WEEKEND STAYCATION

We are staying in town this 4th of July which is a total bummer because it is predicted to reach 115 degrees...HOLY HOTNESS!  So to stay cool we booked a last minute staycation at the Montelucia Resort.  Supposedly there are rafts and a DJ at the pool, should be quite the scene.  I can't wait to float on my raft while sipping a cocktail & working on my tan (not my face mom, I have my hat and sunscreen) !  Hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! 

See more here

WHY DIDN"T I THINK OF THAT

Kilim has been around my world for many years.  My Mom being an interior decorator, we had Kilim rugs and pillows in our Mountain home in Colorado and in our Spanish Territorial home here in AZ.  So why didn't I think to add kilim to cowboy boots, they blow my mind!  Check them out at KIBOOTS & COBRA SOCIETY
These will be a MUST for FALL 2011

KVL

I NEED this initial necklace from Max & Chloe, it's a necessity!  I'm thinking about ordering one with my maiden name initials so I have a keepsake to carry on my family's name since I am the last one.  It's so great right?! I love it paired with pearls below, it is the perfect layering piece. This necklace is available in gold, rose gold, and silver.  Purchase here

Photo credit: http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

LUNCHBOX

It is beyond HOT here in AZ and nothing sounds good for lunch these days because I am full from drinking sooo much water & I dread getting in my car to grab something.  However, at Whole Foods today I came across these Asian garden rolls with peanut sauce and they were so refreshing & healthy too.  I also put in the freezer a Naked Smoothie for an afternoon snack in lieu of a protien bar.  It is nice to find something else to add to my fairly routine lunch choices. I will definitely do this lunch again & again!

The fruit inside 22 strawberries, 1 1/3 bananas, 1 3/4 apples, & a hint of orange

TIME TO CHILL

How cool does the SKY bottle look in a block of ice with flowers and fruit. 

Here is the how to DIY

Photo credit: Vanilla Fringe

VA VA VA VOOM

I'm really digging this orange dress on Jamie Chung.  The plunging neckline is very flattering and I also like her coordinating lipstick.  The dress is back in stock for $299 & comes in black, white, and hot pink. Purcahse here

Photo credit: Singer22

NUDE ESPADRILLES

Espadrilles are BACK IN STYLE these days & they are literally everywhere.  The trick is finding the right pair!  I like simple nude espadrilles because they go with everything and the neutral color makes your legs look longer always a bonus!  I own these wedges that I bought last year and never wore until now! 

*Apparently guys think they are hot shoes, the same goes for white bikinis, & white pants?!?  I will never understand the man's brain!

Mine are Enzo Angiolini purchased last year

Jimmy Choo Found here

 Michael Kors Found here

COLOR ME RAD

I am in LOVE with this dress! I just contacted the nice girls at Hallelu and they just got this back in stock & will be putting it back on their website today!  I am sooo ordering this, only $53!

*Got my dress in the mail and it's exactly what I expected... I love it!  Runs true to size

Bright colors are so in for summer and the pictures above inspired me to brighten up my accessories and wardrobe!

Photo credit: http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/ , unknown, http://www.shophallelu.com/shop, http://www.sincerelyjules.com/

RECYCLE

What a simple and pretty floral arrangement.  Use the tomatoes to make a family style Italian dinner and use the can as the centerpiece, Genius!

Photo credit: source: http://www.designspongeonline.com/

GIDDY FOR SUMMER

These Blu Moon Heart Shaped Shades just scream summer to me or maybe it's the giant pin-wheel lolipop that reminds me of fireworks & celebrating the 4th of July in San Diego with friends. Only $22 and they come in red, black, & purple.  Seen here

GILT TASTE

Im so excited for the new TASTE category on GILT GROUPE'S website.  If you aren't a member you absolutely must join it's the best! Sign up here

Here are a few things that I would love to try!

Chef's blend Mushroom Mix

Bourbon Barrel Matured Maple Syrup

Anywhere Champagne Flutes

Olive Oil Cake with Orange

Assorted Cheese Spread

Truffle Honey, Yum

Dried Sausage Assortment

WEEKEND PROJECTS

Project #1 is to make these Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos, the perfect Sunday dinner with the family.  This recipe received the highest reviews! Recipe found here

Project #2 is a bit more challenging!
There are so many inspiring blogs out there and I recently came across this one http://gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com/.  I liked this particular DIY because I am currently waiting for my West Elm Zig Zag rug that is on back order until August, posted previously here.
Danika bought 6 striped IKEA rugs for $4.99 each and sewed them together to create this bold striped rug for her kids playroom.  For a total of $30 I think it might be worth the effort and the savings of $470!!  Check out her final product here

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Last week I bought 2 of these glass bottles, fill them with sparkling & flat water & leave on the dining table when entertaining... 

From Crate & Barrel $3.95 ea.

Purchase here

Photo credit: http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/

BARGAIN FINDS

Ikea Sea-saw table $39.99 Found here

I want to put this behind our sofa with frames & a lamp

Pottery Barn Kids Depot Light can be used in any room $89

Found here

Target's set of 2 Black & Tan outdoor pillows $29.99

These are similar to Pottery Barn's but 1/2 the cost Found here

CB2's Weekender Bench Indoor/Outdoor on SALE $149

I would like as a coffee table

Purchase here

SUMMER LOVE BRAIDS

Seen here

Seen here

Seen here

Seen here 

PASTA TRICK

With summer comes... less clothing! To prepare myself & the hubby I try and choose healthier yet satisfying dinners.  A trick I picked up from http://www.andeelayne.blogspot.com/ suggested that you lightly saute spinach in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt...then fill the bottom of your bowl with it therefore needing less pasta to fill up! 

LAYER 1

Starting from the bottom I had organic spinach, whole grain pasta, Trader Joe's marinara, chopped spinach/fontina chicken sausages also from Trader Joe's, and lastly sprinkled with fresh basil and parmesan.  Served with lemon Perrier instead of wine YUMMY! 

              

            LAYER 2

                                   LAYER 3

LAYER 4

LAYER 5

LAYER 6

DINNER SERVED

X MARKS THE SPOT

1. Tried on these wedges by Halogen, they are on my wish list & they are on sale now. Click here

2. White tanks are a staple for summer and I like the criss crossing detail in the back, Click here

 

3. This Tavik Palm Beach bikini is perfect for your next pool party or beach vacation, love the colors and the cut of the top, Click here

Phote credit: Nordstrom.com, Songofstyle.com, RevolveClothing.com, & Nastygal.com