Beautiful Wedding Bouquets with a Personal Touch!

I hope you are having a great Wednesday so far! As you know, I am currently in the midst of wedding planning (less than 6 months to go!!) and I have been crazy on Pinterest finding all kinds of cool ideas I would never think of.

One of my favorite things I have discovered is the idea of the "personalized"bouquet.  I think its such a special thing to have a small, meaningful detail hidden away for the bride as she walks down the aisle. 

Here are some of my favorites!

Rustic Wedding Chic  (1) and Something Turquoise (2) 

1. I love this Southern Louisiana bouquet from Rustic Wedding Chic because of the meaningful rosary (or prayer beads) they intwined within the flowers. Not only is it beautiful, but I really like the idea of a family heirloom.

2. This monogramed burlap detail is subtle and pretty and a nice way to show off your new last initial!

Fab Mood (3) and Style Me Pretty (4)

3. This bouquet featured on Fab Mood I think is so sweet for putting subtle pictures of loved ones or your loved ones who have passed away. Its a beautiful way to have them walk down the aisle "with" you.
4. This idea may be my favorite because it is probably the easiest to incorporate! This bride took lace from her mother's wedding dress and used it to wrap around her bouquet… so beautiful!

I hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful night!!

xo, 

Grace 

Go-to Accessories of the Summer!

Hello Hello!! I hope you all had a great last weekend of July! I have no idea where July went… I feel like I blinked and now it is coming to an end.  But, I am happy because I have lots of exciting things coming up in the month of August! :)

Today I wanted to share with you the two accessories I have been grabbing more than anything else this summer. They truly are my go-to items for pulling any outfit together.  They are: The Harper Cork Wedge and The Bella Patent Clutch (sadly no longer available in beige but linked here for the black).  Both Elaine Turner pieces, these two make any outfit I am wearing feel extra special and summery.

Things I love about the Harper Cork Wedges: 

• SO comfortable
• Make my legs look longer (who wouldn't want that!)
• The bamboo detail on the top
• Go with everything

Things I love about the Patent Leather Bella Clutch

• Magnetic closure makes it extra secure
• Hot pink lining
• Mirror inside!

Outfit Details: Sweater- C. Wonder, Dress- Splendid, Necklace- From Houston TX Boutique, gift from my mom, Earrings- Forever 21

What have been your go-to's this summer?

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Rene Magritte "The Treachery of Images"

Happy Sunday and welcome back to another Work of the Week! I was talking to my mom a few days ago and she asked me what work I would be writing about this week, and how I go about selecting one each Sunday.  I told her that the honest answer to both of those questions was that I couldn't really answer because each week, events or circumstances just happen to inspire me, leading me to a particular theme or image.

Magritte, "The Treachery of Images" 1928-1929

That is definitely true this week, as I've seen at least three t-shirts in the last 7 days with this painting (or a stylized version of it) plastered on the front.  I think its budding popularity as t-shirt art may have something to do with Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), the protagonist of the extremely popular film The Fault In Our Stars, wearing it as she toured Amsterdam.

Hazel Grace sporting the Graphic Tee in the Film + One for sale online

I wonder how many people wearing this graphic tee realize that they are wearing a representation of one of the greatest surrealist paintings of all time?

Magritte completed stylistically diverse surrealist paintings, and "The Treachery of Images" is one of the most visually simple works in his collection. The representation of a pipe, with pronounced three dementional shading, hovers above cursive script reading "This is not a pipe." Despite it's "realistic" portrayal as a pipe, he states below that it is not a pipe at all.

So, what is it?

It is a commentary on representation, and the serious limitations of it, never before unearthed in such a clear and pointing way as Magritte does here.  The flat canvas covered in pigment will never be a pipe, only a image for viewers to impose their understanding of what a pipe is onto it.  Without the viewer's judgement, preconceptions, or understanding of the object we have designated to be a "pipe," the object would simply be a flat shape on a stagnant canvas.  

