Lulu's Love List

My Lulu's Love List this week is a little different.  Our annual Summer Soiree was in our 7th year. It's always a love for me.  Even though it's a lot of work, I so enjoy having and hosting parties.  This year was a little toned down since starting back to work, launching the blog, and keeping up with the twins.  We had a great time.  There were a lot of folks that had never been to our summer party and a few that we hadn't seen in years.  I love preparing the food, making sure it's delicious, and everyone gets their fill.  I hope you enjoy a few snaps from the day!

Ella, ready to have her friends over.  She's always been "the party girl" since she was a baby.  Every picture she has a big grin on her face that says "let's partee!"

A welcoming walkway for our guests.  Since the invitation had pinwheels on it, I kept with the theme, but keeping it simple.

While the adults mingled and chatted, the kids played with activities ($1 each from Joann Fabrics), and bounced in the "bouncy house".

My husband made this gorgeous deck table.  Our ratty table and chairs are bye-bye!  This is beautiful and I'm so proud of him!

Yummy food our guests inhaled!  Recipes will follow in the coming weeks - you don't want to miss out!

My wonderful hubby and awesome cook.  He made some darn, finger-lickin' good ribs!

Do you have any annual summer celebrations?  Check out my other Lulu's Love Lists for some great inspiration!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So.

Mix & Match, Part 2

shirt, J.Crew (bought in store, similar linen t-shirt)  |  shorts, Gap (similar shorts)  |  jacket, Old Navy  |  shoes, Charles David  |  bag, Tory Burch  |  sunnies, Elizabeth & James |  necklace, J.Crew  |  watch, Michael Kors  |  bracelet, Stella & Dot

snaps  |  Losphoto

Today... another mix & match style!  Yesterday I brought you the same wonderful J.Crew (in-store sale 25% off going on!) linen t-shirt paired with a pencil skirt for a dressed up look.  Today I've paired it with some shorts and a great blazer.  Where would I wear this look?  Out to dinner and drinks with my girlfriends.  Swap the heels for some gold sandals and it's a look I would wear to the farmers market, or just out shopping.

We've had a busy few days.  This week we're out of town with family and the kids are enjoying church camp.  While staying with family they get to play with new toys and use their abundant imagination.  Ella playing with Tinker Toys told me that she made a "zepner"...  "What is a zepner?" I said.  She retorted with great enthusiasm, "Mama, it's a ZEPner".  Ok... Well that clarifies it, thanks!

Linking up with Style Elixir and My Thrifty Chic and The Pleated Poppy.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Mix & Match, Part 1

shirt, J.Crew (bought in-store, similar linen t-shirt)  |  skirt, Loft  |  heels, Stuart Weitzman  |  sunnies, Elizabeth & James  |  bag, Tory Burch (similar straw tote)  |  necklace, Simply Lulu Design  |  bracelets, Stella & Dot, J.Crew Factory

snaps  |  Losphoto

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Our weekend was busy and I'm actually glad it's Monday.  The annual Summer Soiree was a success and you will see some snaps of that later this week!

Today and tomorrow I'm bringing a mix/match outfit.  Stay tuned tomorrow for another fun mix/match style! I love pairing something casual, like a linen t-shirt with a more "dressy" (albeit, professional) pencil skirt.  Add some metallic heels, the new neutral, great accessories and you have a perfectly mix & match style.  My husband looked at me crossed eyed when I walked out to take these snaps.  He said (I guess because of the pencil skirt), "would you really wear that to work?" "YES! With a great jacket!"  Men...

Linking up today with DC in Style, Mode Monday, #FundayMonday  & Peacoats & Plaid

Mama Said Monday

Pajama Re-purposing

I usually donate or sell my kids outgrown clothes.  However with their pajamas I recycle their winter items to summer.  Who wants old kids pajamas anyway?  So instead of buying short sleeved shirts & shorts, I cut off the shirts and pants.  Sound silly?  Maybe, but I save money.  The best part?  Four-year olds don't care what they wear to bed! 

Have a marvelous Monday!

