Friday Fancies::A Royal Affair

Happy Friday Princesses! 

Kate & William are married {by now!} and I am just so excited!  It's not every day that an average girl literally meets her prince and becomes a real live princess!  It's really a dream come true.  ::sigh::  Even after growing up watching all the Disney movies, the story never gets old!  I'm truly enthralled with these two.  (:

Now, like many of you, I was not invited to the Royal Wedding, but in keeping with my fantasy, I decided to link up with {av}'s Friday Fancies and dream about what I would wear.

Royal Wedding by schuelove featuring metallic pumps

I am in love with this royal blue Jason Wu dress.  The flower shoulders are so feminine and if you could see the back {click on the link above} you would see how stunning the plunging lines are.

 

No outfit is complete with out Jimmy Choo's...these have just the right amount of glam but don't outshine the dress.

The earrings are Oscar de la Renta...classic.  The ring has that smoky topaz that I am always drawn to. 

Last, but certainly not least, I thought this Britain inspired Alexander McQueen was perfection...rumor is, that Kate will wear a McQueen dress.  We shall see!!!

We're having a little viewing party tonight at our house to watch the wedding.  I'll report on all my loves on Monday!

  Hope you all have a great weekend!

xo natasha 
{aka Lady Margaret Muffin of Santiago}

For your royal name:
insert Lady
your grandmother's first name
your first pet's name
of
the street your grew up on
and there you have it...what's your royal name?? 

My 'Royal' Wedding!

I don't know about you, readers, but I am SO excited for the Royal Wedding tomorrow!  It actually starts at 3 in the morning for us on the west coast...thank goodness for Tivo!  :)

Thinking about William and Kate's wedding...what she will wear, how she will look, what traditions they will follow...and break, it just reminds me of how much I enjoyed every minute of our wedding.  I know it sounds cliche, but our wedding was so special for us and I know I will never forget the feelings of sheer happiness I felt that day.

I won't go into the nitty gritty details, but I thought it would be fun to share some pictures from our wedding today, in honor of the Royal Wedding!

::Some of our wedding details::

::Me and the deer::

::2 of the 18 in our wedding party::

::Love::

Our two year wedding anniversary is not until August 14th, but I know I'll be thinking about our wedding when we watch the "royal" one tomorrow...and even though hubby says he won't watch it, I know he'll be looking out of the corner of his eye...he's the sentimental type at the end of the day!  :)

Is anyone else excited for the Royal Wedding?  Can't wait to report on all the beautiful details!

xo natasha

She Loves Me...She Loves Me Not!

Happy Hump Day people!  

Today I am very excited that I am over at Michaela's blog Michaela Noelle talking about what I love...and what I don't love so much!  Here's a sneak peak:

If you haven't stopped by her blog before, you definitely should!  Here's one of her recent projects that totally inspires me!  She was able to take this Goodwill dresser for $70, from this:

To this!

Pretty amazing huh?  I love the crystal knobs she chose and it even has a neat keyhole on the middle drawer!  Great find!  For more on this transformation, go here.

Hope you all have a beautiful day!

xo natasha

I'll have some cheese with that, please!

Parade!  I made it 40 days and 40 nights with no cheese, and let me tell you, it was NOT easy!  I told you about my vow to give up cheese for lent, here, and I think the hardest part about actually giving up cheese was seeing all the AMAZING recipes with cheese around blogland.  Here are my top 10 that made me crave cheese and wonder why I ever gave it up!

1. Mozzarella, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Val's creation looks like a party made for my mouth!  I would have never thought to include avocado in this mixture, but have to admit, it looks mighty good!  Recipe found {here}.

2. Artichoke & Goat Cheese Strata

This was featured on Alissa's last "Tasty Tuesday" and, oh boy, does it look good!  I love goat cheese, and surprisingly, it's one of the "healthier" cheeses out there.   Recipe found {here}.

3. Blueberry-Lemon Cheese Crumbcake

I'm a big fan of cheese in dessert and this looks like no exception.  I love the blueberry and lemon components...Laura definitely nailed this one.  Recipe found {here}.

