Friday Favorites -- Half Size

My thoughts are with Lacy today as she is out of town to attend her great grandpa's funeral.

As such, you only get a half-sized Friday Favorites today.  But it's been so long since we've posted one, that I figured a half one is better than none!

A few little updates first.  Remember that s'mores ice cream I was jonesing to make?

(People still say jonesing, right?  That's a thing?)

Well, I made it.  And it was glorious.

I loosely followed Jessica's recipe on How Sweet Eats, and swirled in some hot fudge and graham crackers to up the s'more-y-ness.  Excellent.

Secondly, my plants have sprouted like mad!  They first showed their green little faces on Saturday, and are growing so tall and lovely each day.

I was concerned they were growing too fast, so I asked my mom for her opinion.  I mean, they weren't supposed to even sprout until tomorrow, and they've been up for a week now!

Her response was, "God seems to know what He's doing most of the time,"

Wise words from my momma, regarding plants and life in general.

And with those two bits of blog business out of the way,  I bring you Friday Favorites!

This wrapping scarf from The Link Collective would make an excellent piece of wall art.

I wish I wore watches more often because this seems about perfect.

Looks like some skinny khakis will be making their way into my wardrobe soon.

(If I can find a good pair!)

I didn't know I loved Zebras until I saw this amazing photo.

And I can't stop dreaming about what a lemon goat-cheesecake would taste like after it was mentioned here.

Have a lovely weekend!

I plan to spend as much time outside as is humanly possible.

a gingham situation

I have a problem.

 

 Two problems actually. First, i can't stop saying situation. Ask Ashley. We hung out recently and I said situation probably 18 times in the four hours we spent together. And i was trying to hold back.

 

Second, I have a gingham obsession. Evidenced below is just a snippet of the problem.

 

 

also, for your viewing enjoyment both of these pictures have cats in them. they're really interested in my life.

 

I have a third problem.

I've had this draft sitting in blogger since yesterday and I can't seem to write anything cohesive. so here are some facts written in list form.

 

1. I pose with my hand on my hip a lot.

2. Both of these skirts were purchased at the DI.

3. Ashley helped me hem the blue one.

4. I bought the red one in Logan but I wasn't brave enough to wear it until I lived in Salt Lake.

5. The red skirt is especially great if on a windy day you feel like showing everyone your underwear.

6. Today I realized my shirt had a stain on it, but I was already all dressed and was too lazy to change it. I'm a grown up. 

 

Love quotes.

I've been thinking a lot about the differences between these two sayings.

The sentiments of the first are poetic and idyllic and sweet.  And, let's be real, sappy.

But, in my limited knowledge of being in love for just more than a year or so,

I find the sentiments of the second rather more appropriate.

Because, of all the things in life, the things into which I'm pouring the most effort ought to be the things I care about most.  And certainly my love for my spouse is one of the most important things.

 So as much as I want to naturally be a perfect spouse for my husband,  that's just not real life.

 

Real life is pretending I like the San Jose Sharks as much as the husband.

It's choosing to see that his mega-focus on work and school things does not mean he doesn't love me or want to spend time with me.

It's understanding his life-dreams, and allowing my own to mesh with his.

It's making my like for dinosaurs become more of a love because he's so obsessed.

And no, none of these things really come naturally.

I mean, they do?  But only when I let my love for him matter more than my love for me.

And when he's doing the same, well that there is real life love, isn't it?

I'm just spit-balling.  All those who certainly know more about love are free to give your input.

Set me on a better course.

Maybe the first quote is better?  (Don't tell me that; I won't believe it)

recipe round-up

I've been in kind of a funk lately. is this happening to anyone else? I, as always, am inclined to blame it on the weather. I had so many outdoor plans that have been unfulfilled in the cold and often rainy conditions happening lately.

to push through this weird mood, I've been upping my baking. (next time this happens maybe I should up my exercising. it wouldn't be hard to improve on my current schedule of not doing anything)

here's a round-up of some of the stuff I've been making lately.

 I am obsessed OBSESSED with these banana muffins. They don't have any flour or white sugar so I feel like it's ok to eat like three for breakfast. I have started substituting a half cup of wheat flour instead of oats just because we like the texture a bit better. But these are an awesome way to use up the last of your bananas.

