DIY: Pom Pom Flowers

I adore the idea of pom pom flowers everywhere, so I knew I had to make some for the coming season. They were so simple to make; I think I might be addicted. Use them as gift toppers, attach them to lunch bags, string them across your mantle- they really have a million different uses. Have fun!

one: gather wax paper, floral wire (found at craft stores), and scissors two: cut (six) 12x12 pieces three: stack pieces and fold accordion style altogether four: wrap a 10-12in piece of floral wire around the center of paper stack and twist tightly at base five: trim edges (either round or pointed) to define flower petals six: shape pom pom by gently folding up each paper layer individually

Summer & Stripes + "My Stuff"

First, I want to say thank you to the beautiful Helena at A Diary of Lovely for featuring me in her "My Stuff" series. You can read about my style icon, favorite places, beauty products and much more right here.

Last weekend while shopping for an event I have coming up, I noticed two prominent trends: floral patterns and stripes. I'm a lover of all things striped, so I was in heaven. I picked up this light sweater and hope to find some more pieces for summertime in the coming months. Here are a few things I have my eye on:



1. L'Agence top 2. Aubin & Willis sweater 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater 4. Aubin & Willis sweater 5. Marc Jacobs dress 6. Tara Jarmon dress 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs silk dress 8. Topshop dress 9. Diane von Furstenberg Maryelle Bikini 10. Rosa Cha bikini top 11. Topshop bikini top 12. Topshop swimsuit 13. Sonia Rykiel skirt 14. Sonia Rykiel shorts

Homemade Girl Scout Cookies - Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Cookies

As I stood in the kitchen trying my hand at making these delicate cookies from scratch (they're gluten, dairy, and egg -free), my mind was flooded with the sweetest memories of my Mom. She loved thin mints, and I can remember us sharing a few cookies at a time as a special treat after school while we talked about our day. She taught me to appreciate and savor each light, crispy bite, as Girl Scout cookies came but once a year. Sadly, I had buried these small memories underneath more bold, prominent ones. As soon as the swirls of peppermint and chocolate wafted through my kitchen, I once again felt like that giddy little girl, excited to be sharing not just a cookie, but moments in time with my Mom that I'll forever remember.


These were rather simple to make, a happy surprise as I was prepared for them to be quite the task. I always put on the lovely Diana Krall for some background music while baking, and I'm sure to test the batter frequently, just to be sure :)

Click below for recipe



(Feel free to sub any type of flour, butter, and milk)

Thin Mints

2 1/4 C. brown rice flour
1/4 C. potato starch (not potato flour. Cornstarch will work too)
6 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C raw sugar
1/2 C. vegan butter, room temperature
1/3 C. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. peppermint extract

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, starch, cocoa powder, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. On low speed, add in milk and extracts. It will look curdled. Gradually add in flour until fully incorporated.
Shape dough into (2) equal sized logs and wrap in plastic. Freeze 2 hrs, or up to 2 weeks if not baking right away.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Slice dough into thin rounds, no more than 1/4 inch thick. Place onto parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes.
Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before dipping.

Chocolate Coating

10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

In a microwave safe bowl, melt chips, stirring every 45 seconds until smooth.
Dip each cookie into melted chocolate, turning over with a fork to coat completely.
Transfer to a piece of parchment paper until chocolate is cool and firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or freezer up to 3 months.

And because I'm obsessed with calculating nutrients in everything I eat, here are the nutrition facts (if using ingredients listed above): 1 cookie (60 cookies per batch) 67 calories, 3.5 g fat, 11 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein

Adapted from Baking Bites

Vintage Cupcake Trailer

I adore this vintage cupcake trailer from Enjoy Cupcakes (photographed by Jose Villa). I can imagine it being the perfect touch to any gathering; it's just too cute.

Here's to a fabulous week ahead...

Twitter - @brunchsaksblog

Rustic Has My Heart

For some reason, I always lean towards anything rustic when it comes to home decor. I like that it can be as simple or over-the-top as you'd like, which is always fun when decorating. I personally favor the minimal look, but anything within this realm catches my eye and I instantly fall in love.

1. hanging pumpkin votive 2. herb/flower dryer 3. peg rail 4. wooden candlestick 5. wire box 6. numbered votives 7. small pitchers 8. hanging votives 9. noticeboard

first photos via Pinterest

Twitter - @brunchsaksblog

Demure Muse

Danny dress - Annie Dress

I simply adore this collection by Juliette Hogan. It's vintage and classic, yet has a modern flare. Very Mad Men meets Gossip Girl. Gorgeous.

row one: Hallaway dress - Petal tunic row two: Donelle dress - Annabelle dress

Can we just take a second to admire that hair? Swoon.

PS. If you're on twitter I'd love to connect with you! @brunchsaksblog

Looking forward to...

Libby dress - Amelia top - Corinna dress - Cordoba cardigan

As you may have noticed, I took a blog break the past few weeks. It was nice to clear my head, refocus on what my blog means to me, and look for new inspiration. While I blog as a creative outlet for myself, every once in a while it can feel like a chore, especially when life gets really busy, so I knew it was time to pack up and get out of dodge for a little while. It's always a bit nerve wracking taking a blog vacay, but I must admit, I am so happy I did. I feel rejuvenated, calm, clear, and excited to be back!

