Random Hearts: Wildflowers in the sun

Guess what? There is a great big beautiful world out there!

Did you know that? I know, it is so easy to forget when we spend so much of our lives in cars, in stores, in buildings, inside...

It is so easy to forget that right now, all over the hillsides and cliffs of beautiful California (and a whole lot of other places) Spring is bleeding into summer in a riot of color and beauty!

Now is your chance to throw on some comfy clothes and good strong sneakers, or even Docs, get in that car of yours and head straight out of town.

We are so in heartsville with wildflowers and California's glorious canyons.

It took us actually having a reason (wedding!) to get back into Southern Cali's own Canyon country... The Santa Monica mountains!

Breathtakingly beautiful, the smell of sunshine mixed with pepper-trees and sage.

Oh to spend time in the mountains and hills of California.

Too bad we were wearing heels and not ready for hiking, but it reminded us that we have to get out and literally smell the flowers before the August sun starts to dry everything out.

If you are in California, here is a great list of places to go to see the most beautiful wildflowers.

If you happen to be looking for a little more incentive to head for the hills this weekend, how about a festival in Topanga Canyon?

The 37th Topanga days celebration is this weekend. Sounds fun to us.

Another one of our favorite spots is Crystal Cove.

And it isn't just because you can stop for a milkshake afterwards at Ruby's shake shack either.

We can't tell you how we dream of filling our homes with beautiful wildflowers.

Being able to pick them by the basket load and give them to everyone we love.

Make sure you check with the State PArk people... They may ask you not to take wildflowers.. We don't want to start a notorious Wildflower crime syndicate.

But seriously if we could, we would fill our baskets to the brim...

And then carry our baskets around like the stunning Jane Birkin. You should have known we would work fashion into this one somehow... We may be a little bit hippie at heart but we are full time fashion obsessed!

Get outside... Don't make us tell you twice.

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

Yummies: We heart (as you already know...) BBQs!!!!

Oh gosh we uber heart a good BBQ...

Not only is a BBQ filled to the brim with friends or family...

But it symbolizes our most favorited season eva! Warm weather season!!! Wooo hooo!!!

And the bestest reason we heart BBQs....um hello? The FOOD!!!!

OK...now yes we are super aware we did a fantastical post about Labor Day barbecues already but seriously how can you really not want to get more amazing ideas for your next BBQ bash?

Exactly!!!!

And now...your fave gals of Things We Heart bring you the official...can't go wrong...impress your guests (even the shmanciest)...Memorial Day BBQ menu. Wooo hooooo!!!

Before we begin...meat is SOOO super NOT necessary at a great BBQ party.

This is our friend at Animal Acres! She was sooo sweet! She thanked us for cleaning her stall...oh that and not eating her.

There are soooo many other things to eat that are way more tasty and crazy satisfying.

And here they are!!!!!!!!

You can never go wrong with chips and dips...Oh god! We would die for Ruffles and French Onion Dip right now!....

But we digress... You can't go wrong with a good, hearty mouth watering, nacho in a bowl, 7 layer dip!!!!

Seriously..it is a fiesta en la boca!!!!

Ingredients

• 2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup salsa
• garlic salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 4 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives - drained and finely chopped

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning.
3. Use a 9 x 13 dish or a clear bowl like the one above

Layers

1. Seasoned Beans

2. Spread the Salsa

3. Drench in Sour Cream

4. Coat with fresh Guac (directions above)

5. Top with Tomatoes

6. Spread Olives

7. Sprinkle Green Onions and Cilantro and Cheese

Step 1....Take tortilla chip, dip and devour!!!

Our uber koo koo crazy lurve for the avocado has once again reared its gorgeous green head!!

We are dying...literally our stomachs are aching at the thought of this avocado, tomato and corn salad from Paula Deen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Combine the corn, avocado, tomatoes and onion in a large glass bowl. Mix together the dressing ingredients in another bowl, pour over the salad, and gently toss to mix.

Oh hello! How are you grilled potatoes with salt and vinegar...how's it going? Good? Yeah no shit! You are unbelievably delish!!! Well of course you are...you're from Martha's kitchen!

It's kinda like the shmancy version of the English's salt and vinegar potato chips that we heart so very much!

Martha, Martha, Martha....Why must you do this to us? No seriously...WHY!!!!

