Mini Vacation

My friend and former neighbor, Claire, is visiting from England. She came all the way just to see me! Well, and America. This is her first time and I feel lucky to be her host. I get to give her the tour of Seattle, and her first taste of life in the US. It will be fun to play tourist in my own city, too.

Yesterday, we bought paper and craft stuff in Greenwood, cupcakes in Ballard, and clothes in the U District. I got these fab suede flats in the Madewell sale. Then we came and had salad and Pimm's Cup! Gotta make her feel at home ;)

Tomorrow we'll go shopping downtown, Wednesday will be heading up the Space Needle and wandering Pike Place, then Thursday will be dinner with friends. The weekend will be spent down in Shelton at mom's house, with a little trip out to the coast. It's going to be a packed week! Hopefully I will have some good photos for you next week!

Cheers!

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Look of the Day: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

Every summer I find myself favoring a certain style or aesthetic. Last year, I was in love with bright colors and stacked bracelets; a sort of glamorous prep in the spirit of Atlantic-Pacific. This year, those mixed patterns and bright accessories are still on the menu, but the mode du jour is vintage prep, circa 1980s and 1990s.

I've always had a soft-spot for preppy classics, like boat shoes and oxford shirts, but I love the idea of adding Ikat patterns or raw, organic fabrics to give an outfit a bohemian twist. For inspiration, I listen to Vampire Weekend, especially their song"Step" which is like watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the first time. It's perfect. 

I stumbled upon this amazing letterman's sweater when I was browsing the kid's section at Goodwill. It was like $5. All wool, made in Boston, and the pockets and vest of the sweater are one piece (I can't even figure out how they did it). It's such a treasure! I found the shorts at the same time. I love the stripes.

As a treat for readers, I'm having a sale on everything in my Etsy store!

Use the code MIDSUMMER11 to get 10% off your purchase! Hurry! The code expires July 31st.

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Vintage Letterman Sweater -Vintage windowpane shirt (similar) - Vintage shorts (similar) - Sam Edelman flats (on sale) - Oasap sunglasses - Woven necklace (similar)

Summer To-Do List

I wait all year for summer, but in my boring, adult world full of priorities and obligations, I sometimes let the 3 months of sun and bliss slip by without really enjoying it. I always say "I'm going to go to the beach way more this year!" and then the hot car and the crowds talk me out of it. This year is going to be different though, and so far it has been! I've made it to the beach 1.5 times! I've made a checklist of things I want to do and things you should do, too! Don't let the summer go to waste!

1. Go to the beach

Saltwater, freshwater, or pool water! You don't even have to wear a bathing suit, just get yourself to a body of water and enjoy nature! Dip your toes in, people watch, read a book, and take advantage of the cooling breezes any big body of water creates.

2. Enjoy the bounty

Go to a farm stand or farmer's market and take advantage of all the cheap, fresh produce available. Then, eat fresh fruit till you're sick! Not sure where your nearest farmer's market is? Visit FarmersMarket.com to find one!

3. Preserve some of that summer goodness

If you don't feel like making yourself sick or can't make it through all that fruit before it goes bad, make a batch of jam! You don't need tons of fruit to do it and containers of Ball Classic Pectin have the measurements for smaller batches right on the label.

4. Stay outside till it gets dark

Naturally, we want to go indoors when it starts getting dark, but in the summer we can bend the rules a little. After a hot day, nothing feels as liberating as sitting outside in the cool, dark, night. Share a beer with friends, go for a walk, or just sit and watch the stars get brighter. Don't make the mistake I made though, when I went for a walk without bug repellent. My legs looked like a warzone!

5. Make ice cream

I still need to buy an ice cream maker, but I am determined to get one before the summer is over! Making ice cream is work, but it sure is worth it! It's so fun to be able to choose your own flavors. I'm thinking peach and pecan, with a swirl of my apricot jam. What flavor would you go for?
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Look of the Day: A Whole Lot of Dress

 It's taken me a couple months to make up my mind on this dress. It's a whole lotta dress! The colors and pattern are so bold, and polyester is not my first choice of fabrics. I've made up my mind, though. I LOVE IT. It's the perfect summer evening dress. 