To say it's springtime feels a bit odd, especially since Los Angeles has been experiencing horrible rain and flooding, but I can't help but feel excited for the longer days ahead. My sweaters, boots, and jackets are all tucked away, while my dresses, skirts, and sandals eagerly await to be worn. The flower selection at Farmer's Market is appearing fuller; a site that brings me endless joy. And my stove is ready for a much deserved siesta, as the final pots of soup are are about to give way to light, simple meals.

Bridal Bloom bouquet - floral cluster cake topper - boutonniere - floral corsage

Burlwood serving plank - pear platter - Obi dishes - etched vino decanters

Btw, would love to connect with you on twitter if you're on there!
@brunchatsaksblog

Elizabeth Taylor

Truly stunning. RIP.

photos via Pinterest

Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood, CA Home

You can see Taylor Swift's Beverly Hills home here & Keri Russell's Brooklyn brownstone here & LeAnn Rimes' Franklin, TN Estate.

Marilyn Monroe
location: Brentwood, CA (Los Angeles)
price: $3.59m (for sale)

Marilyn Monroe purchased this Brentwood, Ca home in 1961 for $90,000, and had a 15-year mortgage with her monthly payments being roughly $320. The three bedroom, Spanish-style estate was lived in by Monroe and her housekeeper, with the third bedroom designated as a telephone room. Her decor at the time was glamorous and elegant, with white pure-wool carpet, leaded copper mirrors, a tile fireplace, and red brick floors, and a quirky yet fitting blue refrigerator. The home has had many owner's since Monroe, and is currently on the market for $3,595,000.

photos via Zillow.com

Paper Goods

There is something so appealing about paper goods, specifically garlands. They are fun, pretty, and delicate; adding the perfect amount of pizazz to any decor. I've never used them before, but I am pretty sure I see a few of these lovelies in my celebrating future!

1. Caramelos tissue garland 2. Christian Louboutin window display by Zoe Bradley 3. Kate's Paperie window display by Zoe Bradley 4. printable cupcake flag 5. frazier & wing Balanchine garland 6. frazier & wing Ochre garland

Nude + Blush Favorites

I've always loved nude and blush colored pieces, but more often that not my fair skin doesn't hold up well against such hues, so I usually avoid them at all costs (why couldn't I have inherited my Mom's beautiful Sicilian skin tone?!). But last week I couldn't resist adding in one beige piece to my wardrobe after spotting this cardigan at J.Crew. Ever since then I've been completely obsessed with this color palette and have been searching online like a mad woman for all things of the like.

1. photo via Dior nail polish in Nude Chic 2. my fave place for inspiration these days- Pinterest 3. Komono wood glasses 4. peach tutu 5. J.Crew girls flats 6. Kontor Kontur media 7. Emersonmade flower 8. nude embellished dress 9. Theory dress 10. Camilla and Marc dress 11. River Island crochet tank 12. looped vest 13. Urban Outfitters dome studs 14. Marais flats 15. sheer blouse 16. Markus Lupfur beaded shorts 17. ASOSfeather clutch 18. Scotch - Heather Blush nail polish 19. Alexander McQueen zipper flats 20. Cynthia H bracelet 21. Wool & the Gang scarf 22. Benjamin Moore for Pottery Barn paint 23. Kate Spade makeup bag 24. Papillionaire vintage bike

Happiness

-Having stacks of books on our coffee table-

I was talking to one of my best girlfriends the other day about happiness, and what it means to be truly happy. She was struggling with the concept of being happy as is, versus being happy once she gets this, that, or the other. I'll be the first to admit that I've been guilty of having this mentality at times as well, thinking, "I'll be happier once I lose 5lbs" or "I'll be happier when I have more money in savings." It's often times too difficult for us to examine our current state of being in hopes of finding even a flutter of happiness, but it isn't impossible to do so either. Being Type 1 diabetic, I've unfortunately had my fare share of hospital stays. While it was never fun to be in the hospital and hooked up to monitors, it did teach me from a young age to hone in on the smallest glimmer of happiness, which is something I've never forgotten how to do. Even if it was something as simple as a nurse sneaking me extra crackers, or my Mom bringing me a fresh pair of pj's to wear from home, the simplest forms of happiness got me through those hard days. Over the years I've tried to implement that same mindset in my life. Yes, I am still guilty of having those thoughts that I'll be happier once I ____, but for the most part, I'm constantly looking for simple joys in the smallest of places. A warm smile from my boyfriend, a flower bouquet from Farmer's market, old books wrapped in twine; they all seem small while in the moment, but they truly add up to what happiness is all about to me.

-Being at my desk and seeing the white Rhino. For some reason, that little guy makes me laugh everyday-

-Picking up a few stems of hydrangeas from our Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings-

-Old books wrapped in twine on our fireplace mantle-