I've got my eye on you

Okay, I'm just going to say it. I think Birthday Registries should be a thing. I never know what to get people, and it's just strange to tell people what I want. Birthday Registries should be a thing! And keep 'em active at during the holidays, too!

In the absence of this societal commonplace, I have created a list of things I've been coveting, just in case anyone reading my little blog wants some inspiration.

1. Golden Grasslands Dress from ModCloth
2. Afternoon Lounging Loafers in Magenta from Ruche
3. Rose - Teal Camera Bag from JoTotes
4. Antique Door Knob Hook from Urban Outfitters
5. Arrow Brass Stacking Ring from RawEarthStudio
6. Vegan Brunch from Isa Chandra Moskowitz
7. The Experiment 5x7 print from hillarybird
8. Romantic Floral Scarf Duvet from Urban Outfitters
9. Floral Heart 8x10 print from Rifle Paper Co.
10. Brightly Colored Angled Desk Lamp

I just realized that my birthday is in three weeks...better get on my 28 Before 28!!

Peaches Jubilee

I want to share a very magical recipe with you, courtesy of my genius mother. I call it Peaches Jubilee.

Ingredients:
1 TBS coconut oil
1 TBS pecans
2 organic peaches, gently chopped
5 jubilee cherries, halved
1 TBS agave or brown sugar
1 dash cayenne
2 cups vanilla soy or coconut ice cream

Directions:
In a skillet, warm coconut oil. Add pecans & heat for 2 minutes. Add peaches & cherries; cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Add agave and cayenne. Mix completely. Top ice cream with peach mixture and serve immediately. Share with loved ones. Yields 2 servings.

It is so good. Trust me.

♥ Shannon

My 4th of July Cocktail

#15 on my list of 28 Before 28 is to invent a delicious new cocktail. Mission Accomplished. May I introduce the Lexington and Concord*.

Here's the recipe:
1 small dollop Raspberry Syrup (see below)
1 shot iced Vodka
1 shot Sparkling Lemonade
Blueberry Garnish

For the Raspberry Syrup:
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup organic raspberries (frozen or fresh)

Pour sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to boil until sugar dissolves (about five minutes). Add raspberries. Return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into jar and allow to cool. Yields 1/2 cup.

Drip the chilled syrup into the bottom of a martini glass. In a second glass, pre-mix the vodka and lemonade, stirring slowly. Tilt the martini glass to the side and gently pour in the vodka and lemonade, taking care not to stir up the syrup. Garnish with three blueberries, preferably on a sexy toothpick, but floating works too. Enjoy!

It tastes like freedom and it's got a kick, just like the shot heard around the world.

*Naming credit goes to Matthew. Other options:
--Baby You're a Firework
--13 Gunshots
--Stars and Stripes Forever

♥ Shannon

4th of July BBQ Inspiration

Happy 4th of July, friends! (And Happy Independence Day, fellow Americans!) Getting ready to have some BBQ and poolside fun today, so I thought I'd share the recipes we'll be using today!

1. Gluten-Free & Vegan S'mores Bites
2. Chocolate and Vanilla Cake Pops
3. Patriotic Berries
4. Summer Berry Sorbet Popsicle
5. 4th of July Cocktail
6. Mean Green Edamame Soy Burger

Ooohhhh baby yes. I love delicious food!!! Have a happy safe day, wherever you are in the world!

♥ Shannon

National Pink Day

As usual, erika from pinksuedeshoe has inspired me like crazy. In honor of her strength and grace, today I have indeed been celebrating National Pink Day. Without any ado, here is my pink wish list:

This geometric design necklace from Ruche is brilliant.

I just obviously can't have a wishlist without something from Fancy Treehouse.

I want to hang this fashion print from Inslee By Design on my wall immediately. And pretty much every other print she has. 

These hot pink nugget earrings are so cute I almost just said "adorbs". 

The loveliness of this print from The White Deer is endless.

If anyone should feel so inclined, stop by pinksuedeshoe for some cuteness, great photography, and inspiration and wish erika a Happy National Pink Day!

♥ Shannon

Little White Dress

Today is the summer solstice! I think it's time to celebrate with some sun salutations, a picnic, and a little white dress.

I just discovered Inslee By Design and I love everything she does. Check out her blog for a lovely treat, and then browse through the prints in her shop--adorable!

Happy Summer!

♥ Shannon

Creative Dating Guide

One of my favorite bloggers, Amanda from Wit & Whistle, recently created a Hobby Compatibility Quiz. You and your partner each fill it out, marking down the hobbies or activities you'd be interested in. Then you compare your answers and see which activities you both marked.

This actually gave us a lot of chuckles, some great ideas, and also somehow reaffirmed our strange-but-awesomely-in-synch relationship. A few that Matt and I both chose are: amusement parks, astronomy, cocktail mixing, fencing, film making, and visiting wildlife parks.

I highly suggest checking out the quiz, and while you're there, peek around Wit & Whistle--the photography alone is worth it!

♥ Shannon