Cupcakes Voila!

A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine celebrated her birthday, and what a fabulous shindig it was! She invited about 20 of her closest friends to join her and her husband for dinner in the upstairs room at one of my current fav foodie stops, Extra Virgin. While the cocktails flowed and the food was (as usual) simply delicious, one of the highlights of the night was a gift from our friend Haley. Haley, among her many other talents, is a very talented baker, and recently created her own cupcake company, “Cupcakes Voila.” While her business continues to grow, her clientele base seems to be composed mainly of her friends and family. And how lucky we are, because the cupcakes are yummmm-y! I’ve sampled her sweet treats at recent bridal showers and birthday parties, and have to say that my favorite flavor so far is the lemon cupcake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. Delish!  (Don’t let me fool you—I tend not to discriminate regarding my desserts, and I’ve tried all of Haley’s flavors. Red velvet with creamcheese frosting is also pretty tasty.) Part of Haley’s gift to our friend was a dozen Oreo cupcakes. The birthday girl graciously allowed us to open her gift for her and enjoy sampling of her mini-cakes to top off our scrumptious supper. Lucky us!

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{Scrumptious Oreo birthday surprise, minus one!}

{Crystal really enjoyed her sweet treat.}

All A-twitter for the blue bird bistro

{The blue bird bistro}

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As my days of leisure started to wind down (sigh), I decided to pack in as many lunch dates as I possibly could. (My typical lunchtime routine during school finds me hurriedly microwaving something and scarfing it down in my free 25 minutes, before the wild animals return from the lunchroom.) About a month ago, I had the privilege of meeting my dad downtown in a Westside neighborhood at the blue bird bistro (yes, that’s right—no capitals. Believe me, my editing instincts are fighting my fingers on this). I had read several articles on this little eatery and was quite impressed that it prepares only organic dishes with locally grown produce. When my dad suggested the blue bird for lunch, I was absolutely on board.

The place was darling both inside and out, with its bright blue and yellow door frame as you walk in, bronze-topped tables inside and local art on the walls. The atmosphere reflected the eclectic clientele who inhabit the downtown area, and the menu was definitely yummy. I instantly wished I hadn’t eaten breakfast earlier, because breakfast-for-lunch (or dinner) just may be one of the best things ever. However, I decided to forgo the Eggs Benedict (four different varieties to choose from!) and omelets, and instead opted for a classic midday dish: a salad. Now, the blue bird Salad was far from your run-of-the-mill greens. Fresh spinach, tangy Gorgonzola, roasted Missouri pecans and a sweet blueberry vinaigrette all added up to a whole plate of delicious. I added the fresh roasted salmon on top for a little protein. We prefaced our main meal with homemade hummus (so much better than any tub from the grocery store) and homemade pita bread, and washed it all down with refreshing mint iced tea. Our lunch was lovely, and I really enjoyed having the time to catch up with my old man.

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{The bright doorframe}

{Back entrance--love the bluebird cutout}

Light Me Up

{So darling. I want!}

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I have been enchanted with chandeliers since I first visited the Kansas City-owned The Curious Sofa in The Village Shops a while back.  The Curious Sofa was a lovely store that had unique furniture and home décor. My favorite visit was around Halloween, when they had decorated the entire store with stylish, scary decorations. We’re not talking about cheesy witches and pumpkin cutouts; instead, they had transformed their setting into a haunting yet elegant space with crystallized cobwebs, glittering black skulls, and an array of furry dark bats and spiders placed strategically among the sheet music on the piano and the duvets lining the shelves on the back wall. (Between this mention and the notes on Nell Hill's, anyone care to guess my fav holiday? What can I say...I heart Halloweeny!) I think it was on that autumn visit when I first noticed the sparkling chandeliers that were hanging from various spots from the ceiling. Some were an opaque white or black ceramic; some were shiny and sparkly crystal; some were constructed of a mixture of materials. I decided I needed one for my own dwelling (hopefully, minus the cobwebs).

