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June 30, 2015

Fashion Favorites Under $50

 
Good Morning!  I hope everyone's week is off to a great start!  I love finding great deals on pieces that are still really cute and still really affordable.  I love Nordstrom's Trend and Junior sections to find stylish deals.  These pretties above are all under $50 and a few are under $20 and one is actually under $10 (with great reviews.)  Yes please! 
 
I also really like this tank and this one too (love the back.)  Both well priced.
 
And my go to LBD is a great deal under $50.  I have several girlfriends who also have this dress (comes in other fun colors) and they love it too.  It's one of those cuts that is flattering on so many different figures.  Happy Shopping :)
 
Have a beautiful day!
 
P.S.  I've teamed up with 17 other design bloggers to put together a $500 cash (via paypal) giveaway.  It runs through July 1st 12noon CST.  Head over to my Instagram and look for the giveaway image and instructions to enter.
 
 

June 19, 2015

Summer Home Tour Favorites

 
Hi everyone!  Yay for Friday!  Did you catch any of the Summer Home Tours that Marty organized?  It was packed with such a fabulous group and overflowed with so much inspiration.  I loved browsing through the beautiful tours soaking up ideas for my own home.  So, today I rounded up five of my favorites to share.  For a full post, you can click the link below each picture.  Get ready to be amazed!

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Life On Virginia Street

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A Thoughtful Place

Just looking at one of the pictures from these tours you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.  So, so good.
 
Hope you all have a beautiful weekend!  And wishing all the wonderful dads out there a very Happy Father's Day!
 
 
 

June 16, 2015

Summer Style

 
Hi everyone!  I hope summertime is treating you well!  We are getting lots of rain today from Tropical Storm Bill, but we were able to enjoy a few sunny days at the pool last week.  I purchased this swimsuit (top | bottom) during the Memorial Day sales and love it!  I have worn a bandeau bikini top for the last few years, so switching to a triangle top has been fun!  And of course love the stripes!  And since everything in this picture except the sunnies are from J.Crew Factory, I thought you might like to know that today J.Crew Factory has 50% off plus free shipping with the code SOSWEET. 
 
I also ordered this romper in black.  I think it will be fun to dress up or just throw on for casual occasions.
 
I've shared this dress before, but seriously such a great piece to add to your wardrobe.  $48 & so flattering!
 
And love this cute, affordable cover-up.  Reminds me of my Anthro one, but at a great price!
 
Have a beautiful day!
 
We can also keep in touch here:

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June 11, 2015

Healthy Summer Snack | Apple Cookies

 
Hi everyone!  Today I wanted to share a quick, healthy summertime snack with you.  My sister-in-law hosted a party a couple of weeks ago and made these and I loved them!  Apples topped with a few of my favorite ingredients...yes please!  They were so yummy that I decided to make a batch yesterday and they were a hit with my family too!
 
 
Apple Cookies
 
Ingredients
  • 2-3 apples
  • peanut butter
  • shaved coconut
  • sliced almonds
  • chocolate chips
Method
  1. Slice apples and then core out middle.  (In case you didn't know, like I didn't, there is such thing as an apple coring tool, found at my grocery store.  And it works wonderfully!)  I found it easier to slice the apple, then core the middle out with my new little tool. 
  2. Spread a layer of peanut butter.
  3. Sprinkle on the coconut and almonds.
  4. Top off with chocolate chips.


Seriously, so easy and so delish!  Hope you enjoy!!

Happy Summer!

We can also keep in touch here:

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June 8, 2015

Fun Canvas Totes for Summer

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Hi everyone!  How fun are these printed canvas tote bags?  So, so cute for summer!  Sometimes it's nice to have a simple canvas bag to carry your summer essentials in.  And the fact that they are so affordable really ups their cuteness factor :)  I think they would make a fun gift too.  Hard to pick a favorite, but I think the pineapple is winning for me.  Which is your favorite?  Hope you have a great day!



June 3, 2015

Summer Cocktail Recipe | Melon Sangria

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Hi everyone!  So last week I shared the new entertaining spot I created in our backyard for a small get together we hosted.  And today I'm back to share the refreshing summer cocktail recipe that I served at our outdoor gathering.  It was a hit with our group of friends and I hope you'll like it too! 

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Summer Melon Sangria

Ingredients
  • watermelon, honeydew melon & cantaloupe (about 3 cups)
  • 1 juiced lime
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 bottle (750ml) of Moscato wine
  • 1/4 cup grappa
  • 1 1/2 cups sparkling water
  • mint leaves
Method
  1. Scoop out melon balls.  I scooped out my melon the night before and refrigerated overnight.  I also put a few in the freezer to use as ice cubes.
  2. Place melon balls in large pitcher and add honey, lime juice and grappa.  Mix gently and place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
  3. Add wine and mix gently.  Add more honey or grappa to desired taste, remembering that you will top off with sparkling water before serving, so it's okay to have it a bit sweeter/stronger.  Refrigerate for 1 more hour.
  4. Before serving add ice or frozen melon balls and top off with sparkling water. 
  5. Garnish with lime slices and mint.
  6. Enjoy!
*recipe adapted from here

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Not only is this drink refreshing and delicious, but so pretty served in my tabletop pieces from Birch Lane.  It's a perfect drink for your next summer gathering.  Enjoy!  Click here to see more of this outdoor space.

*Thank you Birch Lane for sponsoring this post.

We can also keep in touch here:

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June 1, 2015

Three Year Blog Anniversary and Giveaway

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Happy June!  Can you believe it?  We are almost in full summertime mode here, as school wraps up this week, yay!  On another note, May 15th marked three years of blogging for me!  Really?  I actually didn't tell anyone about my site until sometime in June of 2012, but officially I hit the publish button for the first time on May 15, 2012.  And I'm happy to say I still love everything about blogging and this little web space of mine.  From creating, photographing, editing, and most of all the wonderful friendships I've made with you all!  So in appreciate of your readership, friendships and just good times, I've put together a little giveaway.  It's not the biggest giveaway, but it's one that involves three of my favorite things that will go to a special one of you :)

And my three favorites right now are this J.Crew statement necklace, this Francesca's Collections Summer Clutch and a $50 gift card to one of my favorite stores...Target.  The giveaway closes Sunday, June 7th at 11:59 pm CST and the winner will be announced Monday, June 8th.  You can use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

Thanks again for reading...it means so much to me.
Have a beautiful day and good luck!