On my way downtown last week, I stepped out my door and a family walking home from the lake said "Look at that dress!" That settled things. This dress is over the top in the best way!

Without the belt, the front of the dress is a little shapeless. The back, however, is a gorgeous, Lanvin-esque cocoon shape. It drapes beautifully. I plan on wearing it as maternity wear someday. 

 Vintage maxi dress (similar) - thrifted leather belt - Oasap sunglasses - Forever21 sandals (similar) - Tiffany bracelet 

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Country Escape: Part 2

Another country adventure! I helped out with my niece again while my sister celebrated her college graduation in Hawaii. We didn't have quite as much sun, or adventure, as Maddie had in Hawaii, but it was still a wonderful, relaxing week.

 Nothing says "summer in the country" quite like daisies.

Emmett, my mom's corgi. He's a great farm dog who takes pride in his work, the way a corgi should.

 Frida coming over to see what I was doing sitting in the grass.

Garlic harvest

I made rhubarb hand pies with rhubarb from my mom's garden. They're maybe the prettiest things I've ever baked.

 Going for a walk along the logging road. We were nearly eaten alive by mosquitos!

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Seattle Favorites: Phinney-Wood

Every couple of weeks, either my husband or I say something along the lines of “I never want to leave Greenwood!” We’ve been here three years now, and the Phinney Ridge-Greenwood neighborhood just keeps getting better. Here is a short list of my current favorite stops along Greenwood Avenue.

1. Flourish Collection

7406 Greenwood Avenue North

Whether you're a stationery addict like I am, or just looking for a nice greeting card, you have to pop into this little shop on the east side of Greenwood Avenue. The owner is friendly and helpful and the bright, tidy shop is a pleasant break from Greenwood’s countless coffee shops. With products in everyone’s price range, you’re sure to find something among the hand selected gifts and paper notions, all so pleasantly arranged on vintage tables

2. Ludlow Home

7315 Greenwood Avenue North

Kitty-corner from Flourish is Ludlow Home, a furnishing shop full of Seattle aesthetic. If you’ve just moved to the neighborhood, Ludlow is the perfect place to find those finishing touches for your new home. Owner Rick Rochon has created the perfect collection of mid-century furniture and vintage Americana and filled in any cracks with delicious small batch preserves and elegant house warming gifts. Even if you don’t have a big budget, Ludlow is worth a visit!

3. Greenwood TrueValue Hardware

7201 Greenwood Avenue North

A neighborhood staple since 1948, they carry everything from screws and power tools, to canning jars and potting soil. The staff is always friendly and capable of answering any home improvement questions you might have. Why waste time wandering up and down massive aisles when you can come and see your neighbors at Greenwood Hardware?

4. Bluebird Microcreamery & Brewery

7400 Greenwood Avenue North

Last summer, I was perfectly happy with my PB&J ice cream from this small-batch ice cream maker, but now that they’ve added beer to their list of treats, I may never leave! Everything, even the beer, is made in-house. If a down-to-earth staff, an unfussy menu, and local ingredients aren’t enough to get you in, then how about a beer float? Try the Caffé Vita Porter with a scoop of Theo Chocolate Chunk!

5. Yanni’s Greek Cuisine

7419 Greenwood Avenue North

For 30 years, Yanni’s has been serving up so much more than gyros. I’ve been going to this family owned and run restaurant for years and am excited about the recent menu update thanks to Gordon Ramsay! Without owner Peter Avgoustiou’s talent for cooking traditional Greek fare, this menu update wouldn’t even matter. This family-owned and run restaurant really is a neighborhood institution! Give the Chicken Krasati a try and don’t miss the Kalamari Piatela.

