this vs. that: striped tee + shorts

1. Kate Spade Tali Sunglasses, J. Crew Painter Tee, J. Crew 3" Chino Shorts, Banana Republic Nicola Platform Wedge |  2. Forever 21 D-frame Sunglasses, Forever 21 Breton Striped Tee, Old Navy Everyday 3.5" Shorts, Mossimo Cork Wedge

Happy Wednesday! Here's a little inspiration for some warm weather shopping...at a discount!

xoxo,

friday finds.

[my beautiful mom and I enjoying a drink on her birthday]

I spent last week in my home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was great to spend time with my family, visit my some of my favorite spots, and enjoy some down time. Now I get to enjoy a three day weekend back in the Bay Area...have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

[me posing in front of a huge mural in Nob Hill]

[this note I found this on my windshield from a neighbor made my day]

[preparations for a healthy dinner - seriously, crock pot veggie lasagna is genius]

[I may have broken my shopping ban...there was no way I could pass up this striped dress at Marshall's, only $19.99. I"m not sorry!]

xoxo,

summer dresses under $30

1. Xhilaration Strapless Challis Dress $24.99  |  2. Xhilaration Strapless Fit & Flare Dress $24.99  |  3. Xhilaration Strapless Challis Dress $24.99  |  4. Mossimo Bustier Sweetheart Dress $24.99   |  5. Xhilaration Strapless Fit & Flare Dress $24.99  |  6. Xhilaration Peter Pan Collar Dress $24.99  |  7. Merona Sleeveless Ruffle Dress $27.99  |  8. Mossimo Zipper Fit & Flare Dress $27.99  |  9. Mossimo Short Ruffle Dress $24.99

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I put myself on a shopping ban for the month of May. That means no dresses, no jewelry, no shoes, etc. Yes, it's been kind of tough, though I've done really good so far (except for that one necklace I got in Albuquerque, but vacations don't count!, right!?!?!).

However, just because I can't shop doesn't mean that I can't look! What better place to look than my favorite budget friendly store, Target! Here are nine affordable dresses you can wear all summer long. The best part...each one is under $30!

xoxo,

chocolate raspberry cupcakes.

For years, cupcakes have been my dessert of choice...not only to eat but also to bake! I know that in today's world of Pinterest and DIYing I really should be making these entirely from scratch, but I have to admit that while I make the frosting from scratch, I always make cupcakes from a box. Yes, I know Martha would be disappointed. However, I've yet to receive a complaint, so if you're looking for an easy, yet amazingly delicious dessert...here it is!

First of all, select your favorite brand of boxed chocolate cake mix, along with the additional required ingredients the box calls for (eggs, water, and vegetable oil in this case). Go ahead and bake in your cupcake pans according the box instructions. Once you remove them from the oven, let them cool completely.

Hint: I usually place my fresh-out-of-the-oven cupcakes on a serving tray and stick in the fridge for 30 minutes or so to speed the cooling process!

While the cupcakes are cooling, you can prepare the frosting...

Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/8 stick of butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese (half a package), room temperature
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (plus additional for decoration) 

Using either a hand or a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature (must be soft or you're going to have a really difficult time mixing!) butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Add the fresh raspberries to the mixture...the mixing blades will chop the raspberries for you, creating a beautiful pink color! Slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, and mix on low with a hand mixer. Continue adding 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar at a time, until the frosting is stiff enough to form 'peaks.' If it's too soft, the frosting will not stay put on the cupcakes.

Next, frost each cupcake generously, either using a knife the old fashioned way, or using an icing bag/frosting gun like I did. Each tip will create a different "look," but I didn't use a tip for this batch and simply used the frosting gun without one for a smooth look.

Once each cupcake is frosted, add a fresh raspberry to the top of each one, and voila, you're done!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

headed to the desert.

I'm headed to New Mexico for a few days...my baby sister is graduating from high school so I'm off to Albuquerque for some family time!

Updates (and photos) upon my return! Hope everyone has a great week!

xoxo,