(Side note: unfortunately, The Curious Sofa had to close its doors, and to my knowledge, has not reopened at a different location. Such a bummer, as the venue not only had some delightful pieces but also inspired ideas for my own home décor. However, the owner still sells on her website here. Be sure to check out the "Store" pictures…you’ll see some of the fabulous macabre decorations I was talking about.)

Ever since that day, I’ve been looking for the perfect hanging light structure for my home. While many are pretty pricy, the bigger question for me is where to put it. My little bungalow’s layout does not include a separate dining room; instead, the dining area is lumped in with the living area in one big ol’ room, right when you walk in. Therefore, the lighting fixture in this room isn’t directly over the dining table, and I’m not sure if a random chandelier would look just right in this space. My other option would be to find a more whimsical fixture to hang in the spare room I currently use as an “office” (though very little work gets done in that room; I really only go back there to dig through my second closet, which is stuffed to the gills).  While I do think this little space would look even more darling with some bling hanging from the ceiling, should I really invest in something for a room I’m rarely in?

While I debate, I found these other examples of inspiration. The images I’ve included are from domino magazine, and I am seriously obsessed with the chandelier in the top picture. How gorgeous and playful, with the glass beads and brightly-colored balls strung throughout. Charming!

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{This fixture is so unique. Looks like a sparkling snowflake!}

{A different twist--mini-shades mixed with dangling crystals.}

{Loving everything about this kitchen--the powder blue walls, the sleek stainless appliances,
and the opaque black sparkler smack dab in the middle.}

Blazin' Hot

I’ve never been a huge fan of blazers for my own personal fashion rotation—I feel like my shoulders are already a bit broad, and sometimes the structured shoulders of a jacket draw attention to this.  Don’t get me wrong; I do appreciate the layered look on others, especially during the autumn season. It just isn’t always the most flattering look for me. However, I may have changed my tune after a recent shopping trip. My current fall wardrobe obsession is this chic black and cream blazer from Express. I snapped this up about a month ago, when flowy summer dresses and brightly colored tanktops were still in the window displays. The first few weeks of July did seem a bit early to start buying back-to-school clothes, but I knew that this darling little topper would fly off the rack before too long. And how could it not? The three-quarter sleeve and crepey fabric make this blazer just different enough from traditional suited looks, and the shoulders aren’t too strong for my frame. I’m already planning what I can pair it with—for work, I'm thinking fitted grey trousers and a cream silk top, or it would look casually fab thrown on over jeans and a tank. Pieces like this make me (almost) excited to head back to school!

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{Trimmed Lapel Blazer by Express}

Roll 'Em Down

{Open road}

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Finally! The heatwave has broken (for now), and today is a beautiful day. It was stormy this morning but the rain cooled the air, and though the thermometer may read 82 degrees, it feels just about perfect out to me. (My version of a perfect day, weather-wise: 75 degrees and sunny. Unfortunately, these days of perfection are few and far between, as spring and fall seem to be shrinking seasons.) On my way home from school this afternoon (that’s right, it’s back to reality for me), I couldn’t help but roll down my window and open up the sunroof. This simple decision brought back cheerful memories of long drives and open roads. When I was in high school and first started driving, I adored the wind rushing in from open windows (typically paired with blaring tunes, as young folks are apt to favor). Come spring and summer, my teenage self preferred the fresh breeze to air conditioning any time, no matter how warm it was outside. But, as I grew older, rolling the windows down appealed to me less and less. I didn’t care for the tangles and little knots the unruly winds would weave and whip into my hair, and if I had put on any lipgloss, it was sure to end up streaked through my coif.  Plus, in the last few years, it seems that the Kansas weather is either stifling hot or glacially cold, with very few “perfect” days mixed in. But today, I had no other choice but to open up those airways on my way home and enjoy the breeze. Tomorrow, it may be back to sizzling temperatures, but for now, I plan on taking advantage of the ideal weather by taking a long walk through the neighborhood, maybe letting Rascal explore the backyard (he will be oh-so-excited), and definitely keeping the windows down, no matter where I go.

