Summer Shenanigans

I'm not really sure how it happened, but it's already the 3rd Thursday of the month and to top that the month is June. This year is flying by and I swear every year goes just a little bit faster than the last. 

Thanks for stopping by and joining me as I talk about all things summer. Plans, recipes, activities, and anything else summer I can think of. I hope you'll link up with me, Allie, Tara, Holly, Trina & Sara at the bottom and share what's on your summer agenda.

So unless you're pretty new around here then you know our summer started off early this year with a big life event in our family.

Benny graduated from college. We celebrated by heading to the beach for a week before his new job started.

So for the rest of our summer we'll be staying at home for the most part, but hosting quite a bit of company. That leads me to thinking about all the fun and delicious foods I'm planning to make.

Summer is synonymous with ICE CREAM and we love us some ice cream around here. Specifically we love homemade coffee chocolate chip ice cream.

And to send it right over the top we like it with a delicious, warm, gooey brownie.

Another one of our favorites is this potato salad. It's delicious with any grilled meat, can be made ahead and just gets better as it sits.

While parents of little people are planning all kinds of activities to keep the kids from getting bored and staring at the TV all summer those of us with big kids are still trying to find ways to spend time with them and make memories. 

Lots of towns have county fairs and other fun activities. This weekend marks the beginning of the Alameda County Fair which is really close to our house. Next week Katie and 

I are going in the evening to attend a concert. We've never done this before and it should be a lot of fun. We're going to see Jana Kramer

If you watched One Tree Hill then you will probably recognize her. She's got a great voice. She lives in Nashville, so you know I love that and she's a country singer which happens to be our favorite kind of music.

The word summer conjures up all kinds of images. Swimming pools, popsicles, baseball games, cookouts and of course the biggest celebration of summer is July 4th. All the red, white and blue and stars and stripes you can handle.

Where do you start when planning a 4th of July party? Pinterest of course. I have an entire board of July 4th ideas.

These are just some of the highlights. We'll have company for the 4th and they have little girls, so we'll have a big time thinking of all the ways we can incorporate red, white and blue into our day.

The Dollar Tree and dollar spot at Target are great places to pick up all kinds of fun seasonal goodies on the cheap so I've already started a little collection.

So what are your summer plans? Add you link at the bottom so we can all see and maybe get some new ideas for our families.

If you've missed any of the previous Ladies Who Link you can find them by clicking the links below.

Memorial Day plans & kicking off summer

Favorite Target Finds

Mom's Roast

What's In Your Makeup Drawer

Best Organizational Tip & Tricks

Here's the schedule for the rest of the year, so mark your calendar and be sure to join us. I love linking up. It's not only a great way to find new blogs, but to be found and drive more traffic to your own.

Tomorrow's Friday and the start of Father's Day Weekend. 

Hooray!

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

An InLinkz Link-up

What I Wore Wednesday #9

We're half way to Friday my friends and if you happened to see my Instagram or Facebook post yesterday then you know I'm already feeling the "weekend vibe".

Katie and I had another little photo shoot on Saturday and this time Kent came along. He's going to learn the ropes so when she leaves he can take over. 

BELL SLEEVE TOP // PANTS // SIMILAR SANDALS

These are all pieces you've seen before, but they are also favorites that can be worn multiple ways. The black bell sleeve top is one of the softest pieces of clothing I own. Saturday it was windy and cool and this top was perfect. It comes in 4 other colors and one is a striped option. It's on sale at Nordstrom for less than $30 and a great piece to add to your closet. 

KINSLEY ARMELLE BRACELETS

I love these bracelets and reach for them over and over. If you like them you can use the code CoasttoCoast2 for 15% off your entire order. 

BELL SLEEVE TOP // PANTS // SIMILAR SANDALS

This pair of coral cropped skinny chinos from Loft are really comfortable. I wasn't sure how much the coral would go with, but it turns out I can wear them with a lot of things. If coral isn't your color they are available in 9 other colors and are all on sale. Something for everyone. They stretch out so you might want to size down.

I added my favorite pair of Sam Edelman leopard sandals. A touch of leopard is always a great way to add interest to many outfits since it's considered a neutral. 

I was thrilled when I read The Blended Blog this morning and saw I'd been featured. Thanks so much friends.

Tomorrow is our Ladies Who Link party and we'll be discussing summer plans, recipes and activities. Be sure to come back and link up with us.

Have a great Wednesday friends.

