Happy 4th!

{source}

Happy 4th of July Friends!

I hope you have a fun day of grilling, friends and fireworks planned as we celebrate and appreciate our great country!

Anybody have any fun, festive recipes planned for today?  I'm going to try my hand at this beautiful watermelon cake, we'll see what happens.  Funny moment at my local Trader Joe's earlier this week : I was in conversation with the TJ's employee who was ringing me up and he mentioned that he and his girlfriend had attempted this super cool watermelon cake they saw on pinterest and it was a major fail!  LOL - so we'll see.  I'll be back next week with a full report.

Wishing all a very safe and happy Independence Day!

XO


P.S. Did I mention that.......I'm suuuuper excited because I finally have a sleek new computer to call my own?? Yippee! So watch out blog!  I'm totally about to make a comeback. ;)

Home : Luxurious Laundry

I have a love/hate relationship with laundry.  

I love the feeling of fresh, clean laundry neatly tucked away in it's proper place.  I love knowing that my staples are clean, my closet is complete and stocked with essentials for the week ahead.  

On the flip side, I strongly dislike the overwhelming pile of dirty laundry that quickly overflows from our laundry basket, overtaking precious floor space in the bedroom and glaring at me each time I pass by.  I also have negative feelings towards the hike I have to take in order to clean it.  It's a job - hauling loads of heavy jeans, damp towels and sweaters up two hills, down the stairs and into the slippery laundry room {it shares space with the complex's indoor pool}!!  Laundry is already a menial task - who wants to work for it?  {Not me.}

Regardless of my feelings and emotions towards my current laundry situation, I will say that I'm guilty of drooling over beautiful photos of well kept, beautifully organized and boldly colored laundry spaces.  Laundry rooms can be so luxurious these days!  

One day I'll own a home and beautify the laundry quarters, until then here are a few photos of inspiration....

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What do you think??  Does your laundry room have a special flare to it??

Fashion Friday : Necklines that Shine

I've never been one for gaudy necklaces, but recently the bold colorful jewels that are gracing necklines have caught my eye {in a much more appealing way}.  I love the pop of color, the feminine designs and the chunky shapes.  From $18 - $200, you'll find something to fit any budget.  Go ahead - dress up that simple white button up, a plain tee or that dress that's just missing something!

{The above JCrew look alike is a fraction of the price}

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While it's hard to say I love just one, I think #8 and #10 are two of my favorites.  What do you think?  Are you a fan??

Happy Friday Friends!

Fashion Friday : Maxi Skirts

Now I've always been a fan of the ultra comfortable, uber easy maxi dress.  I have a few of them hanging in my closet.  They're great for those "I ate too much last night" days, for the girlie days, for the "I need a quick outfit" days, or the days you just want to twirl in something.  I've recently discovered the just as fabulous maxi skirt!  I do not however, own a maxi skirt but I feel I may just need to add one to my wardrobe after finding these pretty pics.  

Maxi skirts are fabulous for all of the reasons listed above + they can be accessorized a little more than a maxi dress.  Pair with long sleeves, short sleeves or a tank, add a denim jacket or a blazer, belt it, accessorize with layers of long necklaces - heels, flats, sandals, wedges - they all work!  Have fun with it!  

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Are you a fan of the maxi skirt?  Do you have one {or three} in your closet?

Happy weekend!
Lots of love....

Home : Hand Painted Walls

Have a room that's lacking that extra "pop"?  Paint it!

Paint is such an inexpensive way to transform a space and add a touch of "wow".  While giving a space a face lift through a change of color is nice, don't be afraid to think outside the box - think geometric patterns, stencils, two toned walls, or even creatively free hand something.  

Accent walls are perfect for large shapes and busy patterns, while two toned walls or faux textures are perfect for entire rooms.

Below are a few fun and creative examples of hand painted masterpieces.  Enjoy!

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Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!  

Hello Friends!

I so hope you have fun planned for today.  I have to say, it's truly an honor to be an American.  Cheesy to say, I know, but I really am so very thankful for my heritage, for my country and for all of the brave men and women who serve our country to ensure we have freedom each and every day.  So thank you.

This is my very FIRST 4th of July on the West Coast.  Boy is it dramatically different than what I'm used to.  The fourth is always celebrated with a large family barbeque and fireworks {which I believe we plan to partake in with friends here in Monterey}, but the big difference this year is I'll most likely be bundled in a hoodie as opposed to sweating it out in shorts and a tank. 

When asked to make something to bring to our get together with friends, I immediately tried to think of something cold, summery and red, white and blue {of course!}, so I was leaning towards popsicles.  But the more I thought about it, I realized it may be a bit too chilly for popsicles.  {That concept it just too weird for my brian right now.}  

So I hopped on MarthaStewart {she always has the best 4th desserts} and found this fun strawberry shortcake recipe {follow the link below}.  Not too cold, but still fruity and refreshing - perfect!  I'm going to attempt to do my own gfree version, we'll see how it goes.  If you have a great gfree shortcake recipe you want to pass along, I'd love to have it!

Strawberry Shortcake with Vanilla Whipped Cream

While I'm sad to be away from my family this year, I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful friends who have taken us in and treated us as family.  We're really looking forward to hanging out with all of them.

I'd love to hear what you have planned for the 4th, and would love to know what festive dishes you'll be making/made.

Have a wonderfully happy and safe 4th of July!

{OH!  And a shout out to my beautiful friend Jill - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  Miss you sweet friend.}

Lots of love {& fireworks}....

Fashion Friday : Flowy Summer Frocks

Friday + warm weather = the perfect opportunity to break out those summer dresses!  Whether it be a barbeque, a coffee date with a friend or a patio party - casual dresses are perfect for almost any occasion {given the sun is out}.

Light and airy, any one of these frocks would be adorable paired with bangles, long necklaces, bright sandals or shimmery flats and/or a cute clutch.  What do you think?

{I have the blue one & love it!}

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Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Fashion Friday : Nautical Prints for Summer

Hi All!

Jamie here from FashionistaMusings with your dose of Friday Fashion.

With Memorial Day behind us and the weather warming up for summer, our wardrobes become lighter and more colorful. Breathable fabrics, such as linen and cotton, and light reflecting colors allow us to enjoy the ever-rising temperatures without sweltering. Nautical Prints are the perfect combination of backyard summer Bar-B-Q meets Yacht Club chic. Classic Navy and White horizontal stripes can be paired with a wide range of colors including Red, Grey and Brown.

This Theory Striped Maxi dress with chunky wood jewelry and leather wedges paired with minimal makeup can be worn to brunch, an afternoon picnic in the park or a stroll through town. 

{Bloomingdales}

Buy a Navy and White Striped Nautical Blouse and pair with pieces from your existing wardrobe for an instant summer update! White Jeans, a Red Skirt, Blue Jean Cut-Offs… the possibilities are endless.

{FIME}

Wedges are a summer wardrobe staple. Update your current shoe collection with a pair of nautical themed wedges (such as this pair from the Jessica Simpson Collection) for a water-ready look that is feminine and crisp.      

{Jessica Simpson}

For those of you who desire to try the nautical look without jumping into the water head first, try a Sailor themed manicure. Start with Navy nailpolish. Add thin white stripes. Finish with a Red heart for the extra touch of sparkle.

{The Beauty Department}

Do you love nautical prints? If so, how are you incorporating them into your wardrobe?

Happy Weekend!

Jamie