So Fresh: Summer Salad

There's nothing I love more in the Summer than eating fresh veggies! I'm a little "over" lettuce at the moment, and spinach is great in my smoothies, so I thought--why not make a salad out of the toppings sans the greens!? I hope you enjoy this salad as much as I do, and I am simply calling it "Summer Salad."

You'll need:

- A fresh Lemon for the juice (whenever I go to the store I've just made it a rule to pick up a lemon, even if I don't need one!)
- 1/4 cut Cucumber (I use organic hydroponic or the little Persian cucumbers - I can't do the wax on the peel of regular cucumbers)
- 10 Cherry Tomatoes (I've been loving these little yellow heirloom tomatoes, but you could use any sort of cherry tomato)
- 1/4 of a large or 1/2 of a small Avocado
- Feta Cheese (enough for one heaping tablespoon or a heavy sprinkle)
- Your favorite Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste

First, slice the cucumber and quarter the slices. Quarter the cherry tomatoes with a tomato knife-- this is the BEST tomato knife ever--my mom swears by them! Plus, they are made in the good old US of A! 

Place the cucumbers and tomatoes in a salad bowl. 

To add the avocado:

Half the avocado, and use the side without the pit. Take a paring knife to cut through the avocado just until you are hitting the shell, create a checkerboard, cutting into it vertically and horizontally. Be careful to do this lightly with the knife so you don't cut through the shell. Then squeeze the avocado into the bowl with the cucumber and tomato. I do this so there's no sticky mess of avocado everywhere.  Half of an avocado will keep longer if stored with the pit.

I love this olive oil from Pickle Creek farms. I'm all about buying local, and this is sold at my farmers market. The man that sells it infuses the olive oil himself with organic produce. Here's their Facebook page.

Now, add your olive oil, drizzling over the top of the veggies. Stir the ingredients so the oil evenly coats the veggies. Add the fresh lemon juice. I squeeze the lemon right onto the salad. You won't need more than a Tablespoon. I love lemon, so it just depends on what your taste buds prefer. This will also help the avocado from browning. Then, add the crumbled feta and mix again. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! 

This makes enough for a larger single serving. You could also add your own veggies to put a spin on the dish, but I think these are the perfect combinations! I may try adding fresh basil. Double the recipe if you'd like to feed more. I'd recommend serving chilled and within a couple hours of making the salad.

Currently Crushing

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It is finally heating up here, so it got me to thinking about items I've been lusting after to make my Summer look complete. Here's a sampling of what I've been feasting my eyes on...all under $150!

This linen J.Crew sweater would be perfect to transition from the office to happy hour. Pair with white bottoms, and the Stella and Dot tassel necklace I featured last week.

Everyone needs a Panama Hat: perfect for running down to the farmers market or boating on the lake!

This Maxi Dress is from Revolve Clothing, but Elan USA also makes a very affordable version! Perfect for a Summer  dinner on an outdoor patio.

       

 Stem tees from Nordstrom are my favorite, its only a plus that they are also organic! I've had one for a couple years and I purchased another one earlier this Spring and they are the best quality! No pilling wear after wear, wash after wash.

These mules...they will transition well into Fall, or look great now with shorts for an extra long leg. I have a pair of Steve Madden neutral slingback mules and I wear them all the time! These are next on the list.

Tansy fringe collar necklace from Stella & Dot to pair with basic tees, plain tops and maxi dresses! Love me some fringe!

Monday Must-Haves: Spring & Summer Jewelry

Here are four pieces of jewelry I haven't been able to live without this Spring! 

The Tassel Necklace

Great with v-neck t's, plain tops and dresses to add some spice to the outfit. With silver and gold and a removable tassel, this necklace goes with everything--I have to stop myself from wearing it every day! The tassel can be removed for a simpler look, and better for boat neck or round neck tops. Find it HERE via Stella & Dot.

Given my allergy to lead and nickel--I am not able to wear Kendra Scott, but I have a couple friends who just love her pieces. I'm virtually obsessed with this tassel necklace below!

Find it HERE on Nordstrom

Statement Earrings

These were a birthday present from my hubby, and they are great to have around for special occasions such as weddings, parties, dinners, or a night on the town. They can jazz up a plain black or white dress--who doesn't need a little sparkle? Mine are made by Swarovski.

Here are some of my favorites seen online:

Crystal Chandelier Earring via White House Black Market

Long Earrings via Zara

Stud Earrings

These are my go-to during the work week! From left to right: A nice diamond stud (these were my grandmothers--I love the different shape, it is called marquee), a simple stud to accent a color (Kenneth Cole), silver studs with a tannish CZ stone (from my favorite German designer, I stock up when I get to Aachen!), and gold and white to go with all my ivory and white tops, or anytime I need a pop of neutral (from C. Wonder)!

My rule of thumb is to keep your colored jewelry in the same color family as your outfit--if you are trying to accent. For example: a light, dark or mustard yellow top with yellow earrings, etc. Blue dress with blue mostly blue earrings. Obviously with black and white, and even grey, pops of color are perfect. Neon  in small doses, ladies! Ever heard of too much of a good thing?! This is where color applies.

Statement Cuff

I'm a little leery of cuffs, given my short arms. However, I found this awesome Zara piece when paired with white shorts, pants or jeans, it can really bring the outfit together. Plus, with geometric patterns in style right now, this adds the perfect shape to your outfit without the hefty price tag! You can buy it HERE.

Here are some other cuff options that have caught my eye... 

33 Mim Street on Etsy

Foot Soles via Etsy

Cabachon Cuff Bracelet via White House Black Market

Kate Spade via Bloomingdales

The Smell of Success

Well, I made it through May! I cannot say it wasn't a challenge, but I did it! Kinda glad that long month is over, ha! However, it helped me realize I can make some smarter decisions about what I purchase and made me think twice about buying something. It made me realize what I really need to enhance my wardrobe if anything--instead of just buying what I want on whim--liking it one day, and tossing it aside the next!

While embargoed, I made it my mission to get some things done around home (with the help of my handy hubby no doubt!). One of those items I can cross of my list is my balcony! We moved into our condo later last Summer, and with a wedding right around that corner, the balcony lacked attention. We badly needed a grill, comfortable furniture, and plants! So, I'm trying my hand at a green thumb this Summer! I haven't been so successful in keeping my plants alive. I will let you know how that goes.

Here are some pictures of my small outdoor space decorating skills. Our condo bylaws prevent us from having anything hanging on the balcony railing, so that's where I lost some of where my creativity would come from. There is still some work to do, but we have been enjoying sitting outdoors in the evening for some fresh air. I hope these beautiful plants survive and we can taste and smell the fruits of our labor.

I also cannot wait until my outdoor rug arrives! Check it out HERE!

There is nothing like cooking with fresh herbs. Our cilantro, garlic chives, parsley and basil growing from seeds! 

I purchased these candle holders a couple of years ago from Pier One on sale. I didn't like the color of them--so I spray painted them ivory and lightly dusted gold on top of the ivory. They turned out perfect for our side table. I am also very obsessed with terrariums right now!

We enjoy spending warm Summer evenings on our balcony!