Expressive Snail Mail

Snail mail is not dead, it may be on its way out, but it's sure not dead. Who doesn't love receiving nice thank you notes, birthday cards, or even just a card saying "hello" or "thinking about you"? I think cards are also a fun way to express yourself. I have found some really cute and fun stationery sites and etsy shops that I thought I would share.

                               

fine day press

rifle paper co.

red bird ink

witandwhistle

yellow owl workshop

-Whitney

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding, an English singer-songwriter, has been a favorite of mine for some time now, her music never seems to get old! She will be performing this year at Kanrocksas and I cannot wait to see her in person!! Here are a few of my favorites from her album, Lights, but I love all her music!

Lights

Starry Eyed

The Writer

-Jane



Summer Reads

Need a great book to read this summer? Here are a few that I have read recently that are worth recommending to others!

The Hunger Games Series, Sarah's Key, Something Borrowed & Something Blue

Sarah's Key was probably my favorite book of all and has now been made into a motion picture, watch the trailer below.



I have many more books on my list to read, but if you have any recommendations...I am all ears! 

-Jane

Stunning Silhouettes

I love silhouettes used in decorating. It reminds me of doing them in class when I was little. It's a great way to personalize your art and your design style. Although they have an old feel to them, dating back to the 18th century, they have gone from traditional black and white portraits to colorful fun shapes, animals, and actions in all different mediums. 



 A traditional approach.



 A modern take on the silhouette.

Colored silhouettes, with different shaped and sized frames.

 I love these creative silhouettes, straying from the original side head shot.

What a great DIY idea!

They don't have to be hanging on the wall, how fun is this family silhouette pillow?

source: Pinterest

-Whitney

The Filling Station

I tried out a new little coffee and sandwich shop last week that I heard about called the Filling Station, at 30th & McGee. I had driven past it several times, thinking it looked fun, but I always thought it was just a coffee shop. Well I was wrong, and I started hearing great things about their lunch, so I gave it a try.

It was a fun kind of eclectic crowd, some drinking coffee and studying, some just grabbing a quick lunch. There is indoor and outdoor seating, with a rustic feel inside, and a great Ipod playlist going! Any lunch spot that plays Lil Wayne has my vote!

We had the Caprese sandwich on an awesome french loaf, loaded with arugula (my fave) and a roast beef sandwich on Asiago bun. They have fresh daily soups, so we tried the tortilla soup, which was amazing!

I definitely recommend this place, as a coffee stop or a new lunch spot. Check out their Web site for a full menu.

-Whitney

Roasted Eggplant with Basil and Fresh Mozzarella

I have been craving eggplant lately and so I came up with a easy way to prepare it in a fraction of the time. 

Ingredients

1 Large Eggplant

Fresh Basil Leaves

Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees, meanwhile slice Eggplant into one inch thick rounds.  Place on cookie sheet and bake for about 5 minutes.  Once eggplant has browned drizzle olive oil and salt and pepper on each side.  Place back into oven and roast for 10 more minutes.  Remove from oven and place fresh basil leaves on top of eggplant and a few slices of fresh mozzarella.  Turn oven up to Broil and place back into oven for 5 more minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly. 

Enjoy!

-Megan

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

I saw this recipe on Pinterest and new we had to try it. How could a dish with balsamic butter be bad? Well it can't, and it isn't! It's damn good. We had some mushrooms that needed to be eaten so we sauteed them and added them, it was a great addition I must say.

Ingredients

1 lb asparagus

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsps salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp brown sugar

1 lb penne

1/4 lb butter, cut into pieces (we used 5 tbs and it was plenty)

1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving