Weekend Update

This was the opening weekend of the Iowa State Fair, so I basically ate myself into a fried-food coma... then washed it down with a few drinks.

Friday I went shopping with Brie (because it's what we do best) and then we went to the fair with a big group of friends. We indulged in a few treats (to say the least) and hopped around the various bars.

Saturday I went back to the fair... this time with Brady and the in-laws. This has become a new tradition for me. Brady and his family go every year (since he was born!) while my family has never been fair-goers. This is was a long day full of tractors, animals, games, food, drinks, music, and fireworks.

These 3 are always up to no good

Doll head on a stick... only at the state fair

Out cold

We spent a lot of time at the craft beer tent

A little live music

I got my Mira fix on Sunday :)

Coveting

1 | I've been searching for this Madewell graphic sweatshirt since it caught my eye on Pinterest. The link directed me to the Madewell site, but I can't find the sweatshirt on there. Is it too new? Is it discontinued? I must find out!

2 | I need (ok, want) a new phone case and I think this Tory Burch beauty is perfect for fall. I think I get a new case every season, is that crazy?

3 | I've had the Dior Addict Lip Glow in my Sephora cart for a month. I think it would be a great everyday tinted balm, but I'm not sure it's worth $32.

4 | I have two pairs of Nike Air Pegasus and they are da bomb. The cutest and most comfortable shoes I own. I think this pair would a nice little addition for fall. Plus, they're on sale!

5 | I have been dying to go to a concert. My last concert was Kenny Chesney when I was a senior in high school! I think it's time. My top two choices... 1D or The 1975 :)

Fragrance Faves {For Summer}

I have been on a fragrance kick lately. I hated perfume until about a year ago. I never wore it and the scent on other people would give me migraines. My mom used to spray her perfume in the car and it drove me crazy... it would get in my mouth and smell would linger for ages. I felt like was suffocating (dramatic, I know).

Now, I am a new women. I feel incomplete if I'm not wearing a fragrance. I thought I would share a few of my favorites that I've picked up over the past couple months. 

1 | Stella McCartney Stella

Notes: Rose, Peony Flower, Mandarin, Rose Absolute, Amber

My mom and I both love this scent. It's floral with a bit of musk and will definitely transition well into fall. 

 2 | Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Notes : Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum

This is the only fragrance that I've repurchased. I'm surprised by all fruity notes because it doesn't smell very sweet to me. 

3 | See by Chloe

Notes: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla, Musk

Now this is a sweet scent. I enjoy this fragrance for summer, but I can't see wearing it during any other season.

4 | Elizabeth & James Nirvana White

Notes: Peony, Muguet, Tender Musk

I love how light and fresh this smells. My only issue is the lasting power. I feel like I need to reapply after a couple hours.

5 | Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

Notes: Peonies, Red Apple, Jasmine, Rose, Gillyflower

I've been lusting after this perfume for nearly a year. I finally pulled the trigger and I'm soo happy. This is my new everyday scent. 

6 | Tory Burch

Notes: Neroli, Grapefruit, Cassis, Bergamot, Peony, Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac, Vetiver, Sandalwood

I've had this perfume for about a year, but I only wear it in S/S. It's very floral (and strong) so I have to be in the mood to wear this.

7 | ESCADA Especially Escada

Notes: Pear, Rose, Ambrette Seeds, Ylang Ylang, Musky Notes

Another great scent for summer. It reminds be of the Elizabeth & James Nirvana White, but more floral and a bit longer lasting.

If you didn't notice, I love rollerballs. They are so convenient to carry with you and much more considerate to the people around you when you reapply. 

Favorite Summer Salad

I feel like I should preface this post by saying that I hate cooking. I always hear of people who cook for pleasure and I just don't understand. I find it so stressful. With that said, I came up with this "recipe" last summer. It's extremely easy and I make it for myself and Brady all the time. It's delicious and fool-proof.

2 Servings:

1 avocado

1 cup blueberries

1 cup strawberries (diced)

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 cup feta cheese crumbles

1/2 cup pecans (crushed)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp sugar

These are all rough estimates. To be honest, I don't know how accurate they are because I just throw the ingredients in a bowl :)

Enjoy!

My Style

My everyday style is pretty casual. I keep it simple with shorts, tees, and flip-flops while out and about. I loved oversized tops and short shorts, but I'm pretty lazy when it comes to putting an outfit together so neutrals and basics are my best friends.

