cheers

I love hosting. I think I got the hostess bug from my mama, and ever since moving out of my parents' house years ago it has only grown. For the last nine months I've been living with a family as part of my internship, and since I didn't have my own space, I wasn't able to host parties anymore, which was so hard! I just love making things extra special so that everyone feels like I really care for them. It's just so fun. Now that I have a place to myself again, temporary though it is, I've been itching to host a party again! 

My best friend is exploring Australia for a year, so I of course jumped at the chance to host a going-away party! We decided to make it American themed, since he's leaving the states..all the way down to USA decor, homemade pies, patriotic cupcakes, and a good ol' fashioned BBQ. We had full bellies & full hearts as we went around sharing our favorite memories of Mikey, toasting to him over and over. The amount of times we toasted to him is a testament to what a guy he is--cheers, Mikey! 

I'm hoping I get to visit him in Melbourne--how fun would that be? Where my Melbourne bloggers at??

ps: romper, vest, & necklace from forever21

follow c'est la belle vie on bloglovin'!

I know you guys have probably heard this a million times in the last month, but Google Reader is officially donezo as of the first. This blog is also going to be changin', growin', & altogether getting more fun, more creative, and just straight-up better in the next few months, so I'd love for you to keep following along! To do so, follow me on bloglovin' if you don't already. I have lots of scheming happening behind the scenes right now that I can't wait to share. See you on bloglovin'! xo. 

a space to create

Last week I wrote a collection of poetry. It was the first significant amount of writing I've done in about a year, and it was important for many reasons. Furthermore it was an exhilarating, painful, and terribly honest process. I'm the type that must be in a peaceful, natural-lit, clean place to create, and I also have an irreversible need to have a drink in my hand in order to write. This is the space I created last week--more on what came out of this space, soon. xo.  

a little America, a little early

It's not the fourth yet, but I am spending the day preparing for an American themed going-away party for my best friend who is leaving for Australia for a whole year (!) so I can't help feeling a little patriotic. I bought this dress for church on the East Coast during my volunteer trip--and it's kind of my favorite thing right now. So easy, so simple, so classic. Worn with sandals, a pop of red, more blue & white stripes on the hat..tres Americaine. Oui? I may or may not also own an American flag bikini, flag shorts, and a stars & stripes denim vest...but that's a whole different conversation. 

ps: rumor has it that gfc will soon be no more. follow me on bloglovin'!

blueberry scones with lemon glaze

After making a dessert for a party last week, I found myself with some leftover blueberries. Every time I opened my refrigerator, there they were, gleaming at me with all their potential, just wishing to be made into something warm and delicious. I went back and forth for a few days: muffins with a crumb topping? pancakes? Perhaps simply throw them into a smoothie? Then, it came to me: scones. duh. Why would I put them in anything else? Homemade scones are the best breakfast of all. 

I also happened to have a surplus of lemons, so when I found a Food Network recipe for blueberry scones with lemon glaze, it was basically fate. I mixed these up while sipping morning coffee & listening to Ben Harper, on one of the first free mornings I had after finishing my internship. So good. 

I served them warm, with the glaze just poured on, with bacon & eggs & sunshine. These are moist, bursting with fresh blueberries, with just the right amount of citrus kick. Next time you have extra blueberries in your fridge, or out-of-town friends staying with you, bake these for a special brunch. Recipe here.

What's your sweet brunch item of choice? Leave your favorite recipe--I'm on a brunch spree. xo! 

Angela added some adorable new pieces to the shop this week--come & see! happy Sunday! xo. 

local goods: Gypsies and Ginger Snaps

Sometimes the best things in life are the things you stumble onto. Like the friend you meet in the most unexpected place, the amazing restaurant you find after getting lost in the middle of nowhere, the guy you meet after swearing you'll be single for a while....etc etc. Or sometimes, you're walking with a friend and you see the sign above on the street, wander into an alley, and find the most adorable shop you've ever seen. 

After an unsuccessful thrifting trip, my lovely friend Megan & I happened upon local shop Gypsies and Ginger Snaps and basically died of cuteness. They have everything from dresses, jewelry, and shoes to tiny animal figurines, candles, purses, sassy decor, and even espresso. Basically, the essentials. Some vintage, some new, and some in-between. The dream of owning a vintage & handmade shop is always humming in the back of my mind & perusing Gypsies and Ginger Snaps made that hum just a l-i-i-ittle bit louder. 

I picked out a few precious little things for a loved one, but in case she reads this, I'll keep them a secret. 

If you are in the Bellingham area, you must pop in to this shop. Bring a friend to ooh & aah over the items with--and, it is conveniently located right next to the Honey Moon, so you can wander over for happy hour after. Best. Day. Ever.