We are trying to be good and then you show us your Grilled Pizza with Avocado and Spinach!!!

Oh! It's not bad for us? Well then...Wooooooo hooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Here's how do make your own!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• All-purpose flour, for shaping dough
• 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, fresh, or thawed if frozen
• 2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
• 1 log (5 ounces) soft goat cheese, crumbled
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 bag (5 ounces) baby spinach
• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium. Brush a large rimless baking sheet (or an inverted rimmed sheet) with 1 tablespoon oil. On a lightly floured work surface, roll and stretch dough to two 8-inch ovals or rounds. Transfer to prepared sheet. Brush tops with 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Transfer dough to grill. Cook, without turning over, until undersides are firm and begin to char, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs and a large spatula, place crusts on baking sheet, grilled side up.
3. Scatter crusts with tomatoes, scallion whites, and cheese; season with salt and pepper, and slide back onto grill. Cook, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and cheese begins to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.
4. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, avocado, scallion greens, vinegar, and remaining tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Pile mixture onto pizzas; halve, and serve.

Remember that ridiculously yummy fruit pizza we gave to you that our very own mommy used to make for us? No?

Well you are super in luck! Here it is again! It is literally the best BBQ dessert ever created in all of dessertville!

Ahhhh we are super obsessed with French Sparkling Lemonade...the crispy tart flavor wrapped up in these gorgeously chic French Bottles from Lorina!!!!

But why go thru the hassle of ordering them? Or fighting the crowd at your local TJ's.

Make your own Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade!!! It's almost too easy!

We saw these amazing "French-esque" stopper bottles at IKEA and just about fell over from the cuteness....Throw your homemade Sparkling Lemonade in these and honey...you are GTG!

Need to spice up your bash?? We heart Bobby Flay's Rose Wine Sangria. It's lighter and sweeter than it's red wine older sister and just as much fun!

Uggh...we could use a glass (pitcher) of this right now! But we will practice restraint and wait a few more days...

Well...that's all folks. Have a great Memorial Day what ever you do! Tell us if you make one of these recipes!

P.S. Don't forget all the appropriate accoutrements like table ware, citronella candles, and sunscreen!

P.P.S. Before you party the day away remember why you have Memorial Day off...

P.P.P.S Don't drink and Dive!

xoxo things we heart

Beauty: Mirror, Mirror

We all know the deal... Somedays you try and avoid it, other days you can't get out of it.

It is your mirror, and your attachment mixed with your distaste for it is perfectly human.

Somedays, your mirror (and every mirror in town for that matter) can be you r worst enemy.

Somedays your mirror can be your best friend.

Aside from those horrid mirrors that make everyone look fatter and shorter... You know the ones. The bad mirrors. If you see them please feel free to smash them, I mean seriously, you can't get seven years bad luck for destroying something evil right?

Aside from those evil mirrors, every mirror is reflecting the same thing... And that is the way you look, but also the way you feel.

If you loved your reflection yesterday and you hate it today, chances are your looks haven't changed.... You have lost your confidence.

Why, oh why is it so easy to loose your confidence?!

Why, oh why do countless numbers of girls, boys and in-betweens not see ourselves as good enough?!

It is just human nature I guess, but today try looking in the mirror and picking out something really good... Your eyes, your dimples, the way your hair falls.... Pick something you can't help but love about your self.

Focus on that one thing all day, feed off of it. confidence is beautiful!

Love yourself and everyone else will too.

We have 2 warnings...

1. Being CONFIDENT is different then being CONCEITED beware of mixing up the two.

2. When you go to look in the mirror today to make yourself feel good...

Stay away from the MAGNO-mirror... Those things have no friends except your eyebrows.

Your beautiful.

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

No Bueno: SLEEPY!!! (This may be a teeny tiny repeat...hee hee)

****Repeat****

That in itself is a teeny "No Bueno"...but we are soooo super sleepy!

You know what is so No Bueno?

Not getting enough sleep!

It can throw off your whole day!

So that being said... It's Sunday morning... Did you get enough sleep last night?

If not... Go back to bed, snuggle under your blanket and catch some more Z's.

Or just get up...embrace the sun and go to a farmers market!!!!

We are so happy to have to get out of bed today even with lack of sleep and hangovers...'cuz we get to volunteer at...

