SHOP A MANO

You've all heard me talk about my talented photographer sister, Louisa.

Well, now I get to talk about her not only as a photographer, but as a boutique owner as well! She recently opened A MANO (which means "by hand" for you non-Spanish majors) and it's a shop full of gorgeous handmade works of art. Every two months a new collection of 75-100 items jump into the shop with a mix of jewelry, ceramics, scarves, leather goods, and more! What's cool is the artists are from all over the USA, and some of the items in the shop are one of a kind. 

Here are a few of my favorite items:

How cool is the chambray scarf and leather Minnesota coozie?!

So friends if you're looking for a cool gift for yourself, or a late one for your momma- check out A MANO- stuff is selling out quickly! One cool thing is that if you like any of the work that IS sold out already, there are links to all the artists listed- so you can easily check out their personal shops.

Go check out A MANO and tell me what you like.

Pretty please?

xo, lp

THE MOST REFRESHING GRAPEFRUIT GRANITA

So right around this time last year I introduced to all of you to the joy that is granita. Back then I shared a recipe for a lime basil granita...and today I'm back with a new flavor for you!

I know grapefruit is kind of a polarizing fruit- some love it, some hate it- but this granita will bring both sides together. It's refreshing and tangy- but toned down from the usual overly tart flavor!

What you'll need to make it happen:

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice (about 2 large grapefruit)

1/3 cup pulp from the grapefruit

3 cups water

3/4 cup granulated sugar

9x13 pan- glass or metal

red food coloring (optional)

mint to garnish

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Squeeze those grapefruit, discarding of any seeds along the way. Leave in as much of the pulp in as you want- but I used about 1/3 cup. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix your sugar and water in a saucepan, stirring occasionally as you bring it to a boil. Let simmer for a minute and take off the heat to cool.

Step 3: After your sugar mixture cools, stir in your grapefruit juice and pulp- and if you're looking for a brighter pink, add 3 drops of red food coloring as well.

Step 4: Set in the freezer to cool in your 9x13 pan. After the top has started freezing, scrape with a fork. Continue this every half hour until the mixture is fully frozen. 

Step 5: You know you've done it right when you have perfect, icy crystals!

Scrape away! 

 Add a bit of mint!

 There you have it- easy, delicious- and so dang refreshing you won't even believe it. I know this summer I'll be making this stuff in just about every flavor! Oh - and if you like to have a little more fun- add some tequila and you have yourself one delicious grapefruit margarita slushy :)

Are you a grapefruit lover or hater?

Either way, you might need to try this recipe..it could change your mind! 

xo, lp

**Oh, and you're gonna need to go and get these Anthropologie gold dot fabric napkins. They're on sale online right now for $5 a set, and come in a bunch of colors! Get a few sets before they're sold out! **

Love granita? Check out the lime basil version here. Love grapefruit? Then you'll have to make my grapefruit margaritas found here!

AND WE'RE BACK...

Hi, remember me?

Blogging just didn't fit into life last week, sorry for being MIA!

This means you get TWO WEEKS of updates. Hold you excitement in here team, I know you're all jacked.

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Let's start with Chicago! I was there for a day for work the other week and it was the most perfect, sunny, blue-sky day. I haven't been downtown Chicago in a year or two (which is a shame because it's so close) and forgot how much fun it is to explore. Chicago friends: Invite me to visit! I want to go back soon!

The last weekend in April we drove to Kansas for a friend's wedding. We had a great time dancing with Michael's friends from high school & getting all gussied up.There wasn't much to speak of on the drive because..well..Iowa/Missouri/Kansas are some flat, empty states. The prettiest part of the drive was the lavender fields in Kansas & Missouri. Gorgeous!!

My Prinstagram calendar came a few weeks ago and I loved the one for May 1st:

One awesome thing about my place of work is they supply bikes for anyone to use to ride from building to building or take a trip during lunch. When it FINALLY got nice out last week I took an afternoon ride with a few of my favorite ladies. Yes, all the bikes are lime green. Sweet, right?

Did you all hear about the manhunt in Wisconsin last week? If you didn't...well.. it was what it sounds like... a manhunt! For some jerk who fled from Chicago and was hiding out in Madison. He had been last seen in our neck of the woods and when we tried to get home from work we were met with a police, FBI, swat team party (read:base) blocking our street. Thankfully they found him before anyone got hurt. Whew! 

Have any of you purchased from Kate Spade Saturday yet? The shipping is fast (&free!) and the quality of the things I've seen so far is great! This black and white mug is one of my favorite purchases (oh, and yes, those anthro napkins aren't to shabby either!).

 Since I feel bad for standing you all up last week I have a great recipe, DIY, and intro to a new shop this week! 

So tell me- what did I miss last week?

Anyone have some good cinco de mayo or derby parties??

xo, lp

pssssssst: instagram lover too? find me here (&leave your handle in the comments)