Friday, July 24, 2015

Five For Friday

{O N E} Sunshine
We might have started this week with a heatwave but it was worth it to enjoy these full sunshine, mid eighty degree days.  In addition to the weather, I'm also loving sunflowers right now.  We saw a little stand of sunflowers being sold in Boston and they were gorgeous - I need to get some for my countertop asap.



{T W O} Sarah's Watermelon Shots
One of my best gal's Sarah made these watermelon jello shots for a barbecue last week and how amazing do they look!? She used the actual watermelon to shape the shots - how cool is that.  I've seen things like this on Pinterest before but I've never seen it actually tried out.  She said they were delicious and you can find the recipe here.  Her only recommendation - cut back on the jello amount a little bit.



{T H R E E} Walks, Naps and Relax - Caught up on Life
Summer is for weekend fun, no?  Being on the go most of the recent weekends has been fun but that leaves for a lot of catching up during the week. I finally feel like I'm at a point where we are pretty much "caught up" on little odds and ends.

This week has been quiet refreshing and I've had time to walk Stella in the morning every day this week and then again at night with Derek too. Last night was a night with ZERO to do - how amazing that was and it was spent enjoying the gorgeous weather and doing a little pinteresting amongst other things (maybe even some homemade tacos too).  I even enjoyed a little post workday, pre dinner nap on the couch - hallelujah! Bring on the quieter, low-key life.


{F O U R} Vacation Planning - California, Here We Come 
One of my favorite things to do is plan vacations - pick the hotels, decide on what to sightsee, find ways to relax, etc.  I love researching everything before we go and I genuinely enjoy the planning/research whether it's a trip in the near future or a trip a year away.

This week has been all about working on the final details for our anniversary trip which is right around the corner and I realized I never mentioned where we are going - we're heading to… California! We picked this location because we both love the experiences that we've had in this state so far (there are so many gorgeous places to visit!) and we stopped here for an overnight on the way to our honeymoon so there's a little something special about this location to us, perfect to celebrate one year :)

Married for two days and California bound on the way to our honeymoon last September.

{F I V E} Final Nordstrom Sale Picks
It's been like Christmas this week having those brown boxes from Nordstrom show up on the porch.  I've got a handful of returns, a few things to swap out for a smaller size and a couple "love" items to save for fall.  I can't stop browsing the website and pass up the great deals so a couple more recents picks...

This Lush dress is perfect for the transition from summer to fall and with a $30 price point you can't beat it!  One reason I was happy I continued my searches was finding this blazer is probably my FAVORITE find and comes in eight colors.  I was so happy with how the tie blouse looked and fit I had to take the chance to scoop up a second color before the sale ends.  

For some simple items - I'm excited to try out these t-shirts and this sweatshirt tunic that's available in four colors.  These little dresses are probably one of my favorite finds - they run big though.


**Reminder: The monthly Own It Linkup is back next Thursday 7/30.  Own anything big or little.  Have a confession session.  Share the little crazy things about you**
To get and idea and see past linkups you can take a peek here and here.






 Linking up today with April, Karli, Amanda and Erika.


46 comments:

  1. I'm loving all the sunshine as well. And sunflowers are sooooo happy looking!

    I had one of those watermelon shots two weeks ago, isn't that the most amazing idea? I pinned it after our kickball game and plan to make it for our next barbecue! People are so smart!

    Glad you have your trip planned, Cali is a fun place to visit! And love all your Nordie picks, mine arrived this weekend and I love my swag too! Happy Friday, pretty!

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  2. Those watermelon shots turned out amazing! How cool! And yes to vacations! So happy we both get one very soon. I think I'm going to request that yummy red beverage when I'm on the plane ;) Happy Friday!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  3. Loving the sunshine, but wish it was a little bit cooler here in the south. We've spent a lot of time at the pool. Those watermelon shots sound awesome! You guys are traveling machines!! Can't wait to hear more about that trip.

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  4. I can't wait to hear more about the anniversary trip - it's going to be fabulous!!! Those watermelon shots look like they can be dangerous!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  5. This weeks' weather has gone from abysmal to beautiful! I have loved driving to and from work with my windows down and sunroof open!
    Those watermelon shots look delicious! Can't wait to hear even more about your trip! I know you're pumped to go back and actually be able to explore. You guys really are jet setters!
    Have a great weekend!

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  6. Have so much fun on your Cali trip! We've been enjoying more quiet nights lately and it's been so great!!

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  7. I would love to go to California! Hope y'all have an amazing time! Have a wonderful weekend!! :)

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  8. Those watermelon shots - oh my!!
    And hooray for Cali! That will be sooo much fun!! Have the best wknd!

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  9. The getting back into the swing of things after having a fun weekend is alway the hardest, so glad that you're able to finally feel caught back up! I love California too! Do you know where you'll be heading?

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  10. Those watermelon Jell-O shots look amazing! Where in California are you going?

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  11. Wow, those watermelon shots are definitely a big Pinterest success! Sooooo jealous that you're going to Cali - I was last there 2 years ago (LA and San Fran) and would absolutely love to go back!