My Weekend

 

blazer, Gap  |  shirt, (similar lace top)  |  jeans, Hudson  |  shoes, Boden (similar flats)  |  sunnies, Ray Ban  |  clutch, Tahari (similar yellow clutch)  |  necklace, Francesca's  |  watch, Michael Kors  |  bracelets, Simply Lulu Design, Stella & Dot 

Snaps  |  Losphoto

The last few weeks have just been crazy at our house.  This weekend we're having our annual summer party.     It's a large affair with our friends, great food, and fun for the kids.  I'll be sharing the snaps with you next week.

The weather here has been a little unpredictable.  I like to layer it up when in one day the temperature can change up to 20 degrees.  This boyfriend blazer is the ticket for a weekend casual look.  Paired with a lace top and some colorful accessories adds a lady-like feel and still feel comfortable.

Don't forget to enter the Summer Style $1,500 CASH GIVEAWAY!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Beach Bum Ready - 5 Moves

Today we're talking 5 MOVES!  Yes, it's been a while since I've done a 5 Moves post!  This year's schedule was brutal, but I'm back in the gym and feeling great.  These are 5 moves to get the jiggle out of your best asset!

Start in the "cat" position

1st Move: lift your leg (bent) out to the side.  12 reps.

2nd Move:  Ceiling kick up.  Start in the cat position.  With your foot pointed, kick your leg up to the "ceiling" as high as you can and keep your hips square.  Form tip: stay in control, do not swing your leg, and try your best to not arch your back. 12 reps.

Move #3:  Same move, lower your arms to your elbows.  12 reps.

Move #4:  Tip Up.  In the same position, turn your leg & foot to the side.  Lift your leg up to the ceiling again. 12 reps.

Move #5:  Kick Out.  Bring leg/knee 90 degrees, flex your foot and kick out to the side.  12 reps.

After you finish your first leg, rest for 10 seconds in the child pose (I usually start with my weaker side, left).  Move quickly to the other leg, with the same 12 reps.

Feel the burn and have a great Thursday!

Just a few days left to enter the Summer Style $1,500 CASH GIVEAWAY!

Lulu's Love List

An easy kid summer treat!  Yes, these are store bought Nestle Toll house break apart cookies!  Smack the ice cream in the middle, roll in jimmies, and happy kids await!

Have you heard?  20 beautiful fashion bloggers have collaborated to bring you a fantastic CASH GIVEAWAY!  $1,500 to buy a new summer wardrobe or do with what you please!  Enter HERE!

Ever wonder why your hair is so silky when you leave the salon?  It's all in the brush (here & here)!  I LOVE this brush.  It's made from boar's hair and designed to create volume while minimizing static and frizz.

This is now one of my favorite necklaces!  You've seen it in my lady-like camo outfit.  J.Crew has some fabulous jewels.  I'm also loving this necklace, this bracelet, and these earrings (on sale!).

I never used to be a dark nail polish in the summer girl.  But I saw the light, in the dark, last year!  This is a gorgeous color (OPI, Siberian Nights) and it looks so great with a tan!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Wedding Wear

shirt, Loft  |  skirt, J.Crew (on sale!)  |  shoes, Stuart Weitzman  |  clutch, Hobo (similar clutch & loving this Rebecca Minkoff)  |  sunnies, Prada  |  bracelets, Simply Lulu Design & J.Crew factory

snaps  |  Losphoto

June is the month for weddings.  We've been to two family weddings, one Greek, which was SO fun (no they didn't smash any plates).  This outfit is simple, but has sparkle and elegance.  I'm loving this skirt from J.Crew.  I saw it in the store, thought it would be perfect for one of our weddings.  The clutch and metallic heels (last seen in this peplum outfit) add a touch of glamour without over shining the bride (don't ever do that).

Nugget story:

One day Jack asked me what a wedding was (out of the blue).  This is how the conversation went:

Jack: "Mama what's a wedding?"

Me: "Hmm... well there's a pastor, a man and a woman.  They exchange promises to love and take care of each other and then they kiss."

Jack: "And then they say hip hip hooray?"

Me: "No they don't usually say that.  But they do clap and have a big party?!"

Ella: "Do they say hip hip hooray at the party?"

Me: "No...  but maybe next time I will."

Linking up today with Style Elixir & My Thrifty Chic

Don't forget to enter the Summer Style $1,500 CASH GIVEAWAY!  

And have a hip hip hooray day!