Weekending

Here's a small peek at my past week and weekend. It's been busily uneventful as I've been scraping together my research abstract for this clinical conference, working long days at the hospital, attempting to stretch tightened joints, researching paleo recipes to share with you, and trying not to lose focus on the here and now.

My time is stretched farther than I thought possible, and I find myself desperately seeking the comfort of a book, the companionship of a cup of tea, or the company of sweet friends.

xoxo

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Unplugged

While I recognize that this is a bizarre thing for a part-time blogger to say, lately I've needed a break from the social media scene. I love reading your comments here and catching up with each of your individual blogs, and I'm not going anywhere, but sometimes I need to get away. It's too easy to get caught up in all the glitz and gold and "what-do-I-need-to-buy-to-look-like-her?" and feel more than a bit overwhelmed and under-glamorous. {We've all been there.}

My friend Lesley got it right
{image}

Happy weekend.
xoxo

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Summer Relish

There's nothing more relaxing than grilling out on a lazy summer afternoon. Surrounded by friends, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, just chatting while the sun goes down. It's the epitome of a southern summer. This past weekend, husband and I spiced up our chicken hot dogs with a sweet {homemade} summer relish.

one sliced avocado

a small handful of fresh pineapple, chopped

one small green onion, chopped

one tablespoon white wine vinegar

one half table spoon of olive oil

fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste

mix all ingredients together in a bowl & transfer to hot dogs

Happy grilling.

xoxo

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Your New Breakfast: Vegetable Frittata

When choosing to switch to a paleolithic diet, one of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out what to eat for breakfast. Grab a Luna bar or banana on the way out the door? Guilty as charged. Not exactly the best way to start off one's metabolism. And as much as I love oatmeal, that carbohydrate spike (followed by a huge insulin spike) is definitely not the best thing for your body in the morning. So since I love vegetable omelets, and since you really need protein in the morning to maintain your blood sugar, I've been making vegetable frittatas fairly regularly.

{fresh oregano}

Cut up the veggies of choice and layer in a pyrex that has been greased with coconut oil. You can also add sausage or do half with meat and half without (in my case). Whisk together 8-12 eggs depending on how many servings you want to make. Add a splash of almond milk to the eggs, then pour over the veggies in the dish. The egg mixture doesn't have to completely cover the vegetables, but should cover about 3/4 of the way. You can even sprinkle the top with some raw milk cheddar to make it extra delicious! Bake at 375 for about 17-20 minutes.

I make a large batch on Sunday, and reheat the individual slices in a toaster oven during the week. Healthy, simple, and minimal weekday effort required.

Happy breakfasting.

xoxo

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Flower Garden

Mixing prints is by far one of my favorite ways to spice up an outfit. Whether it's stripes with florals, dots with plaid, or stripes with random prints, the slightly mismatched result is always a gem. Although it often garners strange looks from passers-by, this outfit is one of my summer stand-bys. Besides, it's more fun to twirl in this skirt when it's paired with a floral top than when it's paired with a solid tee. It's simple physics really.

UO blouse & belt, F21 skirt & earrings, Vintage clutch & rings, Steve Madden platforms

Happy mixing.

xoxo

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Memorial Day

Husband and I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in the mountains of North Carolina. We camped at Standing Indian campground and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery, complete with a river, morning fog, and one heck of a mountain-top view. It felt so wonderful to be surrounded by so many trees. Also, the hike to the top of Standing Indian is well worth the effort, as the view is simply breathtaking with mountain tops reaching all the way to the horizon.

One of my favorite things about camping is cooking meals outside, and we took full advantage of our percolator and fire pit to make delicious breakfasts and dinners -- strong coffee accompanied by eggs with zucchini and raw cheddar, chicken tacos with red onions and avocado, even paleo biscuits. It was a bittersweet weekend as it's our last trip until cooler weather, but it definitely left me looking forward to the fall.

xoxo

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Weekending

Although this weekend passed way too quickly, it was one of those glorious ones where you have no agenda, no responsibilities, and nothing on the calendar. Filled with morning runs, homemade brunch, antique stores, homemade {gluten-free} cookies, and a salad from my favorite BBQ restaurant, it was just what I needed after a relatively hectic week.

Happy Monday

xoxo

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Friday Favorites

perfect color comb:

wide-brim hat & red lips:

messy hair & scarf:

cat eyes:

feminine:

images (and more) here

xoxo

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Roadside

Because breezy, floral dresses are a summer necessity, don't you think?

 Target dress, Anthropologie necklace, vintage belt & sunnies, Steve Madden platforms, Charming Charlie's bag

xoxo


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Weekend Adventure No. 2: Gulf Shores, AL

About a week and a half ago, husband and I took a quick trip to Gulf Shores, AL for a whirlwind getaway before rotations began. While the trip was primarily devoted to fishing, I managed to weasel my way onto the beach a time or two. In fact, my days consisted of sunning, reading, and napping as I alternated between the beach, pool, and enormous bay-side porch.

The remote location of our condo was just what I needed for a couple days of rejuvenation, but I look forward to returning to Gulf Shores to explore the lively little city even more.

xoxo

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On the Look Out

 {My favorite paleo breakfast - eggs with zucchini, squash, and cauliflower}

Now that I am done with the didactic portion of the school year, I finally have time to try out some new recipes. That being said, I'm on the look out for some new cookbooks! I have my favorite stand-bys such as Ina Garten and Gena Knox in my kitchen already, but I'd really like to find a good raw food and/or paleo cookbook. I've been perusing around this site and this one for recipes, but I love the feeling of creating a meal while reading through a recipe book. Call me old fashioned.

So... any suggestions?

xoxo

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Shady Days

This past weekend the weather was simply wonderful. After spending a few days at the beach and soaking up the heat and sun, a breezy, low-seventies Sunday was exactly what I needed. Since summers here in the south are notoriously hot and humid, I'm savoring every bit of this "indian fall."

H&M blouse, F21 skirt, Steve Madden booties, The Loft necklaces

xoxo

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Summer Sand

1, 2, 3, 4

I mentioned a while ago that my inspirations for this year's summer wardrobe are polar opposites. I'm somehow caught between bright blocks of color and warm, sandy neutrals. Given my tendency to lean toward natural, sun-kissed waves and gold embellishments, it's really no surprise that these items have fallen onto my summer radar.

1. Cross My Heart Skirt/Dress - Shopbop
2. Goldie Amanda Blouse - Topshop
3. Riddgge Wedges - Steve Madden
4. Spot Mesh Ruffle Dress - Topshop
5. Mine & Yours Dress - French Connection
6. Crochet Peridot Bikini - Anthropologie
7. Sunglasses - Forever 21
8. Laughing Gull Onepiece - Anthropologie
9. Cutout Heels - Forever 21
10. Metallurgy Necklace - Anthropologie

xoxo

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Radio Silence

Sorry for the silence lately. I'm finishing up my exams... last time I will ever take finals! It's equal parts incredibly exciting and slightly sad.

Regular programming will resume shortly.
xoxo

image

Empty Nest

Remember when I mentioned that a dove built it's nest in my thyme plant? Well, the day finally came this past weekend when the little ones were ready to leave the nest. And while I am quite thrilled to have my herb garden back {and porch for that matter}, I'm feeling a bit of empty nest syndrome.

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images via he&her photo