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Summer Weekends
Dreaming of the Weekend in Boho
I can’t be the only one already dreaming of the weekend, can I? After a crazy week and weekend last week, I am so ready to relax by the pool this Saturday and enjoy a good book.
How To Have The Perfect Picnic
One.
Organization is the key to having a successful picnic. Be sure to lay everything out, check and double check that you have something to sit on, the perfect location, family and friends to enjoy it with you and please, don’t forget the delicious food and drinks. That is, after all what makes up a picnic.
Two.
Pick the perfect location. Consider the people you have invited along with you. For me, I would be considering my husband and 7 month old, so somewhere with a lot of shade would be ideal for us. If you have small children, perhaps a park with a playground nearby would be the perfect location. If you live near a lake or beach, that would also be a great choice. If you are wanting to host a romantic picnic with a loved one, pick an appropriate atmosphere.
Three.
Consider the time of day and pack your food accordingly. Are you going in the morning? Pack breakfast foods and don’t forget that thermos full of coffee, sugar and cream. Are you going for lunch? Sandwiches and carrot sticks are perfect for this time of day. If you’re going around dinner time or my favorite time of day – sunset – pack hotdogs or hamburgers fresh off the grill with chips, pasta salad, etc. It is summertime after all. It’s important to plan the perfect picnic menu for the people you are inviting. Consider their preferences, food allergies, etc.
Four.
I know I stated this in my first point, but don’t forget something to sit on. Consider the people who will be joining you. You may need to include a lawn chair for older people, or maybe bring along a bumbo or bouncer for baby to play in. My favorite thing to bring is an old quilt. I have a bit of a quilt obsession. I carry the quilt my grandma made me in my car most of the time because we always find ourselves needing it.
Five.
Pack your food well. Try to keep them at proper temperature and to bring foods that do well at room temperature for a little while. Pack everything in zip-lock bags, jars, tupperware, saran wrap, whatever will keep it fresh. I recommend bringing drinks in bottles. Bottled water, root beer, coke, etc. are all great options. Anything with a screw on lid will help with spills. No one wants to clean up a mess. If you have a small cooler or thermal bag, feel free to throw some bottles in there with an ice pack to keep the drinks cold.
Six.
Pack napkins, paper plates and plastic utensils. Depending on the number of guests you have attending your picnic, you may consider packing a roll of paper towels. They will be easy to dispose of when you start to clean up. Also, be sure to bring any condiments, salad dressing, salt, pepper, syrup, etc. depending on what you’re eating. These things can literally make or break a meal so be sure to remember to pack these in your basket.
Seven.
You may want to bring bug spray, especially if you live in Alabama where the mosquito is our state bird. Sun screen is also a necessity, especially if you’re like me and bringing along a baby. Protect your skin, folks!
Eight.
Think about entertainment. If you want to bring an Ipod for background music, a good book or magazine, or toys for the kids, be sure to pack those things.
Nine.
Prepare for clean-up. Bring a trash bag, or two depending on the number of guests. Pack wipes for everyone to clean their hands with and maybe even some hand-sanitizer.
Ten.
Have fun. Make good conversation, laugh, relax and enjoy the company and delicious food that you worked so hard to prepare and pack. Everyone loves a picnic. They are the perfect summer day activity for adults and children alike. Enjoy your time with the people you love.
Where do you like to go for your perfect picnic? Have you been on a picnic this year?
Summer Bucket List 2014
I love summertime. There is nothing sweeter. Lazy days, bright colors, warm days, beach trips, family time, holidays, it just doesn’t get any better than this, folks! There are so many things Ryan and I want to do this year. We have a couple of trips planned and I’m so excited to run another 5k later this summer. I can’t wait to introduce Hampton to the beach and the zoo, and take Pippa to the dog park. We already attended a music festival, but hope to go to another one at some point. Here is our summer bucket list:
Belmont Stakes Fashion
The question on everyone’s mind today? Will California Chrome win the Belmont Stakes this evening and therefore the triple crown for the first time since 1978? This is big, folks! Only 11 horses have won the triple crown, making this…kind of a big deal. Do you think California Chrome will do it?
My favorite thing about watching these horse races are seeing all of the beautiful dresses and fun derby hats! I can’t wait to see what the attendants will wear.
