let’s go! 4 seasons bora bora

lou and i are seriously bouncing around the idea of bora bora for our belated honeymoon (and in our fantasty world, staying here)!  it’s pretty much all i can think about. it’s been a dream of mine to stay in an over-water bungalow since the second i knew such a magical thing exists.  also, and i am saying this with NO SHAME WHATSOEVER, i soaked up every minute of the kardashian vacation there on keeping up and it just looks like heaven on earth. And this past week I may or may not have watched tamra from the real housewives of orange county get engaged there and been insanely jealous of their tropical getaway.  Again, NO SHAME.  have a lovely weekend everyone!  i am headed to booneville, ca (no joke) for a wedding for birds of a feather!

*more places i am dreaming about here and photo gratefully borrowed from here

are you a people pleaser?

one of the things i have the hardest time with is saying NO…i think there’s a people pleaser in me that just can’t stand the idea of anyone being disappointed or let down because of something i did (or didn’t do). it’s something i’ve been hard at work curbing over the past couple of years, and most especially after i got sick.  it’s so important to set boundaries and not drive yourself into the ground. and it’s so easy to feel pulled in a million directions- with family, friends, and work all needing something at all times. but what i learned when i got sick is that i’m no good to anyone if i i’m not taking care of myself. and that’s just a reality i’ve been forced to come to terms with.

i’ve had to learn to let things go, to be ok with disappointing people when their expectations aren’t realistic, to not set expectations for myself that i wouldn’t expect of others. man, it’s tough sometimes. but with practice i’ve found it incredibly liberating. it challenges my beliefs that i have to do things a certain way and gives me the power to make my life the way i choose it. when i’m doing it right, i feel happy and balanced (when the pangs of guilt pass, at least). do you struggle with this too? any advice for that loud-mouthed people pleaser in me? i’m struggling lately and feel all sorts of out of balance.  and saying no has been making me feel like that sweet pup looks. ouch. *photo of my friend matt’s most adorable dog from our trip to austin

dog days

bean says she conducts her most important business in this exact spot on the cowhide.  i would tell you what she’s talking about but i just don’t have any idea. *phone case by ban.do, here

sit / nibble

since the weather has been a bit all over the place, so have my cravings. last night i wanted nothing more than a spicy black bean soup.  and today for lunch i would much prefer a bloody mary gazpacho!  and of course, some chairs i wouldn’t mind making my own.  I II III IV and a few other things from around the internet that i fell in love with this week….

i love this lady’s hair and style, major envy

i think this looks especially tasty

the cuteness going on here actually hurts

a to-do list that we’d probably all benefit from

josie maran is such a huge inspiration, and she couldn’t look more beautiful here

this is my kind of vintage, so good

jessie looking adorable in boyfriend jeans. i might have to give them a try after all

so cute and so true

the perfect pop of yellow that might satisfy my latest obsession

have a fantastic weekend my friends!  

sweet & salty polenta breakfast

during spring in coastal southern california there’s a marine layer that overtakes the mornings that’s referred to as “may grey” and “june gloom”.  it’s not uncommon to wake up and feel like it’s winter, only to have the sun pop out later in the day and realize you’re dressed in entirely too many clothes.  for these mornings i’ve been enjoying this treat, it warms me up and is a good mix-up from the everyday oatmeal. the trick: lots of salt and a really high quality maple syrup. delicious!

the what:

1/2 cup polenta (not the quick-cooking kind!)

3/4 cup almond milk

1 1/4 cup water

sea salt

high grade maple syrup

the how:

combine polenta, almond milk and water in a pot and cook over medium/low heat. stif often!  i like to hover over polenta cooking it almost like a risotto with constant stirring. but it’s not necessary, just my preference.

add salt and taste. you want this polenta good and salty, so don’t hesitate to add more!  you’ll be adding some sweet down the road so a good salty base is important.

keep tasting (critical) and add some more water if it gets too thick before it’s gotten soft. when it’s thoroughly cooked (soft, salty and a consistency you’re pleased with) remove from stove and spoon into a bowl.  this makes one substantial servings or two little ones.

drizzle with maple syrup and eat while it’s piping hot!  june gloom be damned.