Peru Chapter One - Lima

I'm freshly back from an indescribably amazing trip to Peru, shared with one of my closest friends, who I call my sister - Glenys. I thought I'd like the adventure, the hiking, the mountains. I thought there was a good chance I'd enjoy the city, maybe a little shopping, perhaps some good food.

I could never have predicted how completely captivated I'd be with Peru.

I had no way to know that I'd love every single piece of it. The city, the country, the mountains - the people, the food, the flavor - all of it. (Okay, maybe not all of it - who loves a 21 hour bus ride or a ululating woman selling bus tickets when exhausted or missing showering for 3 days? Some people, I'm sure. Still, it was SO worth it.)

I took way too many photos to share at once, so I thought I'd break it up. Here's Chapter One - Lima.

{Museo Larco, Lima}

{amazing Inca jewelry}

{No, its not a pig - its a Peruvian Hairless Dog!}

If you ever find yourself in Lima, I definitely recommend this place. Its rated the number one attraction in Lima on TripAdvisor, and for good reason. Its beautiful, interesting, and informative - chocked full of fascinating 5,000 year old Incan artifacts. And the erotic gallery is certainly interesting! We really enjoyed our morning here.

Next, we took to the city. The oldest part of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

{this was entirely the officer's idea!}

{San Francisco Monastery, an amazing church including Catacombs with the remains of 25,000 people inside! Bones arranged in disturbingly perfect circles to prove it}

{te con leche, yes please}

{amazing steak dinners in our neighborhood, Miraflores}

Our first day in Lima did not disappoint. We stayed in Miraflores, an upscale-yet-touristy part of town in a cozy hotel we found for a relative steal on TripAdvisor. We collapsed into bed late that night, exhausted and happy. 

And it was only the beginning! 

Another Peru post tomorrow. 

Love, 

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Viva Peru!

This week's Etsy Round Up is coming to you is inspired by the amazing country of Peru! This post was written ahead of time, since I am in Peru right this moment. Yes, its true! All of these great items are vintage Peruvian, made in Peru, or made from Peruvian sources. I'm in love with all of them. 

Clockwise from top left:

Peruvian Opal Necklace by noblegnome
Tribal/Boho Print Shorts by KusiPeru
Vintage Alpaca Peruvian Sweater by drowsySwords
Bronze Peruvian Llamas by Fearless Dressing
Peruvian Bracelet by KusiPeru
Machu Picchu Print by MS51Photo
Multi-Purpose Small Bag by mamakuna
Sterling Silver Inca Calendar & Tumi by TravelersTreasures

More amazing Peruvian finds here: Treasury - Viva Peru.

I can't wait to fill you all in on my trip when I return!

Love,


Caitlin

Loving this Week - Future Studio Dreaming

This week I'm drawing inspiration for my dream studio space. Walls of windows, tons of flat file storage, floors that can get messy, room to spread out - all on the wish list! These spaces have it.

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I'm so inspired I want to bury myself in my little studio and paint. Or sew. Or draw. 

One day I'll find a house with a barn or cottage on the property to renovate and make my own. 

I can't wait for that. 

What does your dream studio space look like?

Love, 

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Burnt Orange, Navy, and Teal

Warming up this October morning is this amazing burnt orange, teal, and navy combination. Don't you love it? 

Clockwise from top left:

Partridges Hand Pulled Print in Teal by deebeale
Autumn Orange Bracelet by YUNILIsmiles
Beaded Teal and Orange Friendship Bracelet by ViaMinimalista
Herringbone Navy and White Pillow Cover by Bisous Rose
Navy Blue Sailing Ship Poster by Banquet
Burnt Orange Upcycled Slouch Hobo Bag by redtreedesigns
Turquoise and Navy Bow Earrings by silverliningdecor

More of this awesome color combination can be found here: Treasury - Burnt Orange, Teal, and Navy.

Love,


Caitlin

And we're off!

Today is the beginning of a very exciting adventure, a trip to Peru with my sister! 

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I can't believe this day has come. It will be incredible to lay eyes on the incredible mystery of Machu Picchu, to hike the Inca trail and see it at sunrise in all its glory. 

That is exactly what we plan to do. That and several other recommended stops in amazing Peru that are sure to knock our socks off.  

I am so excited! 

I managed to finish a few posts for you, set to fire off every few days or so. So be sure to check in, you hear? 

I promise to document the journey well. 

Love, 

Caitlin

Styled - Christian Chaize Inspired Bedroom

Have you heard of Christian Chaize? I'm a big fan thanks to 20x200. I kicked myself for not buying this print before it sold out, and his newest edition is just as amazing. Apres Grande 12 is the starting point for this eclectic, punchy bedroom space. 

1. C'Est Si Bon Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson on Etsy
2. Tramp Art Mirror from Serena and Lily
3. Apres Grande 12 by Christian Chaize via 20x200
4. Marseille Coverlet in Teal from Anthropologie
5. Herringbone Rug from Urban Outfitters
6. Natural Stump Side Table from West Elm
7. Pondicherry Bed with Nailhead Trim from Serena and Lily
8. Boho Glass Candle from Urban Outfitters
9. Cantilever Lamp from Urban Outfitters


Love,


Caitlin

Chicken Tomato Basil Pasta {with White Wine}

Oh, how I love my little tomato plant.

Its not so little anymore - its overgrown and wild and leggy, stretching out over all the surrounding plants. Its packed with green tomatoes at the moment, which makes me a bit nervous, since we've had a few nights close to freezing already. Don't worry - I tuck them in.

