HELLO 2015!

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2014 was a great year. I got a new job, got engaged {!!}, and spent some wonderful quality time with my family and friends, old and new.

As great as 2014 was, I can’t help but look ahead. 2015 has so many exciting things in store for us. A wedding {!!}, hopefully a new house, and a few amazing trips {hello, honeymoon!} are in the works for this year. I can’t wait.

Here are a few things I am hoping to accomplish in 2015:

I hope that I will be better about documenting my adventures and inspirations on this little ol’ bloggy-blog. I really do love it.

I hope that I can find a way to get back to ballet because I MISS IT SO MUCH.

I hope that Justin and I can get back to our weekly visits to the animal shelter.

I hope that I can get out of my cooking rut—the amazing cookbooks I got for Christmas should help with this ;)

I hope that I can get through planning this wedding without too much stress. I want to have FUN with it!

I hope that I can continue to support Justin in his career and entrepreneurial endeavors.

I hope that we will be able to find a church that we like in CT, and will attend regularly.

I hope that I can get rid of things I don’t need and decrease clutter.

I hope to keep from being too hard on myself.  I want to keep my thoughts positive!

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What do you hope for 2015?

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

It's that time of year again...when my wallet is completely drained of funds thanks to Nordsrom's Anniversary Sale. I have a love/hate relationship with this yearly event. Here are a few of the things sitting in my shopping cart.

zella capris // Diptyque candle set // PJ's // white blouse // pink Nike running shoes // brass soap pump // newbury booties

What are your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds?

Farm Life

If you have the opportunity to pick up this month's Architectural Digest, please do. I almost squealed with excitement when I opened up this issue and saw my absolute favorite farm featured! The Grey Barn and Farm on Martha's Vineyard is the place I go when on island for delicious organic raw milk, eggs, cheese, beef, and pork. The grounds are just as wonderful as the food they produce.

This is farm perfection. Just take a look at the packaging.

The grounds of the farm are equally stunning.

all images from Architectural Digest

Sweeping farm views, wood beams galore, a La Cornue range...gorgeous, no? I think I could be persuaded to live on a farm if it looked like this.

5 reasons June is my favorite month

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It's safe to say that today is my absolute favorite day of the year. Not only is it the longest, but it's the official beginning of a season that means mojitos, fireflies, and salty beach air. I am sure that you have gathered by now that June is my favorite month {it's only in the name of my blog...} Here are a few reasons why:

strawberries & cream // fireflies // peony season // my birthday! // fresh pedicures & sandals

what does June mean to you?

P.S. Happy Summer Solstice!

Recipe: Caramelized Leek, Mushroom, and Bacon Pizza

I love pizza. Honestly, who doesn't? But after reading this I have vowed to never order pizza again. And why would I, when it's really so easy to make at home? If I have a craving for pizza, I usually make a tortilla pizza, but sometimes you just want something more authentic with a nice fluffy crust. This is honestly one of the best pizzas I have ever had!

My tricks for making perfect pizza at home are:
1. Use a really hot oven. Isn't it the worst when you make pizza at home and the bottom of the crust is gummy? Gross. A 500 degree oven ensures a crispy crust throughout. Super important!
2. Use a pizza stone. A must if you make pizza often.

Caramelized Leek, Mushroom, and Bacon Pizza

6 slices thick cut bacon
1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
5-7 large crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 store bought or homemade whole wheat pizza dough
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup mascarpone
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated parmesan
*use organic ingredients if possible*

Preheat oven, with pizza stone set to lowest rack, to 500 degrees.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate. Once cool, roughly chop and set aside.

In the leftover bacon grease {you can pour some out if there is too much}, saute leeks until soft and beginning to caramelize, 12-15 minutes. Set aside.

On a lightly floured wooden cutting board or pizza peel, use a rolling pin {or your hands!} to flatten the dough to a 12-inch circle that's 1/2 inch thick. It's ok if it's not perfect--mine never is. Drizzle crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Using a spatula, spread a thin layer of the mascarpone over the crust. Sprinkle on half the mozzarella, then top with leeks, mushroom slices, and bacon. Sprinkle on remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake until crust is golden, and cheese is bubbly, 10-12 minutes. Let sit a minute or two before slicing.

Enjoy with a big green salad!

Weekly Links

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+ Snack: have you ever made these?
+ Laugh: middle class problems
+ Inspire: one of my favorite bloggers/designers documented her latest project
+ Dream: the prettiest beach in the world?
+ Inspire: cannot WAIT to order my copy of this!
+ Health: the battle of the juice cleanse
+ Decorate: this powder room is so pretty
+ Travel: added to my to-do list while I live in New England
+ Eat: 10 powerful food combos 

Happy Friday!

Currently Craving: Weekend Casual

Outfit 1: white tee // earrings // scarf // maxi skirt // leather tote // sandals

Outfit 2: striped tee // necklace // clutch // leggings // espadrilles

I would happily wear either of these outfits this weekend--if only the weather would cooperate. Many of my wish list items lately have been knits, simple tees, and bright accessories. Hurry up, spring!

P.S. this is exactly how I feel right now. Ugh.