4th of July Weekend Recap

 I hope you and a wonderful weekend and a wonderful holiday if you celebrated the American Independence Day! 

I had the most wonderful time with my family celebrating our freedom with burgers on the grill! You might know that my family has owned a restaurant, for quite some time, and therefore we usually spend all of your holiday's there. However, they just recently sold that business and this was our first weekend, and holiday, off! I feel so blessed to have been able to spend this holiday with my family. 

Jay's family was there, my aunt that lives in South Carolina was in town and the rain held off long enough for us to get in a game of corn hole and grill the food! There is nothing more that I love then being with all of my family. Although they weren't all there, it was still nice to see a good majority! Jay and I are so blessed to have such wonderful families that really love each other! 

So today I wanted to share a few pictures from the holiday! I have a few more, but for privacy reasons I figured I would leave some out [I'm not sure everyone else want's there face on the internet, lol]. I am getting better about taking pictures, however I never got an OOTD! Lame, I know but I'm working on it, haha! 

I love hydrangeas and these made for such a pretty centerpiece for our table! Also, I am slightly very obsessed with the fern, brick and white trim combo! I just love it!

How cute is this chubby little bug? He is spoiled rotten and looked so handsome in his American Flag collar. However, I could be skewed because he is my baby! lol

I really don't have many pictures of Jay and I, so this one is for the books! I love this guy!

I'm not sure if I have posted any pictures of my parents on here yet, but this is my mama and daddy! They are the best and I will be forever thankful for them!

What is the 4th of July with out explosives? Since we didn't have any fireworks, sparkles had to do! I will say that Essie's Fiji polish is not pretty once burnt, my poor thumb is still in recovery #horrific! Jay's sister, Robyn, took some really cool pictures of the sparklers in the dark!

Lastly, my go-to dessert a Banana Split Brownie Pizza! For the holiday, we added some blueberries and decorated it as an American Flag! This is so delicious and super easy to make. If you would like a post of the recipe just let me know, I would love the opportunity to make it.. so I can EAT it! [haha]

I hope you enjoyed getting a peek into my holiday weekend with my family. I am off to get a head start on this week. My new website is getting close to finish and so I am trying to get things in order for it's debut!

More on that to come later!

Happy Monday, How did you spend your weekend?!

Nautical Stripes for the 4th of July

PHOTOS BY: JAY PARLETT

As promised, here is an outfit for the 4th! This week has been crazy including sickness and and a few breakdowns, not very fun at all. Sometimes it seems like when it rains it pours, however I know that I am blessed and just need to gain control of myself and my emotion, which is very difficult if you know me well. 

However, the 4th is this weekend and I'm so excited! Especially, since I have added these Stuart Weitzman sandals into the mix! Can I just wear them all.the.time, like even with my pj's? lol They are so comfortable and literally go with everything, for every occasion!

Of course since the 4th is a patriotic holiday, navy nautical stripes are a must and, I'm sure you know, I am a sucker for white denim [I really want to buy this pair]! This outfit is one of my go-to's during the summer months, even when it isn't a holiday, because it is so neutral and classy, but not boring! I seriously love it and it is perfect for those dinner dates on the water or at the beach! 

Swap these sandals for a pair of white Converse's, or even these red Hunter boots [my favorite combo!] and you are cook out ready, also!

What are you planning to wear for the 4th of July?

SHOP THIS POST:

Independence Day Outdoor Party

Let me first apologize for not getting a post up yesterday! I had planned to share this post with you on Monday, but I have not been feeling well for the past few days so it is just now finally making it up! I am feeling a better today, I'm not sure if I just have bad allergies or a little sickness, but either way I am ready to take on today! 

I am so excited for the 4th of July, can't you tell? lol So today I wanted to share a few cute little finds for an outdoor party! I love cookouts and outdoor parties! They are more laid back but you can still decorate with fun decor/entertaining pieces! Plus, I think we can agree that anything cooked on the grill is better than it being cooked any other way! I promise there will be an outfit post coming soon!

SHOP THIS POST:

What are your plans for the 4th of July?

