Crazy Blonde Life

Everything I Love!

[crazyblondelife]

Double Denim

I’m a little late hopping on board with the double denim trend, but I’ve decided I really like it! An outfit combination doesn’t get much easier than this so it’s a great look for mornings when you can’t figure out what to put on and you’re in a hurry. The only rule is to make sure your denim colors work together! For this outfit, I chose a darker wash jean with a medium wash blouse and it’s a perfect combo.

I’ve been feeling the 70’s vibe as I usually do in the spring and loving flare jeans. These dark wash jeans are older and still totally relevant from AG Jeans…I wear them often and love the fit. These jeans, also from AG are very similar and I’m sure the fit is the same. If you prefer a cropped jean for the summer, these are a dark wash option that work well with most shoes!

My blouse was purchased last season from Veronica Beard and is no longer available, but I’ve found some similar ones that would work well. A white tee with a denim jacket would also be a great option! with these jeans. My shoes are from Marc Fisher…they’re affordable and i’m sure will be worn with everything as the weather gets warmer.

I am continuing to love my Julie Vos jewelry and wearing it often! I’m wearing Julie Vos earrings and a gorgeous cuff that goes with everything. The jewelry is classic, adds a touch of elegance to every look and mixes well with jewelry you already own.

I always get my daughters a little Mother’s Day gift and they love anything from Julie Vos!

I’ve had just a slight holdup with my new website, but it’s definitely in the works! It’ll be next Tuesday instead of this Monday and the suspense is killing me. Even though I know what the branding is going to look like and I was very much a part of the design process, I still don’t have a perfectly clear picture in my mind of what it will actually look like! This is really one of the biggest things I’ve done since I started my blog and I absolutely cannot wait!

While I love social media…TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram, this blog is my first love and the content is mine, unlike on any social media channels. They can choose to shut me down, or shut down the channel at any time, while I own my content here. I really want to focus on creating content here that you will want to come back to again and again! Having said that…I hope you’ve enjoyed this post!

[crazyblondelife]

A Tailored Vest - My Favorite Spring Trend

Spring can be chilly one day and warm the next and that’s why the vest trend is one of my favorites for spring 2024! You may be thinking that vests never really go out of style and that’s very true, but this season, there are some interesting styles and shapes that can be worn alone, over a blouse or tee, or under a jacket or blazer! Fashion reinvents itself every year and that’s part of what makes it so much fun! While I do love having classic closet essentials hanging in my closet, adding in a trend…especially a classic trend (yes, that’s a thing), makes getting dressed a little more interesting!

Several things make this vest from Veronica Beard interesting…the shoulder pads, the pocket placement, the gorgeous buttons, the neckline and the V in front! It’s meant to be worn with high waisted pants…jeans or trousers and looks great with or without a blouse underneath. As the weather gets warmer, I’ll definitely be wearing this vest on its own with jeans and open toe sandals. Either way, the tailoring gives this vest a crisp look and the structure keeps it classic. It’s one of my favorite new pieces this season! If you’re still wondering about the trend…no one says it better than Vogue!

“Gaining momentum over the last few seasons, the staple is reimagined for spring 2024 in chic, flattering silhouettes, cementing any look to polished perfection. Several also come equipped for summer’s much-anticipated arrival with delightful details including but not limited to: linen, bright whites, lightweight yet luxurious fits, and more. Should you find yourself in possession of this seasons most wanted item, now comes the fun part: styling your newly minted suit vest.”

It’s no secret that Veronica Beard is one of my favorite brands and my jeans and shoes are both by Veronica Beard as well. I purchased the suede slingback sandals last spring and have nearly worn them out! Slingbacks seem to go with everything and the heel height on these is perfect for me. Now that I’ve said how great they are, sadly, they’re unavailable but there are many many fabulous pairs in stores for spring! And because slingback heels come in every height imaginable, there truly is something for everyone!

I think slingbacks are so flattering and add a touch of sophistication to any look. I’m loving the long flare jeans as well because they make my short legs look a mile long!

About the bag…

I’ve had my eye on this bag for quite some time now and finally bit the bullet and got it for myself! It was a bit of a splurge, but I’ll carry this fabulous bag for the rest of my life! It really fits my way of dressing and I couldn’t love it more! I’ve linked a few others at different price points if you want the same look for less!

In the boutique below, I’m linking options for vests, bags and shoes…I hope you find something you love!

This week has flown by and I’ve spent so much time working on the new website! It’s going to be so beautiful and it’ll be up and running really soon!

[crazyblondelife]

A Show Stopping Smoked Salmon Platter for Easter

I’ve had a Cameron Stovetop Smoker for years now and in the past used it often. For some reason, I got out of the habit of using it, but recently pulled it out and smoked some chicken! It was so delicious that the other day, I decided to smoke a side of salmon! OMG it was such a treat and soooo easy! The hardest part of using this little smoker is washing it and Baldy is so good at it that I just let him do it…it’s a good trade, he gets to eat the delicious food and I don’t have to wash the dishes!

