Giant watermelon slice in the hooouuuuusseee! Lately Christian and I have made it a habit to try to make it to the beach on Sundays, and this past Sunday we definitely called some attention to ourselves as we walked to the beach with a giant watermelon pool float (“whoa – look at that huge piece of watermelon!”). God bless dearest Christian, he’s such a good sport! I look forward to floating on this adorable melon all summer long.
But let’s talk about this ModCloth swimsuit, shall we? I’ve been all about the one-piece this year. I am a huge Pilates-lover, but all my favorite studios are in Costa Mesa and Newport where I used to work. Now that I’m working from home, it’s a little too far to go (mostly because of traffic) just to exercise. I can’t seem to find a studio I love here in Orange SO that means the majority of my exercise this year has been walking Bailey while listening to podcasts.
Thanks to this year’s wave of adorable one-pieces, I can feel confident and stylish in something that fits my lifestyle while still being super fun. Shopping for a swimsuit isn’t easy, but when you have a versatile selection of styles, it makes a huge difference, and ModCloth has you covered! I love how many unique styles and patterns they have, not to mention their size charts offer something for nearly everyone (insert praise hands).
I recently added this jacket to my closet, and I have already worn it so many more times than I realized I would! It’s such a great layering piece, lightweight with just enough warmth and racks up compliments every time I wear it. Turns out it’s currently 33% off, and if that’s not a sign… I don’t know what is.
SO, I’m going to be styling it two different ways – the second coming to you next week! I wore this outfit to church in Costa Mesa and then to lunch in Newport with Christian a few weekends ago. California is known to have “May gray” and “June gloom,” but I actually really enjoy the cool, overcast weeks before summer hits in full force. It lets me squeeze in a few more weeks of some of my favorite spring pieces, and this jacket is most definitely one of them!
Several weeks ago I saw that one of my favorite foodies, How Sweet Eats, shared a post on an oatmeal latte that looked insanely delicious. I immediately bookmarked it for later, and when I finally got around to making it, it did not disappoint. Breakfast and caffeine in one mug? Um… yes please.
Check out her blog for the full recipe! I used my Nespresso Lattissima for my favorite, rich espresso and the Nespresso Aeroccino to froth the milk – I use this little device all the time and really, really love it.
A few weeks ago I experienced my first cruise with Royal Caribbean. I boarded their Anthem of the Seas ship (and found out we were on a practically brand new boat!) with some of my blogger friends Krystal, Nikki, Jenn, Courtney and Summer, and being a cruise newbie, I wasn’t quite sure what I would find.
I’ve heard all of these stories about how small cruise ship rooms can be, so I was a little nervous to check into my “cabin,” but I was so amazed at how spacious it was! Honestly, it was hardly any smaller than an NYC hotel room, and I had not one but two closets (a girl’s dream, we all know this), a sparkly tile shower, a vanity with a large bulb-lit mirror, a chest of drawers, a queen bed and a balcony with two chairs and a small table. Um… did I say I was on a 5-night cruise? I should have booked the 10-night, because I was just getting settled in to my #cruiselife.
There were three pools on the ship, tons of restaurants, plenty of bars, and my favorite part – numerous options for nightlife on the boat – all planned ahead for you. Every day we received an itinerary to our rooms of all the events happening on the boat from sun-up to sun-down. Surf stimulators, salsa classes, bumper cars, yoga on the deck, rock climbing, rollerskating – all kinds of daytime activities. We saw a small broadway show, a Journey cover band (seriously so good), movies by the pool – this boat was gigantic.
Perhaps the most fun of all was had in the Music Hall. Every night this turned into the nightlife spot of the boat – our first night being “Groovy Town,” including disco dancers and a brief Jackson 5 performance that was too good to be true (if you follow me on Snapchat: CBLied, you saw this!). The next night it was normal top 40 music, and our last night was “Silent Party” that may have just been the icing on the cake. There were two dj’s wearing headphones – one was lit up blue and one was green. Everyone on the dance floor was given a pair of headphones and you could switch “stations” to each of the dj’s, back and forth depending on if you liked what they were playing. We’re all dancing around with these headphones on, but when you take them off you just see a bunch of crazy adults dancing and singing along to… silence. Honestly, it was probably one of the most hilarious experiences I’ve had in 2016 thus fur, and the middle-aged woman scream-singing Adele with her headphones on was the cherry on top.
