do it with Flare!

Excited that flare trousers are back, I think they flatter all body types! If you're on the shorter side, pair them with some platforms and POW! a few inches taller. If your tall enough, just throw on some flats.  It's great cause I think it helps balance out bodies. You can wear fitted tops or even something a little blousy.  Go for it have some fun this fall, it's a easy trend to do with not a lot of cash.


Devon Rachel


this time tomorrow


ITCWC

Tech Trauma

I wish I could share all the photos I have been taking, but I am having some gadget issues! John is going back to L.A tomorrow, so he said he would do a little something fun for a post. Just started to get back into the groove. xo helen

Japanese Super FUN party!

Herc turns 2 in November so of course I'm being totally reasonable posting my inspiration board for his second birthday party tonight. Did I mention I still have to clean out my refrigerator and pack for Palm Springs?


1.
2.

3.


4.


1. Japanese Paper Balloons via Pinterest
2. 79 Ideas
3. Paul&Paula
4. shine.yahoo.com

Temporary Relocation - Destination: PALM SPRINGS

We are landing here: The Saguaro in Palm Springs.

Herc And I are staying for seven days, while they do repairs on our building. John will stay for the first few

days than go back to work, than join us again for the last few days.  My favorite chill spot is Palm Springs, 


so I totally lucked out on this one! We will mostly be hanging out by the pool, but I am figuring out some fun 


activities to do since it get's REALLY hot during the afternoon.  

We've never stayed here before, we usually do the ACE hotel which we love, but we thought we should shake things up a little.

                                     

I will be posting tasty spots to grab some grub, kid friendly locations and neat treasures that we discover along the way.  We have been here many times, but now that Herc is bigger we will be getting into some different kinds of adventures!

ICE POPS

Pools and Popsicles!  That's what summer's about.

Fun Activity to do with the kiddos!

Here are some cool molds I found for fun popsicle shapes.


You can find some great recipes for frozen pops here!


* Fun facts about the popsicle below*



http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpopsicle.htm
By Mary Bellisvia 

In 1905, the Popsicle was invented by an eleven-year-old Frank Epperson. Frank Epperson was only 11 years old when he invented the originally named Epsicle. He had left his fruit flavored soda outside on the porch with a stir stick in it. The drink froze to the stick and tasted good. It took 18 more years in 1923 for Epperson to apply for a patent for a "frozen ice on a stick" called the Epsicle ice pop, which his children re-named the Popsicle.

Just for me!

A little gift to myself.  Golden Stork Scissors from a little Etsy shop We Love Citrus.

Burn Out Chic Part II

Via Le Fashion blog

Burn Out Chic

What's old is new and round and around we go.  Remember Fast times ant Ridgemont High? Who could forget the loveable burn out Jeff Spicoli! This outfit is super chill for summer and reminds me of head banging in all it's glory, with a twist of chic!




 This is Catherine Sheppard of The Life Styled

BOY- OH -BOY!

 I think the key to dressing boys is being practical and fun.

I like to look at really modern boutiques for a bit of inspiration and then recreate

the looks at much more reasonable prices.  One store I absolutely adore is Lost & Found in Hollywood

Here are a few of my favorite picks for boys..

Iced Coffee on the regular.

This morning I signed Herc up for his first swimming lessons! I cried, I did.  We start Friday at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.  It's new and nice and outdoors, and it has an awesome Pirate Park next to it.  So this will be our Friday afternoon activity for the next five weeks.  I'm gonna need an iced coffee for the car ride there.  Honestly, John's iced coffee is amazing, he has been perfecting it since we got married.  He said I can share it with you.  It's a Japanese method,  he is very proud of his coffee making abilities.  It's good, really good.  The best part is you use your regular old coffee maker.  We have a stainless steel carafe, I'm not sure if you can do this in a glass carafe, but im pretty sure its o.k.

Iced Coffee:


Fill your carafe about  halfway with Ice.


Use 4 scoops of coffee to 1 cup of water. Add or subtract coffee depending on how strong you like your iced coffee.  This recipe makes a nice dark iced coffee.


Brew coffee right into carafe full of ice, this will cool the coffee quickly and will prevent the flavor from turning acidic.


Most coffee machines have a pour function when its brewing, meaning you can pull the carafe off and pour. I use the function to add more cubes if it starts getting hot. Swirl the ice cubes in the carafe to keep it cool in there. Remember, keeping the freshly brewed coffee cool means less built up acidity which means a smoother cup of Iced Coffee.


Poor over ice, add cream and simple syrup.( Simple syrup can be made by using a few T. of water and sugar and warming it until the sugar dissolves, make it ahead of time so the solution is not hot.)

That's it!

Now call your friend over for a nice iced coffee!

xoxo helen

Happy Father's Day

To my amazingly awesome DAD, Happy Father's Day! I love you! Thanks for being my SOLID!!

Mint

   For those of you who havn't noticed, Mint is the color of the summer.

I have always been a fan of this retro shade. It's sweet and light hearted.