Anyway, after that first salmon experiment, I thought it would be fun to make a platter and surround the salmon with delicious garnishes, somewhat inspired by a Salad Nicoise! It turned out better than I could have hoped…it was beautiful and so delicious! After I finished artfully arranging the other ingredients around the salmon, I drizzled it with a simple maple vinaigrette (since I used maple smoking chips), squeezed a bit of lemon juice over the salmon and added a few slices of lemon! Wow, it really was a showstopper and I’ll definitely be making this often! I think this recipe will serve 4 adults generously. You could always add more of the “garnishes” or serve with another vegetable. I’m serving it for Easter lunch and will probably smoke two pieces of salmon for six adults and two children. I never mind leftovers…in fact, I have just a bit left in the refrigerator that I’ll put on avocado toast later today and that will be such a treat for my lunch!

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

If you don’t have a smoker, you could grill or roast the salmon in the oven and it would still be delicious! Don’t let that stop you from trying this recipe!

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[crazyblondelife]

A Day in My Life - Cheese Pairings, A Historic Hotel and Brochu Walker

Last week, my assistant Hannah and I set off to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to photograph an outfit or two! Burlington is a small town and there are only so many options for places to take pictures and it’s nice to get out of town every now and then! Chapel Hill is only about 40 minutes away and is such an interesting town with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill being at the center!

As we were driving, I suggested we stop in Carrboro (a neighboring town), to check out a cheese shop (called The Cheese Shop) that I had been hearing great things about! The Cheese Shop was on the way into town and we easily found it. What we didn’t realize was that it was connected to a darling restaurant and wine shop called Glass Half Full! As we went in, we quickly decided that we definitely needed to eat lunch after shopping for cheese and then we would be on our way to our next several destinations.

As is sometimes the case with a fun filled day, the plan falls to the wayside and spontaneity takes over! We stood at the cheese counter and tasted more than our share of dellcious cheeses (see below) and purchased several along with wine to go along with the cheese! This took much longer than we had anticipated, but we were getting to know the girls that were helping us and having a great time! After we finished sampling cheeses, we sat down to eat lunch and had a delicious flatbread and a hummus platter that we quickly devoured. I made a mental note to recreate the flatbread and hummus (recipe coming soon).

The point of the trip was actually to photograph the fabulous outfit I’m wearing from Brochu Walker and it ended up being a perfect outfit for this outing! As you know…Brochu Walker is my go-to brand for relaxed, elegant clothing and look certainly fits into that category! The cashmere sweater was perfect for a cooler spring day and the linen pants were a nice alternative to my usual pair of jeans! I wore sneakers with this look and later in the day while shopping, purchased a pair of raffia platform sandals by Marc Fisher to wear to The Carolina Inn for a light dinner before we headed home. The shoes immediately took this look from day to evening! My amazing gold jewelry is from Julie Vos and added a little understated bling to the look! I also cannot say enough about the Coffee Suede Tote, also from Brochu Walker! It’s so fabulous…roomy and a statement bag for sure! It would even be great for an overnight bag if you were really packing lightly!

The Cheese Shop has a small but extremely well edited selection of truly amazing cheeses! They also do educational workshops on cheeses as pairing wine and cheese. I’m trying to figure out how to get back soon to learn more!

I’m surprised that I had room for lunch after tasting so many cheese, but somehow, I managed! Below is a list of the cheeses and condiments I purchased along with descriptions! It is one of my great pleasures inn life to pair cheeses with interesting jams, meats, pickles and fruits, so clearly, I’m going to have a blast with these items! I’m not even able to say that I have a favorite cheese from this list because they’re all so different. When I’m eating a certain cheese, that one is my favorite in the moment!

Lideline Cheese - Linedeline is a large format ash-ripened goat cheese. The flavor is of crème fraiche and mushrooms. Cheeses are slightly firm when young, with the paste breaking down into a nice creamline after a few weeks of aging.

Point Reyes Bay Blue - A rustic-style blue cheese with a natural rind. It is known for its mellow flavor and sweet, salted caramel finish. Delicious with toasted walnuts and honey!

Quadrello DiBufala - Quadrello® di Bufala is a water buffalo milk cheese produced by Quattro Portoni in the Lombardy region of Italy. Made from pasteurised milk, this washed-rind cheese is aged for about 40 days. It shares several attributes with Taleggio, except it is made from water buffalo milk.

Quicke’s Vintage Mature Cheddar - This savory, crumbly truckle is a shining example of English cheddar. The grass-fed, farmstead production process makes for a mature cheddar that is savory and grassy, with notes of warm butter and fresh horseradish.

Jake’s Nettle Gouda - Jake’s Nettle blend is their signature baby gouda with the addition of chives, nettle, celery, parsley, onion, and garlic! This is a soft and smooth gouda with a pleasant taste of springtime! I broke into this one last night and served it with baguette slices toasted with olive oil and flaky salt and a small slice of tomato! It was a really sophisticated take on a grilled cheese sandwich and indescribably delicious! See pictured below…

Eat This Yum Balsamic Caramelized Onions - These onions have a deep, intense flavor of caramelized onion and aged balsamic reduction. Perfectly smooth and silky, this delicious spread adds an elegant touch to any dish and is perfect with a soft brie, cheddar or most any milder cheese! I could eat this with a spoon!

Azeite Aromatico Piri-Piri Oil - The fruity and sweet aroma of this Alentejo olive oil has been subject to a highly appreciated combination. The piri-piri flavoring makes it ever-so-slightly spicy. As if the properties of olive oil were not enough, they are now multiplied by those of piri-piri, a known source of vitamins A, E and C, folic acid, zinc and potassium. This oil is an interesting addition to your condiment cabinet!