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{Feelin' the breeze}

Runway Re-do

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I have recently rediscovered a T.V. favorite of mine, and what a fabulous find it has been! When Project Runway first debuted in 2004, I was back in my college years and never missed an episode. I adored watching the designers create their masterpieces using unconventional resources (I loved the candy store episode) with ridiculously short time constraints (20 hours to create a couture gown? Ohh, the drama!). Each season, I would cheer (I lovvvved season two’s Daniel Vosovic’s classic and beautiful creations) and jeer (season one’s Jay McCarroll’s snarky comments were hilarious, I will admit, but his headphone-slash-sweater look on the finale? Not diggin’ it) as the seasons dished out fashion inspiration and diva designer drama.  I religiously watched the first four seasons on the Bravo network, but as more and more reality shows debuted, Runway lost a spot in my weekly line-up. And when it made the switch to the Lifetime network a few years ago, it went completely off my radar.

However, about a week ago (and just in the nick of time, as the newest season was just premiering) one of my favorite friends mentioned that she had been watching the show. When I voiced my concerns that the new network had ruined the format, she assured me it hadn’t, and that it was, in fact, just the same as it always had been. And so, I set my DVR to record season nine. Not only is the format exactly the same (in the best way possible), but I found that the show is now a full 90 minutes long—30 extra glorious minutes of gorgeous gorgeous fabrics, frantic sewing machines, back-stabbing gossip and of course, Tim Gunn’s helpful dialogue along the way (“Make it work” and “Sweet Jesus! Well, you have a lot of work to do” are among my favorite phrases).  Host Heidi (Klum) is still as darling as ever (her outfits are always spot on!), judge Michael Kors is still too tan (and in my humble opinion, quite full of himself), and the fashion show elimination at the end is still as enthralling as ever. I’m now back, fully engrossed in the chic broadcast each Thursday night (at 8:00pm, if you’re interested!) and loving every stylish second.

(Sidenote: the Style Network runs marathons of previous Project Runway seasons during the day…I’ve spent my summer catching up on all my fav past moments with Austin Scarlett, Santino Rice, Laura Bennett and Christian Siriano. What a fab way to spend my last few days of freedom!)

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{The judges in action}

{The famous silhouette screen}

Fairy Lights

{Nell Hill's}

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My mom and I visited Nell Hill’s in Atchison recently, and my oh my, did we have a fabulous time. I’ve heard nothing but glowing things about this décor boutique, and it did not disappoint. This delightful space is crammed full of little treasures, and most are at quite affordable prices, even for teachers decorating their homes on a budget. As I wandered from room to room, taking in all of the furniture and home décor pieces, I not only found several items I just had to have, but I also came away with some lovely ideas I could incorporate into my own space. One particular look that grabbed my attention was multiple antique mirrors used in place of a headboard in a bedroom. The mirrors were different sizes and appeared aged and a bit tarnished, which gave the room a charming feel. Since I currently have been debating what to do with my own makeshift “headboard” (a plain white mirror with hooks under it that I’ve had since my college years) in my bedroom, I definitely took a mental picture to remember for a later date. However, when we made our way back to the garden section, I had an epiphany in creating my own enchantment for my otherwise lacking boudoir: I could hang tiny glass votive holders from the hooks of the mirror, just above my pillows. Voila! Bedroom instantly updated. I think they look like little fairy lights, all above my bed. (And don’t worry…I’m saving the mirror idea for a different project.)

On a sidenote, I also picked up several colorful ceramic pieces to brighten up the kitchen, but had the most fun in the Halloween-themed rooms. I loved how they had found dark, morbidly charming decorations (rats and ravens, spiders and skulls) with a twist—glittery black skulls, bejeweled skeleton hands and feet, and brightly colored “witch’s potion” bottles were mixed in with typical non-scary décor. I scored probably the best Halloween decoration I’ve ever owned…but I’ll wait to debut this whimsical ghoul a little closer to when the Great Pumpkin arrives (that’s Halloween, for all you non-Charlie Brown fans).

