WANT {these sexy pumps}

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous Christian Louboutin Glittered Platform Pumps. I'm in love. Unfortunately, most of us will have to continue admiring these sparkly beauties from afar. At $775, they're a bit out of a normal girl's price range!

NEED {to remember these words}

"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these." - Susan B. Anthony

{photo via ffffound}

WANT {pb + j pops}

Martha Stewart has gone and done it again. These PB + J Pops look incredible! I must make them tonight. :o)

PB + J Pops

Ingredients

Makes About 20

• peanut butter swirl ice cream (below)
  
• 1 pound graham crackers
• 16 ounces strawberry jam
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Transfer ice cream and parchment lining from larger pan to a flat surface. Cut ice cream into 12 squares, 2 1/2 inches each. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; freeze at least 3 hours. Repeat with smaller pan, making 9 squares.
2. Break graham crackers in half to make 2 1/2-inch squares. Spread one side of each with about 1 1/2 teaspoons jam; freeze until firm, about 45 minutes (this keeps finished pops neat). Sandwich ice-cream squares between graham crackers, jam facing ice cream. Insert a wooden pop stick into each.
3. Place peanuts in a bowl (if using); dip each side of the pop in the nuts. Pat gently with your hand to adhere. Pops can be frozen at this point, wrapped in plastic wrap or layered between waxed paper in an airtight container, for up to 2 weeks.

Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream

Ingredients

Makes about 1 1/2 quarts

• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups smooth peanut butter
• 2 cups very cold heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  

Directions

1. Line one 8-by-12-inch glass or metal baking pan and one 8-by-8-inch glass or metal baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice and water; set aside. Combine egg yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat at medium-high speed until very thick and pale yellow, 3 to 5 minutes. (Alternatively, whisk egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl.)
3. In a medium saucepan, bring milk just to a simmer. With mixer running on low, use a measuring cup or ladle to slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the egg-yolk mixture, beating constantly until blended. Continue, adding about 1/2 cup milk at a time, until all has been added.
4. Return mixture to saucepan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture is thick enough to coat back of spoon, 3 to 5 minutes. The custard should retain a line drawn across back of spoon with your finger. Whisk in 1 cup peanut butter.
5. Remove pan from heat, and stir in cold heavy cream. Pour custard through a mesh strainer into a medium bowl set in the ice bath; stir occasionally until cool. Stir vanilla into cooled custard. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
6. Pour the custard into a chilled ice-cream maker; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. (The ice-cream mixture will be set but not hard.)
7. Swirl in remaining cup of peanut butter; transfer two-thirds of the soft ice cream, or 1 quart, to larger baking pan, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula. Transfer remaining third (1/2 quart) to smaller pan, smoothing its surface. Cover each pan with plastic wrap; freeze overnight. Ice cream may be made to this point up to one week ahead.

LOVE {cute, cheap summer dresses}

Check out this adorable Braided Strap Maxi Dress I just found at Forever 21 {or XXI, as it's called at Horton Plaza.} This is exactly what I've been looking for all summer- a lightweight, airy but still figure-fattering, longggg cotton dress. Yay! It was only $24.80, so I got two- black + blue. It also comes in a really cute orange, for all you tan ladies.

{braided strap maxi dress @ forever 21, $24.80}

Tip: While in the fitting room, I noticed that the blue dress was a LOT longer than the black dress. When I asked the fitting room attendant whether it was a color thing or what, she said no- apparently there are different lengths within each color. So make sure you try a couple different dresses before you buy one. I was able to find a couple that hit the floor, and a couple that barely came to my mid-calf. Every once in a while inconsistency works out in my favor! :o)

LOVE {this headband}

{via IceCreamCandy's etsy shop, $39}

LOVE {sharpies}

WANT {to see coraline}

In Coraline... "an adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets." Oooh, I need to see this movie!


Here's a little YouTube video on the making of Coraline. Some people are so crazy talented!



My other mother, Melissa, said it's phenomenal. Have you seen it? What did you think?

NEED {more relaxing beach naps}

Last night, after Evan got of work, we rushed over the Moonlight Beach for a relaxing afternoon of sun, sand, + Taco Bell. It wasn't as warm as we expected, so we played dominoes for a bit and then took a little nap. There's something about the sound of the ocean that completely refreshes the soul. ♥

{via my iPhone 3gS}

LOVE {romantic parisian getaways}

Everyone should experience a passionate kiss atop the Eiffle Tower + a strong cup of coffee at the base of the Sacre Couer. Everyone. Thank you for giving me those memories, Ev. ♥

{photo by french photog willy ronis}

LOVE {words of wisdom}

{via new resolution}

LOVE {sun spots in photos}

{via ffffound}

{via ffffound}

{via ffffound}

{via ffffound}

{via ffffound}

NEED {to remember these words}

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

{tinkerbell flats from spirocreation's etsy shop}

LOVE {sunsheen leg spray by mac}

Have you ever tried MAC's Sunsheen Leg Spray, $22.50? If not, then you NEED to run down to your local MAC store or counter and give this magical product a shot!

