Swoon-Worthy Friday:Easter Cards from Ashley Brooke Designs

Making me swoon this Friday is the latest brilliant collection from ABD!

If you haven't seen the latest limited edition collection from Ashley Brooke Designs, look no further!  Her Spring/Easter line is adorable and perfect for sending the sentiments of the Easter season or for sending a Springtime hello!  Order a set for your self and another to slip in an early Easter basket for a friend!



 

Check out Ashley's Pop-Up shop to order!


EHK
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The Waiting Game

Do any of you ever feel like you know what you're good at but struggle to leverage those things into a job, a career, something to do?  Hands down this is the one thing that occupies my mind more than any other.  Small confession: blog job mentioned here, is no longer mine.  It was a great learning experience but without going into too much detail, it wasn't what I thought it was going to be and definitely wasn't a good fit for me.  Its really sad when something you want so badly to work, just doesn't.

I'm really blessed to have two jobs that I really enjoy.  One at the shop and the other with real life bff Ashley Brooke.  I get to spend a lot of time around creative people who have made what they're good at into a career or are using their talent to create something new everyday and I want that for myself. 

I know what I'm good at, I'm a writer, I'm creative and I can organize the stew out of just about anything.  I know one day I will use all those things to do really great stuff but the waiting game can be taxing.  I just finished a freelance writing assignment that was a great reminder of God's inability to forget about our circumstances.  And the idea of doing freelance work full time is super appealing, so I will write. I will look for work and make contacts and wait.  Because sometimes that's all you can do.

EHK
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With apologies to RS: New Uses for Old Things

Hands down, New Uses for Old Things is my favorite feature every month in Real Simple.  I love the ingenuity and creativity in finding a new, completely unrelated additional use for a common item.  


For a child's birthday party, use the mat from Twister as a table cloth.  Colorful, fun and easy to wipe down!


Use a wire cutter to remove the pins off of old brooches and glue a magnet on the back.  Now your odds and ends on the refrigerator will be adorned with style!



Turn mismatched or old silverware into use hooks for your kitchen!





EHK
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Guess Who's Coming to Visit



In three weeks I'll be spending quality time with one of my very best friends!  My oh, so glamorous (sad that I just had to sing the Fergie song to spell that correctly) BFF S: Parson's graduate student and NYC resident, will be making her way to the sunshine state for some much deserved rest and relaxation.  I'm already praying for blue skies, warm temperatures and safe travels! 

EHK
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Thanks Penny Lane Designs!

At the end of last week, my new blog design, created by Penny Lane Designs was installed!  I just LOVE it--it's EXACTLY what I was looking for.  Marina was such a treat to work with and she created an awesome layout in such a short amount of time.  I really appreciated her working with my Ashley Brooke Designs header and creating something to frame it perfectly.  if you've been thinking of sprucing up your own web page or blog, RUN to Penny Lane Designs and let her create something fabulous for you!

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Swoon-Worthy Friday: Olympic Edition

Because what could be more Swoon-worthy than gold medals and team USA?

xoxo,
EHK

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Shop Profile: Olive Manna

I came across Olive Manna after seeing their version of the book mark, known as book corners, somewhere on the web and clipping their site so I could eventually get some for myself.  Today I was exploring the site more thoroughly and could not resist profiling them.  They sell adorable paper goods, trimmings and stationery.  Any site that sells kraft paper pouches and twine, is one after my own heart!  Natalie Jost is the owner of Olive Manna and writes a blog here in addition to running such a great website.  Take a look at some of my favorite finds from Olive Manna:

Gift jotter, book corner, bookplate, kraft paper seals, checks & balances labels

twine, twill tape, paper pouches, ribbon, checks & balances seals, medium gift tags


xoxo,
EHK
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Spring Fever!

Those of you still digging out from Snowmaggedon will hate me for saying this but it's been cold in FL!  And since there's a 70 degree day forecasted for Saturday, you'll have to pardon my excitement at our sneak peek of spring.


Photo credits: (from l to r, clockwise) dining room, sandals, Lilly Pulitzer, country living 



Happy Ash Wednesday!
xoxo,
EHK
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Pan-seared Mahi Mahi w/ Spinach Mash

Happy Tuesday friends!  Last night's dinner was quite a feast, and healthy to boot (I mean we ate fish--that's healthy right??).  Brought to you by the great people at Publix, here is the recipe:


Ingredients:
1 lemon (for juice) 
1 small onion
3 slices of bacon
4 mahi, grouper or snapper filets
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:
1.  Cut lemon in half, set aside.  Remove ends and peel from onion.  Cut onion in half and slice into think slivers
2.  Preheat large saute pan on medium high 2-3 minutes.  Cut bacon into 1/4 inch pieces.  Place bacon and onions in pan.  Cook 3-4 minutes stirring often until onions begin to soften and bacon begins to brown.  Meanwhile, season both sides of fish with salt and pepper
3.  Arrange fish fillets on top of bacon and onions.  Squeeze juice from the lemon over fish.  Cover and reduce heat to medium.  Cook 10 minutes or until temperature of fish is 145 F.
4.  Remove fish fillets from pan.  Increase heat to high and cook 2-3 minutes uncovered or until most of the liquid is evaporated.  Serve bacon and onions over fish.

Spinach mashed potatoes: Make mashed potatoes as you normally would and stir in about 5 or 6 oz. of cooked spinach.  We melted butter with garlic and added that and Parmesan cheese to the potatoes.


