Summer Hats, Headbands and Scrunchies

Yep, you read the title right ... scrunchies are back. Maybe they're supposed to be ironic, worn only by liberal arts college freshman, paired with high waisted jean shorts and unitards. All I know is, scrunchies are risky business. Remember, a scrunchie led to the demise of Carrie and Berger's relationship in Sex & The City? Regardless: wear with caution.

If scrunchies bring back bad memories of awkward middle school dances and food getting caught in your braces, take a look at a few of my favorite other finds for this season:

The Fedora: Still going strong. Why the pout, girlfriend?

Crystal & Pearl Headband: So pretty, it makes failed attempts at a bun look like you did it that way on purpose.

 The Wide Brim Straw Hat: Love this for the beach. Perfect for hiding hangover-face and bad hair days.

 Printed Wire Tie: This one takes a little more courage, but I say why not rock it?

Easy Mexican Feasts

I live across the street from a very popular Mexican restaurant that serves very strong margaritas. When the rest of you are sleeping, I'm being woken up by crazy, belligerent, drunk conversations outside of my bedroom window. One time someone was dressed as a Smurf. (?) So, it's basically always cinco de mayo around these parts. In honor of this celebratory day, I thought I'd share some of my favorite, easy Mexican dinners.

For entertaining: 
We're huge fans of the taco tray for hosting a big group. We make two kinds of meat, and create a huge tray filled with awesome taco fix-ins - cheese, sour cream, roasted veggies ... anything you like. Note the "we" mentioned here... that's because my husband does 85% of the work while I just eat a lot of guacamole.  

If you have a crock pot, this Martha Stewart recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Tacos is so easy and delish. You can put it together early in the day, and shred the chicken right before you're ready to eat.

You can also whip up ground beef tacos and sliced grilled chorizo to add more variety to your tray. Make spanish rice, refried beans, and be sure to warm up fresh corn tortillas and taco shells in the oven before serving. 

Guacamole is also a must, obviously. This Mango Pomegranate Guacamole recipe featured on A Cup of Jo looks ah-mahzing.  

And for drinks... you must try a Paloma. They're so easy and so good. Just mix tequila, sparkling grapefruit juice and fresh squeezed lime. Rim the glass with salt. I use stemless wine glasses to serve these bad boys. If you have something important to do the next day, don't have six of them. Ok?

For a weeknight:
Have you guys had Frontera taco sauces? They're so much better than the powder packets from our childhood. I buy them at Whole Foods, but I'm sure they're sold in other places. And if you're feeling extra lazy, get a small pre-made seven layer dip and use that to top your tacos, rather than buying everything individually. I have a five month old. Give me a break.

What are your favorite festive recipes?