4. Croque Monsieur

Word on the street is that a good croque monsieur is a piece of heavenly deliciousness!  I've never had one but hear that they are absolutely to.die.for.  Kristin's is the real deal.  Must try this soon!  Recipe found {here}.

5. Fiesta Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms

Jenn featured this delectable dish on her blog recently and started to drool a bit!  I love the black beans and cheddar...she told me that I could have these sans cheese but I can't imagine them being as good!  Recipe found {here}.

6. Chickpea Salad with Feta and Heirloom Tomatoes

Chickpeas is one of my absolute faves!  I have it in my salad everyday and just love the consistency...and they also have a lot of health benefits to boot.  Mary's salad looks delicious.  Recipe found {here}.

7. Prosciutto and Brie Sandwich with Fig Jam

Brie and fig jam has to be one of my ALL time favorite combos!  Have a little with some red wine and you're golden.  This take on brie and fig jam, by Emily, looks phenomenal!  Recipe found {here}.

8. Spring Vegetable Pizza

 

Val nails it again with the cheese...this pizza looks like everything I've been craving the last 40 days!  Love that she uses Gruyère in this pizza!  Recipe found {here}.

9. Soft Pretzels with Jalapeño Cheese Sauce

Ok, these pretzels look glorious and everyone knows you can't have pretzels without cheese sauce!  These would definitely be a crowd pleaser for the next ball game!  Recipe found {here}.

10. Grown Up Mac & Cheese

Ummm how elegant does this look??  It's definitely not your kid's mac & cheese...that is for sure!  Alissa's addition of sun-dried tomatoes and of course the bacon makes this a dish to remember.  Recipe found {here}.

Now do you see why it was SO hard to stay away from cheese?!?  I definitely recommend you check out these recipes and the wonderful blogs they belong to ASAP!  You won't be dissapointed {unless of course, you've giving up cheese!}.

xo natasha

Easter Outfit

Happy Monday! 

I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday!  Hubby and I had a lovely brunch with his family and then continued the celebration over at his parent's house.  Here is what I wore to brunch:

I wore my J. Crew dress, last featured here.  It was nice to get my legs out in the fresh air {even if it it was raining/snowing outside!}.  I thought the floral print was perfect for Easter.

Here's a picture of the navy blue panel on the side...I love the way it looks...add a little extra surprise.

The heals are the perfect neutral, complete with wooden heel...OH and I just got my toes done in a fun spring pink.

Last look!  Here are where the goods are from:

Dress: J. Crew

Jacket: Miss Me

Belt: Urban Outfitter

Heels: Carlos Santana

Jewelery: Amy

SO...did you all have a great Easter Sunday?  I know I always enjoy spending time with family and remembering all that I'm thankful for.  Also...I throughly enjoyed some cheese with brunch...yes I did!  :)

Also, a special thank you to the Cole Girls over Chic Coles for featuring my guest bathroom!!  It is such an honor to be recognized!

xo natasha

Friday Fancies::Spring Fling

Happy Friday Friends!

I'm super excited to be participating in my very first Friday Fancies with {av} over at long distance loving.  I think I'm finally getting the hang of this Polyvore thing {3+ hours later!} but if you have any tips, please pass them along!

Spring Fling by schuelove featuring a floral bib necklace

With Easter being this weekend...I am convinced it has to finally be spring around here!  We're going to a nice family brunch on Sunday and if I could wear anything...this would be it!  It's a bit more causal, but so is Tahoe most of the time!  In actuality, I will be wearing a dress, {because I'm fancy like that!}, so I will share that on Monday.  In the meantime...I can dream!

First up, I in love with these Tom Ford sunglasses and have officially added them to my wish list.  The silk top is a blousy look and would look great paired with these white skinnies.  The Kate Spade necklace is a show-stopper on it's own, but I always love the balance of a chunky over-sized watch.  Wooden platforms are SO in right now...I've had my eye on these and the messenger bag will be a great piece all spring and summer long.

{via}

And remember, the next time you see me...I will be eating cheese again!  Finally!  :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter this weekend!!!

xo natasha

The Guest Bathroom

It's time to reveal the guest bathroom, for your viewing pleasure.  You've already seen our mater bathroom here, so it only seems fair you see the other one.  Here's a couple "before" pictures:

Check out that awesome fiberglass shower enclosure...and the wooden toilet top?  Classy, right?