This recipe is a made-up-on-the-spot dinner, created from a need to use my little ripe tomatoes. Since my first batch of homemade marinara, I haven't had enough tomatoes ripe at the same time to make that recipe. I needed something a little lighter on the tomatoes but still power packed in flavor, and this pasta is the result! This is the third time I've made it and its been a huge hit each time.

Chicken Tomato Basil Pasta {with White Wine}
Total time: 45 Minutes
Serves 6

1 Onion, chopped
5 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
4-5 Chicken Breasts, sliced
10 or so small Roma Tomatoes (adjust tomato numbers if yours are larger), coarsely chopped
3/4 Cup White Wine
3/4 Cup Chicken Stock
3/4 of a 1lb package of Pasta
2 Tablespoons Capers
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano, chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped

In a large pan or wok, warm olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they soften and brown. Add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes. In another pan, cook the sliced chicken breast pieces in olive oil until crispy and brown, then set to one side. While the onions and garlic are browning, cook the pasta with a pinch of salt in a separate large pot. Deglaze the pan cooking the onions and garlic with 3/4 cup of white wine. Add the chicken, tomatoes, and 3/4 cup chicken stock to the pan, increasing the heat to medium high. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid begins to boil down. Add capers, basil, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Drain the cooked pasta, then add the pasta to the pan, tossing and stirring until all noodles are coated with sauce.

Serve and enjoy!

Love,


Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Western Retreat

This week's Etsy Round Up is full of amazing vintage treasures and western-inspired rustic goodness. This kind of space feels so right for snuggling up inside on chilly autumn evenings. 

Clockwise from Top Left:

Large 8 Point Antler Mount by OhAlbatross
Circa 1905 Navajo Blanket by VTextiles
Going Hunting - Red and Cornstalk Hand Printed Pillow by BarkDecor
Set of 2 Linen Pillow Covers by Sukan
Embrace Photograph by EyePoetryPhotography
Vintage Handwoven Basket by KingoftheBeasts
Vintage Deer Antler by GallyMoggerOddities

These awesome finds are part of a larger group, found here: Treasury - Rustic Western Retreat.

Love,


Caitlin

Styled - Shelby DiMarco Inspired Living Room

This week's Styled Post is inspired by a dreamy print by Shelby DiMarco. Its deep greens and greys served as a starting point for this earthy living space with vintage touches.

1. Animal Locomotion Plate 626 (Galloping Horse) by Eadward Muybridge via 20x200
2. Malibu Chandelier from Serena and Lily
3. Print 3 by Shelby DiMarco for Little Paper Planes
4. Hand Woven Ikat Lumbar Pillow by Sukan on Etsy
5. Rhys Chair from Anthropologie
6. Brazilian Cowhide Rug from Serena and Lily
7. Newberry Side Table from Pottery Barn
8. Vintage Books, Boxed Set from Anthropologie
9. Brass Wheat Sconces by FindingMeVintage on Etsy

Love,


Caitlin

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies {with Flax}

These cookies are heaven.
Just the right ratio of crispy and chewy, just the right amount of sweetness - and just enough healthy touches that you don't have to feel too horrible about eating 3. Or 8.
This one is my Mom's recipe, though hers uses raisins. I love them with raisins even more than with chocolate chips (who am I?!), but Jeremy and raisins don't go together, so chocolate chips it is - its a real hardship.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies {with Flax}
Total time: 30 Minutes
Makes 2 dozen

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated raw brown sugar
3/4 cup soft packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup ground flax seed
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well mixed. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and flax seed. A few large spoonfuls at a time, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, working in batches until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula in between batches. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips (or raisins) until well mixed. Place dessert spoonful sized dough balls on a greased or parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.

Fresh, warm cookies on a dreary, cold afternoon - what could be better?

Love,


Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Color Blocked Love

This week's Etsy Round Up is a group of amazing Color Blocked accessories from sellers all over the world. Saturated colors and bold textures make these finds must-haves this season. Love! 

Clockwise from top left:

Color Block Geometric Clutch by Pamplemouss on Etsy
Shoulder Duster Earrings by Kadhi on Etsy
A5 Sized Notebook with Geometric Shapes by RibbonSquirrel on Etsy
12 Hand Painted Color Block Magnets in Barcelona by CuppaColor on Etsy
Color Block Coral and Turquoise Bracelet by cdjali on Etsy
Geometric Leather Earrings by BooandBooFactory on Etsy

More amazing color block finds here - Treasury: Color Blocked Love.

*This just in - Kadhi is offering 15% off your purchase in her Etsy shop for all of you! Use discount code COLORLOVE15 at checkout. Thank you so much, Kadhi!*


Love,


Caitlin

Styled - Lulie Wallace Inspired Nursery

This week, Lulie Wallace's painting, 16x20 Margaret, was the jumping off point for this sweet baby girl's nursery. Wallace's carefree painting style and bold color combinations are very inspiring - I can see why she sells out of new paintings constantly! This space is a little bit modern, a little bit vintage, and a little bit sweet - making an eclectic space that's perfect for baby. 

1. 16x20 Margaret by Lulie Wallace
2. 11 x 14 All the Stars Print by GusAndLula on Etsy
3. Robert Abbey Delta Table Lamp in Apple from LampsPlus
4. Pair of Vintage Brass Bunny Figurines by EstateEclectic on Etsy
5. Pico Pig Pillow from Areaware
6. Danish Modern Teak Low Chest from MidCenturyMobler on Etsy
7. Crow's Feet Rug in Aqua from Land of Nod
8. Stokke Sleepi Crib in White from ModernNursery.com

Enjoy!

Love,


Caitlin