Gas N’ Go

July 1, 2015July 1, 2015 | Megan

One of the things I love most about our little town is the mix of retro buildings– some dating as far back as the 1800s, some from the 30s and 50s, some with a more modern cabin vibe. This service station has the best lines, and I couldn’t resist the red trim. It takes me back the the era of filler-up boys who’d run out to your car to fill your gas and clean your windshield.

This culture doesn’t exist anywhere else in the modern world other than Oregon that I know of, and I wasn’t alive to experience the real feel of a full service gas station. But now I get to take pictures at one because, why not?

I wore this dress for a date night last weekend. We SUPed the Provo River with friends and then grabbed sushi. This little number was perfect to go from river to a quick-change for dinner. The tie-dye is right up my alley this summer, and it has a built in shelf bra. No extras required!

This would also be a great throw-on-and-go option for the 4th as it would easily go from poolside to firework viewing. Bam. You’re there. By all means, don’t forget about the Birks. Indispensable. I won’t wax on, but I LOVE these babies. So functional, so comfortable, so they’re ugly. I love them!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

XX, Megan

Dress: Patagonia (also here), Jacket: J.Crew Factory, Shoes: Birkenstock, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bag: Old Navy

Red Blazer in the Long Grass

June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 | Megan

The color here is really making me happy. This blazer has been in my closet for three or more years and the outfit options where it’s concerned just don’t quit!

I hope you’re digging the Americana vibe as of late because I can’t get enough. This outfit will take you straight from park or playground games of tag to an evening enjoying summer tunes or fireworks on a picnic blanket. I hope you’re all digging your summer, and that you have a fantastic week of the 4th!

XX, Megan
Blazer: J.Crew Factory (similar), Shirt: Old Navy, Shorts: Levi’s, Shoes: Birkenstocks, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bag: Old Navy, Lips: Top Shop Rio Rio, Cuff: Vintage, Rings: Vintage

Spontaneous Watermelon Salad

June 29, 2015June 29, 2015 | Megan

We had a HUGE watermelon feast over Father’s Day and are JUST now getting around to finishing up all the bits of that beast. It was a really good melon. Fresh, crisp, and perfectly juicy.

While I loved consuming all of this melon, by the 7th day I was a little tired of simple bowls of jusT the fruit. I went hunting for salad recipes, and found one that was quick, simple, and ingredients on hand number online. Magnifique!

The decision to whip this salad up was truly spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment, and I don’t regret saying that I ate this ENTIRE bowl myself!

The recipe for an entire 8 pound watermelon is below, but for my personal portion I took this bowl of watermwlon, one tablespoon olive oil, one tablespoon balsamic vinegar, handful of mint, one tablespoon of feta.

It has been blazing here. Well, comparatively speaking, as bumping the 100s in June is rare here in the mountains. But a watermelon salad lunch was the perfect way to off-set the high temps.

Hope your Monday is off to a good start!

XX, Megan

Ingredients:

1 7-8 lb. seedless watermelon, chilled
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 limes, juiced (I subbed balsamic vingar!)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup fresh chopped mint leaves
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (goat or sheep milk feta is best)

Total Time: 20 Minutes
Servings: 8 servings
1. Cut watermelon into bite size squares
2. Mix olive oil and vinegar (or lime juice)
3. Chop mint
4. Crumble Feta
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad
6. Garnish with mint and feta

Consume with pleasure!

Science Friday on Saturday: Salt Crystals

June 27, 2015June 26, 2015 | Megan

Another Friday has come and gone and I assure you it was a good one! This Science Friday was all about salt crystals. This project was just about as simple and easy as they come with ingredients you are sure to have on hand. As of 23:00 hours our time, our crystals are growing nicely in an undisturbed corner of the kitchen. Give it a try, we’d love to hear how YOUR salt crystals turn out!

Have a superior Saturday!

XX, Megan

Ingredients:
Salt (1/4 C.)

Water (1/2 C.)

5 rocks

Plus food coloring, a shallow container to put your rocks in, a pot to heat the water and salt in, measuring cup, and you’re set!

1. Put said rocks into your container.

2. Pour 1/2 cup of water into a pot. (Don’t be upset, spills happen! 😉

3. Add 1/4 cup salt. Bring to a simmer.

4. Stir the salt and water until the salt is fully incorporated.

5. Stare at your mixture to make sure it’s perfect.

6. Carefully pour the salt water over your rocks.

7. Add random drops of food coloring to your rocks.

8. Cheese for the camera because you are a budding scientist.

9. Wah-lah! Check your rocks obsessively throughout the day. Hey! I think a crystal is forming!!!!

Stars and Stripes

June 26, 2015September 1, 2015 | Megan

Oh, America! I’m so happy you were born! Not simply because I get to wear your colors and your symbols. But truly, I am proud to be an American.

I don’t really do FAVORITES. I don’t have a favorite color. I don’t have a favorite kid. (That would be bad, right?) I have lots of candy I likes, but I’m not discriminating. I like gummi, and fruity, and chocolate, and cinnamon, and ice cream, and cupcakes, and cookies all the same.

So no surprise, I don’t have a favorite Holiday. The 4th of July is right up there with Easter (because we always go to Moab), and Christmas (because, who doesn’t like Jesus and Santa?), and my Birthday.

I do have a soft spot for what I’ll call Americana styling for lack of a better term, and yes you can cue the Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford and Sons, The Wailin’ Jenny’s (even though they might be Canadian), and Willie Nelson.

I love me some red white and blue in any combination. Now careful, because I do draw the line at fully wearing the flag, and head scarves with screaming eagles powering down on the stars and stripes. But I really do love to dress in the red, white, and blue.

Here in Utah we have the distinction of being able to carry our Americana from May 30th all the way through July 24th. Pioneer Day, folks, if you’ve never heard that one. So I’ve styled up some outfits to get you through these star spangled Holidays, and heck, I’d encourage you to try out your red, white, and blue style savvy any month of the year!

Have a fabulous Friday! Coming at you with a Science Saturday post tomorrow!

XX, Megan