Friday Favorites

Hey hey! It's Friday!

I'd like to introduce you to Newton! Newton is a sweet 40lbs Lab-mix that we're fostering for a few weeks. He has been chosen be a rescue group in Florida and needed a home before making a road trip to the sunshine state. He had been in the Dekalb County pound 8 months so it felt so good to get him to our home, give him a bath, and lots of belly rubs. He's super cuddly and wants to be wrapped around you constantly...which Townes doesn't love, to be honest! He's such a great dog (and doesn't shed!) and it'd be awesome if someone wanted to adopt him *wink wink*! 

One of my favorite Bob Dylan songs with some amazing 1960's footage from London.

 I am enamored with this house on Lake Superior. The upstairs bunk room is adorable!

This video is best way to start the weekend! A perfect reminder to always dance like no one's watching. :)

The perfect sweater for Fall. Too cute!

Curious of your Uber rating? Here's an easy way to find out! Not to brag, but I have 5 stars.

I'm on my way to NYC for 1 day to have some meetings and then head to my first MLS soccer game to see the NYC Red Bulls take on Orlando, Should be fun!

The rest of the weekend will be spent with the household of boys and then celebrating Nana's 89th birthday! If you're in ATL, there's a lot going on this weekend that sadly I will miss, but you should go: Greek Festival, Hannibal Burress at Alive5, Duluth Fall Festival, and the Gwinnett County Fair!

Have a great one!

xo

Friday Favorites

Happy happy Friday!

I am loving these inspirational iPhone wallpapers. 

I know Summer is almost over, but this swimsuit is so beautiful! I also love this dress! #wishlist

This video is incredible + humbling. 

The Earth is the size of a marble in comparison to the solar system!

I can't get over how sweet this dog is! This made my day.

How have we still not been to Banff? Canada looks like pure magic.

This movie looks so sweet and reminds me how much I love Robert De Niro:

I am counting down to the weekend! 

The deck should be done this week (well the construction piece) and we've got some errands to do around the house. Otherwise, it's the grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary! Pretty impressive, hey?

On Sunday, I'll be volunteering for Lifeline and hopefully helping some cute pups find their forever homes!

What are your weekend plans?

♥

Fall Favorites

With Fall exactly 1 week away, I figured I'd share some of my favorite Fall fashion staples. 
Burnt orange and army green are always a must for Fall and naturally ankle boots.
For anyone that knows me, aztec/ native prints are my go-to for accessories and for all household items, as well!

Even though I love Summer, I am a sucker for Fall too! Fire pits, changing (and crunchy) leaves, scarves, cozy nights in, weekend camping, and banana bread.

What are your Fall Favorites?
xo

Friday Favorites

Love this quote! Sail away with me...
 Happy Friday!
I was in NYC for work this week so I'm ready to be home and get the weekend started!
This weekend will be spent with family (Mother's Day) and Sunday will be 10 years since J + I started dating...crazy it's been so long (and how much we've gone through since being twenty-somethings in college)! 

I can't tell you how excited I am for this new "Little Prince" trailer! It's one of my favorite books so I love that this movie will help the story reach a new, younger audience!

These newly discovered items from Frida Kahlo's wardrobe are amazing - especially the red boots!

This bathtub is amazing! 

 This ATL bucket list is a winner. I really want to do #19 (no surprise there)!

I am so excited about this new show, because I love Jenny Slate (if you haven't seen "Obvious Child" you must go watch it now)!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend and let love rule!
xo

Fashion: Day + Night Pieces

Since I am trying to make my wardrobe more about quality over quantity, items that are easily translatable (from work, travel, relaxing, and a night out) are my favorites. I love this outfit because the elements are super simple, but when combined, they look polished and playful. Obviously you could substitute the ripped, boyfriend jeans for some dark skinny jeans or flares too!

What are some of your favorite items that work during the day and for a night out?
xo

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and happy May!
It's been a super long week and I've been constantly battling a virus since last Thursday (sore throat, drainage, coughing, and all that fun stuff). I may or may not sound like a smoker when I talk! :)
How awesome is this manifesto? I want to sign it and then make it happen. Maybe I need to print it out and post it somewhere that I'll see it every morning!

A lit of reason why hikers are some of the best people out there:
"Surround yourself with those who do not fear the unknown, but yearn to see it.

Surround yourself with those who care more about fulfilling their souls than they do about keeping up with the latest trends and drama."

I am fascinated by this article on the ethical implications of eating meat. The author has some pretty interesting thoughts on how being vegetarian isn't always the best solution to make a change.

This summer, there will be a 1000 foot water slide set up in downtown Decatur. This is seemingly a combination of amazing times and a lot of drunken accidents!

This t-shirt.

Isn't this video the cutest? I love this dog and his teddy bear!

Hopefully this weekend I'll get back to 100% health.
I have dinner plans with some close friends tomorrow and then my mom's belated birthday celebration on Sunday!

