blushing, a little

...from Avery's interview with little ole me. Head over to hear my amateur expert advice on post-grad life.

In other news, I've been completely slacking on the blog front. That will all change shortly, don't fret my pets!

guest post: avery from some blissful thinking

Today, I have a special treat (literally) from one of my March sponsors, Avery! With our similar outlooks on life and our shared love for food, Avery has quickly become one of my favorite blog friends (plus she's currently a senior at my alma mater...and we all know how much I wish I was still in college).

Anyways, she's an incredible blogger who really writes from the heart. From amazing baking escapades (example below) to heartfelt posts on self-improvement and life in general, I look up to her a lot. I hope you'll head over to her blog for some inspiration... but until then... coffee cake cookies?

Hi. Yes. Please.

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I am an emotional baker. For me, a cupcake generously topped with cream cheese frosting is often enough to cure the worst of my bad days. A bite into a snickerdoodle makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a warm blanket, and the smell of banana bread baking is all it takes to send me into a nostalgic stupor.

I grew up sitting on the kitchen counter and watching my mom cook. She made dinner for our family every night, from thick pans of lasagna to plates of chicken and big bowls of build-your-own Cobb salad. For special occasions or simply when it was cold and snowy outside and we had nowhere to go, she would bake. I loved these days. I had my own little apron I tied around my waist and a stool to stand on. When I was deemed old enough, my mom would hand me measuring cups and ingredients to add to the bowls, teaching me how to crack an egg and use the hand mixer. My favorite part of the process is sneaking pinches of dough and licking the spoon.

The other night I found myself in a baking mood after perusing Pinterest (when am I not in a baking mood?). I came across these coffee cake cookies and just knew I had to give them a try. These sweet confections pair my favorite Starbucks treat with a traditional sugar cookie which happens to be a combination made in baking heaven. While I am usually one to forego mixes and instead whip my sweets together from scratch, I decided to give the packaged Pilsbury sugar cookie dough a try for times sake.

The result? Well, the plate of warm, cinamon-scented cookies hardly lasted through the night as my roommates (myself included) snuck into the kitchen multiple times for "just one more." I'd love to try them again with from-scratch sugar cookie dough next time. Click here for the recipe.

-Avery

guest post: kaylyn from the weir house

While I'm en route to Dallas, I have one of my favorite bloggers here with you today to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day (PS: how great is her man for helping out with this craft?). This lifestyle-meets-crafty-meets-my new best friend-blogger is always making me smile - from inspirational posts to personal emails...  if you haven't visited Kaylyn's blog, you should probably do so. Right. Now.

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What's up, love birds. It's Kaylyn from The Weir House blog bringing you a tutorial on how to make a festive heart pinata just in time for Valentine's Day. How you choose to use it - smashing it with a bat, stuffing it with candy hearts or hanging it over your dinner table for a Valentines party - is totally up to you. The good thing about this DIY is that it doesn't take much to get it started. The only thing you need to get is metallic foil, patience and a tall glass of wine (it's required).

1. Using any cardboard box around the house, remove the flaps on the top and bottom of the box. KEEP THESE! You will use them later.
2. Cut the box open
3. Now cut the walls into individual sections.

4. Draw a heart on one of the sections and cut it out (we free-handed ours).
5. Using the heart you just cut, trace it on another section of cardboard. After it has been traced, cut it out. You should now have 2 hearts. These will be the front and back of your heart pinata.

6. Remember the flaps we told you to keep? You will need to measure the width of your flaps and divide them in half (we divided our flaps at 4 3/4 inches because our flaps were 9 1/2 inches wide). Once measured, cut your flap down the middle giving you two pieces.
7. Roll your flap so that it will become more flexible. These flaps will become the walls of your pinata.

8. Form the walls of the pinata by curving the flaps around the edge of the heart (you can't mess this up). Tape the flaps to the heart by using masking tape. This doesn't have to be pretty! You can tape it anywhere you want to hold it in place. It will be covered by foil later.
9. Once you have taped all of the flaps around the perimeter of the heart, grab your second cut out heart.

