Welcome Home Taylor

mom date.

On Sunday my mom and I were tired of being around the house all day, so we decided to just get up and go somewhere. We ended up in farmland and stopped at a market to pick up veggies for our gardens. I bought a red pepper plant, some more chives, and some basil (my last basil plant died in the unexpected frost a couple weeks ago). Then we continued to drive and we hit a cider mill. It's not apple season yet, and therefore not cider season either. But, I broke my no ice cream rule and had some since, ya know, we drove all that way. There was a nice little path to walk that ran alongside a hill that plummeted into a creek. The day was so hot, but underneath the trees protection the temperature was wonderful. It was the perfect day date for the both of us!

xoxo

caturday.

Happy caturday!

This week Sammy has been trying his hardest to escape our house and hang out with us outside in the garden. Louie has been awfully cuddly (a.k.a. needy) for quite a while now. This morning they're both running around like crazy little gymnasts.

xoxo

to the water.

Before it started getting warm, a couple weeks ago David and I decided to drive around until we hit water. It was undoubtedly freezing -- as you can tell, the clouds were still hiding the sun away in themselves -- but it was still really nice to get out our normal routine. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, water seems to always calm my soul and bring revelations to my mind. Luckily, here in Michigan, we don't have to drive too far to find a big ol' body of water to look out onto. I'm looking forward to the warm months to come so we can escape to the water and hopefully not freeze our tooshies off. haha.

Do you have any places that you love running to on dreary days?

xoxo

chocolate popcorn.

 

Last week, Maria and I had plans to go see The Great Gatsby movie in theaters. We had been waiting for this day since we first found out they were making our favorite book into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which was three years ago. This was going to be my first midnight showing of any movie and I was thrilled to be going with my best friend. Maria made us shirts and I made us some popcorn to sneak into the theater.



Unfortunately, the movie was terrible. At least in Maria and I's opinion. It could have been the fact that we had been waiting in anticipation for it for three years, or maybe the fact that it's our favorite movie, or maybe it was because half the soundtrack was horrible Jay-Z music (no offense Jay-Z, but it's called the JAZZ era, not the CRAPPY RAP era). Either way, we were utterly disappointed. There were only two things that made up for it: Leo's face, and chocolate covered popcorn.

TO MAKE THE POPCORN:

white chocolate and toffee popcorn:

4 cups of popped white corn
1 cup melted white chocolate
1/2 cup toffee pieces

Pour the popped corn onto a baking sheet that's lined with waxed paper. Sprinkle generously with toffee pieces, then slowly drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. It's best if you follow in that order so that the chocolate helps the toffee to stay put. Cool for about a half hour in the refrigerator and enjoy!

 

salted chocolate popcorn:

4 cups popped white corn
1 cup melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate
1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt

Pour the popped corn onto a baking sheet that's lined with waxed paper. Drizzle the melted chocolate slowly over the popped corn. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkly the flaky sea salt evenly over the treat. Cool in the refrigerator for about a half hour.

 

Enjoy!

xoxo

The Raven.

The other day, David and I went out to Lexington for the day, but on our way out we stopped in Port Huron to eat at one of the coolest cafes we've been to which is called The Raven. The entire upstairs of the cafe is a library and the walls are plastered with posters of old movies and religious leaders. On top of it, they have such delicious sandwiches. David and I always get frappes as well. mmm! I can't wait to go back again sometime soon. I only wish it was closer to home so we could visit more often. Although, I already have plans to go back this summer with my wonderful friends, Rebecca and Jessica.

Do you have any favorite local spots that you love visiting?

xoxo

p.s. can we just talk about how beautiful David's eyes are? I could go on and on about them.

caturday.

Louie: Is super cuddly this week because of all the raining.

Sammy: Is just Sammy.

Happy Caturday!!!

xoxo

a day date

Monday, after a long exam, David took me out to Lexington (Michigan, not Kentucky!) for a little day date. It was so nice to be outdoors next to the beautiful water all day! I'm especially fond of this area. If there's one place I can connect to wild summer spent in my childhood, it would be this little itty bitty town. We would come here about every summer or so and just run crazy going from the trailer, to the beach, to the little strip of town and spending all the money we had on candy at the General Store. Then, at the end of the night, when we got ready for bed, sand would pour out of our bathing suits and be ground into the carpet. I miss the days of smelling like lake water and sunshine all day, but they sure are some great memories to have. It's nice to revist every now and then in the summer time and just relax. It was pretty chilly next to the water still, but it was bearable with a sweater on. I just really love me some day dates, especially these nice surprise ones.

xoxo

3 things to remember before vacation.

Everyone loves going on vacation. However, not everyone loves planning vacation, but I sure do! I think planning a vacation is almost just as important as taking one. Without planning anything you usually spend too much money and end up not even knowing what to do once you get to your destination. So, here are a few tips I follow when planning my vacations, whether I'm going with just David, a group of friends, or my entire family.

1. Get to know the area. Even if all you want to do is sit on a beach, you're gonna want to find out where things are (such as the best beaches). David and I love finding cool and yummy places to eat in different areas so we research a lot of restaurants. Even if you don't end up going to all of them, it's good to have some options. It also can help you enjoy your stay even more.

2. Plan a budget. This is one of the most imporant things. Without a budget, you usually overspend A LOT! If you plan on taking a roadtrip, figure out how much money you'll need for gas depending on how many miles per gallon your car takes. Choose what kind of place you wanna stay and how much you're willing to spend on it. I like to stay cheap and explore more, but if you want to splurge on a fancy hotel, then by all means do it, just be sure to figure it into your budget.

3. Make a packing list. Trust me, you're going to forget things either way, but you'll forget much less if you write it down. I try not to overpack though because most things that are on your "might need" list you won't end up using and you can usually find somewhere near where you're staying anyway. I'm always sure to pack three things: my camera, clean underwear, and a good book.

caturday.

Sammy: I used a piece of cardboard from this box for this and since then he's claimed this box as his kingdom.

Louie: Honestly, that face. Need I say more?

xoxo

work clothes.

This week I had an interview for a new (big girl) job. It was very exciting and nerve-wrecking. Great news though: I GOT THE JOB! Whoo-hoo! I told David that my favorite part about it is that I get to wear business clothes. How exciting! Now I have an excuse to dress like an adult and I love it! I bought a few new pieces for my wardrobe to wear to work and this top is one of my favorites. This whole outfit just makes me feel like Jackie Onasis (my favorite fashion icon ever) and who doesn't want to feel like the first lady, right?




outfit details: shirt/H&M // pants/Urban Outfitters // shoes/Target // necklace/Forever21 // watch/Urban Outfitters