This article originally appeared in Renter Resources on Apartments.com

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Look of the Day: Polka Dot Party

 I want to host another tea party! A garden party would be the perfect thing. If the patio behind my apartment was a little bigger and a little more private, I would host it there. I've been working on tidying it up. I've planted more poppies, some succulents, nasturtiums, and a big, yellow daisy-type flower. As you can see, though, my weedwacker can't keep up with the warm weather. The grass is out of control!

Thanks to Oasap  for the blouse, the sunglasses, and the outfit inspiration. All of which led to the tea party inspiration, of course.

I just love the shape of these!

...And lets all wish Frida a very Happy 10th Birthday!

I can't believe she's 10! It happens to be her Golden Birthday, so I am going to try to do something special. Unfortunately, her back has been bothering her and we think she had a stroke (it's the best diagnoses for her droopy face), so it's going to be a quiet birthday. Maybe I will cook her a steak and we can watch a movie... Ok, I'll watch the movie.

Oasap Polka Dot Blouse - Oasap Chic Sunglasses  - American Apparel Skirt - Vintage Belt - MIA Audrey Flats - Thrifted Straw Hat

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Country Escape: Part 1

Life is never easy, but I must say that I have a pretty blessed one. My nannying job is done, probably forever. Sad as that may be (I miss those kids terribly!), it's left me open to new jobs and adventures, like visiting my mom and sisters in Olympia. A couple weeks ago, I stayed for a few days to help out while my sister was away at a crew tournament. These pictures were taken then. 

This is Donnie Dark Goat.

They are so cute! I wish they didn't all grow into big, stinky jerks.

 Tilly used to share George's lunch, but at 3, she's not so into sharing hers.

Fennel

My little sister with a ball of fluff and claws

 Speaking of blessings, these trips wouldn't be possible without my husband. He stays home and works while I get to go laze around and eat crepes. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Thank you, Mr. Jordan.

GIVEAWAY: Custom Anjolee Eternity Band

Anjolee Giveaway by fleur-d-elise featuring cole haan sandals

I feel so lucky to get to work with Anjolee again! They sell beautiful custom jewelry, like earrings, tennis bracelets, and eternity bands. You can choose your metal, stone quality, stone color, etc. The possibilities are endless which means each piece is unique!

 The lovely team at Anjolee has been generous enough to send me an eternity band and offer one for my lovely readers to win!

Up for grabs:

A gorgeous eternity band, like this one or this one.

If you choose the one with accent stones, you can pick from either garnet, topaz, or amethyst. These are genuine stones, and the white stones are high quality cubic zirconia.

To Enter:
1. Like Anjolee on Facebook
2. Like Fleur d'Elise on Facebook
3. Leave a comment!
(Open to US & Canada Residents Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Red, White, and Black & Blue

The Fourth of July is quite possibly my favorite holiday. Despite the amount of explosives involved, it's so relaxed; there are so few expectations. The only thing that can ruin it is clouds (which of course we have this year). Oh, and a sprained ankle. I twisted my left ankle for the 4th time this year, so the clouds aren't the biggest bummer. It's kind of nice that I'm not missing out on any awesome weather. That'll be back this weekend.

I spent the day, despite the injury, enjoying the company of my mom and niece. We spent some time in the garden, and then my mom made hot dogs with homemade buns and the prettiest potato salad I've ever seen. It was half way to Waldorf Salad, since she was low on potatoes. Apples add a nice crispness to a salad I usually find too mushy and heavy. The genius finishing touch, though? The delicate radish blossoms sprinkled on top.

I'll have the recipe up soon! 

We've had our disagreements, but all in all I really love my country. It's offered me many opportunities and freedoms. There is still much room for improvement, but on this day, it's good to think about how far we've come and how much closer we are to equality for all. Tomorrow, we'll focus on how far we still have to go.

Now I'm off to comfort some frightened little dogs. Maybe a beer would help...

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