4th of July

I'm sure I mention it every year, but the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I love it so much! Nothing is better than spending time with your family and friends in the summer eating good food, having drinks, swimming, and watching fireworks! We do something different every year (like get engaged- 2010) but it's always a fun day or weekend if we can stretch it out.

 

We aren't having a party this year, but I almost wish we were because Pinterest is full of great looking recipes and décor! I do love a good blueberry/strawberry dessert, but that seems kind of standard. I like the ideas below for something a little different, but still patriotic.  These are my favorites.

 

 

Source

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Jello Cookies

Cheese Spread  

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Source

 

Be sure to check my recipes page for other great cookout recipes!

 

 

Animal Print tops

Nope, not talking about zebra or cheetah! I'm talking about shirts printed with tiny horses, birds, cats, flamingos, zebras, and even giraffes! They are everywhere and I love them! Here are some of my favorites.

Chambray Horse Print- Forever 21, Lovebirds open back top- ASOS, Giraffe print- Modcloth, Zebra print- Forever 21, Blue hummingbird- Modcloth

I came across a new (to me) site called SheInside. Cute stuff! Even more prints. 

Orange Zebra print- SheInside, Black cat print- SheInside, Colorful zebra print- SheInside, Cutout bird print- ASOS, Flamingo print- SheInside

Neon Skirts

Last summer I really thought the neon trend was just a seasonal thing and would be gone this year. Guess I was wrong. We were at a baseball game a few weeks ago and I noticed how bright the stadium was. Neon everywhere! It's like a blast from the (80's) past. This week Blair wore an awesome neon skirt. I pretty much love everything she wears, but that inspired me to look into some options. I am IN LOVE with the sequins stripe mini below. Too bad it's out of stock, but lots of fun options out there!

Atlantic Pacific

 

LOFT long skirt / J.Crew long skirt / Sass & Bide neon skirt / Topshop / Mini skirt, $46 / Circle skirt / Topshop / Topshop

Fish Tacos

I can't believe I have never posted this recipe before. I make fish tacos ALL the time. It's a go-to recipe because we usually have everything on hand.  I searched my blog and can't find a post on it. Maybe I am mistaken, so sorry if this has been posted before. This is an incredibly basic and easy recipe. I don't know exact amounts because I just wing it every time, but here is a general recipe. Just go with it! I promise, you'll love it!

 

Fish Tacos

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2-3 frozen tilapia filets

Cajun seasoning

olive oil

tortillas

cilantro

1 fresh jalapeno sliced or chopped

shredded coleslaw or purple cabbage (or lettuce)

paprika

salt

shredded Mexican blend cheese

lime wedges

 

Directions:

Thaw tilapia according to package if frozen. Sprinkle each side with Cajun seasoning. Pan fry for a few minutes on each side in a pan with olive oil. Cut into small pieces.

 

Combine a cup of coleslaw, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapenos in a bowl. Sprinkle with paprika and salt.  

 

Fill tortilla with fish, cole slaw mix, cheese, chopped tomatoes, and squeeze a lime on top.

 

Also great with ranch or sriracha sauce.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black and White Chevron

Last year I made a few grey and white baby chevron dresses and liked them so much I ordered the black and white fabric with the intention of making several more dresses. I never got around to it until last week when I made this dress for my niece. This is the easiest pattern and a versatile outfit for little girls. It's was difficult to get a picture of her in the dress because she is always moving!

Putting on her new Toms. So cute!

Summer weekends

I love the weekends in the summer! There's always something fun to do around Indy whether it's a festival, art show, baseball game or concert. This weekend was really fun! On Friday night we went to Italian Fest downtown in the Fletcher Place neighborhood. We have gone several years in the past and it's always a good time trying all the food and drinking beer in the park. We headed to my hometown on Saturday to celebrate my nieces 1st birthday and Father's Day. We spent the day relaxing at my parents lake house. On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with Dan's family back in Indy. Hope you had a great weekend as well!

Italian Fest

Rye just being cute in the birthday outfit I got her!

 

with my Dad.

Matchy Matchy

Earlier this spring I became intrigued with coordinating tops and bottoms. It can feel a little childish and when you Google the trend mostly children's clothing shows up in the search. It reminds me a little bit of the 90's with a Clueless vibe. I also think of matching sets as in vintage swimwear or Betty Draper in a floral print top and shorts. And I like it!

 

Crop tops are super trendy right now and I really like the matching look. I think we will start seeing coordinates or "co-ords" a lot more.  Just yesterday Blair from Atlantic Pacific posted her look and last week Jessica from What I Wore posted an outfit she made.

 

Celebrities are wearing the look too.

Kate Mara in Mulberry.

 

Olivia Palermo in MSGM

 

Kristen Stewart in Osman

 

 

Here are some fun options I found online, mostly UK shops are showing this trend, however I think you can easily find matching separates in the US.

 



 

Topshop / Topshop / Zara / Topshop / High waisted skirt / Floral skirt

What do you think? Is this a trend you will follow? Personally I'm not sure about the crop top, but I definitely like the matching look!