Favorite Summer Look

I have this outfit from J. Crew for summer and I love it.  It's been my fave for the backyard BBQ.  I have my white jeans on repeat this summer because I feel that you can never go wrong with a great white denim on a casual summer night.  I just make sure that I wait until the very last moment before heading out the door to put them on.  Lots of dirty little hands around here so it's pajama pants for me until I'm walking out the door. 

My outfit details are below:

Party Time

As promised some pictures from our little one's 3rd birthday party.  It was just several of his little friends from the neighborhood for lunch and an outside jumpy.  It was a beautiful day and the kids spent most of the time outside.  

Can't believe three years have gone by since we brought this little guy into our family.  We are truly blessed!

Balloon Bouquet

Today we are celebrating our baby's 3rd birthday!  Instead of flowers for our Friday I felt it fitting to feature a bouquet of a different kind.  Balloons!!!!  It's a perfect day for a party-the rain stayed away which is important when you have a jumpy and backyard full of 3 year olds.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with warm sun and fun.  Happy Summer!  I will post pictures from the party next week.

Grown Up Lemonade

I can't believe how these summer weeks are flying by.-Why don't I ever feel the same in the winter-Ha!

I saw this lemonade recipe on a best of the summer list and thought I would give it a try for this weeks Thirsty Thursday feature.  It has a crisp, cool taste that is perfect for these hotter temps we've been having.  

Cucumber Lemonade 

• 3 large cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cans of Sprite

1. Cut 12 thin slices of cucumber for garnish.
2. Peel and chop the rest of the cucumber; transfer to a food processor, add rosemary and puree. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add water, lemon juice and Sprite to the cucumber juice; stir well. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and a rosemary sprig.

Cool off with one of these- Happy Thursday!

Fresh Summer Salad

It's gettin' hot round here and summer is knocking on the door.  I love summer salads.  Could eat them for every meal.  I only wish the rest of the fam felt the same way.-Ha!  This corn salad is one of my faves.  I love using our garden basil-my herb garden is exploding right now with fresh herbs!

This recipe is simple and I'm all about simplicity when get home late from all of these evening baseball and softball games.  This can be whipped up in a matter of minutes.

Fresh Summer Corn Salad

4 ears of corn cut from cob 

3 medium zucchini sliced in 1/2 inch rounds

1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped

1 garlic clove minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add sliced zucchini and garlic and saute for approximately 2 minutes.  Add the corn kernels and season with salt and pepper-cook for an additional minute.  Remove from heat and add fresh basil and white wine vinegar.  Toss and enjoy!

Hope you are enjoying the week!

Peonies For A Second Week

I adore everything about the summer.  The warm sun, lazy mornings, kids playing outside, backyard BBQ's, garden veggies and plentiful fresh blooms.  Right now peonies are everywhere and I simply can't get enough.  I don't mind overloading the vases while they are still in season.  These bright pink beauties add a pop of color which I love.  I'm thinking next week I may get crazy and share a new flower-but for now peonies for a second week!

Happy Friday the 13th!!  May you have an extra lucky day and a wonderful weekend!

Classic Brunch Beverage

Tuesday was the last day of school and I hosted a brunch here for my ladies in the morning before the kids were out.  I wanted it to be simple, fun and celebratory.  A true kick-off to summer!  What better way to get the summer started than with Mimosas and Bloody Marys.  I set up a DIY Bloody Mary bar with my favorite fixins'.  

Now, I love a Bloody Mary almost any time of day and often opt for the Virgin Mary as well-especially if I have a busy day planned.  I love to load mine up with tons of veggies and make it super spicy!!!  

It's fun to have an excuse to get friends together and it doesn't always have to be in the evening for cocktails and dinner.  Hope this inspires you to get together with friends this summer any time of day!

My faves for the perfect drink bar:

Happy Thirsty Thursday!!!

Nautical Summer

I'm addicted to stripes.  I can't help myself.  When I'm shopping they immediately pull me in and I have to have them.  Striped T's, bags, shoes-I love them all.  I especially love navy and white.  It is clean and fresh and the perfect color combination for summer.  Yesterday the kids finished school so it's official- summer vacation has officially begun!  Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday!  

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Flower Friday

Happy Friday!  So glad the weekend is upon us.  The little boys had their last day of preschool today and Tuesday the big kids are out for the summer.  The weather is beautiful and we are ready for our summer vacation to begin.   I picked up these gorgeous peonies at Whole Foods yesterday.  I am so happy they are in season.  I love having beautiful blooms on Friday in the kitchen.  It's one simple way to make me happy! We are busy with more baseball, softball and graduation parties this weekend.  

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  

Sleepy Thursday

Husby and I don't get nearly as much sleep as we should.  A two year old that screams "MOM", "MoMMMMMMMM" at the top of his lungs at the crack of dawn only adds to the deficit.  Often I wake up and go to the gym and by late morning I'm ready for a snoozy woozy-not good!  Sleep is so important and it's something that we often sacrifice for our busy lives.  It can take a toll on your health, mood and appearance.  So I think some comfy jammies are necessary to make sleeping something to look forward to.  I'm a pajama pants/shorts wearing girl.  I feel that they are more comfortable than a nightie that bunches up.  I like extra soft, lightweight fabrics and I have found that Nordstrom has the best selection.  I'm going to start my quest for some extra Zzzzs by going to bed a few minutes early tonight with a cup of chamomile tea. 

Lets just hope that our little rooster gets the memo in the morning.

Here are some of my favorite summer pjs. -Hurry some are on sale and of course free shipping and free returns from Nordstrom!-Yay!

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Sleep well!

Getting Muddy

This past weekend was so fun!  Husby was off celebrating his college reunion and I was off getting muddy with my girlfriends.  We signed up for the Chicago Mudderella months and months ago and Saturday was the day.  We weren't exactly sure what to expect besides the 6.2 miles and 14 muddy obstacles but it was a blast and much more.  My close neighborhood friends are so fun.  Our kids are all in school together which is what brought us all together years ago.  They are always there for the serious stuff like when a loved one falls ill or passes away, as well as the moments that make me laugh until I can barely breathe.  We celebrate each others successes and support each other in our failures. New babies come home from the hospital and my friends bring dinner for weeks.  They help out in every way and are also always ready for fun.   I realize that our friendships are special and getting muddy with these girls was the best!  Cheers to amazing girlfriends!!!