I'm looking for cute and casual everyday clothes to carry me into autumn. Here is what I've found so far...

1 | Won Hundren Rasa Vest | I've been eyeing this vest for months, but it's still pretty expensive. I'm thinking ways to justify the price to myself (and Brady).

2 | FRAME Le Skinny Satine Ripped Jeans | I love, love, love black denim and can never have enough pairs. I like a few rips to make them more casual.

3 | Banana Republic Chevron Stripe Scarf | This lightweight scarf would be great for summer nights and brisk fall days. A great neutral print and on sale... win win.

4 | Rails Hunter Button Down (Rose & Cream) | I love plaid for fall and this lightweight button up would be a great transition piece. 

5 | Vince Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee | Vince tops are incredible and I buy them whenever I find them on sale. I've never felt so sleek while wearing a tee.

6 | Dolce Vita Brigid Loafers (also love the Bordeaux color) | I'm a huge fan of flats and loafers. I love the pointed toe version.

7 | TOPSHOP Slim Peplum Zip Jacket | This jacket is everything. The collarless peplum style is perfection and nothing beats a zip front.

8 | Madewell Bucket Bag | I can't wait to break out my bucket bag for autumn and I think it would be nice to have one more so they can alternate.

Weekend Update

I had an great family-filled weekend! I got to spend lots of time with baby Mira (and shopping), which always makes me a happy lady.

Friday night was spent with the in-laws in Des Moines. We all met at Confluence Brewing Company for drinks, then went to Mullets for dinner. We ended the night downtown visiting various bars.

Saturday was supposed to start off with the farmer's market, but Brady and I overslept after our late night out. I went back to Des Moines for a little shopping with Brie, Amanda, and Mira while Brady went golfing.

Sunday I went shopping (again) with my mom, Amanda, and Mira. Then, we all went back to my parents house for some extra Mira time :)

July Favorites

Here is what I've been loving throughout the month of July...

Beauty

1 | NARS Lip Gloss (Sixties Fan) is a stain and gloss in one. It's such a pretty color and great for summer (despite how dark the color appears in the package).

2 | NARS Matte Multiple (Vientiane) is my new favorite bronzer. This provides the most natural-looking contour and blends so easily with fingertips. 

3 | Tweezerman Slant Tweezer is the holy grail of tweezers. I lost my tweezers on vacation :( and was frantic trying to find them. I finally had to cave and buy a new pair. This pair make me happy I lost the old ones. 

4 | OPI We'll Always Have Paris was my mani color when we went to the nail salon in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I loved it so much I had to hunt it down online.

5 | The Body Shop Body Butter (Raspberry Harvest & Papaya) is really a favorite every month. I'm so disappointed that the Raspberry Harvest scent is only available in summer.

Fashion

1 | Anthropologie Pure + Good Moto Jacket (sold out, similar) is the perfect, lightweight jacket for summer. I love everything about it- style, comfort, length, lack of hood.

2 | FreeLoader Tees are the best t-shirts, but they are so difficult to find. I currently own three and would love some more, but they certainly are hard to come by.

3 | Reef Crochet Sandals are extremely comfortable and cute. I love that reef sandals have arch support. I can wear these sandals all day without getting sore feet.

4 | GapFit Breathe Long-Sleeve Tee was a recommendation from my mother-in-law years ago and I've been hook ever since. This top was on repeat during vacation. 

5 | A&F Midi Length Shorts are the best denim shorts I've found. I feel ridiculous shopping at Abercrombie & Finch at 25-years-old, but these are totally worth it.

Miscellaneous

1 | The Vacationers by Emma Straub is the perfect book for summer. It was a quick and enjoyable read, that I have now passed on to my mom.

2 | Big Sky, Montana is so beautiful (it's become my laptop background). I had the best vacation with my in-law at the beginning of the month. We did lots of outdoorsy, adventurous activities and still managed to fit in some pampering with manis/pedis/facials/massages. I mentioned the trip here.

3 | Simply Balanced Organic Baked Corn Puffs are new at Target and apparently not online yet. They are the perfect snack for when you want to eat something, but you're not very hungry. 

4 | Bark Thins (Dark Chocolate Almond) are an easy snack/desert. The mint ones are equally delicious! I must warn you that they are addicting.

5 | Bose x Reebok iPhone 5 Armband has changed the way I work out and I am a happy girl. I love running with my phone now. My mom got the Bose headphones and this was included. Fortunately, she didn't want it :)