Big Bad Book Club

Reading and I have not always been friends. Ask anyone in my family about me and books and they'd be surprised the two words were even in the same sentence. Although I admit this is true, I've recently made a conscious effort to read as much as possible. For me, a new book purchase is typically spurred by an international trip with a long flight or a very practical need (aka needing to learn how to raise a puppy). This tends to lead to sporadic reading so to change my habits (and after being inspired by a college friend) I got a few friends together to start a book club. One happy hour later and voila we have our first book and monthly meetings (aka drinking, eating, gossip and book discussion sessions) set up!  Our first read will be Water for Elephants which I'm very excited to start. I'll make sure to post book recommendations from here on out...

Until then happy reading!

XO

Happy Hump Day!

A little fashion inspiration to get you through the rest of the week...

XO

When Life Gives You Lemons

Turn them into a beautiful centerpiece...

        XO

Polka Dot Party

I was lucky to be able to attend the amazing Glamorama fashion show last Saturday at Minneapolis' Orpheum theatre. It was a wonderful evening full of haute fashion and chart topping musical performances by the talented Bruno Mars and Far East Movement. Although they were amazing, it wasn't the popular music acts that had me giddy in my seat...it was the Marc Jacobs polka dot/Lichtenstein themed runway that had me begging for more...Now don't get me wrong, this show is definitely not equivalent to the runways of Milan or NYC but in Minneapolis it's as close as we get...and it's close enough to get a girl shopping for dots....

 I'm not quite in the market for a full Marc Jacobs couture get-up so for now I will stick to drooling over these fun dotted numbers...

Click to purchase your favorites!

XO

Friday Photos

Fun photo inspiration for the weekend!

 Pumpkin pie cupcake with graham cracker bottom? Yes please fall.

 I'm in need of a good mani/pedi this weekend and although I won't be wearing Jellies they remind me of my childhood summers more than anything!  

I'm counting the days until I can build my dream home and I LOVE the idea of bright yellow striped wallpaper! 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with fun projects!

XO

Taste No 5: Umami Paste

Have you ever made a delicious looking recipe only to find that it totally lacked flavor? I definitely have and I'm always left wondering what the best "quick fix" would be. A little salt? a little red pepper flake action? I think my most recent discovery will be the new solution to my cooking woes.

Taste No. 5: Umami Paste. According to my sources, Umami was discovered approximately 120 years ago by a Japanese scientist but until now has only graced the shelves of Michelin-starred restaurants. It could be the secret to making any dish taste fantastic, so much so that it's newly packaged tube (now being sold in the U.S.) calls it the "fifth taste".  

Available for purchase at Dean and Deluca (and as a 3-pack at Amazon for $21.43) with the following description: "Rich, deep and intensely savory...mouthwatering puree of tomatoe, garlic, anchovy paste, black olives, balsamic vinegar, porcini mushrooms, parmesan cheese, olive oil and a touch of sugar and salt...squeeze it into sauces, gravy and risottos to add remarkable depth and flavor...add it to pastas, soups and stews...smear it on fish, meat or vegetables..."

It's apparently deliciousness in a tube and I may just be squeezing mine straight into my mouth when it arrives on my doorstep this week!

XO

My Make-up Must Haves

Make-up Must Haves by paufmuth on Polyvore.com

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 One Size, $42
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, $42
Benefit Erase Paste Concealer, $26
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette 100ml, £56
NP Set Lipstick - Denver at DermStore, $15
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola - Belk.com, $28

I've never been a huge make-up girl but I am still in constant search of the best of the basics. I'm in love with Laura Mercier's skin care line and use either her silk creme foundation or tinted moisturizer daily. Both are quite sheer and leave you with a perfect yet natural looking complexion. I heavily rely on my Benefit bronzer in the winter to keep looking like a have a glow even though I'm beyond pasty. Benefit also makes a great concealer called erase paste that I use to cover up dark circles and unwanted zits. Lastly, I use vaseline on my lips about 5 times a day. I grew up using vaseline on my cracked altitude affected lips in Tahoe and will always use it as my go to moisturizer and lip gloss. Enjoy!

XO