Taylor's Summer Mix

I know it's almost September and the warm weather is on it's way out (cue hysterical crying), but here in NYC it still feels like full on summer, so I'm going to stay in denial for a little longer :) Here is Taylor's summer mix to carry you through the last little bit of summer. Hope you like it! You can check out our other summer mixes here. What have you been listening to this summer? I'm always up for some new music recommendations!

Shrinky Dink Jewelry on Brit+Co.

Remember this DIY from a while back? Well, I decided to pull out the shrinky dinks again and try my hand at a few more accessories...This is such an easy way to make custom pieces on the cheap. Head on over to Brit + Co to check out my post and get some inspiration for pieces of your own!

Since I last posted we've made the move to New York City! Taylor and I are finally starting to feel fully settled into our new apartment in Brooklyn and falling quickly in love with the city...I can't wait to share some little bits and pieces of  our new home and life with you all. Of course, I'm getting a spurt of creative energy and desire to get back to blogging right before things get crazy again -- I start my Masters of Social Work on Thursday, and life is going to get busy quickly!...but I'm so excited to pursue something I'm so passionate about. I'm thinking this is going to be a pretty great time in my life :)

Summer Lovin' // Summer Mix 2014

Happy second day of summer! It's been hot and humid here on the east coast and summer is definitely in full swing. Time for trips to the beach and picnics under shady trees. Oh, and G+Ts. Always G+Ts. I've been pulling together this mix over the last month or so (in hopes that summer weather would come faster), and collecting new songs as I heard them on the radio/in stores/on TV shows. Of course I had to throw in a bit of my girl Bey. I recently re-discovered the album "4" and have had it on repeat. Also, who else can't stop listening to that "Rude" song? So catchy and perfect for blasting in the car on a hot summer day. Hope you enjoy the mix! What songs are you listening to this summer?

Honey Basil Collins

Ok, so, I'm definitely cheating a little bit here because I didn't actually come up with this cocktail, but this collins from Oven & Shaker was the first drink I wanted to try my hand at when I got home. I figured I'd share the recipe here since not everyone has the privilege of living (+ eating + drinking) in Portland! If you're in Portland, I would highly recommend giving Oven & Shaker a try (get the spicy salami pizza - you'll never have pizza without honey again!).

For this drink you will need a small handful of fresh basil, 2 oz. vodka (I've also found this drink is pretty good with gin), 3/4 oz. lemon juice, a squirt or two of honey (I would adjust this based on your preferences), 2 oz. seltzer water, and ice.

What I do is tear the basil up roughly (not too small) and throw it in my cup with the vodka and honey. Muddle to release the flavor of the basil. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well, and fill your glass with ice. Enjoy your perfect summer drink!

Do you have any favorite summer drinks? I would love to hear! xo

Happy Hour // 6 Cocktail Recipes to Try This Summer!

Today is my last day in Portland before I head to New Hampshire for the summer...The past week has been full of packing/cleaning, visits with friends, and trips to all of my favorite restaurants and bars. I'm gonna miss this little foodie city! Time for me to drink away my sorrows, right? ;) Summer is the season of cocktails in my book, so I'm excited to spend the summer coming up with some new boozy concoctions. Have you tried any of the drinks I made last summer? Here are a few cocktails I can't wait to try! (Most of these would also be pretty easy to make virgin as well).

1: Blackberry Sage Cooler // 2: Pomegranate and Ginger Spritzer // 3: Raspberry Rose Fizz // 4: Lavender Lillet Cocktail // 5: Pear Nectar and Thyme Mimosa // 6: Ginger and Cucumber Gin Fizz

I'm Still Alive! // Batik Constellation Wall Art DIY on Brit+Co.

Hello hello my friends! You may have noticed that I took a bit of a hiatus from blogging...if you're still around after a month of radio silence, you're the best! I've been crazy busy with getting things together to move across the country and spending quality time with friends before I leave. This big move will be over in two weeks and I'm looking forward to having the summer to do all sorts of projects and post more frequently! There is also another reason for my absence...I recently got hired by Brit+Co as a freelance DIYer and I'm so excited to be contributing to their site! My first project for them was a fun piece of wall art using a dying method called batik...head on over to their site for the full post!

Healthy Eats // Weeknight Dinners

On weeknights sometimes all I want to do when I get home is lounge around and eat a box of mac and cheese. I love cooking beautiful, extravagant meals but during the week it's just not going to happen. To help myself eat healthy during the week I've started to collect some easy, balanced meals that I can throw together quickly. Here are a few that I can't wait to try!

1: Green Chickpea & Chicken Curry with Swiss Chard // 2: Cheesy Quinoa Bowl // 3: Chermoula Eggplant with Bulgur and Yogurt // 4: Baby Bok Choy and Shiitake Stir-Fry // 5: Rosemary Lemon Pasta // 6: Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce // 7: Vegetable Chili with Polenta

What are your go-to weeknight meals?