To go along with my easy sangria recipe from earlier today, I thought I’d post an inspiration outfit. Dress it up, dress it down: I’d love to wear this outfit while mingling with friends and sipping away.
The Goods
Sophie Dress from Garnish
Samara Straw Hat from Athleta
Earrings from Banana Republic
Clutch Purse from Banana Republic
Bracelet from Ross-Simons
Sandals from Timberland
Well… Let’s just say I have a new favorite summer drink. There are white sangria recipes galore across the internet, but I tend to make a straightforward mix that’s easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge.
The base starts with:
1 bottle viognier
2 cups peach nectar (you can substitute peach schnapps for some)
1 cup sparkling water
Then, slice your fruit in whatever combination you so desire. Here’s some of my favorites so far:
1) raspberries and peaches
2) strawberries and oranges
3) peaches and strawberries
Frozen fruit works equally as well as fresh. If you’re not starting with a chilled bottle, frozen fruit actually helps it get to the correct drinking temperature more quickly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to let it soak…ours always tastes better the next day.
Cheers, Amy
Picture found here
It’s almost Mother’s Day…do you have something special planned?
I found this image in the Shorpy Historical Photo Archives. I love everything about it…from the trio in the foreground to the child scampering down the alley in the background. Do you think the sister is going to share?
To mothers everywhere, have a wonderful weekend. For my first Mother’s Day, I get to spend it with both my son and my mother. I can’t wait.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite blog posts about motherhood, from the always wonderful Pia Jane Bijkerk. Also, a shout out to my own mother’s eponymous blog, lanietankard.wordpress.com.
The L.A. Times has an article on Famous Moms Through History. Her choice of which moms to include is a little skewed to modern celebrity, but it’s an interesting read.
Cheers, Amy
Cheers, Amy
Looking for a gift that says ‘I love you’ every time it’s used? Here’s a handful of my favorite items. Perfect for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just because. With each one, you could give as a present…or you could get creative…
I adore ban.do’s iphone case. It’s simple and chic, yet has a clear message. We use our phones all the time…wouldn’t you love to be reminded someone loves you multiple times every day? If you’d like to get creative, think about sneaking the case onto your loved one’s phone…then send a love note text message. She’ll find the phone, the case, and your note at the same time.
Another good everyday item is a tote bag. Perfect for going to the market, toting books to the library, or hanging out at the park. I love the message that wherever you go, whatever you’re doing, you’re loved. I could easily see myself using this bag as a pool tote for the summer. If you’re looking to get creative, think about filling the bag with picnic items and going on a spontaneous outing. That way, she’ll always have good memories associated with the present. Read more
One of history’s most amazing moms? Grandma Moses. She raised five children on a farm. Then, in her 70s, she started painting for the first time and quickly became one of the most famous American artists.
I sometimes get a little stressed about how much of my time is taken up with my newborn son. Here’s proof that having kids doesn’t spell an end to your creative life. Grandma Moses is definitely good inspiration.
Interested in knowing more? Check out this NYTimes article on Grandma Moses’s life.
Cheers, Amy
(Images from here)
Jessica Simpson has recently been in the news for her extended pregnancy and weight gain. To outside observers, it appears that she went over her due date…if that was the case, I send her my heartfelt sympathy. I was induced at 42 weeks with my son, and spending those last two weeks with everyone else’s anticipation was very difficult. I can only imagine how it must have been like for someone who lives in the media spotlight.
I don’t normally get very personal on this blog, but I’ve recently been thinking about post-partum bodies and beauty. Read more
What could be more luxurious for Mother’s Day than an evening clutch filled with indulgences…and tickets to an evening out on the town? Hmmm…
The Goods:
Evening clutch from Etsy shop FoxyVida
Colette solid perfume by TOCCA
Card case wallet by Etsy shop TheCuriousCase
OPI nail color
(Theater Tickets image found here)
Have you ever thought about making your own notepad? I love this idea, especially if you use it to recycle paper scraps from around the house. I currently clip papers together with a binder clip. But, imagine how nifty it would be if you were able to bind it with glue…
You could take the paper scraps, load into your printer, and easily add personalized “letterpress” images for character. Or, you could print off personalized messages for yourself or a loved one. I’d love a notepad that said “Good morning, Amy” at the top…it would make trips to the grocery store or perusals of the to-do list a little more fun. 
Full details on how-to can be found at Real Simple.
Cheers, Amy
Wood type lovers, lend a hand! The Hamilton Type Museum got flooded last night. According to them” Four inches of rain in northeastern Wisconsin last night has left us with an inch of standing water in the museum (it’s bad). The 800 gallons of water we’ve sucked off the floor looks like beer (we’re calling it Hamilton Stout). We need your help raising funds to repair the roof, clean off type and buy more paper towels. Consider a donation today, any amount helps.“
Cool literary detective work – a book conservator at Brown University uncovered a Paul Revere engraving stuffed into a medical text that once belonged to a member of the university’s class of 1773. Full NYTimes story here.
Also, what?! Snoop Dogg published a “smokeable book” titled Rolling Words.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers, Amy
Amy Hill