These are a few of my favorite mint picks.






Nail polish:




http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0152/2161/products/Scotch_Leprechaun_Lynch.jpg?8583




Peek-a-boo mint nails :0

via pinterest



Mint Stove, this is happening in my kitchen for sure!





http://bigchill.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/sm_IMG_0357.jpg

 


Be on time Mint

http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24795999_045_m?$redesign-appcat$



Mint frosting for a fun & sweet cake!

via pinterest


Minty Fresh Style


http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/261701428317230512_uJdixgSa_f.jpg




http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/129408189262884267_YuuxFyUH_f.jpg





Now go get yourself a cone of mint chocolate chip ice cream...Happy Weekend!

Envylopes! oh pretty pretty!

I have the honor of throwing my best friends bachlorette party this summer. I want it to be beautiful and fun like her.  She is Herc's Godmother and the kindest person I know.  I'm also excited to do some of the awesome projects I have been pinning the past few months.

Like making envolope liners for her invitations!

Here is some inspiration.




                                   
via designsponge




via etsy



via smittenonpaper.com

Greek Yogurt with Honey Face Mask

                              

 Herc is such a Green little boy. After he was done with his breakfast he decided to use the leftovers as

a soothing mask!

Recipe for soothing Greek Yogurt and Honey Mask

         

                      1-2 T. Greek Yogurt

                      1 T. Honey

           Mix yogurt and Honey and gently apply to moist face.  Once yogurt is dry wipe gently with a wet, warm wash cloth.  You can also use a little lemon juice to brighten your skin or sugar as an exfoliating mask.

Baked Kale Chips

Just came out of the oven and they are AWESOME.

No joke, ten people mentioned them this week. 

 So when I saw the bag of organic cut and washed kale, at Trader Joe's I figured this could be a quick nap time project.

The recipe was on the bag, even better.  

All you need is kale, olive oil and salt!

Step 1:  Pre-heat oven at 200 F.

Put kale in big zip lock bag or container with top.  

Add half a T. olive oil and toss.  

Add another half  T. olive oil and toss.

Make sure the kale is coated.

(Opt. you can add a T of vinegar(or any flavor)

Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spread kale in single layer and roast 

about 35 minutes.  When done, remove from oven and sprinkle with salt!

Now munch them on them!

ENJOY!

Cheerful bright front doors!

I absolutely love the colour combo of these two homes.  They are so welcoming and fun.

I love bright doors, and its so chic don't you think?

From the Windows to the Wall!

Wallpapers I am digging!



This one is anthropologie, it's a bit pricey, I would use it in a bar nook!
A little goes a long way.



http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23163819_001_b?$product410x615$

I love this gold polka dot one.  Wouldn't it be cute in a little girls nursery?

These last three are from walnut wallpaper.

This is next level right here. I would do my powder room with this one.  

Oh wait! I don't have a powder room.

Yeah, this one would go in my kitchen.

So sweet!

How fun would this be in a play room or boys bathroom? 

That was fun, now I have to go fold laundry.

Happy Monday!!

Nike Air Yeezy 2

The 16 yr. old boy in me is drooling over these. Kanye West for Nike.  Sick.  Yeezy you are so a child of the 
80's.  

Shoes for little Biggie!

Loving these Native Shoes this summer!



https://shop.nativeshoes.com/sqlimages/native/offers/b_glmc01_fizzg-f0.jpgv

Just scored these for Herc at a kids resale shop! Originally  $29.99 got them for $11, hardly worn.

Now I want a pair for myself, maybe it's o.k. if I pay retail since I got Herc's on the low low!

I would choose these, yes please!

..and maybe these

Sweet and Easy summer treat!

Marshmallow Fluff + 1 package cream cheese + 1tsp. vanilla Extract = Yummy Summer Fruit Dip

Greek Style Green Beans

Greek Style Green Beans with Feta

This dish is perfect for a light summer meal.  It is traditionally served with Greek Chicken, but with a torn chunk, or hearty slice of your favorite bread and some Feta, it can be a meal.  Tonight I added potatoes, but it can be done with or without them.  Last time I made them, my friend's son gobbled them up, and I sent her home with the leftovers. My husband has been known to pull them out of the fridge and eat them cold the next day.

Ingredients:

1 lb. organic green beans(you can do fresh or frozen. I did fresh.)
1 small yellow onion(but if you have a brown or red that is fine too!)
1 15oz. can organic tomato sauce
2 Russet potatoes peeled and cut in four pieces
3 cups of water
1/4 cup of olive oil
about a T. of salt(or salt to taste)
1/2 t. pepper
oregano or dill

Rinse and cut off the ends of the green beans. Set aside. Peel and cut the potatoes. Set aside.
Dice the onions and saute at medium high for about five minutes in olive oil.
Add the green beans and potatoes saute for another minute.
Add tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil.
Add salt, pepper and oregano.
Lower heat and simmer for an hour.
Serve it in a dish or shallow bowl with a piece of feta and a slice of bread!


ENJOY!