Summer Night

We couldn't think of a better way to bid adieu to August than with mojitos, dominos & Adele on the stereo. 

Summer Nights

Lately it's been feeling like summer has been winding down.

Local schools are back in session and temperatures aren't flirting with triple digits.

One thing that helps make it feel like summer is sitting in the car on a warm summer night, listening to music, laughing with Jus & eating ice cream.

Roundup: Summer Drinks

I'm not sure about you but for me it never really feels like summer until we've celebrated the 4th of July.

Once the weather hits 90 consistently and I can go out at night without a cardigan I know that summer has arrived, and there's no better way to spend a summer evening that sitting outside with friends, listening to good music & laughing late into the night.

And one element that is a must for any summer party is a good drink.

We might be past the stage of lemonade stands but homemade lemonade is the perfect summer drink.

lemonade recipe

Dark & Stormies are very popular at our local bar.

dark & stormy recipe

I've recently developed a love for mojitos.

mojito recipe

One of the best things about summer is the ability to make sun tea. (I always add mint to mine)

sun tea recipe

Margaritas are too yummy to leave to Mexican restaurants.

raspberry lime margarita recipe

I've already exalted the joys of Arnold Palmers but seriously, they're delish.

arnold palmer recipe

White wine sangria is the perfect summer party drink.

pear sangria recipe

This is similar to my every day drink.

raspberry lemonade spritzer recipe

Orangeades remind me of my childhood.

orangeade recipe

As if normal mojitos aren't yummy enough.

strawberry mojito recipe

Snow cones are still one of my favorite summer time treats.

homemade snow cone recipe

Jus's go to summer drink is a gin & tonic.

gin & tonic recipe

What is your favorite summer drink?

Little List of Love for Summer

Hello my darlings.

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend. This weekend reminded me of how wonderful summer really is and all of the things that make summer lovely.

1. Spending time at the lake. Growing up in the Midwest I learned to swim in lakes, I love lake swimming and the exhausted feeling that comes at the end of a day of being in the sun & water.

2. Reading outside. Whether its on a boat, hammock or porch, feeling the breeze blow as I read is hard to beat.

3. Summer feet. Brightly colored toe nail polish encased in sandals are pretty much my fave.

4. Ice cream. Lots of ice cream, after every meal.

5. Warm nights. Jus & I have an ongoing argument discussion about the benefits of air conditioning versus open windows.

6. Sunshine. We live in a very grey area of the world. For 5 months of the year life is grey so when the sun finally shines it's hard to beat.

7. Fresh flowers. Our giant peony bush has opened and they're gorgeous. All of our regular peonies are close to opening & I can't wait to fill our house with fresh flowers.

8. Fresh fruit & veggies. We've been eating like crap now that we don't have a kitchen so I'm planning to stock out fridge with fruits we can eat raw. And fill our freezer with blueberries (my second favorite summer snack).

9. Barbeques, bonfires & get togethers. Cold weather turns Jus & me into hermits and warm weather brings our social sides out.

And for the sake of being fair, one thing I don't like about summer...

10. Forgetting to take Baz Luhrmann's advice and not wearing sunscreen. I absolutely forgot about sunscreen yesterday and am paying for it today.

What are your favorite parts of summer?

Roundup: Summer Sandals

You've all heard me complain about how badly I need new shoes. When I went to put on my brown boots the other day I realized that it's time to pack them away and pull out some new shoes.

Shopping for shoes goes into the same category as shopping for jeans & bras. If there's something I need or am specifically looking for I'll never find the ones I want. But unfortunately Edie Skankwick Sedgwick has chewed up all of my summer shoes, so shoe shopping is a must.

Flowery gladiators are the best kind of gladiators.

Eyes of Mars Sandals from Zappos $76.00

Cut outs make everything sexier.

(however I have a feeling Jus would say my Fred Flintstone feet are not sexy)

Sam Edelman Kendall from Zappos $160.00

If you're looking for shoes to wear with a floral dress I think we've found them.

Rocket Dog Oak T-Straps from Ruche $56.99

I know Swedish Hasbeens have been all over lately, but they're too cute to skip.

Braided Sky High from Swedish Hasbeens $277.00

I've always felt iffy about covered up ankles but these might change my mind.

Ecote Basketweave Ankle Wrap Sandal from Urban Outfitters $39.00

Have I mentioned I love t-straps?

Recap T-Strap from Modcloth $107.99

I love love love the swirlies.

Madden Girl Eloiise from Zappos $39.95

Perfect with a dress or shorts.

Doty by Kenneth Cole from Piperlime $59.00

I am totally in love with the colorful beading.

Palila Beaded Flats from Target $19.99

Cork wedges are the perfect shoes for girls that are 5'3"

Garren from Blowfish Shoes $49.00

Yes, another pair of t-straps.