Sunsheen Leg Spray is a smooth-on, gel-based bronzer that's soft and mousse-like to apply, yet provides sheer to low coverage with subtle sheen and radiance. For sexy, shorts-worthy legs, grab some of this leg spray ASAP. LOVE it. :o)


TIPS:

1. I've been using the "medium dark" formula on my fair-skinned leggies, and I find myself wishing it gave my skin more color. If you've got any tan at all, go big and get the "deep dark" formula.

2. I've noticed that it's best to apply Sunsheen Leg Spray immediately after showering, either by itself or on top of your regular lotion.

3. Definitely wait a few minutes after applying the spray before getting dressed, just to make sure the damp mousse doesn't rub off onto your clothes. After the spray dries, you'll be ready to throw on a cute little dress and enjoy the summer sun.

WANT {to go here}

Marquis Los Cabos Beachfront Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico...

Overlooking the beautiful, shimmering sea of Cortez, this luxurious beachfront resort boasts stunning beaches, one of the largest spas in Latin America and some of the world’s most renowned golf courses. You’ll enjoy lavish amenities such as ocean front view with balcony, hydro massage bathtub and separate shower, imported luxury Italian Frette bed linens and a complimentary breakfast placed in a private niche each morning to be enjoyed at your convenience.

Enter to win a vacation package for two, including 2 round trip tickets on Continental Airlines, a 3-night stay at the Marquis Los Cabos beachfront resort, + 2 rejuvenating spa treatments from Origins. Good luck!

WANT {to go on a picnic}

It's been way too long since my last picnic...

{via ffffound}

LOVE {this sign}

It's the little things that make me smile on Mondays...

{via ffffound}

NEED {a lucky penny}

We could all use one of these!

Lucky Penny Keychain, $11

{from Katherine Riechert's Etsy shop}

LOVE {tim burton's 'alice in wonderland'}

Oh. My. Gosh. Have you seen the trailer for Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" yet? I haven't been this excited for a movie in a long, longgggg time. And it's going to be in 3D! With Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts, this film is bound to be a cult classic. The original animated version of "Alice in Wonderland" has always been my favorite Disney movie, so I'll be counting the minutes until Tim Burton's version hits theaters. Tick tock, tick tock! Is it 2010 yet?!

Here's the trailer!

NEED {to play wiisports resort}

Alright party people, are you ready? The sequel to the best video game ever, {in my humble opinion,} was released this weekend! Nintendo Wii just came out with WiiSports Resort {$49,} where up to four players are transported to a tropical island to compete in activities like sword fighting, cycling, wake boarding, archery, jet skiing, table tennis, frisbee golf, and sky diving. WiiSports Resort also includes original classics like bowling + tennis {so much fun!}

If you've ever played the original WiiSports, then you can understand why the release of WiiSports Resort is so exciting! Evan and I picked our copy up at Costco and played for hours last night. The wakeboarding is a lot of fun, and the ping pong is hilariously intense. We can't wait to have friends over for a little Wii party. :o)



WiiSports Resort does require this new accessory called a "Wii MotionPlus," {$19.99.} There is one included with the game, but you will also need another "Wii MotionPlus" for each additional controller you use to play the games. Make sure you buy at least one extra so that you can play games like table tennis with two players. There is an option to play the computer, but it's nowhere near as fun as competing against friends!

LOVE {going to the circus}

Look what came in the mail this weekend- tickets to see Britney Spear's Circus Tour in September! While she's a pretty terrible singer {let's be real here,} Britney and her people created something pretty spectacular with this Circus Tour. Think Moulin Rouge meets S+M meets Cirque du Soleil. LOVE it!

{via my iPhone 3gS}

Check out these incredible costume designs...

{costume photos via The Fashion Cult}

See you soon, Britney!

{via circus deluxe dvd}

WANT {chalkboard paint}

I desperately want to create a chalkboard paint project! Yoyamart makes a Magnetic Chalkboard Paint, turning any surface into an instant message board. Imagine the possibilities...






Painting a Chalkboard Wall

A simple paint roller and chalkboard paint can turn any wall space into a message board where you can display menus and creative notes.

Tools and Supplies:

• Latex Chalkboard paint {comes in can form, can be found at Lowes/Home Depot}
  
• Roller
• Painters tape

How To:

1. Determine the wall space you would like to make into a chalkboard.
   
2. Tape off area with painters tape.
3. Apply 2 coats letting the first coat dry completely before applying the second.
4. Once completely dry, you can use chalk to write menus and messages on the long lasting enamel surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth when you want to change your writing.

{via Samantha Pynn of Pure Design}

LOVE {these photos}

{photos by tom hines}