One Fine Day

Hello everyone! It's been a minute since my last post. This past weekend + Monday were a little hectic as per usual. Remember I wrote about my friends getting robbed the other night? Some of our neighbors were robbed almost exactly the same way - around 10pm on a Friday, and the thieves shattered their sliding patio door, too! I'm completely freaked out. Apparently there's a ring working the area. It's especially weird to me because I've lived here my whole life and have never had any robbery encounters - the break-ins are relatively recent. What's even stranger is we saw the perpetrators a few weeks back, only they were parked in front of our house. I got chills when our neighbors described the car they had, because we saw the exact same car outside our driveway when we got home late one night. After hearing that, I was certain they were prepping to rob either us or another neighbor of ours that night we first noticed them.

On a lighter note, we celebrated my grammy's 88th birthday last week, and it was so special! I had written that we planned to bring her BBQ & an ice cream cake (her favorites), but when we got to her home they had a big KFC feast and an Oreo Cake - it was the sweetest thing (no pun intended hehe). Here's a photo of her on her big day!



Okay - now on to the outfit. I wore this on Saturday....I just love denim skirts. This one is actually a little older and I don't think my top is still in stock, but I really like this combination for summer. I paired it with my pink & white canvas backpack, which I'm currently obsessed with! I linked the backpack, sandals, and a similar skirt and hat right underneath the photos.

Also, I am super super excited for this week on the blog because I'm sharing another one of my favorite recipes. The 3-ingredient cherry cobbler I shared (read it here) has been my most viewed post to date, so I'm really happy to share something similar! This one will be savory rather than sweet....stay tuned :)

On Monday I was all over town and ended up trying two new places to eat - one was an ice cream shop and the other was a sit-down Italian restaurant. They're both really cool places so I wanted to share!

#1: Le Cafe de la Plage

Happy belated Wednesday! Sorry this post is out so late - I planned on publishing it Wednesday evening, but I had to run my mom to the doctor for a breathing treatment after a bad asthma flare-up and it took longer than expected. Anyway, I found a lot of goodies this past week! Each item is linked...just click the red text and it will take you directly to where you can shop it.


1. Luca Lane - Woven Flat Sandals



I came across these the other day and thought they were the cutest thing. Granted, I was a little afraid they look like something for a school girl hah! But I really do think with the right pair of shorts or maybe a maxi skirt or dress, these could look darling. They also come in THIS COLOR.

2.  Puma - dryCELL Sweatpants and Matching Hoodie



Saw this outfit in store and wanted it so bad! It's definitely too hot to wear right now (it was 107 here yesterday) but I would love to run around town in this when it's cooler. Also loving THIS track jacket.



3. Puma - Ignite Flash Training Shoe



I'm always more inclined to workout when I have cute exercise attire!! Haha and these are just perfect. They're so sharp and look really comfortable - I love the faux tongue.


4. 1.STATE - Off-the-Shoulder Chiffon Blouse



There's something about this top that I just love. Okay - actually it's a few things! The light pink color, the neckline, the open shoulder, & the way it falls in the back. It's about $50 even at the marked down price, but it might be worth it!

 5. Madewell - Off-the-Shoulder Top



This is basically the top version of the dress in last week's WW post. I'm not liking how it looks in the picture online - it's way cuter in person! Love the yellow color for warm days.

6. Meilindanic - Square Straw Bag




This is not something I would buy on my own. Honestly, it only caught my eye when I saw this on someone else. When I found out where it's from and how much it is I was shocked. Never would have guessed! Probably (definitely) will be purchasing for my upcoming trip.

7. Bardot - Off-the-Shoulder Stripe Dress



In case you couldn't tell, I have a real thing for the off-the-shoulder look...esp when it comes to dresses. I found a bunch of dresses in this style & I want all of them!

8. Steve Madden - Kimmie Platform Espadrille Sandal



There is another style by Steve Madden called the Bandi Platform Wedge Sandal that is very similar to this one, but I think I prefer the espadrille one. There is a really good duplicate for this shoe too that I've seen at Target - find it HERE for half the price of the Steve Madden ones.

9. Kiehl's - Creme de la Corps Lotion



So many people have suggested this lotion. I tried a sample of it and thought it was pretty good - it doesn't have much of a scent, which is a dealbreaker for me because of my sensitive skin. Now's the time to buy it since it's $23 off until August 5th.

