Strawberry Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Let's face it, we all know that champagne is a must-have!

 Ok, maybe not for everyone, which I understand, but for me, it definitely is a must! I love champagne and it's bubbly self, which is why I wanted to share this recipe with you.

If you have read my blog for a while, or know me personally, you know that Jay and I take a trip to the Bahamas just about every summer with his family. It's our "go-to" vacation spot. We visit both Eleuthera and Nassau (aka, Atlantis) and love them both! The two atmosphere's are completely different, but both very wonderful (if you would like to know more about Eleuthera just let me know!) 

Every time we visit Atlantis, one of my first orders of business is to get one of their Strawberry Fizz cocktails! It is absolutely heavenly, which is why I have recreated my own version to share with you! 

Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail Recipe:

• 1 Bottle of Champagne (If you want to make this non-alcoholic simply use sparkling grape juice or sparkling water!)
• 1 Package of Frozen Strawberries
• 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice
• 1/4 Cup of Sugar or any other sweetener (I find that honey just doesn't provide the sweetness I like, so I would recommend the sugar)

Mix lemon juice, sugar and strawberries in a bowl and allow the strawberries to come to room temperature. Once the strawberries are at room temperature, puree them in a blender until smooth. Add a small amount of the strawberry puree (about a tablespoon) to a champagne flute and fill glass the rest of the way with your champagne of choice! 

This cocktail is perfect for Date Night, a Ladies Lunch, a Cookout and all other of your other favorite Summer Festivities! I hope that you try this drink out and be sure to let me know what you think, if you do! I love it because it is easy, light and delicious, perfect for the warm weather!

What is your favorite summer cocktail?

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Gift Guide: Father's Day

Watch | Shaving Bag | Cologne

Grill Set | Shorts | T-Shirt

Tie | Loafers | Loafers

 Dad's are the best. Growing up, my dad was always the one with the rules. He made sure my homework was done, that I was nice to others, that I put my best into everything I did and everything thing else that I can't ever thank him enough for. As I have gotten older, I can see that my dad has faith in me to be my best and that is only because I have had him in my life! He believes in me and supports me in whatever I do. That doesn't mean we don't butt heads, lol. I am most like him, which means I am hot headed, Type A, but we do everything in life with the most effort and emotion. We love hard, get  disappointed easily and get mad when others don't put forth there best effort. 

My dad always pushed me, sometimes it seemed too far, to go above and beyond what I ever thought I was possible of. Most of the time I thought he was just trying to be mean, or the teenage self thought that he was out to ruin my life [haha], but now I can see why he did just that. He has made me stronger and more self reliant than I could have ever been myself.

Now that you have gotten to know a little bit more about my dad, and myself lol, I wanted to share a few ideas for Father's Day gifts! I think I forgot to mention how hard headed my dad is. He always insists that I don't buy him anything, for Christmas-Father's Day-or even his birthday, and won't give away any ideas of what he wants. I'm sure he isn't the only stubborn dad out there. So here are a few safe options!

T-shirts are always good and so are gift cards! My dad doesn't dress up that often, he care basically where whatever he wants to work, but for dad's that do that to dress up a tie or even a nice pair of loafers would be great. I also use cologne as a "go-to" and if he likes to grill, my dad may possibly be afraid of fire, a grill set always makes a nice gift!

The options are endless and I'm sure your dad will be thankful for whatever you get him! 

What are you most thankful for your father for?

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A Comfy Dress + Sneakers

PHOTOS BY JAY PARLETT

Dress | Handbag | Shoes | Bracelet | Earrings | Necklace Tiffany & Co [similar]

 I purchased this dress from Nordstrom a few weeks ago and I have been completely OBSESSED with it since. It is so comfy and I can get away with wearing my new Converses with it!

Also, it's on SALE and is under $25! #cray

Ok, Ok,  I will admit that I have been obsessed with my Converse's also, and I am officially a sucker for the "dress and sneaker" combo/trend. I know that it isn't for everyone, but I have to say, I really love it. I can wear a dress and still be able to wear sneakers, which is basically like the best thing ever [said in snobby voice, lol]!

I have been basically living in this dress, when the weather permits, and don't plan on making any changes! I actually want to order this in a few other colors [black, pink] which I think will transition well through summer and into fall!

What are your thoughts on the dress and sneakers trend? Happy Monday!

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Friday Five: Donuts, Our New Home Site, Bloom Workshop, + Sales

Happy Friday y'all!

I can't believe it is already Friday, this week has flown by! I think with starting my summer classes I have been busier than usual, with attending class and doing my loads of reading. But, I am still very thankful to be getting an education,  from a wonderful school! I hope you had a wonderful week and are excited of the weekend

Are you planning on celebrating National Donut Day! I sure am if I can make it out before everyone is all sold out!

Image via Chronicles of Frivolity

The other day Katey Mcfarlan, of Chronicles of Frivolity, announced that she is going to be hosting a Bible Study every Tuesday using this book! I am going to be purchasing mine later! I always struggle trying to find a group of girls to study with, so this is the perfect opportunity! Are you going to join!

