Summer Reading

Tis the season for summer reading! No, I'm not referring to that dreadful list that was passed out at the end of the school year that everyone put off until the end of August. I'm talking about trashy beach reads (and decent books, too) that are read leisurely by the pool, in a hammock, or anywhere relaxing (preferably near the ocean). I always feel like I read ten times more during the summer than in the cold months, possibly because it's more relaxing and I'm usually on vacation.


This year, I'm in need of your help. Do you have a favorite book that you'd recommend? It doesn't have to be something recent or award-winning, just entertaining and nothing too upsetting. I just finished reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, which was good, but somewhat depressing. I picked up L.A. Candy last week and it's been a nice, light read. Definitely nothing serious. I usually gravitate towards memoirs, interesting novels, and anything fashion-related. I'm not overly, picky though.

Go ahead, suggest away-I'm looking forward to new ideas!

Yes, Please

This excites me. A lot. Video conferencing sounds like fun (especially because my fam is so far away)! You better believe I'll be putting my pre-order in next week. Luckily this comes at the perfect time since I smashed my glass iPhone screen a couple weeks ago (accidentally). More info to come...

Are you as excited as me over the new iPhone? I know, I'm such a geek.

Rubik's Art

This picture made me happy today. I think it's the combination of the Rubik's cube dismantling and the skateboard art with all of the bright colors. Very creative & very impressive. Why didn't I think of this?

Image via Beauty in Everything.

Cherry on Top

Cherries are my all-time favorite fruit. They're sweet and tart and great to snack on. I love this time of year when the first batches of fresh cherries start showing up at local markets. I bought a bag just yesterday and I've already gone through almost half of it! They're just that good. I'm also looking forward to finding some juicy peaches and local tomatoes at the farmer's market in the coming weeks. I love summertime! Nothing beats simple summer suppers of grilled veggies and chicken or shrimp. Now I just have to get my little herb garden planted so I can cook with home grown basil and cilantro!

What's your favorite summer fruit?

Ice Ice Baby

I'm looking forward to packing my new Scout insulated lunch bag tomorrow for work! I ordered it Thursday while they were having a promotion for their facebook fans and it was on my doorstep when I got home from work on Friday. That's what I call service! I first posted about Scout in April and they've been continuing to get more publicity, most recently in Daily Candy. Check them out, you will not be disappointed!

Little Swimmers

I attended a first birthday party yesterday and was having trouble coming up with a fun gift. Luckily, my friend Heather pointed me in the right direction and I went straight to Baby Gap in search of a swimsuit. Once I arrived, I thought I'd never leave! There were soooo many cute little suits and beach accessories. It was more fun than shopping for myself!

I ended up purchasing the shark bite trunks and matching flip flops with a tiny rash guard shirt (for when Mini Justin learns to surf)! I could have scooped up loads more, but I don't have any babies to outfit right now. These are just some of my favorites (how cute is the giraffe print?!). Click here to see the full collection. And be prepared to awwwwww!

14k Obsessed

This manicure is to DIE for (and lasts 3 weeks)! I'm scouting out salons near me that offer the Cal Gel mani right now (but not having much luck)... Another reason why I need to go to the West coast.

Seen on Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Ginger vs. Mary Ann

Besides the original Batman series (I had a huge crush on Burt Ward), Gilligan's Island was definitely my favorite show to watch reruns of as a child. I was always fascinated by the Professor's crazy inventions, the Howells' incompetence, and of course the age-old debate of Ginger versus Mary Ann. Ginger got to parade around the island in gorgeous, slinky gowns (totally impractical), while Mary Ann rocked cute gingham tops and cutoff shorts. I definitely preferred Mary Ann's girl next door style to Ginger's movie star glam. Fortunately, the gingham check is back in style (and not just for your picnic table)! Here are some of my favorite picks for the trend.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Just remember, a little gingham goes a long way. Don't overdo it!

So True

Finding this today made me very happy. I think it would be perfect for my apartment. Is there anything better than a breath of salty sea air?

Cold Shoulder

I wish this top would find its way into my closet asap. Love the sea foam green color & asymmetrical cut!