Images can betray us because the thing being represented may seem as if "reality" to the viewer, but in fact it is nothing more than a two dimentional surface.  This is not to say that images have no place in representation, but instead challenges the viewer to question their own reality, to question their perceptions, and to look past shiny facades to what really may lie beneath. 

As the artist himself says, "Only thought can resemble. It resembles by being what it hears, sees, or knows; it becomes what the world offers it."

So in fact it is not a pipe, but a series of lines and shadings that the viewer uses to impose their preconceptions into a judgement of what is "real."  Now, why is Hazel-Grace, a young woman suffering from cancer, wearing this on her shirt? I'll let you think about that one.

Have a great Sunday!

xo, 

Grace

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Hi guys and happy Friday!! I realize this is a bit late, but I wanted to share with you all my picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale this year! I LOVE the anniversary sale because its one of the only sales I can think of that gives you a chance to buy styles at a discount before the season begins, instead of after... I always find it a little hard to justify purchasing a down jacket, even if it is half off, at the beginning of May.

So, while these amazing deals last, stock up for the upcoming fall and winter seasons! They will be here before we know it. Crazy, right!? Where is the summer going?

This year, I broke my selections up into two sections: 1. Sophisticated Staples and 2. Fun & Flirty Picks. I only decided to feature items that I consider to be "good deals," so there is nothing on this list that is more than 200 dollars (except the COACH 'Legacy Duffle' Shoulder Bag  but it is over $100 off). Enjoy!!

S O P H I S T I C A T E D   S T A P L E S

1. COACH 'Legacy Duffle' Shoulder Bag: This classic staple is over $100 dollars off, so if you are in the market for a classic handbag that will last you the rest of your life, now is the time to take advantage! Love the tassel detail too.

2. Halogen Mixed Media Drape Neck Top : At only $25.90, this comes in different colors/prints  AND in Petite! Great for work or paired with jeans and a cool jacket for brisk fall days.

3. Ted Baker London Bow Clutch : I think this is a staple because it is a perfect way to add a pop of color into your fall/winter wardrobe without being overwhelming.  I would even use this as a wallet in a bigger bag during the day, and then for night just take it out and its already all set to go! Love the bow detail ( and basically everything Ted Baker makes… ever).

4. Cascade Wrap Dress:  Perfect for work, universally flattering, easy to dress up or down, AND on sale… what more could you want! Also it is available in four colors.

5. Jolt Colorblock Faux Leather Knit Coat: This is one of my favorite items from the sale this year. In person it looks so much more expensive than the $64.90 price it is available for!  I love the faux leather detail paired with the soft white and the structure of it.  It is also a great staple because it looks elegant with a dressier outfit (say, the Cascade Wrap Dress above) and a pair of pumps, but it can also be made to look more casual or edgy with a basic T-shirt and skinny jeans/leggings. So versatile.

6. Eliza J Leopard Print Ponte Knit Fit & Flare Dress: The way that this dress is cut, coupled with the black paneling around waist/bust, makes it flattering on all body types. It could be great for work or with some motorcycle boots for a more relaxed look. And, of course, I'm also loving the animal print!

7. Chelsea28 Dolman Sleeve Brushed Sweater: Dolman Sleeves are one of my most favorite trends for this fall/winter. They create a much more fluid shape with the arm of the sweater and are so comfortable! I love the heather blue color that this one comes in as well!

8. Sam Edelman 'Zachary' Suede Pump: Available in multiple colors, this pump is sophisticated enough for elegant outings, but has a touch of fun with the cut out ankle straps.

F U N  &  F L I R T Y

1. Will Work for Shoes Graphic Tee: Graphic Tee's will be huge this fall and winter and I am A-Ok with that because I love to wear tshirts! And I really will work for shoes :)

2. Wildfox 'Mauve Dots' Pullover: I am OBSESSED with Wildfox Pullover sweatshirts. I know you're wondering how I can be so excited about a sweatshirt, but the Wildfox Pullovers are the softest, coziest, most amazing articles of loungewear ever. Plus, they are really cute.  This ons is on sale for $84, but let me assure you that it is worth every penny! If my friend Laura is reading this, she is probably rolling her eyes because I have been known to go on and on about my love for these things.