10. Tape your second heart onto it, making the second heart the top layer. Again, this doesn't have to be pretty. Just tape it! ...HOORAY! You now have a pinata.
11. With the foil that you have (we ordered ours from dickblick.com) cut strips of it and fringe the strips.

12. Start from the bottom of the heart and foil UP. This hides the tape. Finish the sides the same way. THE KEY: FOIL UPWARDS! There you have it, you've officially been shot with Cupid's arrow. Enjoy your glimmery heart and feel free to send us pics of your finished product!

la dee da

san francisco

You guys, there's not much I appreciate more than feedback. Especially yours! Your sweet, empathetic and all around great advice in the comments from yesterday's post made my world. Thank you!

Today, Bekuh is sharing some fun facts that you maybe didn't know about... well... me! You'll likely get a good laugh out of it so it's in your best interest to head over there now!

Since I don't have a ton to say today (except have you guys heard that song Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men? I absolutely can't turn it off. Makes me wanna do a little jig every time I hear it), I'm going to share some of my favorite posts floating around the Internet lately.

Laura's wedding details (swooooooon)

Sam's view on being passionate

Sara's tiramisu recipe (just happens to be my favorite dessert!)

Kaylyn's interview outfit tips

Charlotte's spring-themed picks!

24 hours

Head over to Tammy's blog to see what I'd do if I had just...

guest post: nine reasons puffy vests are the best

Since we all know my solo photo attempts are well below average, I asked one of my favorite bloggers, Kelsey, from Time Stand Still to take over my blog while I'm home visiting the family in the Bay Area (food, bar and shopping suggestions in the city are greatly appreciated) because her outfit posts kinda rule. And she could definitely be a model, don't ya think? Read on to find out Kelsey's nine reasons why puffy vests are the best this fall and be sure to check out her awesome blog!

Hi Beauty and the Feast readers! My name is Kelsey and I blog over at Time Stand Still. I’m so happy to be here today to ramble about one of my favorite fall clothing items.

Although the male species may never understand, vests are where it’s at. If you were to ask me what my favorite item of fall or winter clothing is it would take me nanoseconds to respond with,“PUFFY VESTS!” Boys might be thinking “why is that girl wearing an item of clothing that makes her look like the Michelin Man?” but I find the little man entertaining, so this only adds to my vest obsession.

Without further adieu here are some reasons why you should invest (pun intended) in one:

1. Your arms aren’t constricted so you can get a little bit athletic… if you must. 2. You can hide cheap snacks in it when you go to the movies.
3. In a neutral color, it will match just about anything.
4. You can wear the really snazzy kind from day to night.
5. It will protect your vital organs from the cold (sorry elbows,  you’re on your own).
6. If you were for some reason wearing a bulletproof vest, it would allow you to stay incognito while doing so.
7. You can wear it in the fall, winter AND spring.
8. Martha Stewart wears them and if she isn’t a style icon then I don’t know who is! ;)
9. Guys really, really dig them. You’ll probably get five marriage proposals each time you wear a puffy vest. Especially since the really huge ones look like sleeping bags.

{I hope that you all enjoy this beautiful vest wearing season and that you’ll stop by my blog and say hello! Thanks again to Allie for having me!}

the coolest people you'll ever meet [september round two]

blog // pinterest // facebook

Fall is my favorite season of all!!!!!!! I love the colors that are created in the streets and yards by the beautiful leaves. I love that I get to celebrate my 3rd wedding anniversary this fall, I love campfires, cool nights, and the lifting of humidity here in the south. There is nothing as sweet to me as the shifting of summer into fall and a warm cup of tea to keep my toasty warm on cool mornings.

blog// twitter

I love everything about fall. The smells and colors.

And the cool nights and crunchy leaves.