 

I stole this mint limeade recipe from Ashley's pinterest board and it did not disappoint. I think I drank almost all of it by myself and I have no regrets. I think next time I might use a little less sugar and see how that goes. The majority of my liquid intake is just plain old water, so this was sweet enough to kind of shock me.

 

 I got on a strawberry kick one weekend and made this frozen strawberries and cream dessert (the crust is good enough to eat by itself) and this strawberry summer cake from smitten kitchen. since it was a fruit cake I justified eating it for breakfast. (and you best believe I licked the beater right after this picture was taken)

 

 this was our kick-ass conference breakfast. this is the third conference in a row we've made breakfast with Ashley and Ray and they just keep getting better and better. (also is it kosher to say ass and conference in the same sentence?) we had this potato hash and angel food cake french toast (yes, that's a thing. a thing you should eat RIGHT NOW). the waffle looking things are actually orange rolls cooked in a waffle maker. Ashley made the asparagus quiche and maybe she'll tell you how someday if you're reeeeal nice.

 

and finally, I had been hankering for some of those old fashioned iced oatmeal cookies, so I decided to make my own! i'm pretty happy with how they turned out. also, if you want a laugh, look at the original recipe and compare her cookies to mine. I don't even understand how she did that...

also here's a terrible shot of what my tiny counter looks like in action. it's cramped, but works out. usually.

 

anyone have any great recipes to share? i would love to take badly lit pictures of them!

Growth

I ran a marathon once.

It was one of the most difficult, but rewarding, experiences in my life.

I can't imagine how it must feel to have that accomplishment so completely undermined by the senseless malice of a faceless person or group; to mourn for your fellow runners who have worked so hard for so long, and now there are many who have irreversible bodily damage.

My thoughts and prayers are with the runners, their families, and the people of Boston.

And I'm so impressed and overwhelmed by the kindnesses that have been shared through stories and gestures I've read.  I'm not connected to the Boston Marathon at all, but I feel connected to that spirit of humanity, of lifting one another in times of distress.

And of pushing our way out of darkness to grow together as a people.

I planted seeds this weekend, some herbs to grow in my kitchen.

Seeds are so often used as metaphors, but I think it's apt.

Our human instinct seeks to find familiarity in the natural world,

and what better metaphor than a seed that, though set in darkness, will strive for light.

It will break the surface of the heavy dirt in order to bask in the sun.

And we, as a people, always do the same.

We lift each other, strengthen our root system, and grow toward goodness.

I hope to show you the little green sprouts in a couple weeks' time.

And I pray that, in a couple weeks' time, the runners and people of Boston will be in the midst of the healing process, continually strengthened by the goodness of humanity.

what i wish i was wearing.

it happens every spring. the weather starts changing and suddenly my entire closet looks boring.

i'm hoping some fake shopping will curb my desire to go buy all the things.

 

1 by lacy-walker featuring high heel wedges




 

2 by lacy-walker featuring cacharel



 

3 by lacy-walker featuring lace up shoes



 

4 by lacy-walker featuring mid-rise jeans



 

5 by lacy-walker featuring a h & m cardigan

happy spring! (it's snowing currently...)

Non-Tea Chai-Spiced Coconut Ice Cream

Okay, so this one IS a recipe post.  An ice cream recipe post, to be exact.  And I know this doesn't always apply to a lot of people, because not everyone owns an ice cream machine.  But it is worth the purchase, I promise you.  There's nothing quite like eating ice cream that you made yourself.  And you can make it EXACTLY how you want it--all of your own desired flavors.  It's so. much. fun.

I once made a thin mint ice cream.  It was exactly as delicious as you'd imagine.

And I'm envisioning a s'mores ice cream... The recipe idea hasn't quite been perfected yet, but you'll be the first to know.  Of course.

I'm a non-tea drinker.  Partly because it's against my religion, but in larger part due to the fact that I think most teas, even the ones we Mormons CAN drink, taste like watered down herbs.  If I'm in the mood, that can work.  But I'm rarely in that mood.

