I'm going gaga over the newest additions to RabLabs' already breathtakingly beautiful line-up of home decor. I am especially drooling over that stunner of a lamp and candle sticks. Drool. Sonny and Cher had it right all along when they belted out their love ballad "Agate you, babe." Thank you, thank you. I believe that fills my stupid joke quota for the day.

I'm jetting off to the West Coast today to get wild in celebration of my best pal's upcoming wedding, and I am literally jumping for joy that I get to see my college girlfriends. I miss them all like woah, and reunions are always super fun. Though the whole point is to shower the bride-to-be with jaw-droppingly sassy gifts for the honeymoon, I'm curious what type of 'souvenier' I'll come back with this time. Last time I flew out to visit them all, I came back to Texas with a raging addiction to seaweed snacks (thanks, Kristin). Seriously. Seaweed snacks. How weird are we???

I am pretty useless when it comes to styling my hair (though I have recently mastered beachy waves....booyakasha), but this simple messy updo is basically fool-proof and, therefore, my new go-to now that it's heating up here in Austin.

To get the look:

1. Loosely part hair into two sections - the looser in the back, the better. Try not to have a really hard part line in the back of your head.
2. Braid the two sections however you like - regular or fishtail would both look great.
3. Bring one braid across the back of your head, and then curve it back around. Tuck in the loose ends, and pin. Repeat on the other side, positioning the second braid over the other one and tucking in the end under the first braid.
4. Pop in a few extra pins to make sure it's secure, and you are good to go!

That's it. It's basically milkmaid braids, but reversed. So easy, even a caveman could do it.

A snapshot from the weekend. Just me and my jewelry (or as I like to say, "mah jooree"). Ain't nothin' coming between us. Most of the goodies I'm wearing I scored at flea markets, thrift shops or "borrowed" from my mom...but luckily, fashion goes in cycles and there are some similar all-star stand-ins begging to be on your fingers, wrists and neck. #1 and #2 in particular are eerily similar to what I'm rockin' in these pics. Oh, and #4 is on mega-clearance...those three pave and gold bangles clock in at $22. Heck yes.

Prior to hearing the gospel according to SPF 45, I absolutely murdered my skin in the sun. My super fair skin is riddled with zillions of little sunspots and freckles, and is pretty splotchy. I basically look like a mole-covered pink-hued ghost 24/7. I kid you not...John snapped one picture of me on our honeymoon where I literally look like a freckled member of the Volturi (the hideous bleach blonde highlights I got for our wedding did jack squat to combat that likeness). I'm surprised the locals weren't all "Leyak is back!!! Aggghhhhhh!!! Run! RUN!"

Springtime pastels punctuated with smokey gray and girly pops of pink (in any shade...but I'm particularly loving light and bright hues). Is there a color palette more pretty? I think not.

My shutterbug self went a little hog wild (get it? because there was a potbelly pig there...har har har). Click the link below to check out all my photos from the event!

Surprisingly light and airy, these homemade donuts made with canned biscuit dough were the dessert du jour for the last leg of our trip in Florida. Now, I have to give credit where credit is due....so let's give a round of applause to my mom-in-law for whipping these churro-flavored donuts up.

Now let's give her a thumbs down for introducing me to these little diet devils. I feel like I just took a bite from the fruit of the Tree Of Knowledge. Why, Lolly....WHY??? If you make these, you'll 100% be asking me the same question. I apologize in advance.

Directions

After a full day of icky airports and listening to wailing babies bust a lung on the plane (as much as I'd prefer my ears to be filled with Bob Marley and The Wailers for 4 hours, I really do sympathize on this one), waking up to this scene is literally my idea of bliss. Click the link below to get the full scoop on our FL adventures!

What are these? These are a trio of dipping sauces that are extremely delicious when paired with those magical little globes of green. I don't have a particular recipe for any of these since I usually eyeball it, and keep adding this or that until it tastes right. Luckily, they are pretty darn near impossible to mess up...so that adds some bonus points in an otherwise vague recipe post. ;)

Dipping Sauce #1: Balsamic Mayo

Whisk together mayo made with olive oil, a little non-fat Greek Yogurt to cut the fat, and balsamic vinegar. Transfer into small bowl.

Dipping Sauce #2: Melted Butter

Get the best quality butter possible. Melt butter in a sauce pan or microwave...which ever you fancy. Pour into small bowl.

Dipping Sauce #3: Vinaigrette

In a covered jar, pour in extra virgin olive oil, balsamic (or red wine or champagne) vinegar, spicy mustard with the seeds in it, salt, pepper - and if you want to get fancy - fresh herbs like tarragon and oregano. Shake well until incorporated, and pour into small bowl.

Well that was easy. Now go make these, eat an artichoke, and tell me which is your favorite (or your go-to dip).