Down the Road

I've had a bit of weakness for pickup trucks-- specifically older, slightly worn ones-- since my early teen years. My major crush in high school drove a little red one, and looking back, I am certain his vehicle played a bit into my infatuation with him! While my love interests moved on, my adoration of vintage pickups never waned.

Coliena Rentmeester

Something about warm, summer evenings makes me want to set off in an old truck with E by my side, venturing down a dusty, dirt road to a place that feels unexplored. With blankets thrown in the bed of the pickup, I'd stretch out and watch as each star showed up for its nightly appearance.

Paul Whicheloe Photography

There's a dusty, dirt road near our house in central Texas; we first ventured along it's path in E's Jeep Wrangler with the top down on a sunny afternoon soon after we began dating. That day, it held the thrill of feeling undiscovered and unexplored, but it soon became familiar as we returned time and again. It is the spot where E proposed and one that holds an important place in our memories.

We're heading that way tonight, and part of me can't help but wish we'd be passing by in a rusty, old truck. Blankets in the back. Watching stars appear in the night sky.

Simple Summer Dressing

I love dresses year-round, as you may have gathered before. In a couple months, I'll be excitedly waiting for temperatures to cool so I can throw on boots and tights with them, but, in summer, I absolutely love the ease of throwing on a dress with a pair of sandals and being ready to go.

Since it had been a while since I'd last visited Butter by Nadia, I decided to pop over to their website and have a look, and, when I did, I felt like saying, "I'll take one of each!!" I fell head over heels for their entire Spring/Summer 09 collection.

One dress...

Miss Saturn

Multiple ways...

What could be easier?

Some more of the limited edition dresses from the Spring/Summer 09 collection that I would love to have in my wardrobe.

L to R: Mimi, Fleur Top, Signature Jersey Wrap in Candy Store Stripe.

L to R: Jersey Ball Gown in Variegated Stripes, Jersey Wrap Gown, Luna Gown.

While I've been a fan of the idea behind this style of dress since I first saw them, never before have I been struck by the urge to own so many and for everyday wear. Because each dress offers so much variety, I could easily see myself living in one or more of these numbers.

I'm certain they would become my go-to summer uniform, not to mention that they would certainly help me become more efficient at packing for trips as one or two dresses= multiple outfits! Absolutely perfect for the over-packer in me!

Summer Soup {Farmstand Gazpacho}

A few weeks ago, I shared a recipe for Green Gazpacho, and, as promised, I would also like to share a slightly more traditional take on this cold soup. This version quickly become a summer staple for us last year; with relatively few ingredients, many of which always seem to be on hand, this is a simple and easy meal to make.



Farmstand Gazpacho- 6 to 8 servings (recipe easily doubles)
Slightly adapted from original Parade Magazine recipe

Ingredients
2 cups cucumber- peeled, seeded & diced (into 1/4" cubes)
2 cups bell peppers- red or red & yellow- diced (1/4" cubes)
2 cups ripe tomatoes- diced (1/4" cubes)
1/2 cup red onion- diced
2 cups V8 juice (or tomato juice)
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-3 dashes of Tobasco or other hot sauce

Directions
1. Place all vegetables in a large bowl. Add V8 juice, vinegar, oil and Tobasco. Season well with freshly ground salt and pepper. Toss.
2. Transfer portions at a time to food processor and pulse to puree; half can be left chunky if desired.
3. Combine portions. Refrigerate at least 4-6 hours before serving (although, as I mentioned with the Green Gazpacho, a lot of times we can't wait to eat it and do so right away!)