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{One of my favorite displays at Nell Hill's}

{My new and improved headboard}

Welcome to the Neighborhood



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Prior to landing in my darling little Fairway neighborhood, I lived in a variety of apartments in southern Johnson county. The lack of trees and true “neighbors” (no matter what anyone argues, suburbs will never be proper neighborhoods in my opinion) made me crave shady yards and all different styles of homes, rather than the endless strip malls and beigey-tan cookie-cutter two stories. When I found my teeny-tiny two bedroom in a charming little neighborhood just a stone’s throw from Brookside and the Plaza area, I was ecstatic. The biggest draw for me was the “old house” charm that you just can’t build into sprawling apartment complexes. In fact, just other night, I was taking a long walk, winding back and forth down the streets that make up my  neighboring area (they’re in alphabetical order—how cute is that?) and I noticed that not two houses are the same. The styles, the porches, the colors and décor literally vary from home to home, and I was intrigued to discover the different personality of each home as I strolled by.

When I moved in to my petite bungalow, the little house had obviously been fixed up with clean, fresh paint on the walls, smooth hardwood floors and new kitchen fixtures, but it was undoubtedly the “old house” that I had been searching for. While I’ve had to get used to some “quirky” features (the laundry room is off the garage and the bathroom is one area that has not had a facelift), I still love the space.  I’ve been living here for about eight or nine months now, but it is a continual work in progress. My style is constantly progressing, and I’m still not 100% sure of what I want my interior “look” to be. I’ve had to rethink a few of my furniture choices and am still searching for a few new (or at least new to me) pieces to pull the rooms together; however, as my home continually evolves, I am constantly reminded how happy I am to be out of the ‘burbs and have my own space.

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{This might just be my fav house on the street. With all the ivy and its
sloping roof, I think it looks like a cottage from a fairytale.}

{I love the big trees that line the streets.}

The *Cat* Days of Summer

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It’s HOT! When, oh when, will this awful heatwave end???  I am all about summertime barbeques, pool parties and pitchers of iced tea on the front porch, but it seems that this summer, all I’ve wanted to do is stay inside with the air conditioning and indulge in bad reality T.V. (Real Housewives of New York Reunion Parts One AND Two, anyone?) With the high today topping out at 108 degrees, I’m about ready to completely boycott leaving my house altogether for fear of melting into a puddle on the sidewalk. These 100+ degree days have to end sometime, right???

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{Rascal all stretched out, trying to cool off}

Un Avant-goût de la France

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This summer, since I am lucky enough to have a substantial amount of free time, I decided to provide patronage to restaurants I had never been to. I moved to Fairway not quite a year ago, and I love love love the Brookside, Crestwood and Prairie Village areas I am just adjacent to. My mom and I have tried to adhere to a standing Friday lunchdate in the summer months, but it seems we’ve only been able to venture out several times. However, one of my favorites lately has been Café Provence in The Village Shops and restaurants. I have been meaning to attend this fabulous little eatery for a while, and so when she suggested it, I was delighted to visit. And I was not disappointed.  Not only is the quaint café darling with white tableclothes and art you can purchase right off the walls, but the food was simply scrumptious. While most of the menu sounded incredibly appetizing, I settled on the Saumon Provencale. While I am definitely no connoisseur of the French cuisine by any means, I did travel to Paris last summer and hoped this salmon dish would take me back to the sidewalk cafés along the Champs de Elysee. And how it did! The salmon was the perfect lunch-size portion (although I probably could have eaten another piece) and seared perfectly, the asparagus was crunchy and a beautiful green, and the absolutely most fabulous part was the corn risotto underneath it all. I wanted to lick my plate clean.

After such an indulgent lunch, where else could we head but to Dolce across the street for desert? And since I couldn’t decide which sweet treat I wanted, I wrapped up three to go (a mini key-lime custard, a cream cheese brownie, and an apricot almond scone for breakfast the next day). I dug into the key-lime custard after lunch, and then several hours later decided that the brownie would make an appropriate dinner. The scone did surprisingly make it to breakfast the next morning. Dolce is quickly becoming my new favorite sweet spot for all things superbly saccharine. Si délicieux!