Loving Lately

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Every so often I come across a product that is just so good that I have to share it with my friends, and this perfume is one of them. I am always amazed at the way a certain scent can evoke a feeling or transport you to certain places or moments. Fragrances are often a very personal thing that can capture the essence of a person or a special memory. I discovered Jo Malone fragrances a few years ago and have fallen head over heels in love. The exquisite and creative pairing of elements creates the most lovely combinations that are never overbearing or chemically crafted. They get it right every. single. time. (Seriously, they're not even paying me to write this post...I just love them that much and HAD to share!) One of the things I find so fun about their scents is that you can wear them alone, mix and match, or layer them to create something that's completely unique to you (and without inducing a headache!). Fun fact: Jo Malone was the official perfumer for the Royal Family in London. Kate Middleton had the Orange Blossom candles burning during her wedding, and Wild Bluebell and Wood Sage and Sea Salt are among Meghan Markle's signature scents.

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Lately, I've been wearing Nectarine Blossom & Honey or Osmanthus Blossom, and I'm planning to pick up a couple of others like this one and this one to add into my rotation for summer. In addition to fragrances, they also have beautiful candles and the most divine body creme that would make amazing gifts, especially with Mother's Day coming up! To make it even more irresistible, they're offering a deluxe sample and complimentary engraving with every purchase on their website right now. The samples are the perfect size for travel or a midday refresh. Anyway, this was just too good not to share! If you're looking for a new fragrance or just a pretty (and functional) decor element for the home, I definitely recommend trying something from Jo Malone--I'm obsessed!

I've linked a few of my favorites for you below!

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Blue & White

Blue and white has always been one of my favorite color combinations, and I'm so thrilled to see it everywhere this season. If you're ever stuck trying to come up with something to wear, this color pairing will always look great! Blue is one of those universal colors that has a shade that looks good on everyone. Since it's been so hot around here lately, I've been gravitating toward simple, breathable outfits that aren't too fussy, and a romper always does the trick. I've linked a few that I've had my eye on below!

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From the Kitchen: Raspberry Oat Bars

Raspberries are delicious-- especially when they are whipped into the delectable recipe of a raspberry oat bar! I found this recipe while sifting through old family recipes and decided to give Great Aunt Betty's {who was notorious for being quite the fabulous hostess!} raspberry bars a taste. Boy, was that a great decision! Just baking them filled the house with sweet aromas, and the combination of raspberries, cream cheese, and the sugary, oat, coconut, and pecan crumble makes the most scrumptious treat for brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet after-dinner dessert! You're sure to love it. Give it a try and thank me later. 

RASPBERRY OAT BARS

• 1 1/2 Cups Quick Oats
• 1 Cup Flour
• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Flaked Coconut (Unsweetened)
• 1 Cup Chopped Raw Pecans
• 3/4 Cup Butter
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 1 Cup Raspberry Jam
• 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 egg
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• Fresh Raspberries to garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup sugar
3. Stir in the oats, flour, coconut, and pecans
4. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and press the rest evenly into the bottom of an unbuttered 13" x 9" pan
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
6. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes
7. Spread 1 cup of raspberry jam over the baked oat layer
8. Beat together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 8 oz. cream cheese
9. Spread the cream cheese mix over top of the jam layer
10. Sprinkle the reserved crumble on top
11. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees F (until lightly golden and the center is set).
12. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes then refrigerate, slice, and enjoy! Garnish with fresh raspberries!

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Familiar Favorites

Every so often, I think it's fun to go back and re-read an older post or two and get a dose of inspiration or a good reminder. Here's a couple of my favorites that I've pulled from the archives and thought you might enjoy again also!

3 Ways To Boost Your Work Productivity
How To Handle Criticism
What Are You Waiting For?

5 Signs Of A Solid Relationship
Seasons Change
How To Become A "Morning Person"

10 Tips To Get In Shape For Summer
Kitchen Confidential: Lauren's Favorite Granola
5 Ways To Create A Relaxing Space



Want more? Find posts on:
Parties & Entertaining
Inspiration & Lifestyle
Fashion
Travel

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April Inspiration

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Happy April! We are full on into spring, and I am amazed at how quickly time seems to keep going! March was full of events and April seems as though it will be another fun-filled month! There are some really exciting and EPIC things on the horizon that I am so so so excited to get to share with you soon. Stay tuned!

As always, I enjoy choosing some quotes, verses, and thoughts to inspire me each month, and this is the current roundup of ideas that I'll be thinking about for the next few weeks. I challenge you to choose a few ideas to focus on this month and let it serve as a motivation and encouragement to you. Let's make April the most exciting, enjoyable and productive one yet! What's inspiring you this month?

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