Be Mine.

Oh - how I love this day! 

Here are five things that I have enjoyed this past week in honor of Valentine's Day.

I hope your long weekend was filled with nothing but love (and maybe a few sweet indulgences!) 

xx

[adorable (uber sprinkled) Valentine's Day cookies] 

[stack of mini pancakes on a lazy morning] 

[month of love gift guide] 

[homemade s'mores cake, sprinkled with hearts just for Valentine's Day] 

[a hike with Bella in Valentine inspired red kicks]

Do As The Coloradans Do.

I was able to jet off to CO for a couple of days and in true fashion, my parents planned an unforgettable week. From skiing and sporting events to snowy walks and hot tubs, I had an authentic Colorado experience and was able to spend some quality time with two of my favorite people.  I always leave Colorado with a heavy heart and an overwhelming urge to book my next flight - one ways are increasingly tempting! 

My adventurous trip is way more exciting via pictures - enjoy! 

[chasing the sun all the way to Colorado]

[Copper Mountain - only a mild pizza formation needed]

[ski lift selfie]

[yes, my first rodeo]

[mouthwatering grapefruit pancakes with cornflake crunch from Root Down]

[CU basketball game - go Buffs!]

Love Notes.

With Valentine's Day around the corner I began to think about little gestures of love. Nothing crazy or elaborate, just simple tokens of appreciation - mailing a handwritten note, making an unexpected phone call, picking up the tab for the person in line behind you.

As I thought about these sweet nothings, I began browsing Pinterest for inspiration. Initially I was in search of creative valentines to hand out (it is my favorite holiday after all), however I stumbled upon this free PDF print off that is much more versatile - no holiday needed!

I instantly fell in love with the sweet, simple idea of custom Post-it notes. Easy to print, personalize and post around the apartment - proving the little things do not go unnoticed. Just place the blank sticky notes in the lines on the template, pop it in the printer and print!

In the spirit of Valentine's day, happy month of loovveeeeee!

GF (surprisingly) Good Food

My parents decided to test out a gluten-free diet for 30 days. After reading about the benefits of a GF diet (heightened energy levels, improved mood, better focus, clearer skin, less bloat...just to name a few) I figured I could at least try it for a day!

After a trip to Whole Foods I left with all the ingredients I needed - and more - for a home cooked GF dinner and I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious it was!

I made whole grain rice pasta with sweet italian chicken sausage, broccoli, shallots and freshly shaved parmesan.

I thought that the dish came out so well I think I might just make gluten free a frequent thing throughout my weekly meals.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good.

Anyone who truly knows me, knows my love for Harry Potter. There is something captivating about the perfectly crafted magical world that left a lasting impression on me. I anxiously awaited the day I would visit the newly opened Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, Florida. Luckily for me, with some spontaneous decisions, that day came last week. And what a magical world it was. The books came to life with rides, replicas and reenactments. 

Highlights included a fire-breathing dragon draped atop Gringotts bank, a vanishing act as you enter platform 9 3/4 to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, the Dragon Challenge roller coaster and butter beer (the appearance rather than the taste!)

Kids ran around in full Gryffindor robes equip with wands and marauders maps, signature music from the films played throughout the park and with each turn, hidden surprises revealed themselves day after day. The park surpassed my expectations and made it all too easy for muggles to get lost in the enchanting Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Antigua Smile.

It had been six years since my family managed to align our hectic schedules and plan a week-long vacation. Once we committed to March, my mom went to work (I swear she was a travel agent in a previous life). In no time flights were booked, a villa in Antigua was reserved and we were anxiously counting down the days like it was spring break.

 

From the moment I was handed rum punch as I walked towards customs to our last sunset dinner at Sheer Rocks I was completely relaxed and in constant awe of the beauty this tiny island had to offer.

 

Our days were spent laying on white sand beaches, swimming in crystal clear turquoise water and relaxing under palms with cocktails in hand (recipe for an authentic Antigua Smile here). We enjoyed leisurely breakfasts on our porch and sunset views from the infinity pool. We cooked (grilled pineapple is my new found obsession), dined out (lobster was always a favorite), played euchre (you fellow Michiganders know what card game I am talking about!) and danced to Pharell's "Happy" no less than 100 times.

 

I could not have asked for a more peaceful getaway. Though I am sure my dad would beg to differ as he was driving us down winding, dim-lit roads with zero signage--on the left side of the road no less, though he frequently let that small detail slip.

 

As I continue to grow older and move further away I realize how fortunate I am to have parents who make family time a priority. I genuinely look forward to the time we spend together and am always grateful for the way our relationships continue to grow as we reach different stages in our lives.

 

Antigua was a vacation in every since of the word...no cell phone service definitely aided the escape...and I would highly recommend this destination (especially Villa Sunset).

 

Here is a glimpse of our Antiguan adventure.

 

Hopefully our next family getaway isn't six years in the making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Five.

[BHLDN + Magnolia Bakery pair up to deliver some sweet wedding inspiration. "Bohemian Luxe" was my favorite vision board, but be sure to check them all out!]

 

[Refinery29 compiled 5 kick ass workout playlists--for anything from SoulCycle to yoga. Hopefully this will serve as a little motivation for swimsuit season]

 

[I can't wait to make these simple yet adorable Easter confections, mainly with my sister in mind--the ultimate peep lover]

 

[I love the idea of these refreshing popsicle cocktails, great for an outdoor party!]

 [A nice reminder and good mantra to live by...here's to the next something wonderful]