I was really sad for the cruise to come to an end because it was such a unique and fun experience – we all left the boat talking about where we would want to go next!
If I had the opportunity to go on another cruise, I absolutely would – hopefully one that stopped along the European coast! I loved how incredibly easy the entire experience was, and the fact that everything is planned for you really allows you to be carefree and totally relax. Not to mention the convenience of it all – your feet hurt? Go to your cabin and change. You want to drop off your handbag in the room? Done. You want a snack? Stop around the corner. I usually plan my excursions ahead of time, but knowing that I could step on the boat and it was all done for me was amazing.
I have another post coming next week from our two days spent docked in Bermuda and will be sharing my tips and recommendations for that as well! If there is anything I’m wearing in these photos that you don’t see linked – please let me know and I’ll be sure to get you the source! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I was gifted this trip with Royal Caribbean, but this post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
– oogling the new Urban Decay Vice lipstick launch (have you seen this video with Ruby Rose!?) –
– coming home to celebrate Bailey’s belated 9th birthday with her own cake (recipe here) –
– taking advantage of this May gray California weather with a little outdoor happy hour and some bubbly –
– spending an afternoon eating cheese and drinking rosé in Newport Beach with California Coast Yachts and pretending to be fancy –
– the sweetest surprise from my friends at Mary Kay (yum!) for their creme lipstick that goes toward the Mary Kay Foundation –
I’m yawning as I type this – you guys, I can’t even explain how sleepy I have been all week! I keep sarcastically telling Christian I’m still on “cruise time,” (Bermuda is four hours ahead of California) but I don’t even know what my deal is. I can hardly keep my eyes open past 10PM, but of course I don’t peel myself out of bed until after 8AM, so I’m not sure why I feel so fatigued (and I’m 150% sure I am not pregnant, so no, it’s not that!). Here’s to hoping to start a week fresh and back to my old self. I get frustrated when I’m tired and I know I’m well-rested. Like… hey body, please catch up with my brain, kthanks.
I had several fun-filled events in Newport Tuesday – Thursday, so today it feels good to be back home getting some things checked off the to-do list, including making this noodle bowl for dinner this weekend and walking Miss Bailey. I can’t believe she’s 9!! How did that happen so fast?
Christian is working and my parents are in LA this weekend, so we’re taking it easy and I need to catch up on some work after being “out of office” so many days this week. What are you guys up to? Cooking anything tasty you want to share? I’m in need of some kitchen motivation!
Thank you guys so much for reading – and more fun posts coming next week including a seriously delicious recipe that I am seriously addicted to. YUM! Have a beautiful weekend -XO –
I had so much fun exploring Bermuda with the girls while we were docked during our cruise last week! We were so in love with all of the colors of this little area called Hamilton – every building has it’s own cheerful shade, and you almost couldn’t wait to turn the corner to see what else you might discover.
Walking around the town, stopping for fish & chips and Corona’s – that’s the vacation life that I could chase all day! I had this adorable (and super comfortable) dress on that was perfect for a day of exploring, and even better that it matched the town.
Another look from our recent cruise to Bermuda! You guys know I am incapable of traveling without my collection of maxi dresses, and I think this pretty number would be a great pick for any honeymoon gals out there. This particular dress comes in multiple prints and is called the “Kat Maxi Dress,” so I mean, I think that means it’s meant to be!
Now we must talk about these hats – pretty much the cutest floppy hat that’s ever existed. And they come in multiple phrases! If you saw this photo on Instagram, you probably saw the “rosé all day,” which is beyond amazing. I have a sad case of email anxiety, so the “out of office” was definitely my go-to!
You know I love a great wall mural, and while on my first cruise with Royal Caribbean, this super fun Carpe Diem wall was on the boat! Which mean all six of us girls were all about it, and I knew I had the perfect pink kimono dress that would be a match made in heaven.
What you might also be able to see is how incredibly windy it was on the boat – so keeping this flowy dress from showing my lady garments to my fellow cruise-mates was no easy feat! I absolutely love the kimono cut of this dress, and the bright pink floral print is so perfect for summer, especially if you have a vacation coming up. I later work it with lace-up flat sandals, and it can be worn with heels for a date night. Yumi Kim pieces are some of my absolute favorite, and this dress is no exception.
