Seeing Pink

There's a cute, new spot that opened in my hometown earlier this year, so when my girls reunited we knew we had to pay it a visit - and snap a photo!

A Very Happy Holiday, Indeed

Christmas was low key this year - cozy and relaxed with our family + adopted extras. The eight of us spent the day together, throwing frisbees for the dogs, munching our way through delicious meals, and laughing at the prompts we had in lieu of place cards.

We spent the better part of the morning on the porch, surrounded by dogs and their toys as we chatted in the cool air and savored the time together.

Happy Holidays to all of you out there. I hope the season was full of celebration and love, and the new year brings the same. Cheers to all of you xx

Avocado: Three Ways

I'll admit, I was slow to climb aboard the avocado express. I could munch on a bite of a friend's avocado toast or enjoy a piece of guiltless avocado based chocolate cookie, but all in all? I wasn't a fan. I found it pretty flavorless and with a bit too much of a baby food texture for my liking.

Knowing the benefits of avocado*, I really wanted to include it in my diet. But no matter what I tried, I could rarely enjoy anything with avocado consistently. Perhaps a restaurant here or there would have a dish with avocado I enjoyed, but still couldn't whip up anything to really enjoy it on.

*PS: This article will give you an easy rundown on some of the benefits of avocado: 12 Proven Benefits of Avocado

But one day last month the switch flipped and I found some amazing ways to enjoy avocado. So here are my three favorite ways to enjoy avocado in your daily diet.

Empties.

Inspired by one of my very favorites, Claire Marshall, I wanted to do a quick write up of some great products I've used up & share my thoughts on them.

And no, these aren't all *actually* empty, but I promise it's just because I already tossed the empty bottles before I got these replacements!

My Art & Inspiration Round-Up [youtube + pinterest]

I've been dipping my toes back in painting recently and have turned to Youtube and Pinterest for inspiration and instruction.

just a 2am paint test trying to teach myself about colors + blending that ended in this smudgy creation

Sounds of Summer

I know it's August, but don't give up on summer yet. The heat of the sun, the grit of sand squishing beneath your toes, the warm water washing over you as you dunk into the pool.... savor every last minute of it.

Shopping Ethically for Fashion

Something that has been increasingly important to me is making the choice to support ethical and sustainable brands. I saw an article that talked about the annual ranking of fashion brands in regards to their ethical standards and actions. Link here: if you want to read the list yourself. 

via

When You're Feeling Blue... | 10 Ways to Feel Better + Mellow Playlist

There are a lot of days where I am at 60%, and not very many days where I'm feeling my best and sitting pretty at 100%.

Sixty percent there, if you know what I mean. 60% present, aware, awake. If you've ever felt it, I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.

Recently I sat down and thought of a few things that make me feel better, hoping that if I made a list I could just refer back to it when I'm feeling gloomy and try to pull myself out of this funk.

Summer Dresses | Worth the Wear

Summer is in full swing and vacations are just days away!

Every summer I seem to lose money on a new wardrobe - but really, is it losing if it makes me this happy?

Something about the warm air, the bright sun, and the excuse of a getaway has my practically handing away money for new clothes - peek this new buy from Free People I plan to take with me to France:

With nice events and casual beach days in equal doses, I rounded up a collection of dresses that are just drool-worthy and can be dressed up or down. My style is mostly bohemian with some glam touches, so even if the first few aren't your style you're bound to find a few that are.

10 Must Take Trips for the Summer

They say youth is wasted on the young, but I like to think I'm doing okay with it. Traveling, especially, makes me feel like I'm seizing my time and squeezing every drop of culture, kindness, and fun out of my life.

Tahoe

I popped over to Tahoe for a quick weekend visit back in January.

Easy Green Smoothie [aka the Best Way to Pack in Your Vitamins and Daily Greens]

Since the new year, I've found smoothies to be the easiest way to kick my nutrition up a notch.

All you have to do is pick a few goodies out and whip them together in the blender - it's a fast breakfast or midday snack and a simple way to ensure you're getting your five a day and then some.

Friday Feelings [Tropical Mood Board]

Gone are the muted tones of my winter mood, I'm diving head first into the tropical tones as I start planning my trip to Bali.

Madrid

Just a few days after I returned home from France I was texting my much loved former roomie, Ren, who you know from these posts, about coming to visit. Ren is currently in Madrid, so on a whim I booked the ticket and within a couple weeks I was on a flight out to see her!

Paris For The Day

My dear, we will always have Paris.

Sauntering Through Southern France

While based at our cosy and quiet chateau, we spent most afternoons exploring the neighboring towns. An afternoon in Le Grau-du-Roi, the next in Montpellier, another in Marseille....

In With the New: 2018

The new year is upon us! I've popped the champagne and soaked up a great week with family and feel revived and inspired for the fresh start that's begun!

photo x