Spanish Water

I am loving this stylish new glass water bottle from Penaclara 22! Penaclara comes from northern Spain where apparently there are a bunch of swanky people walking around with super cool glass bottles of water :) (or that's what i'm picturing atleast) And there is an interesting story to go with it! ...

The source of Peñaclara 22 lies in the heart of Sierra de Cameros in the La Rioja area of northern Spain. From a depth of more then 1600ft (550m)the artesian spring emerges underneath a magnificent mountain called Peñaseto, and all the surroundings are forbidding any kind of human or industrial activities, assuring the quality of this artesian aquifer.The source was well known by the Goths, but the first hand-written document was dated the 7th of July of 1029, where in her will, Lady Onneca handed over Torrecilla territories and their baths to the King Sancho II. In 1859, Dr. Ildefonso Zubia e Icazuriaga, Head of Department of Physics, Chemistry and Natural History, analyzed the properties of this now famous mineral water. Due to the geological strata, the depth of the source and a very slow absorption process spanning about 150 years Peñaclara 22 has a very distinct terroir. The source has a flow unchanged by seasons and the water emerges at a constant temperature of 73ºF (22ºC).

Roasted Peaches

I have been craving summer fruit lately. These Roasted Peaches might just be the perfect solution! Pistachio cream- yummy!

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, Gas Mark 4.
2. Place the peaches into an ovenproof dish, drizzle a little condensed milk over each peach. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the peaches are soft.
3. Meanwhile, lightly whip the cream and remaining condensed milk together then fold in the crushed amaretti biscuits and pistachio nuts. Chill until peaches are baked.
4. Cool the peaches for 10 minutes. Place two peaches onto a serving plate and serve with a dollop of pistachio cream.

Coming down from Vacation High

Well- it's back to the grind stone after a long weekend in Northern Michigan full of fun, sun, swimming, drinking, eating, sleeping and boating. I keep thinking it's going to get easier to leave but it's always so hard! I am very lucky to come from such a beautiful place. My husband and I are very lucky to have most of our family up there as well!

Hanging out at the lake got me thinking about the practicality of an outdoor shower! Not only are they very shabby chic stylish, but they are so functional. I couldn't count the times that I thought, "I really need to take a shower to get this sunscreen, sweat or just a full days worth of swimming in the lake off of me!" It would be nice to have one of these to feel clean again and be able to do it outside instead of stopping the fun and going inside to take a shower. Plus the blond unfinished wood is so pretty with the old school simple polished chrome hooks and shower system.

Vintage Dictionary

I've been trying to "vintage" up my walls for a while! Little Bluebird Studio's have given the vintage dictionary pages you'll find here a "new life". The words of the page to show through the illustration... making each one a unique piece of art. Another great find on etsy....

Handmade Bags and Pouches

This weekend was very yuppie- alot of walking the dog around the neighborhoods, grocery shopping, drinking latte's, making brunch and eating on outdoor patio's. Very Chicago. One of the places I stepped into was Orange Beautiful's new shop at Damen and Leland! Her cute little shop has tons of stationary and original hand made finds such as the super stylish bags by Drikab. Check em out...

Justin Giunta Sample Sale

There is a sale on pieces by Justin Giunta on Swirl and I just had to show off some of his stuff! Most of it is half off for a limited time. What a deal!

New Challenge

This weekend a friend and I went to get "fitted" for new running shoes so I can start fresh after a week of being sick. While we were waiting in line she talked me in to running a half marathon in the beginning of August. I registered last night and am beginning the 8 week training program this week! The last big race I ran was in 2006 when I ran the Chicago marathon so I'm looking forward to getting back into running shape! These pristine shoes need some miles...

LOVE it!

I love when people take old things and make them look so effortlessly chic! Take a look at this image- the loose sketches are framed to make them look "finished" and the old wheels are connected with a steel frame to create a table base filled with so much character!

What i've got my eye on...

JCrew's new spring collection is guilty (again) of making me go into the store (so conveniently located on my way home) to drool in person! These are the pieces I have my eye on...
Nolita White Denim Jacket- i am notorious for wearing jean jackets over dresses, to dress down slacks, with skirts or pretty much any time I can put one on :)

Papillon Water Floral Pastiche Blouse- this is so feminine and flowy.

Vintage Lattice Work Popover- my favorite color combination of mustard and gray!

Beach Cardigan- perfect for those windy up north (Michigan) afternoons!

Orla Kiely

I am loving the Orla Kiely 2010 Handbag line! The fun graphics are very modern and summery with a bright punch of color. Check out the site for more accessories, clothing, stationary and more! This was brought to my attention by Daily Candy who is having a 60% off sample sale! I also just found out they have a whole division dedicated to thrifty discounts called swirl.com. Make sure you check there first before paying full price for anything!