All of it. It just feels refreshing and new.

blog // twitter // facebook // instragram

We're Ben and Katie. We met in Montana, lived in Ukraine, South Korea, Russia and just moved to the US. We blog about photography, travel, thrifting, food, lomography cameras and things that we do as a couple. Our favorite things about fall are colorful leaves, mushrooms and pumpkins!

blog // twitter

I live in San Francisco, so most of weather throughout the year is rather fall like. Yet I look forward to the official start of fall, because I feel like it gives me permission to bust out my packed away scarves and layers and hats, and start wearing boots and coming home and making something warm and loaded with carbs and sugar and snuggling on the couch (because doing that in July just feels plain wrong!). But more than anything, I love the way the city feels. The energy surrounding the anticipation of the holidays and the start of a new year is almost tangible, and it's wonderful. 

blog // follow your heart project // bloglovin'

Aww fall! My favorite thing about it is that this year I was accepted in a Neurology lab to make a experiment. It's a huge thing for me practicing on something that I really love doing! Also, some say that summer has the most tasty and juicy fruits and vegetables, but I don't agree.  Fall have them, figs, pomegranates, broccoli, apples, cranberries, eggplants and the list is so long. And of course I could not forget fall's windy, sunny (or not ) days, I missed them so much! :)

blog // facebook // shop

I love fall! The colors, scents, decorations, food, Halloween (it's my favorite day of the year!), no more mosquito bites, etc. I just love everything about it! 

the coolest people you'll ever meet [september round one]

Who doesn't like discovering new blogs? I certainly do. So do yourself a favor and visit these amazing women who sponsored me in September. Read on to find out their favorite things about fall!

bloglovin' // twitter // facebook

Not to sound like a lush, but I love the seasonal beer that comes with fall - pumpkin flavored! And as the weather starts to cool down, I love having friends over in the evenings for some of that delicious beer as we sit around the fire pit I have set up in the backyard. Oh, and I welcome the return of scarfs!*

{*Side Note: Nicole is one of my blogger-turned-real-life-friends and she is SERIOUSLY the coolest and nicest gal around. One look at her blog and you'll want to be her friend. Meet her in person and... well... 
you'll want to be her best friend.}

blog // shop // twitter

My favorite things about fall - EVERYTHING :) But really, I love the changing colors, the brisk whether that begins to have a hint of winter, but not full-on cold, and the foods of fall (pumpkins, apples, squash, spices).

blog // facebook // twitter

Fall is my Spring. As a teacher, everything new has always begun in the Fall. It's my chance to start again. And I adore a good pair of boots.

blog // facebook // twitter

My favorite thing about fall is the scenery change. I love seeing the leaves turn warmer colors, the pile of bright yellow or red leaves on the ground, it's all so beautiful! But I also love when I get to live in my leggings, drink hot chocolate and wear oversized sweaters. Fall is fun!

blog // pinterest // followgram

Honestly, I'm not a very big fan of Fall. I'd rather it be warm all year round. But, here in Michigan it gets far too cold for me. The only things I really enjoy about fall are Cider Mills, pumpkin flavored everything, having fires, haunted hayrides and scary movies.

guest post: mastering the art of ankle boots

When I purchased these boots a few months ago, I was so excited I couldn't stand it. They felt daring and totally out of my comfort zone and I liked that about them. But as fall arrived, I realized I had no idea what to wear them with... so I turned to the master. Meet Katie. She's here to share some pearls of wisdom on mastering the art of ankle boots.

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Hi, beauty and the feast readers! My name is Katie and I blog at hey little apple blossom. I'm really, really excited (annnnd also a little nervous - this is my first guest post!!) to be guest posting for sweet Allie while she's out of town having a total blast and obviously being the cutest bridesmaid in Austin. Her blog is one of my top favorites. 

(step one, according to these pictures, is to add a cardigan)

Allie asked me to put together some ideas for wearing lace-up ankle boots this fall. I have to be honest, when I got my pair of ankle boots, I was super intimidated! I'm a really short girl, and they seemed to make me look even shorter, on top of looking exactly like my boyfriend's boots... which is weird. But I find myself throwing them on with really unexpected outfits and really loving them all of the time now. Hopefully I'll be able to give you guys some ideas, too!

