Summer Blueberry Crisp

Blueberries are the perfect summer fruit. I have been loving them so much this summer that I will be posting another blueberry dessert recipe next week also! This "Summer Blueberry Crisp" is perfect for a summer night because it is extremely easy to throw together and takes only 45 minutes total from prep to table. This recipe is also gluten free which makes it just a little lighter but still heavy on flavor. Be sure to check out the recipe below and I hope to see you here again tomorrow. 

Summer Blueberry Crisp:

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned oats (use gluten free oats to make this gluten free)

1/2 cup almond meal

1/3 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup maple syrup

3 tbsp melted coconut oil

1/2 tsp salt

5 cups fresh and washed blueberries

2 tsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Add oats, almond meal, almonds, maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt to a mixing bowl, and toss until combined.

3. Set aside.

4. Pour blueberries into an 8x8inch baking dish. 

5. Top evenly with lemon juice and lemon zest, and toss until combined and lightly coated. 

6. Sprinkle the oat crisp mixture evenly on top of the berries.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and the fruit is bubbling. 

8. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and serve immediately.

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Colorful

Bright colors are perfect for Spring and Summer. I have been painting my nails lots of different colors to add pops of color to even basic outfits. Here are some of my current favorites for this month!

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear 270 "Lacey Lilac"

Sinful Colors Professional 996 "Cool Gray"

Nail Polish by H&M "Blue My Mind"

Sinful Colors Professional 313 "Pink Forever"

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color 260 "Sonic Bloom"

Lots of Love,  Natalie

#CANDIDLYNICOLE

(image via aol.com)

#CandidlyNicole aired it's first episode last Thursday night on VH1 and I think this may be one of my new favorite guilty pleasure shows! Basically this show is a reality show about Nicole Richie (daughter of Lionel Richie) and she honestly says and does whatever she wants on this show and I absolutely love it. The things that she says are so random but a lot make perfect since and her outlook on things I feel express how the world works now. For instance the first episode dealt with online dating and parallel parking. I completely relate to how she feels about parallel parking so I loved it! I will say though that this show probably only has a viewing age range of 16-35 years old. With that being said the second episode airs tonight on VH1 at 10/9c. In case you want to catch on the first episode or see deleted scenes and extras click here. See you tomorrow with at tasty dessert recipe!

 

Lots of Love,   Natalie

Weekly Favorites

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

 

Peach Berry Crumble

Summer time means fresh fruit and vegetables which in turn lead to amazing dishes. After going to the produce stand I frequent here in Ridgeland I decided it was time to use some fresh peaches and make a summer time dessert. This Peach Berry Crumble taste absolutely amazing especially with vanilla ice cream but the best part is this recipe is very simple and takes only 40 minutes. Well lets get down to the recipe!

Peach Berry Crumble:

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh peaches

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup uncooked regular oats

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup butter (melted)

vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place first 2 ingredients in an 11x7" (or 2qt) baking dish.

Stir together egg, egg yolk, and next 4 ingredients together with a folk until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Sprinkle over fruit; drizzle melted butter over topping.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.

Let stand for 10 minutes; serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

*Makes 6 to 8 servings

The original recipe can be found here and was featured in the June 2014 issue of Southern Living Magazine.

Lots of Love,  Natalie 

Striped Out

Whether you are heading to the beach or the pool this summer Belk has some stylish towels for great prices. This summer I am loving all the different striped patterns. I bought the red, white, and blue one, it is perfect for the Fourth of July. If you don't have a Belk store around you then don't worry because you can order all of these styles on their website. See you tomorrow with a summer dessert recipe!

images via Belk

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Weekly Favorites

1. Getting to see this little happy furball for a few days
2. Pretty sunflowers while plant shopping at Home Depot
3. Stocking up on some samples of different face masks before I decide which ones to buy a full size of
4. Finally getting back into a consistent workout regimen
5. Loving my new bright and colorful summer earrings
6. Picked up a new book to read "Wedding Night" by Sophie Kinsella

Have a great weekend!

