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Winter to spring is happening fast here in AZ. It's been beautiful and sunny in the 70's but I'm missing the little bit of winter that we do get. So I feel like my cold weather clothes have gotten very little wear this year. The best way to dress here is layers; the 37 degree mornings that quickly morph into a warm sunny day need great transitional items. Here is what's on my list for this Arizona winter.

Here's what I've been digging. Simple earrings with a fancy back? Sign me up. I've been living in a blazer and tee the past few months. Need a pulled together, quick, chic party outfit? Check! Trust me on this one. Spring sunnies this year must involve the colored mirrored lenses even better if they have a cat eye. Lastly I'm missing short hair, I'm ready for something a little edgier. 

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It's Daria

I remember watching MTV over at my neighbor Shannon's house after school. She was cool, she had cable back before everyone had it. I'm fairly positive I was in on the very beginning of it. MTV my darling constant companion for many years. I think the last thing that I actually watched was The City. I mean who wouldn't want to watch the goings on at DVF, Kelly Cutrone's and the uber-b Olivia's outfits? Even though I'm still obsessed with Olivia's outfits I'm not so much by MTV, however I saw this and wished it were real. 

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

Daria. My favorite all-time MTV show. I would love to see this in real life.

Clean and Graphic

Today I'm doing it backwards, I usually write a post and then find pictures that seem to match the mood. Today it seems that I'm just posting some pretty and while I'm getting the images together I might find something interesting to say. 

These pictures are kind of how I hope my summer goes, clean and simple. It's been nice so far but it's only been a week. Am I too crazy to hope it keeps up? Yes I know I'm freaking bonkers. It's OK, please let me keep on with my illusion that I will have the perfect summer.

I do post more of my day to day on Instagram so follow me there too my handle is @sarahsfabday. 

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Dreaming of Sweaters

Ahh, I'm wishing for it.

I could probably wear a sweater until 9 am, then it's all downhill. Still in 100 degree mode here in Phoenix. They say it's supposed to cool down this week. I'll believe it when I see it. 

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Dreaming :: Paris

I know we just got back from Italy but now that I've gotten a bad case of wanderlust and all I can think of is what I've always dreamed of, Paris.

I can't stop.

Maybe I should eat croissants and drink champagne? No I don't think that will do, I know the croissants won't even be close to the authentic ones. So for now I'll just stick with the champers and read HipParis  while wishing it were me there too.

So I'm Paris, where's your dream destination?

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Love it :: Espresso

My latest favorite thing.

It's simple and perfect. One single shot of espresso with a little sugar of course. 

{image via}

Eat it :: Rhubarb

Thank you Pinterest for coming to my rescue with summer recipes in my favorite flavor. RHUBARB!

Rhubarb Strawberry Meringue Pie

Rhubarb Macarons (with helpful macaron baking tips here)

Rhubarb Bars

Rhubarb Liqueur

Rhubarb Bitters

Looks like I'll be enjoying cocktails and treats only. Totally fine by me!

Eat it :: Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

I'll let you in a little secret, this is what I've been eating every day for breakfast. This stuff is serious.

Eat your heart out Nutella.

Make It :: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Curry and Coconut Milk

This is my latest obsession. I've been making it every week and I think I finally got the recipe just about perfect.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Curry and Coconut Milk

(adapted from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian)

1 Butternut squash
3 Tbl. butter
1 Medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbl fresh minced garlic
1/2 Tbl minced fresh ginger
1/2 Tbl curry powder
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup coconut milk (I use the light coconut milk)


Preheat oven to 375. Cut squash in half and remove strings and seeds. Place each squash half face down on on baking sheet with sides. Add 1/2 cup water to baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. After squash is roasted and cooled, scoop out flesh and set aside.

Put butter in saucepan over medium-high heat. When butter is melted add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is cooked about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add squash, garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook until fragrant about 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover and let cook for about 10 minutes.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pan. Add coconut milk, season to taste and and keep on low heat for another 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld.

*Cooks note:  An immersion blender is invaluable kitchen tool if you love to make soup. Everything can be made in one pot so it makes life and cleanup much easier.

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Love it :: Brown

Today I'm dreaming of dark leather handbags and herringbone floors.

Maybe thinking of such things will keep my mind off of the fact that I was a crabby old harpy this morning. I hate mornings like that. Getting the kids ready, lunches made and out the door without forgetting something not to mention the arguing that ensues immediately upon arrival in the car it's enough to make a mom nuts. I hate losing my cool, it never makes the situation any better but sometimes it happens. So I will sit and continue to drink my coffee while imagining that my floors are now dark and herringbone and one of these bags is residing my my closet. 

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Today

This is how I'm feeling today. I like feeling like this.

On days like this I pretend it looks like this right outside my door.

Since it doesn't I'll probably wear something like this, because it's still warm here folks.

Then maybe I'll make some tea and play make believe that it's chilly.

Maybe tonight it will get chilly? Crossing fingers.

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Let's Picnic!

I know I can't be the only one to think that these little scenarios look irresistible.

{via pinterest}

Dreaming of Fall

I don't want to be a total buzzkill but why can't Mondays be filled with presents, glitter and shopping trips? Instead they're (well mine) is flat tires and hot weather. I'm ready for hot cider, sweaters and scarves!  I know it will be here before I know it. So until then I'll dream of autumn colors and lots of yummy treats!

{via Cherry Blossom Girl, Glitter Guide, Elizabeth Messina, Canadian House and Home}

Accessorize

Accessories are awesome aren't they? I looove a good necklace...or bracelet. Hell, I'm not that picky I just love big jewelry.

{via decor pad, made by girl, pinterest}

Do it :: Work Out

Summer has not been kind to me my friends. I've spent little to no time at the gym these past two months. It has started to catch up with me in a big way so I've got to turn it around now that they're in school. I actually love working out but the gym I belong to has no childcare in the afternoons and the kids activities were usually in the morning during the summer so you know what that meant; me hanging out getting flabby, tired, etc., etc.

{via pinterest}

Just a few reasons to get you motivated:
1. Working out makes your skin pretty! Your skin is your largest organ, working out brings blood flow and oxygen to the skin and gets rid of all those icky toxins that get stuck in there.
2. After working out there is much less to feel guilty about if you have a treat or a glass of wine.
3. Buying workout clothing is fun. (Especially if it's from Lululemon!)
4. Working out makes you sleep better at night and we ladies need our beauty sleep.
5. If you're stressy like me, it works wonders.
6. The obvs, it's just good for you!

So who's with me? Anyone else getting back into the groove after a summer layover?

Love it :: Yellow

Taking a gander at my pinboards I realized that I'm quite taken with yellow these days.

{all images and links found here}

Happy Weekend!

Arrrgh, for the last day Blogger has been on the fritz and it's so annoying because I think this week is the first week in eons that I've tried to post everyday. You try to tend to your sweet little blog and they screw it up. Thankfully it seems as though we're back on track, so I apologive for the interruption. So I know I've mentioned that I'm on Pinterest (follow me!) and now Rikki and I are posting to The Invitation Lady on Pinterest, so follow us there too! Lots of home, fashion and party inspiration that can be found in one bitchin' spot. You'll love it, I promise it's addicting.

{an example of the awesomeness to be found on Pinterest!}

If you want an invite to join Pinterest email me and I'll send one over pronto so you don't have to wait!

It's Pink

I adore hot pink and so when I see pink chairs I get all sorts of happy mixed in with a little bit of wanty.

{images via Effortless Style, Pinterest, House Beautiful}