3. En Creme Eyelash Lace Skater Dress : This is the perfect fun and flirty dress for a holiday party or night out, AND its a great price ($49). Comes in three colors too! I also would love it with tights.

4.Caslon Waxed Cotton Anorak: Camo print is going to be huge this year and this jacket is a great way to incorporate it into your wardrobe. It also comes in petite!

5. ASTR Mesh Inset Crock Embossed Fit & Flare Dress: I picked this dress because it reminds me of my sister and I can see her rocking this this fall! It is the perfect pairing of edgy and feminine at great price ($48)!

6. Halogen Love Shoulder Zip Sweater: Love this Love sweater! Just like graphic tee's, graphic sweaters are definitely on the rise. This is one of my favorites because of the grey/red color combo.

7. Halogen Hearts Shoulder Zip Sweater: Heart sweaters are top at my list of things I cannot resist. This is one is particularly amazing because it is thin enough to look great as top with a skirt for work, and as always, amazing with jeans. Love.

8. Miami Chica Plaid Pleat Skirt: This may seem like a strange inclusion to some, but I think plaid pleated skirts are so cool and I will definitely be sporting one this fall.  I think my love of this style may have something to do with my long-gone field hockey playing days, but I really do think this is a cool skirt to wear with a chambray button down or a plain grey/white tee.

Happy shopping!!

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Lilly Martin Spencer: Young Husband: First Marketing

Welcome back to a new Work of the Week post!

I hope you have all had wonderful weekends!!

Today's work is by American 19th century artist, Lilly Martin Spencer.  Spencer is very well known for her scenes of domesticity, or "genre" scenes typically popular during this time period.  What some do not know about Spencer is that she was the breadwinner and financial provider for her family.  After Lilly Spencer wed, her husband decided to quit his job and help her out with housekeeping while she devoted herself entirely to producing works for purchase.

Despite her work ethic and talent, the Spencers were never econonmically prosperous and spent most of their lives in financial distress.

This painting, Young Husband: First Marketing (1854), is widely considered to be an attempt at humor in portraying gender relations in the mid 1800s (which were thankfully much different than gender relations today!).  The "Young Husband" clumsily walks through the rain, dropping produce from his shopping basket after picking up groceries-- shocking as men were not generally portrayed as facilitators of the domestic sphere.  This, however, was Lilly Spencer's reality.  A darkly dressed man with a sinister expression, and especially pointy umbrella, jeers at him from behind.

Most New Yorkers who first viewed it in the National Academy of Design in 1854 got a good laugh from it, as it was quite preposterous and odd to see a male figure infringing on what was seen as the female realm (and doing such a poor job at it too!).

I propose a less humorous reading to this image. Personally, I see this as a frustrated commentary by Spencer on her financial and home-life situation. She bore the complete responsibility of financing her household, while her husband managed the domestic issues…a total reversal of the "norm."  In turn, society, embodied here by the jeering man, looked down upon them with more than just laughs, but a sort of inescapable darkness, willing and hoping for the Spencer's "strange" situation to fail.  As evidenced by the "Young Husband's" frazzled struggles, it was not easy for either of them to endure.

It is especially interesting for me to reflect on this work today, as almost two centuries later, I would hope that we have progressed far enough to not find it silly when a man buys groceries.  However, we certainly still struggle with similar gender issues and inequalities.  This work is an important reminder of the pain, humiliation, and fear that people who enjoy perpetuating stereotypes can impose on one deemed to be "different." Let us strive to not be the jeering man!

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful Sunday Night! I must confess that tomorrow I am going to Harry Potter World (***yay!!!***) and will not be posting. I will be back Wednesday and stay tuned for a review of the New Diagon Alley!! 

xo, 

Grace

Some Ikea Favorites!

Happy Friday!! :)

Today I want to share two of my favorite items that I consider to be "Ikea Staples." I LOVE Ikea and one of my favorite activities is to go to there, grab some free coffee and a cinnamon roll (they have the BEST) and walk around the show room looking at all the clever set-ups. When we got an Ikea and I was still living in Charlotte, my mom and I would probably go once a week in the morning and do that… happy memories!