Bon Appetit!
EHK
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Hello Valentine

Yesterday was a great day with my Valentine, LAS--church, brunch, coffee with friends and watching the Olympics!  We exchanged cards and I snuck a great little gift in there, even though we agreed to no presents--oops ;)

Mom and Dad gave me a super sweet gift before church yesterday...say hello to my new little favorites:


Happy President's Day!
xoxo,
EHK
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Swoon-Worthy Friday

A Valentine's Day edition of Swoon-Worthy Friday....pink and red eye candy, including some of my IRL valentine favorites.




OPI DS Extravagance photo courtesy of e-polishblog.  I'm currently wearing this on my own nails and the sparkles never fail to make me grin!

Sweet spread by Amy Atlas via Wiley Valentine.

My Valentine's That Give from Ashley Brooke Designs (My other ABD valentine's are in the upper left--I have a lot of love to give ;)

Red Patent Tory Burch (image: Nordstrom)  bag--love red patent, perfect accessory for Valentine's Day and everyday!

Bouquet from Snippet & Ink--peonies are simply my favorite!


Happy Valentine's Day!
xoxo,
EHK
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Everyday FOOD

Last week I took my first trip to Home Goods.  It was quite the experience and I'm pleased to say I came away with a fantastic cookbook!  Everyday FOOD from the Kitchens of Martha Stewart Living.


I spent the night I got it, in bed, perusing its pages, enthralled with the yummy recipes and gorgeous photography!  This book is chock-full of really great recipes that are quick and easy (or so it seems, I will report back).


xoxo,
EHK
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Birthday Gift

Now that my dear, dear friend SLB has celebrated her 23rd birthday, I can share with y'all the gift I sent up to her!  I combined a couple of monogrammed gifts with a homemade treat and LOVE the way everything turned out.


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DSC01337

DSC01338 

xoxo,
EHK
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Swoon-Worthy Friday



Gorgeous citrus inspiration board from Snippet & Ink.  Being a Florida girl, I always liked the idea of incorporating fresh fruits into my wedding some day...

Beautiful striped walls from Domino via Cup of Jo.  Can't decide what I love more: the walls or the monogrammed pillow on the sofa??

Delightful PJ pants from Anthropolgie.  Nothing I love more than a good pair of pajamas...if my Valentine is reading, I think I would look awfully cute in those ;)

xoxo,
EHK
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Personalized Engagement Gifts

Earlier this week, LAS' sister LKS asked me to help her find a special engagement gift for one of her best friends.  Always up for a gift-ing challenge (little known fact about EHK: Must have THE best gift at any shower or party I attend...I know.  A little psycho.), I immediately got to work scouring the internet for the latest and greatest.  Since I accumulated a nice little collection I though it would be a great post for those of you looking for engagement or wedding gifts.





1. Ring Dish from Say Your Piece via Etsy.  A whopping $10!! Hello budget friendly.  And there is the option to personalize...an option I would indulge in of course, but its cute without too and at $10 can't. be. beat.

 
2. I've featured a sign similar to this before, that I gave to BFF Ashley Brooke at one of her showers.  This one is from Nestlings via Etsy and I just love how special it is and what a great reminder that marriages create new familes :)


3. While I personally don't think you should wear/use things with your new monogram prior to the wedding, I think a robe like this with Future Mrs. Smith on the breast pocket would be a cute gift for certain brides.

4. Another gift I've personally given to a special engaged couple.  This image does not do the frame justice.  Marye Kelley Decoupage creates the most beautiful decoupage frames, coasters, wastebaskets, etc.  We sell their items in the boutique I work at and they are gorgeous!  They are completely customizable so while I love the Happily Ever After, there is also "From This Day Forward" and you could even put the couple's names, last name or married monogram.  And there are TONS of patterns to choose from!

If you ever need gift suggestions, feel free to email me missmonogram@gmail.com :)

xoxo,
EHK
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Molly Mutt

Many of you may have gotten the same Daily Candy email yesterday that contained a link to Molly Mutt.  I hopped on over to their website and fell in love with their adorable dog duvets.  The idea is that you can fill the duvets with things from your home and there is less waste produced from making an entire bed versus just the outside.  (I would probably try and find a pillow form the same size as the duvet, but shh! don't tell!)


This bed is my favorite, but sadly on the website it is only available in the largest size--much too large for Miss Stella!
Here's a shot of how you can stuff the bed with things you have on hand!  I will certainly consider getting a Molly Mutt duvet for my next dog bed purchase, which could be coming up soon as Stella definitely need some new digs!

xoxo,
EHK

***Edited to add:  If you are interested in getting a Molly Mutt duvet enjoy 25% off from Daily Candy with the code MMDC25 
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Ranch Pretzels

Here's a recipe I can't believe I haven't posted sooner--its super easy and would certainly be a great snack to add to your table of Super Bowl yummies!


Recipe:

1 16 oz box of hard pretzels broken up into pieces or 1 bag of pretzel nuggets
1 cup (I use a little less than) vegetable oil
1 package of dry Ranch dressing mix
1 Tbsp Dill weed
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp lemon pepper

Pour all the seasoning and oil in a large ziploc bag--add pretzels and shake the bag to mix everything together.  Dump pretzels onto a cookie sheet, cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes at 300. Uncover, stir pretzels and bake un-covered for another 10 minutes.

Enjoy!
xoxo,
EHK
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