Pure Love

We here at 11 Eureka would like to apologize for our absence and lack of posts. A few big things have made life a bit crazy lately and have tested my ability to handle stress (don't worry, I think I am passing the test). 

As you already know, Gretta is our dogter, boutique mascot and the loves of TJ and my life. It was one week ago that our crazy girl through her back out (yes, it also happens to dogs) which created her to become paralyzed in both her back legs. We instantly rushed her to the local animal hospital where she was x-rayed and admitted for the next two days. TJ  and I went home devastated. 

The next morning, we visited our little lady (pic above) and once again was sad as we left without our pup. The following day, we met the therapist and vet and decided to try aggressive therapy over the next 8 weeks. The best part of that day was the fact that we could bring her home (yay). 

Fast forward one week and Gretta is able to use 1 leg and slowly trying to move the other. We are now only 5 days from our wedding day and just praying that Gretta will be healthy enough to attend. The fact that she is an extreemly high spirited dog helps a lot, but not being able to play or simple walk around has taken a toll on her. We can not wait to witness her improvement over the next few weeks! Our lady is a trooper:)

She smiles on the car ride home from the hospital!

So sleepy.

Recipe: Cucumber Cup Salad

Ingredients: (Makes 6 to 8 cups)

1 cucumber, half used for cups and half diced (seeds removed)

1/2 c. feta cheese

1 c. diced tomatoes, colored

1/4 c. black olives, pitted and diced

1/4 small red onion, diced

2 T. olive oil

1 T. balsamic vinegar

Salt & Pepper to taste

Slice half of the cucumber into 6 or 8 1-12" pieces. With a spoon , delicately scoop out the centers but be careful to not break one side of the cups. In a bowl combine all ingredients including the rest of the cucumber. Gently spoon the mixed ingredients into the cucumber cups and plate. For taste and appearance, sprinkle drops of balsamic over each piece.

I cant describe how tasty and fun this dish was! A great option for a light lunch or a merry appetizer to bring to your friends house during a weekend shindig:) 

Music Video Tuesday

I am kind of in love with this band. My newest find that I just cant stop listening to! 

The video is simple and nothing special but listen closely to the background noises of birds chirping and insects buzzing and some how adding raw goodness to this soundtrack! I just love when the band shares a little about themselves and how they met.......it makes me feel as if someday my traveling Gypsy band could actually happen:)

Instagram Week

Another weekend had gone by and all that is left is memories and these Instagram pics we took. The Midwest weather gave us a sunny and super breezy weekend, flowers finally popped out and graced us with their beautiful blooms and house projects where completed. All in all, a super fabuloso few days were had!

If you do not follow us already, we would love to have new friends check out our 11 Eureka Instagram. 

Drink Recipe: Gin + Juice

I was introduced to the regular ol' Gin and Tonic cocktail years back when I was trying to find a better option then the Amaretto Stone Sour (a new drinkers beginner cocktail). I quickly fell in love with the clean crisp taste but lately I have become a bit bored and wanted to try and spice up this great drink. This is how the Gin and Juice concoction was created! 

2 oz gin

4 oz blood orange soda

1 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

2 grapefruit wedges

Pour the gin and the orange soda into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Squeeze the grapefruit juice on top and garnish with the grapefruit wedge (let one float in the glass). Stir with your favorite fun straw!

This drink was a success and after a few glasses of our Gin and Juice concoction, we where all laughing and toasting to our day which was filled with sun shine (about time for the Midwest)! Cheers everyone:)

Music Video Tuesday

       

If you are native to the Midwest it is no secret that we have had our fair share of rain in these last few weeks. Dark clouds, thunderstorms, and floods have made me appreciate the sunny rays of states such as Florida. This coming weekend my love is having a bachelor party in the keys and I am super jealous! Believe me, I am not one of those girls wanting a phone call check-in during his bachelor party weekend but I do want to slip into the suitcase so I can steal some sun rays!!!!

I hope you enjoy this video by Hey Marseilles and if they catch your musical ear, make sure to check out their other soundtracks (To Travels & Trunks is really great)!

Accessorize Your Head

Over the past few years I have collected a wide variety of stunning and super cool hats. My biggest problem was figuring on how to put my ensemble together without looking as if I tried too hard. 

I have collected images to help guide your way into the world of hats and have learned the secret....put your hat look together as if it was the easiest thing you have done all day and it is guaranteed to look efforetly chic (ok, honestly not guaranteed but a general rule). 

1. Skinny Jeans, Big Floppy Hat

Wear that over sized floppy hat with your hair loose and a little unkempt with your favorite skinnies. The tight fit jeans gives your big hat a more balanced appearance. Think skinny on bottom, big on top!

2. All Black to Blend

Black has been our go-to color for those days we want to hide a little extra of ourselves and this is true for hats as well. If you are new to hats and want to take it for a spin, dress your self in black with a little pop of color (so you don't look like your attending a funeral) and this will help you to not stick out like a soar thumb. 

3. California Cool

You may love the Cali vibe or hate it, but somehow every gal has acquired that favorite tee shirt and tried to pass it off as a cool fashion statement. Some of us have succeeded (I am still working on it), and some have failed miserably. Below are two photos to help you get it right. A tan hat (to blend), loose fitting tee and over sized sweater or coat. The secret is to accessorize with your nicer pieces such as jewelry, a handbag, sunglasses, or a great pair of jeans. Also, if you can safely swing it, a tan always helps!

4. Hat and Frock

This is the absolute easiest way to wear a hat on a summers day. Throw a cute frock on and grab your favorite hat to help protect your delicate skin from the suns rays. No matching required!

5. Brim and Blazer

If you are traveling or out on a day of exploration and want to dress for all of the elements, the blazer and big brimmed hat is the best option. You can easily take off a layer if needed or leave them on and look chic while you frolic around town!

6. Breezy Bohemian 

This is the trickiest of all the ensembles but looks like the easiest to copy. Beware! Putting your outfit together in a non fussy hippie chic sort of way takes some thought and time. This is the look I seek after the most and still look like the gal who got it all wrong. Ha Ha

7. Toned down Hat, Bold Clothing

Almost everyone has a single piece of clothing that is so bright and beautiful but maybe a bit too bold to wear all by its self. No one wants to look like a highlighter or walking neon sign, so add that solid colored fedora and your look becomes appropriately toned down.

HATS OFF TO YOU! Happy Earth Day:)