Pea and Feta Salad

How yummy does this look? The recipe can be found here on Bon Appetit

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
•  
• 4 cups fresh shelled peas (from about 4 pounds peas in pods) or 1 pound frozen petite peas
• 1 bunch radishes, trimmed, halved, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 3 cups fresh pea tendrils, coarsely chopped, or pea sprouts (optional)

Preparation

• Heat small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until aromatic and slightly darker, about 2 minutes. Cool; grind finely in spice mill. Whisk lime juice, honey, and cumin in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil; stir in dill. Season dressing with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature.
• Cook peas in pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 5 minutes for fresh (or about 2 minutes for frozen). Drain; rinse under cold water, then drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Add radishes, feta, and dressing; toss. Season with salt and pepper. If using pea tendrils or sprouts, divide among bowls. Divide salad among bowls. Serve.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

A+C

A's March Favorites

One month closer to graduation...kinda freaking me out. Anyways, March was a great month and I don't know about you all, but I definitely experienced the "madness". 


This month I've been loving...

During this awkward weather transition mixed with a little rain, my Barbour has come in handy all month! I love it. 

This is the St Christopher's pendant (worn to ensure safe travels) I got from my aunt for my birthday. I literally wore it every single day this month and I'm obsessed with the color. 

I'm currently wearing Essie's 'Haute as Hello' and I'm in love!! Its the perfect shade of coral for spring and I know this sounds weird but it actually makes you look tan! Its from the Summer 2010 collection, so its not actually available on Essie's website, but it may still be available in your local nail salon. Its available here. 

Lana Del Rey's album 'Born to Die' has been on repeat on my iPod all month! She may not be for everyone, but I'm obsessed with her sultry and haunting (in the best way possible) voice. I'm also a huge fan of her pin-up girl look! 

Each morning, I fill my two Siggs (Keith Haring design, naturally) with lemon water and try to drink both bottles throughout the day. The lemony zest to the water has really made it easier for me to drink both bottles, not to mention that the lemon is so healthy! I've even observed less break outs on my face this month as a result of drinking the lemon water. You should try it! 

xoxo, 

A

C's March Favorites

I can't believe another month has gone by! We're already 1/4 through 2012! Here are my faves this month!

Starbucks Tazo Passion Tea via

So I only really drink water, and I drink a lot of hot tea in the winter! I love some of the ones featured in this post here, but I like more fruity for spring and summer. This is my new favorite! I've literally been drinking this unsweetened all month. Tea drinkers, it's the same tea that is in their passion iced tea lemonade.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette via

I've had the original Naked palette since summer. I got this one for my birthday, and I love it. It's all I have been wearing since I got it. It's actually still different from the first Naked!

Tory Burch Kendrick Drivers via

I received these for my birthday at the end of February, and I love them so much! I've been wearing them with everything, from chino shorts to jeans. They are such great loafers that I'll wear for years to come!

The Wall About You App! via

I've been making these 24/7 on this new app. I can honestly say that I change my background everyday, to a new monogram, of course! It's well worth the $1.99

Lilly Pulitzer Notebook via

I am a total list maker. I always have a notebook of lists going. I recently finished off my old notebook, a pretty generic one from Target. I decided to switch it up to something more fun! The cover is super heavy, and I am a total convert to these mini notebooks!

What have been your favorites this month? Let us know!

Watch for A's favorites tomorrow!!

XOXO,

C

The Trend: Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces are everywhere this spring, and we love it! Here are five of our favorites!

J.Crew Tessellate Necklace

Kate Spade Putting on the Ritz Necklace (aside: we love the name of this piece!)

Fornash Confetti Necklace (a steal at $38!)

Moon and Lola via Swell Caroline Monogrammed Necklace

Lilly Pulitzer Spring Garden Necklace

Do you rock statement necklaces? What are your favorites?

Love,

A+C

How To: Find Volunteer Opportunities for the Summer

Alright, we all know giving back is super important. However, not all of us have the time, or even know where to start. Many of us will have time over the summer, and now is the best time to start before things fill up!

Via

1. Figure out the kind of work you want to do. Do you want to work with the physically challenged? impoverished children? the elderly? animals?
2. Once you figure that out, do a google search for sites in your town. Once you have a little bit more of a handle on your city, it's going to get a lot easier.
3. Talk to your family and family friends. Someone is bound to have connections for you. Bonus: lots of volunteer work could eventually lead to an internship!
4. If you want to go abroad, look some more. You'll have a harder time finding these trips, but they can pay off! Check around through churches and youth groups, and national programs as well!
5. If you pick something local, spend or shadow there for a day. You'll know if it is the right fit before you commit totally!
6. Try to get others involved!
7. If you fall in love with your organization, raise awareness! It can be a great way to open doors for other people, and it can be as easy as tweeting or posting a facebook link!

Via

So, instead of sitting around this summer, get out there and do some volunteer work!!
Love,
A+C

MYMM: Hotel Behavior

After some recent traveling, I've seen some rather appalling hotel behavior. Here are our tips!

1. No unnecessary complaining. If there is something seriously wrong such as a lack of towels or toilet paper, request some more. However, not liking the shampoo and conditioner doesn't call for complaining. (Yes, I did happen to overhear someone complaining about this to the front desk.)

2. Smile and express thanks. Did the manager upgrade your room free of charge? Thank him or her when you see him. Things both ordinary and extraordinary call for thanks! I guarantee they don't hear these things as often as they should.

3. Don't be too loud in the hallways or the rooms. People could be sleeping, on the phone etc. Beware especially at late hours! You wouldn't want to wake up a sleeping toddler!

4. Follow the Check In/Check Out times. Self explanatory.

5. Don't leave the rooms too messy for the staff. Self explanatory again.

Keep minding your manners!