Idea 1: Menswear-Inspired

They look like men's boots, so why not embrace it? I bought these shorts with these boots in mind... and I have since paired them three times; it's ridiculous and obsessive. The key to this look is the socks! Proportion is important with these boots, since they're so little bitty, and you need the socks to balance out the leg to foot ratios.

Also, winter shorts are awesome. Here are mine, and here a couple of others that would be super cute: 1, 2, 3.

Idea 2: Dresses!

I'll try any look with a dress once. this one works out really well! I think the dress definitely needs to be above-the-knee and, again, there need to be socks. Don't worry, I've experimented with wearing this exact outfit with tights, too, and it's equally awesome.

Idea 3: Dress Them Down (a.k.a., wear them like sneakers)!

I'm kind of becoming a queen of the graphic tee (I don't know), and outfits with graphic tees can get boring. So in comes ANKLE BOOTS! Yeah. I love cuffing my jeans riiight above the boots and I tell myself that it makes my legs look longer. Not-so-secretly, this is my favorite way to wear these guys because it's so unexpected and easy. As long as I remember to put them on before my converse. 

This is my shirt, and here are a couple of others that would be super cute in its place: 1, 2.

Well, I hope these outfits inspired you to try out some ankle boots of your own! And, Allie, I hope you get all kinds of wear out of yours this fall!

love stories: laura & radley

Are you ready? I don't think you are... because today is probably going to be everybody's favorite day on beauty and the feast because it's definitely mine! One of my favorite bloggers... ever... is here to share part of her love story which just happens to be my absolute favorite love story... ever... and part of the reason I started this little series to begin with.  I've been following her blog for years and never even kind of dreamed that I'd ever have the privilege of hosting her on my little blog. Meet Laura from Little Things and Curiosities and get ready for some beautiful words and heart melting story-telling about the guy who captured her heart (and let's be honest... all of ours' too) and how she just knew he was the one.

photo courtesy of cooper carras

You just know. That's what people always say about finding their other half — about knowing once and for all that they've met The One. You just know. And I understand what those people mean, because at some point in a relationship, you stop waiting for everything to become clear, to turn black and white. At some point, your questions are either answered or feel irrelevant or maybe you just stopped asking them because you decided that the gray area was sort of the point. The gray area, you realized, is everything.

I just know — and yet, there was also this one moment. This one sweet and simple, fleeting moment in which I realized Radley was It.

His face was scruffy and tanned that morning, slightly burnt, his days back then filled with bayside runs and sandy beach football and long, sunny motorcycle rides. He wore khaki cargo shorts and a green tee, the one I loved because it brought out the golden-green shade of his eyes.

It was early in the morning, a Sunday, and we were carrying hot coffees as we walked along the edge of Mission Bay. I wore cutoff denim shorts and a hooded sweatshirt and my hair was frizzy from the wind.

"The sky is cerulean," I said. "Cerulean. That's my favorite crayon."

And the way he looked at me — his head tilted sideways, eyebrows raised, a half-smirk — well, everything felt sure. He knew, and I knew, and the sky was the color of the brightest blue crayon.

{You can read about the beginning of their love story here.}

the coolest people you'll ever meet [july: weird & random edition]

Tonight, I have quite the special treat for you guys... my July sponsors are sharing something weird and random about themselves. Don't you just love it when people get real?

from Time For Tea

I wanted to share with you, my cameras! I am a little obsessed and you will always find me with five in hand and two in my bag! I love them because I want to record EVERYTHING! I drive everyone nuts because I take A LOT of photos (1000 a day keeps the doctor away!) but I need them for the tutorials I post, because what's a tutorial without beautiful photographs!?

blog // shop // facebook 

from Eye Candy

It may seem weird but I HAVE to sleep with a fan! Even if it's

freezing outside, or I'm somewhere other than home. I even have a mini

travel one. Something about the noise is just so soothing to me. As if

it couldn't get more bizarre, I've been doing so since I was a wee

little one.

