Hey, hey everyone! How’s your week been? We finally started making use of our neighborhood pool the last few days, and it’s really made me feel like summer is actually here! There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a pool on a hot summer day. Plus, I absolutely love the smell of sunscreen and chlorine, do you? Maybe it’s just me!
The weather has been hot, but at least it’s been sunny! Things are about to change in the next day or so though, as we’re potentially bracing for a tropical storm currently in the Gulf of Mexico waters. This Arizona, desert gal, isn’t quite sure what to make of all the hoopla, especially on our local news. But Rick has ridden out a pretty big hurricane previously and says he’d never do it again, so I figure he knows best when it comes to hurricane season.
Apparently this tropical storm is holding quite a bit of rain, so hopefully it’s just a flooding event in the coming days. We do have flood insurance on our home (I feel like it should be essential in the Gulf states, but to each their own!) and it sits up a bit so hopefully we’ll be in the clear. However, I definitely won’t be driving around my little sedan on the city streets!
Switching to completely different topics, curious to know what y’all thought of the latest lifestyle content to hit the blog last Friday? I really enjoyed coming up with the grilled shrimp recipe and sharing it on the blog! As I’ve said in previous coffee talks, I’ve been loving cooking in our new home and testing out our new grill.
To give you a little knowledge behind the blogger scenes, I used to always shoot my lifestyle posts at my photographer’s house or at my father-in-law’s house. Now that we’re in our house, I can finally shoot lifestyle projects in our own home – #finally!
It definitely was a bit of an eye-opener to myself to see how much work it takes to prep your home and get everything ready for a food shoot, but it was all worth it! Hoping to do some upcoming reveals of different rooms like my office and our dining room. However, things are still in the works.
I have to admit, art is the one thing we’re still lacking on our walls. I had no idea how expensive large pieces of art can be! Our walls are pretty big and we have high ceilings so I don’t really want to skimp out on the wall decor. But as I’ve realized with decorating a home, all good things come in time and soon enough we’ll have things looking even more homey.
In the meantime, I’m going to continue perfecting some more recipes to share here in the coming weeks, xx.
Now for things I’m loving:
– Did you know today is the first day of summer? And coincidently also National Wear Your Lilly Day! I’m loving Lilly Pulitzer so much right now, and I’ve been wearing it quite a bit lately… see here and here. Lilly just recently dropped some new summer pieces and y’all how adorable is this ? I’ve also got this adorable on my mind!
– Who else is guilty of loving Bachelor in Paradise? I was pretty shocked to hear the supposed allegations but also equally as surprised that everything was cleared yesterday and filming is resuming in time for the show to air, read the latest here. I haven’t really watched The Bachelorette this season, but you bet I’ll be tuning into Paradise; one of those shows that’s a train-wreck you can’t not watch!
– A sale to let you know about… Ann Taylor is offering 40% off all full-priced dresses right now. Do you have a summer wedding or party to attend? Here’s your chance to grab the perfect dress! This would be absolutely perfect for an evening wedding, plus it’s originally only $98, but add now that 40% off. If you’re a bride-to-be, this is perfect. And only a few weeks away now, grab a for that Fourth of July BBQ.
– I’m all about the scrappy sandal trend right now. Whether it’s the lace-up or the crossover straps, flat or with a heel, they’re perfect for the season. Here are a few I’m loving: a pair of with an ankle strap tie; a pair of 60s-inspired that look much more like a designer pair; and these with star embellishments.
Amy Agur says
I can’t wait to see your new rooms! I am obsessed with home offices. Can’t wait!
Annaliese says
Yay for National Wear Your Lilly Day! Your upcoming photoshoots sound like a lot of fun!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Rachel R Ritlop says
I need to check out that grilled shrimp recipe!! Also just learned today was NWYLD!! So cool!
Anna says
Hooray for being able to do lifestyle shoots in your own home! I was also surprised to hear everything surrounding BIP but I’m definitely going to tune in!
Summer says
I’m so, so glad that it’s officially summertime! Also, love strappy sandals.
Kuleigh says
Framed art especially is sooo expensive! Try to look for some prints on Etsy and shop coupons for frames!
McKenna Bleu says
I LOVE the clothing you linked! Im obsessed with those metallic star sandals!
Melissa says
While there the summer is starting… here winter is making me want to stay in bed!
xx, Melissa
https://elephantontheroad.com
Caseg says
Happy Summer! Can’t wait to see your new rooms!
Southern & Style says
Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day! I’ve been obsessed with all the new pieces, give me all the color for summertime!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
David says
I love grilled shrimp! I have to try this recipe that you have linked. I also love the cheese that you are using in the recipe. I bet the combination of flavors are amazing. I will let you know what I think after I try it! Thanks
Cheers
Brittany says
Hope you stay safe in that storm! And I also love the smell of chlorine & sunscreen – the best! 🙂
http://www.agneswright.com
Ana Ojha says
I too love Lilly Pulitzer but there dresses fades after some time! I really liked the that Blue Lilly Maxi dress that you mentioned!
AshleyG says
I loooove summertime too!!
Cameron - Diary of a Southern Millennial says
Can’t wait to see how you decorate your rooms! And I definitely feel you with Tropical Storm Cindy since I’m Louisiana haha. Can’t wait to see the sun again!
Alix Maza says
Those lipstick cases are adorable!
Needa says
wow ! i love reading the way you introduce summers and some essentials products we need !! P.S. your title picture way attractive
Ying- NavigatingAdulthood says
What, no one told me that Lilly just recently dropped some new summer pieces! I love the off the shoulder top that you bought-definitely going to check out their selection!
Carly says
I love Lilly Pulitzer too. So glad it’s summertime!
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says
I love that it is finally officially summer! I had no idea it was naional Lily Pulitzer day, I actually own nothing Lily but the prints are so cute!
Ellie says
I’m so happy that it’s Summer and we’re finally getting sun and warm weather after our crazy PNW Autumn/ Winter and Spring! I don’t have any Lily either but it’s so fun and vibrant! I’ll have to look out for some!
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Silvia says
I totally forgot to wear Lilly… oops lol but this storm is messing up all my plans! Sometimes it sucks living near the gulf.
Amanda says
I need to check out the Ann Taylor sale– I have so many weddings to attend this year :O
Alexis says
That grilled shrimp recipe sounds (and looks!) amazing!
Victoria H Woods says
Love the update! The shrimp sounds delicious and the clothes sound cute! I am checking it out now…..