Weekend Adventures // Girls Trip to PCB!

For the long Labor Day weekend, my mom, sister and I packed up our kiddos and headed south to a friend's condo on the Gulf of Mexico. Growing up, my family always went to Panama City Beach for summer vacation, so it still has a soft spot in my heart, despite some of its less desirable qualities {read: obnoxious high school/college partiers}. Since we went at the end of the season and since our condo was verrry far from the strip, it was a great place to hang out in the white sand, play in the waves and soak up some vitamin D by the pool. I really enjoyed hanging out with my nephews and chatting about their interests. My sister's oldest boy is a budding artist and told me all about the different types of pencils, coals and chalks he likes to sketch with. Her youngest told me all about what he was learning in school and about football. It was just great to be with them!

Elliot and I camped out under the umbrella on the beach and enjoyed the breeze. He also loved splashing around in the pool and dunking his older cousins. My nephews love hanging out with baby Elliot, as they call him. And they are so helpful! More than once they entertained E while I got dressed or put on makeup. It was so sweet to see the three on them playing on the floor. 

And just being with my mom and sister is restorative to my soul. I am so blessed to have them as family and to also call them my friends. It's been such a wonderful thing to share this new adventure of motherhood with both of them, but especially my sister. Talk about having a wealth of knowledge at hand - the two of them are priceless to me. 

{I am oh so smitten with this little boy, and moments such as these are priceless to me. Motherhood is a difficult journey, but one I am grateful to be on every single day.}

xoxo

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Cropped

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be purchasing a cropped top at the age of 29, I wouldn't believe you. As a child of the 80s, crop tops remind me of big hair, neon green and spandex. Not exactly the best combination. A high waist pencil skirt, swan bralet and nude platforms, however, is something completely different. Because sometimes, showing just a bit of skin is all you need to add a sexy punch to an outfit.

hooded leather jacket

rose print corset

aztec print bralet 

fluro strip bralet  

cropped cashmere cardigan

 swan cutout bralet

What are your thoughts on the cropped trend?

xoxo

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Land of the Living

Apparently living in the sticks is more challenging that I originally realized. Apparently it takes an act of Congress to set up internet, and the interstate is constantly under construction. But let me tell you, it is absolutely worth it. The evenings are incredibly quiet and peaceful, mornings on the front porch are serene, and the view rivals that of the north Georgia farms. 

 Crewcuts blouse (similar here), Target shorts & wedges, H&M necklace, Etsy clutch, vintage bracelets

In other news, I have no clue when exactly I wore this outfit, but it was most definitely a weekend. As lenient as my work wardrobe may be, I think hot pink shorts are pushing the line a bit. Nonetheless, I love them. Neon pink is the new neutral, don't you think?

xoxo

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Signs of Summer

Both winter and spring were short-lived in the South. We've un-officially moved directly into summer, with daily highs approaching ninety and brilliant blue skies filled with sunshine. And even though I know it's going to be hellacious come August {hello, southern humidity}, I'm really enjoying the warm weather and allowing some of my favorite summer traditions to creep into our weekend activities - like enjoying my favorite salad on the patio, daily walks around the neighborhood, and sparkling grapefruit beverages.

Happy summertime, y'all.

xoxo

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Seaside

This past week husband and I spent some time with my family in Seaside, Florida, and after ten weeks of non-stop work, projects, and ten plus hour days, it was definitely a welcomed change of pace. A few days of sunshine, turquoise waves and lounging on the beach was good for my soul, and I wish desperately that I had another week to spend there.

Until next year,
xoxo

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Independence Day

{image}

I've been looking forward to this long weekend for quite some time now. I'm taking the time to relax, read a stack of new fashion magazines, go on a waterfall hike, and bake something delicious.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with all the things you love.
More to come next week.

xoxo

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Summer Relish

There's nothing more relaxing than grilling out on a lazy summer afternoon. Surrounded by friends, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, just chatting while the sun goes down. It's the epitome of a southern summer. This past weekend, husband and I spiced up our chicken hot dogs with a sweet {homemade} summer relish.

one sliced avocado

a small handful of fresh pineapple, chopped

one small green onion, chopped

one tablespoon white wine vinegar

one half table spoon of olive oil

fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste

mix all ingredients together in a bowl & transfer to hot dogs

Happy grilling.

xoxo

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Flower Garden

Mixing prints is by far one of my favorite ways to spice up an outfit. Whether it's stripes with florals, dots with plaid, or stripes with random prints, the slightly mismatched result is always a gem. Although it often garners strange looks from passers-by, this outfit is one of my summer stand-bys. Besides, it's more fun to twirl in this skirt when it's paired with a floral top than when it's paired with a solid tee. It's simple physics really.

