Patriotic

Even though the Fourth of July has come and gone I thought it would be fun to share what I wore. I definitely take a more nautical approach for dressing for the Fourth and nautical style can be applied, in my opinion, to outfits all summer long.

For the holiday, I wore a tank top, Piko-style dress with a fun scarf that I got for my birthday and Tory Burch Millers. I bought this dress a few weeks ago at a local boutique while shopping with a friend and we both loved it. My friend actually texted me a few days ago saying she bought it in a different color. I love, love, love this dress and it was perfect for a hot day in southern Alabama (where I spent the Fourth this year).

The street that my grandparents live on is next to another street that I have always loved since I was young. Big tall magnolia trees hiding gorgeous houses on the whole entire block. Ever since I started my blog, I knew it would be a perfect outfit post location so I knew I had to take pictures during my trip!

 #nofilter

 love this house!

Dress- Local Boutique (similar)

Scarf- Black Lion (birthday gift) 

Sandals- Tory Burch

Watch- Kate Spade

Bracelets- Lilly Pulitzer GWP, David Yurman (similar)

 Sunglasses- Ray Ban (similar)

In these pictures, you can see that my mom braided my hair which was perfect because 1: I stink at hair and can't do anything with it 2: it kept it out of my face on a super hot day. I love this outfit (with and without the scarf) so I will definitely be wearing it a lot this summer.

On another note, this my 100th post! I want to thank all of y'all for reading and following along! (UPDATE- I looked at my post count this morning and it turns out my 100th post will not be until sometime next week! Sorry for the confusion!)

Do you wear nautical-inspired outfits during the summer? Let me know in the comments!

Bloggers Get Cookin' on Pinterest

The big day is here y'all, it is time for Bloggers Get Cookin' on Pinterest. Many bloggers have linked up with Cathleen (of Classy Cathleen) and I to share recipes that they made from Pinterest. 

I was so excited because I have so many food pins (follow me here) but I never seem to make any of them and this gives me an excuse to try one! I made Clean Chocolate Chip Scones from Amy's Healthy Baking (you can find the original pin here). I love scones (especially the chocolate chip ones from Trader Joe's) but I definitely don't love the calories that come along with it. Amy took your classic scone and replaced it with healthier ingredients!

The Ingredients:

flour, non-salted butter, baking powder, salt, plain greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, mini chocolate chips

Step 1: Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt (forget to take a picture of this step)

Step 2: Cut the butter into small cubes and blend into the flour mixture using the back of a fork

 Step 3: Stir in the yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk

I used my Kitchen Aid Mixer to do this step

Step 4: Mix in your chocolate chips 

Step 5: Transfer the batter to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten the batter

Step 6: Pour the remaining milk over the batter 

Step 7: Press remaining chocolate chips into the batter

Step 8: Bake for 17-20 minutes in 425 degree F oven

Step 9: Once the top is golden brown, remove from oven and let sit on pan for 5 minutes

Step 10: Transfer to cooling rack and then enjoy! 

Ingredients
- 1.5 cups flour (I used all-purpose but you can use white whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 tsp unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- 0.5 cup (1 small package) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp + 2tsp nonfat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
2. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper (I used parchment paper)
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
4. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or the back of a fork (I used a fork) until the mixture resembles fine crumbs(I mixed until it was mixed it)
5. Stir in the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla
6. Fold in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips
7. Shape the dough into a 3/4" tall circle on the prepared baking sheet
8. Brush with the remaining milk
9. Press the remaining chocolate chips on tops
10. Cut the scone into 8 parts (I didn't do this and they didn't cook properly!)
11. Bake at 425 degrees F for 17-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden
12. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

Be sure to check out the other bloggers participating in the link-up by checking the links below or using the hashtag #bloggersgetcooking on Instagram and Twitter!

A Southern Heart, The Audacious Queen, Prep on a Budget,
Sincerely Syd, Pursuit of Prep, Lots of Lys, 
SmileShineInspire, The Trendy Chic, California Belle Blog

Also check out Cathleen's post over at Classy Cathleen!

Summer Dresses

I feel like summer is the perfect time to wear dresses (we call them sundresses for a reason, right?). I love dresses because you can truly find one for every occasion from Church to hanging out with friends to going out for dinner. I personally wear casual dresses for everyday use, semi-fancy ones for dinners out, and my fancy ones for special events. My personal, all-time favorite place to shop for dresses is Lilly Pulitzer but I picked some from other places I love as well! Here are some of my favorite summer dresses for every summer occasion with y'all today!

coral navy scallop blue and white printed

white seersucker (um, I need this!) lilly (in love with this) blue casual

Which dress is your favorite? Where do you buy your summer dresses? Let me know in the comments!

