Salted Fudge Brownies

This little gem I found on Pinterest is a game changer. Fudge brownie mix + caramel + sea salt = salted fudge brownies. It doesn't get any easier than spreading the batter into a pan (I used Betty Crocker's double fudge brownie mix), drizzling 1/4 cup of  caramel sauce on top of the batter (using a knife to swirl over the surface), and sprinkling sea salt over the caramel.  They are super gooey and moist when they are done and truly the hardest part in this whole process was not shoving each piece in my mouth.  So depending on your level of self restraint, this may only make a half a batch ;)

Dress Remix

Dress (Target); Heels (Jessica Simpson find at Marshalls); Necklace (H&M);
Earrings (Nordstrom)

I love how a few subtle changes can completely recreate a look. Like this dress...  For a more casual look I paired it with wedges and tights in this post from March last year, and then wore the dress as a shirt in this post last August.  Hair up, nude heels, and a statement necklace fancy up this T-shirt dress for a mid-week Sushi date.  Remixes don't have to be overly complicated... a few tweaks and you'll find you can quickly change up a piece to create a look for any occasion :)

Max Boschke

Each Memorial Day I think of my Grandpa, Max Richard Boschke. While he didn't die in battle (he passed away in 2005), he was a proud US Navy Veteran who served his country aboard the USS Essex from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. He had met my Grandma shortly before he left to serve at 22 years old, and like many romances at the time, it developed over letters and visits back home. I think about what he gave up to fight for his country, what he went through as such a young man... and the hundreds of thousands of others who did the the same.  May we never forget that freedom isn't free...thank you to all of those who continue to serve, and a special thank you to those who have paid the ultimate price.

Friday Find

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (Walgreens)

Many of you asked about the face mask that actually shrinks pores that I mentioned in this post.  I've tried many face masks, and this one by far does the best job of making my skin feel like it has a clean slate.  This works best with normal to oily skin - and truly does remove impurities, clean out pores, and leaves you with clean, smooth and tight skin.  The only drawbacks are the funky green color and it doesn't smell the best - but for under $5 the benefits are completely worth it.  Not to mention I'm usually left alone when I'm wearing this (boyfriend and dog aren't a fan of the green faced monster) - so this also works if you just need some you time :)

Same... but Different

Dress (Banana Republic Outlet); Scarf (Calvin Klein find at Marshalls);
Shoes (Target); Earrings (Nordstrom)

I recently found this bright lime scarf at Marshalls and thought it was perfect for Spring/Summer... and I also thought it would be a great contrast to the color blue.  And then I got a serious case of deja vu.  I have a very similar scarf, and had created a very similar color combo (original post here).  One could argue that the scarves are a different color and pattern = but the truth is I basically just bought the same scarf.  But it's okay - it makes the 10 shades of the same lip gloss color I own seem a bit less crazy :) 

Gypsy

Shirt (New York & Company); Tank (H&M); Jeans & Earrings (Target);
Shoes (Jessica Simpson find at Marshalls); Necklace (Etsy);
 Sunglasses (Charming Charlie)

Since I'm such a creature of routine, changing up a few things can make me feel like a different person entirely.  So while a pair of gold hoops and some sequins may be just another Saturday night for one person,   it had me feeling like a gypsy...  which was fun!  Somewhere between being a "grown up" and working adult I have lost my sparkle!  And this top has just enough sparkle to keep this look fun while not making me look like a disco ball - not that there's anything wrong with that... not at all ;)

The Blues

Shirt (Marshalls); Pants (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West);
Sunglasses (Charming Charlie);
Belkis-Cruz Photography

Since I'm covered in blues... it got me thinking about the blues.  Typically every 45 days or so I need to have a good cry - which I swear is as powerful and necessary as any good cleanse. And even when I have nothing substantial to cry about and (yes, bad hair days and pimples are substantial) - it feels good to release the crap that builds up in everyday life and start fresh.  A good cry helps me to get rid of all the emotional toxins that build up from things like that A-hole driver going under the speed limit in the left lane, the fight I had with my stubborn mom (I may be equally as stubborn), the fact that my favorite lip gloss color has been discontinued, that I got so far behind in Grey's Anatomy I deleted them all from my DVR, and that I spilled all over one of my favorite dresses only to realize it's dry clean only (damn it!) - these are all things that make the agenda for my next big cry... what's on your agenda?

Neutral

Dress (AGB find at Marshalls); Necklace (Consignment Shop); Shoes (Tahari find
at Marshalls); Sunglasses (Charming Charlie); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

When I got this dress I was so excited to add a pair of fun colored heels or a bold neon statement necklace... but every time I've worn it I've paired it with other neutral colors and minimal jewelry   And it's okay.  Overthinking things always leads me down a path best left alone... and this simple dress with it's 20's inspired flair is also best left alone.  Speaking of the 20's - did anyone see The Great Gatsby this weekend? I hope the movie lived up to those amazing previews!

Friday Find: DIY

This strawberry angel food dessert is a quick and yummy treat perfect for summer.  It makes enough to be a great addition to a party - or if you are like me, you can just make it for yourself... and maaaaaybe let your boyfriend have a few bites ;)

Ingredients

• 10 inch angel food cake
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 12 oz container of cool whip, thawed
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 18 oz jar of strawberry preserves

Directions

Crumble the cake into a 9 x 13 pan.  Next, beat the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.  Fold in the whipped topping.  Then, mash the cake down with your hands and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake. Lastly, combine strawberries and glaze in a bowl until the strawberries are evenly coated.  Spread over cream cheese layer... and chill until serving.

Ruffles & Pinstripes

Shirt & Skirt (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West); Watch (Michael Kors);
Sunglasses (Charming Charlie); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

Feminine ruffles and a structured pencil skirt are a perfect combo for an easy and appropriate look for the office.  And that that warmer weather has finally found its way to Minneapolis, Rex enjoyed a trip to the dog park this week... It was a highly anticipated 25 minutes of running around like an uncaged beast and marking his territory on literally every bush and tree in the park - the smile says it all :)

Primary

Dress & Shirt (Loft); Scarf (Jones New York find at Marshalls);
Shoes (Jessica Simpson find at Marshalls); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

There is something that feels very elementary with primary colors... like I should be carrying a box of crayolas and a juice box (PS how awesome would it be if I walked into my next meeting armed with both?).  This bold and colorful look seems appropriate for the day after Cinco de Mayo - hopefully the tequila haze has settled and you are ready for the week. My travel schedule for work has been insane lately and I'm extremely happy to be in town this entire week... it will be spent doing important things like laundry, grocery shopping and enjoying some long overdue happy hours ;)

Jackpot

Shirt (StyleMint); Layering Tank, Jeans, Shoes & Sunglasses (Target);
Scarf (Banana Republic Outlet); 

There are certain things in life that make you feel like you've hit the jackpot.  For me these things include a cuddly doggy who will exchange belly scratches for kisses...  knowing I have a glass of wine and my boyfriend to look forward to after each work day... finding that face mask that actually does shrink your pores and remove impurities (double jackpot)... a fabulous pair of heels that is equal parts beauty and comfort... and most definitely waking up early in the morning, only to realize it's the weekend and you can go back to bed :)

And scoring a premixed stripe & polka dot scarf at the outlet mall?  Jackpot!