Summer Straw Bags

This summer has led me on a quest for the perfect inexpensive straw bag

 and it started with this one from Gap...

I bought it when it was 40 percent off and I get so many compilments on it(it's the craziest thing.)
 Secret tip- if you don't get the straps on just right those sequins can scratch you something awful!
My "musts" are a bag that holds a lot and stays on my shoulder... 

 I found this one at Macy's

It is the perfect size and I love the leather accents, they also have this one online

The are all less than $80 but if you can dream bigger, or have some hidden gift cards:)

Juicy daydreamer bag (minus the extra keychain-thingy that comes attatched!WTH?) or clutch version

or these Tory beauties..

Love these Mar y Sol bags too...Orange would be fun...

 

put some summer straw in your back pocket...

What's the Buzz

We have been looking for new barstools.  We always liked the look of industrial stools.  We spied these on sale at  none other than JCPenny!  The buzz is...they are on sale for $49.99!  yowza!  We haven't seen them in person, but we're willing to give em a try.

Search "Newman Barstool."  They are on backorder-not the best for our problem with 'instant gratification' but we don't care:)

images from Decorpad, housetweaking, cottage living, Tumbler

And while we're talking about the buzz, Bruiser Bradley got his summer cut!!!  

If he had a dime for every time someone rubbed his head.....

Put a little summer buzz in your back pocket...

Summer at the Table

I'm looking to "summer-ize" my kitchen.  For a while now I've had my eye on some grey wicker armchairs that I think would do just the trick for the season.  I just want two, for the head of my beat up pine table.

image from Interiors 63 degrees N

image Riviera Maison

image Bungalowaz

This one is the front runner from World Market.  It's 149.00.  I 'm waiting for it to go on sale.

These two are options from Ikea.  The first one is 49.99, but the color is so much better on the second option, Byholma, 79.99.  It's better in person.

In the fall I'll move them to my sunroom...(I have the ability to justify any purchase!!!)

Put some wicker chairs in your back pocket...

4th of July Treats

Here's an early start on some Fourth of July planning.  You know we love easy, cute holiday treats.

White chocolate dipped strawberries...with decor of your choice!  Kids can help!

Kabobs with mini cupcakes, strawberries, and sugar edged marshmallows.

Easy ice cream sandwich pops.  Set out to lightly soften, add stick, roll sides in colored sprinkles.  Re-freeze on waxed paper until ready to serve.  Easy!

Cones dipped in melted white chocolate chips and sprinkles! 

or red white and blue cake pops

star watermelon skewers

Cupcakes with "star" sugar cookie-stakes. (put in skewer before baking.)  Hint: helps to add a little dough around skewer.  These cookies-pops are also cute in a bucket of sand used as an edible centerpiece!

Images from Celebrate! Livinglocurto, inchmark. this blog

Put a little 4th of July planning in your back pocket ...

Shoe Snapshots

If you could see my shoes...It's funny because i drool over photos of organizes shoes.

Yet mine look like this.

Love the idea of photos of the shoes on the box.  Maybe a Summer project???

images Homestyle, mission organization, decorpad.

Put some shoe organization in your back pocket.

Changes in attitude, changes in latitude

Jen and her family took a wonderful trip to Coronado, Ca. over spring break.  They were lucky enough to stay at the vacation home of some generous good friends. The house is classic beach style and in trying to think of something original and fun to get them as a "thank you" gift, we came across this great pillow by Jenni Lyons 81 on etsy Gotta love Etsy.

The pillow is only $24.99 and she does great baskets too.

Here are some other cute ideas using coordinates.

Bracelet by geekdecree at Etsy

print from TheMapShop at Etsy

necklace from Tidepools at Etsy

from Lovelane at Etsy

Tote from Boatchic 

from CustomCoastalSigns.com

 Now, you don't need to know anything about coordinates...the vendors will most likely figure it  out for you.  We think it's such a "personal" idea!  I think that print from The Map Shop would look great in my house..they make it in almost any color!  Grey, maybe?  

Put some maritime coordinates in your back pocket...