sunshine and summertime

there's no place i'd rather be than seattle during the summer -

don't get me wrong, i wouldn't pass up a trip to california. or mexico. or hawaii. 

but summertime in seattle is a beautiful thing!

75-80 degree temperatures. and there are always people outdoors. barbecuing. 

running or walking. hiking. picnicking. visiting beaches and parks and 

outdoor markets. coffee and ice cream shops are filled with families and visiting tourists.

it's my favorite time of year!

as soon as the weather begins warming up (usually in late march or early 

april), i dig out my dresses, sandals, and other spring/summer accessories.

say goodbye to thick cardigans and jackets and welcome the hats and

 sunglasses, shorts and sleeveless dresses. 

this black and white printed dress is a few years old, but i love the exposed

zipper, gathered waist, and sweatheart-inspired detail on the bust. 

i paired it with my studded gladiator sandals (also from a few seasons ago),

gold bangles, and a bright clutch. to tie the look together, i added a red lip.

^^^ keep your sunglasses close by! you never know when that seattle

sun will reappear from behind the clouds ^^^

photos by jenna lynn photography

dress: francesca's (similar here), clutch: charming charlie (similar here),

sandals: dolce vita, bangles: forever 21, ring: old navy, 

lipstick: nars 'heat wave' (exact here), sunglasses: ray-ban 'wayfarer' (exact here)

this summer, i am looking forward to visiting lake chelan,

attending several weddings, and weekend trips to our family cabin.

i always make time for walks around green lake and through sculpture park

in the city, too. what's on your agenda this summer?

now, if only our sun would return!

xoxo.

summer lovin'

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with the warm seattle temperatures, 

this girl is dreaming of summer! 

sunshine, sand between my toes, floral print dresses, 

swimming in the lake, and sandals birkenstocks everyday - 

it sounds like a dream.

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now sunshine, if you could please return, 

i would be incredibly grateful.

i'm sure my fellow seattle-friends would be, too.

xoxo.

cali love

^^^ just a few more pictures from our california adventure ^^^

these beach photos were taken in pacific beach, la jolla, and crystal cove -

a hodgepodge of locations,

but each beautiful in their own way! 

i must admit, i am a beach and sunshine lover through and through. 

while i love seattle, and the majority of my family lives here,

i think i belong in california. 

between the warm temperatures, perpetual sun, 

and shorts / dress / romper weather year-round,

i need to be there; a girl can dream.

in the meantime, i will curl up under my heated blanket while 

wearing a down jacket indoors. california, i really miss you! 

xoxo.

sunshine on my mind

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sunshine is on my mind as of late - 

and willie and i are headed to warmer weather and the beach 

later this week.

i am very much looking forward to our trip to california,

as i will not only get to relax (on the beach!),

but see several girlfriends, too.

thank you, pinterest for getting me in the spring / summer 

mind-frame when it comes to outfit planning. 

along with my beach bag and flip flops,

i think i need a printed romper (comparable to the chevron romper above),

some comfortable dresses, and of course, a swim suit!

xoxo. 

life lately

things have been a bit busy around here as of late.

however, i wanted to share with you what i have been up to.

mini road trips, tourist-like activities, and delicious food, of course! 

^^^ the tastiest and most impressive candy shop in downtown portland. 

my sweet tooth and i stocked up on chocolate.

rocket fizz, i will be back! ^^^

^^^ i finally rode on the ferris wheel in seattle. the views were gorgeous! ^^^

^^^ view from the top - talk about gorgeous. ^^^

^^^ outdoor concerts in the park. pizza for me, please! ^^^

^^^ and of course, this little pup has been quite busy, too.

long walks, basking in sunshine, and chasing after ducks.

we love her. ^^^

how have you been?

summer, i adore you! now if the sunshine could please return,

i would be incredibly grateful. 

xoxo.

"sunshine and summertime"

^^^ a day at the cabin ^^^

^^^ a week or so ago, i went with m to her family's cabin down south.

we swam in the river here! ^^^

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^^^ the perfect makeshift cooler ^^^

thank you for the most perfect summer day by the river, m.

i had a blast and cannot wait to go back! 

until next time -

xoxo.

messy hair, don't care

^^^ but really, it looks awful ^^^

leggings (they're velvet and very comfortable): nordstrom rack, 

sweater: cotton on (borrowed from jack), boots: hunter

jamba juice is my favorite -

especially on days when i feel crummy (due to my

perpetual sore throat from spending all my time with sick toddlers).

my smoothie of choice? peach pleasure.

it is pure fruit, or more appropriately, pure deliciousness. 

can you believe the sunshine in the above photo?

it has been raining a ridiculous amount around here as of late.

and then (unexpectedly), the sun came out today.

i could not be happier. 

