Latte Bowls

Chances are you've seen these bowls at Anthro at least a time or two, and if you've said "Hmm, those are cute" but then walked right past, let me urge you to reconsider these super awesome bowls. They are the perfect size for anything you want to put in a bowl, from things like soup and chili to cereal and ice cream. The colors are so fun that just seeing them in the cupboard can make you smile. I'm not kidding, I have opened my cupboard many a time to see these colorful bowls and smiled simply because they are just so cute! In addition to being incredibly versatile and offered in wonderful colors, they are inexpensive and microwave/dishwasher safe. They make a great bridal shower or housewarming gift and they even come in a miniature size which is great for times when you just want a little tiny portion. So next time you're in Anthro or perusing Anthropologie.com, get these bowls...you'll never search for the perfect bowl again!

Latte Bowls, Set of 6: $30.00, Anthropologie.com

Mini Latte Bowls, Set of 8: $20.00, Anthropologie.com

Top 3 Vera Bags

I've said this before, but if you know me even a little bit then you know that most places I go, I carry many bags. Some might call it "over packing" but I like to call it, being prepared! My bags of choice: Vera Bradley of course! I love so much about Vera bags...the colorful patterns, durability, and most of all, the versatility. There are three Vera bags that are especially great. Meet...the Ditty Bag, the Tote, and the Large Duffel. The Ditty Bag is a lined drawstring bag that is perfect for carrying all of your essential toiletries, including full size shampoo and conditioner bottles. Next, the Tote is the perfect size for 3-ring binders and a couple books or a change of clothes for an afternoon workout. Finally, the Large Duffel is just a great all-around bag. It's pretty much a standard go-to for weekend trips to the beach or mountains. It also works as a great airplane carry on bag. Most Vera bags are machine washable, but make sure to remove the cardboard base in the Tote before washing. Check out the Vera Bradley website for sales on patterns that are being retired, and for special offers like free shipping!

The Lady and Sons' Peach Cobbler

Ok y'all, first of all I'm so sorry I haven't written for a while. I recently started a new job and it has proven to be very time consuming. That being said, I will try to do better! So here I have for you another recipe from The Lady & Sons Just Desserts by Miss Paula H. Deen. I've been dying to make this recipe for a while now and since September is peach season in Colorado, I decided now was the perfect time! The recipe calls for a can of peaches however I def recommend using frozen instead of canned and making your own syrup, as directed below. This is such an easy recipe and these pictures certainly don't do justice to convey how great it tastes, which is why you'll just have to make it next time you're having guests! Enjoy!!

Paula says: It was an instant hit on the first day we offered this dessert at The Lady & Sons, and remains so today. This delicious cobbler can be found on our dessert trays at both lunch and dinnertime. It's so easy to make you won't believe it!!

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup self-rising flour

3/4 cup milk

1 28-ounce can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained (or use fresh if available)

cinnamon for sprinkling (optional, use only with peach or apple cobbler)

Preheat oven to 350. Place butter in oven in a 2-quart baking dish to melt. Stir sugar and flour together and mix well. Slowly add milk and continue to stir to prevent the batter from lumping. Being careful not to burn yourself, remove hot baking dish containing melted butter from oven; pour batter directly over butter in baking dish (DO NOT STIR). Spoon fruit on top of batter, then gently pour syrup on top (DO NOT STIR). Sprinkle with cinnamon, if using. The most important part of this dish is not stirring the mixture. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Your batter will rise above your fruit, producing the most wonderful of crusts. Sever warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

If they are available by all means use fresh peaches. In a saucepan, mix two cups fresh peach slices with one cup sugar and one cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. An almost equally good product is frozen peach slices. Simply follow the instructions for the fresh peach slices.

Tour De Fat

So, there's this super cool brewery in Fort Collins called New Belgium Brewing Company. New Belgium is all about beer (brewing it, selling it, drinking it) and bikes (because the guy who started it all would ride his mountain bike through European villages dreaming of brewing awesome beer and starting a company like NB in Fort Collins). One of NB's best known beer is appropriately named Fat Tire, after the owner's days in Europe riding his bike with "fat tires". Anytime I have guests in from out of town, I always try to take them to New Belgium because it's got such a cool atmosphere and well, it's just a touristy thing to do if you're not from here! So every year NB puts on an event called Tour de Fat. It's pretty much an excuse to dress up in the most ridiculous outfit that you can find (think hodge podge rather than Halloween) and ride a bike around the city with 1000 other people dressed in the craziest of outfits. This year me and my roommate decided (semi-last minute) to ride our bikes down there and check it out. The best way I can describe this experience is to quote Kim who said when we got there, "Who knew there were so many freaks in Fort Collins?!" I've included some pictures below to help you get a better idea of this experience. If you've ever run a decent sized road race, it was pretty much like that but everybody was dressed up in crazy outfits and at times, slowly meandering through the streets of Fort Collins on bikes. We only witnessed one crash...a poor guy dressed up in a popcorn box who caught his wheel between the sidewalk and the grass and flipped head first over his handlebars. I am happy to report although he wasn't wearing a helmet, his velocity was low enough to not warrant a traumatic brain injury. He got up, shook it off and continued on his way. One thing is for sure...he was def feelin it the next day, bless his heart!

Yes, this is what you think it is...a couch on a forklift!

A bunch of cars made a wrong turn and had to wait for I'm sure at least an hour for everybody to pass before they could move. Bummer!

So, we didn't actually dress up this year but to Kim's credit, she almost wore a ladybug costume from 6th grade...it turned out to be a bit snug and instead she went with the classic cycling hat.

Essie

If you've never heard of this brand, it's time to get on board because it is hands down the best nail polish out there. It's called Essie and as far as I'm concerned, it's as perfect as nail polish can be! I discovered Essie when j.crew started carrying it as a part of one of their many partnerships, and I've been hooked ever since. The beauty of Essie is in the classic yet fashionable color schemes and with over 300 colors, the toughest decision you'll have to make is which color to choose. Retailing at $8.00 a bottle (gasp, I know I did!), it is a bit pricey but I promise it's so good that you'll think it's worth every penny. You can find Essie at your nearest Target or Ulta store, and of course on the Essie website. Good luck narrowing it down to just 1!

(Oh and the names are super fun and creative...pictured from the top: Knockout Punch, Mint Candy Apple, Haute as Hello, Limited Addiction)