Seychelles Chant from Zappos $88.00

Considering that Edie chews most of my sandals means it's ridiculous to pass up cheap & cute sandals.

Ecote Macrame Loop Slingback from Urban Outfitters $19.00

Ok, I know these are borderline not summer, but I really need these.

Chelsea Crew Nolita T-Strap from Lulu's $58.00

You've probably seen these beauties on these beauties.

Jessica Simpson Dany from Dillard's $98.00

There are too many cute parts of these shoes to pick just one favorite.

Rope Wedge Sandals from Target $29.99

These are the perfect sandals to wear with shorts.

Paiigge by Steve Madden from Piperlime $70.00

Ankle straps are almost as delightful as t-straps.

Lesley by Tinley Road from Piperlime $39.99

I think we've found a trend, don't you?

Did I miss your favorite summer sandals?

Roundup: Sunshine

Ok, I'm not joking. I'm seriously ready for some warm weather. A couple of weeks ago we were in the 60s and this weekend we're supposed to get up to the 50s but in between it's been cold cold cold.

I thought the perfect way to get out of this cold slump would be to roundup some of my favorite sunshiney things.

Cheery color, cheery message.

Think Happy, Be Happy from The Love Shop $17.99

Keep some sunshine close to your heart.

Honey Gold Chaceldony Necklace from Salemplus2 $30.00

Add some sunshine to your kitchen.

Mod Yellow Bowl from West Elm $8.00

Sunshiney dress that is perfect for summer.

Sunshine in Bamboo from Ureshii $80.00

Perfect way to brighten up your bedroom.

Daffodils Duvet Cover from Urban Outfitters $39.99

Sparlky sunshine is the best.

Jane Gold Headband from Live in Style $24.00

More hope for your walls.

Bright Sunshiney Day from Farouche $30.00

Sunshine from ear to ear.

Little Sunny Earrings from Nest Pretty Things $16.00

Add a touch of yellow to your wardrobe.

Golden Yellow Ranunculus Hair Flower from Bloom $8.00

Even though we are years from having our own babies these might be too cute to pass up.

Felt Baby Shoe from She's So Crafty Baby $28.50

And some in our size.

Chelsea Crew "Malibu" Heels from Ruche $65.99

Beautiful yellow flowers to add to any outfit.

Sunshine Yellow Corsage Sash from Pinktea 6 $33.00

And the ultimate sunshiney art.

You are My Sunshine from Jessica Swift Shop $8.00

Roundup: Spring Dresses

I decided to follow reviving one series by reviving another.

Last week I mentioned that I wanted to start my roundups again. Previously they had consisted of 20 items that fell into the same category, currently I've dropped the number to between 10-20. If there's ever anything you're searching for shoot me an email and I'll make a roundup just for you!

After last week's Vlog Friday I think it's safe to say that most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are dreaming of warmer weather.

I thought it would be fun to put together a roundup of cute summer dresses that hopefully one of you can add to your closet!

This is the type of dress that I'd wear not only this spring but every day this summer as well.

Nightshade Dress from Modcloth $44.99

Stripes & Denim make this perfect for summer.

All American Dress from Forever 21 $19.80

This floral sundress looks like so many of the dresses already hanging in my closet!

Floral Cotton Sundress from Kolon Clothes $25

I love ruffles.

Linen Blend Sundress from Old Navy $29.50

They say colorblocking is in style this summer and these colors are perfect for warm weather.

Blocked Tank Dress from Target $18

If this isn't one of the sweetest dresses you've ever seen I'm not sure what to tell you.

French Mademoiselle Dress from River of Romansk's $46.80

I love polka dots.

Cooperative Desert Rose Dress from Urban Outfitters $59.00

Bows + pockets + flutter hem= darling

Flutter Tail Dress form Dolly D $39.00

Nothing says summer like whimsical prints.

Girly Bird Gets the Dress from Modcloth $97.99

This looks about as comfy as any summer dress can be.

Girl Next Door from Pearly Kiss $26.00

Perfect for a transition from day to night.

Drawn Springtime Dress from Forever 21 $24.80

This might be the definition of a comfy summer dress.

White Wave from Be a Part of Perfection Dressing $40.50

Lovely color & tiered skirt, perfect for spinning.

Point Neuf from Shabby Apple $78.00

Perfect to pair with a wide belt, blazer & tights on colder spring days too!

Set Sail from Hackwith Design House $20.00

Prints are so cheery for spring.

Sweet Lemonade Print Dress from Ruche $38.99

I love bold florals.

Secret Garden Dress from Pearly Kiss $26.00

Are you ready for summer yet?

PS Stay tuned for the first official before & after photos of our house at 3 PM!