4/30/14

Winner AND Mid Week Muse: Summer Uniform

First things first... a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in Mid Week Muse last week.  "Team Muse" loved seeing your fashion inspirations, finding new blogger friends, and giving away some fun items from Crave boutique.


  A big congrats to Lauren Dolan, the winner of the Simpatico Hobnob Candle and Mudpie Cuff.

Lauren, shoot Team Muse an email so we can get your goodies to you!




top // shorts // shoes // pendant // glasses sold out - similar here and here  //  polish

 For today's Mid Week Muse,  I'm sharing my summer uniform.  I know, I know - we are still right in the middle of spring, but the high yesterday was 90, so I'm in full on summer mode.  I adore these white jean shorts from the Gap.  I snagged them last weekend, and I've been living in them ever since.  They are a great length, and go with everything.  (Fit note - they are a little snug in the legs when you first try them on.  Stick with your usual waist size though - they will stretch out!)  I'm also obsessed with this Rag and Bone top.  It comes in indigo and gray, and I love that it is casual enough for shorts but dressy enough for dinner out too.  It also has a split back that goes just a few inches up - it's perfect.  Add this Baublebar necklace,  tortoise shell glasses, a pair of strappy flat sandals, and a bright coral nail polish, and you've got my summer look in the bag.  

What's your summer uniform?  What's your current muse?  I'd love to know in the comments, or I'd love to see with a link-up post.  Grab the button below to join and share your #MidWeekMuse!

Requirements:
Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:
Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:
Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

Follow us on BlogLovin:


Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:


Ann Elliott

4/28/14

Recipe: Gluten Free Biscuits

If you follow me on instagram, you know I attempted some gluten free biscuit making this weekend.   A friend gave me a gluten free baking cookbook for my birthday, and I'm slowly making my way through the recipes with mixed feelings.  On the one hand, I'm ecstatic to be baking again and enjoying some of my favorite treats.  On the other hand, I think there are some things that just can't be recreated without a little gluten (ie: fluffy layers in biscuits.)  The silver lining is that the gluten free version of everything I've made has still been good - just maybe not an exact duplicate of the "glutened" original.  Take these biscuits for instance - they turned out relatively flat and a little chewy.  Not what I was expecting, but still good enough for Josh and I to devour two each.  

I promise not to focus too much on gluten free items here on Ann Elliott, but I do like to share what's really happening in my life and on my table.  Though I know many of you won't make this for yourselves on a regular basis, it's one to bookmark in case you're even faced with serving a southern style dinner to someone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance...maybe not what you'd expect but delicious all the same.  


Gluten Free Biscuits
Recipe from Blackbird Bakery Gluten Free Cookbook

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 C. sorghum flour
  • 1 C. cornstarch
  • 1/2 C. tapioca flour, plus 1/4 C. for dusting
  • 1 tsp guar gum
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 Tbs. baking powder
  • 3 Tbs. cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 3 Tbs. cold vegetable shortening, diced
  • 1 C. organic buttermilk
  • 2-3 Tbs. water, as needed
  • Salted butter, honey, or jelly for serving
Directions:
  1. Position oven rack in center of oven.  Preheat oven to 425.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and stir with a whisk.
  3. Add butter and vegetable shortening to dry ingredients.  Using a pastry cutter, cut the fats into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles small peas.  (I just used my fingers.)
  4. Stir in the buttermilk until the dough forms a ball.
  5. Turn out dough onto a surface dusted with tapioca flour.  Knead the dough until it is very smooth, four to five turns.  
  6. Form the dough into a disk, 1 inch thick.  Cut out biscuits and arrange them on an unbuttered pan.  
  7. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.  Remove from oven and cool briefly.  Serve warm
Enjoy!

xo,


Thought for the Week: Time Well Spent

image
When I first read this quote, I immediately thought of all of the ways I try to use Sundays to "prepare" for the week ahead:  


Meal Planning
Grocery Shopping
Laundry - sheets, towels, clothes, etc.
Gift Purchases
Blog Planning
House Cleaning
Catching up on Work Projects

The list could go on and on.  And, while the quote above is true - a Sunday spent planning and preparing can make the week run much more smoothly - I think the quote also lends itself to other interpretations.

Take this Sunday (or weekend) for instance.  This was the first weekend I've been home in five weeks.  I had big plans.  Plans to finish unpacking/organizing the downstairs closets in our house (my secret shame from our move), plans to cook and bake for the coming week, plans to write TONS of blog posts for Ann Elliott and HeroMe, plans to clean out the garage, clean up the yard, etc. 