4th of July Outfit Inspiration

4th of July is one of my favorite summer holiday's! I love the chance to celebrate my country and my freedom, both of which I am very thankful for. Also, 4th of July is the perfect occasion to wear nautical stripes, which are actually one of my favorite summer styles, that are timeless!

Today, I put together an inspiration group for the 4th! I will also have a few other 4th of July related post up this week and next! So keep an eye out! I hope you are having a great start to the week!

What are you planning for the 4th?

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?

SHOP THIS POST:

Memorial Day Recap + Exciting Blog Details

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

I can't believe it is already Tuesday, this weekend went by so fast and I'm not ready to go back to the grind! I am lagging a bit this morning. I think the combination of a busy weekend, lot's of junk food and the #alcoholbloat are all contributors to this A.M.'s lag. 

On a lighter note, I wanted to share a few details about my MDW and some exciting blog news. Friday and Saturday I had to work, but Saturday during the day, Jay and I laid out in the backyard and soaked up a few rays! Sunday, we went out on our boat with some friends and spent the day enjoying the weather! However, the boat ride was a little rough, lol. On Monday, Jay, my mom, my aunt and I went to Paradise Ocean Club, which is a local beach/pool/tiki bar type of place. Good description right? IT was SO fun though, I can't wait to go back! We ended the weekend with spending some time on the couch watching American Sniper. 

I am so thankful for those who have and still serve our country. And for their families who allow them to do so. I am honored to live among these incredible people and call myself an American! I feel so blessed to have the rights and privileges that I do!

Next matters of business are the blog deets! I am so excited to formally share with you that I am rebranding my blog! I have shared this news on twitter if you follow me (here) but I don't think, as far as I can remember, that i have shared the news on my blog!

I am SO EXCITED, I literally cannot wait for the process to be complete. We still have quite a bit to do, but I wanted to share the exciting news with you! This has been my dream for a very long time, however I have always been a little bit scared to take the jump. And I finally am. 

I would love to know an of your thoughts, concerns and requests for posts in the future and I am exciting to be devoting as much time as I can to my blog! I can't wait to begin these journey and I hope that you will join the ride!

SHOP THIS POST:

Some other swimsuits I am loving!

How was your MDW?!

Christmas Deets

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday with their families and friends! I sure did! Santa treated me extra well this year and I got to spend time with all of my loved ones! I wanted to share a few snapshots of our Christmas!

This year I learned how to make bows! So that basically means that every present had one on it (which is such a bad thing, it just takes some extra time). I was also obsessed with this combination of plaid paper with gold bows!

Jay always spoils me (way to much) and this year he got me a new desk for Christmas! I can't wait to organize everything and get it ready for working! I will be sure to do a post all about it when it's ready!

Lately I have been completely obsessed with bar carts! They are so cute and you can dress them up for every season and holiday. When my mom and I were setting up for Christmas dinner, we decided to put the wine and some cookies out on her bar cart (ish table-thingy, lol)! I love the way that it turned out! It was so perfect.

Obviously, it is known that I am addicted to makeup. I have been dying to try out some more makeup from the Tom Ford line. Needless to say, Jay and my parents delivered and I am so thankful they did! Jay also added in the Christian Louboutin rouge nail polish and the rents blessed me with a Louis Vuitton makeup/toiletries bag!

Worm is worn out from all of the commotion but thankful that Santa didn't forget him! He is loving all of his new toys and his new favorite blanket from his grandma.

My mom always decorates our house so pretty. She is so talented and just has an eye for good decorating. She usually does our tree in fruit and but this year she did red, gold and silver balls! She spent so much time decorating the tree. In the middle of December, she got really sick (with pneumonia and bronchitis) and she still continued to decorate our tree. She put the lights on with zip ties and it looked so beautiful! She is the best momma ever!

If you know me you know I'm crazy over animals, especially the puppies. I decided this year to donate my charity money to my local animal shelter and I went shopping for all kinds of puppy goodies (food, treats, toys, owls and etc.,). That really put me into the Christmas spirit and help me remember the true meaning of Christmas. I decided to make dog treats for all of the pups in the family and worms friends too! I will do a post soon on the easy recipe I used! 

