A Rose in Bloom

Photo Diary: Food, Fire, and Color

Monday, June 30, 2014

Friday DO: Lay in the Grass

Friday, June 27, 2014

There is something powerful about laying in the grass and meditating. Feeling connected with nature and a bigger scale of life. Absorbing the heat from the earth's ground often makes all your problems seem so minute in the vast maze of the world. This weekend, have a picnic lunch out, stare up at the sky, and marvel at life. Feel the grass beneath your toes, and give thanks for everything you have, and everything you don't have. Enjoy the sun kissing your skin, breath deeply, and accept.

Summer Brunch Idea: Cold Avocado Soup

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Is there anything nicer than a summer brunch or even a cool supper for the hottest of hot evenings? I made this on a hot morning a few weekends ago. The avocados and coconut milk/yogurt (I used yogurt) makes it creamy and smooth, while the cucumber and dill add just a touch freshness to lower your temperature.

Full recipe here.

Dancing in the Rain

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Is there anything lovelier than playing in the rain? I think not. For some reason, whenever I wear the Voile and Lace Slip, I instantly feel free and adventurous. This time, I craved the feeling of warm puddles caressing my toes on the pavement. Life is wonderful.

Dress: Free People// Shoes: Minnetonka Moccasins// Jewelry: local/etsy Crochet bra: Free People

Weekly Show the Love link up with Buttons and Birdcages:

To the old lady who photo-bombed me above, even in your oldest of old age you are beautiful and I respect you, with all your lovely colors and odd stares.

To the girl at Goodwill with purple highlights, you inspired me to braid my hair like yours, because it looked lovely on you.

Hazy Summer Days

Monday, June 23, 2014

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to discuss summer style. For me, July 4th is the peak of summer, and with it I always want to stick with things that just have that feeling - the rootsy, Americana soul. Denim cutoffs, a breezy tank or tee, classic sneakers... it's all I want to wear on the hottest of hot days. If I were buying new clothes for the 4th, or even summer in general, here are a few of my picks.

In order: Distressed Chuck Taylors ($80), Flag Vans ($55), DIY American Flag Converse, Flag Print Lace Up Canvas Sneakers.

For me, a good pair of summer sneakers is a must. You can tell I wear a lot of Chucks in the summer and who can blame me? They are classically cute and go with everything. I just wish my Free People American Flag Chucks you see me wear so often were still available, because they are awesome.

In Order: Pins and Needles Slubby Linen Trapeze Top ($29), LA Livin' Revival Tee ($49.95), We the Free Boxy Crop Tee ($48.00)

In Order: Eco Button Front Duster Cami ($29), Hummingbird tank ($48), Daisy Crochet Back Cami ($15.80)

Nothing says summer cool like easy, breezy tees and tanks. The perfect tee can make getting dressed easy. Comfy, chic, and cool. They make me want to read in the woods, or a by a window, grill vegetables, and drink iced tea. Mmmmm. However, if you want to keep the ease and freedom of tees and tanks, a light, airy dress can provide that feeling. My personal favorites are these.

Classic Stripes Fit n Flare ($12.80), Voile and Lace Trapeze Slip ($88)

Not only are these cute, flirty, and allow you stay cool, but they require minimal accessories to still look and feel great. Summer is for running around outside and enjoying as much daylight as possible. Less work getting dressed, the better.

What are your favorite summer picks?

Friday DO: Celebrate the Midsummer

Friday, June 20, 2014

Today is Midsummer's eve, a night of summer celebration. Tomorrow is the longest day of the year. In honor of this yearly event, I hope to soak as much of the sun's rays that I can absorb and moon watch with a candle glowing nearby. Find out what your country typically does to celebrate here, or do your own thing. Create a bonfire, if you can, roast some vegetables or marshmallows, and let the heat resonate your being. Summer nights are beautiful.

40 Oz to Freedom

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Only in Kentucky will you find a beer cheese festival. No, really, beer cheese was invented here, and people love it. Because it is damn delicious. Anyway, we walked around and sampled different beer cheeses and oh my gosh you guys, I think I could eat it all day. If you have never tried it, DO. Now. It is especially good melted on nachos.

But I digress. We originally intended to take photos at the actual festival, but realized we didn't want to hold up other people trying to get through. Then we went into a lovely alleyway and..... took a bunch of photos before realizing there was trash evvvvverywhere. Oops. But all is not lost. This little F21 number was a great dress for a hot, sunny day. I am in love with open backed clothing this year. It just feels so free to feel the sun on my back as I walk the dog.

We also wandered into a flea market and found a beautiful silver bracelet with Chinese symbols and art carved into it. I have actually been wanting a carved silver cuff for a while so it was the timing of Fate. Cheers all, enjoy the sun's smiles.

Dress: Forever 21// Bra: Free People// Shoes: Free People// Cutoffs (not shown): Free People

Cedar Lane

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Some days, you just want to float amidst the dandelion seeds in the light summer breeze, but you have to be content feeling them graze by your face, kissing your cheeks as streams of light sneak through the trees.

Dress: Mossimo (gifted, years ago)// Leggings: Brand unknown// Shoes: Thrifted Rocket Dog Flats

Remember last week when I told you there would be a weekly link up at Buttons and Birdcages to spread positivity and love? This week, I am keeping that river running.

All of my lovely friends who were at Bonnaroo this weekend, I love each and every one of you for sharing your experiences with me. You are wonderful.
Thank you to Free People for introducing me to one of my now favorite bands two years ago, First Aid Kit. You bring me more smiles than I can count.
One of my new neighbors is rocking the purple hair. I want to tell her how beautiful she is.

Tippets and Tidbits from Then and Now

Thursday, June 12, 2014

People, I have bad news. It is raining. As in HARDCORE RAINING everyday this week. Sadly, since my apartment is lame and has terrible lighting, this means no outfit posts this week. Instead, I am presenting tippets and tidbits of things that I have enjoyed recently or in the past. I know, I know, not as much fun, but what's a girl to do on whilst on lockdown? Everyone of these photos inspires me in some way, forcing the corners of my mouth to twist upwards.

At this point, you know it's no secret that I love the music of Conor Oberst. Well, I finally was blessed with physically seeing, shaking hands with, and crying with the musical love of my life. Well, maybe the crying was just me. Anyway, can you imagine how happy I was to see Jim James come out for a duet of my favorite song, At the Bottom of Everything? It's been a dream of mine to see them perform that beautiful song together ever since seeing them perform it on Austin City Limits. Dreams do come true. Plus, the roadie gave me the setlist and then someone uploaded a video of the finale on youtube so we could always enjoy this moment. It's not everyday Jim James shows up in Lexington unexpected, but we love it every time he comes home to Kentucky.

If you know, you probably also know that I love makeup. Rummaging through old Facebook pictures has inspired me to recreate this look. Perfect for summer.

Many, many years ago, Stephanie Kaloi did a photoshoot with me in college. I still love this photo.

And this one.

Several years ago, I took a university trip to Italy. To this day, I stand in awe of this photo. There is something about night lights and big city fashion.