Encased

{open spaces - domino}

One of my recent weekend projects has revolved around finding a home for our extensive (and growing) collection of books. I settled upon two identical white bookshelves framing our fireplace so as to have a built-in look. This coming weekend will be the real challenge, however, as I try to organize the shelves and create unique snapshots of our adventures and travels. The rooms below have key characteristics that I'm using as inspiration for our home.

{painted background - source unknown}

{color coded + jars}

{shades of grwy}

xoxo

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Pretty in Pink

It's that time of year again when we all begin looking forward to crisp fall days and the new wardrobe options that they promise. Unfortunately, the southern summer heat will make you sweat just thinking about tweed or sweaters. As much as I long to pull out my favorite fall pieces, I'm trying to make due with what recently seems like an uninspiring summer wardrobe. Luckily, this dress never fails to shine through. The watercolor print and silky fabric pair equally well with long fall sweaters and breezy summer layers.

UO dress, H&M top, Anthropologie necklace, vintage belt, gifted clutch, Dolce Vita for Target wedges, Revlon Vixen polish + glitter

What are you doing to combat the late summer blues?

xoxo

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Weekend Adventure No. 26: Kayaking the Nantahala River

Not too long ago I mentioned how I wanted to live life with a fearless attitude. Included in that transformation was beginning to do more things that scare me -- presenting my research to well-established and accomplished professionals, completing a medical mission trip outside of the states, taking more {calculated} risks and experiencing new things, just to name a few. Recently, I was able to get my feet wet {see what I did there?} with this new fearless attitude by maneuvering a kayak through class three rapids {with no prior paddling experience, mind you}... solo.

Husband and I spent last Saturday on the Nantahala River, and while I was more than a bit scared at times, it was well worth the anxiety. In fact, we have a return trip planned for Labor Day weekend!

Happy paddling.
xoxo

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Tequila Sunrise

Anna Sui for Target top, F21 skirt & earrings, Steve Madden platforms, vintage bracelet & clutch

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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Oceanfront

Although it's never ideal to have stormy weather on vacation, I often welcome one day of overcast skies during a beach trip. I love spending the day in local coffee shops reading magazines, trying out local cuisine, and meandering through book stores and record stores. And that's exactly what we did on vacation last week when we woke up to gray skies. Because really, rainy beach days are best spent wandering around seaside towns beside the one person you can always have fun with.

Crewcuts blouse, Target tank, bandeau & wedges, J. Crew shorts, UO & J.Crew jewelry, vintage rings & sunnies, Charming Charlie's bag

xoxo

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Lots of Little Blessings

When life seems to move quickly and our days become overbooked, it's easy to focus on all of the stress and business and lose sight of what's really important. This week marks the end of my second rotation (out of eight), and a mere eight months until I graduate pharmacy school. I've said before that my days are incredibly full and incredibly long, but I'm trying not to succumb to the tunnel-vision mentality. {You know, the one where you just plug along through the days just trying to survive until you reach your ultimate goal.} Here are more than five things that have been maintaining my sanity making me happy over the last couple weeks.

{Muesli bread recipe here}

What is currently making you happy?
xoxo

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Invested

One of the challenges I face during the summer is finding a way to consolidate my love of layering with the oppressive southern heat. And since isolating myself in air conditioned spaces and refusing to step foot outside isn't exactly an option, here are some of my current favorites for summer layering.

Clockwise from top left:

Crochet Waistcoat - Topshop

Red Scribble Spot Vest - Topshop

Vest of the Rest - Modcloth

Flak Trench Vest - J. Crew

My Vest Friend - Modcloth

Knitted Crochet Vest - Topshop

Gold Sequin Vest - Topshop

Metallic Sleeveless Jacket - YSL

Happy {summer} layering.

xoxo

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Keeping it Casual

Since my weeks are now full of dress pants, deadlines, white coats and presentations, my weekend outfits have been trending on the casual side. This past weekend I basically lived in this oh-so-soft-and-comfortable jersey dress that worked equally well for daytime errand running and for late afternoon dates.

Heritage 1981 dress, Anthropologie & UO necklaces, F21 bracelet, AE hat, Steve Madden platforms, Essie Eternal Optimist polish

xoxo

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Muesli Bread

Not too long ago I mentioned that I was on the hunt for new cookbooks with paleo and gluten free recipes. I finally settled on these two and have been devouring each of them for new recipes to share with you. The muesli bread from this book, however, is by far a favorite new addition to my almond flour repertoire. It's gluten-free, sugar-free and chock full of fiber, protein and antioxidants. I like it slightly toasted with a bit of organic butter or goat cheese on top.

Also, feel free to substitute other dried fruits and nuts to suit your individual tastes. I plan on adapting the recipe to make cinnamon raisin bread this fall.


Happy baking.
xoxo

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Leisurely

A glimpse into our July fourth weekend in the mountains...

Porch swings, rainstorms and waterfalls, delicious meals, wonderful friends, and a whole lot of fun.

xoxo

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American Woman

This particular outfit was unintentionally festive, since the combination of red and turquoise is appropriate all year long in my book. Unfortunately, however, I didn't wear this on Independence Day. In fact, I spent the entire day clad in a blue cotton romper with minimal makeup and natural waves. No flat irons or mascara required.

The Loft blouse, H&M trousers & necklace, vintage bracelets, UO belt, Dolce Vita for Target wedges

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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Weekending

Here's a small peek at my past week and weekend. It's been busily uneventful as I've been scraping together my research abstract for this clinical conference, working long days at the hospital, attempting to stretch tightened joints, researching paleo recipes to share with you, and trying not to lose focus on the here and now.

My time is stretched farther than I thought possible, and I find myself desperately seeking the comfort of a book, the companionship of a cup of tea, or the company of sweet friends.

xoxo

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Unplugged

While I recognize that this is a bizarre thing for a part-time blogger to say, lately I've needed a break from the social media scene. I love reading your comments here and catching up with each of your individual blogs, and I'm not going anywhere, but sometimes I need to get away. It's too easy to get caught up in all the glitz and gold and "what-do-I-need-to-buy-to-look-like-her?" and feel more than a bit overwhelmed and under-glamorous. {We've all been there.}

My friend Lesley got it right
{image}

Happy weekend.
xoxo

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