ANIMAL ACRES!!!!

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

Bueno: Weddings!!!

We are so excited that today we get to celebrate the love of two of our friends!

Thank you for including us in your special day!

Weddings are SO super bueno... Friends, food, drinks, dancing, dressing up and celebrating love!

All of our favorite things.

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

P.S. Check this cuteness!

Cute invites

Fashion Friday: Bauble-icious...we heart big ole finger lickin' baubles...

*** This post is not our fault! Please direct all of your anger towards Marie Claire magazine. It's their fault...their unbelievably gorgeous, ridiculously fantasmic, supercalifragilistic spread on shmancy jewelry.***

They had the most gorgeous, unique, unbelievable ring spread we have ever laid our mascara-ed lashes upon! Hmmm...how far away is Christmas?

Uuugghhhhh....and look at these mother f'n bracelets!!! Geeeeze louise!!!!

A good cocktail ring is like the best dress or jacket or heels you have ever had. It can instantly liven up any outfit and elevate any wardrobe...

All you need is one on your paw and you are RTG...

OH! P.S. Cocktail rings do not ever have to be expensive...recessionistas can have their pick as much as anyone. Just make them fun!

Now for the ring that started it all for Miss TWH...the ring that makes her swoon like a chubby kid in a candy tasting factory...or buzz like a bee in a flower field...or ....oh forget it you get the picture. The Cartier Pantere ring is her Kryptonite.

It's soooo stupidly fantastic! So glam, so kitchy (but hello? Cartier is never tacky), so fun yet 100% all business, and soooooooooooooooooooooo EXPENSIVE!!!

Um Mr. Twh....a certain someone has been a very good girl lately...just sayin'.

Love the idea of the kitten on your finger but don't feel like spending a grib o' moolah? Good news kitties....F21 has a fun lovin' fakey for you.

Sure it's not the Cartier one but it is super good in it's own way...the creative step cousin if you will....

This lion door knocker CR (Cocktail Ring) is the perfect mix of chic and fun....

Most likely no one else will even have this ring since it is so ugly, it's gorgeous...ya know!?

This ring, a LBD (little black dress) and stupidly hot shoes and hello hotness....Done and Hilariously Done!

Oh Ioselliani...we have been coveting your rings for over a year now and nada...we have not bought...or even tried on... Porque you ask? No idea???

This 5 layer feather and gem ring is perfection to the 10th power. So unique, chic, and magnifique. It's hippie meets glamour girl meets get into our jewelry boxes ASAP!

There is something sooooo cute and so super great about this Jcrew CR. It's made of gold plated brass, beads, crystals and fun!

We totally picture Ariel from the Little Mermaid rocking this!

Oh...you're not Ariel? That's ok...throw on some Sweats and this ring ...hello cutie bean.

Dear Miss Me...don't scream,

Free People's Amethyst ring is sooooo good!

As you know we die for crystal anything...yes we are stinky hippies at heart...

And this amethyst cocktail ring? Um...YES!

P.S. Miss Me...do not attempt to buy this ring...a certain jinxy accidentally pressed the "buy" button on it last night...ooopsie...sowwy!

Now a warning...yes now.... The next 2 rings may hurt your tummy a little bit. We are in a bit o' pain ourselves.... but it will pass...one day...

Really Erickson Beamon?!?!?! Really??? This is how you treat us? What the F is this ring????

Soooo good! It's costume, meets 80's meets futuristically chic meets wear with anything and everything...

We want you...you are yummy!

AND THE BEST FOR LAST...THE ONE THAT WE HAVE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT FOR EVER AND EVER... (hee hee...LOUD ...sorry) OK, not FOREVER, forever but for a while...

We both are in super fluttery heartville with diamonds in the rough...those are unpolished natural diamonds. And from the company who does uncuts justice...Diamonds in the Rough (that's also the company name) comes this fucking sick ring!!!!!!!!
Yup...no words...none....zero...nada...except "How can we have...and how much is it?"

Well it is a lot...soooo..

It's so much there is no price and it's sold at Needless Markup and Bergdorf exclusively so that's a pretty good hint....

Don't want sassy on your tootsies? How about your neck....Or wrists?...

Stay tuned for part deux on gorge baubles for the other parts...

xoxo things we heart