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July 24, 2012

funfetti cookies


As little kids, my sisters and I always requested funfetti cake for each of our birthdays. We still haven't really grown out of that, so this past weekend one of my sisters and I decided that we wanted funfetti. We went for funfetti cookies! We followed the recipe on the box (so easy, only three ingredients) and chose to make the cookies a little bigger (there were fewer altogether, but the ones we did have were that much more delicious!). They were surely indulgent, but needless to say, we finished them that night!







stowaways

The old week in photos... is now the new stowaways. As in the week in photos... series, this is the same series except it will be expanded on a bit. Stowaways will include the activities I was up to that week, but will also include things that inspired or excited me as well as made me happy or smile. It will be a better version of the series and renamed to be more in tune with the blog. This will be the place where all of those great photos are stored... stowaways!

This past week my grandparents visited, which is always a fun time. Their stories are always enjoyable to listen to and they are a pleasure to be around. Along with their visit, I finally went downtown this past weekend to meet up with some friends. I am now looking forward to next weekend where I will get to see some family at my cousin's wedding.

Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love. -Unknown

((cute frog salt and pepper shakers))

((making some pina coladas))

((evening outdoor fire))

((sangria weekends))

((dress I bought for next weekend's wedding- stay tuned for outfit posts from the wedding!))

outfit post- summer sweater

((Style Mint sweater, Kirkland camisole, H&M skinny jeans, Forever 21 silver-colored bangles, Nikon watch, Tiffany & Co. mesh ring, Silpada Modern Maze ring, Marc by Marc Jacobs cross-body bag, N.Y.L.A heels))

I finally went downtown this past weekend, so it was time to change out of my bikini and cover-up and pull it together. My winter staple is black skinny jeans, but the weather this past weekend was cold and rainy so I pulled them out to wear. I paired the classic skinnies with a summer sweater (see more summer sweater options here). This particular sweater is from one of my favorite online shops, Style Mint. It was indeed the perfect time to wear this thicker knit and I am excited to try it out again with a fall look!





July 15, 2012

week in photos...

This week was a typical summer week for me: work during the week and relaxing by the pool during the weekend. Days were spent in an office, but nights were spent outside enjoying the heat. We even threw in a few s'mores nights this week! This low-key weekend was essential after the fun and crazy Fourth of July celebrations of last week. Now on to Monday...

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair... - Susan Polis Schutz

((iced tea & oatmeal with yogurt- great start to the day!))

((lemon infused water to beat the heat))

((poolside = paradise))

((nighttime s'mores))

((sunday night frozen yogurt treat))

I guess it looks like this week was mostly spent eating...!

perfect summer day

There are so many fun activities to do in the summer time, but nothing is more relaxing than enjoying the day poolside. And that is precisely what I did today! Catching up on some reading, snacking, and soaking up the sun was exactly what I needed. This kind of day makes me wish that weekends were much longer and Monday's didn't have to come so soon!

((lotioning up for the day outside- Sun Bum is my favorite))

((necessary reading materials))

((crystal clear pool))

((catching up on some reading in the pool- almost done with the Fifty Shades trilogy))

((relaxing on the hammock))

((mid-day fruit break))

((skimming the new Cupcakes and Cashmere book poolside))

((ending the day with an outdoor bbq))

The Perfect Sunday!

July 14, 2012

outfit post- white dress

((Victoria's Secret dress, Merona sweater, N.Y.L.A heels, Nixon watch, Tiffany & Co. mesh ring, Silver-colored Forever 21 bangle, South Moon Under multi-colored bangles))

Before going out to a beach bar a few weekends ago, we tried to take some snapshots prior to heading out for the night. (I hope to get better backgrounds in future outfit photos...) The white dress felt very comfortable for a night by the ocean since it was casual enough with just a few details dressing it up. The black heels made the dress more appropriate for the evening (I really would have worn anything for a chance to wear these heels though!). The outfit was perfect for a fun night out by the beach!




Disclaimer: The outfit posts need a lot of work including an upgraded background and more detailed shots. Stay tuned for more outfit posts with much higher quality and interesting photos. I do apologize!

color it- aqua

I tend to stick to neutral colors in my wardrobe more often than I should, so when summer rolled around I decided that I was going to spice things up. It was time to get a summer purse, so when I saw this aqua Urban Expressions faux-leather purse at South Moon Under I knew I had to get it. The leather feels real and it is buttery soft (leather look without the leather price!). I get so many compliments on this purse and the color is perfect for the warmer months. There is various detailing and pockets that I can store anything I could possibly need in it, including my iPad and a recently purchased aqua Speck iPad cover. These two aqua pieces are the perfect summer color and I may just keep them around past August!

