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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Mouthwatering Marinades.

Alright party people...the countdown has officially begun for the 4th! And nothing says Fourth of July more than firing up the grill (and fireworks of course).So, get your grill on with these delicious recipes for marinades that are full of flavor.



Although typically you're supposed to marinate meat or veggies for a couple hours, if not overnight, I have found a recipe that tastes great and only takes one hour to marinate. I didn't include the actual recipe on this post, but I did in a post back in February. Check it out!

There is one more marinade that I must share with you all. I can't tell you the recipe (because I don't know it), but I can tell you it is absolutely amazing. Drumroll please.......

This gourmet sauce is definitely something worth trying. You can find it at Paper Skyscraper, a local boutique. If you don't live in the Charlotte area, or would rather order it online, there are plenty of sites that sell it. Either way, you should seriously try it out.

If you have a tasty marinade recipe that you LOVE to use, feel free to share with us!


Monday, June 24, 2013

Pillow Talk.

Just like the right accessories can make an outfit, some bright and patterned pillows can transform your outside space. Give your porch or patio a mini-makeover this summer with these pretty pillows!






Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Sexy Summer Hair.

Although fall is my absolute favorite season, summer definitely has it perks too. One of my FAVORITE things about summer is the ease of looking good and the effortless and carefree style that comes along with it. This is definitely true when it comes to your hair. From a loose braid to beachy waves, here's some no-fuss hairstyles that I cant get enough of.  

Monday, June 17, 2013

Summer Skincare.

Hello sun-kissed skin. Goodbye make-up! Okay, maybe not bronzer......or mascara. 

Nonetheless, everyone (in my opinion) looks better with a healthy, summer glow. But, flawless looking skin doesn't just happen. Give your skin the attention it deserves in these hot and humid summer months, because let's face it.....dry, unhealthy skin is not very pretty. Here's some easy tips and great products that are sure to keep your skin looking and feeling it's very best:)


Protect: Summer is all about having fun in the sun! Anytime you're outdoors, you should always use sunscreen (and reapply frequently) to protect your skin from sun damage. When shopping for sunscreen, look for ones that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Here's two awesome sunscreens that I love to use!
Exfoliate: Another MUST during the summertime is to exfoliate your skin! Doing this removes the dead skin cells (the things that make our skin look dull), cleanses our pores, and refreshes our skin! How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type, but typically someone with regular to dry skin should exfoliate somewhere around once a week. People with oily skin can exfoliate much more often, even once a day. And during the summer months, it's a good idea to exfoliate more than you would normally. Other than investing in a good facial scrub, it's a good idea to do facials regularly. It's always fun to do at-home facials, using natural ingredients...plus, it's a great reason to get all your girlfriends together:)
Hydrate: Last but not least, hydrate! The sun dry's out your skin, and dry skin is not a good look. So, don't forget to moisturize daily! Also, it's a good idea to moisturize after sun, after showering and before bed. One more easy way for your skin to stay hydrateddrink lots of water! And here's a tip: out of your 8 daily glasses, drink one in the morning and one before bed to help skin look it's best. Below are two products that make my skin so soft and smooth! 
Oh, almost forgot the best part of summer skincare....something I seriously could not live without: mani-pedis.They're great! You get pampered (yes please!) and when you're done, your hands and feet look and feel amazing (of course, accompanied with a super-cute polish)!

Now, go! Soak up the sun:)

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Swimsuit Envy.

This summer, it is a fact that I will be embracing the one-piece bathing suit trend. It is a classic look that looks great on anyone, and is an obvious choice for anyone post-prego (It is surreal to say, this will be me any day now). And I LOVE the fact that one-pieces these days are just as hot as a bikini. Check out these fabulous finds!




Monday, June 10, 2013

Sweet Nothings.

Lately, I've been on a kick about eating healthier. In my opinion, one of the tastiest options when looking for something health-friendly is fruits. And being summertime and all, it's great because there's plenty of fruits to choose from to make yummy snacks!  Below are some perfect summer treats I can't wait to try out—sweet, fruity, and super-easy to make!! Enjoy=)
Ahhhh.....sweet summertime! Have a HAPPY Monday:)

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

All Wrapped Up.

Let me go ahead and put it out there: I am seriously obsessed with head wraps and turbans. They are a must-have summer accessory, and can spice up any outfit. The best part is, they come in all different colors, prints and patterns, so you can be sure to find one that fits your personal style. Here’s some that I just LOVE.


Monday, June 3, 2013

Pretty Little Cocktails.

Virgin cocktails are where it's at for us prego girls. And.....there is a major flipside to non-alcoholic drinks—less calories and no hangover! Whether planning a brunch, baby shower or sweet sixteen party, these yummy drinks are always a good idea. So, sit back, chill out and soak up the sweet sunshine sipping on a pretty little cocktail=)  

3 ounces Sierra Mist Natural
3 ounces Cranberry Juice
Juice from 1 cutie/clementine orange
1 ounce lime juice
Clementine slice and sugar for garnish

Directions: 
1. In a shaker filled with ice, mix cranberry juice, cutie juice, and lime juice.
2. Add Sierra Mist Natural and stir.
3. Strain into two martini glasses with edges that have been dipped in sugar (optional).
4. Garnish with a clementine slice.


1 oz fresh Peach Puree
1 1/2 oz fresh Orange Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
5 oz Club Soda
Rasberry Puree (optional)

Directions:
1. Peel, pit, and core out the peach's rough pit flesh. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. (If your peach isn't super ripe and juicy & won't puree very easily, add a touch of OJ to help it out.) If you aren't sure you're puree is smooth, strain through a wire mesh strainer.
2. Put a few ice cubes in a glass, add the peach puree, OJ, and simple syrup. (If you don't have simple syrup, you can add @ 1 t sugar and mix with the OJ to dissolve it.)
3. Slowly pour the club soda along the inside wall of the glass, then gently stir everything to combine. Garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of thyme if you want to get fancy.


15 medium sage leaves
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup water
8 oz. blackberries
8 oz. club soda (per drink)

Directions:
1.    Bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat just until sugar dissolves.
2.    Crush the sage leaves with the back of a spoon and add to the syrup mixture and set aside to let the sage infuse for 15 minutes and then remove the herbs.
3.   Puree the blackberries in the blender and then strain the mixture through a fine strainer.
4.    To serve, place a tablespoon of the blackberry puree in the bottom of a glass, add a tablespoon of the sage syrup and top off with 8 ounces of club soda.
 

Cheers to a fabulous Monday, y'all!