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Beauty Buys

 

1. Revlon Nail Polish in Girly

2. Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips

3. Marcelle BB Cream in Golden Glow

4. Victoria's Secret Pink Bronzing Lotion in Ready to Party

5. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Grande Dame

6. Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Homemade Popsicles

Since, the weather has gotten warmer I have been craving Popsicles. I haven't made Popsicles since I was a little kid so I thought it would be fun to play around with different flavors. I came up with three flavors: Strawberry Orange Vanilla, Blueberry Lemonade, and Pineapple Orange. So far Strawberry Orange Vanilla is my favorite. The best part is they taste great while still being good for you! Below are the recipes for the three different flavors. I hope you had wonderful Fourth of July yesterday! Happy Friday!

 

Strawberry Orange Vanilla:

1/3 cup Frozen or Fresh Strawberries

1 whole Orange

3 Tbsp of Vanilla yogurt

 

Blueberry Lemonade:

1 peeled Lemon

1/2 cup Blueberries

1 Tbsp of honey

a little water

 

Pineapple Orange:

1/3 cup Frozen or Fresh Pineapple

1 1/2 Oranges

a little water

 

 Directions:

 

1. Blend in a blender until smooth

2. Pour liquid into a small cup

3. Place a wooden Popsicle stick in the middle

4. Place in the freezer to freeze

5. Enjoy!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

 

Fruit Infused Cubes

As you know I live in Mississippi which means sizzling Summers. Well, this summer has already gotten very warm. The perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day is with a nice ice cold glass of water. These fruit infused ice cubes allow you to add some color and flavor to your water without the added sugar of fruit drinks. Also, one of the best things is that they are extremely simple to make, just simply cut up whatever fruit you chose and then freeze. These would also be wonderful in summer cocktails. Lime and Mint cubes would be perfect for a light and refreshing Mojito. Enjoy! 

P.S. By the way I am extremely sorry for my absence school got a little crazy but do not worry I am back! I miss y'all! 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Milly Collection at BR

These are my favorite pieces from the Milly Collection for Banana Republic. I am really loving the Maxi dress in the top right, I mean how perfect would it be with a wide brimmed black floppy hat on a beach vacation. The little black dress is always a classic and the fit and flare on this one is perfect. This collection just screams Summer vacation to me! Happy Wednesday! 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

C. Wonder Loves

1. Gold Bamboo Salad Server Set   2. Made With Love Cheese Board   3. Ice Cream Maker   4. Golden Chevron DOF Glasses (Set of 4)   5. Striped Straws (Set of 25)   6. Wooden Ice Cream Spoons (Set of 20)   7. Oblong Melamine Tray

 

I am loving all of these fabulous new arrivals from C. Wonder! These would be perfect for hosting a summer party! Sorry about last week I was experiencing technical difficulties. Happy Monday!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie 

Workout Wednesday

Today is workout Wednesday and in honor of today I came up with this little workout yesterday. I completed it in under an hour and it was a really good workout so I decided I would share it with you. Now lace up those running shoes, grab a water bottle, and get going! Work hard!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Weekly Favorites

My week started out wonderful by getting to Puppysit this adorable little girl named Lucy! I love dogs and she was so cute. After taking a little nap she decided it was time for her walk and started walking around with her leash. I mean how sweet and adorable is that! After, sitting her I decided when I do decide it is time for me to get another dog I want it to be a girl.

Jay and I had not played tennis in years and we have decided to start playing again this summer. Well, I am not going to lie we were not that great but are steadily improving. The best part is we have found two other couples to play with and look forward to playing doubles with them.  

Jay cooked for me for the first time this past week. He decided to make his Flank Steak and it was very tender, juicy, and full of taste. I will be posting the recipe for the Flank Steak next week so be sure to get it!

After, playing tennis I got to lay out. Finally pools are open and the weather is hot enough. Summer is here!

I made this Strawberry Cream Cake (recipe to come) and a Tissue Tassel Garland to celebrate my friend Liz's 21st Birthday! To make the garland check the post below this one!

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I am not sure what my plans are just yet for it but I sure I will get it figured out! Happy Friday!

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

San Francisco Annoucement

Wednesday night I will be going to Memphis to fly out from there for San Francisco! I am going with Jay, his sister, and his mom. We will be there until May 14th and I could not be more excited! I have been looking forward to this trip since December, I am so happy it is finally here. We will also be going to Napa Valley for a day for wine tasting. I plan to find at least one red wine that I like, instead of just liking white. Do not worry we plan on taking tons of pictures! Let me know if you have any suggestions of things we need to make sure we do while we are there. Happy Tuesday!

Lots of Love,  Natalie