Love,

A+C

Don't Rain on My Parade

We've been seeing lots of rain throughout the country this past week!! Of course, staying well protected and still cute in less than ideal weather is important. Here are a few of our favorites!

The North Face Venture

So many people love and swear by this jacket! It's not too expensive, and there are a myriad of fabulously bright shades available.

Hunter Wellies

You didn't think that we could write a post about rain apparel and not include Hunter Wellies? We both have multiple pairs, and love them! For chillier weather, the liners are darling!

Lilly Pulitzer Umbrella

A darling umbrella. C got one recently when she got caught in a bind, and loves it!! It's so cute, and you're sure to make everyone jealous as you parade in the rain!

Less Expensive Options

F21 Hooded Ripstop Rain Coat

What a steal! At $22.80, you can't find much of a better deal. This will serve those of us on a budget well. The two tones are so great together.

Rain Boots at Target

A darling and less expensive option than Hunters! Polka Dots will surely brighten up a rainy day!

Target Multi-Colored Ruffle Umbrella

It's a steal at only $14.99, and so darling. This is the perfect wallet friendly option to just leave in your car, should you be caught in a torrential down pour!

And for the inspiration to write the post...

Trina Turk Double Breasted Trench

Need we say more? Classic.

How do you protect yourself in inclement weather? Let us know about your favorites!

Love,

A+C

"Elegant. Modern. Daring."

After doing some online "window shopping" as we like to call it, we stumbled upon a fabulous designer named Jules Reid. Her Spring/Summer Collection of 2012 is perfection. The prints and patterns are full of color and personality; her designs are simply beautiful. 


Here are some of our favorites from her collection. 

The Hal- "Retro blouse with Vintage glamour."

The Virginia Tunic- "Named for Jules' home state. Our #1 best seller."

The Peony- "The most beautiful flower in the world."

The Harrison- "Our classic shift. The favorite of many."

The Liza- "The dress you would find in your mother's closet, but still want to wear."

Harbour Island Pant- "A silky, easy going pant. Pleasure to put on."

We highly recommend checking out her website! Heads up- she has a great sale section. 

Love, 

A+C

To Wear or Not To Wear: Baseball Caps

I (A) have a bit of an obsession with baseball hats. I am 100% that girl that wants to pull off that preppy/classic/sporty look with my guy friends' hat that I stole from him the day before. 


So there are two basic ways to wear a baseball cap: 

1. When you're slumming it. You seek comfort in a "borrowed" Vineyard Vines baseball hat from your best guy friend because you actually don't want to put any effort into your outfit.

Often worn with:

• Running shorts (Norts)
• Rainbows/Havaianas 
• College T-shirt
• Patagonia 
• Perfectly messy hair

i.e. When you're running errands, doing outdoorsy things that actually may require wearing a hat to protect skin from sunburn, when you're feeling anti-social and don't want to stop to talk to anyone (commonly paired with sunglasses). 

2. When you want to look effortlessly classic but still have to put in the effort towards looking effortlessly classic.

Often worn with:

• Simple flats
• Bean Boots
• Riding boots
• Quilted Jacket/Barbour
• Cableknit sweater 
• (Casual) oxford/ polo
• Jeans (blue, black, white, red...)
• Cords

i.e. Outdoor sporting events that require a more put together look on your part, bad hair days (yikes, can't let anyone know that you don't actually have perfect hair), any casual event that requires you to look effortlessly and casually...perfect. 

Here are some of our favorites (not including hot neighbor's college squash team cap "borrowed" from the last neighborhood beach outing, mom's and dad's old college hats, best guy friends lacrosse team cap)...

xoxo, 

A+C

What's In Our Bags!

Someone on Tumblr asked if we would do one of these posts! So here we go!

C's Bag

Wallet, Compact, Notepad, Kleenex, Coin Purse, ID etc wristlet, sunglasses (x2), mini brush, Lilly Croakies, aquaphor, mints, wristlet with emergency items, and a random pony tail holder!

(I apologize for the terrible quality photo...#blackberryproblems)

A's Bag

Wallet, Vera Bradley ID pouch (purple floral pattern), Rosebud Salve, pink ribbon (never know when you might need one...), gum, deodorant, clear nail polish, Nivea "A Kiss of Smoothness" lip product, sandal with mini scissors/nail clipper/tape inside, Lilly Pulitzer sunglasses (pink case), Vera Bradley pouch for feminine products (pink floral pattern), hair ties, iPod video (old school, right?). 

Yay, this was fun! 

Love, 

A+C

Hump Day

Who created the term "hump day"? I mean, I guess it makes sense when you really think about it, but at first listen, it sounds pretty silly. Anyways, here's to getting over the "hump" of the week. 

So when you're feeling down about today being Wednesday, remember that you're so close to the (long awaited) weekend! Do yourself a favor and...

Listen to Avicii's "Levels" backwards as many times as you want. Because you can. And who doesn't like "Levels"?!

Wear bright colored shorts/pants. Because you're fabulous. 

via

Treat yourself to your favorite lunch. Every little bit helps! We know we're having sushi tomorrow!

via

Paint your nails with a pretty bright or pastel color! Celebrate the spring, ladies. Brighter nails= brighter attitudes. Its like, a proven fact. 

Essie's 'Knockout Pout'

via

Make some time during the day to do something you enjoy. No matter what. Whether its running, drawing, cooking, watching movies/tv, or playing an instrument, allocate an hour of your day to do one thing that you love!! PROMISE?! It will undoubtedly put a smile on your face. 

via

And here's the first thing you need to before you leave the house to start your day: look in the mirror and say 5 things you love about yourself. Then, promise that you will have a positive outlook on the day, no matter what you may be faced with. Mind over body. "Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it."

via

We hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!!

xoxo, 

A+C