blog // instagram

from Just Breathe, Stacy

My weird/random something would be my undying love for Hanson since I was 12 years old.  I began to love Hanson in a time when boy bands reigned supreme and these cute blonde haired hippies came out with super poppy music. Yes they wrote their own songs and performed them with their own instruments which I thought it was a novel idea and not only did one, Taylor Hanson become the guy I measured all future boyfriends to,  but they became my inspiration for life.  Biggest obstacle being a Hanson fan was also maintaining some sort of popularity throughout school.  Don't think I didn't get teased non-stop, even once had to run extra miles around the track in high school for missing a basketball practice for a Hanson concert.  I have continued to follow them as they've matured in music and their lives.  They are the only artist to this day that I still buy the actual CD and read their lyrics cover to cover as I sing along.  For some reason (probably mmmbop - but come on they were kids?!) Hanson still doesn't get the credit they deserve but I'll tell you every show I've been too over the past 15+ years have all been sold out. Hanson taught me to be original and not be afraid to do and follow what I love no matter what others may think.

 blog // twitter // photography 

from Tamara's Blend

Something weird that I love anyways would be... children books! I just recently bought myself a new book with fairytales and drawings from my favourite illustrator. I am a 20-something woman and I still can't get enough of this. Fairytales just bring me so many memories and take me to another, magical world.

blog // twitter // bloglovin'

My weird and random fact? I break out in interpretive dance during almost any song.

[I have quite the routine to (who ya gonna call?) "Ghostbusters!"]

{Hope everyone had a great weird weekend!}

love stories: lena & david

Meet Lena. If you haven't visited her blog, you really really should. The first thing I read on Lena's blog was her love story and after reading that, I was sold. Since then, Lena and I have realized our mutual love for India, a country we both spent a lot of time in, as well as photography, food [pesto] and travel [in fact, she's moving to Switzerland next month! I smell a Euro Trip...]. Lena was actually the first blogger I reached out to about this little series... and you'll understand why once you read more [seriously, Nicholas Sparks could write a book on her love story]. 

Our love story begins quite a few years ago, when jump rope and multiplication tables were my reality. Yes, a beautiful school day back in the fourth grade. On this particular day, there was talk of a new boy, David, at school. I walked into geography class, and there he was in all of his nine year old glory. And man, he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. As I walked to my desk, he looked up at me and that, my friends, is when I fell hopelessly in love. Through the years, I drew hearts around his name, daydreamed about our first date and imagined that (one day) he would love me back. And ten years later, he did.

This happened on their second date. Obviously, it was meant to be.

Just a few weeks before my sophomore year of college came to a close, David asked if I'd like to go on a date. Without hesitation, I agreed. On the first day of summer, he picked me up and we went rock climbing. We watched the sunset and he held my hand.. everything was just as I had always imagined. But a second date had to wait because I had committed my summer to sending high school students to summit mountains at a backcountry camp. This particular camp was nestled deep in British Columbia's wilderness, and what made it especially unique was that it excluded the comfort of modern technology (no phone, no internet, no flushing toilets.. crazy). So, he wrote me letters. Everyday. And I wrote him back. Everyday. And it was during that time that our love grew immensely.

lena and david // photo courtesy of ed hetherington

Upon my return, David took me on that second date which led to many more. After an afternoon filled with hiking and long conversation, when all was dark and quiet, he whispered I love you. I smiled and after a decade of waiting, turned to whisper the same thing back to him. In 2010, during a spring shower that brought about a breeze that smelled of honeysuckle and dreamy mist, we vowed for eternity in front of our family and closest friends.

photo courtesy of ed hetherington

Our marriage has seen an abundance of joyful times and trying times, all of which are deeply appreciated. You see, I've come to find that learning how to love someone well takes a lot of time and energy, but that is what makes this little thing called love so incredible. Knowing someone for exactly who they are, the good and the bad, and loving all of them is something that I can hardly begin to put into words. But one thing I know for sure.. it's more beautiful than I could have ever hoped for or imagined.