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  12. Yes to watermelon shots. Ooh so cool that you are going to Cali, haven't been there in forever. Would love to go back and visit. Have a great weekend.

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  13. That watermelon looks amazing!! I have another weekend on the go and cannot wait for next weekend when I have almost no plans and can catch up on some things around the house....maybe even grocery shop??

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  14. Those watermelon shots are the perfect summer BBQ refresher!! Love it!! So exciting to be planning your anniversary trip!! Can't wait to see what all you come up with!!!!!

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  15. Haha I'm on the sunflower train with you today! Those jello shots look stupid good- I think I might have to make them for vacation...

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  16. Those watermelon shots are awesome! I love that your friend actually used the watermelon as a mold for them - what a great idea! Hooray for vacation planning, I bet you're SO excited. California is probably my favorite state, too, so I'm a tad jealous you're headed that way. Have a wonderful (hopefully relaxing!) weekend!

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    1. P.S. - I just looked at that Lush shift dress, and it's named after me. That basically means I need it, right? :)

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  17. Cali will be so much fun! Where are you headed there?? Those watermelon shots are so creative! I would have never thought of that. How fun!

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  18. Yay for Cali, that will be a great trip! Love the watermelon shot, yum! Happy Friday XO

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  19. Yay! Love California! Can't wait to hear all about it.

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  20. Those watermelon shots look great! Glad you all have had a more relaxing week, those weeks are the best! Yay for your California trip! We went to San Diego last year and I loved it so much I could move there. Which part of California are you all visiting? Have a good weekend!
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

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  21. Those sunflowers are gorgeous. I love them, they are my favorite!! My sister lives on the central coast of CA and it's beautiful there. Lots of wineries too. :-) I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!!

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  22. Ahh! Where in California are you going? So exciting!

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  23. Happy One Year!! Can't wait to hear about your cali trip, have SO much fun!

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  24. Aww I love sunflowers!! Also, those watermelon jello shots look amazing - that's right up my alley :) Hope you have a great weekend!

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  25. Real watermelon jello shots??? yes please… like ASAP!!! So jealous of your California trip. I've never been but dying to go to Napa. Let me know how you like it!

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  26. The watermelon jello shots look amazing!!! And your trip sounds like it will be SO fun

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  27. Gotta love sunshine! Your dog is so cute. There's nothing better than vacation planning, well other than going on vacation haha!

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  28. I love Cali so much! We went to L.A., Malibu, and Ojai last August and it was a blast! If you haven't ever been to Ojai, you guys should totally go. It's the TINIEST of towns, but it is so, so quaint. One of my favorite places that I've ever been so far! I hope you guys have an amazing trip!

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  29. YAY for California on the horizon. What a great spot to sight see and sip the local vino ;) Happy weekend!

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  30. Watermelon shots?! UM YES PLEASE!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  31. Ohh I love sunflowers! Especially the giant ones, they are so gorgeous! I love vacay planning too, it's part of the fun to plan everything!

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  32. I love sunflowers! They are so bright and cheery! Your Nordstrom pics are super cute...it makes me want to look at the sale again...and I have been doing pretty good on not looking anymore! Quiet weeks after being so busy are super nice. I am terrible at picking places for trips...I like to look for the "fun" things but the nitty gritty details are just not my thing. You should be a travel agent! :)

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  33. How fun to be going on an anny trip! LOVE! Xx

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  34. Funny how we get older, and having nothing to do sounds great all of a sudden! I would complain about it as a kid.

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  35. Ohmagosh....Those watermelon shots!!!! YUM

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  36. Those watermelon shots look amazing!! Have so much fun planning your Cali trip! Can't wait to see what y'all end up doing!

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  37. I've seen those watermelon jello shots on Pinterest and was baffled as to how they get them on the rind like that... I can't believe I didn't realize you just fill half a watermelon and then cut it hahaha. Major blonde moment. I bought that Lush dress and I'm in love. I have some returns but I kinda want to do some exchanging for other stuff even though I shouldn't.

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  38. Wow those watermelon shots look great!! And yay for a vacation to California...have fun planning. I didn't get that trapeze dress but now wish I had!! LOL Have a great weekend!!

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  39. California?! So fun!! We would love to plan a trip to the San Fran/ Napa area! Enjoy!! Loving the watermelon shots :)

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  40. How fun! I love planning for trips. We're working on the last few details of ours as well. Eeek! :)

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  41. I had sunflowers on my kitchen table this week! They're like a shot of happiness every time you pass by! I paired with tall orange freesia - highly recommend! Also, I've done lemon and orange wedge jell-o shots, but watermelon?? GENIUS!

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  42. Hurray for post-work naps! Those are the best. Except sometimes mine get out of control (too long) and then I can't go to bed at a reasonable time haha!

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  43. Wow, those watermelon shots look awesome! Hope you guys have a great time in California!

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  44. Those watermelon shots are so cool! I might have to make them this summer! And have fun in California! I've never been before but I was just talking to my MIL today and she just got back from a trip there and said it was AMAZING!

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  45. I'm loving the sunshine that's happening in Indiana right now. But I'm having a little trouble with the humidity.

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