Brins Cherry Chai Jam (also just ordered Brins Rosemary Grapefruit Marmalade) - These spreads are made in small batches and contain less sugar so the flavors of the ingredients really shine! They make your cheese board (or morning toast) a real moment to remember!

One of the wines I purchased was this delicious Sancerre Rosé and it will be perfect served with our Easter lunch! I’m smoking a side of salmon and serving it as the main part of a composed salad! Recipe coming tomorrow!

Happy with my purchases and full from a fabulous lunch (see below)! We were ready to do a little shopping and head to The Carolina Inn!

If you’ve never been to The Carolina Inn, it’s a beautiful historic destination! The inn was built in 1889 and to this day is a gathering place centered around The University of North Carolina! We often meet friends there before football games and even stay the night if the game is a late one! The bar and restaurant are charming and the grounds are breathtaking!

This post was supposed to come out on Monday but it took a little longer than I had anticipated! My new website is underway and I’ve been working hard to make it everything I want it to be! It will be finished by the end of April and I’m so excited for you all to see it! It will be much easier to navigate and I’ll be able to add video! It’s a project that will be well worth the time!

Below, find a boutique of everything mentioned in this post that I could link for shopping! I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading today!

[crazyblondelife]

A Special Jacket in a Special Place

Spring is finally here and we’re having typical spring weather - hot and then cold again, but everything is getting so green, the hydrangeas are coming out and it’s really just so beautiful! One of my favorite things to do before the weather gets too warm is to bring a charcuterie board out to our little gazebo and nibble on the cheese and have a glass of wine! The gazebo is original to the house and both will be 100 years old in 1933! It truly is one of my favorite things about the house…but, we’re going to do a big kitchen renovation and it’s going to have to be torn down. I’m a little nostalgic because the gazebo. has been such a part of our family celebrations from weddings to baby showers to birthday parties! There have been so many beautiful memories made under that little roof!

I’ve been talking about our renovation for a while now and it’s finally coming together! We got plans back from our architect on Tuesday and I’m very excited. The plans include a major master bath/closet renovation as well as making the kitchen much larger and opening it up into our den so we have a big family space! The upstairs bathroom/closet renovation will be first and is estimated to be finished in September and then in January of 2025, we’ll start the kitchen! It’s crazy how long these things take but I don’t want the kitchen to be torn apart during the holidays…they are chaotic enough!

I’m planning to document the whole journey of our renovation on YouTube with snippets on Instagram and of course, here so I hope you’ll follow along!

That was a longwinded way to start this post, but when I look at the gazebo, it makes me a little sad! I’ve mentioned trying to reconstruct another one if we have room so we’ll see…it just seems like such a big part of the original house!

This fabulous jacket is from Sezane and oh my do I ever love it! I think it’s seasonless and more and more, I look for pieces that can be worn often in more than one season and that are timeless! This jacket is definitely in that category! It’s made from goat suede and in my opinion, well priced and very classic! I styled it over a white blouse from Brochu Walker, another classic piece and my favorite white blouse…along with distressed straight leg jeans from Mother (mine are old - similar here) and suede booties from Veronica beard. It also looks great with a v-neck white tee (my favorite brand is Perfect White Tee) and would also obviously be great with black! I haven’t had a chance to play around with other styling options yet, but I’m sure it’ll be one of my most worn pieces!

I get lots of questions about the strand of pearls I’m wearing here. They are from a local boutique and I’ve had them forever! They’re made with an old strand of pearls with a chunky chain attached and I love the contrast! I wear them often because they’re so unusual and seem to go with everything! I found a few necklaces on Etsy that I like…they’re not really similar, just fun pearls! As you probably know, getting on Etsy is like going down a rabbit whole and there is so much more there so be sure to take a look for yourself!

We have a somewhat new cheese shop in Carroboro NC which is just down the road from us and they have the most amazing cheese selection! It’s called…wait for it…The Cheese Shop!

Even though the name isn’t the most original, the cheese is spectacular and they have packed an amazing selection of delicious cheeses into a small space! I ran over to Carrboro the other day and took some pictures and of course, bought some cheese to enjoy in the gazebo! I’m working on a blog post and I think you’ll love it! I’ve been doing a series mostly on TikToc called Build-a-Bite where I build an interesting cheese bite with a combination of flavors using condiments, pickles, fruit and more! I’ll be sharing some of those combinations that’ll be great for your spring and summer charcuterie boards! You can look for that post on Monday!

I hope your weekend is off to a good start! We are actually having a very relaxing weekend and getting some things done around the house!

Thanks so much for reading today and as always…your comments are so appreciated!

[crazyblondelife]

Your Go-To Look for Spring from Brochu Walker

Last week, we had some unusually warm weather and it was a perfect opportunity to photograph this fabulous outfit from Brochu Walker.

By now, you probably know that Brochu Walker has become one of my favorite brands! The clothes are comfortable, classic, well made, easy to wear and gorgeous! You’ll find mostly neutral colors on the website, with a little color thrown in here and there! These clothes are made for an elegant, casual lifestyle and I find them ideal for travel. I’m excited to pack this look for my upcoming trip to Bald Head Island, but I’ll definitely switch the heels for a comfortable pair of flat sandals.

