Zucchini Bread

For a get-together the other night, my friend B helped me bake zucchini bread. The recipe was courtesy of Paula Deen, which could only mean one thing: lots of sugar! I must say, this is probably the best bread I have ever baked. It had the perfect amount of sweetness (similar to banana bread), with a slightly crisp top layer. I was skeptical about making bread with zucchini at first, but my skepticism was shortly extinguished after the first bite.

*note: Recipe makes more than the 2 loaf estimation.

Bored With A Board

When my friends and I run out of fun and adventurous things to do in the summer, we kick back, light a fire, and pull out some board games! Despite the horrible smell that lingers on your clothes from the smoke, there is nothing like telling jokes, stories, and beating each other at Catch Phrase around a bonfire.

Some popular board/card games my friends and I enjoy playing (especially on the colder summer nights) are Apples to Apples, Monopoly (credit card edition), and UNO. What are some of your favorites?

P.s, I apologize for lacking in the "comment back" department. I've been super busy lately, especially this past month. When I get the chance, I will make an effort to comment everyone back! You can count on it. :)

all images via WeHeartIt

A Masterpiece In The Making

This past week, I received the opportunity to assist one of my best friends in making a 3-tier, black and pink, flamingo-themed cake. I have seen many pictures of his whimsical and outrageous creations in the past, but have never witnessed what it actually takes to create such a masterpiece. Upon arrival, I saw that he had already began making the buttercream frosting. 5 hours later, as I am helping him stencil out the last of the fondant polka dots for the first and second tiers, the cake was finally on its way to being completed.

For those of you who are interested, I managed to snap some photos of the more interesting steps of the process. So, without further adieu, I would like to present a sequence of some "behind the scenes" pictures for the "Nifty Fifty Cake".

Good Things Come

t-shirt: Old Navy $12 //tye dye kit: craft store $10 //shorts: Old Navy $15 SALE //sunglasses (see below): Nordstrom B.P. $10 //flip flops: Victoria's Secret PINK free with coupon

As I reflect on all of the things that I have done this summer, I can confidently say that I am quite satisfied with my accomplishments. Every summer that I have lived through since Junior year of high school has consisted of either summer assignments for AP classes, or worse...summer courses. This is probably the first summer where I have taken a moderately light load, and I am extremely thankful for being able to do so.

This past weekend, I went camping for the first time! My friends and I had s'mores, spent our mornings and afternoons on the lake, and nights under the stars. We also got more sun than we could ever ask for. Overall, I had an amazing weekend and I officially love camping. I already want to go again.

Best ice cream cone ever.

Dog Days Are Over

This week's list for MUSIC MONDAY:
1. 'Dog Days Are Over' Florence and The Machine <--from EAT PRAY LOVE
2. 'Don't Stop Now' Crowded House
3. 'Wrists' Tegan and Sara
4. 'The Special Two' Missy Higgins
5. 'Heads Will Roll' Yeah Yeah Yeahs <-- from a commercial for THE HILLS
6. 'June Gloom' The Like

Sheer Genius

One of my all-time favorite trends is lace. This delicately textured fabric never fails to add a touch of femininity to even the grungiest of outfits. I am happy to say that after some not-so-extensive research, I discovered lace to be an expected returning trend for fall 2010.

white tank: Banana Republic gift from Mom //lace tank: Nordstrom Rack, Love On A Hanger $13 SALE //cardigan: Nordstrom B.P. $24 SALE // nailpolish: Petities in 'Cabernet' gift from Roommate

Fall 2010: Fashion Report

image via WeHeartIt

Expected trends for Fall 2010:

1. Military jackets

2. Lace

3. Velvet clothing

4. Leather jackets

5. White tights

6. "Conservative Glamour"- this trend was inspired by the recession. It is described as simple with subtle "bling".

7. "Great Outdoors"- worker boots, and fur lined vests are just two of the many items that go with this trend. The color palette includes forest green, and many muted browns.

8. Bohemian- white, lace, and anything flowy.

9. The 70's Are Back- nude accessories, tan trousers.

10. Cut out clothing

The list goes on...

Sources:
Fashion Rising
Harper's Bazaar
Elle