scalloped and frayed

 

this outfit was a complete spur-of-the-moment, i took too long standing in my closet and now even the dogs are heavily sighing at how much time is passing, kind of ensemble. it wasn't until T and i were out and about that i realized i liked what i threw on. thank goodness, since you can never be too sure if a guy saying yes to an outfit is truly yes, or, please let this be the last one she asks me about/how have we done this for the sixth time?! 

 

also, please don't judge the water spills on my shirt. it was hot. oklahoma hot. and i can be a klutz when it comes to getting a single ice cube out of my cup without spilling on myself. i've been thinking the ice is doing it on purpose.

'round these parts

 

[the best breakfast burger of all time]

 

so far this summer has been a whirlwind blast. filled with tons to do between mini adventures with T, reconnecting with old friends and enjoying all the greats of summer. here's what we've been up to...

 

[T has officially become dwight with his mega desk]

 

[my dept has just moved into our new space.]

 

[lots of patio lounging]

[late night milk and cookies]

 



 

[enjoying one of our new favorites in the city]

 

[caipirinhas...perfect for summertime rooftop lounging]

 

[impromptu meeting with one of my girls from college!]

 

[pool parties galore]

 

[our perfected mint-infused simple syrup for some of the best mojitos]

 

[the best car ride ever]

 

[scoots is back!]

 

[snapping the cutest candid photo of all time]

 

[all the boys reunited while Brian was in town for the 4th]

tres

 

[the patio pop...one of the greatest inventions around]

 

a couple weeks back, my friends and i were getting together for dinner and thought we would try out a local mexican restaurant, tres cantina. the thought of margaritas alone enticed us but we then learned about their patio pops - an instant hit with our group (yum). after looking over the menu, we all decided we would each get something different to share which was probably the best way to go since i ended up loving everything!

 

 

[i just love this piece]

[we can never take a photo without bursting into laughter...such goofs but, in the best kind of way.]

 

if you are feeling like trying mexican food that's a little out of the norm, make sure to trek out to tres. we absolutely loved it and i have a sneaking suspicion we will be back real soon.

 

**this is not a sponsored post**

red, white and spangled

 

this year for the 4th, T and i thought we would have a little fiesta after the big fireworks in town. we'd make a few treats (including the pie below, yum), some finger foods, T's infamous pool punch and shoot off a few small fireworks. we had all the ingredients for a great party...

 

[T's favorite dessert but, this year, i went for a star theme instead of making it the flag]

 

as the party started to get closer, several of our friends wanted to meet up to see the main fireworks at the park together. so, we packed up a couple blankets, cards and drinks and trekked on out.

 

 

then, it was back to our place to start the party...

it was such an amazing night celebrating our country's independence with such great friends and probably the best party we have had to date. can't wait to do it again next year!

hankerchief dress

 

finding a good balance in your closet between well-made basics and unique pieces is a constant challenge. during the summer, i have such a hard time saying no since i have an achilles heel for bright colors in interesting combinations. so when i saw this thread, i didn't even hestitate to pick it up! the only problem is, it's so standout that i can't wear it any more than once a year. so, as much as i love it, i have to think of it as the groundhog's day dress...only once a year, if it appears at all. but, as far as my closet goes, it is still one of my favorites so i happily countdown 'til next year ;) 

tapas

 

last month, my parents came in town a little early so we met up with them in the city for dinner and drinks. after going back and forth on where to go, we decided to check out a little tapas spot, bolero, right on the river. if you've never had tapas, they are assorted spanish appetizers that can be served as a snack or in place of dinner. the idea behind it, is to open up conversation in groups of people by keeping the attention of the person off their own separate plate.  

 

i first tried tapas while studying abroad in spain, with my favorites being: calamari, manchego cheese with honey, the spanish tortilla, or jamón ibérico with a bit of bread. and while it's not quite the same to partake while in the streets of spain, i still love the chance to enjoy it this side of the ocean with such great company.

 

our favorites were: fried goat cheese with honey, braised mushrooms, ceviche, grilled pork tenderloin and the sweet wrapped dates. that, paired with a light beer or paloma, were the perfect way to start a great weekend.

**this is not a sponsored post**

summer solstice

it's officially summer! that means long, sun-filled days spent poolside with a cool drink in hand reapplying sunscreen. i mean, what's not to love?

here's what i am looking forward to this season...

• host a summer-themed fiesta
• bake a pie (i've never made one before but, this one got me interested)
• make a batch of mint-infused simple syrup for mojitos
• tackle a few decorating projects
• lounge by the pool with friends
• set up the hammock on the front porch to enjoy summer nights
• try to grow basil (sixth time's a charm, right?)
• check out wine on the rooftop