Recipe: Raw Kale Salad

I'm not even sure this should qualify as a recipe, but this was new to me so I thought I'd share.  Macerating fruit isn't ground breaking (ie: combining a little sugar with strawberries to bring out the juices), but did you know you can macerate vegetables too?  Substitute lemon juice and a little salt for the sugar, and you're set.  I decided to try it with this kale salad, and it was delicious - the raw (and what I think of as healthy) flavor of kale was perfectly complemented with the zing of a lemon and some salt.  Give it a try next time you're looking for an easy, quick way to serve up some vegetables.

Raw Kale Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Wash and dry kale.  Remove kale leaves from stalk.
2. Combine lemon juice and salt in a serving bowl.  Add kale.
3. Gently "massage" kale, coating the leaves with the lemon juice mixture.  Massage for 1-2 minutes, then let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

xo,

Father's Day Gift Guide

Can you believe that Father's Day is right around the corner?  I think time is purposely FLYING by at warp speed.  Instead of a tie this year, try one of these picks below.  From the Classic Dad to the New Dad in need of a little extra caffeine for those sleepless nights, here are some creative and out of the (tie) box ideas...

:: Classic Dad::

For the Dad who like to keep things traditional, a little preppy, and stylish.  Try a gingham shirt (in a variety of colors), a Timex watch with a leather strap (what could be more classic?), or a new spin on a traditional loafer. 

1 // 2 // 3

:: Caffeinated Pop ::

Whether he's a new father with responsibility for late-night feedings, or a seasoned veteran who loves his coffee, grab him one (or three) of these options.  A french press is a welcome change from the instant coffee maker, a coffee of the month club delivery honors him all year long, and this cheeky mug is just too good to resist.  

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 :: Good Times Guy ::

If Dad likes to enjoy a cocktail or two, try something from this set.  These rocking tumblers make a fun party trick, this customizable whiskey barrel lets the aficionado make his own batch of oak barrel whiskey, and this Craft Cocktail book makes entertaining a breeze.  

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:: Road Warrior ::

Maybe Dad has to travel often for work?  Maybe Dad just likes to travel for fun?  Either way, these gifts will come in handy.  Grab a deluxe travel kit for him to make airport security (and staying groomed on the road) a breeze.  Dad would also love these beechwood earphones - perfect for listening to podcasts on his morning commute or watching movies on the plane.  Finally, the 36 Hour Book from the New York Times is the perfect gift for the traveling Pop - full of travel inspiration, the book details how a visitor can maximize just 36 hours in any number of cities.  

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One final foolproof gift?  Gift cards.  Grab a card wallet (I like this one, this one, and this one), and fill it with gift cards Dad will love.  Keep the gift cards personal where you can.  I especially like the idea of restaurant gift cards to go out to lunch or dinner or a gift card to his favorite store.   

Have you already done your Father's Day shopping?  How will you honor Dad this year?

This post contains affiliate links.  This means if you make a purchase from the links I may receive a commission from the sale.  All of the items I share on Ann Elliott are items I love and would buy (or have bought) myself.  Thank you for helping support the brands that make Ann Elliott possible.  

xo,

Favorite Things: 6.6.14

1 // 2 // 3 (40% off) // 4 // 5 (25% code: SUMMERTIME) // 6 (on clearance!)

Just stopping in to share a few of my favorite things for your weekend shopping.

I can't get enough of this vaseline rosy lip balm.  It turns your lips the perfect, subtle shade of rosy pink.  It's perfect for low-maintenance summer looks.  

I'm also loving the line of Kate Spade books - they are the perfect little books for a small side table, a graduation gift, or a hostess gift.  There are three on sale now - Style, Manners, and Occasions.  

Now that we are officially into the heat of summer, I'm all about easy, easy looks.  I love this romper for casual weekends - cute, but easy to beat the heat.  (40% off right now!)  I'm also loving the stripes on these chic wedges.  Hurry though, they are on clearance now for less than $25.  

Lastly, you know I can't resist some gorgeous statement jewelry, and I'm loving these earrings (on sale with code: SUMMERTIME), and this beautiful ring.  Pair them with neutral outfits (my favorite kind), and you've got my ideal summer look - understated with just a pop of fun.  

Happy Friday!

This post contains affiliate links.  This means if you make a purchase from the links I may receive a commission from the sale.  All of the items I share on Ann Elliott are items I love and would buy (or have bought) myself.  Thank you for helping support the brands that make Ann Elliott possible.  

xo,

Three Things for Thursday

Happy Thursday!  I don't know about you, but I think Thursday has a much better ring to it than Wednesday.  

Something about that weekend must be calling my name.

Today I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie for their first ever "Thoughts for Thursday" link-up. Both of them have adorable blogs, amazing style, and the cutest little ones. Head on over to their blogs, tell them hello, and consider linking up next week. In the meantime, here are my "Thought for Thursday" in the form of installment no. 2 of "Three Things" about me:

original image via pinterest

:: I am terrified of flying ::

I know it's an irrational fear, but it's one I can't seem to shake.  Ironically, I love to travel, but when I think about booking a flight or being mid-flight, I get anxious...totally, completely, irrationally anxious.  My fear comes from the fact that I am giving up control and I feel claustrophobic.  Unfortunately, like most things in life I've found the best way to deal with the fear is to confront it head on - as in fly as often as possible and take DEEEEEEP breaths.  As someone once put it to me, "You may be the captain of the scared to fly club, but the best way to conquer it is to never let the fear stop you from going...anywhere."  I'm trying to take this advice to heart, but I'd be lying if I said the fear has given me pause before booking just about any trip that involves flying.  We have a few flights coming up, so here's to facing fears head on...or maybe with some medication?!

