. Ginnifer Goodwin is one to watch! Ginnifer is a master of effortless pairings, she seamlessly blends color with texture in inventive and unexpected ways. Be it a hot pink lip or lace booties. This girl dares to be bold, a true fashion risk taker.  Not to mention her rockin' pixie cut adds edge to even the girliest of ensembles! Love it! 

Fashion Friday: Vintage Jewelry

Grandma's Jewels & Gems!  

When my great grandma passed away, my grandma gave me a box full of costume jewelry. Too young at the time to realize the box of treasure I had just been given, my mom set the jewelry box aside for a later date. Two years ago as my interest in vintage clothing, jewelry, and decor  deepened I rediscovered this wonderful gift I had been given. Piece upon piece, I was simply stunned. I hit the lottery! Not only did I feel that I had been given something special to remember my great-grandmother by, but also learned so much about her life and personality through the jewelry she wore. 

This new love of vintage costume jewelry prompted me to ask my two grandmas if they had any other old costume jewelry that I could look through and possibly wear. Both were delighted. At two separate moments, my grandmothers and I sat together and played dress-up in layers upon layers of beautiful jewels & gems. Moments I treasure equally to the jewels themselves! Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I feel so fortunate and luck to dawn regularly! 

A Wise Thought: Dream On, Dreamer

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" -Eleanor Roosevelt 

At Home Wednesday: Lady Loves Stamps

This Lady Loves Stamps! 

When I get into a project, I go all the way. My latest obsession is stamps! With a collection of notecards already piled in desk drawers (another one of my loves, notecards are so personable and reflect the personality of the sender), I couldn't imagine any craft more fun than to make my own cards. Two weekends ago while at Michael's Craft Store, I came across a sale bin of $1 stamps and decided to pick up a few. Well...a few became many, plus blank notecards, and a variety of ink colors...a small impulse extra turned into a full-on stamp collection! What's a girl supposed to do? They were all so adorable, I couldn't pass them up! 

A few of my favorites. 

Stamps on stamps. 

Colorful Inks. 

Anchor inspired. 

Just a little thank you.

Foodie Tuesday: My Trader Joe's Top 5

My Top Trader Joe's Necessities! 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have an obsession with all things Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's isn't your typical grocery store, I would say it is more of an experience, and a healthful one at that. Trader Joe's offers an array of the best produce, packaged goods, and products curated from around the world and brought to the grocery store setting at affordable prices. I decided to pay homage to the great Trader Joe's and share my top 5 foods from Trader Joe's that I can't live with out!  

 Happy Trekking Nut Mix: Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios,

Chocolate, Cranberries, & Cherries 

 Crunch Salted Peanut Butter 

 Fire Roasted Papaya & Mango Salsa

on a Sweet Potato Tortilla Chip 

 Sparkling Mineral Water with Lime 

French Roast Coffee (pre-ground) 

Muse Monday: Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

It's An Olsen Thing

With their pulse on the cutting edge of fashion, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen push the boundaries of what chic, effortless, and vintage fashions mean. Their eclectic styling and own designs (The Row, Elizabeth & James) makes them industry trendsetters and serves as much inspiration to my own fashion choices. These girls have simply exquisite taste, it must be an Olsen thing! 

Fashion Friday: The Girl Behind the Blog!

On Free People's Blog BLDG 25 they feature a behind the scenes peak into the wardrobes and aesthetics of their fashionable employees. These post commonly highlight a few of their latest outfits at the office accompanied by a questionnaire allowing the reader get to know them better. I always ask myself what I would answer when asked the same question, so I decided to use their template as inspiration for this post. Get to know me, the girl behind Soleful Spoon! Pictures to Come! 

Have a Beautiful Weekend! 

~Alexandria ~

I am a Student    @ Arizona State University

If my life were a movie, I would be played by: Anne Hathaway

My next big goal is to: Study Abroad in Paris

The most played album on my iPod is: Impossible to determine!

My go to outfit is: A Flowy Dress, My Favorite J. Crew Camo Jacket, Boots, and a Scarf!

