Happy Friday + Links

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Party Favors:

I'm obsessed with crop tops and this look from Atlantic-Pacific

When men experience labor pain...hilarious

Life in your early twenties vs. your late twenties

Food and drink requests from famous musicians backstage (Really Britney?)

A love note to entrepreneurs

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Things I Can't Live Without

I'm a pretty easy going person, but there are a few things I just can't live without. If you come to my apartment these are the things you will see lying around...

1. I'm literally obsessed with the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment balms. The Rose color has the perfect tint so I keep one on my dresser and in my purse at all times. 

2.  Sparkling water is a must have so La Croix are always stocked in my refrigerator. For my sister and I a straw is also necessary.

3. Obviously Trader Joes is my go-to stop for wine and this La Granja blend is a small step up from the two buck chuck at $3.99.

4. A box of chocolate Teddy Grahams will always be found in my pantry. A freshly opened box is my weakness...

5. I'm cold 99% of the time so I can't live without my down throw while sitting in my apartment.

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation

As part of my 101 in 1001 list I'm giving back each month by donating $25 to a different charity or organization. This month I'm giving back to The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation which is an organization dedicated to increasing global awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). My cousin has a daughter living with SMA so this organization hits close to home. 

Most babies with SMA are born after a normal pregnancy, are seemingly healthy, and pass all current newborn screenings. The disease is caused by an abnormal or missing gene known as the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1), which is responsible for the production of a protein essential to motor neurons. Without this protein, lower motor neurons in the spinal cord degenerate and die. As the motor neuron network breaks down, the ability of the brain to control muscles diminishes and with less control and use, muscles weaken and waste away.

I'm excited to donate to theGSF this month in order to increase awareness of SMA and accelerate research on the disease.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Evans' Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad

My sister Kelli is pretty amazing in the kitchen and loves trying new recipes each week. Many of you might remember her famous pizza sauce that I just made the other night since it's so quick and easy to make.

Today Kelli is sharing a Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad that's perfect for summer. Who doesn't love a summer salad right?!  Long days full of tireless fun always lends itself nicely to a refreshing guilt-free eat-your-heart-out kind of meal. This one, adopted from Food Network, will do just the trick.  

One of the things I love about this salad is that you can eat it right away, put it in the fridge for a while, or pack it for a picnic in the park!

Here's what you'll need:

Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad

Ingredients:

Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups rice blend
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup chopped mango
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 red jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped salted roasted peanuts

Kelli's Tips: 
I have a confession to make...  I've made this salad probably a dozen times and have never added the quinoa.  I find that the salad just doesn't need the extra flavor but if you're looking for an added protein boost or are a strict recipe follower then knock your heart out.  

Also, I love spicy food so I go for adding the whole jalapeno but if you like milder food feel free to only add half of the jalapeno.  

Directions:

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring until tender, 25 to 35 minutes (depending on the rice blend).

Meanwhile, bring a separate saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.

Drain the grains and rinse under cold water until cool; shake off the excess water.

Whisk the lime juice and zest, the peanut oil, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the rice mixture, mango, cucumber, jalapeno, scallions, cilantro and peanuts and stir to combine. Season with salt.

The best thing about this salad is you can bring it to a summer cookout and never have to worry about it spoiling in the summer sun because there is no mayo or cheese.  I promise, this salad will be your next knock-out party pleaser.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: Sharp Objects

Last fall I read Gone Girl and was completely obsessed that I honestly was staying up late each night to read the next chapter. Gone Girl was suspenseful and had me guessing till the very end (which is my favorite type of book to read). If you haven't read this book put it on your summer reading list.

Since I loved Gone Girl so much I decided to pick up another book by Gillian Flynn Sharp Objects. The story follows Camille Preaker, a young Chicago reporter, who is sent to her hometown of Wind Gap, MO to report on the story of two missing girls. I can tell you already this book has me hooked like Gone Girl and I can't wait to find out what happens (lack of sleep from reading this book might be inevitable this week).

xoxo

PS

Cheers to the Weekend + Links

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Party Favors:

Have a tissue on hand to read this daddy's letter to his little girl

Loving this wallpaper for renters

30 things every woman should know by 30 

Did you know successful people have short to-do lists?

Where can I find this beer pong arcade machine in Chicago?

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Etsy Finds

1. I'm loving this striped black & white pillow with a hint of gold for the living room or bedroom.

2. These teeny tiny mint green studs are just perfect for day or night.

3. This photograph print would look amazing in a gallery wall.

4. Add this fun leather tassel keychain to your keys, purse or luggage.

5. A clutch made of metallic linen and leather is ideal for summer.

xoxo

PS