Sofia

Today I thought I'd share with you something I discovered on our trip to New Orleans in February.  Little pink cans of champagne that come with a juice-box-style straw!  What a brilliant idea!  Makes me feel fancy.

A Can and a Plan- MSNBC Article

Keep Calm and Carry On

I saw this poster in a magazine and ever since then this phrase has kind of been my motto.  I found the poster at Riffraff last week and was so excited.  I think I'll get a big white shabby chic frame and hang it in my guest bedroom.

So much to daydream about today...

"Everything starts as somebody's daydream." Larry Niven

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember this whole thing was started by a mouse." Walt Disney

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." Edgar Allan Poe

"There is nothing like dream to create the future. Utopia to-day, flesh and blood tomorrow." Victor Hugo

Hostel Planning

Like I said, I want our trip to Europe to be planfully spontaneous.  So this week, we are researching hostels and narrowing down the ones that sound the best.  I don't think we'll make reservations, just in case we hear about a better option when we get there.  We'll just have these in mind so we have some sort of direction to head when we arrive in each city.

We have a book that we've been cross referencing with this website: Hostels of Europe and our top picks' individual websites.

So far, we've chosen our top picks for Prague:

Hostel Elf

Hostel Tyn

Travellers' Hostel

Summer Reading

There are so many books on my "To Read" list this summer! 

I already told you about The Other Boelyn Girl. I highly recommend the book...not the movie.

I'm a little embarrassed to tell you I'm currently reading the fourth book in the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn. I'm about half way through and think it's the best one so far. The movies are not so great, but the books are pretty good.  

I'm also reading The 5 Love Languages, recommended by Jayme.  It's so interesting.  A great book if you are married or in a serious relationship. 

                

Also on the list....

The Help- recommended by Amanda

Goodnight Nobody- recommended by Jayme

What Looks Like Crazy- recommended by Angela

Diary of Anne Frank- I'm going to the house she hid in in Amsterdam, so I want to re-read it so the visit means more

Harry Potter 1 & 2- Daniel was able to get me the whole series from work, so I think I'll take the first 2 with me to Europe.  I'm sure I'll do a lot of reading on the planes and trains.

Reading is such a great escape!

Check it out!

Check out Rob's new cd.  Pretty cool!  http://www.brightshadeband.com/

TGIF!

Oh my goodness!

Cupcakes, wine, and cool home decor on the square!  Of course I'll be there!  This town gets better and better!

Riffraff Grand Opening on the Square

Riffraff Website

Cute New Shoes!

I just bought these shoes for Europe.  The ribbon is holding me back a bit.  I haven't figured out the best way to tie them without looking like a quirkly little girl.  I'll figure it out.  They are too cute to return!

Beautiful Food

My goal over the next few months is to learn a little about shooting food so that I can post beautiful pictures of the food I make at home.

In past photoshoots for new product launches or recipes we've gotten caught up on photographing the food in the proper containers with the appropriate setting in the background. 

This McDonald's salad shot reminds me that food photography doesn't always have to be so literal. You would never be served in a ceramic bowl at McD's.  It's just about showing beautiful, appetizing food!