Two-lle Sisters

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When I was a little girl my parents would reiterate over and over that one day, when my sister Mandi and I grew up, we would be friends.

I felt that was about as likely as finding a yellow brick road outside of our house.

And believe me… I looked.

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We are four years apart. The same amount of time that separates my own two children. But it must have been a gender thing. Or a personality thing. Either way we could barely be in the same room together growing up.

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But grow up, we did.

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And my parents were right.

Don’t ever, ever tell them that I said so, though.

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Because having a sister is the best thing ever. I love Mandi with all of my heart.

Although there is one thing that is irksome. Her hair. It is naturally that color and I have to dye mine. Sigh. Lucky girl.

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But editing these pictures was the most difficult task I have had with this blog yet. It is hard enough getting a good enough picture to post on the internet of one person, but two people? Impossible.

I love the picture of my sister here. Me? Not so much.

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But isn’t that what being sisters is all about? Teaching one to be less selfish. To think of others. To learn to share.

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Nah. It’s about having an insane amount of fun.

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We could not stop laughing at these gnomes. She mentioned somethin’ about their looks. It had me in hysterics. It was a very unprofessional photo shoot.

Did I say we grew up? Scratch that.

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The cameraman was second guessing his marital partner choice “career” choice.

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Thanks Mandi for taking pictures with me! I love you! And hey, I am missing my pink gnome. I don’t suppose you know anything about that… Just kidding. I think it ran away. Too much sisterly love… Or gnome jokes.

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Do you have siblings? Do they make you laugh like nobody else? Isn’t it wonderful?

Outfit details:

On me: Free People Tutti Fruitti Slip (sold out, similar here and previously worn here), Anthropologie Pullover, vintage boots, Anthropologie earrings, World Market Bracelet

On Mandi: Anthropologie Puckered Placket Turtleneck (old), BCBG tulle Skirt (sold out, similar here), Black Fringe Booties, Anthropologie Bracelet

Grungy Summer

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I’m old enough to remember flannel being popular and then fading away. Now it is back. I usually associate it with winter.

But this lightweight dress was such a steal at our local Nordstrom Rack for $30, regularly $148 (slightly similar dress here). I knew I could wear it in the summer and it would also carry over nicely into the winter. I cannot wait to pair this with some denim. The dress just screams for it.

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We found the coolest spot for pictures.

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I had forgotten to bring my gnome I want to have in at least one picture in each of my outfit posts. And we were far from gnome.

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So, I drew one.

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His name is Max. The ants seemed to like their new friend.

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Do you remember the grunge look? I was never into it. Still am not. But this dress has such a feminine spirit, I appreciate its roots.

Do you have a love affair with flannel?

Me, too.

Shhhhh. Don’t tell Max.

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*outfit details: shoes: Tarara Gladiator Sandals from Anthropologie. Gold cuff from Forever 21, necklace from Anthropologie, but sold out.

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

Lemon Sopapilla Cheesecake

Have you ever had sopapilla cheesecake? It is a recipe floating around using refrigerated crescent rolls for the dough. I have an obsession with all things sopapilla. And cheesecake. Who doesn’t love that? I say, “True love does exist!”

Ingredients:

2 cans of crescent rolls (I used Trader Joe’s)
2 8 oz. packages of softened cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lemon rind

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It is so easy. You just add a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, butter and vanilla. It is basically just layer and bake, but I suggest you read the recipe. I am not posting the full directions, because I (unfortunately) am not the creator of this recipe. I just love to share things I have made with you guys.

It is delicious. I first tried the original version at bunco. I have since become obsessed.

And then, I spotted this guy on Barnes and Noodles: Lemon Sopapilla Cheesecake.

Um, hello, lover.

I made it when the kids were gone camping. I am selfish like that. If you don’t tell, I won’t either.

This was a cinch to whip up. Definitely something I would put together again. You can leave out the lemon zest for a more traditional flavor.

I cooked mine for 34 minutes.

I ate mine twenty minutes after taking it out of the oven. It was not as good refrigerated. Much better the first day!

Enjoy!