In reality, my weekend was nothing like my plans.  Instead, I spent Saturday "day" bouncing from baby shower to baby shower, the early part of the evening catching up with a friend I don't see often enough, dinner time visiting with relatives from out of town, and finally a LATE dinner with my parents who I also haven't seen much of recently.  Sunday was another day "well spent" in my book, with a church service, lunch with some of the very best, the Riverside/Avondale Home tour with my parents, visits to new neighbors on our street, and cooking a monster southern style (and gluten free) dinner.  

Though I spent lots of my time this weekend worrying that I wasn't "being productive," or "getting to my list," I have to say that it was WONDERFUL.  I've not woken up to a Monday morning feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the week in months.  I still have piles of laundry, an empty refrigerator, a lack of meal plans, plenty of boxes in our closets, and nary a blog post written, but somehow it doesn't matter.  My weekend was well spent with people I love.  

Will I forever swear off "productive" Sundays?  Probably not.  
Will I cut my self some slack the next time I spend a weekend without crossing a single thing off my "to do" list?  Most definitely.

What makes a Sunday "well spent" for you?


PS - some time well spent today would include entering our Mid Week Muse giveaway!  Contest closes TONIGHT!
xo,


4/25/14

Favorite Things: The Bikini

1 top // 1 bottom // 2 top // 2 bottom // 3 top // 3 bottom
4 top // 4 bottom // 5 top // 5 bottom // 6 top // 6 bottom

As I mentioned last week, I tend to gravitate towards one piece swim wear options.  Every now and then, however, I will branch out into the world of a bikini.  When I do opt for a bikini, I have several criteria for that must be met including: coverage, non-stringy bottoms (really, these don't look good on anyone), and the ability to swim or be active without worrying that I'll be arrested for indecency.  So, here you have my top bikini picks for this swim season.  

A few parting thoughts to keep in mind when choosing the perfect bikini:

I think everyone should have a solid black bikini in the rotation.  It's a classic that you will use for years (or at least until the chlorine has done a number on it), and there are tons of styles and cuts to fit your personal preference.  

JCrew is a great place to find reasonable swimsuits.  This geometric bikini is 30% off  at JCrew right now with code "GOSHOP," and JCrew offers free shipping and returns on swimwear.  

With swim suits, you pay for what you get.  Cheaper bathing suits will often have less support and wear out more quickly than their more expensive counterparts.  While I'm all about a good deal, when it comes to prancing around in public in minimal fabric, I'd pay for coverage and support any day of the week.

Despite what I just said above, I do think this cute top and bottom from Target are a good pick.  They look great and have a classic shape for a VERY reasonable price.

Don't forget - add a print, fringe, or detail to add "oomph" or draw the eye to an area you want to maximize.  Stick to dark, solids in areas you want to minimize. 

Lastly - don't be afraid to rock whatever style, color, or pieces make you feel your best.  Bathing suit season can be daunting, but it also usually means vacation, time with friends, longer days, and beautiful weather.  Don't get so caught up in how you look in your bathing suit that you forget to enjoy and appreciate all that comes with wearing one in the first place!

xo,

4/24/14

Spring Beauty Refresh: Hair Tools

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
I used to think I was pretty low maintenance when it came to my hair.  Truth be told - some days I don't brush my hair at all and I'm pretty sure no one is able to tell...  When I put this list together, however, I realized that I spend much more time and energy on my hair than I thought.  That being said, I want the products I use to be efficient - both in time and cost - and produce good results.  So, today I give you my Spring Beauty Refresh v. 2: Hair Tools.

1. Claw Clips: These guys are absolutely essential.  I have them in my car, my purse, on my desk, and anywhere else you can imagine.  I use them to provide some volume and lift to my heavy hair throughout the day.  I pull the top half of my hair into a "Snooki" poof on top of my head, and when I take it down it adds instant volume.  The only danger is forgetting to take it out when you hop out of the car at the grocery store...

2. Drugstore Shampoo: I love drugstore shampoo.  I've tried fancy brands, but I always come back to my tried and trues - Pantene, Herbal Essenses, and lately L'Oreal.  I love the Total Repair 5 formula - it provides a great clean feel without stripping your hair and leaving it too dry.

3. T3 Hair Dryer: I am a recent convert to the theory of buying a good hair dryer.  My whole life I've used the cheapest version from Target.  The cheap ones do the trick and hold up for a long time, and you can't beat the price.  However, on a recent trip to visit my sister I tried her T3 hairdryer...it was awesome.  My hair was dry in half the time, it was shiny and smooth, and I didn't even need to use a straightener after my blow-dry.  The T3 is my next beauty purchase without question.

4. Round Brush: I tend to use a brush when I blow dry my hair only at the very last minute.  I like to flip the ends with the brush, but I'm not super coordinated about blow drying and styling at the same time.  I do want a brush that smoothes my hair when I use it, however, and I've found that cheap round brushes do the trick just fine.

5. Drugstore Conditioner:  Because it's the only thing I'd dream of pairing with my drugstore shampoo.  In all seriousness though, this Total Repair Balm is amazing.  I use it everyday, and would recommend it to anyone - even if just to use on your ends.

6. Emi Jay Hair Ties: I love these hair ties because they don't pull or break your hair.  They come in tons of fun colors and patterns, and they last forever.  They also don't look too terrible on your wrist next to your watch and bracelet on a hot summer day...just take it off before you go to that corporate interview in your suit.

7. Wizard Spray: I think I've posted about this stuff before because it is so amazing.  It's technically hairspray, but I use it as heat protectant before using a flat iron.  I spray a light mist over my hair, flat iron it, and voila - smooth and sleek hair.  You can also use it as a finishing spray to tame fly-aways, or even as a hair spray that still allows for movement and flexibility.  It lasts forever, so though the price may seem high at first - it's worth it over the life of the bottle.

8. Flat Iron: I love the GHD flat iron.  It stands for Good Hair Day after all.  It's perfect for smoothing hair, flipping hair, or curling hair (if you're that coordinated.)  It's definitely a must have in my hair arsenal, and worth the investment over it's lifetime of use.

Do you have any hair tool "must haves?" 
 Now that I live in the land of extreme humidity, I'm all for any tips or tricks you can throw my way!

xo,

4/23/14

Mid Week Muse: Spring Neutrals

top // pants // bracelets // earrings // shoes // bag
Welcome to the first Mid Week Muse link-up with Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls!  

I'm so excited to be co-hosting the link-up today, and I'm especially excited that we can officially bust out our "after Easter" whites for the first link up.  I know, I know - the white before Easter or Memorial Day rule is nothing but a relic now, but I still cling to the past and my dark denim until mid-April generally.  Regardless of whether you follow the "rules" or not - these white separates are winners.  I love that you can wear them together or separately, dressed up or down, and look amazing for any occasion.  I also adore these sandals - they are comfortable and chic and quite possibly my favorite purchase of the spring.  The bag is a new find from Oliver Bonas, and it's the perfect compliment to the rest of the outfit.  Keep your jewelry simple with some subdued gemstones like these gorgeous options.  In the alternative, the all white canvas is the perfect backdrop to a statement necklace - just omit the earrings and bracelets if you choose a stunner like this.

Now on to the REALLY fun part... giveaways and the link up!

GIVEAWAY
To celebrate the first official Mid Week Muse link up, we've teamed up with Crave Boutique for a fun giveaway.
That's right, one lucky reader is going to receive a Simpatico Hobnob Candle AND a Mudpie Cuff.
You don't have to link up to win, but you can earn an extra entry if you do!




LINK UP
The Back Story:
Muse: one of nine Greek goddesses that inspired the arts.
We know that putting together a perfect outfit, incorporating that bold new accessory, or re-thinking that treasured (and oft worn) piece in your closet is an art, and therefore we want to provide a little extra inspiration – a muse if you will.  “Mid Week Muse” is a chance for all lovers of fashion to network and inspire others by sharing their “muse” for that week.  Are you obsessing over a specific item?  Post it!  Did you create a collage of your dream look?  Share it!  Did you wear the perfect outfit?  Let’s see it! 

How it Works:
Mid Week Muse is a linkup party every Wednesday. Submit your favorite fashion related post from that week and link it up here at Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls.  Fellow bloggers and readers are one of our greatest sources of inspiration, and we hope you will join us and share your “muse.”

Requirements:
Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:
Link up starts on Wednesday at 7:30am EST

Promotion:
Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

Follow us on BlogLovin:



Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:
Ann Elliott

4/22/14

Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken

I've been in a cooking rut lately.  I'm happy with the meals I've been making, but they are certainly lacking in originality and variety.  Generally, I'll work with a protein, a starch, and a veggie or two.  While this usually leads to simple preparations and relatively healthy dinner choices, it's easy for me to get stuck in my routine - add some garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice and we've got a meal.  A few weeks ago I decided to branch out...into the world of cilantro and lime.  (Baby steps here.)   While I don't think cilantro and lime will be as heavily used as my beloved trio above, the new combination offered some much needed variety and was delicious.  Serve the chicken with cilantro and lime rice + sauteed corn and peppers.  Yum, yum, yum.


