cherry pecan muffins

Last Saturday, I went to Haymarket and bought one big bag of cherries for only a dollar! Since I had so many cherries, I decided to make cherry muffins. These muffins are really healthy, and although I put only 1 teaspoon of olive oil, they were surprisingly moist!

To make them, you'll need: 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of oil, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 1 cup of chopped cherries, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.

First, I pitted the cherries and cut them in halves.

I used an egg beater to beat 1 egg.

Then, I added all the ingredients and mixed them all together.

After I put the muffins in the muffin tin, I added pecans on top (because roasted pecans are so tasty!) 

{the finished product}

a classic take on florals

I wore this outfit on July 4th, while we were on our way to Starbucks, and it's only now that I realize that I was wearing red, white, and blue! I had been dying to wear this skirt  because I had just bought it a few days before, and as it was hot and humid, it was the perfect day to wear it.

I fell head over heels with this skirt from the moment I saw it because it was the quintessential summer skirt: it had floral detailing, it was lightweight, and it was navy -- a very versatile color.

{gap puff sleeve top + forever 21 a-line floral skirt + h&m sandals}

{forever 21 eyelet band straw cloche}

{a fourth of july treat: a free tall starbucks coffee!}

pins of the week

I have a newfound love for Pinterest! The website itself has a very clean layout that's easy to work with, and the "Pin it" button (that I've installed as a bookmark) is very handy -- any time I see a picture I like, I pin it, and the website is recorded so that I can go back to it later. Once a week, I'd like to share a few of my favorite pins.

{#1} I love Dianna Agron's outfit here! Her maxi skirt is so pretty. I love everything about it -- the neutral color, the material, the length, the pleats. The crisp button-down compliments the skirt very well, and her boots give her ensemble a subtle touch of edginess. This outfit is a perfect mix of edgy meets prep.

{#2} Winter white is trendy right now, and I thought J.crew took this trend and styled it very well with a chunky chain necklace and belt.

{#3} This is a photo taken by Max Wanger. I love how he uses forced perspective to create the illusion that his subjects are minuscule against the big, blue sky.

{#4} This is a wedding cake that I repinned from Nina Garcia. Isn't it simply gorgeous?

 {#5} These pictures are from a fairytale-like wedding that was featured on Style Me Pretty. The styling and the photography are breathtaking.

handkerchief dress

I've been wanting a long, handkerchief dress for the longest time, and when I spotted this dress on sale in H&M, I knew that it was meant to be. I love this dress because it's lightweight, easy to put on, and looks effortlessly chic.

I especially love the pattern and handkerchief detailing at the bottom of the dress.

{h&m halter neck satin handkerchief dress + j. crew white sleeveless shirt}

I used this lightweight, collared blouse as a sheer cover-up.

                                  {gap sandals}

I love this floral pattern -- it's perfect for summer!

happy 4th of july!

July 4th is a great day to spend time with friends and family and to enjoy the simple things in life that make us happy!

{iced coffee}

{a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on a cold, rainy day}

{the chobani we bought yesterday!}

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

out and about

Today's outfit is inspired by Emma Robert's white blouse and denim shorts combo. I love her lightweight blouse and peep toe wedges. This look is great for running errands or going to class -- it's well put together but looks effortless. For me, this is definitely the quintessential summer look.

I took Emma's look and toughened it up, with green cargo shorts and a crisp button-down. I wore a pair of Mary Janes for subtle touch of femininity.

{goldenbleu alba bag in nero}

 {white polo button-down + j.crew cargo shorts + rampage mary janes}

lady in lace

Today's outfit is inspired by a lace dress worn by Taylor Swift, who is one of my fashion inspirations! I love her classic, ladylike style. She definitely knows how to channel her inner southern belle!

She paired a lace dress with high-heeled oxfords and went without accessories for a minimalist look. Similarly, I opted for minimal accessories, but instead of oxfords I wore mary-janes.

I picked a purse to match the studs on my belt. It's a glittery item Taylor would approve of!

{h&m short sleeve lace dress + j. crew studded belt + rampage mary janes}