May Flowers

one . two . three . four . five . six . seven . eight . nine . ten . eleven

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

This past Friday night, I was craving something warm and comforting for dinner.  Quiche came to my mind, I love it and it's quick and easy.  I was already at the grocery store when I decided this, so with a quick search on my phone, I found this recipe.  You can find healthier options for quiche out there, but I wanted it classic - creamy, eggy and cheesy.

I will admit to you, I omitted the homemade crust due to time constraints.  I would like to have a go at making my own pie crusts someday though!  Aside from my store-bought frozen crust, here are the simple steps it takes to make yourself a lovely quiche (p.s. I still used the recipes instructions on how to pre-bake the crust - about 6-8 at 450 degrees).

While your crust is pre-baking: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in large skillet.  Once the oil is hot, cook your chopped 1/2 onion and 1 1/2 cups of mushrooms until they are tender.  Roughly chop up 3 cups of spinach and stir that in and set the mixture aside (we threw in a bit of chopped up ham that was leftover from Easter as well).

Take the crust out of the oven and set aside.  Turn the oven temperature to 325 degrees.  Lightly beat 5 eggs in a large bowl.  Add 1 1/4 cup half and half, 1/4 tsp salt and a dash of nutmeg.  

Add the spinach and mushroom mixture to the egg and mix together.  In another small bowl, put the 1 1/2 cups of shredded swiss cheese in and mix in 1 tablespoon of flour. 

Add the cheese mixture to the egg mixture and mix it well.  Pour the mixture into your pre-baked crust.  Put the quiche in the 325 degree oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.  A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Once the quiche is done, set it on a cooling rack to cool completely.  I usually can't wait that long to eat it!

I made a little spinach salad with strawberries, pecans, and poppy seed dressing to compliment the quiche.  

What's your favorite comfort dinner?

xo Bridget

A Neutral Sparkle

This weekend it got pretty hot.  I desperately needed to get my hair off my neck and put on an outfit that the slight breeze would find.   This taupe dress is one of my Summer essentials, it is super lightweight and made of the softest jersey knit material.  It is my go to on super hot days and it looks great dressed up with all my favorite sparkly accessories.

You can find my blog on how to create this updo here.  

Dress: Free People (similar) (love this) and (this)

Bandeau: Free People 

Headband: Deepa Gurnani (similar) (love this one)

Bracelet: Free People (similar)

Clutch: Junior Drake (love this) and (this)

Sandals: Steve Madden (similar) (similar) (similar)

I had a doggie photo bomber in this shoot .. I think Jax decided he needed more appearances on the blog - ha!

xo Bridget

Joie De Vivre

Two Sundays ago, we attended the Dogwood Festival in Perry, Georgia.  Perry is just the cutest little town and was my first real taste of southern charm.  There is something that I love about small towns and festivals.  This summer, I plan to get around and explore as many as possible.  

Here are some of my favorite pics from that day.

Dock dogs competition.

Vintage character reading machine.

Cute shop that I'd like to explore.

Craft tents full of handmade goodies.

Homemade Peach Ice Cream.

The forecast for this weekend is sunny and warm.  I am really looking forward to some quality time outdoors.

Have a great weekend!
xo Bridget

Lining Envelopes

Last month I spotted some cute bunny scrapbooking paper at hobby lobby and decided I needed to have it, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it.  Well, I decided to line my Easter card envelopes with it (here) and then I got to thinking .. why not do that with all my card making envelopes.  I am not a big scrapbooker, but I do love scrapbook paper.  When I am browsing the paper aisle in the craft store and I see a pretty design, I cannot help but pick it up.  Gift wrap has always been a fall back option for these papers, but my new favorite thing to do with them is line envelopes.  It's a simple way to add an extra personal touch to your homemade card and it adds such a surprise when you open the envelope before you even get to the card. Below I have pictures of the few short steps it takes to line your own envelopes.

Gather supplies:  Lining paper, envelope, ruler, pencil, scissors, and double sided tape.

Trace your envelope:  Turn the paper printed side down and open your envelope, trace the outside.

Cut out your envelope liner.

 Cut about a half inch off the bottom of the liner: You want the liner to sit below the envelope adhesive.  It will usually be about about a half inch off the bottom but you can tailor it to suit your exact envelope.

Trim the sides:  In order to slide your liner into the envelope, you will need to trim the tiniest bits off  of both sides, evenly.

Adhere your liner to your envelope: Line the rectangular part of the liner that will actually be inside of the envelope first and slide it into the envelope to adhere it.  The next part can be a bit tricky, because of the envelope fold.  Once you have the inside adhered, fold over the top of the envelope so you can make a crease on the liner that will match the crease of the envelope. Then you can line the back of the top of the liner with glue and adhere it to the  top of the envelope.

How cute and easy is that?
xo Bridget

Birkenstock Inspired

one . two . three . four . five . six 

Over the past couples of years, I have noticed Birkenstock sandals coming back into style.  Let me just tell you, Birkenstocks saved me in my youth.  I've got big feet, size 11 if I'm going to keep it real.  In high school, I found it difficult to find trendy shoes in my size.  My mom introduced me to Birkenstocks and I just loved that I could get a pattern I liked in a fun style and  most importantly they were so comfortable ( I don't do uncomfortable shoes - no no no).

Over the years, larger sizes became more available and I left my Birkenstock ways in the past.  While I was looking through Nordstroms for some cute summer sandals, I noticed all the Birkenstock inspired sandals and I am loving them.  Nordstroms is known for offering a great selection when it comes to smaller and larger shoe sizes, so I pretty much always stick to them for my shoe purchases.

The left column has four pairs from the Nordstroms website that I like and the right column are two  cute styles that Free People is offering.  I picked the two from the Free People website to show how I might wear them, sadly they both do not come in my size.

I really try to stick to daintier style shoes since I do have a larger foot, but I love the look of these so much that I am willing to step out of that box.
What do you think of this Birkenstock comeback?

xo Bridget

Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

It't no secret that I have a big sweet tooth, but my husband ..  not so much.  There is, however, one baked good that he cannot resist and requests from time to time and that is Chocolate Chip Cookies with Hazelnuts.  I love to try new things when I bake and try to stay away from making the same thing too often, but there is something nice about knowing you are baking a favorite for someone you love.

I use this classic Martha Stewart recipe and it has never failed me.  It makes a chunky, chewy, and yummy cookie.  I have tried this recipe with different chips, nuts, and dried fruits in the past.  It's just a really great base for whatever your tastes are, not to mention it is super easy and quick to whip up a batch.  

Below is the recipe for the batter, which I have broken down into 4 simple steps:

1.  Cream the sugars and the butter with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

2. Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs.   Beat on low until well mixed.

3.  Add the flour and baking soda mixture until just mixed.

4. Stir in the chocolate and the nuts by hand. Instead of two cups of chocolate chips, I used 1 cup each of milk chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts. 

That's it! So easy, I know.

Now just scoop tablespoons of the batter onto parchment paper lined baking sheet about two inches apart and stick them in a preheated (350 degree) oven for 8-10 minutes.  

I like to pull the cookies out right when the edges turn a golden brown.  they may not look done on the top but once they sit on the baking sheet out of the oven for 1-2 minutes, they will be.  

After two minutes on the baking sheet, they are ready to move onto a cooking rack ... or into your mouth!

It was a super rainy and dreary Easter weekend here.  I whipped these up as a comforting treat this Saturday during a lazy afternoon of movie watching and couch lounging.

Is there anything better than a warm chocolate chip cookie and an icy cold glass of milk?

I certainly don't think so!

xo Bridget

Big Cozy Sweater

This weekend was breezy and chilly.  Quite the change from last weekend, when I practically got a tan sitting in the backyard.  At this point in the year I have mostly packed away all of my sweaters, but I always keep this one handy.  It's so soft and chunky to keep you warm, but also has a super wide knit so it lets some of the breeze blow through, making it the perfect Spring sweater.  I mostly wear this sweater with my maxi dresses, but it can go over almost anything.  Here, I have paired it with my  soft and stretchy flares and a trapeze top.  It made the coziest chilly Spring day outfit.

Sweater: Free People (similar) (love this)

Tank: Free People (similar) (similar)

Jeans: Free People

Shoes: Report (similar) (similar)

Bag: Cath Kidston

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Swarovski, and Free People

Joie De Vivre

I was too busy having a fun time with my parents last week to post my joie de vivre.  This week, I found the time to upload some pics from their visit.  We really had a great time exploring and trying some new things.  I really miss them a lot, but am so grateful that they made the 12 hour drive down here to come see us.

Here are some of my favorite pics from these last two weeks.

The most beautiful blue sky that lasted all week long.

The impressive Camellia collection at Massee Lane Gardens.

A bumble bee in a happy place.

A beautiful drive to the peach orchard.

A lovely owl at Dauset Nature Trail.

Have a great weekend!

xo Bridget

Working Girl

I am thrilled to announce that I am starting a new job this week.  I am so very excited to be a working girl again.  I got the news of my start date and plans while my parents were here visiting, so we decided to all head out together and do some new job shopping.  I find that shopping is always better with buddies.  Anyhow, my parents treated me to two new dresses that I absolutely love. We don't have too many great shopping options local to where I live in Georgia, but we ended up having great luck at Belk.  

Dress: Cynthia Rowley (same dress, different color)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar)

Bag: Liebeskind (similar)

Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson via TJ Maxx

Starting a new job is exciting, but is also a little bit scary.  It may sound a little silly, but wearing this dress reminds me of all the people in my life that love and support me and that definitely gives me a  boost of confidence.

xo Bridget