perfect match

stripes/french macaroons/carnival cake/golden girl/cake/ladies

R + R

Hello friends!
I've been a little quiet here on Little Plum because I am enjoying some lovely time away from the computer and out and about enjoying Nashville with Husband :) What could be better? I might be back tomorrow, I might be back on Monday. Who knows!!?
Just wish I was hiding out in this lovely getaway...

oh, and also delighting in these delicous creations...

Treehouse via Brooke via NowThat'sNifty/Cupcake via Abbey via FoodandWine.com

i like app

 

Pinterest [free]/ Cartolina [$1.99]

Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals [$7.99]/ Real Simple's No Time To Cook [$4.99]

iRecycle [free]/ Map My Ride [free]

Just a few apps that catch my fancy!

The Pinterest iPhone app just came out today and is already a favorite! Cartolina is another favorite of mine and allows me to send cute little notes on holidays, birthdays, or just for fun.

summer snack

Today I have been soaking up all the sun I can get! I started out going on a bike ride with husband and now I'm on a break from doing yard work. Doesn't this fruit look amazing?! Even though I L O V E ice cream I wouldn't mind snacking on one of these right now.

found here

Favorite Finds: Chicago

Just a few of my favorite places and things from our stay in Chicago...

Quimy's Bookstore-- A quirky little bookstore full of local artist zines and interesting books. I found this little flip book that totally looks like something I'd want to make in pursuit of becoming acquainted with a new home city. Aaron was excited about his purchase of some "mystery grab-bags" of random comic books and periodicals.

Wormhole Coffee-- Ok, I'll just be straightforward and tell you that you NEED to visit this coffee shop. It's full of 80's movie memoribillia complete with a DeLorean in one of the corners. The Yelp reviews warn of swarming hipsters but I have to say, out of the several coffee shops we visited, this was the best damn vanilla latte I've ever had!

The Chicago Cultural Center: "Finding Vivian Maier"-- I was pretty adamant about seeing this show after all the hype it's been getting. As I've said before, Vivian Maier's photos are without a doubt stunning. In person they were even better. Here's Aaron looking at one of my favorite prints.

Una Mae's--Stopped in this boutique due to a friend's recommendation. The clothes were lovely and so springy and just a tad out of my price range but still lovely to dream about. I found this beautiful locally made handbag. The inside was lined with deep purple suede. I really really wish I had written down the etsy seller's name so I could give credit and also look at the shop!

Renegade Handmade--This shop was on my must visit list and oh my I was in Heaven right when I walked in. Every single item-handmade with love. I saw so many prints, screen printed tea cloths, candles and an Ira Glass finger puppet too! Even though it was hard to narrow down my selection, I left with some YessJess knitted ear warmers and Aaron picked out a felted pin to put on his camera strap.

Other places we loved: Lula Cafe, Piece, Veerasway, Vintage Underground

Michigan

After driving 10ish hours, getting to Grand Rapids was pretty exciting. Seeing my family was even better! I got to spend some much needed catch up time with my parents and sibs as well as see what GR had to offer.
Aaron and I took my little sister to Madcap coffee-an awesome local coffee shop that knows what they're doing. If you are in downtown Grand Rapids don't miss this place.

[oops! finger shot!]

For breakfast stop by Wealthy Street Bakery. It was the place to be that morning with even some firefighters stopping in for coffee and danishes. They make everything in house which includes breads and baguettes, pastries, and other yummies to go along with Intelligentsia coffee. mmm!

Two other things that are too fun to not mention:

My mom bought me my new favorite nail polish which happens to be a [get this] Nicole OPI Justin Bieber inspired polish! ha! I guess it's inspired by One Less Lonely [is this an album?] and my nail polish is all sparkly and purple and amazing and called "one less lonely." Bieb or not, it's my new fav.

Just before hitting the road for Chicago Aaron and I ducked in the GRAM [Grand Rapids Art Museum] and I spotted these beautifully made salt and pepper shakers by OOM. Hyum Yoo is the artist behind OOM and seeks to create objects that are simple, clean, functional, relevant, and poetic. I'd say these little shakers were just that. They were stunning. To shop and see more click here.

...on to Chicago...

table for two?

no problem!!!

make you're own table for two!!

link

festive fortune cookies!

so fun compared to regular 'ol fortune cookies!

[here]

valentines cookies

mmm don't these look delicious?!

lavender and honey shortbread cookies

cutest DIY guest goodie bags

This idea is absolutely precious/time saving/money saving/a must do!!!

I know there are many ladies out there want to save money in all the right places when it comes to a wedding. Giving little thank you gifts to the out of town guests is kind of one those things you can forget these days and no one will notice. THIS idea can still allow you to give [if you want] while still save the money! I love when you can find happiness in both worlds :)

Little sewing kits are always handy. I make sure to keep one on me whenever I travel because who knows when you'll need to repair that popped button! And c'mon, everyone loves to snack. But you don't have to put sweet treats in those bags you could fill them with other things-be creative!

Also, I just love it when templates are already online and available.
Thanks to Ruffled and Two Brunettes for this lovely idea!

a happy weekend

This weekend has been such a delight. On a whim, I got all inspired to bake my own bread. I found a simple wheat bread recipe and baked away! I enjoyed a marvelous thunderstorm outside too : )

YUM!!!

I tended to my plants. I had to move them under the porch so they wouldn't get anymore water!

Since peaches are in season I decided to make a yummy peach pie. I improved a little from the recipe my boyfriend's mom gave me and made a peach and lemon tart with almond crust. It was actually pretty tasty if I do say so myself.

Hope you all had a great weekend too! Now for a great week ahead...