Let Freedom Ring

Fourth of July is right around the corner!! We usually spend ours at the lake and I'm trying to get a head start on packing this year. These Wildfox Couture (3, 8) sweats are awesome for throwing on after a jump in the water. Super soft and they don't shrink up after washing. I think they actually get softer as you wash them...I'm also obsessing over this Janessa Leone hat. I want one in every style on her website. A little tip if you are not wanting to show off that stomach in a bikini: Find yourself some high waisted shorts. Rock them with a cute bikini top and voila. Hope you all have a great 4th!

Palm Print

The palm leaf print has been one of my favorites this season. Its casual but can easily be transformed for a night on the town with a hot pair of shoes. This For Love & Lemons dress needs to get in my closet ASAP. 

Favorite Sunscreens and Self Tanning Products

If I could go back in time and tell my 16 year old self to ease up on the days spent in the sun or tanning beds without sunscreen I would show up wearing bells and whistles. It makes me cringe to think how careless I was. Luckily, that whole fake bake tanned look went out of style (not sure it was ever really IN style but you know we all make mistakes) in my early 20's so I wasn't completely SOL. There are some really amazing products out there now that can help you achieve that same glowing bronzed look. I've tried all of the products listed below and can honestly say I love them. Next time you are in Sephora ask for a sample of whatever you want to try. They are usually very happy to help and you can try them out before purchasing. As far as sunscreens go, I have had a hard time finding one that won't make me breakout or leave me feeling greasy all day long.  A good tip is to use a daily moisturizer that has SPF in it. These are usually formulated to be less oily and you are already one step ahead before going out in the sun. Always reapply if it has been 30 minuets before going outside. I am hesitant to use spray sunscreens after reading an article about a little boy who got 3rd degree burns from having some sort of chemical reaction to the ingredients mixed with sun. Yikes! The sunscreens listed below are lightweight and they WORK. Aging gracefully is hard enough. Don't speed up the process by spending your days baking in the sun unprotected. 

Self Tanning Products for body and face

Alpha beta glow pad for body

Alpha beta glow pad for face

Somerville 360 Face

St. Tropez Everyday 

Sunscreen

Max 50 UV Milk

Max All Day Moisture Defense

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer

Clarins UV Plus

Summer Hats & Head Bands

With summer in full swing its hard to keep your face protected from the sun with just the SPF. Ever since I was pregnant with Levi I developed melasma (also known as pregnancy mask) that comes out on my forehead when I am in the sun. Above are a few hats and head bands that help keep that area covered while still looking cute. All the items above are available at Free People. Click pictures for a direct link.

Anthropologie Tag Sale Picks

Anthropologie is currently having its summer tag sale. They only do it twice a year so they have some really good deals. These are some pieces I tried on when they were full price and couldn't bite the bullet because ($$$). There's lots more so check it out while they still have your size!

Plumage Chambray Dress

Diem Peasant Top

Vasanti Peasant Top

Pazia Swim Cover-Up

Alexa Chung for AG Denim Skirt

Nikhila Turban

Jeffrey Campbell Emmeline Gladiator Heels

Trending: Off Shoulder Tops

I am currently loving this off the shoulder trend. I think it shows just the right amount of skin to be sexy and classy at the same time. There are some really fun 70's inspired prints out there right now like the daisy print on (4). Throw one on with your favorite jeans or cutoffs for a perfect date night look! These are also great for all your pregnant girls out there who need something long enough to cover that growing bump and still feel stylish (3)(7). 

click pictures below for links on where to buy

June Book Reviews

I try to commit to reading at least 5 books a month. It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something that isn't just binge watching an entire season of House of Cards in 24 hours. These are a few books that I read recently that have stayed with me. I'm always looking for something new to read so if you have any suggestions please leave them for me in the comments! 

Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing your messy, beautiful life- This book. It took me all of 4 hours to breeze through. The author is the voice behind the blog monastery.com. She is hysterical and refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of motherhood, marriage and friendship. Read it. 

Luckiest Girl Alive: This was another book that I devoured. Like it says on the book jacket, if you liked Gone Girl you will love this one too.

The Kitchen House: I read this book a few months ago and I still think about it. It has characters in it that never really leave you.  It's not light reading as it addresses issues of slavery, addiction and abuse but it defiantly moved me. This is a great book club read.

Defending Jacob: This book was a big hit last summer and I put off reading it for awhile. I wasn't blown away by it until the very end. The ending makes the book.

The Vacationers: This book is perfect to take with you on your vacations or to the beach. Very enjoyable/fluffy summer read.

Never Coming Back: Fast moving plot that's perfect for those of you who prefer the thriller genre. Just don't read at night. You probably won't sleep much.

A House in the Sky: Could not put this book down. It makes you want to travel the world and never leave home all at the same time. It's the story about Amanda Lindhout, a photo journalist who gets captured and held for ransom in a war torn Somalia. A true story of survival amid terrifying circumstances.