UO blouse & belt, F21 skirt & earrings, Vintage clutch & rings, Steve Madden platforms

Happy mixing.

xoxo

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Summer Sand

1, 2, 3, 4

I mentioned a while ago that my inspirations for this year's summer wardrobe are polar opposites. I'm somehow caught between bright blocks of color and warm, sandy neutrals. Given my tendency to lean toward natural, sun-kissed waves and gold embellishments, it's really no surprise that these items have fallen onto my summer radar.

1. Cross My Heart Skirt/Dress - Shopbop
2. Goldie Amanda Blouse - Topshop
3. Riddgge Wedges - Steve Madden
4. Spot Mesh Ruffle Dress - Topshop
5. Mine & Yours Dress - French Connection
6. Crochet Peridot Bikini - Anthropologie
7. Sunglasses - Forever 21
8. Laughing Gull Onepiece - Anthropologie
9. Cutout Heels - Forever 21
10. Metallurgy Necklace - Anthropologie

xoxo

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Summer Entertaining

Besides the incredible southern heat, summer also brings us endless opportunities for cookouts and entertaining. I love having people over to our apartment, and bar-b-ques are definitely one of the best ways to spend an evening. Here are some of my recent favorites for your summer entertaining.

1. Helianthus Goblet
2. Charcoal Picnic Grill
3. Leaf Pile Floor Cushion 
4. Seagrass Carafe 
5. Camps Bay Recycled Radio
6. Leap Frog Floor Cushion
7. Summer Flower Coasters 
8. Beast's Feast Bowl
9. Ice Invaders Ice Cube Tray
10. Kitchen Line Up Apron 
11. Sorrento Dinner Plates
12. Citronella Tea Lights




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Blueberry-Blackberry Crisp

One of my favorite things about summer is the vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables that it brings. From berries to zucchini to fragrant herbs, I try to incorporate seasonal produce into everything I make, but especially into desserts. It just doesn't get much better than a seasonal sweet treat.


This past weekend I took advantage of our local blueberries and blackberries and made a crisp. I used this simple recipe, and just substituted whatever berries I had to make a total of 6 cups.


The end result was the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing and paired quite wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.


What are some of your favorite summertime recipes?
xoxo


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Summer Days

dreamcatcher yellow poncho
scuba headband patio kiss


A bit of summery inspiration for your Monday.
xoxo


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Happy Memorial Day

Thank you to all who have and are currently serving in our military, and thank you to each soldier's family. Your sacrifice is great beyond words.


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rag & bone

loving these laid back summer looks from rag & bone...

see more here


images via shopbop
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dressed in black and white

as much as i love to fill these sunny summer days with florals and bright colors, there is something subtly charming about black and white. here are a few of my recent favorites that would be perfect for lunch on a patio or dressed up with killer heels for a night on the town.

click image to enlarge

{from left to right, top to bottom}

1. Alternative Apparel Diagonal Print Dress - UO
2. Rory Beca Monte Carlo Dress
3. Late Afternoon Dress - Modcloth
4. Helmut Lang Spray Ombre Dress
5. Cross Street Market Dress - Modcloth
6. Dolce Vita Juno Dress
7. Grey Striped One ShoulderDress - Thread Social

which {if any} are your favorites?
xoxo

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summer days

between the wedge heels, black cigarettes, and super flirty top, i felt like olivia newton john at the end of grease the entire time i wore this outfit. not a bad way to end the week!

thanks for bearing with me lately as i know the posts have been a bit sporadic. i have only two more weeks left of the absolute hardest year of my academic career to date. needless to say, these last two weeks are as jam-packed as possible.

don't worry too much though. i do have some things planned for you lovelies.
happy weekend.

xoxo


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