Tuesday Trends: Tunics

Now that the weather is finally warming up and springtime is in the air, I have been reaching towards flowy tops and bright colors. Time and time again I find myself defaulting to comfy, cute tunics when perusing online sites. They fit the bill for the warmer weather (but for when you still need some coverage), to throw on with just about anything and still look put together and polished. I have a feeling I will need to invest in one sometime soon! 

Lulu Bonamia Block Print Tunic

Showcase Silk Tunic

THISTLE-PRINT POPOVER

Stephanie Tunic

Classic Kurta with Border

Lulu Purify Block Print Tunic

Fez Kurta

Are you loving tunics, what are your favorites?

Weekends Updates: Blacksburg & Charlottesville

Lots of fun things have been going on the past two weeks here in Virginia. I criss-crossed my way across the state to participate in lots of activities and see lots of friends. 

Two weeks ago, I headed to my Alma mater Virginia Tech for Spring Game weekend. Hokies live and breathe football and we take any opportunity to have a great time! 

  

Sunday we stopped by one of favorite brunch spots in Blacksburg, Gillie's! If you ever visit, it comes highly recommended. I filled up on stuffed french toast, grits, and OJ! 

This past weekend I headed to Charlottesville for Foxfield Weekend.  I took off work Friday so we had 3 days in Charlottesville to explore and hang out with friends. 

Friday was a beautiful day so we decided to relax with the mountain views while enjoying a little wine tasting, it was the perfect afternoon. 

I loved the cork "LOVE" sign at Veritas winery. 

Saturday was all about the horse races, Foxfield! Lots of pastels, drinks, and friends made for a great day. 

Best Friends at Foxfield

 

Loved running into Kappa sisters at the races! 

Two great weekends spent all over the great state of Virginia! 

HGTV Dream Home

The 2013 HGTV Dream Home is in a city I am wanting to visit, Charleston, SC. A trip to this charming city  would be even better if I could relax in this quaint home on the marsh.

A great room is not complete without lots of windows and a two-story fireplace.

I love the neutral color pallate of the Master with touches of blue, making it feel so cozy.

    

 While not my first choice of a kitchen, I love how it opens up into the dining space.

The dining room flows seamlessly into the great room.

             

And let's be for real, who doesn't love a hidden bench seat in the foyer?

The loft area is perfect for relaxing. The beams add so much architectual detail and the windows carry natural light throughout both spaces.

    

I could see myself enjoying the guest suite's blue hues. The combination's of patterns and textures (plus that stripe rug) work together in this cozy bedroom.

   

What a perfect kids room, a blend of fun and sophistication.

    

The bright colors, natural light, marble, and glass enclosed shower make this bathroom inviting and a place I would love to spend lots of time in. Plus, I want that mirror.

And I love the idea of built-in bunk beds for extra sleeping space in a vacation house, perfect for adventourous little boys!


Now all I need is a plane ticket and the nice owners to invite me over for a stay!

Strawberry and Cream Dessert Squares

Lately, I have been loving on the food blogs. These ladies are so creative, and while I could not re-create half of these, some are so easy to make and too delicious looking not to try.

Strawberry and Cream Dessert Squares are the quick and easy version of strawberry shortcake. I had/substituted all the ingredients for this recipe. And when you decide to buy yourself 4lbs of strawberries and can't eat them all before going bad - you bake!

Recipe Adapted from The Recipe Critic

Ingredients: 

1 pouch of Sugar Cookie Mix (and any ingredients required to bake)

6 oz Cream Cheese

1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract 

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups strawberries
*Note: I used snack size sugar cookie mix so all my measurements are slightly less than the original recipe.

Start by making the sugar cookies according to the package. Grease a pan and spread the dough evenly along the bottom. Bake about 15-20 minutes at 375 (longer than package says). 

While cookies are baking, cup up strawberries into smaller pieces. Pour sugar, water, and strawberries into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until boils and sauce thickens. Set aside and let cool. 

Combine cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar together. Alternatively, you could use pre-made or your homemade version of cream cheese icing, I just randomly threw these together.

Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the sugar cookies and add the strawberries, chill in the refrigerator and enjoy!

Obviously, the food blogger's picture is much pretty than mine.