Workout Inspiration

It seems like lately I haven't been working out which is ridiculous because I finally have time to do so. I think part of the problem is that it is so hot outside and I hate running in the heat. My family belongs to a gym but traffic makes the drive a bit of a hassle. I'm posting about this to hopefully get myself back on the right track. It doesn't help that it's summer and I only want to eat ice cream (please tell me I'm not the only one!).

via

I really found this quote fitting because honestly Im not working out due to excuses. So, hold me accountable here, I am going to aim to get up early and go for a run at least 3 times this week. Hopefully this solves my little workout slump I'm going through and I can get back into a routine!

How do you workout through the hot summer months? Let me know in the comments!

My Chic Week June 27-July 2

Happy Friday everybody and Happy almost Fourth of July! This week has been another busy yet fun week!

Last Friday, I met Renee of Gimme Glamour for coffee at a local coffee shop. We both realized that we lived very close to each other so it was a lot of fun to meet her in real life. That afternoon, I saw Inside Out with my family. It was such a sweet movie and I think it would be a fun one to watch with the kids I babysit. We had our neighbors over for dinner that night which was full of fun times, playing in the pool, ice cream, and watching Legally Blonde.

For some reason, my sister put an inner tube on the swan float. Casual, right?

Saturday, I just hung out around the house and watched Netflix (um like 10 episodes of One Tree Hill).

Sunday, we went out the lake with family friends which was a lot of fun (other than flipping in the tube and losing an earring). We also had dinner with them (we had a favorite of mine, ribs!) and hung out by the pool.

Monday was pretty relaxed as I ran errands and worked on blog stuff. I also got my nails done with my Mom.

Tuesday morning I had another dentist appointment followed by time at the mall to buy some essentials. I also made my recipe for Bloggers Get Cookin' (which it is not too late to join, email me if you are interested!). That night, I slept over at one of my best friends's house so we had a lot of fun.

Can you guess what I made for Bloggers Get Cookin'?

Wednesday, I hung out at my friend's before heading home to pack for my trip to Alabama for the weekend.

Thursday, we drove the 9 hour drive down to Alabama.

What are your plans for the holiday weekend? Let me know in the comments!

What's in my Bag

I don't know about y'all but it seems like this summer I am definitely running around for errands or meeting friends. So in an effort to keep organized (and have everything that I need with me), I make sure that my purse is fully loaded with everything I need.

I use a Kate Spade tote but I don't know the name of the style since I bought in one of their Secret Sales last year. I love it since it is nice and big!

What's in my Bag

Lilly Agenda

I love keeping my agenda with me so I can check my calendar and add any new events that pop up

Hand Sanitizer

I just like to keep this in my bag, just in case!

Car Key (with Lilly Key Fob)

Slightly obvious but essential. I love my Lilly Key Fob even though it doesn't hold a lot of keys on it! Unfortunately, I couldn't fit it online but maybe check local stores that carry Lilly accessories!

Lilly Wristlet (different print linked)

I love this! It's perfect for holding my driver's license so I can move it easily from my purse to my schoolbag and etc.

Ear Buds

I keep these in my bag just in case I go to the gym or need them

Portable Charger

Perfect for on the go! I haven't figured out how to use mine (it doesn't like to charge my phone for some reason?) so if anyone has the same one (Verizon usually gives these out with new phones) and knows how to use it, let me know!

Pen

Good to carry around since you never know when you'll need to write down something or sign something

Wallet (similar)

Kind of obvious but very important!

Lilly Mirror with Blotting Sheets

I got this as a GWP last fall and I thought it was too cute not to keep in my purse!

Makeup Bag (same bag, different prints linked)

I keep my basic makeup in here in case of touchups

Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses (similar) & Burberry Sunglasses (similar) with Croakies

I keep two pairs of sunglasses in my bag to have an option and I love both and can't choose between them haha!

Hoped y'all enjoyed this peek into my bag! What do you need to keep with you? Let me know in the comments!

Lilly in Freshfields

On our last night of our trip to Kiawah, we went to Freshfields Village for dinner. Freshfields is so cute. I took these pictures on National Wear Your Lilly Day so obviously, I am wearing some Lilly!  

Top- Ann Taylor Loft (similar) Skort- Lilly Pulitzer Sandals- Jack Rogers Purse- Kate Spade (similar) Watch- Kate Spade Bracelets- Lilly Pulitzer (Gift with Purchase), David Yurman (similar)

Lilly Pulitzer recently opened a store in Freshfields and since it was NWYLD (National Wear Your Lilly Day), I figured I would take some pictures in front of the store. I actually shopped there earlier in the day and they closed shortly after my visit since the AC was broken during the heat wave we are having here in the Carolinas. 

I am in love with this skort (yes, it's a skort!) and I paired it with my mom's top from Loft. I wore my trusty Jacks too!