Central Market, Your Roses Are Awesome

And even awesomer today, when I couldn't believe my eyes to see such beautiful, fat roses at just $7 for a dozen. ATTENTION ALL MEN: GO TO CENTRAL MARKET TODAY. (Do any men even read this blog?) You will be rewarded!

Brighten up anyone's day with a single rose for just a buck (EVERY TUESDAY!!!) or their blowout dozen deal today.

Roses poster from Etsy

Central Market has the most gorgeous rose selection, with colors and bloom diameters I have never seen before. Reason 68386026 I love Central Market.

Happy Tuesday, my Blooms!
Pia The Pig

A Rule To Follow For An Awesome Life: Always Stop At Lemonade Stands

Lemons Art on Etsy (I have this and love it)
Happy Day Off, my friends! I was so pleased to pass by a delightful lemonade stand yesterday. My parents always stopped and gave a big tip to lemonade sellers when we were little, and it's one of the 3278598392094 lessons I am thrilled that I learned from them. There is no better reaction when three little words are uttered: "keep the change."

So, I thought I'd show a little lemonade love (there's the title for my not-quite-finished Summer iMix).

I'm loving handmade banners lately, and this one can be hung on a tree for maximum curb appeal for all your lemonade stand traffic! Handmade lemonade banner on Etsy

There's nothing better than fresh-squeezed lemonade, and this is just about as close as you can get at your local grocer. I am in love with Simply Orange and Simply Lemonade might be even better. SO GREAT!


For an extra treat for your lemonade stand (or simply an adult lemonade stand, WHY HAVE I NOT DONE THIS YET?) why not whip up this Frozen Lemonade Pie, courtesy of the Neelys on Food Network? The reviews are amazing.

And finally, let's just call it The Perfect Accompaniment to The Lemonade Stand: The Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz courtesy of Epicurious. I mean seriously. When are you coming over? Because I am ready to make this RIGHT NOW.

When life gives you lemons, CASH IN!
Pia The Pig

Our Vets Are Awesome.

Happy Memorial Day. I thought I'd include the Wikipedia entry for Memorial Day so we can all learn a little bit more.

God Bless America!
Pia The Pig

Awesome Twitter To Follow

Okay, so Twitter can be annoying/confusing/unnecessary, but I am loving Cookbook on Twitter! Twitter gives you 140 characters or less, and this genius named Maureen has condensed her recipes into just that. Who knew Mango Rhubarb Salsa could be so simple? There's a new recipe almost every day. Now this, I can handle!

Follow on Twitter. Lead in life.
Pia The Pig

An Awesome Photographer YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT!

Happy weekend, my friends! Today is Family Picture Day. My family hasn't had a professional photo taken (outside of my bro's wedding) since I was in 4th Grade. Needless to say, it was time for some fresh cheese. This morning, the parents, bro, sis-in-law, their son, and I laughed and smiled our prettiest at the beautiful Dallas Arboretum during our photo shoot with the incredible talented Melissa Darst of Melissa Darst Photo. Melissa is a friend of mine, and I am honored to feature her work on An Awesome A Day! Here are just a few of my favorites from Melissa.

She has the patience of a saint and is extremely well-priced. A mom of a 2-year-old and an 8-month old, she knows how to capture kids, families, teens, couples, parents and pets, while adding her creative vision to all the shoots. I keep checking her blog to see some of the shots from our session. I'll be sure to post them asap.

Tell Melissa I sent you.

CHEESE! (Muenster, preferably)
Pia The Pig

Awesomely Frugal Fashion Fridays: Bike Chic

Rike your bike poster, from Etsy
Okay, okay, so this isn't about an online retailer, but there's nothing more adorable than a happy person in flip-flops on a bike, cruising around the neighborhood. And that's exactly where I have been lately (does that mean I am adorable? I'll take it.), pedaling in style. And on the heels of a beautiful long weekend, I am strongly recommending you GET ON IT and get yourself (and your tandem bike partner if you are so inclined) rolling! For less than $200, summer never seemed so fun. Plus, throw on one of the handy baskets listed below, and save the gas to the market or Starbucks. Your calves will thank you! (Does this mean if I ride over to Society Bakery that it's a washout? Again, I'll take it.)

Here's my bike. Her name is Betty. Because according to Lynn, "Every bike needs a name." The best less-than-$160 I have EVER spent. And if you don't see this in your local Walmart, the Site-to-Store feature online is a great deal: free shipping when the item is shipped to the store. I even asked nicely and the guys in the back assembled it for free. Score! Order it now!

Here's Lynn's bike, Shirlz. Shirlz is a new addition to the neighborhood and has immediately become BFF with Betty. Be a Shirlz, order now.

Here's Kellyn's bike, Blue Lightnin. Kellyn's bike is for men, but who cares? I love the color and with her long legs, it looks great. Lightnin fast and waiting for you. Order it here.

Next, you must have a helmet (it's the law!) but a true must-have is an adorable basket. I recommend the Bell Quick Release basket at Academy, but check out this number. Yes, it's $69, but it's awesome. Get one here, and I'll be jealous.

Complete the look with appropriate footwear, or something cuter, like these new flip-flops from Old Navy. Find 'em here, for under $20.

Or, a classic standby, in my favorite, metallic. $5 at Old Navy, in loads of colors.

Happy Pedaling!
Pia The Pig

Holy Awesomeness: Eat this

There are no words. Peanut Butter Cake.

And another.