That being said, I once had a sip of a chai tea (a kind that we are asked not to drink), and I about died because, of course, it was delicious.  I tried to make spiced milk that tasted like chai tea soon after that experience, but I think I hadn't quite mastered the art of a steamer and it came out terrible.

But!  I'm better at cooking now.  And I found this recipe for chai coconut ice cream, and I couldn't stop thinking about it.  And so!  I made my own version that was non-tea.

Bonus:  my version is also lower fat and lower sugar.  You're welcome!  Although, I did change the sugar content a little bit.  The original recipe called for all honey, and I used some honey and some brown sugar, because honey can get expensive when you're just throwing cups at a time into recipes.  And I'm into saving money.

Non-Tea Chai-Spiced Coconut Ice Cream
About a quart (we got about 10-12 servings)
Adapted from Cookie and Katie

1 can full fat coconut milk
1 can lite coconut milk
1/4 c. heavy cream
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. honey
1/3 c. plus 1 Tbs. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix together all ingredients in a large pot.  Warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, and whisk vigorously until all spices are incorporated, sugar and honey is dissolved, and any solid coconut cream is completely melted into the mixture.

Pour into a bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.   Be sure to taste it at this point and make any adjustments you like, whether you want to taste more spice, or make it a little sweeter.  Refrigerate the mixture until completely cooled through, usually at least an hour or two.

Whisk the cooled mixture, and pour into your ice cream maker.  Follow the directions of your ice cream maker accordingly.  Once frozen through, transfer into a tupperware and keep in the freezer for the ice cream to set up further.

We served this alongside some coconut butter cookies, and that was incredible.  I'd also recommend mixing in some crumbled ginger cookies, if you like a good crunch in your ice cream.
Husband said he thinks this should be served over a brownie, but I think that's just because, for him, a dessert isn't a dessert without chocolate.

Enjoy!

get my hair did.

as time goes on I find myself putting less and less effort into my hair. it occurred to me the other day that I haven't used my flat iron since I got married. I don't know if this is a side affect of being lazy, or if i'm just starting to enjoy my hair's natural texture instead of hot ironing it into a shiny flat (heat-damaged) situation. who can tell?

here are a few of my favorite hair products at the moment that help me achieve maximum laziness when it comes to styling.

1. i've been using this Suave Rosemary Mint shampoo for the last year or so. i think you're supposed to switch up your shampoo every so often because your hair gets used to it or something? but i'm calling shenanigans on that whole concept because anytime i try to use something different my hair gets greasy. and since i only wash my hair every two or three days, that's kind of a deal breaker. also this stuff is just ridiculously cheap. score!

2. a mean hairdresser at great clips recommended Redken Extreme Anti-Snap to me. and i bought it because i think i just wanted her to like me. (i'm really weird about getting approval from hairdressers. and librarians.) but! this leave in treatment is great and i think it really improves my split end situation. bonus! it helps with detangling.

3. my friend Brittany taught me how to use mousse in college (yes, i required a tutorial) and it was with a bottle of Tresemme.  i may have dabbled with some other brands in the past, but i always come back. it gives my flat flat hair the boost it desperately needs and it's just as effective as some of the more expensive brands I've tried. bam!

4. as previously mentioned i don't wash my hair every day. so dry shampoo is kind of imperative in the whole not looking disgusting goal. i've tried a couple brands but Not Your Mother's is my favorite. it doesn't have a weird smell and I love the messy volume it gives my hair. i'll use a little on my roots on just washed days for extra texture, and i spray a bunch in before bed on no-wash days, giving it plenty of time to absorb and work it's volume magic!

5. so i don't have an actual curling wand. but brian, kind soul that he is, removed the handles from both my curling irons. my curling iron is happy that it doesn't have unnecessary hardware, and my hair is happy that it doesn't get crease marks anymore. also I feel like I should say that I probably only use my curling iron once a week. this goes back to the laziness issue.

6. me and sea salt spray are having a real moment. I spray it on my half dried hair and kind of scrunch it before going to bed. when I wake up I can usually just brush it, add a little dry shampoo and go! ideally, I also curl some pieces with my curling "wand", but that only occurs on the rare occasion when my snooze button only gets hit once. again, i'm into this brand, and the pump handle makes it way easier to dispense the amount of sea salt spray i deem necessary.