10. A&F - Low Rise Shorts



I guess this isn't something on my wishlist per se, but I really need a pair of simple white shorts that aren't destroyed. Almost all of my shorts have rips, and I need some different ones for times when tears aren't really appropriate.


That just about does it! Today is my grammy's 88th birthday, so I'll be visiting her at her home. She has Parkinson's disease, and it's progressed to the point where she has to stay in bed 90% of the time. I always feel so bad that she is trapped in her room all day...sometimes I imagine myself in her position I get so anxious. I know if it were me I would want family with me as often as possible, so I try to see her several times a week. We're gonna bring her Wood Ranch - which is the greatest barbecue ever (no seriously...I've tried a lot of bbq!) - and an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbin's (her favorite). Talk to you soon! xoxo

Good morning everyone! I'm writing this post in a desperate attempt to inspire myself, hah! First of all, how pretty is the office above? I found it on Google - it makes me want to work towards having a room like that some day! Sometimes I get the week off to a great start with fresh ideas & a clean slate from the previous week, but today is not one of those Mondays. I need some inspiration! Here are some things on my mind that make me feel motivated:

1. Thinking of Goals & What's Coming Up

I get really encouraged when I think about things like places I want to go, upcoming trips, finding a new job, autumn, etc. Whenever there doesn't seem to be a lot going on at the moment, I try to think about exciting things that are yet to come. I will say though, sometimes thinking about the future can do the opposite and make me depressed or anxious! So I have to think about the right things, lol. Thinking of and setting goals really inspires me, too.

Charleston, SC - where I'll be going in August!

2. Making a Plan



One thing that's really helpful when I feel stuck in a rut is mapping out things for myself. Personally, I feel much more motivated when I write out a schedule for my blog, for example. I really enjoy brainstorming posts and planning what content & pictures to include - it makes me feel like I have my life together! I also like to work on scheduling whatever else is going on for the week, even if it's as simple as figuring out what you're going to make for lunch or dinner. I've found that buying a pretty planner or downloading an organization app really inspires me to stay on track.

3. Exercise

Bike trail in Santa Monica

I always feel much better about life in general once I've gone on a walk or worked out. Something about those endorphins haha! But really, I force myself to get out and exercise when I lack motivation. Get a friend or friends together for a hike, rent a beach cruiser, head to the gym....not only does exercising clear my head, but it just makes me feel healthier and more motivated.

4. Get Out of the House

   

Speaking of forcing myself outside, if I'm in a spot where I just have no motivation whatsoever, that's when I go somewhere. Starbucks, the mall, the beach, the library - wherever it may be, it's better than staying home. I always feel a world of difference once I've gone for a drive, even if it's just around town.

5. Investing in Prayer Life

        

At the risk of sounding preachy, I find concentrating solely on God for a little bit each day helps immensely. Sometimes it seems like everything else gets in the way of keeping him at the center, and having him at the center is the only way the "gravity" of life is balanced. Things fall into place when you put God first.


Well, after writing this out, I'm happy to report I feel a little more motivated! I hope you might be too :)

On another note, this weekend was kind of...weird? Idk - just not what I expected. I think the main thing was I went out with some friends on Saturday night, and during dinner they got a phone call saying they had been robbed! I felt so bad when we got to their house and one of their French doors had been completely shattered by a heavy metal patio chair. I was just so glad everyone was okay and safe. The police told us that they had responded to another robbery call earlier in the evening down the street - the thieves had stolen $65,000 worth of jewelry. I couldn't even sleep in my own house that night because I was all paranoid about a robber! Hahah.

On a brighter note, Saturday marked 100 gained followers to my Instagram since starting my blog. How exciting!! Hey, I celebrate every little victory. It's been kinda hard creating a consistent "look" for my feed, but I'm really working on it with each post so I can have the kind of page that I want.

Anyway - I'm going to research some places to see and eat in Charleston. Please let me know if you have any suggestions! xoxo

Aqua Pom-Pom Romper / Street Level Rattan Circle Bag / Sunglasses / Halogen Espadrille Sandal

I was figuring out what to blog about today, and I realized I never shared this little romper I wore in Las Vegas. It's just so cute with the pom-pom details! I actually also used it as a swim coverup because it's so easy to throw on right over your bathing suit. It was on my Wishlist Wednesday a few posts back, and I wound up making the purchase when I saw it in person at Bloomingdale's. I will say that the straps were too long on me by about an inch - I am 5"4.5, so I suppose I'm just too short for the way it was designed. Regardless of the longer straps, I loved wearing it! So so cute and summery.

