Packing Up!

My boyfriend and I are off to Chicago on Thursday and then making our way to Milwaukee for a wedding on Saturday. So in order to cut back on the added cost of checking our bags, we've decided to carry-on for the flight. This is going to be a bit of a struggle for me. Okay...a lot of a struggle. It's only Tuesday, and I'm very nervous about how I'm going to make this happen. Here is what I'm thinking in terms of how I'll decide on what to bring:

Category #1: Daywear: comfortable and easy to wear and pack!

from right to left: Forever 21 layers tank, Hudson Jeggings, Allsaints.com wrap shawl, Madewell pink henley tank, Cosia beige top, Aubin and Willis Stripe Tank, JBrand Shorts

Category #2: Dresses for day and night- cotton day dresses and dressier options for night time out on the town as well as for the wedding

Tucker Linen dress, Milly one shoulder, See by Chloe bow dress, Vanessa Bruno grey racerback, Maurie and Eve Teal dress

Category #3: Shoes and Accessories- Messenger bags for easy access and comfort and clutches for night. Simple jewelry. Flats for the day and heels at night. Sticking with neutrals make it easy to wear with several outfits.

Helena de Natilios Black Clutch, See by Chloe Tan bag, Steve Madden pumps, Sam edelman flats, Alex Monroe Swallow Necklace, Hayden Harnett Messenger

Happy Packing...for the next few days!

best friends

I'm sure that everyone thinks that they have the best friends; but I'd be willing to bet that my friends really are the very best. A birthday is one of those holidays that I anticipate for several weeks before hand, and I put alot of pressure {mostly on myself} on having a fun birthday. After all; it only comes once a year. So I want to thank all of my friends for helping me celebrate and have the best birthday celebration that I could have asked for. My friends definitely know me far too well, considering I came home with lots of fun stuff and some great "princess" cards and party attire! Thank you thank you thank you.

Happy Monday friends!

with 2 of my best friends from high school- and the strapless birthday dress with embroidered cutouts that I decided on!!

All of the fun goodies I returned home with!

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”

Birthday begins....

Now!

Well, I guess it's technically been going on since July 1st, since I prefer to celebrate for an entire month {as most girls do!}. But today is the official beginning of celebrations with great friends and family. Today will be spent with friends out at the pool, then getting my makeup done with my roomate, and then...time to party! I'm so looking forward to it and will update you on the details of the party next week.

Happy Saturday!

Cutouts

Last night my roomate and I were on a mad dash for last minute birthday celebration options! I was on the search for a second dress option (as I've slowly lost interest in my original "birthday" dress) and she was searching for shoes. Unfortunately I found nothing, but she found some amazing black cutout heels! I just love the way that cutout shoes look and so happy that atleast one of us was successful in finding something fabulous for the weekend! Maybe I'll give it one last shot again this afternoon =)

Happy Weekend!!

from top left to right

-Belle by Sigerson Morrison

-Picque Cire

-Guess

-Chinese Laundry

-Corso Como

-Pelle Moda

Be pleasant until ten o'clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself. ~Elbert Hubbard

Watermelon Fizz

Last week I went to a cooking demonstration with my Mom. I was a little intimidated, considering I don't really cook. At all. I do want to learn to cook; but a cooking demonstration didn't seem like the best place to start. We sat in a classroom type setting and got to watch the chef prepare a salad, chicken with marinade and then the drink- Watermelon Fizz!

When I noticed that the Watermelon Fizz only had about 3 ingredients and 2 steps; I was sold. After the demonstration, we got to taste everything that was made and it was even better than I expected. Watermelon is by far my favorite fruit and this makes the best summer-time drink. Might even take this out by the pool on Saturday! With one minor ingredient of course.

Happy Tuesday!

Watermelon Fizz

-5 cups diced watermelon
-1/2 cups Fresh lime juice
-1 1/2 cups Ginger ale soda
-4 lime wedges (for garnish)

1) Puree watermelon and strain, discarding chunks
2) Blend juice with remaining ingredients and serve in a tall glass over ice
3) Enjoy!

Simplicity

Monday's always seem to be the hardest day of the week to find something to wear for some reason. After the weekend, and being able to wear anything you want- it can be difficult to pick out something fitting for a work day. Finding something simple is key; especially on a Monday. I love all of these choices for simplicity! From anything with buttons, zips and slip-ons or pull-overs. Simple is best.
Happy Monday!

Buttons:
1- Tory Burch Boyfriend Cardigan
2- Miu Miu Dress
3- Ritten house Skirt
4- Madison Marcus Layer Tank
5- See by Chloe Woven Top

Slip-on
1- Phillip Lim Navy/Cream Dress
2- DVF ankle pants
3- Steven Alan
4- Maje Dress
5- See by Chloe Shorts