The top I’m wearing here is one of the Brochu Walker Looker pieces and comes in several colors. These pieces are made with shirting details sewn in…like the shirt tail on this top. The long sleeve tops have cuffs and and a collar sewn in (see here and here) and are so wearable because they’re not bulky with all of the usual layers!

The cropped linen pants are so versatile because, as you know, everything goes with white! This outfit is perfect for travel and will take you from sight seeing to dinner! The pearl jewelry (and gold bracelet) I’m wearing is from Julie Miles and my shoes are wooden heel platforms from Gucci. I love these shoes and they’re very comfortable, however, I do also like this outfit with flats!

As you can see, this is laid back elegance that’s perfect for spring!

Brochu Walker also makes a parfume called Morning Light that I absolutely love…it has a light fresh scent that’s not overpowering and so fresh! I spray it on my pillow after I make the bed in the morning!

The day we took these pictures was so lovely and then it got cold again! I’m so looking forward to some consistently warm weather very soon!

Below, you’ll find a boutique with some of my favorite pieces for spring from Brochu Walker! Enjoy and Happy Friday!

[crazyblondelife]

Shopping for Spring - A Little Fluff for Your Wardrobe

I’m adding a few new pieces to my spring wardrobe this season and I’ve been looking around for things I really love! I have a trip to Bald Head Island coming up the end of April and I’m going to Los Angeles over my birthday (pinch me…I’m so excited), so I really want a few things that will work for those trips and also through the summer! As you know, my style is somewhat casual and I wear jeans more often than not, so the pieces I’ve included in this post are really casual with the exception of two gorgeous dresses!

Since Easter is almost here and Mother’s Day is right around the corner (not to mention my birthday), I think a new dress would be in order and since I don’t really wear dresses often for the most part in winter, by the time Spring gets here, I’m ready! Also, there seem to be so many more baby showers and weddings in the Spring, not to mention graduations so I’m sure I’m not the only one looking for dresses! I hope you find something you love! I will confess that I’ve already purchased a few of these pieces and if you read under the pictures, I’ll tell you which ones and also about the fit!

Our weather here has been a little strange with some really warm days and some freezing days, but that’s spring and I know it won’t be very long at all until the warm weather is here for a while and I’m ready! I always say I won’t complain when temps reach the high 90’s, and I always do, but I will say that I would rather be hot than cold any day! What about you?

This top is so easy and perfect with jeans or shorts! The color goes with everything (of course and it just looks so comfortable and effortless!

Red is a big color for spring and stripes are also perfect for spring so this sweater definitely made the cut for the post! It’s a relaxed lady jacket and so great with white jeans or as shown with regular denim!

Is it just me or are jeans hard right now? There are so many styles to choose from and every style doesn’t look good on every body! The pair above are on the list because I think they would be flattering on almost anyone (including me with my short legs and short waisted self). They’re not too high waisted and the wide leg is reasonable…I also like the wash!

Very casual but I always love a graphic tee! I’m wanting to go to Paris so badly right now that I’m drawn to anything that remotely has to do with French culture and this tee is just too cute! I think it would be fun to cook in and just fun to throw on for a casual day!

This blouse from Mother is one they offered last year as well and I bought it in a solid blue. I wore it with high rise jeans so my stomach wasn’t showing and it’s plenty long when you wear it that way! It’s a fun take on a classic button down blouse. Pair it with sneakers for a great everyday look!

I’m including this dress in two color ways because I think it’s so pretty! It’s tailored and feminine at the same time and would be perfect for a wedding, graduation, bridal or baby shower or for anytime you need a great dress! I have not purchased this one, but strongly considering it in the green!

Sometimes I want to wear jeans, but not blue jeans so these pinky (salmon) ones are just the thing! The color is great for spring and pretty neutral and they fit like a classic mid-rise jean! These are on their way to me so I can’t really tell you about fit, but they are Mother Denim so I would say that they run true-to-size. I ordered my regular size so I’ll let you know!

I ordered this blouse because I think it’s one I’ll wear over and over again! The color is so neutral and I love the wide cuff sleeves. It’s slightly cropped so easy to tuck in and I love the way color and pleats at the shoulders! I really think you can’t go wrong with this one!

I also ordered these jeans and love them! They’re a little different and interesting with the patch on the leg, but great for spring and summer! I’ll loved them styled with a simple white tee and fun sandals!

I love a peasant blouse and this one is so beautiful! The puff sleeves are puffed in all the right places, the floral print is so feminine and I love it styled with the green pants!

Another piece that I ordered! I haven’t worn it yet, but it’s going to be great over a blouse, or worn as is with jeans. I’m considering the matching pants because it will feel like a summer, not so structured suit for spring and summer.

Love love love these shoes! They are so cute and selling fast! If you want them…don’t wait!

I’m always cold in restaurants and love to have a sweater with sleeves! This one is an elevated basic that you’ll wear often and we still have a few cool days ahead. When we’re at the beach, I’ll often wear a long sleeve sweater with shorts…

Basic pants that are seasonless! These would be great with the yellow floral peasant top above!

Birkenstocks but not…

Cutest summer bag…affordable and holds all the essentials!

More and more, I like to wear blazers and this beautiful blue linen is so perfect for spring and summer!