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

Linking up with:

Style Elixir / Elegantly Dressed / I Do deClaire

Walking in Memphis in High Heels / The Queen In Between / J Petite 

  Jersey Girl, Texan Heart / The Blended Blog  / Pumps and Push Ups

Tucker Up  /  Northwest Mountain Living / Lady in Violet / Doused In Pink / Curly Crafty Mom

Stylin' In St. Louis / Living In Color / The Red Closet Diary  / Jo-Lynne Shane

Sephora Play Box Review

After reading Allie's (A Gal Named Al) post about her Sephora Play Box, I decided to give it a try. The Play box is a really reasonably priced subscription box. Only $10 a month. I figured it would be a good way to get my feet wet before jumping in the deep end and signing up for FabFitFun which looks like a really great service. I was actually just talking to a friend (Hi Megan) who said she loves the FFF box, so I may have to give it a try.

I don't know about you, but I love to get a package in the mail. And a package in a fun box, well that's even better. I couldn't wait to crack it open and check out what they'd sent me.

I think you get a little carrying bag of some sort every month. This little clear plastic bag would be perfect for carrying things to the pool to keep them dry or bringing home a wet swim suit and keeping it off your dry stuff.

 The "theme" of this box was "Beauty On The Rise". There were 6 different products in the box and I wasn't familiar with any of them. I guess that's part of what's great about a service like this. Finding new things and giving them a try. These are supposed to some of the cult favorites, hard-to-find formulas, and one-of-a-kind brands that are making their mark.

Let's start with Nudestix - Matte About You.

Why it made the cut: This color-rich, preservative-free formula is from NUDESTIX, a brand that was created by a beauty industry veteran and her daughters. The collection is perfect for getting an easy-to-apply, fresh-faced look when you're on the go.

What I thought: Okay, so honestly my first thought was BROWN LIPSTICK???? It comes in 6 other colors, so I'm not quite sure why they sent brown. I gave it a try and topped it with a lighter color that I wear daily. It was okay at best. I tried it a second time and was less impressed than the first time. If you are a person who normally wears a bold lip, then you'd probably be more excited about this than I was. For me though, it was a dud. 

Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser

Why it made the cut: This exquisite cleanser won over the fashion industry - and us - with a highly effective yet natural formula by founder and chemist Sunday Riley, who combines her scientific expertise with pure botanicals in her luxurious collection.

What I thought: Well of course you know I love my Rodan + Fields products so anything in this realm had better bring its A game. This cleanser brought it's B game at best. It was just a creamy cleanser. Honestly it felt just like Cetaphil and it had a smell that was familiar but I couldn't pin point. It reminded me of some kind of food. I didn't feel like it did anything miraculous for my skin. 

Grande Lips Lip Plumper

Why it made the cut: Founder and beauty industry veteran Alicia Grande began her career with a revolutionary lash formula and has now applied that insider expertise to crafting highly effective products that give lips a full, lush appearance.

What I thought: I had another product like this several years ago that was a lip plumper and I wasn't too excited to use this one because of the way the other one made my lips feel. This one gave me somewhat of the same tingly sensation that lasts for quite a while and I don't really like that. I used it a couple of times, but wasn't wooed so I didn't continue with it.

Are you seeing a common theme here?

Trestique Highlight + Perfect Multipurpose Stick

Why it made the cut: treStiQue's up-and-coming line of double-duty multi-taskers are ideal simplifying your beauty routine. Keep this one in your purse and swipe it on for a quick mid-day glow and a boost of vitamins thanks to its coconut oil-enhanced formula.

What I thought: I like a highlighter and so I liked this product. It really is a multi-tasker and can be used in several different ways from a highlighter on your brow bone, to a cheek highlighter or in the corner of your eyes to brighten them. It has a nice creamy feel and is very blendable. I've reached for it quite a few times since receiving it.

Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt

Why it made the cut: Adored by the stars of French cinema, this eponymous line from Paris's most in-demand hairstylist is know for the making hair more vibrant and healthy-looking with powerful yet natural formulas.

What I thought: When I read what this was for I wasn't clear as to why it was included in my box based on my questionairre but I decided to go ahead and give it a try and I'm so glad I did. It's a thick paste like consistency with sea salt in it. It's kind of hard to get to your scalp if you have a lot of hair like I do, but it lathers up beautifully and literally leaves your hair squeaky clean. I mean like you can literally hear your hair squeak. I had Kent try it to and he experienced the same thing. I've used it a second time as well.  While I don't see myself paying $53 for a container of it, I did like using it.

Replica Beach Walk

Why it made the cut: Crafted by the Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela, the "Replica" fragrance line uses scent to evoke emotions and memories.

What I thought: I love to try new fragrances and so I was thrilled to try this. It has a pretty, light scent that is not over-powering.