What are your weekend plans?
I hope they are great!
♥

Beach Babe Wishlist

Although the southeast is still making up it's mind about the weather (sunshine and rain vary daily) and we're in the midst of pollen season, I'm dreaming about the beach. We've got our annual work conference coming up and it's beachside in Boca, but there's never anytime for enjoying the locale since there are back-to-back meetings! Regardless, I've put together this beach wishlist!

The Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is my favorite, because it smells like coconut and the beach. I also really would love to invest in a nice beach blanket that could also work for picnics! I love the "surf all day dance all night" message, but could possibly make my own shirt!

What's on your summer/ beach wishlist?
xo

Friday Favorites: Happy Spring!

Happy Friday and first day of Spring!

Life already feels significantly better with the slight weather change!

Wouldn't it be great to walk around this meadow? Pure magic!

Speaking of weather changes, I bought this swimsuit and I love it!

This quote totally represents my current state. Work has been so crazy and I'm not sleeping at night with all of these thoughts and "to do's" running through my head. Help!

Did you know about today's cosmic triad? On March 20, 2015, three extraordinary celestial events converge: the March equinox, a total solar eclipse, and a New Moon which is also a Super Moon! Amazing!

Looking for some amazing destinations in the US? If so, check out this link. It's so hard to choose which should be our next adventure and it's sad how few of these I've seen...need to fix that immediately! Which would you choose?

 What an insane tunnel discovery! You can pay to camp inside!

Hope you have a fun weekend!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow with sunshine and 75 degree weather! If you need to find me, I'll be outdoors!

xo

Friday Favorites

Woohoo! 

It's Friday and I couldn't be happier (especially after traveling for work all week and having travel delays due to ice and snow).

As Liz Lemon would say: I want to go to there.

 I love this tank top (well, a less-expensive version; I believe I saw some from Urban Outfitters). Makes me dream of summer! 

The cutest dang video of a kitten climbing on the most patient St. Bernard you've ever seen. Must watch until the 1:14 mark at least!

This. Hilarious!

Ringling Circus is going to stop using elephants in 2018. If only they'd stop torturing those poor animals immediately! Heart-breaking.

I just watched Obvious Child while being stuck at the Dallas airport last night. It was sincere and super funny. You can watch it for free with an Amazon Prime membership.

Have a wonderful weekend!
I'm excited to see a dear friend at her baby shower and enjoy a bit of sunshine.
xo 

Featured Shop: Diamonds Are Evil

Last year, J bought me these awesome wooden, laser-cut earrings online.
I always get a lot of compliments on them (what can I say - J's got great taste :D )!

While in Austin, TX, we spent some time walking around an open-air market off of South Congress Street (Sarah mentioned that they have puppies at the market so I was enticed)! As I casually passed a booth, the man in the booth commented on my appearance (I don't remember exactly what he said, but it was kind) so I turned back to check out his booth. Turns out the guy was Michael, co-founder and designer of Diamonds Are Evil, which is who made the very earrings I was wearing!
Such a small world, isn't it?

It's such a great thing to meet the people behind handmade items and I love supporting small business!
With that being said, make sure to check out their shop! Here are some of my favorite pieces (although my earrings are my favorite):

xo

Color Crave: Bordeaux

One of my favorite parts of Fall (besides fires, crunchy leaves, and hot chocolate), are the majestic, deep colors everywhere. My favorite color inspiration this Fall is bordeaux.

I love everything about this outfit inspiration!
A black, faux leather jacket would top it off nicely too, don't you think?

What's your favorite color for Fall?
♥

Inspiration: Before Sunrise

I am currently under the weather and stuck in bed. Sounds luxurious, no?

This weekend, I ended up watching "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset." I believe that I've seen both of them before (although I haven't seen the final film of the trilogy, "Before Midnight," yet), but I didn't remember either film. 

I forgot how lovely and romantic the films were...I mean they are based in Vienna and Paris, but the dialogue is perfect and poignant. The story line follows two people who meet on a train and spend the night together in Vienna and then they reconnect 8 years later in Paris. Both films have very little action, because the focus is on the conversation and connection between Celine and Jesse.

Both movies left me feeling enamored and nostalgic for Europe.
Swoon...

Here's a little fashion inspiration from "Before Sunrise"...

Before Sunrise

If you haven't seen these movies, what are you waiting for?

"If there's any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know, it's almost impossible to succeed, but…who cares, really? The answer must be in the attempt." - Celine, Before Sunrise
xo

Friday Favorites

Naturally, this picture is top of my favorites this week since as of today, I've been in Paris for a little over a day. Hopefully, as we speak, I am sitting in a park with cheese, baguette, and some wine!

How awesome are these shirts? I think I need both of these.

Humans of New York has become one of my favorite daily reads. I love stories about the human voice and experience. Maybe it's because I was a Psychology major...

Pros and cons of marriage. Interesting read since the marriage rate is currently the lowest its ever been in history.

With my upcoming travel, this peek into a day at the world's busiest airport in Atlanta is really fascinating.

