litte mornings

Spent the morning with a sleepy kitty, some pretty books and yummy brunch. Perfect.

Lemon Honey Highball

For a long time, I didn't enjoy the taste of alcohol. Obviously this goes for most people, but it took me longer than the usual college kid to find it enjoyable. The first drink I really enjoyed was a gin and tonic, and since then it has been my go-to. But every blue moon I try to mix things up a bit! This is the second cocktail from the three simple syrups I made, one more cocktail to go!

A Highball is basically just whiskey and ginger ale. Well, not just basically...that is what it is. I  stayed away from whiskey for a long time (and still sometimes do) but I have come to appreciate it in certain combinations. Ginger ale and whiskey is a combination that I actually love. I used some of the honey syrup I made and a large squeeze of lemon to jazz things up. Be careful, these are very easy to drink!

Lemon Honey Highball:
2 oz. whiskey
ginger ale
1 tbs honey syrup
1-2 tbs fresh lemon juice
ice

1. Fill glass (preferably a highball glass) with a few ice cubes. Add whiskey, honey syrup and  lemon juice.
2. Fill remainder of glass with ginger ale.
3. Add fresh lemon wedge for garnish and additional lemon flavor.

madly, truly

Button down: Forvever21

Caridgan: Urban Outiffters

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Corso Como (Nordstrom)

Belt: Handed-down

Earrings: Forever21

"No one laughs at God at a hospital, no laughs at god in a war." Oh man,  Regina Spektor really knows how to get to the gist of it. I used to be a huge fan of hers, and for some reason stopped listening after she took a few years off after "Begin to Hope." I recently started listening to her newer stuff thanks to Spotify, and there are a few songs that really shine (like "Laughing With" on the Far album). Some are simply pop and fun and that's all good too, but very now and then she really brings it lyrically and melody-wise. I know remember why I used to love her so much. 

I have been working with the lovely Oana Befort for the past few weeks on a new blog design, and we are getting so close! I am so excited to share something new and beautiful with you guys. 

Oh yes, this outfit. I have been catching up on Mad Men since the 5th season has become available On Demand before the 6th season starts. I get so incredibly inspired by that show; from the outfits to the mid-century decor, I always get tempted to make a trip to the thrift store to try and find some Mad Men type-treasure. 

Joan Harris is the ultimate broad in my opinion, and I have been told I resemble her a couple times. Both times I about died and gushed about what a compliment that is. The people who complimented me may have regretted it, haha. Anyway, Joan inspired me to embrace my curves and put on a belt. I like to think this is a weekend-Joan type look. 

Blueberry Gin and Tonic

We made it past Monday, and for that, I think we deserve a drink. My Monday consisted of a painfully slow day at work, and waiting for my car to get fixed (needed a new distributor). Dealing with car stuff is the absolute worst, but my day ended with watching Argo and a big ol' bowl of pho, so I think overall it was pretty good. Pho makes everything better.

Ever since making these syrups, I have been whipping up some really yummy cocktails. The first I want to share iss a spin off my favorite drink, the gin and tonic. A splash of blueberry syrup, an extra squirt of lime and some frozen blueberries turn your simple gin and tonic into something a little more fun and tasty.

You Need
3 oz gin
4 oz tonic water
ice
1 tbs fresh lime
1 tbs blueberry syrup (recipe here)

1. Fill glass with several ice cubes. Add gin, lime juice and blueberry syrup.
2. Fill remainder of glass with tonic water, stir to incorporate syrup and garnish with lime wedge.

Out and About: Pure Bliss Desserts

Pure Bliss Desserts in one of my favorite places in Bellingham; it smells of cake and fresh coffee, there is a pink velvet couch to sit on, and champagne and wine is available. What more could you possibly want? 

Tommy and I often celebrate special occasions with a slice or two of either the red velvet, salted caramel, lemon bliss or something chocolatey. The cake is incredibly dense and the frosting is never overly sweet. Pure Bliss also serves cookies, bars and other sweet treats. The russian tea cakes are delicious! 