So overall, I was a little underwhelmed with my first box. I was 3 for 3 on the products and would love to be excited about all of them. I will be anxious to see what this months box holds and to see what Allie thought of this box. It will be fun to compare notes and see how she felt about all of these products. 

Do you do any subscriptions and if so, do you like them? Have you done FabFitFun? What are your thoughts on that?

Hope you have a great Tuesday!!!

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

Linking up with:

I Do deClaire

Trying On All The Things

Happy Monday peeps! Did y'all have a fun weekend? We had a nice cold relaxing one. Yes, you read that right. It was windy on Saturday and actually chilly on Sunday. We had to turn the heat on. It was 64 degrees in the house. Say WHAAAT??? Can someone please tell summer to come back?!

Saturday while we were out and about I figured when at the mall, try stuff on. 

First stop, Nordstrom.

I spotted these sweatshirts with peplum bottoms and thought they were so cute. They run really big though and so I don't think they look very good on me. I was wearing an x-small. Having said that I do really love the gingham and the stripes. I looked high and low and for the life of me can't find them on the website yet. I think sometimes they get things in the store before they show up online.

striped top / olive option

I keep seeing this adorable little striped top on bloggers and found one to try on. It's darling. There's a solid white as well as a solid green option and it has a super cute bow detail at the back of the neck. It's selling out quickly so if you want it you'd better grab one. 

off the shoulder top 

If you are still in the market for your first off the shoulder top to add to your closet, or maybe another one to add to your collection this little gauzy darling would be a great choice. As you can see, Katie has never been more excited to be in a fitting room.

ruffle sleeve top 

This striped top is really stretchy and I love the little ruffle sleeve. I can't think of anything you probably couldn't wear this one with. Jeans, shorts, crops, or a skirt would all look adorable paired with this allowing it to be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet and great to pack for vacation.

 one shoulder top

Not sure your ready for an off the shoulder top or worried about it staying up? Maybe a one shoulder top is the answer. The ruffles and gingham are so adorable on this one and it comes in 4 other colors. This is another one of those pieces that will go with pretty much everything. Denim, white jeans, jean shorts, all kinds of colored shorts or a cute skirt. 

  stretch knit top

This top is a really reasonable price at less than $40 and comes in 10 colors. Something for everyone.

 embroidered mixed media top

This one won my heart on the rack, but when I put it on I fell even harder for it. Oh my cuteness. I loved it and I can't think of any short or pant option it wouldn't look absolutely adorable with.

 ruffled tee

When I saw this one hanging there I instantly knew it would be too cute on and I was so right. I'm always on the hunt for cute tee's since I don't really like to wear plain tees. This one is oh so soft and has the cutest ruffle on the front that continues to the back. You look just as cute from behind as you do coming.

embroidered purse 

Ms. Thang is on the hunt for a cute embroidered purse and is in love with this little cutie.

 tassel necklace

I am always on the hunt for new, fun accessories and especially necklaces. This tassel necklace caught my eye when Katie was looking at the embroidered purse and I had to give it a quick try. Cute, don't you think?

Next stop was the Loft.

 Lou & Grey top

Y'all know that I have frequently declared my love for the Lou & Grey line at Loft. This darling little top is just that. Darling. It goes perfectly with the pants I happen to have on that I purchased at Loft a few weeks ago. Let me just say that these pants are super comfortable. You might think about sizing down in them because they do stretch out quite a bit.

 off the shoulder top

Another sweet gingham off the shoulder top with a cute little tie detail on the arm.

 tiered bell sleeve top

Poor Kent, we went to the mall to return TWO things and he ended up having to find some place to sit while I tried all the things on. I hadn't really intended for the day to go this way, but sometimes you just gotta' roll with it. This tiered top is really, really cute. It's pretty sheer so you'll need a cami under it, but it's light enough that even with the long sleeve it could be worn on a pretty warm day or would be perfect for restaurants and shopping. 

Did you see something that tempted you? Like some of the things I picked? So what do you think...Do you like posts like this where I try things on? Y'all need to let me know what you like and don't like. I blog not only for me, but for you too and want to know what you'd like to see more of.

If you're a blogger, on Thursday I'll be co-hosting Ladies Who Link with A Gal Named Al, Mommy In A Nutshell, Pink Lady and Moms' Coffee Date. This month we're talking about Summer plans, recipes and activities. We'd love for you to join us and share about all your summer shenanigans.

Hope your week gets off to a great start.

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

Linking Up With:

More Pieces Of Me / Sincerely Jenna Marie / Trendy & Tidy / Glass of Glam