Flavors of Summer

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One of my favorite things about the summer months—besides the sun, tans, blue skies, summer storms, and morning coffee outside—is the direction my diet travels in. When it's hot as Hades outside the last thing I want to eat is the big, heavy, starchy meals that rule my life in the winter. Summer is a time for citrus and berries, grilling, salads, infused water, and light pastries. My summer is basically one long, perfect brunch in the sun. Here are a few of my favorite bites this season:

Berries: I'm all berry, all the time. The past month has seen me fitting a handful of blueberries into each day—mostly for breakfast. Cereal, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat pancakes are made ten times better with those delicious little blue orbs.

Citrus: Oranges and grape fruit are two of my biggest loves. Yes, I am a woman with many loves...don't judge. When I need a snack I reach for one. They are also some of the best flavors in my favorite summer cocktails.

Quinoa: Admittedly, I usually reach for the quinoa begrudgingly. The box sits next to the pasta and 9 times out of 10, I want pasta over quinoa. However, when I finally resolve to eat a bit better I am a happy lady. Yeah, I find quinoa to be incredibly bland, but you know that I'm one for experimenting and spicing things up. Red peppers, basil, olive oil, and mushrooms are a wonderful addition to a bowl of this tiny grain.

Tomato and Mozzarella: This is the flavor combination that holds incredible power over during the summer. Bruschetta, salads, sandwiches...it is appropriate and yummy in so many different dishes. Add balsamic and basil and your taste buds are soaring; at least mine are. :)

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite things to eat during the summer?

Fall Favorite: Francesca's

While Pittsburgh is still clutching for dear life to 80 degree weather (let go, I say!) I have seen a number of people on Instagram embracing the beginnings of fall weather and giving previews of their fall apparel. This may be especially high due to NYFW, but in any case, I was then prompted to spend a few hours lazily scrolling through some of my favorite stores' websites and peek at what they have to offer this season.

Francesca's is a favorite of mine for window shopping; I haven't actually bought anything yet. Maybe one day I will splurge on a purchase, but for now I admire from afar. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye during the search--though I encourage you to look at the full collection!

Tunic Sweater

Poncho Sweater - 

I'm very much team poncho (flashbacks to middle school!)

Knit Dress

Vest

<3 Ashley

Do you shop at Francesca's? Do you have a favorite piece for the fall?

Spring Things

Yes. That's right. Since I am (as I have made perfectly clear before) absolutely done with this winter and these temps are giving me the sweetest taste of spring, I am officially and probably prematurely breaking out the spring love on the blog. I'm not the first one to do it this year and I am by no means the last. With weather hovering dangerously, wonderfully close to 60 degrees today I see no problem with showing you some of my favorite spring things.

Running Outside | I am beyond thrilled to get back to running in the out of doors. I hate hate HATE treadmills with a passion. I'm not going anywhere on them and I just cannot run for more than five minutes on them. I just cannot do it. This week over break while the temps are getting warmer I have gone on my morning runs in cool but not freezing weather and the excitement is building for spring/summer mornings.

Skirts and Dress | Read: Skirts and dresses without tights underneath. That's right...showing some leg and actually showing some leg. If you follow me on Pinterest you probably noticed a huge rise in pins the picture mid-length and maxi skirts. The inspiration for bright, colorful and pretty dressing is coming back, folks!

Fun, Floral Prints | Along with the bright colors, the bold prints are coming back! Back on Black Friday I purchased a pair of bright heels with a floral print on them (kind of like the ones pictured above). Unfortunately, those sweet shoes have been sitting in my closet just waiting to see sunlight.

Flowers in general | I just want to see some color again. I have been looking at a white ground and gray sky for about a month now and feeling the cold bite my fingers. It is about time to see some colors peeking out of the ground and blooms on the interior as well!

One Step Closer to Summer | What excites me the most is the end of the semester and the beginning of summer. While I will have an internship/job to keep me busy most days, I do anticipate spending some days with friends outside and at the pool. Who says a day trip to the beach would be out of the question either!

<3 Ashley

Are you ready for spring? What are your favorite things about the season?