Image via bloomworkshop.com

I just signed up for the La Petite Bloom Workshop in Charlotte, NC and I am soon excited! I'm also nervous, because I won't know anyone, but I am can't wait to learn and make new friends! Are you going? Sign up here!

 There are quite a few pretty items on sale this weekend! I love those vince shoes! 

Jay is taking down some trees today at our property in preparation for our new home site! I am completely over the moon and feel so blessed to have this opportunity! I will definitely be sharing more pictures as things progress, hopefully soon!

I hope you have a great weekend and that is isn't raining cats and dogs as it is in VA!

Recipe: Spa Water for Summer

With the weather heating up in VA, and my continuous inability to control my junk food cravings, I was in need of a little pick/freshen me up! Water is definitely a essential for not only summer but everyday. Sometimes it can be difficult to get down the "recommended" amount of daily intake, so I like to change things up a bit to make it more enjoyable and refreshing!

My "go-to" recipe for infusing water is something similar to Spa Water. I just love the refreshing taste of cucumber, lemon and mint in my water! It makes hydration easy and enjoyable. So I wanted to share my favorite recipe with you!

This drink is easy to make and you can prepare it ahead of time to make things easier on yourself. It is also great for serving at summer parties, and for anyone who isn't of legal drinking age, to add a little sparkle! I love making this because you don't have be precise and you really can't mess it up!

What you will need (basic recipe):

water

mint

cucumber

lemon (or other citrus of choice)

I cut my mint fresh from my garden, that's my favorite part! Slice up the cucumber and lemon and add them, as well as a few sprigs of mint, to a pitcher [preferably clear glass so everyone can see all the beauty inside] and allow this to sit overnight or for a few hours. Your water will be chilled and ready to serve in no time!

I also like to add in other fruit such a fresh strawberries or blueberries for color. You could even use frozen one's as ice cubes when you serve your drink! I truly love this because you can make it your own and it is a health way to up your water intake.

I hope that you try this out! What is your favorite ingredient to add to your water?

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Outfit | Tassel Shorts + New Camera

PHOTOS BY: JAY PARLETT

DETAILS: Top: Loft | Shorts: Loft | Shoes: Tory Burch | Sunglasses: Olivers Peoples

Earrings: Bauble Bar | Bracelets: J.Crew, David Yurman, David Yurman 

Happy June [can you believe it]?

After quite a bit of debating, analyzing, and researching, I have finally purchased a DSLR camera to up my image quality! This is going to be a learning process for Jay and I, Jay takes my pictures. With my rebranding I thought that now would be a good time to purchase a new camera to help with my picture quality. However, Jay and I are quickly becoming obsessed with taking pictures and we have only had the camera for a few days. 

As we are learning, any recommendations or tips you have for us are encouraged and we can't wait to hear your feedback! I am so excited and can't wait to learn more and take better pictures. 

On a lighter note, today I am sharing my new favorite for shorts from Loft! What can I say, I just can't get enough of Loft! But seriously, these shorts are so unique and I love their cut. I am not tiny and my build is not fit for "shorty shorts" so I really have to selectively pick my shorts. These are long enough, but not like Bermuda shorts and are just very flattering! Not to mention their pattern and the tassel ties! 

These shorts can be paired with so many things, but today I paired them with a light sweater for summer! This outfit is perfect for summer evenings spent on the water with a little breeze. I can never make a decision, so obviously I am rocking both a top knot and pony tail! [lol] Also, I am SO obsessed with Jay's Oliver Peoples sunglasses, they are perfect!

I hope your week is off to a great start! I am starting a summer course today and I'm feeling a little sad, but hopefully I will still have some time to enjoy summer. What are your plans for the week?

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Friday Five: Sales, Books, Beauty, Weddings + More!

This week has literally gone by so slow [lol].

What's up with that? I feel like week's that begin with a Holiday are supposed to go buy quickly and painlessly, but I must say… this one has not! But, Friday is FINALLY here so a Friday Five is in order.

I have spent some time this week prepping for my blog rebranding, but some things have to wait until the new site is finished. I have also been doing some research on a new camera, that I need, but in reality don't want to spend the money on. I know right, get over myself. But seriously, cameras are expensive and beings that I don't know how to work a DSLR, I'm literally afraid to buy one!

I am attending my first wedding of the season this weekend, and I have to say, I am really excited! Jay and I have never been to a wedding together before, so I can't wait to experience it with him. Weddings are all "gushy" and "love-ee" and  not exactly fun to go to by yourself if you are in a relationship! So I can't wait! What are your plans for the weekend?

1. Tory Burch is having a great sale! I want this WOC and these wedges. I have decided which to splurge on, which do you like better?

Images via Nordstrom

2. I love The Beauty Look Book this post on some Tom Ford Beauty relaunches! I want the Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad and the Sugar Dune Nail Lacquer, #stunning

3. Loving this little shadow box I picked up at a consignment store this week to house all of my sparkles! [similar here]

Images via Amazon

4. Obsessed with this book already! Every girl shown own it, at least every fabulous girl! I also now need to get this one.

5. Did you catch my sneaky "P.S." announcement in my Instagram post this week! That's right, the house plans are ready!! #insertpartydancehere  

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I hope you have a great weekend!