Anyway, I know lots of people do not like assembling furniture and therefore never go there, but some of their best things are in their home decor/ accessory department and require little to no assembly.

One of the best things they offer, in my opinion, is the RIBBA series of frames. They are so inexpensive for how high-end they look.  The matt quality is high and I love that they offer them in a variety of colors (although I always go for the classic white).

I have two of the 19 3/4 by 27 1/2 size ones hanging side by side and I love how they look.  I picked up some wrapping paper from Paper Source that I loved, popped it into the frames, and voilia! Very inexpensive but fun wall art.

The small sizes are great too!! I have this hanging by my desk:

I am also a big fan of the GARNITYR Box with Lid.  When you don't have a lot of storage space, plastic bins are great and all, but why keep things in ugly bins when you can store them in boxes that are actually attractive? These are SO roomy and you can really squeeze a lot into them because they are fabric and stretch a bit.  Also, they have a handy tab so you can label it and know exactly what is inside!

I have them on top of BRIMNES 3 door Wardrobe which was NOT easy to assemble (My amazing fiancé did the whole thing), but is great now that it is done! 

Do you guys have any Ikea products that you love?

Happy Weekend! Tune in this Sunday for the 3rd "Work of the Week"!

xo, 

Grace

Favorite Coffee Table Books {Currently}!

Hi guys and happy half-way through the week! Hope its been good to you so far. Today I want to share a few of my favorite coffee table books. My mom has always decorated with and collected coffee table books, so growing up I was always surrounded by the glossy pages of far away locations, beautiful art work, or cozy decorating ideas. Just like her, I love books and I love to decorate with them as well!  They are a great way to show personality in your home as they are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your interests or passions.

Here are my current favorites:

1. Hue by Kelly Wearstler // 2. Will Cotton Paintings and Works on Paper by Francine Prose // 3. Houses in My heart: Carleton Varney by Carleton Varney // 4. Contemporary Classical: The Architecture of Andrew Skurman by Andrew Skurman // 

Hue was introduced to me by a woman I used to babysit for who loved interior designer/fashion designer Kelly Wearstler's style. It definitely rubbed off on me and this is such a fun book for colorful inspiration, decorating outside the box, and looking at cool modern art. My only complaint is that I have the smaller version and I wish I had gotten the larger book so that it has more presence, but still, one of my favorites for sure.

Will Cotton by Will Cotton is like looking through dreamland. His paintings and drawings mainly feature women dressed up in all kinds of candy or cakes, or landscapes of candy-worlds. His work is seriously amazing (you may remember him from Katy Perry's teenage dream album cover/artwork). 

I purchased Houses in my Heart while on vacation with my family at the stunning Greenbrier Resort. I have always loved The Greenbrier and the way that Dorothy Draper decorated it with bright colors and fun florals (check out In the Pink: Dorothy Draper).  Carleton Varney is now the president of Dorothy Draper and Co. Inc and is active in decorating many hotels including the Greenbrier. This book has beautiful images of his bright and vibrant decorating.

Finally, Contemporary Classical was a gift from my parents and I find it very relaxing to look through. Skurman's clean lines and classic aesthetic are refreshing in a world where there is so much stimulation.  This book is fantastic for the interior decor and the architecture alike. 

What are some of your coffee table books? Have a great afternoon!!

xo, 

Grace

Why Boxers are the Best!

First of all-- my apologies that tonight's post is a bit random! Going through old photos in my iPhoto app, I am simultaneously embarrassed, proud, and amazed by how many pictures I have of my dogs.  I've had boxers for basically as long as I can remember (so yes, I am a bit biased…) and believe wholeheartedly that they are the world's greatest dogs.  I could go on forever , but here are just a few reasons why..

1. They don't mind when you make them pose for cheesy Christmas Card photos.

2. No matter what the age or size, they always believe they are lapdogs.

3. They will always find something to cuddle.

4.  They love to give kisses to their human family...

5. … and they love each other too!

