4th of July- Family, Friends, and FOOD!

The 4th of July is a great day for several reasons.

1) We celebrate our country's independence from Great Britain.

2) It finally feels like summer is in full swing! Bring on the BBQ's, the beach, and fireworks!

3) The 4th of July is my mom's birthday :)

Therefore, given the aforementioned reasons, the 4th of July is most certainly a cause for great celebration. The way my family sees it, honoring such a wonderful day cannot be done without a fabulous spread of sweet treats!

Here's what I mean...

Me and my mom! Happy, happy birthday to YOU!

The full spread. Let me break it down for you... keep scrolling...

Blue sugar, white chocolate, fresh strawberries. Red, White, and Yum.

Smore's Cupcakes with caramel drizzle

A close-up, sans cupcake wrapper

Brownies, cupcakes with chocolate and coconut shavings, meringue cookies.
Fresh watermelon photo-bombing from the right.

The ingredients for my dessert contribution...

USA Parfait! I saw a similar dessert on Pinterest, and simplified it to make this!

This is what happens after you enjoy one (maybe two) of everything: Sugar coma.
Sweet, sweet sugar coma. Totally worth it :)

How did you celebrate Independence Day?!

Make it your own:

Dress: J. Crew Factory Store (sold out online, but similar options here)

Blue Stone bracelet: Ann Taylor (Similar, $34.99)

Gold bangles: On The Double Bangles, c/o mark by Avon (Loving this set, also!)

Sandals: LOFT, $29.50

bohemian on a budget

I love the boho look. It's fresh, simple, earthy, and easy.

Some of my favorite brands cater to this kind of style, like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and my most favorite, Anthropologie... but the ticket price at these retailers can also be high.

My Solution: Go boho on a budget. Find pieces at other retailers that are JUST as beautiful, for half the cost.

My outfit:
Dress: Walmart (Similar, $17.88)
Gold sandals: Old Navy, $12
Chunky Gold bangles: c/o mark by Avon. (This one is also gorgeous, $24!)
The turquoise ring was handmade; gifted.
Nothing costs more than $25! Budget friendly? Bingo!

The look

Hair loosely kept in a clip; let natural waves do their thing

Gorgeous bangles, gold sandals, pop of color on the finger. Fresh, simple.

Candid smiles caught on camera

That's all for now...

Playful in Polka Dots

I love a bright print in summertime. I also love sundresses. Therefore, a sundress with a bright print is the ultimate WIN for me!

In my opinion, dresses are the most flattering clothing choice for my figure. I'm "hippy" and hold most of my weight in my midsection, so a fit-and-flare style such as this dress helps hide the unwanted curvature :)

This yellow polka dot print is not only adorable, but paired with the dress' high neck and low back, the outfit has a 50's feel. I added on some wedges for height, and a statement necklace in emerald green for a pop of contrast and color.

Not a wedge or heel gal? Dress it down by swapping in sandals, and layering on a denim jacket.

Make it your own:

Dress: LOFT, $89.50

Denim Jacket: Old Navy (Similar, $29)

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar, $165)

Wedges: Nordstrom, Franco Sarto, $109.90 (on sale now for $69.90)

Sandals: LOFT, $29.50