Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Race Time Dresses

The month of April seems like it has crawled by at a glacial pace, but May horse races are finally upon us along with Mothers Day. First up this weekend is the Kentucky Derby, a long-standing Southern tradition.

I have the horrible habit of always waiting till the last minute to figure out exact what I am going to wear. Sometimes I even wait till the day of the figure out what I am going to wear…it all depends on the mood…right? For most events I usually wear a dress I already have {goodness knows I have way, way, way, too many – I really like dresses…}. For big events I usually do buy a dress for the occasion; there is nothing like waiting for a special occasion to pull out a new dress to wear.

I am sure there are a few people out there like myself who scramble at the last minute to pull an outfit together. Incase you are on the hunt for a dress to wear to the Derby this weekend here are a few of my favorite picks that would be perfect for the event!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The Girl On The Train

Admittedly, I was slightly hesitant to read The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins. I have talked to people who have loved the book, didn’t care for it, were middle of the road, and had a few people compare it To Gone Girl, which, in my opinion, is not a bad thing. Needless to say I have heard mixed reviews.

I will not sugar coat things – The Girl on the Train has a great story line, a few very interesting twist and turns, and once you hit a certain point you will not be able to put the book down. However, more than likely you will not like one single character in the book. If you are a reader who would prefer/has to have a likable character to cheer on, then The Girl on the Train may not be a favorite read of yours.

Rachel takes the same commuter train that goes into London every morning, and takes the same commuter train home every night. Each day as rides down the rails she looks out the window at the vast stretch of land in front of her. She pays special attention to a suburban neighborhood, more specifically the neighborhood she used to live in with her ex-husband. The train stops at signal every day that allows Rachel to watch the same couple each day eat breakfast on their deck. She starts to feel as if she knows this couple and begins to refer to them as ‘Jess and Jason’. From Rachel’s perspective ‘Jess and Jason’ have a perfect life, a life similar to the one that she used to have.

One day as Rachel is passing ‘Jess and Jason’ house she sees something shocking that changes her entire perspective of the couple. Rachel feels she cannot keep what she saw to herself, and offers up the information to the police, leading her down the road of becoming entwined in the events that are soon to unfold, as well as the lives of everyone involved.

The Girl on the Train is Paula Hawkins debut psychological thriller; for the angle she was going for she knocked this book out of the park. This book has a good chance of changing the way you view other people or environments, and sends home the message that there is always more to a situation than meets the eye. Despite the fact that I did not find a single character in the book to be likable, there is no denying that The Girl on the Train is well written and a suspenseful read.

Monday, April 27, 2015

The Pineapple Express

For some reason this year I have really been gravitating to basically any item with a pineapple print. When I was younger, as awful as it sounds, I used to always associate pineapple décor/prints and any other print of décor that contained a fruit item {lemons, oranges, etc.} with “older” people. However, I have grown to appreciate summer fruit prints and décor.

Last year it seemed that lemon prints were the it fruit print. Remember all of the Kate Spade lemon print dresses, shoes, handbag, etc. from last year? It was such a cute collection! This year I am going to predict that a classic pineapple print will be the popular choice for this coming summer. I have to confess, I am currently a little obsessed with the Pine Lace Dress from Anthropologie… a lace dress containing a pineapple print, I believe this dress has my name written all over it!

From glasses to wallpaper to clothing here are a few of my favorite pineapple items!
1.               MaddenSleeveless V-Neck Dress
3.             TheSimplified Planner
4.             MiraTop
5.             MiraBottom
6.             Pineapple(Sorbet) Wallpaper
7.              PineappleiPhone Case
8.             PineappleThank You Cards
9.             PineLace Dress

Friday, April 24, 2015

Happy Hour Time

Well aloha Friday! It is about time you finally decided to show up! I can hardly believe that we are entering into the last weekend of April – I had a feeling that 2015 was going to be a fast year, but it seems like time is flying by in the blink of an eye. Here’s to a weekend spent outside enjoying the perfect spring weather with family, friends, and our favorite furry four-leg companion. Cheers!

“If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me.”
~ Angelina Jolie

Drink Special!
Hanky Panky
1 ounce Italian Vermouth
1 ounce dry gin
2 dashes fernet-branca
Ice cubes
1 orange peel for garnish
Shake with ice and strain over ice into highball glass, garnish with orange peel twist

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Nash Spring Bash at Centennial Park, Sunday, April 26, 12:00pm
Franklin, TN: Main Street Festival at Downtown Franklin, Saturday, April 25 – Sunday, April 26
Biloxi, MS: 23rd Annual MS Coast Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival, Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26
Charlotte, NC: The Joffrey Ballet Concert Group at Elevation Blakeney, Friday, April 25, 7:30
Vinton, VA: Vinton Dogwood Festival at Downtown Vinton, Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

It's Swimsuit Time...Almost...

{Via}
It’s almost time for swimsuit season! Feel free to get excited, because swimsuit season means sun, warm weather, beach trips, days spent by the water, drinks with tiny umbrellas, and of course time to break out your favorite swim wear!

After a cold winter I always get excited for the warmer days that are just around the corner. Is there anything better than walking on the beach in your favorite bikini, the sand between your toes, the sound of the waves gently crashing onto the beach, a cool summer breeze blowing through your hair, and the sun on your back?

Swimsuit season has not even officially started yet and I have already noticed that there seems to be a one-piece bathing suit trend. Every year I plan on adding a one-piece to my collection of swimwear, but have yet to do so…maybe this will be the year I will finally give in and buy a one-piece... When it comes to swim suits I tend to gravitate to the hot/fun color or the classic colors – no in between. Although, I always prefer a classic looking bathing suit, however, trendy can be fun every now and then.