Sunday, June 23, 2013

Time For A Cocktail


As you know, it's wedding season.  I've had two weddings already this month and am realizing I'm in need of a great cocktail dress.  My mama is so adorable, she asked me if I owned one, and I told her I would go get one when needed.  But, I think it's something all of us girls should have in our closet just in case.  Am I the only one who doesn't have that special little dress hanging around waiting to get used?  There are many great colors and fits to choose from, and I love that most are wearable all year 'round.  If you don't have your own yet, get shopping at JJ's House!  There are so many to choose from!








All photos courtesy of JJ's House

Make The Jump


Happy Sunday Funday!  What do you all have planned today?  I'm going to spend a little time by the pool with some Malibu and diet, then a concert in the park later!  This summer is all about spontaneity and opportunity.

One of the summer trends this year is the jumpsuit.  It's easy to throw on, make a statement, and keep you cool when the temp heats up.  Do you own any or would you wear one?






By the way!  All ads are 40% off to celebrate summer!  Don't miss the chance to advertise your blog or business this summer with me! Use promo code: summerfun  Click on link above to get started!

All images courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Google Reader No More...Don't Lose Track of Your Favorite Blogs


REPLACING GOOGLE READER WITH BLOGLOVIN'



Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 11.24.50 AM

Hi readers! As you know, Google Reader will be on its way out in about 3 weeks. There's still time to transfer the blogs you read over to Bloglovin', and I couldn't recommend it enough. Here's how:

1. Set up a Bloglovin' account: If you don't have a Bloglovin' account, you can get one here. During the process it will ask if you want to import the blogs you read on Google Reader to Bloglovin'. Click on the button to import and that's it!


If you already have a Bloglovin' account, then here's what to do:


1. Log in to Bloglovin' and click on your profile picture.

Bloglovin Tutorial 1

2. On your profile page, click Edit your profile. This will take you to your account settings, notifications, etc.
Bloglovin Tutorial 2

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Import blogs. Doing this will take you to a page that gives you 2 options. Click on Google Reader and follow the prompts.
Bloglovin Tutorial 3


4. The import literally takes a few seconds to work. Once the import is complete, it will take you back to your Bloglovin' homepage where you can view all the recent posts from your favorite bloggers.

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 11.58.12 AM

It's possible with the close of Google Reader that Google Friend Connect may follow. To avoid any complications in the future, I've been following blogs directly on Bloglovin' by clicking on the follow link when I'm reading new posts. The follow link usually looks like a + or a heart. 

Let me know if you need any help and I hope to see you all on Bloglovin'!

(Post stolen with permission directly from The Kimmie Chronicles--go check her out!)

I'm In Love...With Bar Carts


If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen the recent photos of my new bar cart.  My style is a combination of Hollywood Regency/contemporary.  Bar carts are so retro, but add a contemporary flare to a room.  Mine is in my kitchen, since I was lucky enough to have a cart there when I moved in. I love the idea of someone coming over, and fixing them a drink out of a gorgeous decanter.  So very soap opera right?  There are no rules about what has to go on your bar cart.  Some don't even have alcohol, but rather old-fashioned sodas.  Make it your own.  You can't go wrong.  Here are a few photos to get you started, and then a few of my own bar cart!  Enjoy!








And here's mine!

Photo courtesy of Kori Donahue for Blonde Episodes 

Courtesy of Kori Donahue for Blonde Episodes

Friday, June 21, 2013

Up A Tree

(The long deck to this Cave Junction, Oregon, tree house—which calls itself the “Calypso” and rents year round—features pine-tree cutouts in its railing. )

Happy 1st day of summer!  I've mentioned (a few times) that I think summer is the most romantic season.  So many vacation options, warm weather, and reading on a porch.  What better way to celebrate summer than with a tree house vacation?  There's such a thing?  Yes!  What could be more romantic than hanging out in your own hideout with your loved one?  There are many to choose from.  Take a look, and what are you waiting for?  Book it!

(AirBnB’s most popular tree house is in Burlingame, California, overlooking San Francisco Bay. According to the site, co-owner Doug—who created the tree house originally for his children—is now looking into a career as a tree-house builder.)

(The French tree house “Monbazillac,” a shingled interpretation of the original Chateau de Monbazillac in southwestern France, sleeps two and has WiFi.)

(For $361 a night, the French “chateau” is a rare tree house that includes its own bathroom with walk-in shower and these dramatic, verdigris-esque doors.)

(They call this Oregonian house the “Shitake,” a reference to its Japanese architectural motifs, and it was designed to look like a hanging lantern.)

(A tiny little tree house in Quebec, Canada.)

(The bedroom at the Hawaiian tree house, which is available for $215 per night.)

(If staying in a flammable, moves-with-the-wind structure isn’t edgy enough for your family vacation, try the Kilauea Volcano tree house, located near one of Hawaii’s volcanic parks! Built, essentially, as a honeymoon suite to the property’s nearby events pavilion, this tree house lists its city and state merely as “Volcano, HI.” )

(A stunning exterior of a tree house in Italy—located in greater Alessandria, roughly equidistant between northwestern Italy’s Genoa and Turin—which rents for $136 per night. )

(Rustic outside, the Alessandria, Italy, tree house calls itself “shabby chic” on the inside, with white-washed walls, plump pillows, and a full suite of high-end indoor plumbing. Coffee and local wines are served on the deck.)

(The $250-per-night Calypso has a four-poster bed and eating area—though cooking is strictly forbidden. )
All photos and captions courtesy of Vanity Fair Magazine