Spring Is Here?

{JCrew sweater, Vince jeans, Andrew Marc jacket, Revue faux fur vest (via TJ Maxx), Nine West booties, Falor handbag, JewelMint necklace}

Boucle and Denim

{Elie Tahari blazer, Kenar top, Express jeggings (all via TJ Maxx); JCrew shirt, Madewell necklace, Vince Camuto booties, Maxx NY handbag, Warby Parker glasses}

Delightful Finds

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Simple Bites: Semi-homemade Pizza

I admire those bloggers who not only can put together a killer outfit and keep their homes camera ready at all times, but can also whip up gourmet meals regularly. Better yet do all that while wearing that killer outfit. Let's face reality here, though. I'm not one of them. I don't fit this category of women for many reasons. Cooking is one of them. I wish my oven was working overtime and lovely meals kept popping out of there like it's no big deal. I wish we hosted big gatherings with tables straining under the weight of numerous impressive dishes. Everybody would compliment my creations inquiring about the rare ingredients and technique I used to make them. And I'd just smile and follow with "Oh, it was so simple!", leaving out the part about slicing and dicing for hours. The truth is I've never enjoyed cooking. It's always been a chore - not much more exciting than scrubbing my bathtub. OK, I might have exaggerated here a little but one thing's for certain; whenever I cook I want in to be quick, uncomplicated and require a minimum amount of ingredients (I'm sure I'm not the only one). Such is this semi-homemade pizza recipe. I came across it about a year ago and it's become one of our weekend favorites, since it can be prepared in no time and tastes delicious.

Here's what you'll need:

• A good quality pre-baked pizza crust (we prefer Stonefire brand from Jewel)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Baby spinach
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Herbes de Provence spice mix 

1. Lay the crust on a baking sheet, brush it with a couple of table spoons of olive oil, sprinkle with a dash of Herbes de Provence.

2. Wash the spinach and layer it over the crust (use any amount you desire). Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese (make sure to leave some for later).

3. Slice up the mushrooms and add them to the pizza.

4. Cut tomatoes in half and arrange them on the crust. Sprinkle another dash of the Herbes de Provence and top it with a generous layer of cheese.

5. Follow the instruction on the package of your pizza crust to cook it, as times and temperatures will vary.

Feel free to use different toppings to suit your preference. I would recommend starting with a good quality crust and spices. I prefer Herbes de Provence because it includes Lavender, which adds a delightful flavor.

Voila!

  Add some French wine and you have perfect quick and easy dinner for two.

Daydream Worthy: Shades of Blue

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

Party Ready

{Anthropologie dress, Max Studio coat, Coach pumps, Express clutch, JewelMint earrings, Hue tights}

Delightful Finds

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Ever Green

{French Connection coat, JCrew sweater, belt, and necklace, Willi Smith jeans, Rag & Bone booties, Paolo Masi handbag, snood and gloves via TJMaxx }

Pleated Midi

{JCrew sweater, Tracy Reese skirt, True Religion jacket, Nine West boots, Abro handbag, Target hat}

Simple Delights

{Chocolate overload}

A few months back one of our dear friends offered us a couple of Godiva Chocolatier reward cards. He was heading back home to Europe and wasn't going to have a chance to use them. Free chocolate? How could I say no to that? There's no way I was going to let those cards expire. Thanks, Bruno! This was quite a treat!

{The Book of Awesome}

I'm a sucker for books that remind me of simple pleasures in life. Perhaps because I tend to concentrate and dwell on the negative, often times missing the good things that surround me. During one of my trips to Home Goods I stumbled upon this cute little book. It cost next to nothing, yet it filled my week with fun reading. It's a collection of simple everyday events that bring joy to our lives, if only we take time to recognize them. One of my favorites is "The other side of the pillow." You know that felling when you get hot and uncomfortable in the middle of the night, and with a simple flip of your pillow your bed feels cool and fresh again? It's one of many awesome things I do every day, yet never appreciated before reading this little treasure.

{Happy feet}

It may be snowing outside but my mind is set on the warm months ahead. Painting my toes a punchy hue reminds me that spring is just around the corner. 

{Getting in shape with Jillian Michaels}

I have to admit, I hate working out. I've never been athletic. I'd disappear in the bathroom during gym classes, or run to the end of the line before it was my turn to shoot hoops, high jump or do any other activity I was bad at. I couldn't run, I couldn't throw, I would cover my face, every time a ball flew my way. Every attempt to introduce some physical activity to my lifestyle has failed miserably in the past. If I looked and felt as I did in my mid twenties, I would never workout. The sad reality is that things have been changing - slowly but steadily. I can no longer fit into most of my jeans, but most importantly, I can't make it to a third floor without loosing my breath. The latter is what really concerned me and forced me to take some action. I thought hard about what would be the best option for me knowing my lack of motivation. I knew signing up for a gym membership would most likely be a waist of money. Jogging outside when its blistery cold seemed plain brutal. So I went with one of the least expensive options that I could do in the comfort of my home - workout DVDs. I'm glad to report, I've been able to stick with the routine for about a month now. Though I don't do it as often as I should, I still do it regularly and that is a big deal for me, considering my past failures.