On the weekends you’ll find me: At home in the kitchen, I’m all about restful and low-key weekends.

An Almond Croissant is my biggest weakness.

The best characteristic a friend can have is: Open Communication + personality!

My dream vacation is to: Stay in an exotic hotel that is over water-The Four Seasons in Bora Bora

My favorite genre movie: I’m a hardcore TV gal—My Shows are like family!

As a kid I was: Crazy and Energetic! I wore a different costume and a matching persona everyday!

My favorite book is: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Beauty is: Effortless—Confidence takes you a long way!

If I could give advice to my younger self it would be: LET IT BE

In my next life I want to come back as: Royalty—doesn’t everyone?

My favorite restaurant is: My own kitchen or Tao (the best Pad Thai noodles EVER!)

Being Yourself is what free means to me! 

A Wise Thought: Happiness

Happiness is like a butterfly. 

The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. 

But if you turn your attention to other things,

It comes and sits softly on your shoulder. 

-Henry David Thoreau  

At Home Wednesday: Herb Garden

Potted Herb Garden 

To me, summer is all about fresh fruits and veggies. While in years past my family has taken on the task of growing our own garden packed with zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers; this year we decided to tackle an herb garden instead. (which is not an easy task, they can die so quick from the heat!) Having fresh herbs on hand is truly an extra touch to enhance any dish, and take much less space and time than a full veggie garden. Plus these plants make the yard smell wonderful. We chose to plant: Basil, Flat-leaf Parsley, Dill, Rosemary, Mint, and Lemon Verbena! 

In Addition to cooking, herbs can be used to make inexpensive and natural beauty regimens. On Free People's Blog BLDG 25, they posted wonderful information about fresh herbs and their natural benefits. Check it out here. 

ENJOY SUMMER AT HOME! 

Table Arrangement

Plant Label: Chives 

One of My Favorites: Dill 

My Summer Chalk Board

Foodie Tuesday: Falafel

Let's Make Falafel 

In the past year or so, I have discovered and begun to explore the realm of Falafel. While I previously tended to lean toward veggie pitas when ordering Mediterranean or Greek, one day I gave falafel a try...and have since become a convert, I'm a falafel believer! Upon reading one of my favorite blogs Design Sponge, I came across a post on how to make your own falafel. I immediately went to Trader Joe's for the ingredients and made it for dinner that night! So yummy!  Find the recipe here. I decided to bake my falafel instead of pan fry, but to each its own! Enjoy. 

Muse Monday: Roman Holiday!

Ballet Pink Lips! 

After a recent Audrey Hepburn marathon, I finally watched Breakfast at Tiffany's all the way through as well as Sabrina. Both of which I completely adore! More so than falling in love with Hepburn herself or her iconic style, I was mesmerized by her strikingly beautiful lips. A matte soft pink, unfussy, effortless, demure, what more can I say other than I desperately desired that color. A trip to Sephora was necessary. I knew that I wanted a lipstick in Hepburn's shade, but the better question was what brand to start the search with: Chanel, Dior, YSL, Nars...so many choices! The first counter I hit: Nars...The first tube I chose: Perfect...The Name: Roman Holiday...Destiny! 

Nars Lipstick-Roman Holiday

Sheer delicate pastel pink 

Fashion Friday: Lotta Daisies

Trending: Daisy Print 

Generally speaking, I have a fond relationship with all things lace...So when I saw this season's latest trend of daisy printed lace, I knew that my wardrobe needed a statement piece with this detail. At the beginning of the season, I found the most amazing sequin daisy print peter-pan collared from Free People. However, I of course couldn't pull the trigger fast enough and this item quickly sold out! Still on the hunt for the perfect piece while in Los Angeles last month, I found an even more amazing bell sleeved tunic adorned with this groovy print. This gem was well worth the wait! 

Gypsy Junkies Mimi Daisy Tunic 

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A Wise Thought Thursday: Be Free

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." -Albert Einstein