Sand Tropez, here I come!

It's finally vacation time, and this girl is REALLY ready for a little getaway.  My family and I are off this week for a trip down south- pools, sun, shopping and fruity drinks.  Finally!

So, in preparation for my jaunt, I decided I needed a good neutral nail color to get me through the week without obvious chips (and I wasn't up for the shellac manicure this time around).  So, in my weekly Target run, all Essie nail color was on sale this week (score!).  Lo and behold, the perfect summer vacation color: Sand Tropez (I do love their play on words)

Here's to a great week of fun in the sun!

It's a Neat Wave!

I admit I stole this line from a recent Pier One Imports email, but it got me thinking of a great blog post.  Now that I am enjoying the freedom of summer and no work (well, limited work), it's been the PERFECT time to get my life in order.  LOTS of cleaning, sorting, filing, etc.  You get the idea.

So here's some of my favorite organizational products that have helped me along the way.

Shred those documents, people.  And CROSS shred for security.  

Amazon.com $29.88

Store out of season clothes in these handy clear bins.
I also love their boot box.

Jumbo Box, Container Store $13.99

Collect all those clipped recipes in your own 3 ring binder-
the sheet protector is clutch.
(I give full credit to my friend, S, who started this trend.)

Office Depot $15.79 for a box of 100

and lastly, I grew tired of using a paper envelope
to keep my coupons with me when shopping. 

So, I finally invested in a vinyl coupon holder.

Target $4.50

  I think I garner far too much pleasure from organizing! ;)

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

Our nation is about to celebrate its 237th birthday (and I love birthdays!).  I don't think there's a standard gift for 237 years, so instead, how about a few gifts that celebrate our freedoms!

Life (is good). 
What's not to adore about a standard tote bag with nautical inspiration?

Star Latitude Tote $40.00

Liberty, sweet Liberty.
These shorts are feminine and sweet!
(Pardon the use of a UK product!)

Liberty board shorts in Phoebe Floral $69.99

Pursuit of Happiness
I loved this book- restored my sense of joy in the everyday!

Amazon.com $11.96

So happy birthday, America...You are aging beautifully!

Clearly Brilliant

I remember a few years ago when I was in the Bahamas (for work, people, not vacation), and one of my tech savvy friends, R, would put his iPhone in a small plastic bag to avoid sand getting in the phone, and it allowed him to use it freely through the bag.  Brilliant I thought.  Why didn't I think of that?

And then, it seems, many others did too!

I'm loving this clear beach set from Echo that is perfect for your iPad and iPhone, and it comes in lady and gent friendly colors.  And of course the water resistant case is clear enough for you to use your device through the bag.  Can't wait to get a set for my summer beach trip later in July!

Echo's Clearly Cool Beach Set $38.00

Orange You Glad It's Summer?

So my friends in the south are already deep in the heart of summer, and it's not even June 21st yet.  Those of us here in New England just prepare for Nor'easters (scary storms that bring rain, snow, etc. with usually ridiculous winds).  For now, I'll dream of sunny beach days where I can wear sunny colors!  As a redhead, I have been uncertain about wearing orange...until now.  I think it's such a fun, vibrant color that definitely gets a bad wrap.  You will love it paired with summer's classic navy, white or go a little bold and think pink!

Sailor pants in an unexpected color make me happy.

JCrew $79.99

For my cute preggo friends- and in ombre!

Old Navy $14

Way cute for the kitchen

Target $17.99

 Perfect for the summer wedding

Loft $89.50

And if you're still looking for the perfect Father's Day gift,
get dad ready for the beach!

Lands' End $49

 Embrace the orange in your life, friends!