Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Summer Style Outdoors

Our home has been a constant work in progress and our outdoor space may possibly be the worst.  Growing up a landscapers daughter I became an avid lover of gardening and decorating outdoor spaces. So, as you can imagine, my backyard is killing me in the condition it's in. Until we decide what the final plan is, I've been trying to work with what I have. It also gives me more time to think up design ideas since I go back and forth between all of these. I created a couple fun outdoor style themes to update your summer outdoor style. Plus there are some AHH-MAZING sales going on right now for Memorial Weekend. 



If I lived in the south my backyard would totally look like this. Just don't tell my husband.www.thestylenest.blogspot.com
www.beachblissliving.com

www.southernliving.com

www.coastalliving.com



Probably one of my favorites: Mixing grey washed materials, natural elements and navy. Most likely the route I'm going this year since I'm stuck with an a patterned fabric on our current furniture. Which by the way has stood the test of time. My husband wanted to sell when we moved the first time because we went from a 30 foot deck to a 5ft one. I won that battle and it has made it through 2 moves, survived NE winters and still no signs of wear. It's from Home Depot. So if you're in the market for new patio furniture, I'd recommend checking out Home Depot.  

www.jennifercavorsidesign.com

www.southernliving.com

www.savannahlondon.com



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This is what I'd like my backyard to look like. Palm trees and all. Instead, I have pine trees as tall as palm trees and when they fall they take away our vacation budget 👎🏼www.thestylenest.blogspot.com

www.elledecor.com





My bro has the ultimate modern backyard.  One of these days I'm going to make him (because I'm his big sis and that's what we do) give me a video tour that I can share with you because his space is so amazing. I am loving these chairs from Target! www.jennifercavorsidesign.com

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/3430126/Peninsula-Point-Residence-transitional-patio-orange-county' target='_blank'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/c791e43f015b3ded_8-3175/transitional-patio.jpg' alt='Peninsula Point Residence' border=0 width='500' height='750' nopin='nopin' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ericaust/eric-aust-architect" target="_blank">Photo by Eric Aust Architect</a> - <a style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/patio" target="_blank">Browse transitional patio photos</a></small></div>






And then there's this dream space....

www.luxehomes.com





Friday, May 13, 2016

Vacation Packing List

We're getting ready to go away and I seriously CANNOT WAIT for this much needed getaway! The kids are joining us and I'm excited to spend some QT time with them. I feel like life has been crazy the past few months and we all need a little reset. But traveling with kids requires a little bit of a packing strategy. I want to stay comfortable, yet stylish and try to not overpack. (insert hubs sarcastic laugh) 




I like to pack items that serve multiple purposes. 

TRAVEL

I tend to take a lot of pouches/poufs to store chargers, makeup and ipads. These monogram ones are great because they can serve that purpose as well as a clutch for an evening out. 

I'm a New Englander with pale skin so I'll be starting with a spray tan but maintaining that glow with this luxurious body oil

I always make sure I have a super soft scarf for the plane. It also serves as a sarong for chilly AC inside restaurants and a blanket for my kids when they're cold. This Old Navy one is a great color and a bargain too! Only $9

A good book. I'm currently reading The Nest but just started so I hope it's good! Has anyone read it? 

A neutral tote like this Stella & Dot one is a great carry on bag and beach/pool bag. 

BEACH

A big straw floppy hat like this one to keep the sun spots at bay. 

Aviators, of course. 

A cute bathing suit like this navy and white striped Tory Burch one similar one here

and we can't forget the matching cover up

EVENING

This is where my packing struggles begin. Keep it simple, keep it simple....I keep telling myself this but never listen. 

A white linen dress that can go from day to night with a pair of cute wedges 

add some amazing statement chandelier earrings like these and a cute embroidered clutch to finish the look 



THE BOYS 




I have fun packing the kids for a trip because I get to dress them nice and they can't complain because we don't have any other clothes with us. I'll take the couple times a year I get this opportunity. I want them to look nice but also be comfy and relaxed. 

