HOME SWEET HOME

I would love any of these items to spice up my home and add some fun flair.

1. These bottles can be used for flowers or drinks and the price can't be beat. $5

2. I dream of this leather lined mirror. It would look perfect hanging above my bed-side table. $340

3. The most kitschy pill box. Would be so cute in my bathroom to stash aspirin. $28

4. Love this simple, hammered silver flat bowl. I'd use it on my kitchen counter for loose paperwork, mail, and keys. $29

5. & 6. My new favorite brand of pillows. Each of these comes with fun sayings, sure to make your couch a bit more interesting. $88

7. This Jonathan Adler vase has a woman's face on one side and a man's on the other. I love all of Adler's quirky accessories. $48

8. The cutest bookends. These would be great in a child's bedroom or make an office less serious. $39.99

DREAM HOUSE

My mom's bff is selling her dreamy home in Tucson. Her husband and her designed every element of the house from the construction to the furnishings. I absolutely love the gorgeous and serene outdoor surroundings, as well as the beautiful, detailed interior. For more info about this home, click here.

EMMY FAVORITES

I'm a sucker for award shows, particularly the Emmys and Oscars. I was a bit underwhelmed with the fashion this year, but here are a few of my favorite fashion moments from last night's Emmy Awards red carpet.

Julie Bowen in Oscar de la Renta

Lea Michele in Marchesa (love her in red)

Kelly Osbourne in J. Mendel (I think she's never looked better)

WEB FIND

Have you seen this website? Enter a book title or author you like and this site recommends what you should read next.

OUTFIT POST

For a friend's wedding rehearsal dinner, I couldn't wait to wear this 70's jumpsuit I got from my favorite place to shop for vintage, NOV. I tried to do my best "Blue Steel" below. Check out more about NOV here.

TGIF

My girlfriends take turns hosting a girl's monthly dinner (simply coined GMD). On Friday, Ashley hosted the perfect summer evening with her homemade ribs and fresh corn salad. Delicious food, a little Real Housewives recapping, and as always, lots of laughs.


Acai cocktails with blueberries and fresh mint

A simple arrangement makes the perfect centerpiece.

Baby spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese, and champagne vinaigrette

Fresh grilled corn salad with cherry tomatoes and cilantro 

 Baby back ribs topped with lots of Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce

Crunchy Chocolate peanut butter pretzel cookie bars

Buttery pop tarts filled with Nutella or strawberry preserves

Recipes 

For Ashley's Ribs
1-2 days before cooking, rub the ribs with any BBQ rub. Wrap well in foil and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Preheat oven to 275-300 degrees.
Leave the ribs in the foil and bake for 3-4 hours. After 3-4 hours, remove from foil.
Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce. Then either grill or broil until a little charred.  (Tip: if they are super moist and falling off the bone, broiling is much easier than grilling)
Slather on some more BBQ sauce and enjoy!

For Ashley's Corn Salad

10 Ears of Corn
1/2 - 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
3-4 sprigs of green onion
1 bunch of cilantro
4 Tbsp. of White Wine Vinegar (or lime juice works great too)
4 Tbsp. of Olive Oil

Wrap the individual ears of corn in foil. Place on a hot grill and cook for 15-20 min. Let cool a bit, then cut the kernels off the ears into a large bowl. Cut cherry or grape tomatoes in halves and add to corn.  Slice the green onion sprigs the short way and add. Then add in fresh chopped cilantro (about 2 Tbsp). Season with salt and pepper.

Mix together equal parts white wine vinegar and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Add to the salad, and toss.  (Use as much or as little of the dressing as you would like). Serve hot, room temp, or put in the fridge for awhile and serve cold.