dear blog

 tee: H&M // jacket: relic from high school  // skirt: thrifted (see it here too) // flats: oldies but goodies

Dear Blog,

I get ashamed of you a lot.
Like today when a coworker brought up my "fashion blog." I couldn't even concentrate on what he was saying... all I could feel was the red flush creeping up my neck into my cheeks and blending into my hair in what I'm sure was an attractive look.
Later I sat on the bus feeling dumb trying to take my mind off it, and I started wondering why I felt so embarrassed.

Yes, I'm sharing little bits of life on my on the internet, which sounds crazy, but I'm not the only one out there. I'm just another member of this crazy big blogger family filled with all different kinds of people:  some people who like fashion, some who have handmade shops, some people who have kids and some who have both. Some of us are funny and some write posts that make me cry. And I like it all. Even the crazy aunts that come out of the woodwork at family reunions and say whatever they think. (I actually really like those crazy ladies because I'm not bold enough to be one.)

And I feel really blessed so many times to be in this extended and blended family of similar people who type out words for the Internet to see.

And so, dear blog, I'm going to try not to be as embarrassed anymore when someone brings you up. You are a big part of my life and I shouldn't be denying you -- or my blogger family -- by pretending that you're not.

xo, erika

linking to pleated poppy 

diy: cilantro-jalepeno limeade

Lately I've been into all things jalepeno. Slicing them into salads and tacos and most recently, adding them to drinks.

Yeah, drinks. I know it sounds bizarre, but hear me out. This drink is sweet and refreshing but has just the slightest kick at the end-- even my friends who don't love spicy things liked this drink. It's really, really that good.

And if you do make it, it's a guaranteed conversation-starter.

"You put what in here?"

"Yes, yes I did."


cilantro-jalepeno limeade

ingredients:
4 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup agave nectar
10 limes (or 5 limes and one little weird lime juice thing)
3 diced jalepenos (remove the seeds and pulp! and wash your hands after you do this...)
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
ice
tequila (optional)

directions:
- Bring the water, sugar and agave nectar to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add the diced jalepenos and chopped cilantro. Let steep for three hours (put it in the fridge once the pot is cool enough to do so.)
- Strain the liquid, removing the jalepenos and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice into the mixture, reserving one lime to dice to add to the drink
- Add a splash of something stronger -- if you want--
- Serve over ice

*original recipe found here

xo, erika

p.s. like the chalk label on the pitcher? that's a removable chalkboard label from martha stewart's new line at staples. I would recommend going and checking it out except that you may be tempted to blow some major cash on cute labels and folders and organizational stuff. I say you just might be tempted,  I mean, it's not like I know anyone who did that...

weekend wear.

I love weekends.

In fact, I already know what I want for Christmas-- a bottle of weekends, to be opened and used at any time.

I especially love summer weekends and any excuse to get gourmet icecream.

 tank: Nordstrom // sweater: thrifted // shorts: Target // shoes: Blowfish // purse: rouge + whimsy

what did you do this weekend?

xo, erika

friday finds + favorites #6

 did anyone find the middle-of-the-week vacation a little confusing? I definitely felt like Thursday was Monday, but that made today so much better when I realized it was Friday not Tuesday :)

I'm sharing some of my favorite finds and favorites from around the web and in real life. I hope you join me with a few of your favorites too. :)

>> my online loves:

these journals are a gorgeous mix of nature and geometry. via ribbonsquirrel

love these fun new bracelets from twillypop. they'll be in her shop soon but you can snag one at a discount now on her blog.

one of the most gorgeous ikea hacks. ever. love the dipped legs! via the sweet beast

i never wanted to go to finland before now. but oh my swoon-- you can watch the northern lights from these little bubble hotel rooms.

perfect hairstyle for my (often dirty) hair via the beauty department

 >> my real life loves:

a day off midweek! eating so much delicious food. summer has officially arrived in seattle! planning the rouge + whimsy tote fall line. going wakeboarding this weekend! lime- squeezed in drinks, on meat, on everything! finishing a classic book.

I'd love to see what you love! link up your post, not your blog, and please link back to me somewhere b/c it's the nice thing to do. 

xo, erika

<a href="http://rougeandwhimsy.blogspot.com/search/label/friday%20finds%20and%20favorites" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb5Pp81i8PFOkw9BVD6Cautjs6SddFofo8Veaf__E0NJD5wKVwLBSyMS3yKIveSvmK3VmUIhtZ09NcNholPq4nYFGRmGEuouzZ75L1LEdNdJCXZGQ6b8irVa9I3wz8-PhVF2Mm91uUuRO/s400/18383449009.jpg" border="0" alt="Rouge & Whimsy" /></a>  

my mint jacket

jacket: thrifted // top: nordstrom // jeans: gap // shoes: Wanted

to the previous owner of my new mint jacket:

To be honest, I don't know why you donated this trench coat to Goodwill.

I can't find any stains or rips. There really isn't anything wrong with it. It's perfect, really.

And you know what's funny? I own this exact jacket already in khaki. Except mine is a little worse for wear. I bought it 6 years ago at the Gap outlet for $20.

I bought your old jacket for $10.

Did you get tired of this coat? I get that, I really do. You see something constantly in your closet and even though there's nothing wrong with it, you just feel like you have to get rid of it.

If that's how you felt, then thank you so much. I'm so glad you got sick of it.

And if this somehow ended up in the giveaway pile by mistake-- I am so sorry. But I promise you, it has a good home with me.

xo, erika