This movie looks amazing - so many of my favorite actors!

I'm usually not too into movie star crushes, but I kind of have to agree with these crush-worthy article on Chris Pratt. 

I could be down with this. Well minus the scotch...

Bon weekend!

 Next time you hear from me, I'll be in Germany! 

♥

Paris Countdown: 1 Week!

 I can't believe that I'll be leaving for Paris, France in exactly 1 week! 
Lily has already been sending me places and pictures that we should visit while I'm in Paris. I'm so excited to just walk around the city with my best friend and take in the architecture, lovely people, and amazing food (and wine)!

I've already been thinking about what I want to pack for my French Getaway and here are some of the items I'm thinking of for nights out...sadly I don't own all of these items, but it's a fun wish list regardless! I'll obviously be sporting my vans, jeans/ shorts, and tank tops for most of the trip, but it's always fun to dress up a bit, n'est pas?

Any items you'd recommend bringing to Paris? Also, I'd love any recommended places or restaurants!
Merci!
xo

Fourth of July Fasion

[Fourth of July]

I know that American flags are the standard for July 4th, but I prefer the more subtle red, white, and blue look for the holiday. Since Independence Day falls in the middle of Summer, cut off's and a tank top are necessary. So is red lipstick! I really need to get some red heart sunglasses too...very Lolita-esque!

My company gives us 2 days off around the holiday so we're heading out of town. Although I love fireworks, they aren't as much fun these days since Townes is terrified of them!

What are your plans for the holiday?
xo

Wanderlust

[Wanderlust]

I've been feeling a strong itch to travel lately...for pleasure. I could really use a beach trip, backpacking adventure, or girls weekend.

This outfit would be perfect for travel...comfortable, cool, and cute. T-shirt, jeans, scarf, and Vans make for the ideal outfit for long plane rides. Don't forget headphones either! I recently sat next to a gentleman on a 4.5 hour trip to LAX and remembered just how vital headphones are for travel (although he couldn't take the hint)!

My best friend, Lily, will be in Paris for a month in August so I'm really trying to get over there to visit her. Because after all....

[photo]
xo

Father's Day Gift Ideas

With June 15th right around the corner, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Father's Day Ideas. 
Granted I don't think my dad would be a huge fan of these gifts, but hopefully some of these gifts are the right fit for the fathers in your life!

Although these items are some of my favorites out there, I'm still always a fan of giving experiences over material things ("collect memories, not things" type of deal). If you're the same, then some great gift ideas are could be baseball game tickets (go Braves!), a round of golf, 60 minute massage, or even just a nice meal together.

What do you have planned this Father's Day?

Forage is currently offering 30% off any handkerchief, bow tie, and tie purchase through June 9th with the code "FATHER."

xo

Krochet Kids

[Krochet Kids]

I've always been a big fan of Krochet Kids. Their "goal is to holistically equip people living in poverty with the skills, education, and resources to change their circumstances forever. Work provides worth. Education breeds innovation. Mentorship nourishes relationships. Through this multi-faceted and measured approach we work with each beneficiary to create a path toward independence."

They have women working in Uganda and Peru currently and each piece is signed by the woman who made it. Pretty cool, huh? You can see the impact that Krochet Kids is having in the women's lives and communities here.

xo

Water Sign

[photo]

The first day of Summer is over a month away (June 21), but with Memorial Day coming this weekend, it only means one thing: pools are open! It's no surprise to me sometimes that I'm a water zodiac sign.
With that being said, the neon one piece above is definitely on my wish list! Although I'm working on being bikini-ready, you can't go wrong with a classic one piece. 

All of these pieces make up my perfect, laid back beach/ pool attire. My parents are having a pool party this weekend and it should be especially fun since they just had their whole pool redone.

I'm looking forward to lots of time this Summer spent by the pool (and maybe some beach weekend getaways)...

What's your ideal Summer consist of?
♥

Create Your Own Sunshine

Despite the rain today, I am looking forward to the warmer, sunny days ahead. I think all of these items are "must-haves" for this summer (minus the Hermes beach blanket, because who has $1,500 for something that goes on the sand?). I'm ready to hit the pool this summer as much as possible. To be honest, I think I need a beach trip. I'd really love to go surfing, but the beaches in the southeast just don't cut it (I think Florida has the highest number of shark attacks; however, most of the attacks are non-fatal thankfully). Maybe I need to move to the west coast...

In the meantime, I'm getting daily inspiration from my reusable water cup. The quote on it says "some days you have to create your own sunshine" and I think I'm pretty good at that (most days, at least).

I have been getting back in the gym a lot since getting back from vacation and I feel great. 

I still have a long way to go until I'm bikini-ready, but soon enough! Like my cardio funk teacher says at the end of every class: "2014 - Eating clean and working out dirty!" I'm excited about watermelon, picnics, camping trips, and maybe some trips to the drive-in.

What are you most excited about this summer?

[Summer Lovin']