I’m including a boutique below with everything in this post and a few extra things! What are you looking for this spring?

[crazyblondelife]

Spring Pasta with Peas, Chicken & Burrata - Fresh and Easy!

With each new season, I always get excited for what’s local and in-season! Even though it’s not quite time for fresh peas, I went ahead and made this Pasta with Peas, Chicken & Burrata in anticipation of spring food! This dish is has such a freshness because of the lemon and Burrata and the combination of all the flavors is divine! It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious while it’s still warm and also fabulous left-over at room temperature!

If you want to make this pasta vegetarian, simply leave out the pancetta and chicken! It’s delicious with or without, but definitely more hearty with the meat. You could also add a little asparagus that’s been slightly roasted for a more seasonal option…the combination of peas and asparagus would be fabulous!

If you decide to use fresh peas, just be sure to pre-cook them before adding to the skillet with the shallots and garlic. They will definitely make a difference in flavor, but I promise you won’t be disappointed with the frozen peas.

Freshly grated parmesan makes a big difference as well and don’t leave out the lemon zest. The mint option is also delicious, but I didn’t have any so used parsley. A combination of both would be tasty as well! Either way, make your grocery list because you’ll make this all season long. It’s perfect for weeknight dinner and ideal for guests. I would serve alongside a green salad and some warm crusty bread to spread some of the Burrata on. Okay, now my mouth is watering so I may have to make this again!

I haven’t been getting many comments lately and I’m not sure if you’re not liking the content or just busy, but as always, I really love to know your thoughts! I’m in contact with a company who is hopefully going to redo my website and make it more user friendly very soon! I have my first call with them on Friday and hopefully we can get started! It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited to improve Crazy Blonde Life!

Thanks so much for reading! I hope your week is off to a great start!

[crazyblondelife]

Cinq à Sept Embellished Jacket - My Newest Obsession

cinq à sept sank·ah·set sæŋk’e’set n : The time between late afternoon and early evening when streets are awash in the warm glow of the vanishing sun and anything is possible!

I love the idea of this…the warm light and the glow of that time between late afternoon and early evening…this blazer makes me feel like anything is possible! Cinq à Sept clothes are inspired by this idea and they are all so fabulous…romantic, chic and bold all at once!

This outfit feels Victorian and current at the same time…it takes me to a place in my mind that’s so romantic and dreamy! I feel amazing wearing it and that’s how clothes are supposed to make you feel! The juxtaposition of the lace and the jeans is somewhat unexpected and one that I love and wear often! I added strappy gold sandals and a gold bag to complete this look. Now…I just need to find a place to go!

I tried on several different styles of jeans before deciding on these flare jeans from Veronica Beard. I think this jacket really could be worn differently year round, but because I wanted to style it with sandals, the longer flare jean looked the best.

In the fall season, a narrow leg cropped jean would probably be great styled with this jacket and a bootie with a high block or stiletto heel and I can totally see it with a beautiful full skirt around the holidays. In spite of being specific because of the style and embellishment, I think it’s pretty versatile!

Just as a side note, the beautiful crystal glass is above is one that I found at an antique store several years ago! I only have five of these glasses but they are exquisite and I look for reasons to use them! I thought this outfit matched perfectly with the glasses and my favorite bottle of Sancerre!

Happy happy weekend! I’m so ready for some rest and relaxation, unfortunately, I don’t know how to rest and relax but being busy makes me happy so I guess I’ll just go with it!

[crazyblondelife]

It's Sandal Season!

Sandal season is fast approaching and there are so many cute styles to choose from this season at every price point!

Summer dressing is easy with one and done dresses, easy short sleeve and sleeveless blouses paired with a pair of linen pants and a great sandal, and you can easily dress up your favorite pair of jeans with a white tee and a fabulous pair of sandals!

While I love to have a selection of different color sandals in my wardrobe, this pair from Cult Gaia have been my most worn sandals ever because they go with everything and they are also very comfortable and pretty fabulous! This will be my third season wearing them and they still look brand new!

Whether you’re strolling along the beach, exploring the city streets, or attending a summer soirée, all of the sandals in this post are stylish companions. This curated list includes some of the hottest styles of the season so scroll on for the best sandals for 2024.

[crazyblondelife]

A Classic Spring Look

Happy Monday Morning! It feels like we might have finally turned the corner and will be having warmer weather and a sunny week! It’s so funny how it seems that as I get older time goes by more quickly but at the same time winter is dragging on!

I’ve been trying over the past couple of weeks to style outfits that keep me warm and also don’t look like the dead of winter! By mid-February, I’m so tired of my sweaters and coats and just want to lighten things up a bit!

I did a little shopping recently and found this fabulous denim jacket from Veronica Beard! It’s a longer length with belt loops at the waist and a Mandarine collar and I think it’s an elevated take on classic denim jacket! It seems more blazer like and dressier. This jacket goes with most everything in my closet and I’ll be wearing it often with white jeans, off white jeans, trousers, and even leather pants until the warm weather is here to stay!

And let’s just have a moment for this cute little Porsche that conveniently parked itself on the street right where I wanted to take pictures! Sometimes the stars align and things work out perfectly!

