family vacation

These have taken a new meaning as we all live in different parts of the country nowadays. This year I took time to travel down to Dallas to see Dan, Angela and the kids.

A few things I got to do while in Dallas:

• pool time
• pizzas on the grill
• catching up with the Mackenzies
• the perfect spot for the fireworks show (and just as it started)
• giving Will, Carter, and Bella their individual "Erika" date
• sleepovers
• library visit
• shopping trip with Angela
• Angela's zucchini pie
• getting to hear about Dan's new cooking program with Salad Master
• movie night with the kids, complementary with popcorn and a giant pillow pallet bed
• giving Rosita a makeover
• sharing a flight on the way back

(Later this year I'll hopefully be able to take a trip up to see Charles, Jen and Baby Linz). 

Addictions: Pinterest

Say you had some free time...what would you do? For me, I'm a huge fan of browsing the internet for inspiration. Pinterest has quickly become my newest outlet to feed this addiction. It's a great place to store ideas for home decor, cooking, fashion, art, etc. You can save a picture to a pinboard, and it will link to the site where it was found, giving proper ownership. 

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Items Every Woman Needs
• Basic black dress
• Trench coat
• Classic dress pants
• Classic white shirt
• Skirt
• Blazer
• Day dress
• Cashmere sweater
• Jeans
• A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit


For me, that might translate into this:
• Basic black dress (love the bow and open back)

• Trench coat (something not too traditional that I could layer)

• Classic dress pants (slight wide leg or straight leg)
• Classic white shirt (silk with pockets)

• Skirt (a-line preferable for my shape)

• Blazer (needed to give me broader shoulders)

• Day dress (cute choices from: anthropologie)

• Jeans (favorite brand: joe's)

• Cashmere sweater (j.crew has a wide range of colors that wash well)
• A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit (leggings, flats, a tee and cardigan? ok!)

current book list

It is so difficult for me to read one book at a time. Right now I have started a few and am trying to get through them all, little at a time, switching between as the mood changes.

When I feel like taking on a new project: Photo Op

When I feel creative: Bird By Bird

When I feel like thinking: What the Dog Saw

When I feel random: This Is a Book

When I feel like having a conversation with a friend: Bittersweet

When I feel like fiction reading: The Housekeeper and the Professor

opportunity