Gorgeously Awesome

Peter Karras of The Cutty Spot is making simply breathtaking hand-cut letter posters. I want a J!

Thanks, Matt, for the link!

Cut It Out!
Pia The Pig

My Love Affair With Watermelon Continues

This recipe for Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers was perfect for my book club last night. It was even perfecter when I didn't even mess with skewers and just stirred all the ingredients together in a bowl. I ate it by itself for dinner tonight it was so delish the second day. Truly a new one in the rotation, and, you know what, okay I'll say it, the best thing I've made with watermelon all summer.

I'm thinking it's time to move on from my summer lovin' with watermelon. On to fall to see just how hot I can get with all things pumpkin. Look out!

Is it fall yet?
Pia The Pig

An Awesome Reminder

We are all so lucky! You all have amazing gifts. Remind yourself with this gorge necklace from KathrynRiechert on Etsy.


For only $22, you're lucky I found it!

Count Your Blessings!
Pia The Pig

Big D On The Big Screen = Awesome?

This has "more reality TV trash I hate to love" written all over it!

Keep it Real, Dallas!
Pia The Pig

Awesome Gift Wrap Idea

Sunday our family celebrated my sister-in-law Jasmine's birthday. I picked out this bird tray from IKEA that I also bought for myself and AAAD Reader Anne.
I loved this tray with it's bright colors and great shape (and of course it's IKEA price) and the gals seemed to love it, too.

Instead of wrapping Jasmine's tray in a normal gift bag (even though I have about 60 here), I decided to drop it in something else: a reusable tote! I am SO EXCITED to share this idea with y'all. I found these at Marshalls for only $2.99! This is the new gift bag! I threw the tray and some other presents and some tissue paper, and handed over the recyclable wrapping paper to Jasmine. (Hers had a "J" on it, obviously)

I went back to Marshalls tonight to buy more for present ideas and they had a slew of them! Look at these fun patterns.

$2.99! WITH MONOGRAM. I stocked up. I am going to check back and see if they get any fun holiday patterns this season. Keep an eye out for these in stores. They had about 8 different patterns. I'm going to wrap my holiday gifts in them!

It's Easy Being Green!
Pia The Pig

An Awesome Staycation!

Saturday my family had it's first official staycation: A trip to Lake Texoma. Our old neighbors who are more like relatives than just neighbors invited our family and their extended family up for a little reunion on Saturday. These are the parents of my brother's childhood best friend. They also have three daughters who have known me since I was born. I was the flower girl in one of their weddings which seemed like yesterday and I can't believe it was 18 years ago! It was so poignant to have all of us who grew up together with all of our kids now (I'm the youngest and obvi without children), but definitely a celebration of friendship for almost 30 years!

Highlights included a tractor ride by "Mr. Bill" (my nephew Jack LOVED THIS!) and a ride on the family's boat.


My dad was a trooper even though he was a little afraid of getting seasick.


Sidenote: I can't tell you how many photos I have of my dad either holding up the peace sign or waving at the camera.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Take the chance to reunite with old friends as much as possible. It's so special to get together. Time really does fly!

Wear a lifejacket!
Pia The Pig

I Die. The Rachel Zoe Project is Back!

Rachel Zoe is back! I love her show on Bravo, and I'm thrilled she's back for more craziness and giant empty Starbucks cups for Season 2.

Watch a preview for tonight's show right here.

In case you missed the amazing Season 1, Rachel's catch phrase is "Bananas."

As in "That's Bananas" aka "That's crazy." I say we do a "Bananas" count tonight. In the meantime, to celebrate my favorite pin-thin celeb stylist, here are some banana recipes that look to die for.

Gooey Banana Cupcakes via Yumsugar


Banana Cupcakes (love that banana chip garnish!) via Kaiti Did Bake


And since whoopie pies are the new cupcake, here are some Mini Banana Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling via Oven Love


Don't forget to watch the season finale of Make It or Break It also.
YAY FOR TV!
Pia The Pig