Not only are the baked goods amazing, but the bakery itself is beautiful. Sparkly black chandeliers hang against white and black striped walls, with pink accessories adding a pop of color. It's very chic, feminine, and puts you in the mood to indulge. 

One of my favorite things about Pure Bliss is that they are open until 10pm Tuesdays-Saturdays. This makes it a great place to have a glass of wine with the girls while being able to also have cake. Win win! My mom and sister recently visited, so of course we had to get a cup of coffee and a slice of German chocolate cake. So, so, so good! 

Simple Syrups: Blueberry, Honey & Mint

I love making simple syrups because they have so many uses! I use them when making cocktails, coffee and tea. Depending on the type, homemade syrups can last up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They also make great little gifts! I made an extra jar of mint syrup to give to my mom :).

If you want to make larger or smaller batches, just remember the sugar to water ratio is 1:1. Easy! I decided to use two cups of sugar and water because it was the perfect amount for my standard mason jars.

1. In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a simmer. Add blueberries (fresh or frozen).
2. Bring to a slow boil, and let cook for about 5-10 minutes. I used a whisk to press the blueberries, helping the juice and flavor to be released.
3. Let cool for about 15 minutes, and strain blueberries out of mixture.
4. Place syrup in an airtight container and refrigerate.

1. In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a simmer. Add mint leaves.
2. Bring to a slow boil, and let cook for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and let simmer for another few minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Strain mint leaves, and transfer syrup to an airtight container. Refrigerate.

1. Simmer water and honey for about 5 minutes, or until honey has fully dissolved.
2. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate.

travel bug

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I have been badly bit by the travel bug. I'm just dying to hop on a plane and explore a new city! Ultimately I would love a trip to Europe, but that's going to take a few years of saving and planning, and I don't think I can wait that long.

 I'm considering taking a week of vacation this fall...but where should I go? I'm thinking either Washington D.C. or New Orleans. I would love to eat beignets all day long in New Orleans, but it would be amazing to visit the Smithsonian in DC. Both sound like so much fun! Hmm, decisions decisions. Have you been to either city, or maybe live there and have some suggestions/advice?

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My Style: Windy Rose

Sweater: Forever21

Skirt: Consigned

Boots: Steve Madden

Belt & Tights: Delia's

Scarf: Urban Outfitters

This scarf is kinda ginormous, but it's the coziest thing ever. I joke that it's my sheep scarf because it's like wearing a small, soft sheep around my neck! I love it.

A little late on this one, but what did you think of the Oscars? I'm not a huge Seth MacFarlane  fan, but I thought he did a pretty good job. Jessica Chastain was definitely my favorite on the red carpet, and Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron both looked crazy gorgeous as well. Not gonna lie though, I was underwhelmed by Anne and Jennifer. Anne's dress made her look very, um, cold all night...you know what I mean. And Jennifer is such a cool girl, it just seemed a little too princessy for her. 

life lately

I started feeling a little icky on Thursday at work, and by the time I got home I knew a mean sickness was coming. Sure enough, I spent all day Friday and Saturday in bed with aches, a stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild fever. Yuck. By Sunday I felt a little better, and today I am heading back to work. Being sick and working in cosmetics is difficult, constantly having to blow your nose and sneeze is kinda gross, haha. 

Here is a little peak of my life lately through instagram. You can follow along @amandakerz

1. Chopping brussel sprouts for dinner a few nights ago. Love brussel sprouts!

2. Atticus was my sick-day nap buddy all day Friday! Such a sweetie.

3. Atticus is quite fond of the new couch.

4. Making Valentines.

5. Pretty roses downton Bellingham.

6. Seattle for the day for Clinique school.

7. My favorite thrift find so far this year! 

8. Yummy cheese plate.

9. Paper shopping. I could have bought all of them!