touch of grey.

 Cardigan: H&M; Skirt: BCBG; Shoes: Banana Republic: Belt: J. Crew; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelet: 31 Bits

I love combining different colors in one outfit, but there's something about a monochromatic look that always feels fresh. The high waisted BCBG skirt balances nicely when worn with a cropped cardigan. Since the two greys don't match perfectly, it doesn't feel too matchy-matchy, especially when paired with another shade of grey peep toes shoes. By sticking with one color, it creates a streamlined silhouette that doesn't feel too stuffy.

put on a cardigan.

When all else fails in this official Spring weather, I am taking the motto of just putting on a cardigan. And since my current obsession is stripes, I obviously went for a striped knit version that is a super warm. Happy Tuesday, all!

life lately, according to my iPhone.

This weekend was pretty low key considering my schedule lately and what I have going own during the remaining part of April and May. So it was important that I didn't do much and just stay in bed Saturday morning snuggling with my Ruby and catching up on some of my favorite magazines.

 Afternoon at a coffee shop

 Freezing at a baseball game

 View of Detroit

 Ruby watching for birds

Clippers Baseball Game

vacation.

 

Zara Beach Bag

In little over 5 weeks, Kyle and I will be setting sail on a cruise to the Bahamas! We are going to be visiting CocoCay and Nassau and I couldn't be more excited. Ever since we made the decision to go, I can't stop thinking about everything that I want to take with me. Here are some items that are on my radar...

 

Forever21 Tribal Skirt

 

Red Woven Espadrille Wedges

 

J. Crew Silk Blouse

 

J. Crew Nautical Dress (obvi)

 

Aqua Wayfarer Sunglasses

stripes and sparkles.

 Headband: Anthropology; Cardigan: Old Navy: Top: H&M; Pants: J. Crew: Flats: Target

I don't know what it is lately but I cannot get enough of stripes. I constantly wish I had more and always looking for an excuse to fit into my everyday wardrobe. Today has been no different. Well....except the extra sparkles I added to my hair. I had to jazz it up a little! :)

butterfly exhibit.

Kyle and I have been talking about visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory for about a year now. They have the most amazing butterfly exhibit that we have both wanted to see and we finally got the opportunity yesterday. They also have glass blowing shows, flowers from around the world and Dale Chihuly works of art surrounding the exhibits. It's a very cool place for a variety of ages!

family time.

 Aunt Mitzi, Shelby Grace and Me

Did everyone have a great Easter?! Mine was pretty fantastic! I have the type of family where you don't do anything alone. So if you are going to dinner, you are pretty much going to have 10 others right beside you. This Easter was no different. We all went to dinner and then bowling on Saturday night. Soooo much fun! I feel very blessed to have a family that actually likes to spend time together (even though they probably would never admit it - you know who you are Uncle Trent).

O! I made the best Cupcakes I have ever made to date. Moist and delic! They were a Vanilla Cupcake with a Vanilla Butter Cream Icing, Toasted Coconut and Malt Ball Easter Eggs. They looked like a little nest. I followed this recipe.

 Mom and Me

 My Love

 Dad and Me

 Coconut Nest Cupcakes

Bub approves!

31 Bits.

I read an article recently on Glitter Guide about the most amazing jewelry company, 31 Bits, doing the most amazing work in Uganda. Essentially, they buy handmade jewelry from about 108 women and bring to the US to sell and generate a profit that is used to continue to purchase jewelry for beneficiaries, as well provide them with numerous development programs, equipping them to develop a career and attain social equity on a local level. GO GIRL POWER!!

I bought the Aruba and when it arrived in the mail, it's as gorgeous as the image on the website. Every bead is different, with vibrant colors showing through each spiral of color. Also, the bag that it arrived in was so fun! Won't be my last purchase from 31 Bits.

fun times.

Anytime I visit Detroit for work, it is beyond important that I do a couple of things:

1. Have lunch or dinner with friends
2. Eat at one of my favorite locations

This time around, I got to do both! So even though it was a short trip, it was packed. On Monday evening, I had dinner and drinks with friends at Amici's in Berkley, Michigan. The best little pizza shop with the most unique recipes.

On Tuesday I had lunch with more friends at Toast in Birmingham, MI but sadly do not have pics to share (next time, ladies!)

Joyce (on the right) is trying to control her hand placement by sitting on them.  Her hands have the tendency to show up in pictures unannounced. 

O there they are!

If there is one thing I miss, it's great times like these. :)

redeemed myself.

I feel like I totally redeemed myself this weekend by trying red velvet cupcakes one more time. And this time, a total success!! I even made my own icing and it was delicious. I followed this recipe from Barefoot Contessa and once I got past the Buttermilk incident from last week, it was smooth sailing.