I’ve had these fabulous Gucci sandals for about 10 years now and still love them as much as I did when they were purchased! I know people buy and sell clothes, bags and shoes, but I’m not usually one to sell my things! If I love something, I know I’ll wear it again and it’s fun to pull old things out and pair them with newer pieces every season. I’m a proponent of purchasing the best quality possible and then keeping it forever. Although, I do purchase a few “fast fashion” items, the older I get, the less I want to clutter my wardrobe with things that won’t last!

I’m including a boutique below with items from this post as well as a few other springtime classic pieces! I hope you all have a great week and thanks so much for reading!

[crazyblondelife]

Pesto Chicken Bruschetta

I’m so looking forward to planting my basil and making homemade pesto this year, but luckily, I have a little left in the freezer from last year and you can also buy really good pesto so it’s easy to make this fabulous Pesto Chicken Bruschetta all year long!  

This recipe has all the flavors of summer, but I just couldn’t resist using the last little bit of pesto from last year to make this delicious dish and I’m not sorry because it did not disappoint! Since cherry tomatoes are available all year long and even better when marinated for a little while, I knew this recipe would be packed with flavor! It’s one that I’ll make over and over again and I look forward to using garden fresh tomatoes!

This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious and you can serve it right out of the oven in the casserole that it’s baked in!

Start by making a marinated tomato mixture with cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, champagne vinegar, a little lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper.  Let that mixture marinate while you prepare the chicken.

Season 4 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder and a little Rotisserie Chicken seasoning and put them in a 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes…then take them out and top with a couple of slices of fresh mozzarella and put them back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt!

When the chicken comes out of the oven, top it with the marinated tomatoes and add as much pesto as you like!  This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor!  Keep scrolling for the recipe…you’re gonna love it!

{"image":"https://i.imgur.com/w0cpnzy.png","name":"Pesto Chicken Bruschetta","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT4M","totalTime":"PT19M","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Suzanne Smith"},"recipeIngredient":["12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered","3 - 4 cloves of garlic, minced","Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste","4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil","1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar","1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice","Sliced fresh basil","4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¾ pounds)","8 slices fresh mozzarella","1 tablespoon Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning","1 teaspoon garlic powder","Salt and freshly cracked black pepper","Homemade or store bought pesto"],"recipeInstructions":["Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center position.","In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and basil. Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.","Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the garlic powder, Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning, salt and pepper over the chicken and drizzle with a little olive oil. Turn chicken breasts to coat evenly with oil and seasonings and place in a baking dish and bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, place 2 slices of fresh mozzarella on each breast. Return to the oven until the cheese melts, 2-3 minutes more.","Top the chicken with a dollop of pesto and a scoop of tomato mixture. Serve immediately."],"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Recipe"}

This recipe was inspired by The Modern Proper and when I saw it, my mouth started watering! I hope you love it as much as we did!

What kind of recipes would you like to see here on Crazy Blonde Life? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks for reading today and have a fabulous weekend!

[crazyblondelife]

Spring Possibilities - What To Do With Your Life this Spring!

By the March finally rolls around, I am ready for warm weather, sandals and dresses! I’m ready for long walks in the park with Amos, bringing fresh flowers into the house, drinking a glass of wine on the porch and everything else that comes with spring! When the flowers and trees starts to bloom and the earth is coming back to life, it seems I feel the same way! There is so much hope in the spring and possibility is everywhere…but, just in case you’re not feeling inspired quite yet, here are a few ideas for things to do this spring season! Enjoy!

Get outside and exercise! Go for a bike ride, play pickle ball or take a walk! Spring is such a gorgeous time of year and there’s just something about being in nature (and exercise) that lifts your spirits!

Clean out your closet! Go through your clothes and donate or sell anything that you don’t love or that doesn’t fit! After you’ve cleared some space, put together 10 - 15 spring outfits that you love! This way, when you’re running late, you have something ready to put on and be out the door in no time!

Be sure to update your basics! Consider getting a new short sleeve white tee, a new pair of jeans, a new pair of flat sandals and versatile sneakers that will take you through the season! Consider looking into sustainable brands that are caring for our environment! If you read my blog post on Friday, you know that Sézane is environmentally friendly company that doesn’t compromise on style! Also, for sneakers consider Veja! “Veja counts impeccable attention to detail as a signature and is known for using sustainable replacements. Veja also partners with Atelier Sans Frontières, an organisation that helps people who have been incarcerated or are otherwise struggling to find work, to employ workers to prepare orders. These sneakers are so cute, comfortable and well priced and you’ll feel good about purchasing them!

Set a beautiful spring table! Go outside and cut whatever is blooming and arrange it on your table! Pull out your best dishes and make something delicious for lunch or dinner!

One of my favorite dishes is this Garlic Honey Chicken! …it’s so delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special dinner with guests…and so easy to put together! Serve alongside my famous Coconut Rice for a dinner everyone will rave about!

Make a plate of Deviled Eggs for Easter or anytime! I made these last year and had so much fun garnishing them and putting the platter together! The red ones are pickled and my favorites, but they’re all good and almost everyone loves Deviled Eggs!

Plan a getaway! Be sure to take a look at the travel guide section of Crazy Blonde where you’ll find in-depth travel guides that will help you decide where to go, what to do, where to eat and shop and where to stay! Planning a trip ahead of time ensures that you’ll have a great time and you’ll save money if you plan in advance!

