Moments of serenity

Despite it being a holiday weekend, I was able to steal away some "me" time on Saturday while I stretched out on my new chaise lounge in the sun with a new book (The Help). While we dream about things to do with the space in the backyard where the trampoline used to be {which includes considering a new trampoline}, I drooled over the new Elle Decor and other spaces that seemed ultra relaxing and serene.

Image - love it here

{Elle Decor featured Keri Russel's home...wow. If anyone knows what that plant is called, fill me in  please!}

Image - love it here

{I am obsessed with outdoor living room-type of furniture. And those striped cushions}

Image - love it here

{I can instantly picture myself cozied up on this couch with a book in hand, but instead of reading, I would be gazing out the windows daydreaming}

Pretty with pink

my peonies!

Last year I was thrilled when I found peony bulbs at Costco. When some of them started sprouting, I was over the moon. Until, the gardeners mowed over them not once, but twice and I thought they were goners. Hello surprise when 4 started growing this spring! Not only that, one of them must have enjoyed their Miracle Grow treatments so much, they gave me 3 gorgeous flowers. Happyhappyhappy!

Images - love them here

Polite request

Image - love it here

Sunshine required

Image - love it here

YUP! :) This girl is ready for more sunshine, hot weather, and bikini days, and I know Summer is coming when my freckles start popping up everywhere.

I wish I was a little bit taller

Just kidding. I even could go for being a few inches shorter some days, mostly when I find super cute shoes that have heels taller than I feel that I can get away with. I do love wearing heels when I go out with girlfriends {hello my favorite gold sparkly heels for my gf's bachelorette party this weekend} but mostly opt for sandals.

On a hunt for wedges with a reasonable heel for someone almost 5'9", I checked out Asos and came across these shoes I want to see my shorter friends wear :)

True story

Image - love it here

You guys....

I LOVE this.

Image - love it here

Uplifting

After have a very filled and needed "me" weekend, I feel refreshed, less boggled down, and hopeful. I instantly fell in love with this photo and feel like it fits me very well today.

{and also because I am in love with Tangled}

Image - love it here

Ohhh mom

Image - love it here

Lately I've been on a sewing kick. I have this new thing of wearing stretchy tanks as mini-skirts with loose, flowy tops. It all started when I wore a black H&M tunic with a bright green tank/skirt, and immediately was hooked on the new style...it was saucy mixed with easy and fun, and it rocks because I didn't have to buy anything!

Until...I realized I wanted a more neutral, light colored top, so off to the fabric store I went. Basically I traced my favorite black top, cut and pinned, and finished by sewing. Voila! I have been living in this shirt now {pictures soon} with skinny jeans rolled at the ankle, black leggings, or of course, bright tank-skirts.

Up next...a loose tank in grey, and hopefully {fingers crossed} a dark purple maxi dress from scratch will work so I can make one for my sister!

Thank you, Ma, for letting me utilize your wonderful sewing supplies. Moms are the best :)

Seriously addicted

Hello, my name is Valerie and I'm addicted to black licorice.

Image - love it here

Like, seriously addicted. I tried Panda black licorice last week and seriously had to talk myself out of eating the whole box. Luckily they aren't the worst of candies, but I still tried my darnedest to keep it down to a few at a time. I can understand why most people aren't black licorice fans {and therefore clearly not lovers of Jager..silly people} but liking the stuff runs in my family and I'm perfectly content with licorice, black or red, over most candies.

If you see it {Trade Joes has it!} grab a box...you can thank me later :)

Image - love it here

The Power of Words

My mom sent me this video today and I instantly forwarded it on after watching it myself.

Enjoy it, go awwww, and share it with others.

Deal stealer

I made a quick trip to H&M yesterday afternoon and ran in to Trade Secret to just 'see' what polishes they had. Quickest nail polish selecting I've ever done, thank you to the buy 1 get 2 free bins of Essie polish. Yes, get 2 FREE. Even though their selection was pretty minimal {lots of whites and creams, some pinks and reds}, I easily selected 2 new pinks and a solid white. First up, Guilty Pleasures...the best not quite sheer but pink with a hint of coral. LOVE love love. Next, Status Symbol and Below the Belt.

Über excitement

Image - love it here

Today my friend since middle school went to the hospital to begin the deliver of her first baby, William.

Katy, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! I seriously feel like I have Mexican jumping beans in me. I simply cannot wait to meet the little guy. He is such a lucky baby already with two amazing, loving and fun parents. (And not to mention he has a kick-ass baby room.)

I am totally loving the experience of going through the different stages of life with long-term friends. From coordinating outfits and making up names for crushes in middle school, to swimming and saying goodbye in high school, to a reconnected and deepening friendship, I am truly thankful to have such a wonderful friend {and MOMMA BEAR} in my life.

Brewskies

Over the weekend, we went to San Francisco to celebrate the engagement of our friends. I love that they chose to celebrate at Pitxi's, a Chicago style pizza place. YUM. The boys all got these {fancy} beers that came in big bottles with special glasses at the bar we went to after.

Cue instant yummms and me stealing more sips to keep enjoying the new find. Paul thought it tasted a little like raspberry iced tea and after thinking that while tasting, I could definitely see what he meant.

After trying this and becoming a recent fan of Stella, I think it will be a summer of {fancier} beers.