inspired by locals: jill from cultivating compassion

As you all know by now, this time last year, I spent some time in India. If you've been to India or written about India on your blog, most likely I've commented and emailed you with a million questions [if I haven't, please please please send me a link so I can read]. Lena can attest to that. For some reason, I feel immediately bonded to anyone who had even a remotely similar experience to me... traveling and/or volunteering in a crazy different country... and even more so if that country is India. Bloggers like Lena, Katelyn, Lauren, Mae and Peter who have had experiences like this and Meagan who today, wrote about wanting to see the world, continue to remind me that this world is a big, beautiful and unique place. I believe that it's our job as educated Americans to get out there and not only see it but give back to the people who don't and may never have the same opportunities as us. 

So today, I want to introduce to you a truly inspirational woman and a dear friend of mine for this week's "Inspired by Locals." Though a bit younger than me, she has always been one of my biggest role models. Our friendship began in sorority-land but evolved into something much bigger and stronger when we realized our shared passion for getting out into the world to force and implement change where ever we can and travel travel TRAVEL.

Jill and I

Currently, Jill is in India and her story and journey has touched my heart in more ways than one. So without further adieu, here's Jill's story:

When Allie asked me if I would write a guest post for her blog, I felt honored and immediately said that I would. She asked me to write about why I think it’s important to serve others and work for a cause/go outside of your comfort zone. 

But before I get to that I think a little background on me is in order. My name is Jill and I have been a friend of Allie’s since her sophomore year and my freshmen year at the University of San Diego. I am finishing up a Masters in Peace Studies in which I specialize in Human Rights and Development. And as part of my Masters I am currently interning with a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Gujarat, India that works for the rights of those individuals who fall within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, more commonly known as the untouchables.

Now having got the background details out of the way, I turn to the heart of the matter…why it is important to give back and get out. I myself am kind of an addict when it comes to traveling and working for a cause. Together these two things give my life purpose, make my heart sing and my soul dance.

And if there is any piece of advice I ever give people [to everyone actually] it is to TRAVEL! Travel far and wide, take in as much in as possible, because you will never know until you go just how magical the world is, and how wonderful people really can be.

We get so caught up in our daily routine, that we let the small stuff stress us out, like traffic. We cannot control the traffic but yet we still waste precious time and energy stressing about it, when instead we should be using that time to relax and listen to our favorite new song.

But when you get up and go you realize just what you are capable of and how much you have to be grateful for. This goes double for when you take the time to give your time to a cause or to serving others (especially abroad). I know everyone does not have the luxury of being able to volunteer abroad, but if you ever do I urge you to take it…more for yourself then for the good you will be able to do. Even if you cannot make it abroad volunteer at home, I promise you that you will not regret it. Once you have felt what it is like to truly make a difference in someone else life, then you will realize all else is trivial to this.

Directly working with a cause or a person has a way of stripping away all of the stereotypes, labels, standards, and expectations we feel pressure to live up to.  It shows us that life is all there really is and that everything else is just perspective… that we as a person matter… that we can make a difference just by giving our energy and light to something… just by caring.

all photos courtesy of cultivating compassion

At the end of the day we will not be remembered by how far we got in school, or what we accomplished at work, but by the love we gave to a few people in this world. So get up, go out, explore, and give of yourself…because in the end it will be the best gift you ever gave yourself. 

the coolest people you'll ever meet [june]

Well! June sure flew by so it's that time again... sponsor spotlight! These women I've had the pleasure of "meeting"via the blog-o-sphere certainly set the bar high for my first month of swapping. It's been too fun to work with these ladies and further explore their corners of the Internet. So without further adieu, I'd love for you to meet:

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blog // twitter // facebook // shop

What's your favorite feast? I am obsessed with sushi and have been seen the ripe old age of 12. I've always been a bit of a seafood junkie and I think that combined with delicious sticky rice and spicy wasabi make sushi the most magical food in the world to me.

Where do you go to get inspired? When I need a little inspiration I turn off my computer and hit the road, whether it's a walk around the block or a ride in the mountains a little sun and adventure always get my creative juices flowing.