Today I was all over town, from Malibu to Santa Monica, and it was so busy! I tend to avoid Third Street Promenade in the summer because it is just a madhouse; the amount of tourists gets a little overwhelming. It's hard to drive, park, or even walk through the crowds. I did get to stop in to the King's Head pub for some take-away pastries - it's one of my mom's and my favorite stores there. Totally stop in to the pub shop if you ever find yourself in the area! But anyway...I'm off to catch up with the pugs & enjoy a round of Judge Judy episodes. Tell me I'm not the only one obsessed with law enforcement shows!! Hahah alrighty - thanks for stopping by xoxo

Happy Wednesday :) if you follow lots of blogs like I do, you know that everyone and their mother has posted about the big Nordstrom sale. I haven't shopped it - I'm not sure if I'm ready to buy clothes for fall just yet. The pieces in the sale are, however, just perfect for a wishlist! Not all of the items this week are from the sale, btw.


1. Free People - Saturday Morning Cardigan



Oh my gosh! This cardigan! No kidding, I have had this in my head since I first saw it. The slouchy, knit look is the picture of fall.

2. Goodnight Macaroon - Pink Feather Trim Bathing Suit



I'm picturing wearing this on a beach in South Carolina. How cute is the detailing in the back?

3. Madewell - Off-the-Shoulder Dress



This dress is a combination of great things - the color, the buttons down the front, the length, and the little sleeves. Love it with a pair of white Converse.

4. Le Specs - Cat Eye Sunglasses



If you follow my other WW posts, you know my sunglasses struggle - I tend to lose/damage my pairs fairly quickly, so it's hard for me to invest more than $10 them. This pair is just so cute, though! I love the oversized look, although a lot of times they look waaaay too big for my face. Ha!

5. Splendid - Fae Espadrille Sandal



This shoe comes in 4 colors and I honestly want all of them. Love espadrilles, love the cross strap at the toe, love that they're flat so I can walk around in them easily. Love all around!

6. Brixton - Floppy Wool Hat



Brixton hats are my favorite! This is another piece that would be more suitable for fall. Sure, I could probably mix in into some summer looks, but I can just picture it with some leggings, riding boots, a long sleeve shirt, and a big blanket scarf.

7. Calpak - Murphie Under Seat Carry-On



I recently bought a 3-piece Calpak hardshell set and I really like it - I can't wait to use it! I came across this carry-on online and was thinking how handy it would be. Part of the set I bought includes a carry on, but I think this one would be much more convenient since it's sort of like a backpack. Also found it on sale HERE.

8. Aqua - Striped Ruffle-Hem Skirt



I've been actively looking hunting for a ruffle skirt to bring on my trip. For a day I don't feel like wearing a dress or shorts, I could pair this one with a white cami, wedges, & a straw hat (love THIS ONE too!)

9. Steve Madden - Valery Espadrille Wedge



It's a sad, sad day when these are in my wishlist basket rather than my closet....I'm obsessed with the "Blush" one. I was initially attracted to the "White Patent" color, but once I saw these I wanted them instead!

10. Free People - Down Under Henley



This is probably a stretch considering the weather here - I can't even think about wearing long sleeves in this heat, but I definitely have my eye on this for fall. I loved the Kai henley from last year (granted it was too long on me), and this is a really good follow-up style of that top.


I hope everything is going well for you :) This week has been a little weird for me. I've been struggling coming up with content to post. I love working at my blog! It's pretty much my favorite pastime, but unfortunately writer's block is bound to happen at some point. Plus I haven't bought new clothes in a bit, which means I don't have any fresh pictures to post. Don't be surprised if you see me sporting some of last year's favs! Hahah. My friend & I started a marathon of The Office and I've gotten sooo into it. I tried watching it a while back, and season 1 is just so boring I couldn't get into it. After hearing friends, coworkers, and classmates tell me over and over, "the other seasons are better!", I finally decided to give it another try. Right now I'm only on season 2 so I've got a ways to go! What are your favorite Netflix shows? I'm always looking for suggestions. Anyway - I'll catch you later xoxo