 

so that's it. my whole repertoire of hair care products. occasionally i'll use a hair mask or something, but since i started washing my hair less, and thereby blow drying and heat styling it less, my hair is a lot less damaged. and since i learned to embrace it's natural state of sort of fluffy and a bit wavy, we've all been a lot happier.

however, if anyone has any killer hair product suggestions, i'm all ears. seriously.

Homemade Croissants

This isn't a recipe post.  Heaven forbid I try to improve upon the methods of the great Joe Pastry. 

Instead, it's more of a call to arms.

(I can't say that without hearing 30 Seconds to Mars in my head)

 It's a call to arms to break out your rolling pin and flour on a Saturday morning.

 To be brave and believe that you have what it takes to make a flaky French pastry.

To eat something fresh and homemade while the morning sun streams in your window.

I'm sure not everyone gets the same meditative joy in rolling out and shaping dough as I do.

But if you do, please make this croissant dough.  It will change your life.

Make it on an evening when you have a couple of hours, then package it in plastic wrap.

And when you wake up on Saturday morning, you have the dough ready for you.

There's nothing quite as satisfying as this.

And if you need a dough-making partner...?  Well, I'm out of dough.  And I love any excuse to make more.

friday favorites.

my name is lacy and i'm stoked that it's Friday. as usual.

 this week went by super fast actually, but I always enjoy a couple days where I can sleep in, read outside in the afternoon, and take the time to cook an actual meal.
 

 tonight I get to watch my brother at his very last prom. (i'm from a very small town and they have a promenade before the dance actually starts. it's just charming). also this weekend is conference and I appreciate any opportunity to get some church in while wearing sweatpants.
 

other things i'm currently excited about... 

 I picked this up on a whim at target and oh man. combined with some sliced up bananas this has been my breakfast (and honestly, dinner) of choice lately.
 

I have very exciting news. I discovered a mint nail polish that isn't streaky. Essie Mint Candy Apple to the rescue! I've tried a bunch of mint polishes and they all have sucky coverage. this stuff is golden after two coats.

 

 this is all over pinterest, but it deserves it. i'll soon be scouring DI for my own painting to reinvent.
 

have I already mentioned that I want some torn jeans? caaaaaaause...I still do. a lot.

 

 this is my very favorite no heat curl tutorial.

for my hair I've found it has to be completely dry or else in the morning there's a curl party happening that cannot be stopped. you've been warned.
 

I've been wanting to get some plants for our apartment. specifically, ones that are difficult to kill. these, these, and these are real real pretty.

happy happy weekending to one and all.
 

..............

 Hey-o.  Ashley here, and this weekend couldn't have come soon enough!  Our moving is finally, finally done.  Now comes a crap-ton of decor to hang/place/figure out/craft up.  Decorating is both my favorite and least favorite part of a new place.  I love all my cute things, but can never seem to place them in a way where I can step back and say, yes. this is me.

Thankfully, I have hours of home-time this weekend, and can arrange and re-arrange things whilst listening to conference.  My favorite weekend(s) every year.

 Smitten Kitchen is one of my favorite cooking blogs.  Deb's writing is brilliant and concise, and her recipes are fool-proof.  I can't stop salivating over this salty honeyed brown butter spread.
And I think I'll make the bread it comes on, too!

This is my first friday favorites item that I actually OWN.  I just bought this wallet, oh, 3 hours ago.  And I'm so happy with the neon coral color and the soft feel.
Target is killing it, guys.  As per usssh...? (how do you shorten 'usual' in type?)

 I found this manicure when Lacy and I were making up fake weddings, and I can't get over it's pretty-ness.  Simple and striking.

 We bought a great used couch on KSL Classifieds in brown and tan colors for our new place.  But I'm still dying over this wing-back chair.  Maybe we can find a way to fit it into the decor... somehow...

 I died laughing over this.  I don't have a source link, but whoever thought it up is my favorite person of all the people.

Also, Tavi Gevinson is my role model and she's ten years younger than me or something.

Lastly, settle something for us please.  Who's prettier?