What do you want readers to know about you? I used to practice picking things up with my feet everyday. At one point I got so good I could pick up a pencil and write my name. 

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

blog // twitter // pinterest

What's your favorite feast? I'm kind of an intense pizza lover. I mean who can say no to bread and cheese topped with awesomeness? Not me. Definitely not me.

What do you do to get inspired? I'm inspired by everything around me. Whether it's the blooming wildflowers, a faraway culture, or delicious food.. it's all beautiful.

What do you want your readers to know about you? I love rainbow sprinkles. And the mountains.. especially the snowy kind.

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

blog // facebook // twitter

What's your favorite feast? Pickles. My mom said that when she was preggers with me she ate a jar a day. She hasn't had a pickle since the day I was born but I carry the tradition on. Love me some dill.

What do you do to get inspired? To get inspired, I read, ALOT. Everything from blogs to books, to strange websites I find myself on. I run 5 times a week and that's the best place to clear my head and when I come up with the best ideas. I also spend time with incredible people from all over the world who make up my little mountain town: they inspire me to live life to the fullest and be myself.

What do you want your readers to know about you? I'm deathly allergic to eggs. Go figure!

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

blog // bloglovin // twitter // pinterest

What's your favorite feast? It's so hard to choose a favorite food, but I would have to say pad Thai, or just Thai food in general. I enjoy spicy food and love how Thai mixes spices with creamy sauces and fresh veggies. Yuuum! There are several great Thai places in my town, but my favorite is a place called Busara. Their fresh rolls are amazing! 

What do you want your readers to know?: While trying to find a picture of pad Thai to include with my answer, I got such a craving for it that I had to whip some up! The picture is the tofu pad Thai I made :) 
beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

blog // twitter

What's your favorite feast? At the moment, frozen yogurt. I've gone through different phases of foods that I like this pregnancy but right now I love frozen yogurt. I can't get enough!

What do you do to get inspired? I like to go to my garden and just sit out there and think. It's so peaceful to water it and see everything growing and producing fruit. 

What do you want your readers to know about you? I'm about to be a mom and can't really think about anything else. 

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

 blog // twitter // pinterest // tumblr

What's your favorite feast? I love food a LOT, so it's very hard for me to pick one favourite! But right now I would say it's juicy peaches. Peaches and yoghurt. Very simple yet so refreshing and tasty. Perfect summer food.

What do you do to get inspired? To get inspired I get out of the house and walk to the nearest forest or the nearest lake. Nature inspires me. Fresh air and beautiful landscapes make me feel happy and peaceful.

What do you want your readers to know about you? I am half French and half British. Sometimes I have bilingual dreams. My brain gets confused!

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

blog // follow your heart // facebook // bloglovin

What's your favorite feast? I may be in an affair with my tomato-strawberry salads, but it would be very unffair to tag them as "my ever favorite food". That's why I have many, like many, favorite foods. Give me an interesting recipe, ingredients which may not match together (at first sight) and strong flavors and you got me. 

What do you do to get inspired? Inspiration. Such a great word. Like imagination. And although imagination is always there for you, your little heaven in your head, inspiration may come and go. I sure get inspired by my life. Everything that I may see, read, hear, eat will unlock doors of memories and ideas in my head. And then everything seems so easy.

What do you want your readers to know about you? Apart from the fact that I am the female Goofy in real life, I (hmmm... what would you like to know now? ) laugh silently. I only make some really funny noises as I try to breath too, while laughing. Imagine that I sound like a suction machine. When I laugh, everyone laughs. At. me.

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

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What's your favorite feast? Right now I'm all about summer snacks - s'more, trail mix, watermelon, strawberries. Can I have four favorites?

Where do you go to get inspired? I surf the web. Right now, Pinterest is my "go to." I love reading other's blogs. I spend hours looking at other people's style, home, careers, etc.

What do you want your readers to know about you? I just rescued the world's sweetest puppy!

beauty & the feast favorites: one // two // three

{Wanna swap for July? Email me!}