Reflection

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

- Lao Tzu

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

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One piece wonder

I'm a sucker for all things vintage, specifically from the 50s and 60s.  I think it stems from my love of Mad Men, baseball and antique kitchen appliances.  I've been noticing a lot of cute one pieces in recent months - many with a pin up-esque feel to them.  They're cute and flirty and don't leave you showing your midriff.  How very ladylike...or come hither, whichever you prefer!  Check out some of my favs from around the web. 

Clockwise from top left: Striped skirted suit from Macys at $79 (on sale), Maillot suit from Anthropologie at $158,Navy polka dots from Boden at $68 (!!), Oahu suit for Lands End at $36 (on sale woo!), One strap suit from Gap at $59, Twist front suit from JCrew at $88.
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Summer Book Club - 2011

Summer is always the time of year when I read the most.  Between traveling, the beach and warm evenings in the hammock, I usually gobble up books.  I'm also in stockpile mode adding some intriguing literature to my Kindle.  I'm sharing a few of my recent reads for your beach bag; if you want to comment and add others, please do so - I'm always up for a great book recommendation!

If you liked, James Harriot's All Creatures Great and Small, or John Grogan's Marley and Me, you'll love....Huck by Janet Elder.  This is a charming story of a family's poodle who becomes lost while they're away on vacation.  $12.49 on Amazon.

If you liked Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild, you'll love....David Miller's AWOL on the Appalachian Trail.  It's a 40-something year old man's story of hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine after he quit his job as a software engineer.  It's not too touchy feely and a page turner.  It's straightforward and I think most people can relate to the I-can't-deal-with-my-job-I'm-going-to-quit-tomorrow sentiment.  From $5.99 on Amazon.

If you like chic lot, Sophia Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner, you'll love ......Jen Lancaster's Such a Pretty Fat.  Another laugh out loud funny novel that's a quick read.  I love her self-deprecating sense of humor.  Plus, it's an easy read and you can easily put it down if you need to scope out a hottie with a body on the beach.   From $9.57 on Amazon.

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Confession Tuesday

I think I'm too independent for my own good sometimes, but yet I sometimes feel VERY self-conscious when I don't have plans on a Friday or Saturday night.
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Monday Meals - Summer Salad

I brought this salad to a Memorial Day BBQ today and it was a big hit...mostly with the girls, but I'm always happy to bring the "healthy" dish to the party! :)  You can include pretty much any combo of summer veggies.  I imagine this being a yummy staple for all of my farmer's market finds as the summer progresses.  It's flavorful and fresh - perfect for a hot summer evening! 

Summer Corn Salad (serves 6-8)

• 3 ears of yellow corn
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored and roughly chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2-3 scallions, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cilantro, chopped
• coarse salt and pepper

1. Cook corn and cut kernels off the cob.
2. Add all veggies in a large bowl and mix together.  Add lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper and mix well.

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Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Best wishes for a happy and safe weekend!  Here are a few things on my mind as we kick off another summer.

Photo sources clockwise from top left: Hot dog, Charcoal grill, Lilly Pulitzer dress, Polka dot bikini, Bathing beauties, Cold one.
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Plastic Bag Storage

I've previously written about what you can do with those pesky plastic, grocery bags here, but now I've got a simple and easy tip (thanks to my Aunt) for storing them.  You can use one of those mountable plastic bag holders that cost some coin (I do!), or you can go the "free" route.  Enter your empty tissue box.  Instead of tossing it in the recycling bin, fill it with your cast off plastic grocery sacs and store in a pantry, garage or cabinet.  You'll be very organized when you need to line your bathroom trash bag or pack your sneakers in your suitcase.

Thanks Auntie Chris!!

*Photo courtesy of Kleenex.
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Confession Tuesday - Burgers

I love Big Macs.  They're one of my fav fast food choices.  This love affair started young, when I was seven years old.  The special sauce, lettuce, onion, two patties...makes me salivate.  Before you gag, I'm sure you all have a weird, low brow food you love as well. 

If you feel like joining in today's confession, do tell - what low brow food do you love?! :)

*Photo from McDonalds.
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Confession Tuesday

In an effort to expand my horizons of the information I share on this blog, I thought of a new "column" for Tuesdays.  And no, I'm not Catholic, but it will take the form of a mini-confessional, which will offer a glimpse into the real PTHH, when I'm not PTHH'ing. 

So for the inaugural post, here's my first confessional.  I sing to my dog.  A lot.  Like almost every day.  It's not like I sing existing songs.  I make up my own.  And you'll never, ever hear them unless you've bugged my house.  It's my little special time with my baby, aka pupster.  And what exactly do I sing to an animal that can't understand my songs you ask.  Usually things like how cute and shaggy she is, sometimes how it's time for bed, time for breakfast/dinner, how she's stinky, getting on my nerves, etc.  You name it, I've engineered a silly song to sing to her about it. Ok, enough confession.  Until next week, I bid you adieu from the confines of my virtual confessional...
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Monday Meals - Steak Marinade

I love steak.  It's definitely one of my favorite meals, but the price is a ready deterrent to frequent filet dinners.  There are some less pricey cuts, but sometimes they're not as easy on the taste buds.  Take lond broil aka flank steak.  It can be a little tough, but with a nice long marinade and a great sear, it can be delicious.

Flank Steak Marinade

• 1-2 lb flank steak
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• juice from 1 lime
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix the ingredients well and top the steak in a shallow pan.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  Then grill the steak over med-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
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