Subscription Box Love

Subscription boxes are all the snail-mail rage right now, and why shouldn't they be? They're small boxes of happiness delivered directly to your doorstep once a month. I first started my subscription box love with Birchbox, then gave Ditsies a try, expanded my budget and closet with Stitchfix, and painted pretty with Julep. Every month I was elated with these little bundles. 

Today, I want to give you insight about three other boxes. I haven't tried any of them, but I am itching to get my hands on at least one of them in the near future. Which one would you try?

Grab Bag Love / Love with Food / In a Pretty Box 

Today is your LAST day to enter the amazing York Design Co giveaway. Don't forget to enter here!

P.S. Have you heard of Le Tote?? I am anxiously awaiting my invite! Do me a favor and sign-up with this link to move the process a bit faster :)

 

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Season

Ohh, I am SO excited about this week's theme. Wedding is 24/7 in my world, and this summer is full of celebrations and parties...for me! I am thrilled to get to celebrate this time in my life with friends and family. In July, we're jetting off to Chicago for an engagement party hosted by Hunter's parents. I am so excited to visit Chicago, and even more excited to have a fabulous party there. Hunter's mom is having it catered by Truffleberry Market (you might recognize their work from Liz), and the setting will be in their beautiful home and outdoor space. A garden engagement party! 

For the event, I have already started shopping. I've secured this Shoshanna dress for the evening, and I cannot wait for it to arrive. I am going against tradition a little bit by not wearing white, but I thought this dress was too perfect. I'll jazz it up with some jewelry and pumps...and maybe convince Hunter to get a matching tie! 

SHOSHANNA lace sierra (from Tuckernuck) / L.K. BENNETT zelita pump / KSNY belle fleur earrings / SID MASHBURN tie / EYEBOBS glasses / SID MASHBURN tassel loafer

I'm headed bridesmaid dress shopping this weekend with my ladies. Wish us luck!

 

York Design Company & Summertime Stripes

Navy & pink stripes? My heart be still! This summer staple from J.Crew has quickly risen to my top 5 favorite summer looks. I can toss it on for date night with a pair of wedges, or wear it to a Braves game with some sandals. I love how it pairs perfectly with my YDC cuff. 

J.CREW FACTORY striped dress (similar) / FRANCESCAS COLLECTION fedora (similar) / J.CREW FACTORY wedges / YORK DESIGN COMPANY monogrammed cuff (c/o)

Speaking of: Have you entered to win a cuff of your own? Laura is graciously giving away one of her stylish cuffs. Go here to enter!

Introducing York Design Company & a Giveaway

This is a partnership a long time in the making, and I am ecstatic to finally introduce you to Laura from York Design Company! Laura designs and creates hand-made needlepoint cuffs that make my little Southern heart go pitter-patter. Her talent is as big as her heart, and I can honestly say that Laura has quickly become one of my favorite small business owners and bloggers out there. 

I wanted to give you a little bit more about Laura and her business beyond a simple introduction, so I am including her full interview for your reading pleasure. I know that you'll enjoy her and her whimsical and stylish cuffs as much as I do.

Friday's Fancies: Chic in Sunglasses

One of my weaknesses is a good pair of designer sunglasses. I have 4 pairs. It's a bit of a problem of mine, but when I see a great pair of sunnies at a reasonable price, I just can't pass them up. My high school friends might recall me wearing them as a pseudo-headband to keep my hair out of my face. While that phase of my fashion-no-sense has thankfully passed, I still love a good pair of shades. 

I put this outfit together around this pair of interesting House of Harlow sunglasses. I've noticed tons of colorful cat-eye glasses in my magazines and online perusing. If you look closely, these have hints of pink and lavender in a tortoise shell pattern. So fun and different! 

I'm also featuring my favorite southern shop, Judith March. Don't you love the bright colors? The clothes just scream summer. And can you get a load of that ADORABLE sunglasses case by Avenue Lou?! I'd much rather have a stylish case for my sunnies than the flimsy, standard one, wouldn't you?! 

HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 sunglasses in bloom / JUDITH MARCH bow top / JUDITH MARCH coastal zig-zag shorts / AVENUE LOU sunglasses case

I'm off to the lake with my six best girl friends for a weekend getaway. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Eating Well: Summer Veggie Salmon Salad

I'm using June as a time to spruce up my healthy living and wellness. Over the past few weeks, I've been doing so much better with maintaining health(ier) habits, and I'm pretty proud of myself. I've worked out every day (even the weekends!), and I'm making big strides to eat better too. I even cut out COCA-COLA! It's the little things, y'all.

Last week, I enjoyed this hearty and healthy salad for lunch. I basically pulled-out every veggie from my fridge and piled them high on a bed of arugula. For a bit of protein, I enjoyed half of a salmon filet glazed with a happy mixture of unexpected ingredients: a tablespoon of honey (or agave) mixed with a table spoon of dijon mustard. Spread it over the fish and bake in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a spoon. 

While the fish is cooking, toss some asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and pop it in the same oven for about half the time. Let the fish and asparagus cool, then add it to the bed of veggies. I dressed the salad with some Georgia olive oil and blackberry balsamic. YUM!

Side note: if you're a creamy dressing addict like me, I highly suggest making the switch to a quality olive oil & balsamic. Little balsamic and olive oil stores are popping up all over the place. I purchased mine from Strippaggio, but Buckhead Atlantans could try Oli + Ve. Look around your town and see if it's getting in on the action!

Hats Off to Summer!

Fair skin and sun are not always a match made in sunbathing heaven. But, I've learned the value of protecting my face and the statement a fabulous hat can make at the beach. Check out these options for all of your summer needs! 

1. TERRAIN stacked stripes / 2. ANTHROPOLOGIE aurora / 3. MARLEY LILY monogrammed baseball cap / 4. MOSSIMO fedora / TERRAIN somerset hat