Oops!  There goes the enclosure!

Unfortunately, we did not take any "before" pictures of the cabinets, but trust me when I say...they were nasty!  We ripped out all the cabinets and replaced with these solid alder pretties.  The countertops are subway tiles!

And in goes the sink!

This linen closet was last minute decision...we weren't going to add this in, but we're so glad we did.  It provides lots of great storage and it matches the rest of the cabinets.

This is a NEW tub and NEW subway tiles...painfully installed, one by one.  We were lucky to have really great helpers!  :)

Progress!

And in goes the tile floor...installed by yours truly {and the hubby!}.

Tiling is fun!

See...told you we did it!  :)

Makes me so happy!

And here is the final product...drum roll please!

All finished!!  We love how big this space is and functional for our guests.

We used a bright white grout on the subway tiles and I think it keeps it looking crisp and clean.

Close up of the counter accessories.

Close up of the tile work...really happy that the subway tiles went to the ceiling...it totally opens up the room.  Also, we use a neutral grout color on the tiles and this opens up the space too...your eyes doesn't focus on the individual lines at all.

A diffuser from Pottery Barn in "Ocean" and some color to tie in a nautical theme.

More coral themes...loving how they tie in with the shower curtain.

And one final look at the finished product!

Hope you enjoyed the tour of our little guest bath...you're welcome to come and stay anytime!  :)

xo natasha

linked to flaunt it fridays

5 Things I Love Right Now!

It's Wednesday and today seems as good a day to share some of the things I'm loving right now.

The Help
 

I'm halfway through The Help right now and I am totally enthralled with this story.  Kathryn Stockett does a wonderful job of weaving together three different perspectives and depicting life in the south back in the early 60's.  I definitely recommend this book.  The movie is also coming out this summer!

Neon

 {via}

 The jury is still out for me on the neon trend...EXCEPT for when it comes to nail polish!  I love bright, pink, neon nail polish on my toes!  It's fun to kick it up a notch and people always seem to notice it.

Turtle Shells as Decor

I know I've practically beaten this idea to death, as demonstrated here and here.  I found this idea in the latest Trad Home and think it's a more modest way to test this trend out in your own home. 

Silk

I am loving this Robert Rodriguez silk dress because of how different it is.  I saw it on a woman when I was down in Southern CA, and thought it looked so stunning and chic on her!

All of You!

 {via}
The last thing I am loving right now is all of you, my lovely readers!  I am so thankful for every single one of you and the support you show me on a daily basis.

I hope you are all having a great week so far!

xo natasha

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You all know I have a small celeb crush on Bethenny Frankel, last discussed here.  I have her book Naturally Thin and was actually quite impressed with her tips, wit, and recipes.  One of my favorite recipes is her Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!  Not only are they quite healthy {I mean this is a book about being thin}, they're actually super duper delicious...you won't be able to have just one.

Now, I said these were delicious, not pretty!  I'll admit, they are not the most beautiful cookies you've ever eaten {which makes for poor blogging!} but they are DEFINITELY worth it...even hubby loves them, and he's not much into sweets or things deemed overly "healthy"!

Recipe {also found {here}:

•  1 1/2 cups oat flour  {yes, oat flour!  I have it in my pantry and it's just as delicious}
•  3/4 cup rolled oats
•  1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  1/2 cup raw sugar {like "Sugar in the Raw"}
•  1/3 cup chocolate chips {I throw a little extra in for good measure and prefer dark chocolate}
•  1 teaspoon canola oil
•  1/2 cup soymilk {we used non-fat milk}
•  1/2 cup banana puree {1 medium-size banana}
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat over to 375.  Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Combine all the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.  Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, until well combined {I suggest just using your hands...this is a dry dough, so it will help to mush everything together}.

Use a medium-size ice cream scoop or a large spoon to scoop better onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  Bake for 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking, or bake until the edges of the cookies are light brown.

Just look at this behemoth of deliciousness!  The combination of bananas, chocolate, oatmeal, and quite frankly...the raw sugar, is pure perfection!  I only baked them 20 minutes ago and Hubs has already had four...no joke!  :)

Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to Tasty Tuesdays