Prayers for Boston

There are no words, just sadness. Sending love and prayers to Boston.

source

A Little Color Never Hurts

So as I'm out and about on the hunt for my first house, I've noticed an interesting trend... I seem to like any house that has a bright front door! It's just so happy!

Well, in continuation of that theme, I also think bringing a little color inside is the key to a happy home! You know I've talked about it a bit here, here and here, but of course there's more...

A little color goes a long way! These cute side tables pack a punch. 

green / red / yellow / blue

I'll take one of each. Please and thank you!

Friday 5: Picnics and Pastels

I'm going to start a new series here on ella.bella.bea&flo called "Friday 5." Each week I will post 5 things that have caught my eye over the past week. There is no telling where this will go since you can already tell it's a little of this -- a little of that kinda thing!

So off we go!

1. I think I need this cute mini pitcher from anthro. Wouldn't it be darling with some fresh flowers in it or used to serve your favorite house guest fresh juice for breakfast in bed? {petite pitcher $24}
2. Can J.Crew can do bad jewelry? Seriously, I'll take one of everything... but since that is not in my budget, I think I'll add this gem for now! {bracelet $27}
3. Picnic anyone? I'll bring the bubbly in this cute little carrier! {champagne tote $98}
4. Spring has finally sprung! And please be here to stay this time! It's time to brighten up my polish and this new Essie shade is right up my alley! {"under where?" polish $8}
5. And since I'm gonna pretty up my little piggies with said nail polish, I think I'll add these sandals to the top of my shopping list. {Sam Edelman $120}

Frumpy to Fancy Again!

So remember when I updated a basic $6 sweatshirt to go from frumpy to fancy?

Well there is just something I love about a simple grey sweatshirt and I think it's time I update another! Here are a couple of cute options I am considering:

stitched to perfection

beauty in the back

I'm thinking using a wide ribbon for option 2 would be really cute!

Mix It Like You Mean It

Meet Mia the Mixer:

I have recently become the proud owner of this beauty! Thanks MOM! She has been on my wishlist for quite a while {Mia, not my Mom... haha}, but just hadn't taken the plunge to purchase... boy was I missing out! 

Here are just a few recipes that I've tried {once. twice. THREE times or MORE}:

1. Cookies 'n Cream cake and frosting
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Brownies
• Sidenote: the recipe linked here calls to use the pre-made/store-bought puppy chow... I'd actually recommend making the real stuff! It's soooo much better than the bagged version!
3. Cookie Dough Brownie Bars
• I really don't know what to call this heavenly creation... it's an Oreo cookie crust with a cookie dough and brownie filling, topped with a chocolate ganache. Lots of steps, but so worth it! 

Anyone else out there holding out on purchasing one of these babies because the price tag is a bit scary? If you enjoy baking, it's so very worth it! Makes my recipes a breeze and saves my arm from feeling like it is going to fall off! I'd say one of the hardest parts of purchasing is committing to a color... that sounds crazy, but it's true! I was tempted to go with a neutral color like a slate or pewter since I don't have my real kitchen yet and don't know what color it will be, but I later realized no matter when it is that I commit to a kitchen, it will definitely be colorful, so why not start with a great color for Mia the Mixer. And yes, I named my mixer. Don't judge... I feel like she's family since we've already spent so much time together. I name my cars, too. I'm cool like that.

Splurge or Save: Eyelet Skirt

On one of my recent work trips {that helped lead to my accidental blog break}, I hit up a new favorite city of mine -- San Francisco. Besides squeezing in a couple of touristy stops, I also did a little shopping. {By the way, I'd totally recommend making time for Alcatraz if you are planning a trip to San Fran... I usually shy away from tours and tourist activities in general, but it was really cool}. 

Anywho, back to my shopping outing... I not only stumbled upon some great local boutiques, but I checked out the San Francisco version of a couple of my usual stops: Nordy, Gap, J.Crew, Forever 21, H&M, etc. Why do I spend precious vaca time in stores I have at home? Well, it's been my experience that the bigger cities have a bigger and better selection than our stores sometimes have here in KC. And on top of that, with traveling so much, I really haven't had a ton of time to shop in KC anyway, so I'll take my stores wherever I can get them!

So, while in San Fran, I picked up a cute little eyelet skirt from Forever 21. I was impressed with the great quality and cute coral color {the color is much more pinky-melon than this pic below shows}. It was a perfect addition to my spring work and/or play wardrobe. Shortly after I brought it home, I spotted an almost identical style at the J. Crew Factory Store in a fab red color! L.O.V.E the RED! Had I not already bought the F21 version, little red would have for sure been coming home with me!

Splurge {$79.50} or Save {$19.80}

So you already know which way I went on this debate, but what would you do???

Blog Break by Accident

Well shoot! I took a blog break by complete accident! Bummer!

No excuses, my friends... life just got in the way. Between tons of travel for work over the past few months, fun times with friends and general life happenings, the blog went on hiatus. BUT I am back! There are exciting things coming up as my life continues to ebb&flo and I can't wait to share what comes next. 

Big thing on my to-do list these days? I'm on the house hunt! I've decided it's a good time in my life to make the switch from renting to owning. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the process. I'm looking for a little gem with lots of charm and character. Something that needs a little tlc and lots of room for style.

Besides all of that, I am re-commiting myself to this little happy place. I truly started this blog to keep my creative juices flowing and I've definitely noticed myself in a bit of rut without it. ella.bella.bea&flo is a dream for me and I have big plans for where I hope to see it go in the future! Come along with me! Cans and plans, here we come...

Oh... and by the way, HAPPY 100th POST! Can't believe how quickly this little milestone popped up for us! Here's to many more milestones to come! CHEERS! xoxo