6. They are the perfect companion for play, work, or travel.

7. And finally, they are ALWAYS happy to see you, giving the best "Welcome Home" in the world.

Happy Monday! I hope you've had a great start to a fresh new week :)

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Basilica of San Petronio, Bologna Italy

Welcome to a new Work of the Week post! This week, the "work" is actually an architectural structure.  One of my major areas of study was architecture, specifically cathedral and basilica structures. I find them to be fascinating and beautiful-- I hope you feel the same!

Many people are familiar with (or have at least seen pictures of) the Florence Cathedral, or Il Duomo di Firenze.  This Gothic Cathedral is well known for its massive dome (a harbinger of the Renaissance period not started until 1421), but the cathedral structure itself was begun in 1296, overseen by Arolfino di Cambio.  Sadly, di Cambio died only six years into the project so never saw the project even come close to completion.  Despite his death, his plan for the structure remained basically unchanged, which is remarkable as this period was marked by the multitude of opinions and potential drama while building large religious or cultural structures.

Florence Cathedral 

An interesting anecdote about the dome is that Brunelleschi, the architect who made the proposal for the dome structure, was unsure how to go about vaulting such a massive structure. He went to commissioners and artists to seek advice, and one prominent proposal was to fill the entire octagonal drum (the base of the dome) with dirt mixed with gold coins, place a resting dome on top of the dirt, and then encourage random people to clear out the dirt with the promise that they would find gold coins mixed in with it.  Not a very smart plan, but still an interesting story!

Florence Cathedral 

I begin with the Florence Cathedral because it is connected to the lesser known Basilica of San Petronio that is our focus today. Bologna is a much smaller city in Italy in comparison to Florence, but wanted to assert its presence as a viable, powerful, and autonomous locale.  The best way to do this during the 14th century was by presenting impressive architectural ability, and that is exactly what the city of Bologna tried to do. 

This structure was begun almost exactly one hundred years after the start of the Florence Cathedral (during the Gothic period it often took two centuries or more to complete a cathedral structure).  In an attempt to be at a similar level as Florence, and seeing the impressive work of the florentines, the plans for San Petronino were incredibly ambitious and can be said in today's modern language as an attempt to "one up" the florentines.

Setting out to build an unbelievably large structure in a relatively small town, impressively, within the first fifteen years of building, the entirety of the main arcade (basically the long portion of the cross shape that cathedrals make)was completed. However, after 1405, construction came to reach a long pause. From 1405 on, the construction moved at a snails pace, and the structure was never completed.

This forever incomplete example of late gothic architecture is a perfect example of the big aspirations 14th century individuals had in their cathedral construction; the city of Bologna really knew how to dream BIG!

Today- Still incomplete facade of the structure 

Exposed brickwork never covered 

Fortunately for us, a wooden model of one of the original plans for the structure survives today, so we can compare how far the structure made it against what it was "meant" to be.

Wooden Model of Original San Petronio Plan

Compare this wooden model with the above image. In the wooden model, the bottom section of the long leg of the cross shape is all that was ever constructed (although never finished as it is still mostly "naked" brick).
The cross section (side chapels), or the short leg of the cross that forms the "t shape" was never begun, the dome on top of the crossing was never begun, and the four towers were never begun.  Just to be entirely clear because I know architecture terms can be confusing, I circled in the below image all that was ever partially completed.

Circled shows what exists today

What is remarkable  about this Basilica is the sheer ambition behind it.  It is actually said that the architect in the later, early 16th century plan wanted to make this structure even larger and grander than St. Peter's in Rome.

It is also interesting and unique because the impotence to this structure was not the church wanting to build a cathedral structure, but the town and the townspeople themselves wanting a gothic cathedral for their hometown.  The structure was property of the city, not in the hands of the church, until 1929, and consecrated in 1954.

I hope you enjoyed this post! I hope it wasn't too confusing and that you had a great weekend!!

xo, 

Grace

Wallpaper Crush!