– when Lula sits beside me in our chair & ottoman, and then when I leave she stays in the same spot – she’s always in a crazy position and it makes me laugh! –
– hopping off the cruise boat and exploring Bermuda –
– and arriving back at the dock to head back to the US –
Ok you guys – I’ve now experienced my first cruise and I’ve gotta say, I had so much fun! I was amazed at how many activities and events were held on the boat, the numerous pools, beautiful views – not to mention the gentle rocking of the boat actually made me sleep like a baby. Go figure!?
BUT I’ll be sharing a full post about that later! I got home at 11PM last night, and I’m excited to spend some quiet time with Christian for his weekend off. Not to mention I need a detox like nobody’s business. Honestly, I’m not even sure how many chicken tenders and french fries I’ve consumed in the past week… so there’s that.
What are you guys up to this weekend? And if you’ve been on a cruise, did you have so much fun!? Thanks so much for reading! XO –
I shared some of my Mother’s Day picks here and here, but I wanted to share some last-minute suggestions for Sunday!
I have this bag and I love how incredibly lightweight it is. I always toss it in my suitcase because it rolls up so easily and is such a great travel piece. Long-lasting beauty items like a setting spray or eyeshadow primer potion (this particular one gives 100% of purchase price to charity) are so great – I use both of them almost everyday.
I have some pajamas like this and they are so soft and comfortable – I love their sets. And this neat little guy holds a cookbook or iPad for the lady in your life who is always whippin’ something up in the kitchen!
I hope y’all have something sweet planned for your moms! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I wish you guys could smell this perfume. Oh my my, citrus + Brazilian passion fruit + peony + vanilla orchid + pine… and a lot of deliciousness. I sprayed it on myself as soon as I received it, and moments later Christian asked what I was wearing! It’s sexy, yet classic… and addicting. More feminine than the scents I’ve been wearing lately, but coming from Victoria’s Secret and with a name like Bombshell, you know this scent had to be all woman. And I’m going to pretend that wearing it makes me look like Candice Swanepoel.
Bombshell their iconic, award-winning fragrance – SO, what better gift to give your mom and best friend for Mother’s Day than a confident, glamorous and feminine scent that she can wear all year long, day and night? I don’t know about you, but I have some vivid memories of jr. high bra shopping with my mom in Victoria’s Secret. This involved the dressing room fitting from one of the employees and the search for the most padded bra in the store… and don’t even get me started on when the PINK sweatpants first came out. All over that.
I know this gift would bring back funny memories for mom, yet it’s more sophisticated like our relationship now, especially considering that I now can buy my bras and sweatpants on my own. You’re welcome, mom.
Check this post to see the links to my outfit and bedroom decor!
Thank you guys so much for reading! XO –
PS – if you also have a jr. high bra shopping memory with mom, please oh please share it with me. It will make my day!
Thank you Patrón for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailers to pick up your own bottle of Patrón to create the Margarita of the Year at home! Please drink responsibly –
With Cinco de Mayo only a few days a way, there’s no better time to share a delicious margarita recipe! The recipe I’m sharing today actually won Margarita of the Year, so you know it’s gotta be good. There are so many different ways to serve margs, but whenever I’m with girlfriends and we’re ordering them, almost all of them order theirs spicy. So it definitely doesn’t surprise me that the winning cocktail is spicy!
A little behind-the-scenes info – Patrón had seven of the best bartenders from across the U.S. and Mexico create recipes for seven different styles of margaritas – herbal, spicy, smoky, savory, modern, tropical and classic. Two months and over 50,000 votes later, the spicy Rosa Picante Margarita officially won. This recipe is a fresh take on the classic jalapeño margarita, so I think it’s the perfect choice for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
Rosa Picante Margarita
2 oz Patrón Silver
.5 oz Patrón Citrónge Lime
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
.5 oz Ginger Syrup
Barspoon Jalapeño Oil
Dash rosewater
Rose petal sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe that has been half-rimmed with rose sea salt, and top with a dash of rose water. Garnish with a rose petal, if you have one!
AND, if you’re not necessarily a margarita lover, Patrón offers a little quiz that you can take to find your perfect tequila cocktail here! My result was the Jalisco Mule, which looks absolutely delicious.
I hope some of you will try this recipe at home for Cinco de Mayo, along with the mandatory items – like tacos and queso. I’m currently in Bermuda, and Christian warned me that this Patrón might be gone when I return… he loves it (it’s pretty much all we drank on our recent trip to Kauai).
Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls, all content and opinions are my own.
