Looks & Life Lately {6}

It's been a while since I've done a "Looks & Life" which means there's plenty share today so let's jump right in to it (kind of going backwards from most recent back into summer)…

A peek into "pre fall"… 

Getting the big seasonal closet switch out of the way is one of the best feelings.  I enjoy doing it but it always takes so long so I'm relieved when it's done.  I opted to do the switch a little earlier this year because the next few weekends are busy with football and I'm already feeling slightly cooler temperatures so win win.  I think we ended up with about five bags for the green drop between both of us and it always feels good to purge/giveaway.

top: one // two (similar style) // three (same look, different brand)

middle: one // two (similar style) // three (on sale!)

bottom: one (under $100!) // two // three (same look, different brand)

I got away from my candle burning a little bit with the heat waves we'd been having but after a stock up at Bath & Body, I'm ready to go for the fall.  We had the lowest of key weekends this weekend and enjoying a glass of pinot with the scent of the candle out on the deck Friday night was just what I needed.

candle: here

Cooking got lazy around here over the summer - simple meals on the grill and lots of nights out was about it.  I'm ready to test out some fall recipes and always am looking for new game day/tailgate recipes too.

Taste of Autumn Cookbook // Game Day Cookbook

This past Sunday football was back and so were game day meals.  Having the crockpot going all day filling the house with delicious smells and football constantly on in the background felt nice.

candle: here

I wasn't the only one who was happy that football was back.  In fact, I was woken up from a nice sleep after Sunday night football to hear about his big win… 

Prepping for tailgate season.  Only three more days until our first big tailgate of the season.  THREE more days.  Bring on, Happy Valley.

My summer flowers ended their run and we made a quick spur of the moment run the other night out to get some mums for our front.  I was a happy gal to find all four for just $20.  And happy to have the fall colors on our walkway.

top: (same brand, different pattern)

Rarely do I nap when I get home from the office but every once in a while I'll take a twenty minute power nap.  On this day it was raining, perfect for a nap and just after I laid dow I felt something at my head - someone else was joining me too.

A peek back at the final days of summer… 

It's hard to believe summer has come to an end but we celebrated the same way that we started with a BBQ on my parents deck.

Complete with an anniversary cheers.  It's nice to have a few extra items left over from the welcome bags last year.

Nash has passed his habits off onto Stella (he ate his corn way to quick for a photo) but I think she's hooked now too.

Like I've mentioned before - every so often Mom and I enjoy a shopping day together - we were hoping for some fall clothes this day but it was a little early for that as there wasn't much out on the racks but we did each walk away with a few fall shoes including a matching pair.

shoes: exact style dress: similar styles here and here

Our girls shopping days are on of my absolute favorites - we always end with a lemonade for each of us to enjoy on the way home.

dress: similar styles here and here

Derek happily tags along to Phillies games to just enjoy the baseball setting and night out but it's always a fun (rivalry) night when his Mets are in town.  Looking forward to another series with them in a couple weeks.

top: here & 40% off (similar styles for fall: here and here)

Someone thought it might be okay to tag along with her parents to Providence for the weekend.  I think she made a perfect fit! 

Such a treat to find one of my favorites on our doorstep one day from my main man.  I love Baked by Melissa because you can eat a few cupcakes and it's okay because they are so little.

We've enjoyed a few more dining under the stars nights with the family.  I had to laugh when I looked up and both of my parents were on their phones since they are always giving me a hard time with theirs.  The boys provided a good laugh too.

Of course "National Dog Day" didn't go unnoticed with us.  Life would be nothing without these sweet pups who are becoming quite the duo.

I was at the grocery store preppy for our most recent lake weekend when someone finished golf early and gave me quite the shock pulling my cart away from me.  Grocery shopping is much more fun with a buddy.

I know Giuliana Rancic's wine came out a while ago but I had never seen it (even searched for locations close by online)… until now.  I was happy to give it a try.  

One of the big house touches we needed to finish up was something for above our bed.  I stumbled upon these wall hangings.  Now just a handful of items remain on the "to finish" list.  Slow and steady.

And like always, just because… 

Don't forget to enter here for a chance to win a $300 Nordstrom gift card.  Good luck! 