My family and I once lived in a historic home that had been around for many many years. It was a beautiful house with lots of fun quirks, one of them being a breakfast nook with blue vinyl booths installed circa 1961.  I was a huge fan at the time, but my parents? Not so much.

One weekend we embarked on the family project of tearing out the booths (sad for me) and in the process, also de-walpapering the room.  The booths were easy to remove, the wallpaper was NOT. There were honestly about 10 layers of wallpaper, documenting every crazy trend in decorating since the turn of the century.

Even though my dad did all of the work removing the paper, ever since then I have been traumatized at the thought of installing or removing wallpaper, vowing to only be a paint girl for the rest of my days.

Recently, thanks to Pinterest, I'm starting to change my opinion about wallpaper. I love that it serves as extended art and can really set the tone for any decorating style. Here are some of my recent favorites:

1. Wild: As a huge fan of animal prints and metallics, I love this look. The great thing about this paper is that it is not too animal print-y… it almost reads as a texturized polka dot print. Either way I love it!

2. Beachy Traditional: These soft blue/grays and flowy medallion shapes are right up my alley. 

Also love the organic look of this orange/beige print 

3. Classic: What is more classic looking than a graphic black and white pattern? Loving how this paper looks framed within the moldings… like giant pieces of art!

4. Girly: Pink + White + Quatrefoil pattern = Heaven. Love the softness of the pink with the white. So relaxing!

What are your thoughts on wallpaper??

xo, 

Grace

Nobody's Perfect!

Sorry for the late post toady! I hope that you all had amazing holiday weekends! I thought today  tonight I would share one of my cherished pieces of jewelry that has a fun story behind it!

My mom and I have always loved going out shopping together, especially going to antique/vintage stores and searching for unique finds.  When I was about five years old, I remember being at a antique furniture store with her in Mint Hill, NC.  While we were there, an elderly man came up to us and placed a necklace in my hand that says "Nobody's Perfect"with the N written backwards.  He told me to always remember that, and I have!

Circa 20 years later, I still have it and think of that day often!! Its amazing to me how such a transitory passing moment can make such a lasting memory and help to teach such a great lesson. I am definitely NOT perfect and welcome this little reminder everyday :)

Have a great evening! 

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Millais Ophelia

As an Art Historian and art lover, I am so excited about today's first "Work of the Week" post; every Sunday I will be featuring one of my favorite works of art or architecture and providing some information about it!  I recently graduated from university, and what I honestly miss most about it is attending my art history classes.  The world of art history is vibrant, exciting, mysterious, and vital to human life and modern culture.

To kick off this new feature, I selected John Everett Millais: Ophelia (1851-2).  This oil on canvas work is of particular importance to me because it was one of the first paintings I studied in my freshman art history survey class that lead me to love the field of art even more.  The simultaneous presence of beauty and tragedy pulled me in and never let me go!

Millais Ophelia 1851-2

The painting is based off of Shakespeare's Hamlet , depicting the character Ophelia about to drown in a river after falling in.  Supposedly, she is supposed to still be alive here, kept afloat by her boyant dress, singing as she floats down river.  I, however, hold the opinion that Ophelia has already departed from this wold in this depiction, showing the eerie peacefullness of her quiet passing.

Here is the passage on which the painting is based:

There is a willow grows aslant a brook,

That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream;

There with fantastic garlands did she come

Of crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples

That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,

But our cold maids do dead men's fingers call them:

There, on the pendent boughs her coronet weeds

Clambering to hang, an envious sliver broke;

When down her weedy trophies and herself

Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide;

And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up:

Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes;

As one incapable of her own distress,

Or like a creature native and indued

Unto that element: but long it could not be

Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,

Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay

To muddy death.

The most interesting aspect of this work is what Millais went through during the painting process.  He was so dedicated to accurately depicting the river scene, that he spent five months on the bank of the river capturing every detail.  For these five months, he was out there at least six days a week for about twelve hours a day…. That's dedication!

When it came to painting Ophelia, he hired a model and had her lay in a cold bathtub in his studio, completely still and fully clothed.  Eventually the model got sick and essentially sued him to pay for her medical expenses. There's some art history drama for you!

