7.06.2017


I don't think I've ever traveled so often in my life! First Utah, Arizona, and Nevada on our road trip in early June. Then this past weekend, Colorado. And today I leave for Ohio to be with Nate's extended family for a few days. Whew! What a whirlwind. I'm sure those of you that travel frequently for work could run circles around this schedule, but for me, it feels like a lot.

Ohio is more of a melancholy trip. Nate's only living grandmother isn't doing well and who knows if this will be our last time together. God willing it isn't, but at her age, you never know. There are also some other personal family matters going on, but it's not my place to discuss that here. Either way, all we can do is make the most of our time together. I always have a blast with his extended family. They all live on a giant farm outside of Cincinnati and they know how to have a good time! They've taught me a thing or two about living life to the fullest.

In preparing for my Summer trips, I've noticed that I've been packing quite a few of the same outfits. When traveling, I think it's important to be practical. But of course, I still want to feel put together. Zeba talks about her travel style here and I recommend reading her post. 

What I wore my second day in Denver. 
The flowers were for a friend, but I had to share on Insta. Oh and notice his floors? How perfect for blogging flatlays! I think he smirked when I mentioned that. 



Anyway, here are the pieces that I've been living in lately. They aren't just for travel, but they are so easy to mix and match that they are perfect for a Summer vacation. 

All the pieces below are EXACTLY what I'm bringing and wearing. All are really good quality and inexpensive = a bonus!

1. Tee shirts are the ultimate base layer. I recently bought these at H&M for under $10 dollars and they are soft as can be. I also like the ruffle detailing that is so trendy right now.


I also got it in grey


2. Denim, both in jeans and in shorts. Because you just can't go wrong especially when you don't know what the weather will be like. 

 (the best. I wear them ALL the time)



3. Kimonos are great for layering, especially at night or on the plane ride. I also think it just adds a fun touch to any look for Summer. 


"25% of each ruana sold supports joyful heart foundation's vision to create a world free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse." These are all causes close to my heart.

4. & 5.  An easy little dress you can throw on and go breaks up the denim and tee combos. I like one that I can slip over my head and is a nice breathable material. As for what bag to bring, I like a carry-all tote with a decent drop handle that I can wear on my shoulder. Stella & Dot makes my favorites, but I might be biased. 


6. Depending on where I'm going, I might bring a pair of heels. More often than not, I bring sandals! It's all about non-fuss. Nobody has time to get primped on vacation! Or at least I don't. Too much to do, too much to see and I don't like keeping others waiting. I choose a nude that goes with everything. 




What's your Summer travel style? Have a great Thursday and I'll see you back here on Monday with an outfit. Hopefully I'll be back to my normal blog schedule by then 😊

7.03.2017


Happy Monday and happy July! I'm currently in Denver but we are flying back to California tonight. I hope you ladies are enjoying yourselves and getting ready to celebrate the 4th. Any big plans? I haven't the faintest idea what Nate and I are going to do. Ideally the beach, but we aren't much for crowds and tomorrow is probably the most populated time of the year for that.

Anyway, my blog anniversary is July 15th and I wanted to do something to show my appreciation for your kindness and support over the years. So much has changed, but so much has also remained the same too.

In the thick of it, and with so many quality blogs around, you guys don't have to stop by. And yet there are still some of you that do. Why I don't know! I hope you feel comfortable here and maybe that's reason enough.

For the giveaway, I decided on something I'd love to receive myself. The Nordstrom anniversary sale is right around the corner and since every year it coincides with my own blog anniversary, what is better than combining the two? One winner will win a Nordstrom E-certificate for $100 dollars just in time! By the way, Nordstrom is in NO way sponsoring this. I'm not that cool ;)

Rules
All you have to do is follow my blog and Intagram using the rafflecopter below. You will have until midnight on July 15th to enter! The winner will be announced on July 17th at the end of my post. U.S. and Canada residents only. One entry per person.




6.28.2017



It's happening again - I'm experiencing writer's block, the equivalent of torture for any blogger. Sometimes I think I'm too hard on myself and I should just lighten things up.  I'm not exactly saving the world here so what's the big deal? This usually happens to me in Summer anyway. With all of the events I have planned, blogging often takes a bit of a backseat. My mind goes into break mode, and it's not until "back to school" that I begin hitting my stride again. I'll of course try my best to still bring meaningful content, but for today and probably the next week, I'll just keep it short and sweet.

Here's a recap of the month of June:

1. What I've been wearing

I have been buying shoes from Target like they are going out of style (they might be, but I hope not). In the last month, I have added these sandals in black, another pair of lace-up block heels, and these striped pumps. All of them are comfortable and most importantly, flattering. I didn't used to be much of a shoe gal, but this year, shoes have proven to be a weakness of mine. Like I need any more weaknesses!

2. What I'm loving

I got my first Fab Fit Fun box and I must say, even though I'm not typically a fan of subscription services, I think this is one that's actually worth it. Look at all the goodies you get! It's seasonal and you can cancel anytime. Use this code for $10 off your first box. I'll let you know if there are any real standouts from the Summer box, but I'm really loving the looks of everything. I plan on digging in right away. See that Michael Stars wrap? I'm wearing that on a plane Thursday. The blush and sunscreen are too. 

3. What I'm reminiscing about
If you follow me on snap, then you might have seen a particularly funny photo album last weekend. My mom dug it out of hiding and brought it to me. What a difference a decade makes! I guess I was pretty normal for a twenty-something. I thought I knew everything...I didn't. But at least I had fun in my delusions. 

4. What I'm dreading
Packing ---> then going through TSA. I love flying, but I hate the airport. Last year when we were coming back from Hawaii, I was stopped and patted down. I think it might have traumatized me? I do appreciate the level of security and I know it's for safety. But I dread the entire process! 


5. What I'm working on

Truth be told, I have been feeling pretty down in general lately but I want to save that topic for a separate post. Let's just say that going off of certain psych medications has been eye opening for me and not in a good way. My head is all over the place and I cry at the drop of a hat. Yeah, would you be interested in reading about that at all? Let me know. 


6. What I'm excited about/looking forward to
Despite number 5, my friend Katie and I are off to Denver for the next few days. I've never been to Colorado. If you have, any recommendations are welcomed! Especially as they relate to food and nature. 


What have you all been up to this month? Linking up with my usual favorites: Gina and Amy Ann. Also linking up for What's up Wednesday

6.26.2017


I hope you ladies had a wonderful weekend! I was busy with friends and we attended a beautiful outdoor wedding - the best possible way to kick the Summer festivities off.

As much as I'm growing a little tired of off the shoulder tops, I must admit that I'm completely in love with this floral dress from Tobi. I first heard about the company through Gina, and now I'm getting emails regularly from them and trying my hardest not to buy anything more. Their inventory is certainly tempting with a selection of trendy looks. When the temperature heats up, a little dress is usually what I reach for and this one is absolutely perfect. I love the print.



Wearing //
Target shoes, similar here & here
Stella & Dot tote, love this here & here
Beauty //




After snapping pictures at our favorite spot, we took a little detour back home through the wineries...




The vineyards will never get old to me. It's probably in my best interest to take advantage of the longer days and cotton candy sunsets for picture-sake. Oh, and the wine of course. You know, just for picture-sake 😉

Linking up with Rachelle and Caryl