TRAVEL

Their backpacks will be packed with their favorite things to keep them content for the trip

Comfy travel clothes and a hooded sweatshirt to stay warm in AC
sweatshirt / 

Easy on and off sandals for airport security and the pool and beach

BEACH

Baseball hats because no matter how much sunscreen you apply they always get sunburned under their eyes. 

Cool shades

Our favorite sunscreen that is safe for the entire family and doesn't leave you white

can't forget the bathing suits (Old Navy has a great sale going on right now for suits)

EVENING

My oldest won't wear a fedora but my youngest will and I'm going to take all the cuteness in while I can. 

Linen long sleeve shirt for dinner and nicer shorts (J.Crew Factory has a great sale going on for kids)

These native shoes are my favorite for picky shoe kids. They look like boat shoes but they're rubber and they're super cute on. I also like these for bigger kids and men. 



THE HUSBAND




Tuesday, May 10, 2016

FAVORITE BEACH BAGS

I don't know about you but I have a slight bag obsession and beach bags are no exception to this obsession. These bags are probably used the hardest, with sand, smashed goldfish and wet stinky towels hiding in the bottom of them, they need to be durable (but also stylish). I've found a couple that have stood the test of time and are still holding strong. Plus a couple others that are just too cute with their little pom poms and tassels!






Canvas Totes: Modern Zebra Lightweight Canvas Vix Striped Tote, This Sperry Blue White Tote comes in a couple fun combos and they also have these little sailcloth Pouch that you could use for sunscreen, etc., the Lands End Totes are a classic beach bag you can never go wrong with. We have a couple of these we use for the pool, sleepovers, picnics and more.

Straw Totes:  I spotted this Straw Tote with the Pom Poms at Target the other day and it's a nice size! Simple classic Old Navy Straw Tote that you could dress up with your own tassels or pom poms. Benefit of this bag is the sand falls right through it and stays at the beach where it belongs. Obsessed with this bag. Just wish it was a bit bigger. But if you're going to the beach sans kids this would be perfect.

Fun Bags:  Lucky Brand Bag, Cape Cod Shoe Supply Jumbo Beach Bag with the cutest rope handle, this bag is my pool and beach bag because it expands and is wipeable and has a lot of interior pockets. I've used it hard for 2 years and traveled with it and it still looks new.










Monday, May 2, 2016

FOR THE LOVE OF LEMONS

I've been on a lemon kick lately. Maybe it's the impending arrival of summer? Whatever it is, I've rounded up a couple of lemon things I've spotted recently that will cheer up your home for summertime! (I'm convinced it's never coming here in New England where it seems to be getting colder everyday) 



1. This Lemon Poundcake would make a cute housewarming gift for someone

2. Lemon Essential oil is a favorite around here. I use it in my cleaning products, the laundry and to freshen up the house and uplift your mood. 

3. Lemon Wallpaper (cute in laundry room) This comes in a couple different color options but lavender reminds me of my Nanny because it was her favorite color. 

4. I love this hand and dish soap and it has a good rating on the think dirty app too. 

5. Cute lemon print dish towels to brighten up your kitchen for summer. They're 20% off right now too! 

6. Just looking at this print makes me cheer up. Cute little gift framed for someone going through a rough patch

7. Brighten up lemon face mask

8.  What got me on my lemon kick is these cute little lemon trees I've been seeing. This would make a great mothers day gift....hint hint. Surely I could find something more glamorous then a tree for Mother's Day, right?

9. Like maybe these cute little lemon shoes would be a much better gift option. How cute would they be with white jeans and a black and white gingham shirt?

10. How adorable is this Piccoli Limoni by Tea little girls romper? If I had a girl I'd buy this. 

Not only do lemons make cute house decor but here's a couple more benefits to them






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