Simply 60's

I've been watching old episodes of Mad Men lately on Netflix and it’s making me want to go back to the basics.  I’m not talking about a cigarette before breakfast and a scotch @10am.  No – I’d leave that in the 60s.  I’m talking about less options. 

  

Black Coffee – Would you like Splenda, Sweet’n low, Equal, Truvia, Stevia, Stevia in the Raw, Sugar in the Raw or granulated sugar?  Cream, Whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk or organic non-GMO milk?  It can be overwhelming. How about just a black coffee, please?  I don’t have to worry about having organic non-GMO whole milk for my coffee.  Plus it stays extra hot!

Less than 10 tv channels.  Paul and I are getting rid of cable for the summer and potentially keeping it that way.  I like the idea of less time in front of the TV and more time talking, reading, or repainting the kitchen cabinets (eek!).

Classic clothes.  Solids, Stripes, and the occasional florals.  White, black, cream, pink, and teals.  Know the colors and fit that look best on you and use it to your advantage.

Get the look: below are some current and classic "Betty inspired" looks I'm loving at the moment. These would be perfect for weddings/showers this summer.

this dress could be formal or casual - less than $100 from ASOS

I love this ASOS dress and it's less than $100!

another ASOS look

the prettiest ASOS dress

H&M Retro Skirt

A Simple Salad on a Simple Monday

I was asked to bring a green salad to my niece Maddie's birthday party on Sunday,  and I put together  a winner.  It's a light, sweet, and simple salad which is perfect for summer.  It includes the smallest amount of honey, sliced apricots and fresh lemon juice.  It was a hit at the party, so I thought I would share!  Recipe is at the end of the post.

I liked the salad so much, I made it again yesterday for a picnic with Roswelle.  It was one of those Mondays,  where both Roswelle and I needed to be outside.  She was clingy and I was frustrated and we had two hours together until her next nap.  Less than a half-mile away from our house is a small, shaded spot on the "hill" in our neighborhood; the perfect spot for a picnic.  We didn't need much: a blanket, snacks (this salad included), and drinks. This little 45 minute outing turned my day around - I think we may go again today!

{Blue eyes and milk mustache}

{oddly enough, nothing makes me happier than when she is messy as can be}

//salad recipe//
handful of arugula, dash of evoo & white balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp of honey, goat cheese, sliced apricots, dried cranberries, and walnuts.  I also priced it out based on my receipt; it comes to a less than $4 lunch!

My Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday Morning! 

Gone are the days of a simple cup of coffee.  No longer will the convenience store being out of filters be the biggest threat to you enjoying your cup of joe.  Enter the era of chemix, aeropress, syphons, and scales.  I thought my stove-top bialetti brew was special until I saw this post...wow.  Also, check out this flowchart to see which special brew is the one for you!

When I need a special pick-me-up cup of coffee, I make this strong and creamy stove-top version using my Bialetti - "an iconic piece of italian design from the 1930s".  On Monday mornings, on Wednesday afternoons, on the weekends...even the occasional Friday night, I will brew for myself or special guests...it's definitely something to be excited about. 

As always, the best cups of coffee are based on the freshly ground coffee bean (I use the Trader Joe's Organic Fair Trade Wake Up Blend) and clean filtered water (I would use organic water if I could - ha! :P)....the rest is just pizazz 

Roswelle approved!!