Cilantro Lime Chicken
Recipe from Sarah's Cucina Bella (Preparation adapted)

Ingredients:
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 C. olive oil
  • 2/3 C. fresh cilantro, minced and divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed (or pre-minced)
  • 4 chicken breasts (or 8-10 tenders)
  • 1 C. rice, prepared (I used a sticky white rice)
  • Juice of 1 lime (optional)

    Directions:
    1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, 1/3 C. cilantro, salt, pepper, and garlic.  Add the chicken, cover and chill for 1 hour to marinate.  (You can also prepare ahead and leave to marinate all day.)
    2. Once chicken is marinated, preheat oven to 450.  Place chicken in baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes, or until juices run clear.  Allow chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
    3. While the chicken is resting, mix the rice with the remaining cilantro and lime zest (I also included the juice of a lime in this mixture and loved it.  If you want to avoid acidity, you could omit.)  
    4. Serve warm.
    Enjoy!

    xo,




    4/21/14

    Coming Home



     1 // 2  // 3
    Happy Monday.  It's been a long month of travel - the past four weekends in fact.  Though none of my travel days have been as glamorous as these shots, I've loved every moment of being on the road, visiting with friends and family, and ultimately finding my way home.  It's amazing how much being away can make you appreciate the little routines and quirks of your own space.  This morning I'm relishing my cup of coffee, my quiet house, my laundry piles, making a grocery list to last us more than three days, and the knowing that while I love to travel... I also love coming home.  

    xo,






    4/18/14

    Favorite Things: The One Piece

    1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6
    I am a one piece girl.  I think it stems of years of competitive swimming - a bikini with a speedo tan is NOT the greatest look.  That being said, one piece bathing suits can be so much more than just a speedo or tank bathing suit.  I love these cute options, and I can promise one or two of these will be added to my rotation now that I live in the Sunshine State full time.  

    I know not everyone loves a good one piece, so next week I promise to feature my bikini picks.  I've been known to branch out into one every now and then but only if they are truly worth it.  Stay tuned...

    xo,

    4/17/14

    Spring Looks with Joules

    When Joules contacted me about featuring a few pieces from their new spring line, I quickly agreed.  As fate would have it, I had received their catalog in the mail the day before, and I had already marked numerous pieces as inspiration for my spring style.  With bright colors and cute patterns, Joules pieces are the perfect way to add a little fun to your spring wardrobe.

    Whether it’s  a vest + sneakers + a tee for Saturday errands…

    vest // top // sneakers // bracelets // jeans // tote // sunglasses

     Or wellies + umbrellas for April's Showers
    wellies // umbrella // top // jeans // bag // nail polish
    Or this beautiful women’s polo shirt from Joules, you really can’t go wrong.

    polo // shorts // sandals // watch // bag // sunglasses
    Be sure to check out the entire spring line here.  Happy dressing!

    Thanks to Joules for sponsoring today’s post, and thank you to my readers for supporting the brands that make Ann Elliott possible.
    xo,

    4/15/14

    Introducing: Mid Week Muse



    Today I am thrilled to be introducing a new collaboration on Ann Elliott … Mid Week Muse, a weekly fashion link up with Morgan of Pampers & Pearls!  (If you aren’t reading Pampers & Pearls yet – the time has come.  Morgan is hysterical and has AMAZING style.)  Anyway, I’m ecstatic to be working with Morgan, and we are so excited to share the details of our new link-up today. 

    THE BACK-STORY:
    Muse: one of nine Greek goddesses that inspired the arts.
    We know that putting together a perfect outfit, incorporating that bold new accessory, or re-thinking that treasured (and oft worn) piece in your closet is an art, and therefore we want to provide a little extra inspiration – a muse if you will.  “Mid Week Muse” is a chance for all lovers of fashion to network and inspire others by sharing their “muse” for that week.  Are you obsessing over a specific item?  Post it!  Did you create a collage of your dream look?  Share it!  Did you wear the perfect outfit?  Let’s see it! 

    HOW IT WORKS:
    Mid Week Muse is a linkup party every Wednesday. Submit your favorite fashion related post from that week and link it up here at Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls.  Fellow bloggers and readers are one of our greatest sources of inspiration, and we hope you will join us and share your “muse.”

    REQUIREMENTS:
    Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:
    Link up starts on Wednesday at 7:30am EST

    PROMOTION:
    Please help us promote our new link-up!

    Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

    Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

    Follow us on BlogLovin:


    We can’t wait to see what’s inspiring you this week, and we hope you will join us for the first link-up next week.  In fact, we might even have a little surprise for one lucky linker…


    xo,