Summer (Mom) Style: Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!

Tank: TJMaxx

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Belt: Target

Bracelets: Bealls, Rue 21

Necklace: Rue 21

I cheated today. See this tank?  It's not part of my 30 for 30, but I really wanted to wear something with patriotic punch today.  I'd already worn two other patriotic outfits... and the rules of the 30 for 30 are that I use 30 pieces of clothing and that I can't repeat outfits. So, I had to break one of the rules today. As I rummaged through my drawers, I came across this tank that used to belong to my sister and I knew . . . I just had to add it to the mix so I could create a patriotic outfit worthy of fireworks.

No, we're not actually going to see fireworks. Those things happen after dark and you'll rarely catch us out after dark. I mean, hey, we value bedtime like it's . . . valuable or something.

To wrap things up, I want to leave you with a recipe from eMeals that is perfect for this holiday weekend.  

Thunder Cake... Or as I like to call it, Firecracker Cake, because it will create explosions in your mouth.

1 box German chocolate cake mix
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz jar hot fudge topping
16 oz carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
16 oz container strawberries, chopped
1 pint blueberries
4 chocolate-covered toffee bars, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make and bake cake according to package directions in a 13x9-inch pan. Cook 20 minutes in the pan. Invert cake onto a serving platter. Poke holes all over the warm cake using a wooden spoon handle. Slowly pour the condensed milk over the cake and spread evenly. Heat the fudge topping in the microwave until slightly warm.  Slowly pour fudge topping over the cake.  Let stand 20 minutes to cool. Spread whipped topping over the top and sides of cake. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours.  Before serving, top cake with strawberries, blueberries and crushed candy bars.  (It's best served cold.)

I'm telling ya, explosions in yo' mouth!

I'm linking up today with Mix & Match Fashion. 

Summer (Mom) Style: Red, White & Blue

We wrapped our staycation this week by visiting the Naval Aviation Museum. I thought a little patriotic apparel was perfect, considering that Independence Day is just around the corner.

Tank & Sandals: Target

Half-tee: Halftee.com

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Have you ever taken a 5-year old and a 3-year old to a museum? It was fun, but oh my . . . they ran from one exhibit to the other and a pace designed for setting PR's. They most certainly did not peruse each exhibit and read all about the amazing history that went with each biplane, hot air balloon and jet. Nope, they raced.

This is how they felt at the beginning. It was all, "Mom, look at that!  This is so cool!  Can I climb IN???"

And this is how they felt when we were leaving... "My foot hurts! I wanna sit. Holdju, pease."

Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry

Belt: Target

Despite the whirlwind pace at which we raced through the exhibits (we were in and out of the museum in a solid hour and a half), we had a really great time! However, I'm kind of looking forward to getting back into our summer routine. You know, lazy mornings, followed by a leisurely cleaning of the house, followed by a trip to Target, followed by nap time where I totally veg out for a few hours, followed by afternoons on our swing set and in our pool. Yeah, I'm looking forward to that. ;)

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle and Funday Monday and Trend Spin.

A Patriotic Family

Happy 4th of July, y'all!! 

T-shirt: Express 

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Belt: www.maurices.com

Shoes: Boutique in New Orleans

Necklace: Castellammara Designs

This skirt, you guys!! I love it.  100% love and adore it!  I won a $25 gift card to Le Lapin D'or in a giveaway at Coming Unstitched. I know, I really have been all kinds of lucky lately. I keep joking that I need to buy a lottery ticket and see if my luck holds out. ;)  Anyways, I got this skirt and a cute little tunic that I'll show off some other time.  If you have heard of Le Lapin D'or, y'all have to go check out their site! They have some incredibly cute and reasonably priced pieces!

I also won this adorable necklace in a giveaway at Tinfoil Tiaras.  I love the turquoise color, of course! The ribbon is so pretty and feminine and I love how I can wear it as a necklace, or even wrap it around my wrist and wear it as a bracelet.

I love dressing for holidays! Christmas, 4th of July, Valentine's Day... any holiday that has a theme and designated colors, I am all over it!  I even got my kids in on the action this year. 

We were a patriotic little family yesterday, minus the Hubs.  1) He had already left for work when I had this little photo shoot. And 2) He's not all about color coordinating with the rest of us. =)

Today, we're packing some snacks and heading out to the beach with some family! What are y'all up to on this glorious day?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, The Pleated Poppy and Still Being Molly!