Eat with the seasons! Farmer’s Markets are filled with local produce and as it’s gets warmer, the selection improves! It’s important to support local farms because the food is fresher and healthier, you’re supporting local families, it brings the community together, it preserves small farm land, it is more environmentally friendly for a number of reasons, and it preserves genetic diversity in our food.

Here’s what’s in season this spring…artichokes, fennel, asparagus, mint, cilantro, beets, arugula, peas, radishes, carrots, celery, onions. broccoli and cauliflower.

Grab your fluffy friend if you have one and get outside for a walk! Walking is one of the best exercises you can do! It’s low impact and when you walk quickly enough it’s great cardio, plus it gives you an opportunity to be out in nature and get some fresh air! Walking Amos is something I look forward to!

I love to scent our home with candles and I change them out with the seasons! Nest has the most delicious scents and one of my favorites is the Grapefruit candle! It’s a light, fresh scent that most everyone loves! I also love the Lime Zest & Matcha and it’s perfect for the spring season!

Enjoy the boutique below that’s filled with items from this post plus a few things I’m loving!

[crazyblondelife]

Brochu Walker Early Spring 2024

“You may believe that living life to the fullest is seeing every country in the world and quitting your job on a whim and falling reclkessly in love, but it’s really just knowing how to be where your feet are. It’s learning how to take dare of yourself, how to make a home within your own skin. It’s learning how to build a simple life you are proud of. A life most fully lived is not always composed of the things that rock you awake, but those that slowly assure you it’s okay to slow down. That you don’t always have to prove yourself.. That you don’t need to fight forever, or constantly want more. That it’s okay for things to be just as they are. Little by little, you will begin to see that life can only grow outward in proportion to how stable it is inward - that if the joy is not in the little things first, the big things won’t fully find us.” ~ Brianna Wiest

Since we are finally, it seems, headed into spring, I thought the Brianna Wiest quote above would be a timely one to share. Take time to slow down, be where you are and grateful for what you have right now. There is nothing wrong with wanting more, but it will never come (at least in the way you want it to) until you can accept and be grateful for the present moment! There are so many little things that bring joy this time of the year when the world seems new again! I hope you take the time to look around and notice!

Speaking of little things…I’ve shared my love for Brochu Walker before and the Spring 2024 Collection is outstanding! I truly want every single piece! It’s casual luxury at finest and the attention to detail in this collection is amazing! These clothes are for wearing…they are comfortable, stylish and the quality is amazing!

The outfit I’m wearing here is a little unexpected in the way it’s styled because of the sneakers and I’m all in for it! I took my styling inspiration from the Brochu Walker website. Normally, I would’ve styled this skirt with heels and I actually tried, but the sneakers worked every time over the heels, I really like the contrast of the sneakers and lace skirt because it’s unexpected! I do want to find a pair of lower heels that work with this outfit because the sneakers won’t go everywhere!

The lace skirt zips up the back, is fully lined and runs true to size. It would be great styled with a white blouse and of course dressed up with different shoes. The sweater looks great with everything from white jeans to trousers and everything in between. It’s my favorite sweater of the season! I added an older bag from Loeffler Randall that matched perfectly (similar here)

I’ve been busy trying to get our home ready for Easter! Everyone will be home and we’ll have a huge Easter egg hung and then lunch! I’m really hoping for a warm sunny day!

I hope your week is off to a good start! Thanks so much for reading today!

[crazyblondelife]

Kale Caesar Salad with Chicken - It's Salad Season

When the weather begins to get warmer I start to crave salads and there’s nothing easier than a main dish salad that includes all the elements of a meal! This Kale Caesar Salad is filled with chicken, delicious homemade croutons, avocado, and lots of freshly grated Parmesan! Lemon juice and zest give it a freshness that really brings the flavors together! It may seem like this salad has lots of steps, but it really comes together easily, especially if you’ve already grilled your chicken or if you use rotisserié chicken!

If you have the time, the homemade croutons are definitely worth making because they are soooo much better than the store bought ones! This salad also holds up pretty well if you have leftovers because the kale doesn’t wilt easily, but I doubt you’ll have any leftovers at all! I know you’ll love this delicious salad as much as I do!

{"image":"https://i.imgur.com/TQIgjd5.png","name":"Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT10M","totalTime":"PT30M","yield":"6","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Suzanne Smith"},"recipeIngredient":["Salad Ingredients","5 slices sourcough bread","1/4 cup olive oil","Salt and Honey Aleppo Pepper (optional)","3 bunches curly kale","Zest of 1 lemon","1 cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese","3 grilled chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken","2 avocados, diced","Lemon Casear Dressing Ingredients","1/2 cup mayonnaise","1/4 cup lemon juice","2 generous teaspoons Dijon mustard","A splash of Worcestershire sa","1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese","1 garlic clove, minced","Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper","Olive oil"],"recipeInstructions":["Cut sourdough into bite sized pieces and toss in the olive oil. Season with a salt and Aleppo pepper. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and toast cubed bread until golden and crunchy. Remove from pan and set aside.","Remove stems from kale and tear or chop into pieces. Place in a large salad bowl.","In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until you have a creamy dressing. Adjust seasonings and add more olive oil if necessary.","Pour the dressing over the kale and massage it into the kale with your hands. Add the grilled chicken, croutons, avocado, lemon zest and Parmesan cheese to the salad! Serve with a chilled bottle of rosé and enjoy!"],"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Recipe"}

The over-the-top gorgous flowers are from a local flower farm called Rodwell Roots and I arranged them in a vase from Haand! Don’t forget to use code CRAZYBLONDELIFE for 15% off your order from Haand!