perhaps it is a sign that spring is on its way?

happy monday.

xoxo.

from our little trip

^^^ above are a few photos from our recent trip to LA and disney! ^^^

i had a wonderful time visiting jack's family in sunny california - 

they were gracious hosts

and are the absolute sweetest.

i wish we lived closer so 1. i could visit in-n-out constantly, 

2. i could bask in the sunshine,

and 3. so i could spend more time with his adorable mom. 

we visited disney on friday,

shopped on saturday, 

and gambled at the local race tracks sunday.

when we were not walking around or shopping,

we ate copious amounts of delicious food. 

in-n-out, outback steakhouse, frozen yogurt, etc.

can i go back, please?

xoxo.

the last of the sun

^^^ sadly, this is the last of my 'summer-like' outfits ^^^

top & shorts: urban outfitters, shoes: toms, 

bracelets: forever 21, sunnies: madewell

i took the plunge and purchased one of the cropped

shirts i so often curse. 

"why must these all be this short?"

is often uttered under my breath while scouring the sale racks

at urban outfitters. 

this time, however, i was bold;

i purchased one of the aforementioned cropped items

and wore it proudly while at disney land.

i kind of liked it, too.

while i could never get away with wearing something like this

in seattle in february (amongst our rain and freezing temperatures),

it was perfect for the LA sunshine.

cropped top, i think i will keep you. 

xoxo.

hello from the sunshine

romper and bandeau: muse apparel (from my recent trip to hawaii), 

chambray: american eagle, flip flops: havaianas, bracelet: urban outfitters

i cannot believe this sunshine and the warm temperatures -

i was fortunate to have spent the past few days 

in LA with my boyfriend, jack. 

i realize i have not formally introduced him on this little blog,

but i promise to share photos and stories soon.

his family lives in LA and graciously hosted us for the weekend.

we took a day trip to disney land, did a fair amount of shopping, 

ate delicious food, and visited the local race tracks.

it was an amazing trip! 

i am definitely not ready to return home.

jack's amazing family, thank you again.

xoxo.

high five and a little inspiration

dress: pacsun, denim jacket: nordstrom, sandals: dsw, necklace: jcpenney

i haven't done one of these for a while...

high five (or five things i am happy about now):

it is so easy to get bogged down by stress and frustrated when things do not go our way.

i am striving to be a more positive individual (striving = i have not mastered this, not at all) and cognizant of all i have to be grateful for.

1. this warm weather

2. allergy medicine and soft kleenex. my nose is a faucet!

3. spending time with my favorite little doggie this weekend.

4. cinnamon raisin english muffins. mm talk about a tasty breakfast :) 

5. this blog getting a tiny makeover soon! i could not be more excited to share it with you.

what are you happy about right now?

xoxo. 

*image found on google

soakin' up the sun

dress: uo, necklace: nordstrom, flats: fossil

i am a sucker for stripes and pockets - this dress has both :)

i have been trying to spend as much time as possible outside.

whether going on walks with the kiddos,

eating ice cream in the sunshine,

or wearing my summer dresses for the last time this season -

i am trying to savor it.

fall is seemingly just around the corner

for you can feel it when the sun goes down. 

i am not ready for tights and boots and down jackets and heater blankets.

just a few more weeks of this blessed sunshine and warm temperatures, please!?

happy monday.

xoxo.

beachin'

a few days ago, tom and i went to kirkland to enjoy the sunshine and gorgeous waterfront.

we may have had an embarrassingly large feast here, too.

i am trying to soak up these last few days of summer 

before the rain returns to my beloved seattle. 

i think it might be time for me to move somewhere sunny year-round...

can you imagine?

or perhaps i could just retire and be a full-time beach bum...

it sounds so enticing...

xoxo.

*quote found here

i'm back!

after what felt like 281830 million hours on the plane(s) last night, we made it home! 

it was an immensely enjoyable and relaxing trip.

i am so grateful for the time i spent with my family and our dear friends.

can i go back?

when tom asked what we did,

i told him "well, we went to the beach...

...i read four books

...took several naps

...laid in the sun
...went to a farmers market

...swam in the pool

...and went to the beach."

nothing too exhilarating, but the perfect amount of relaxation! 

{ just a few more pictures, i promise }

fortunately, i can continue to enjoy the sunshine in seattle :)
now back to work for this girl.
xoxo. 

a glimpse of paradise so far

we finally arrived - after what felt like 921038029130 hours of travel.

thank goodness for movies on airplanes...

my brother and i watched the hunger games.

it made the flight(s) go by much more quickly! 

after going to bed at 8pm last night,

i am ready for a day of sunshine and relaxation.

it is gorgeous out, and i could not be more thankful to be here with my family :)

see you soon! 

xoxo.

*quote found on google