I  hope you enjoyed this first Work of the Week and I look forward to exploring a new work with you next week! Have a great Sunday---

xo, 

Grace

July 4th Cocktail Recipe!

Hi everyone and Happy Fourth Of July!! I am so proud to be an American and thankful everyday for the freedoms this country grants.  Thank you to everyone who has served in the armed forces to keep our country the safe and secure place that it is… forever grateful!

In honor of the USA's birthday, I crafted up a delicious and refreshing July 4th themed "cocktail" with items I already had in the fridge.  I used sparking cider for mine, but I am sure that it would be amazing with Champagne as well! I think that it turned out to be delicious!

Ingredients + Brands I used: 

Cranberry Juice (R.W. Knudsen Organic "Just Cranberry)- 1 cup

Sparkling Cider or you can sub for Champagne (Martinelli's Gold Medal Cider)- about 3.5 cups

Ginger Ale (Diet Canada Dry)- 1.5 cups

Fresh Blueberries - .5 cups

Fresh Strawberries - Sliced into halves, 1 cup

Fresh Lime Juice- 1 whole lime

Directions:

1. Combine Cranberry Juice, Sparkling Cider or Champagne, and Ginger Ale into a medium sized pitcher. Mix well.

2. Wash blueberries and add in a few at a time.

3. Wash strawberries and cut into halves (by keeping them in halves and not quarters, I find it adds more of a saturated flavor to the drink). Count the number of glasses you are using, and set aside that number of whole strawberries for garnish later.

4. Drop strawberries into pitcher a few at a time.

5. Slice lime into Halves and squeeze each half into the pitcher. 

6. With remaining whole strawberries, cut an X shaped slit onto the bottom of the berry and wedge onto the edge of glass. 

7. ENJOY! 

I love how fruity and crisp it turned out and will definitely be making this easy and tasty summer drink again.  Let me know what you think if you make these, or if you have any other fun summer drink recipes to share-- Happy 4th!

xo, 

Grace

**All serve-ware and accessories featured are from Target, except for the coasters from Anthropologie**

Elaine Turner: Pink White and Blue Sale!

My post today is extra exciting because my favorite designer-- Elaine Turner -- is currently having their Pink White and Blue Sale! This is an amazing sale, because not only are there lots of new markdowns at 50% off, but if you spend $300 or more, you receive a gift: incredibly comfortable, stylish, and versatile Savannah Sandals!

I am obsessed with my Savannahs because not only are they perfect for the pool or beach, but they can also be easily dressed up to go out with friends, shopping, or anywhere else you can possibly think of.

Added Plus: Bright and Happy Packaging 

They are honestly some of the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn, with fantastic support and great colors to choose from (mine are in the Pink color with silver accents).

Here's how I am wearing them now (about to meet my fiancé out for dinner):

I love the way the hot pink of the Savannahs plays with the green and blue in my printed romper. I added a chunky necklace, some metallic and blue bangles, and a hot pink cardigan to complete the look. There are so many ways to wear them!! :)

Here are my picks from this sale-- so hard to narrow it down to just a few! (Sale ends on July 6th)

1. Celia Blush Python // 2. The Bianca Cork // 3. Stella Golden Cheetah // 4. Stella White Caviar // 5. The Strand Cobalt // 6. Lane Fuchsia Suede // 7. Tegan Black and Python // 8. Isabella Hibiscus and Tangerine // 9. Kathleen Cork

Something I love about Elaine's handbags is that she offers lots of styles with only one shoulder strap.  I've realized more and more recently how hard it is to find a handbag with only one shoulder strap instead of two. Not only does it allow for more security (bag stays closed easier), but it is way more comfortable to carry! 

Now to other fabulous items… Here are Elaine's Summer Essentials: 

All on sale except for the Rebecca Earrings and Melaney Necklace

I hope you enjoyed this post and treat yourself to some great items on SALE and a fantastic gift of Savannah Sandals!! Let me know how YOU wear them!

xo, 

Grace