((aqua handbag & ipad cover))

* iPad cover can be found here. Similar Urban Expressions purse found here.

July 10, 2012

cozy in the summer time

((Alessandra Ambrosio's Fourth of July sweater look))

A trend that I have been seeing a lot of and that I am loving is thick sweaters paired with shorts. Big sweaters are extremely comfortable and forgiving, not to mention insanely stylish. Buying a good sweater would be totally worth it since it can be worn during the summer and in the colder months. Inspired by Alessandra Ambrosio, below are four sweaters that would be worth the summer purchase to currently wear with shorts and then switch it up in the winter. I am in need of the Urban Outfitters sweater (#1) below.


1. Staring at Stars Marled Mixed Stitched Sweater from Urban Outfitters @ $59
2. Side Pocket Sweater from Forever 21 @ $19.80
3. Beach Cable Pullover from Free People @ $98
4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Drop Stitch Stripe Sweater from Nordstrom @ $168 $111.90

Which sweater is your favorite?

* top photo via

week in photos...

Last week was one of those weeks you look forward to all year: working two days and having a 5-day weekend with a holiday thrown in. Does it get much better than that? I decided to spend Fourth of July week/weekend at the beach (I can't seem to stay away!). The heat was sweltering, but the dips in the ocean and the sand between my toes made everything more than ideal. The locals put on quite the fireworks display that did not disappoint and I cannot wait to go back (another long summer weekend would be splendid)!

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. 
-Albert Einstein

((amazing breakfast/sandwich/bakery shop- The Point))

((wind surfing- I need to try this!))

((sunset before fireworks))

((fireworks display))

((frozen margaritas in the prettiest glasses))

July 7, 2012

downtown summer night

Dressing to hit the town during the summer can be tricky because it is hard to tell what the temperature will be and what kind of clothes will be needed... pants, shorts, sweater, tank top, short-sleeve blouse... you get it! There are so many variables when it comes to dressing to go out in the summer. This outfit pairs classic white skinny jeans with a sheer sleeveless top. The combination of the two works if the temperature is really hot or if the evening brings the cold. I would definitely wear this outfit to go out with my friends or out for a date night. Now I just need to purchase these pieces...!


((Ikebana Sheer Mint Top from Lulu's @ $34; True Religion 'Julie' Skinny Stretch Jeans from Nordstrom @ $196; MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Carla' Sandal from Nordstrom @ $149.95; Pressed Filigree Bracelet from Forever 21 @ $3.80; Street Level Colorblock Pouch Purse from South Moon Under @ $38))

vitamin e beauty

I recently discovered three beauty products that I cannot speak more highly of and they are all from the same line. The Body Shop's Vitamin E line is one of my favorites. I went into the store to pick up the Vitamin E face mist after seeing it in a magazine. I ended up walking away with the face mist as well as the hydrating toner and the sink-in moisture mask (and I could easily have come away with the whole line). I use the face mist after I apply make-up to add a little hydration. The face mist is also great when you need freshening up. The toner is used after I wash my face and the mask is perfect for when I feel my face is too dry from the summer heat. These products are great during the summer and they make me feel refreshed and ready for the day (or night)!


style inspiration- olivia palermo

There are just some people that whenever you see them in a magazine or on the internet, you just love whatever they are wearing. To me, one of those people is Olivia Palermo. She has come a long way from her villianness days on The City. She has the perfect street style that is accessible to the non-famous folks out there as well as wears the most on-trend dresses that I would love to own. Olivia Palermo is definitely one of my style inspirations.

((skinny black trousers + structured black bag))

((flowy maxi skirt + gold accessories))

((ruffled dress + stunning clutch))

((casual shorts + navy blazer))

((thick belt + high heels))

all images via Google and Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

week in photos...

This post is a bit late as we had a 4-day power outage last weekend. A huge storm ripped through the area last Friday and my house did not get power back until Monday night. We had to find ways to entertain ourselves without the option of watching TV, going on the internet, or talking on the phone (oh yea, we no longer had cell phone service at the house either!). Let's just say that we were beyond ecstatic when the power came back on and the AC got cranked up! If we would have had to wait any longer for power, I think I would have melted into the floor.

Summer afternoon- summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. - Henry James

((pink cone flowers in the backyard))

((storm aftermath))

((keeping the drinks cold without electricity))

((found some AC in a showing of Magic Mike))

((making the most out of the power outage))