bikinis to fit any body

Spring is in the air, and in Arizona, that means summer {and bikini season} is not that far behind. 

I've struggled with finding bikinis that fit my shape - and more specifically, my bust. I envy those girls who can walk around in itty bitty string bikinis without a care in the world. I strap one of those babies on and the outcome borders on vulgar. 

Suffice it to say, while most people find bathing suit shopping difficult, I find it always unpleasant and disappointing...until now. 

Freya offers bra-sized tops! I picked up this style and am completely in love.

Ok, ok. Sure there are plenty of places that offer bra sizing, but these bathing suits from Freya offer sizes from C to GG. And they're adorable!

Find more styles here. 

all images via amazon.

 

fondant and f&b

On Wednesday, Jenny and I met up for a fondant decorating class {remember our baking day and our holiday cookie/cupcake decorating class} at Icing on My Cake in Scottsdale. It was the first time either one of us had worked with fondant, and I have to say, I think our cakes looked amazing.

~jenny's sunny yellow theme~

~mine: lavender and white~

Afterwards, we met up with one of Jenny's friends for a luxuriously long dinner at FnB Restaurant in Scottsdale. The food is delicious and uses seasonal ingredients from lots of local sources. I highly suggest making a reservation {the place was packed - and it was a Wednesday!} for the bar where you get to see chef Charleen and her crew in action.

Our conversation and spread of food and wine was so engaging I didn't even think to take photos of all the deliciousness that was happening. I did, however, have to capture the sweets that capped off the most amazing meal.

~caramel pudding~

~flourless chocolate cake with housemade vanilla ice cream and huckleberries~

a view from the {semi} top

Our new house is nestled in the foothills of our community, which means we have access to some really great hiking trails. In fact, there's a trail head two houses down so there is really no excuse not to get moving up the mountain.

So when I wasn't able to sleep in on this past sunny Sunday morning {don't you just hate that?}, I filled up my CamelBak, clipped on my iPod and started on a little hike. My effort was rewarded with some gorgeous views and friendly exchanges with other hikers and their pups.

This weekend, I plan to go a little further and see what's at the top of the next peak. Care to join me?

sugar fix | rosy red velvet

Currently dreaming of a red velvet cupcake adorned with a ruby red rose petal from Something Sweet.

wedded bliss

You are just going to die when you see the images from Amy's amazing wedding, so I won't keep you waiting with a verbose introduction. On to the photos!

a surprise, personalized mrs. vericker hanger

prepping the ceremony site

guest book of wishes

some of the hundreds of handmade flowers painstakingly created by Amy's lovely mother, Renee

a dessert buffet in the making

pick your poison

so many good ideas

the handsome husband-to-be

groomsmen tying raffia bows

setting up the snack bar

centerpiece pefection

signature cocktail

cutting the {bundt} cake

family dance

 the keeper of the garter belt

groomsmen {plus two}

and they lived happily ever after

photos from the week

As is usual these days, my week was hectic. I spent the first two days in Phoenix before hoping a plane to Houston for an event at the end of the week. Everything went smoothly, but I was up for nearly 48 hours straight. Saturday, I spent some time with my mom and Stephanie doing some wedding stuff, and I used Sunday to rest with a bit of yoga, some much-needed loads of laundry and a 90-minute massage.

Here are some images from the week...

childhood easter memories

When I was little, my community's Jaycees Club would put on an annual Easter parade. I would usually walk - or ride on a float - in the parade as either part of my church or my Girl Scouts troop. Either way, I enjoyed tossing candy to the other kids.

I found out that this year the parade celebrated its 35th anniversary and is now sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. I think it's so cool that this tradition continues.

When I stopped by my parent's place to spend some time with my mom, I saw their new neighbors were planning to participate.

orange blossoms

It's one of my favorite times of year here in the desert. It's springtime and the temperatures are perfect, the days are getting longer and a sense of renewal is in the air.

When I was little, my parents would take me down the street from our house to an orange grove filled with hundreds of delicious-smelling trees. We would get out and walk around, hoping to see one of the many peacocks that called the grove their home.

I still love the scent of orange blossoms. Luckily, there is a street not far from me where I can soak up the heady scent.

When it's not blossom season, there are two products that bring the scent I love straight to my house.

This Jo Malone candle is a luxurious indulgence, but it smells amazing.

More accessible is Trader Joe's French Liquid Soap in Orange Blossom Honey. Delicious!

seasonal musts | patio dining

Another must - especially in the spring here in the desert - is patio dining. And we've got some great patios. One of my favorites is Cibo in downtown Phoenix. It's located in a converted historic home and has the most. amazing. patio. Seriously, it's perfect. The brick patio is surrounded by bistro lights, shrubs and gorgeous trees. There are heaters for cooler weather, but springtime dining is my personal favorite.

Everyone I take here or suggest dine here falls in love. Pizzas, salads, sandwiches, dessert...no matter what you order, you can't go wrong. And on Tuesday and Wednesday, they offer a special pasta dish {or two} - always made with homemade pasta and always worth a try.

I spent a breezy spring evening here with one of my dearest friends, Diana, sharing wine, stories and yummy food.

~sunset on the way to dinner~

~wine while you wait~

~welcoming home~

~salad, bread and wine~

I wish I had more photos, but the conversation was just too good to remember to take shots. Suffice it to say, if you come to Phoenix, swing by Cibo for delicious food.

friday faves

Happy Friday! 
Here are a few things that made me happy this week.

pink moka pot for yummy morning coffee or iced caramel macchiatos. 

 fresh mozzarella, local tomato and basil sandwiches from pane bianco. with a mexican coke.

student art at my favorite yoga studio. 

hawaiian-style beverages. lava flow and something equally fruity and delicious.