I can never resist this color. It will always be a favorite. In elementary school you are asked quite frequently what your favorite color is and mine was not flamingo pink or violet purple, but always cerulean. Guess some crushes never die! I will be finding any excuse to whip out this beauty this summer.
All of Balielf‘s products are genuine leather made in Bali. And the details are stunning. Their shoes?! Swoon. Would you like win one of this clutch or any other clutch or wallet of your choice? They are so kindly offering one to a reader this week! Enter the giveaway below:)
Gabe is always drink mixing to experiment with flavors and tastes. This is his latest combination that had me re-filling my glass throughout the whole day. It helps that the watermelon was farm fresh that we picked up the day before.
Watermelon Soaked Lemonade
2 Tbls. Sugar 1/4-1/3 c. lemon juice 1 1/2 c. Water 1 Watermelon slice cubed
(optional) add in a little rum or tequila;)
Directions: Shake all ingredients in a canister well and chill. Serve over ice and add a few more small watermelon pieces for garnish.
These flags and crosses are aligned outside our church and it was so powerful to see.
“Their silent wounds have speech More eloquent than men;
Their tones can deeper reach
Than human voice or pen.”
~William Woodman
Always feel so much gratitude today for those who went before us to secure what we have today. Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
x, Anna
Pastels are not a color set I would have originally thought I would have enjoyed wearing. I think like some of you may agree, they are not as easy to integrate into a look. These photos are some outtakes from my most recent post for e-How featuring three ways you can try pastels out this season without them speaking too loudly. Head over to see the full post:)
Gabe gets off work for his summer break next week which means it is time to start the backyard bashes. We both love to entertain, and are really looking forward to summer as a chance to catch up with friends around Atlanta. I am excited to get to plan a dinner party with Pier 1! A few goals and tips for making it an enjoyable time for everyone (host included)!
A little ambiance can keep the party going after the sun sets. (Source)
Maybe some watermelon margheritas and other refreshing drinks;) (Source)
When you are the host, your main job is to make sure everyone has what they need and is enjoying themselves. If you plan ahead well, you can actually be present to your guests and enjoy the night along with them! Have several sources for beverages. Pitchers on the table, water bottles or water cooler at arms reach, and other options guests can easily get to. It creates an easier flow and more time to actually converse with your friends:)
When you are having dinner outdoors, it also helps to serve food options that aren’t heat sensitive. Nothing is worse than melting desserts or cold dishes gone lukewarm. Choose foods that are easy to manage and can go along way throughout the evening. There are some appetizers and sides that are best served fresh out of the fridge, but it is nice to have options that can be out to eat from in the meantime (ie: chips and salsa).
Yard games. Always fun to hang out over a good game of bocce before or after dinner.
A good playlist. I am a firm believer that music can make or break a good party experience. Music can really set the tone and atmosphere for an event, so we chose a selection of songs that have a laid back, fun, and chill summer vibe. From Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, and Ingrid Michaelson to the upbeat patterns of Bastille, Ellie Goulding, and Mumford & Sons, each song compliments the next in a strand of songs you can’t quite get enough of. This playlist will be on repeat throughout the night and for the rest of summer!
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pier 1 via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pier 1.Find What Speaks to You.
When I was younger, summers seemed like yearssss long. From dawn to dusk my sisters and I would roller skate, swim, run behind my dad while he was mowing paths for us in the yard, bike ride around the neighborhood, watermelon in my grandpa’s backyard, and the list goes on. I have a log of invaluable memories of the smells, tastes, and sights of the summers of my childhood. What I wouldn’t give to have just one more of those days.
Gabe and I have started to create our own favorite summer activities with our family and we just created a summer bucket list. Bike rides, tubing, hiking, camping, splash park, travel to the coast, and lots of backyard bbq’s are on the list. I also have a summer uniform to get me equipped:) The Levi’s 501® Shorts, a tee, sunscreen, and sneakers. It’s really all I need to get through that list!
You all will have to check out the Levi’s 501® Shorts where you can grab your own pair so you are #Equipped for the summer! They are vintage-inspired with the same iconic fit that have been loved by every generation. Super comfortable cutoffs that are an easy relaxed fit.
Do you have a summer bucket list?? Would love to hear your ideas!
This post is sponsored by Levis, and is 100% my own opinion. Thanks for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!
Gabe and I watch movies every week. It is our way to spend down time together. We like to analyze the characters and plot, and Gabe is an especially tough critic. If a movie cannot make us laugh, make us think, or leave us intrigued or inspired, we usually cut it from our list of must watch or must ever see again movies;)
The other week, based on a few recommendations from friends, we tried out The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It is based on a short story by James Thurber. If you watch the trailer alone you might feel a little confused like I was, and wondering what the heck the plot is about. However, this was one of those movies that by the end, you have to verbally make known that it was such a good film. And maybe even mumble it to yourself two or three times. “Such a good movie.”
The life of main character (and director) Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty unfolds by the moment, and you find yourself rooting for him to catch a big break. Dutifully dedicated to his job as film negative developer for Time Magazine, Walter daydreams his way out of his mundane life. When new management takes over, he is given one important task: to develop a reel of film by Sean O’Connell (played by Sean Penn) for the final cover of Time Magazine’s print issues. Only problem is, the slot designated by Sean to be the cover image is missing.
This sets in motion a series of adventures as Walter Mitty sets out to track down the illusive Sean O’ Connell across the globe to find Negative 25. With his job on the line and a love interest (played by Kristen Wiig) at bay, Walter Mitty travels the globe in a series of unexpected adventures to prove to himself he can reach beyond the boxed life which he has lead thus far.
The cinematography is captivating, the scene set ups are brilliant, the soundtrack is addicting, and the characters are so perfectly cast you can’t help but feel like you have met some of them before. Incredibly entertaining and often times comedic, this is the perfect Friday night watch. Let me know what you think!
Do you all remember me telling you about how I got to design my own tote with Wink & Winn? I seriously felt like I got to step into a designer’s shoes (albeit a much easier process) for a day and get my DVF on. You pick the color, the materials, the finish, the style, and even the lining. Thank you for helping me decide what to go with. Kind of fell in love with the bucket tote. Well the bag arrived, and it was all I hoped it would be:) Just the right color for summer and lots of space for me to throw my life in. (I use an organizer insert!) You will probably be seeing it on a regular basis here on the blog, like such.
Wink & Winn is giving away a $200 gift code to one of you! Enter below:) Giveaway ends next Friday! Also, if you would like an instant $50 off any purchase, simply email: frontdesk@winkandwinn.com with $50 gift card as the subject line.
Best of luck friends! Have a wonderful weekend:)
