photos – Bubbly in a Teacup

Poolside Reads 2018

May 28, 2018books, UncategorizedLeave a Comment

As much as we’d love to say “beach reads,” living smack dab in the middle of the country doesn’t always qualify us for living the beach life. But poolside, yes.

And with kids who are old enough and competent enough to swim, that means L I V I N’. However, it means not being upset if you’re in the thick of a whodunnit and your kids start dunking each other under water. So books need to be easy to look away from.

Are you able to read at the pool? What are some of your favorites? Keep reading for a list on our stacks…

Continue reading ➞ Poolside Reads 2018

Time for Tea

May 27, 2018May 27, 2018drinks, favorite things, food, Home Inspiration, hygge, living well, photosLeave a Comment

There are so many talented and inspiring ladies that we want to meet in our city, so Stephanie has started hosting tea parties at her house, as an excuse to invite them over and get to know them better.

Screen Shot 2018-05-27 at 10.07.23 AM — photo by Chuck Travers @ 417Home

They are a fun way to mix & mingle in a unique setting. Stephanie has a large dining table and an even larger collection of mismatched tea cups, which just invites conversation and connection.

Each party is usually on a weekday morning, and caters toward women of every walk of life. It’s not just for ladies who brunch! Mamas, Entrepreneurs, Teachers, Artists, Do-ers, Bloggers, Retirees, 9-to-5ers, you name it.

Of course there’s tea in cute cups, French press coffee, scones, and Prosecco. She doesn’t expect any of her guests to bring something, but every once in a while a quiche or a bottle of Irish Whiskey shows up. They are never turned down.

The last tea was a small affair, twin style. Stephanie invited me (her twin sister), and a set of creative twins who we ABSOLUTELY LOVE and wanted to spend more time with. It was a quiet lovely morning, and I got to hold a brand new baby. Win win!

Want to set up your own tea party? Keep reading for more ideas!

Continue reading ➞ Time for Tea

Birth of Venus

May 16, 2018May 16, 2018beauty, favorite things, living well, movies, photos, support localLeave a Comment

The first time I remember seeing the depiction of Venus de Milo was in the movie “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen“. It left such an impression that when I saw the painting “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, I was like, hey! It’s like that scene from the movie!

(Everything always comes back to the movies for us…)

Since that time as a 7-year-old, it remains a painting I still obsess over. Her imperfect and irregular body! Floating on a seashell! Mystery, jealousy, divine! I loved it as a little kid, I love it as a big kid.

Which might explain this recent art purchase by the talented Sarah Jones:

Made me wonder what other Venus-inspired treasures I could add to my collection…

Continue reading ➞ Birth of Venus

Wine to Go Go

April 26, 2018April 26, 2018drinks, favorite things, living well, photosLeave a Comment

One summer evening, I joined a friend for an outdoor Shakespeare on the Park. It was a beautiful night, they were performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the lawn was packed. My friend had already set up chairs and blankets and as I arrived, she handed me an insulated tumbler.

jodyhongfilms-437624-unsplash — Photo by JodyHongFilms on Unsplash

Ah, thanks, I’m so thirsty! After a big gulp and a little cough, I realized the giant tumbler she gave me was filled with cold white wine. She’s a good friend.

Continue reading ➞ Wine to Go Go

Party Time All the Time!

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018favorite things, Home Inspiration, photos, potpourriLeave a Comment

Add a little party to your day. Put light-refracting crystals in your East & West-facing windows, and at the two sleepiest times of day (8am and 5pm), HELLO DISCO!

It’s hard to be in a bad mood when rainbows of light are dancing in your house.

Little tear-drop crystals are easily found at thrift stores, from old chandeliers. Or a strand of glass beads from the craft store. More options below!

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Chakra-inspired Crystal Suncatchers

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Put a layer of prismatic film over a window. My husband actually put this in his basement-office windows. Jealous.

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Faceted glass beads, strung and hung work well too!

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Or even better, wear your party all day long!

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It’s such a simple and beautiful way to add color to your life!

{featured Photo by Regina Valetova on Unsplash }

Three Cheers to the Paloma

April 18, 2018April 18, 2018drinks, favorite things, food, photos, recipesLeave a Comment

Just when you think you’ve figured out your signature cocktail (gimlets for Stephanie, French 76 for Nicole), along comes a potent kick in the pants in the form of refreshment on a hot summer day…or mild Missouri spring…

OF COURSE we’re talking about a Paloma! This simple cocktail of blanco tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda packs a punch, is refreshing, AND pretty to look at.

Continue reading ➞ Three Cheers to the Paloma

Sweet Tea Treat

April 11, 2018April 11, 2018drinks, favorite things, food, photos, recipesLeave a Comment

Despite us growing up in the south, we are not sweet tea fans, or really even iced tea fans. Classic iced tea, at least. Thai Iced Tea…well, that’s a different category of wonderful deliciousness altogether.

The best Thai Iced Teas are sweeter than sweet and a creamy orange tone. Our local thai restaurant makes a mighty fine cup, but some nights, homemade will do…

Continue reading ➞ Sweet Tea Treat