I’ve shared my salad bowl several times, but just in case you missed it, it’s from a fabulous little boutique in Richmond Virginia called Creme de la Creme! I use this bowl so often and it’s perfect for serving this salad! This size is the smaller of the two they have in stock and I really want a big one next because, my family is growing and I’m going to need a big bowl! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Please let me know if there are any recipes you would like to see here! I’m very excited about spring and cooking with fresh local ingredients!

I’m going to be cooking a lot more in the near future and I’ve been thinking about doing some cooking classes on Zoom! I’d love to know if anyone would be interested in these? I think it would be a way to show more in depth videos and explain more complicated processes! Leave a comment and let me know if you’d be interested! Thanks for reading and Happy Saturday!

[crazyblondelife]

Serious Brand Crush - Parisian Chic with Sézane

Sézane has been on my radar for a little while now, mainly because of their fabulous trench coat! I have never bought a nice trench and decided that this was the year! When I started doing a little looking around, the Sézan trench kept popping up! It’s really classically styled and would be a great basic addition to my closet! Spring is the time to wear trench coats so I’ve pulled the trigger on this one! The problem is that I want every single thing that I’ve put in this post and well…that’s just not in the budget! I’m trying to narrow my selections down to one or two and it’s so hard! I think you’ll agree that there are some fabulous things in the Sézane spring collection…it’s the ultimate French Girl Fashion! What is your favorite?

Keep scrolling because I’m linking all of these pieces in a boutique below!

When the weather starts to get warmer, I want to wear dresses and this one would be amazing with flats or with a small heel as they’ve styled it! The bag is beyond gorgeous!

The trench…classic and timeless!

These beautifully tailored trousers would be a great addition to any wardrobe!

Again the bag…gorgeous as a handbag, travel bag or beach bag!

Perfect and well priced vacation look (or anytime look)! I’m obsessed!

A sweet romantic blouse that’s perfect with jeans! The sleeves are so beautiful!

The perfect white blouse!

In my opinion you can never have too many cardigans! I would wear this one with the trousers above!

A fun and unexpected pair of pants for spring/summer!

And the top…such a great set for an outdoor party or the beach!

The color and cut of this dress…perfection!

This jacket is calling my name! It would be on heavy rotation in my closet!

When the weather turns warmer, I want to pull out fun earrings and the color of these is sooo good!

This is just a small sample of what’s on the Sézane website! Be sure to check out all of the spring collection…I think you’ll love it as much as I do! Happy Shopping!

[crazyblondelife]

Springtime Pasta - Spaghetti with Arugula & Pistachio Pesto

Several days ago I got an email from Eatily and it was all things pistachio! I noticed a jar of pistachio pesto and it sounded delicious, but it was $15 for about 6 ounces! Six ounces would definitely not be enough for a pound of pasta and I knew I could make my own and I also knew it would be better! I started looking for a recipe and most of them were made with basil which isn’t in season right now so I kept looking and found one made with arugula! I love the peppery, spicy flavor of arugula and knew it would be a fabulous combination with pistachios and…I was right! I tweaked the recipe quite a bit and came up with this recipe for Spaghetti with Arugula & Pistachio Pesto!.

Garlic is an important element of a good pesto and since it’s so healthy and delicious, I used 3 large cloves. I actually think 4 cloves would be even better, but make this recipe according to what you like. I love the combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses and I used roasted and salted pistachios. You could definitely use an unsalted nut and adjust the amount of salt you add to the final pesto sauce. The lemon juice adds just enough acidity and is also very healthy! This sauce is so lovely on pasta, but it would be fabulous added to a soup, or spread on toasted baguette slices with goat cheese. I’m sure if I sat here long enough, I could come up with many more uses, but I’ll leave that to you! My point here is…make a little extra because you’ll love this recipe and why not?

Creating beautiful table settings has become a passion for me and this one really made me happy! The tablecloth is one that I’ve had forever and was purchased at TJ Maxx! For some reason, I’ve held on to it and I’m so glad that I did because it really brought the elements of this table together. The blue serving bowl, flower vase and green plates are from Haand Pottery and so perfect for spring! I love the green pesto with the blue bowl! I really couldn’t believe how perfect the colors were! The flowers came from a local farm called Rodwell Roots and are the pink tulips truly some of the most beautiful tulips I’ve ever seen!

Don’t forget to use my code CRAZYBLONDELIFE to receive 20% off your purchase from Haand! These dishes are dishwasher safe and add such a beautiful handmade element to your table!

Keep scrolling for the recipe!

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Today, I’m teaming up with some of my influencer friends on a blog hop! I hope you’ll hop on over to their blogs and check them out! You’ll love them all including Dear Darcy by D’arcy Vandenberg, LuLu Loves 7 by Cindy Hannam, and Party Till Dawn by Dawn Parsons! Also follow them on Instagram…

D’Arcy - Darcy Vandenberg, Cindy - Lululoves7 and Dawn - PartyTilDawn

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and please leave a comment because you know how much I love your comments!