A July Review

Holy Moly! Can you believe it's already August? I'm not quite sure where the time has gone this summer but I really wish it would come back. So far this summer has been filled with fun and I'm really not ready to see it go. As I plan ahead for all August has to bring, I want to take a quick look at all the good July brought our way. From 4th of July celebrations, oyster shucks, games of Connect 4 at the bar, beach trips and more August certainly has big shoes to fill. This month we are looking forward to one last beach trip, visiting friends from out of town, planning for football season, and whatever else gets thrown our way. With that being said it's time to start planning for the month....

Have a great weekend!

Real World Soiree {Fourth of July Bash}

We are continuing the holiday week into today with a look back at my Fourth of July bash. This year Rob and I took two days to celebrate with a trip the beach on Wednesday and a crab boil and oyster shuck at the house on Thursday. The way I figured it was if I couldn't be at the coast on the Fourth, I might as well bring some of my favorite things from the coast here. The intent was to do the crab boil outside, grill the oysters and enjoy a pitcher of sangria with friends. However the constant rain we have been receiving for the last week, put a kink in that plan. We moved the party inside but kept the feel the same. Rustic touches, bold blooms and patriotic elements filled the room. We wanted to keep the whole gathering simple, stress free, and big on fun. Even with the rain and cancelled fireworks, it was just that. I can't wait for next year's get together as we may just have to make the crab boil and oyster shuck a tradition!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope everyone is enjoying their day thus far. I'm taking today off from posting to enjoy it with friends and family. It's slated to be a pretty rainy day here but that's not going to stop us from celebrating in true American style. We've got a great menu planned including a crab boil, steamed oysters, sangria that's been marinating for two days, and more. Sparklers will shine as we bask in the independence of our country. While we may be enjoying backyard BBQs and fireworks today, don't forget the real reason behind the celebration. Be sure to take a minute and realize that the day is about our Independence and the fact that we live in one truly amazing place.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

Party DIY {Flag Garland}

Believe it or not, I'm just about ready for this years Fourth of July bash. Seems crazy I know, to be ready two days early, but with a quick trip to Jacksonville planned for tomorrow, preparation was the least stressful solution. All that is left for today is to prep out the menu leaving only assembly and cooking for Thursday morning. The house is all decorated with patriotic DIYs, one of which I'm sharing with you today. This flag garland is easy to make and a simple rustic statement to adorn the front of tables or windows. All you need is a bit of twine, hot glue and some small flags. There is two different ways to make it too. You can either leave the flags on the wood poles or remove the staples and glue them to the twine. Here's the how to both ways...

:: Supplies ::
Miniature Flags
Twine
Hot Glue
Scissors
Pliers 

:: Directions ::
(For Garland on the Pole)
1. Measure a piece of twine 1.5 times the width of your window. Place one flag in the center of the twine and tie a knot around the top of the pole. 
2. Place a flag on either side, 18" from the center flag. Tie a knot around the top of each side flag. Hang across window. 

(For Lose Flag Garland)
1. Measure a piece of twine 1.5 times the width of your window. 
2. Using pliers, remove staples from flag to disconnect from pole. L
3. Lay twine flat on the floor. Place a strip of hot glue at the top of the flag and attach at the center of the piece of twine. Repeat with remaining four flags placing 18" apart. Hang across window.

Have a great Tuesday!

Color Me {Red, White & Blue}

Happy Monday! It's Fourth of July week and we are gearing up for a week full of patriotic goodness. Over the next couple days, I will be posting some fun all American DIYs to make your July 4th gathering stand out. Today, though, I'm sharing the inspiration behind the celebration. Stars and stripes provide not only great pattern but symbolic meaning accompanied by signature shades of red, white, and blue. I plan to fill the house with bundles of red carnations and blue hydrangeas, DIY flag garland, star spangled table runners, and more. July 4th is the quintessential All American summer holiday, and one of my favorites I must say. I can't wait for the week of festive posts and the big celebration on Thursday. Until then, let's just enjoy the inspiration and dream of fireworks to come...

Have a happy day!

Color Me {Red, White, & Blue}

Hi dolls! I hope everyone had a fabulous last week. Mine was amazingly relaxing and I wish I was back in the Islands already. But, another holiday is upon us and it's time to celebrate. When I was a kid, I used to hate the 4th of July because the fireworks scared the living daylights out of me. But, the older I got, the more I realized what an amazing holiday it is and how much fun it can be. I love incorporating the patriotic stars and stripes in any way possible. Striped linens topped with star shaped treats in the traditional red, white, and blue will make for one chic event. Add in new favorited American traditions like bandanas and mason jars to complete the decor. Serve up cracker jacks, hamburgers and hot dogs to make for the perfect red, white, and blue celebration! 

Celebrate in Style {La Petite Fashionista's Guide to 4th of July Style}

 Fourth of July is the one day of the year you can really show your American spirit and wear all the red, white, and blue you want. I like to add a little bit of sparkle to my looks because after all, you can't let the sparklers glitter more than you!I love the idea of mixing girly and tomboy with a sequin tank and an all-American baseball cap.  I'm also dying to DIY the American flag shorts & Free People has an awesome tutorial for them (http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/06/american-flag-shorts-diy/). It seems like the 4th always falls on one of the hottest days of the year, so make sure whatever you wear is chic & comfortable and save the heels for another day, unless you'll be the one sitting and staking out seats at the 4th of July Parade.

I hope everyone has a fun & safe Independence Day! Thanks for letting me guest post Sarah!

xoxo, lauren

Fabulous 4th of July Looks by lapetitefashionistablog featuring flats

Monki dress
€30 - monki.com

J Crew sequin top
$55 - jcrew.com

J Crew stripe shirt
$78 - jcrew.com

J Crew chambray skirt
$55 - jcrew.com

Jack Wills leather shoes
$90 - jackwills.com

Keds ballet shoes
$55 - endless.com

Flat
$20 - bakersshoes.com

Andrew Hamilton Crawford yellow gold ring
$98 - endless.com

Earrings
$42 - swellcaroline.com

Ebbets Field Flannels® for J.Crew twill ball cap
$45 - jcrew.com

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! I hope you are enjoying this fabulous day! I am presently relaxing after a fun wedding weekend for the new Mr. and Mrs. Crow (I will post some pictures for you all to see later.)  How have you spent your holiday weekend? Remember to please be safe today! 

xo

Sarah 

This Week I Feel...The Red, White, and Blues

I love the Fourth of July.  It is just such a relaxed holiday.  There is no big pressure to do anything except exactly what you want to do! Usually on the Fourth, we head down to the beach for a while then mosey back to the house where we grill on the back deck.  Usually, it's a very low key holiday.  I have such a large family, and holidays are such a big deal. Don't get me wrong, I love spending every holiday with my family, but sometimes a low key day is perfect!  I've never actually done a big Fourth of July bash, with lots of friends and family. But, suddenly I'm feeling the urge to deck out the back deck in American flags and light up the night with sparklers to celebrate how thankful I am to live in such an amazing country! Whatever your holiday plans be this coming weekend, I hope you do it in style with a touch of flair and a little bit of sparkle.  But, most of all I hope you do it safely! Happy July 4th everyone!