I cannot wait for the upcoming year and I already have ideas for blogposts that are soon to come! If you have any requests please let me know! I will have full reviews of some of the items I received for Christmas. I can't wait to share some goodies I got with you all! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Reads 2014

Not That Kind of Girl // Gone Girl // How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are // Tom Ford

Crazy Rich Asians // Yes Please // The Fault in Our Stars // Girlboss

As I have gotten older, my love for reading has increased majorly. I used to absolutely despise reading. I would do anything to get out of reading (and still sometime do when its school work). However, I really enjoy to sit down with a good book and unwind, whenever I have a free moment! Books are an inexpensive way to learn, decorate and escape. I decided to make a gift guide, or should I say- book guide, of some of my favorite reads from this year! I included some books that are on my Christmas List this year, as well as some other books that are rated to be the best reads of this year!

Books make a great gift. Whether they are something more personal, informational or even a great coffee table fashion book! Everyone-or at least most everyone- loves a great book! I hope that this post is helpful to you in finding a gift for someone you need to shop for!

What was your favorite read of 2014? 

I would love to know your reccomendations!

Holiday Gift Guide: Desk Diaries (ft. Design Darling)

 Le Pen (Set) // Monogram Acrylic Pencil Cup 

Monogram Leopard Note Cards // #ThingsWeLove Pencil Set // Evelyn Henson Notebook 

 Kate Spade Acrylic Stapler //  Emily Ley Planner // Memory Box 

In a world surrounded by bloggers that are chic, feminine and empowering women, one can only dream of a beautifully organized white workspace (or at least that's what I dream of). I am constantly scrolling through Instagram (I'm slightly addicted) and it seems to always be filled with pretty workspaces! During winter break I have high hopes of getting my desk area organized and adding some new pieces for inspiration. When shopping for desk necessities (or at least those that are glamorous by nature), I always head to designdarling.com. Mackenzie Horan always has the perfect little items to freshen up any space and add a pop of color!

With that in mind, I thought that it would be fun to post a Gift Guide for those of you who are looking for the perfect gift that person who is always fashionably organized! Whether she is the preppy college girl, the obsessive hard-worker or just someone special you want to treat this holiday season Design Darling has got your back! I absolutely love my pencil cup and adore these (and this).

What is your favorite piece from Design Darling?

I hope you are all having a great start to the weekend (and for some of us winter break)!

Koozie Advent Calendar {DIY}

For more pictures of the final product, scroll down!

{Don't forget to PIN this on PINTEREST!}

As strange as it may sound, advent calendars are a new tradition for me. Growing up, I didn't really have that many. Meeting Jay changed my involvement with advent calendars, in fact, I have had one every year since I met him! With that being said, this year I decided to get a little more creative and give a DIY  ago. I am not really DIY  person, generally I feel that it is just much easier, cheaper and more effective to go out and purchase whatever you are trying to make. 

With that in mind, it is obvious that I am not very crafty. I just thought that having a koozie advent calendar would be fun and different. I like to collected koozies and there is no discrimination here! I have all sorts of brands, colors, free and expensive koozies! I hope that all of you college girls and koozie lovers out there enjoy this post and share it with a friend!

All you will need is 25 koozies, some clothes pins (and glitter if you want to decorate them)

Some Ribbon

A paper plate will come in handy for an easy cleanup!

To make the glittery clothes pins:

Apply some glue to the pins (the stronger the better)!

Add some glitter and tap off the excess.

Allow them to sit and dry a while.

As for attaching the ribbon to the wall, I use Command Strip hangers however use whatever you feel comfortable with (I have had some difficulty with them). 

Once the ribbon is attached to the wall simply pin the koozies to the ribbon and fill with your favorite candy or special item!

I decided fill my advent calendar with York peppermint patties, but if you want to fill yours with Miller Light or a little bubbly go right ahead (lol).

Sailor's Delight :)

 I can't wait to reuse these sparkly clothes pins for another project!

Ocean Palm is a local Lilly Pulitzer store where I like to shop for all of my favorite Lilly items!

This picture is just perfection, right? Vineyard Vines. Fraternity Collection. Vineyard Vines.

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it inspirational! I feel like I turned my bedroom into a bit of a frat house, but HEY it was fun!!  

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions and how to reinvent them! 

P.S. Sorry for posting this so late in December, exams have been killer!

See you soon!