S T E L L A  &  D O T

I have become a bit obsessed with aztec prints lately

& have found the most wonderful

bohemian & vintage

inspired clothing company that has some of these lovely pieces.

There were so many items I loved,

that I decided to create the dream board below

{on polyvore}

to represent a few of my favorites.

Check out {Spool No.72}…

I just know you will LOVE it!

Nicole & I had a coffee date one evening this past week

to discuss {simply}, of course!

While at our local {Starbucks},

we were able to sample their new Vanilla Spice Latte.

It was DELICIOUS!

They have combined espresso with steamed milk,

rich vanilla and hints of spice!

It is topped with crushed vanilla bean,

sugar & whipped cream {if you like}.

Since I can’t seem to break away from my usual Soy Caramel Macchiato,

the barista told me I could substitute the vanilla spice in my Macchiato

instead of the usual pump of vanilla.

It was AMAZING!

I don’t know that I will ever go back!

Winter Break is coming to an end

for most of us that have children in school.

Perhaps in an effort to get organized,

you have started to plan your menu for the week ahead.

For those of you that are not vegetarian or vegan,

have you ever thought of

“Meatless Monday?”

Many people are using high quality plant proteins

in place of the typical animal proteins.

I personally am a vegetarian

{although I flirt with vegan eating from time-to-time}.

My family does continue to eat small amounts of meat.

However, as a family we have adopted plant-based eating

a few days out of the week.

If this appeals to you, refer to this list of

{7 high quality, plant-based proteins}

to help you make this healthful change!

Your bodies and our planet will thank you!

{if you are interested in learning more about the health & environmental benefits, click here}

If you decide to try out “Meatless Monday’s”

here is a yummy recipe from Whole Living for

{Quinoa Salad with Roasted Almonds}.

If you like to throw things together, without bothering with recipes

then just do this:

* mix any vegetables that you have on hand

into your already prepared quinoa.

* Then, add salt & pepper to taste,

with a decent amount of fresh squeezed juice from a lemon.

* Chill & then eat!

Healthy & delicious!

 I have always LOVED calligraphy.

Not to toot-my-own-horn,

but in the 3rd grade,

I was nominated to participate in a little competition

for having the best handwriting in my class {haha}!!

I have thought of taking classes when I have a bit more time,

although they are difficult to find!

There are a few online courses that look pretty reputable,

but why not give this a try?

Here is a tutorial from Jones Design Company on how to

{fake calligraphy}!

Wish I had come across this prior to addressing

all of my Christmas cards this year!

For Christmas this year,

my little brother planted me a variety of succulents

in a pot for my front porch.

It is beautiful!

He and my mother both have green thumbs

and a complete love of succulents which they have passed on to me.

What a great idea to plant succulents

in what would otherwise be a fountain or bird bath {genius}!

Here are {15 ideas for growing succulents}!

 This coat = complete & total LOVE!

Only a few sizes left…

and it’s on sale!!

So, if you are also in LOVE,

you better hurry up and click {here}!

Zara is one of my faves,

especially for my kids!

Can’t leave out our little guys!

Check out these ray-ban

{wayfarer}

sunglasses for little boys!

These are too cute!

Seth loves to wear sunglasses.

I may have to invest!

In 2013,

I am hoping for a weekend getaway with a few of my closest girlfriends

{hint, hint – – Husby}!

Perhaps around Mother’s Day?

Check out this beautiful Southern California resort

{Ojai Valley Inn & Spa}.

I have wanted to stay there for years!

I have an aunt & uncle that lived on a horse ranch

in Ojai when I was a child.

I used to love visiting that charming town!

Hopefully 2013 will be the year I can go back,

and relax…. poolside {wink, wink}!

The resort even offers sunrise yoga classes…

it’s perfect!

Hope you all have a {lovely} weekend!

xo