White Dress: here
Blue Floral Dress: here
Yellow Dress: here
Charles David Sandals: here
Kate Spade Pumps: here
Trump Sandals: here
Derby Hats: Nordstrom
Pearls: Nordstrom
Sunglasses: Nordstrom
Will you be watching the race? Do you think California Chrome will win the triple crown?
Festival Fashion + #SliceFest2014
I am beyond excited to go to the 3rd annual Slice Fest in Birmingham, Alabama! Are any of my Alabama ladies planning on being there? I’m a sucker for food and music festivals. I mean, what’s better than pizza and great live music? After a crazy work week, I’m definitely looking forward to letting my hair loose and having fun with family and friends!
Of course, I’ve been trying to figure out what to wear – because I’m a girl. After too much time spent on Pinterest, I think I’ve finally figured it out. Here is my take on Festival Fashion:
Brown Booties: DSW here
Black Booties: Charlotte Russe here
Headband: Charming Charlie here
Sunglasses Target: here
Tanks: H&M
Jean Shorts: American Eagle
Jewelry: Charming Charlie
Blue Cross Body: DSW here
Brown Crossbody: Charming Charlie here
Headband: Charming Charlie here
Floral Kimono: H&M here
Be on the lookout for my post on #SliceFest2014 on Alabamawomenbloggers.com later next week!
Are you attending any music festivals this summer? Will you be at Slice Fest?
Book Review: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
Pamela Dorman Books, August 2013
Synopsis from Goodreads: In 1916, French artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his wife Sophie to fight at the Front. When her town falls into German hands, his portrait of Sophie stirs the heart of the local Kommandant and causes her to risk everything – her family, reputation and life – in the hope of seeing her true love one last time.
Nearly a century later and Sophie’s portrait is given to Liv by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. Its beauty speaks of their short life together, but when the painting’s dark and passion-torn history is revealed, Liv discovers that the first spark of love she has felt since she lost him is threatened…
In The Girl You Left Behind two young women, separated by a century, are united in their determination to fight for the thing they love most – whatever the cost.
My Thoughts: Amazing doesn’t begin to describe this book. I couldn’t put it down. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and chick lit, which if you know me, you know that’s right up my alley. I think I have found a new favorite author and can’t wait to read more from her. The characters captivated me as well as their individual stories. I didn’t want it to end. I loved Mo’s eccentric and sarcastic personality. She made me laugh and was an excellent added character. I gave this book 5 stars.
Be sure to stop by and enter Karissa’s giveaway!
Summer Undies For Every Occasion
All panties found at Target.
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Now, wouldn’t you hate to mess them up? I am all about protecting myself, especially during that dreaded time on month that we don’t really like to discuss. I’m not trying to clean up a mess here. I want to enjoy my summer and be carefree. U by Kotex Pads have a 3D capture core that helps protect you from any mess and will help save the undies! U by Kotex offers wonderful protection with their full line of pads, tampons and liners. You can request a free sample of U by Kotex Pads today!
8 Simple Changes To Create A Healthy Lifestyle
Drink more water. I know you’ve all heard this a million times, but it’s true. Even if you replace one can of soda with water per day, you will consume up to 200 calories less a day than you are now. That makes a huge difference. Can you imagine replacing 2 sodas a day?
Go Green. Try to eat a green vegetable with every meal. They are loaded with vitamins and some greens like spinach are a good source of calcium and are much lower in fat than dairies.
Exercise. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day. Go for a walk, swim, bike, play with your kids in the back yard, go for a run or hike. Whatever! Just move.
Eat on a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. I heard this trick several years ago when struggling with portion sizes. When I first married Ryan, I fixed dinner and gave myself the same amount I gave him. Oops. Hello ten pounds! I realized what I was doing and now I give myself half of what he eats. Women don’t need as many calories as men. Watch those portions!
Substitute with Greek yogurt when you can.
Exercise in the mornings. You burn more fat first thing in the morning. Plus, you have less time to think up excuses not to get in that workout.
Get a good nights sleep. This one is tough for me. My baby boy still wakes up almost every night, and wakes up at daybreak every morning! It wears me out. Sleep is very important for your physical and mental health. It’s important to get plenty of rest so you have plenty of energy.
Weigh often. Don’t become obsessive over it, but it’s good to know where you are in order to help you set/keep goals. It will hold you accountable. Try not to weigh more than once a week or so. Remember that measurements are just as, and even more, important than the number on that scale.
Linking up with Katie!
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