the early spring fashion philosophy

Today spring came to Beantown!!!! I seriously could have skipped I was so happy. Now, spring ain't what it used to be, folks. Spring in these parts means 50 degrees but hey, after 6 months of snow banks and icy winds - I'll take it! In honor of the thawing temperatures, I've decided to share with you some ways that I'm making the most of these still-chilly-but-so-much-better-temperatures in the fashion department. 

Here is my entire philosophy on the subject: 

LAYERS

That's it! That's the key!! I've decided that as long as I'm layered in a cute way - I can manage to feel like it's warm and springy while still dressing comfortably. I know, I'm a genius. I'm innovative. I'm...totally losing it at 11:30pm. 

Also - I wore flats for the first time in ages. And I found out that my feet survived the boot-less day without blisters! I think they knew that they needed to cooperate. It was only fair.

Sorority girl pose?

Showing off the layers?

Blissfully losing my mind?

Anyway, there you have it folks. Layers:)

Shirt: Thrifted
Sweater: LOFT
Jacket: LOFT
Cords: JCrew Factory
Flats: Steve Madden

{Stay tuned for my next post where I reveal five truths about my ridiculous self. Marilisa started the trend here.}

xoxo
A+J

the one where i said yes!

Once upon a time (March 25, 2012), my dreamboat of a half-Indian boyfriend proposed. And then he became my betrothed (I'm saying "betrothed' because I don't know how to do the accent on fiance...#embarrassing). And then we proceeded to have the fastest, craziest engagement known to man. And it was all delightful. 

Before we got engaged, I actually lost my mind. I was going crazy with the whole waiting game and did what any totally weird, former journalism major would do - I wrote about it. And now, for the first time ever, I share with you the inner-workings of my pre-engaged, desperate mind. Prepare yourselves. 

That moment when: Every casualhang-out becomes a question mark; you suddenly care how your nails look; youfind yourself opening a secret word document for wedding ideas.

That moment….is now.

Every call, every look, every changeof plans has become a massive conspiracy and a ruse for a pop-proposal. When,how and again...WHEN is he going to say those four magic words that are destinedto change my life for good?!

Don’t get me wrong – I’m glad that I’mthe girl who gets to relax, look pretty, and merely accept a diamond ring. Buthonestly, our gender was not designed for such a testing time period. SurelyGod meant for us to do the asking for the simple reasons that: 

a) we like toplan hospitable parties (especially of the engagement variety) 

b) pickingout our own jewelry is our fave.  

However,I suppose nothing can prepare a woman for submission like the mind-numbing(rather, mind-racing) process of pre-engagement. If I had a nickel for everytime I nearly mentioned the words,“marry,” “wedding,” engagement,” and “future child,” (just kidding on the lastone – gross), I could afford a much nicer wedding!

Alas, I sit here in anxious, happyanticipation. And by sit here I actually mean jog-in-place. Because after all,I’ve got to be hot for my big day.

And now that I've fully let you in to the inner-workings of my ridiculous mind - here are some photos from the day that I finally got to stop freaking out:) 

I love happy beginnings:) 

xoxo

A and J

the one where winter never ended

They tell me that today is the first day of spring. I think Boston forgot. For one thing - there are piles of fresh snow on the ground. For another, my spring-like outfit is obstructed by my puffy coat, scarf and hat.

I considered posting today about all the things I dislike about the month of March (all of which are weather related) but remembered that God tells us not to complain. Which I desperately need to remember. Then I thought about posting about all the things I love about March - but that felt artificial. 

So I finally decided to post this: Today is the first day of spring. 

Here is what I wanted to wear: 

This is how it turned out:

Here is what I actually wore:

Here are the very old boots that are tired of being worn:

So there you have it folks. A southern girl choosing to make the best of a never-ending winter. Because at the end of the day - we all have a lot to be grateful for:)

Shirt: JCrew Factory
Sweater: Wallace (via gift)
Jeans: Old Navy
Bracelets: Alix & Ani/Anthro
Boots: Urban
Hat: Target

the one with the taste-bud obsession

Fact: I love salsa. 

Fact: I don't really like the stuff from the jar. 

Hence, restaurant-perfect salsa at home!! I never thought I would be the kind of wife that makes my own salsa and yet here I am, food-processing with the best of them. Watch out world, this chick has appliances. 

Before you start thinking of me too highly, allow me to let you in on my secret - this salsa recipe is easy. I first discovered this recipe here but I've tweaked it to my liking.  I've made it half a dozen times over the last month or so and I've finally found the perfect blend of ingredients that make this salsa deliciously spicy without being too spicy. {I used to over-spice it with some jalapeno peppers and this one time... I rubbed my face afterwards by accident. And as I stood, fully clothed, leaning into the shower screaming whilst my skin burned and burned, I realized that the peppers didn't taste that great in the first place. My husband agreed. So take that, spicy peppers!} 

Ingredients: 

1 can whole peeled tomatoes

2 cans Rotel tomatoes and green chiles (mild)

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 limes (I'm an addict...)

1/2 white onion 

1 cup cilantro

bit of salt

bit of sugar

What you do: 

Put all the ingredients in the processor (or blender) and pulse it 7 or 8 times depending on your desired chunkiness. 

And that's all folks. Makes enough to last you for a fairly large tupperware container or a couple of fiestas. 

Party on, chicas!