image via

:: I have a major sweet tooth ::

MAJOR might be an understatement.  I've never met a cake, bread, cookie dough, ice cream, or pastry I didn't like.  About 75% of my motivation to run every day comes from my sweet tooth.  I'm one of those who would much rather exercise daily than diet.  I've always wondered about those types who can do both and still be nice to people.  

print available here

:: I dream about living in Paris ::

  Maybe it's the macarons or gelatto or fresh baguette on every corner (see above), but Paris is the city I can't seem to shake.  I love exploring the different neighborhoods, sitting and people watching at a cafe, or visiting my absolute favorite - La Sainte Chappelle.  It also doesn't hurt that pictures of Paris (the people, the buildings, or the outdoor spaces) are hardly ever bad.  I'm one of those who can choose a vacation based entirely on a picture and the emotion it evokes.  Though I don't know that living in Paris is in the cards, I'm thinking I might need to face my fear of flying for a visit sometime soon.  

xo,

Mid Week Muse: Ice Blue

top // shorts // shoes // bracelets // glasses

Welcome to this week's Mid Week Muse.  I've been on a silver kick lately (after a LOOOONG and continuing run with gold), and I'm excited to add a little bit of the icy cool color back into the rotation.  I love pale, ice blue with silver, but this top would go just as well with gold or bright colored accents.  And can we talk about these shorts?  I'm drooling over the pattern and silver color, and they come in a pant length as well.  I just love a good animal print (or in this case "dragon" print.)  Finally, these bracelets are on final sale, and they add the perfect amount of whimsy and fun to an otherwise more tailored outfit.  What do you think?  Do you like silver, or do you stick to warmer tones in your accessories?  What about the shorts?  Are they too buttoned up, or does the print make it work?  

What's your muse this week?  Link up below or leave me a comment and let me know!  While you're sharing, be sure to visit some other blogs in the link-up, and say hello as well!

How it works:

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

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

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:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

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Also linking up with:
Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy
Style Elixir
Walking in Memphis in High Heels
The Fashion Canvas

xo,

Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Bread

A recent delivery from Black Hog Farm included free blueberries.  I'm not usually a huge blueberry fan (outside of muffins that is,) but these blueberries were delicious.  So delicious, that when the batch was gone, I started craving them in everything!  I promptly placed my next order from Black Hog Farm, and you better believe I included TWO orders of blueberries - one to eat plain, and one for a batch of lemon blueberry bread.  I'm not sure exactly where or when I decided lemon blueberry bread would be the fate of the second batch of blueberries, but I'm sure glad it was.  This bread was the perfect treat after a morning run, or it has just enough lemon-y zing to wake you up as a mid-afternoon snack.  It's not too sweet and not too tart...in fact it's just right.

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Ingredients:

For Bread:

• 1/3 c. butter, melted
• 1 c. sugar
• 3 Tbs. lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 c. flour (I used Cup for Cup Gluten Free)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. milk (I used heavy cream  - not the healthiest, but I needed to use it!)
• 1 c. fresh blueberries (You could use frozen as well)
• 2 Tbs. grated lemon peel

For Glaze:

• 2 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1/4 c. sugar (I used powdered sugar and increased to 1/2 c.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl beat butter, sugar, lemon juice and eggs.  Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.  Combine flour mixture with egg mixture gradually, alternating with milk, stirring well after each addition.
3. Transfer batter to a greased bread pan.  Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare glaze by combining lemon juice and sugar.  Drizzle over warm bread.

I especially enjoyed this bread toasted with salted, whipped butter.  My mouth's watering just thinking about it.  

Enjoy!

Blueberries were definitely my "muse" for this recipe.  Check back tomorrow for my fashion "muse" for the week.  Even better? Link up with Team Muse (Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls)  tomorrow to share your muse for the week. 

xo,

Thought for the Week: Stop and Smell the Roses

original image via

This weekend we slowed waaay down...a little unintentionally.  On Saturday, we joined friends for brunch that stretched through the lunch hour and into early afternoon.  After brunch, we stretched out on the couch to watch the French Open and Andy Murray's marathon match.  Church on Sunday was followed by curling up with our books and reading...again for hours.  All this from the girl who feels like a day is wasted if she hasn't "accomplished" something.  

It's funny how things work though.  Every time I would rally for an outside chore the rain would start to spit.  Inside chores were put on hold by a variety of circumstances as well.  This normally would have left me feeling anxious and frustrated... oh so frustrated.  Not this weekend though.  Instead, as I sat there with my book on Sunday, I looked over at Josh and told him how thankful I was to just be resting and relaxing.  It.was.wonderful.  

And you know what?  It's still wonderful today.  As I sit here with my laundry piled high, my closets unorganized, and the grass unmowed, I'm still thankful for a weekend of resting.  Life is short and there will always be another chore to be done, more laundry to be folded, or a pile of dishes to be washed.  There will always be another task to organize or a meal to prepare, but this moment and this day are fleeting.  Taking a moment to stop, relax, and enjoy can be difficult, but it is vital.  

As I head back into the daily routine this week, my goal is to slow down a little and enjoy the moments (OK, maybe days) as they come.  I'll prepare and plan and "achieve" when and where I can, but I'll also give myself permission not to.  

Instead, I just might stop and smell the roses.

xo,