looking forward to...

testing out the new Fall flavors at Caribou Coffee! They will be available starting Tuesday, September 6th. 

sneak-a-peek.

Alright ladies...we have less than a month to go until the claws come out. September 13th is the big day Missoni is launching at Target. [posted before, here]

I got my hands on a sneak peek of what the line launch has to offer, and let me tell you-EVERYTHING is AMAZING, seriously!

Take a look: 

 I'm gonna need this...

 and this...

 one of these...

 this too...

and the bike...well do I even need to say more-this is a MUST! 

I can't wait to barrel some people outta my way and get my hands on all these awesome pieces.

back seat.

Wow! Where does the time go? I can honestly say these past few weeks have just been crazy busy [filled with fun things, of course] but I can't believe we have already been married over a month & we are already into the last month of Summer.

My poor blog has definitely taken a back seat to everything that has been going on & I want to be able to get back to posting on a daily basis.  

I have many new things to share with you all. 

balsamic marinated stawberries.

Your first instinct might have you thinking gross-but I promise this dessert is AMAZING! I had a neighborhood recipe exchange [yes, this is what we do in the suburbs] and mine tied for "most unique."

This is the perfect Summer dessert. Light and airy along with full flavor..a crowd pleaser if I may say so myself.

Balsamic Marinated Strawberries w/ Mascapone 

Ingredients:
1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons + 4 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup of chilled mascarpone cheese*
1/2 cup of chilled whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3, 1 pint baskets [24 oz.] of strawberries, hulled and halved
Almond biscotti cookies

Preparation:
Combine vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar and lemon juice into a heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Boil until syrup is reduced to scant 1/4 cup [about 3 min.] Transfer to a small bowl and let cool completely. [can be made 2 days ahead, cover and refrigerate]

Combine mascarpone, cream, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of sugar into a medium bowl. Whisk until thick, soft peaks form. [watch it while your doing this and be careful not to over-whip or you'll break the cream and it wont be smooth and creamy] cover and refrigerate up to 4 hrs.

Combine berries and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl; drizzle with balsamic syrup and toss to blend. Let stand 30 min., stirring occasionally.

Divide berries and syrup up among 6 goblets. Top with mascarpone mixture and top with an almond biscotti.

*Italian cream cheese-available at Italian markets and many supermarkets

being cheeky.

I don't know what it is about this Summer, but I'm obsessed with my cut off shorts. They are so comfortable and they were the perfect addition to my wardrobe this season. 

Check out some inspiration on all the different pairings for cut off shorts: