China-Patterned

You know how sometimes when you're around something so much, that something becomes a bit forgettable over time? This is precisely how I felt about the classic blue and white china I've seen for years on my mother's shelves. It just seemed a little... old (sorry, Mom!). Until, that is, I began to see it appearing on fabric in the form of chic dresses and tops. On a fresh form, it's suddenly more appealing than ever, don't you think? I'm certainly one to appreciate a good pattern and the combination of bright blue and clean white seems crisp and relaxed at the same time. Here are a few high and low items for fun china-inspired summer style.

1. Anthropologie Akela Swing Dress  2. F21 Essential Floral Brocade Dress   3. LA Made Heart Print Maxi Dress from Piperlime  4. Alesha Dixon of Britain's Got Talent wearing the trend  5. Zara Layered Printed Dress  6. Milly Cobalt Blue and White top  7. F21 Essential Brocade Peplum Top  8.  DVF Oversized Cateye Sunglasses  9. Zara Silk Satin Ankle Strap Sandals   10. Just Cavalli Printed Tshirt  11. SiraMara Bracelet 152 Blue (only $8.99!!)

Erica Courtney's IPhone Case

What a busy few days it's been! Work has been so busy that we haven't had a day off in two weeks. TWO WEEKS! Believe me when I say that I have some serious catching up to do in the R&R department.

On the bright side, our work isn't so bad. We've been spending time with talented artists, shopping experts and a fabulous celebrity jewelry designer. It could definitely be worse!

For now, while I enjoy a full weekend of lazy days, sunshine and relaxation, I'll share a little preview of our time hanging out with the lovely Erica Courtney. Erica is pretty much amazing and we loved talking jewels, celebs, style and even iPhone apps. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect iPhone case, so as soon as I saw her girly glam gold scroll cover, I had to know where she found it. (Sorry for the bad snapshot, it had been a long week.)

Erica said her assistant found this gem on Fab.com, but it must have sold out because I couldn't find it anywhere on the site. After a few snazzy Google searches, I discovered the Pink Bird Boutique on Etsy which appears to have the exact case. Even better? It's only $14.98! 

I asked Erica about the durability and she said she's dropped her phone a few times with this case and it's never cracked. That gets a stamp of approval in my book! Even if you can't quite afford one of Erica's Drop Dead Gorgeous pieces of jewelry just yet, snagging her glam iPhone case is a step in the fabulous direction. 

Friday Favorites - Pretty Sweet Links

I love love LOVE the beauty of the blogosphere. Keeping up with friends old, new and even those never met helps me feel a little more connected and in touch. In the midst of a crazy week at work and piles of laundry at home that seem to reproduce spontaneously, I can check in with a few favorite blogs, scroll through inspirational words, photos of shopping inspiration, easy meal ideas and more. Though it seems like I never have enough time to fully digest ALL of my reading lists, I love discovering new tumblrs, blogs or profiles to follow and I'm sure you do, too.

Even though mine are a wee bit late this week, nevertheless, here are a few that have been especially lovely.

• Anything cobalt. Anything mint.
• Cassie over at Womanista celebrated her big 3-0 back in February and I finally got around to reading about a few of the things she's learned in three decades. If you, like me, have been made acutely aware that the same milestone birthday is fast approaching this year, now's the time to hop over and read all about it.
• My FSU girl Cory of Eat & Relish is typically overflowing with delicious and healthy recipes and gorgeous tidbits of her adorable new San Fran life, complete with the cutest pug. Today, she pleasantly surprised us with a treat of her first Friday faves that includes food AND fashion (squeal!). I automatically want all of her "Get in my closet" links. Thanks, Cory!
• Keeping with the food topic, I have been slightly obsessed with eating these in the morning, either made by me (yes, me!) or purchased directly from this Grayton Beach coffee house.
• Next on my shopping list are pants like these seen on Cathy (another FSU girl) over at Poor Little It Girl. I love the spring styling head to toe!
• Last but not least is darling Ainsley who always has the most lovely words. This week she delves into self-scrutiny and acceptance. It's a beautiful thing!

Hope all of you enjoy a pretty sweet weekend!

Nudies but Goodies

Every girl needs a good nude sandal, right? It is essentially summer already in our beach town and though I still head to the office every weekday (instead of my favorite spot on the sand), I've been desperately shopping for a new warm weather shoe staple. Ankle straps are currently flooding the fashion scene and opting for a nude version helps maintain a long legged look while still staying on trend. I've rounded up a mini-collection that can go from the beach to the office and stay strong through cocktails AND these have fun details like gold plating or studs, laser cut details and even a tiny pop of white. Now, I just need to work on getting my tan to catch up.... 

1. Report flats  |  2. Ash Diva  |  3. 7 For all Mankind Danette  |   4. Vince Nude Sandal  |  5. Nine West GeezLouis  |  6. Zara Mid-Heel Sandals  |  7. Jeffrey Campbell  |  8. Frye Samantha Sandals  |

Three Things

Okay, it's actually six things and really, they're all the same thing. I dare you to guess. It's sweet Emery! She has been a ball of energy and personality lately and I am eating up every bite I can. She is fast approaching her second birthday and this "almost 2" stage has been so fun. Here are a few things I'm head over heels for these days and please read all the way down for one of the best pictures ever.

1. Rainy day gear. Emery insists on her rain boots (naturally!) and one of her fun jackets. "Need mah hoodie mommy," she says. "Mommy put mah hoodie on mommy. Mommy."

I'm not usually known for getting out of the house early, but I try my best not to be late so she has a few minutes to break dance and splash in the puddles.

 

2. Break Dancing Yes, I said break dancing. I'm not quite sure where the girl gets these crazy moves, but she is a wiggler, shaker and stomper. There is so much movement for such a tiny little person! It's pretty funny to watch and definitely a dance that is not truly captured in a photograph. I'll have to work on the video version.

3. Books, books, books! Before dinner, after dinner, before bedtime, past bedtime. Anytime is a good time to read, according to Emery. She has a growing collection of books that she likes to flip through on her own or pay very close attention to when Hunter or I read to her. She knows some of the stories so well that she skips ahead to tell me what's going to happen before we even get to that page. I love that she is a book worm, just like her mama.

 

4. iPad Games Now I know not everyone is a fan of too much time on the iPad, but the games we play have made such a difference in Emery's vocabulary and interactions. She loves flashcards, matching games (Articulation Station), Build a Bug, storybook apps (Goldilocks and the Princess and the Pea are her favorites), Old McDonald and even the TBS laugh track app. I have to unlock my iPhone or the iPad but Emery knows what to do after that and even knows to stay within her "Emery" folder. She turns the pages herself, repeats words and numbers and giggles right along. She's really learned so much! I can proudly say that she can sing the alphabet all by herself and count to 9. Sometimes I play with her, sometimes I just watch in amazement.

5. Feigned Annoyance Sometimes I think this girl is 1 going on 13 the way she looks at me with these pitiful, frustrated or just plain annoyed looks on her face. She actually rolled her eyes at me the other day! I say, "Smile, Emery!" and she just stands there like "Take the picture already, lady." I think I'm gonna be in trouble when those adolescent years finally make their appearance.

 

6. Last, but certainly not least I love Daddy-daughter time. Not only does it give me a chance to sit back and take a breather but watching the interaction between Emery and Hunter just melts my heart. A big, strong manly man becomes a princess, a puppy, a beauty parlor client or a T-rex rodeo rider -- whatever Emery wants. I love that I was able to capture this sweet moment at the park. Now that's what we call a framer!

Sunset Fishing

What's better than spending a relaxing weekend with your honey? Spending a relaxing weekend with your honey on the water, watching sunsets from the boat, spotting dolphins and catching our dinner. Ahh, happy day!

 

Three Things

Some days are so crazy and some weeks so busy that there's seems to be no time to pause, reflect or even stand a chance at making it all the way down that lengthy to-do list. Throw in the annoying head cold that everyone seems to be passing back and forth and, well, it gets a little rough. It is these times especially that I have to force myself to take a breath, look forward to the light at the end of projects and stop and smell the roses (or in my case, the salt air). Three things that I am thankful for this week:

1. Five minute trips to the beach, even if it's just to stand at the top of the boardwalk in the cold wind and take it all in.

2. An extra cup of coffee in my snazzy new home-made mug.

3. An extra snuggle, smooch and tight hand-hold from this little bundle, who always smells so fresh, mumbles absolutely the sweetest things and is turning into such a little lady. (Notice the must-have baubles and the obligatory tiny pinky in the air.) She is my heart!

 

Now, if that extra dose of caffeine will keep up the momentum going until her second birthday, I'll be GREAT!

Beach Baubles

People always ask me where Emery's cute necklaces come from. She almost never leaves home without her bright chunky baubles. Guess what? I make them! When I couldn't find just what I wanted, I started putting together my own necklaces for her outfits. They've been a bigger hit than I imagined and I've started making them for friends who ask. I'll soon be setting up a place to purchase Beach Baubles online, but for now you'll have to settle for these adorable photos from a mini-shoot we did this weekend. Cue the cuteness overload!

Style Inspiration: Amber Heard in The Rum Diary

On a lazy weekend afternoon, I found myself watching Johnny Depp and the gorgeous Amber Heard in The Rum Diary. Have you seen it? Add it to your list. The simple yet glamorous coastal style throughout is mesmerizing and beautiful. The style cues include clean bright white, soft shell tones, vivid red lips, bronzed shoulders and perfectly coiffed hair -- at the beach, no less! The outfits are drool-worthy and the makeup is perfection. Those red lips stuck in my head so long I couldn't help but run right out and stock up on bold lip color. Watch it. You will, too.

Outfit: Southwest Fringe Dress

Plenty of Fish at NYFW

photo credits: style.com

I've been green with envy while fabulous fashionistas have been "taking in" the shows at New York Fashion Week over the past several days. Living vicariously through Instagram, Twitter and street-style blogs has helped calm the fashion craving and given a little insight into what we can expect for spring and summer.

Growing at the Speed of Light

My girl is growing faster than I can keep up.