Blog lovin' I Instagram I Pinterest I Twitter

Life & Looks Lately + Giveaway

I shared last week how busy that week was but that also meant.. lots of outfits!  I'm most definitely not a fashion blogger so - bear with me.  I always enjoy putting together outfits much more in the warmer months because I love living in dresses and all the bright colors.

This outfit was all about staying cool.  I took Stella out after my morning workout and could not believe how hot is was outside already that early in the morning! I knew I needed something to beat the heat and stay cool and that is exactly why I picked this dress that day.  For those of you who are new here, my pup (or assistant I like to call her during a workday) tags along with me to work some days so during lunches we have a little play session outside.

 dress: old navy (few sizes available online but fully stocked in my local store) // sandals: tory burch // earring studs: kate spade neon stud (similar color green) // necklace: kate spade "mrs"

I was out of the office one day last week for a meeting and some other things and wanted a dress that was nice but also flowy so I was comfortable for the day.  This one had come in the mail just the day before and I fell in love - I love the combo of the bright colors and black as well as the casual style of the dress.

dress: nordstrom // shoes: jack rogers wedge // earrings: kate spade white stud // 

bracelet: kendra scott // tote: tory burch

Wednesday and my favorite night of the week (during summers only).  Out on State Street for Dining Under the Stars with my grandma.  This week we went to a little french place and the rain held off but it was a little bit of a cooler night - which is always nice when you're dining outside.  On this day I posted tips for being an on time wife and then was late to leave!

dress:  lilly pulitzer

Friday blooms from the grocery store - I was loving this color which is a little different than I would usually pick.

Also at the grocery store I did a little gathering for a donations event our church is doing with the local food drive for Fourth of July.  A theme and a good cause?! Yes!



Date night for the week.  I had some returns to do at the mall so we picked Maggiano's which was close by and to our surprise they had dining outside so we were sold for a late dinner.

Enjoying a martini and being outside while waiting for one of my favorite meals with my favorite person was a successful night in my book. We ended up being the only ones on the patio which happened later that weekend for lunch - nothing like an empty patio all to yourselves.

dress: lilly pulitzer

The princess of the house got a new bed which is way too big for her but that was the plan and the plan worked because she loves it.  She also hides under it and tries to get the stuffing out of the inside.

After a day on the golf course, I was ready to be comfortably cute and relax at my parents' house for one of our Father's Day BBQ's.

top: old navy shorts (not pictured): old navy

*I can't say enough good things about these shorts - I got them Friday, wore them twice this weekend and then ordered them in lavender and blue (only $9 right now!)*

Of course I couldn't skip National Wear Your Lilly Day on Sunday so for some errands and a lunch date this dress was just right.  I read Lauren Scruggs first book and am obsessed with her (as well as her and her hubby) so I am just starting in on her new one.

dress: lilly pulitzer // sunglasses: tory burch similar style // book: your beautiful heart

Now for the fun part… To help Kristina at Medicine & Manicures celebrate her 2nd blogiversary, myself and a bunch of other great gals teamed up with her for an exciting giveaway.  

Enter below for a chance to win this fabulous Kate Spade watch (how perfect for summer?!)

The giveaway will run until next Tuesday (6/30). Good luck!

Hosted by:

Medicine & Manicures The lovely co-hosts:

The New Mrs. // Katie Elizabeth // Life on Myers // Girl Meets Bow

 Champagne & Suburbs // Meet at the Barre // Sequins & Seabreezes    Sell Eat Love // Home of Malones // Davis Duo // Playdates & Prescriptions a Rafflecopter giveaway

Speaking of giveaways… Today is the last day to enter in the Lilly Pulitzer giveaway.  These goodies are perfect for summer as well. The clock is ticking - Don't miss out!

Don't forget to join in on the own it linkup tomorrow.

Blog lovin' I Instagram I Pinterest I Twitter

Dining Under the Stars is Back!!

After missing the first two because too many people had conflicts - we finally got back in to our Wednesday night family dinner & dining under the stars routine this week!!

This week was... Fellini's

one of everyone's favorites!

 from Google images

Unfortunately the street did not look like this last night - the weather was so iffy we had to be inside which made Fellini's really loud.. but still fun - here's hoping to finally have some nice weather next week!!

from Google images

I'm looking forward to a summer full of once a week family dinners outside on the streets of Media!  It's a great chance to get around to all the restaurants and not just our go to favorites.

Xo C