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Fabulous living

Summer Bucket List 2022

Hi everyone!

Happy June! I can’t believe we are already into the sixth month of the year and making our way through 2022.

As we embark on a new month and in a few weeks, a new season, I figured it was time for a summer bucket list. 

I love goals and I love to do lists, in order to maximize my time in the summer and have fun, I enjoy creating bucket lists. This bucket list is a mix of free and inexpensive things around my hometown and region of things I want to do this summer. Some can be done multiple times, others are a one and done kind of deal.  If you are on the hunt for fun things to do this summer, feel free to steal an idea or two from the list.

I love to support local spots and community events, so I’m hoping to do that more this summer. I also like to use the summer season as a way to slow down a bit, less appointments and to-dos and more time to rest and go with the flow (one of my goals for my 24th year!)

Sumer Bucket List for 2022

This summer I hope to accomplish as many of these things as possible and do more activities that goes beyond this list.

Here’s a look at my summer bucket list:

  • Heritage Festivals/ Fairs
  • Day trips
  • Zoos
  • Beach Day
  • Pool Day
  • Celebrate Fourth of July
  • Time with family
  • White Turkey
  • Sara’s 
  • See college friends
  • Go Someplace New
  • Meal by the Water
  • Food tour
  • Picnicing
  • Winery/Wine Tasting
  • Happy Hour/ Ice Cream Hour
  • State/National Parks
  • John Russell Brewing
  • Mini Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Amusement Park
  • Outdoor Concert

That’s a look at some things I hope to accomplish this summer. What are some things you are looking forward to this summer? 

Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you have a great rest of your week!

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Fashion

Summer Outfit RoundUp

Hello all!! I can’t believe it’s August!!! Where has the summer gone?! I do have to say I’ve been making the most of the summer days and nights. From walks, grilling nights, pool days and lots of ice cream. The summer months have also given me more opportunities to try new outfits and looks. Here’s some of my favorite summer looks so far! This will be part of a new series every few months called Season Outfits Roundup. Every few months I will share different outfits I’m wearing for work or play or anything in between.

Most of these are work outfits/professional dresses for this roundup. But, I think between the style and the colors they can be worn for graduation parties, church, cocktail parties, etc. I have linked some of the dresses that I could find online, others I bought last season.

Outfit Number 1: I got this dress from Amazon. The brand is Musol. The fabric is polyester and spandex. I love the light lavender color. I think it could work great for spring or summer. The fabric is lightweight and it stretches to conform to any body type. I also love that its machine washable and fits true to size.

Full length dress.

I wore silver jewelry as accents and then pair of black pumps from Kelly and Katie.

Close up of the neckline and jewelry and makeup.

Outfit Number 2: For another work dress, this royal blue pops for summer. I got this dress from Ross last fall on the clearance rack and I couldn’t wait to wear it this summer. It’s actually a Calvin Klein and it’s all polyester, which is my favorite material/brand to wear at work. I also have the dress in a different style and color but same material because I loved the feel so much. I love the top/sleeves of the royal blue dress, I think that makes it a bit different and stand out. You DO need to dry clean this dress. It fits true to size. I decided once again to wear my black pumps from Kelly and Katie with silver jewelry again.

The full dress.
Same material but different style and color. I got this from Marshalls.

Outfit Number 3: I love a light blue for summer. I loved the color so much I got it in a longer sleeve dress too. I’ll share that one in the fall. I also got this dress from Amazon. The brand is MUXXN. This dress is perfect for spring and summer weather. The neckline is my favorite too. I like the uneven scope. You DO need to dry clean this dress as well. The material is a mix of Rayon, Cotton, and Spandex, so it’s a more stretchy material if that makes sense. I have this same fabric in an orange dress which I really like.

Full length of the dress
Close up of neckline and jewelry.
Different color and style but same material, purchased through Amazon
Again different style and color but same material. Also purchased through Amazon.

Outfit Number 4: Sometimes, you just want to throw on an easy dress while still looking professional and this does the trick. It’s both cotton and polyester. This is also an Amazon purchase. The brand is VFShow. I love the bold colors on the top of the blue, white and black. I like the soft material and the cuffed sleeves. You can throw this in the washer and dryer which makes clean-up even easier!

Outfit Number 5: I wouldn’t consider this last look as work look. I think this would be better for dinner and drinks out or maybe a picnic. I got this top from Marshall’s last summer and I love the soft pink color. The cross over tie is a fun twist on the top too. It’s also very flowy and light weight which is a win for summer. I got the capris from American Eagle, but I have worn white dress pants to dress the outfit up. To dress it down, you can wear sandals or sneakers, to dress it up I would recommend wearing heels.

That’s a roundup of some outfits I’ve been wearing this summer for work and play. I wear a lot more work clothes compared to play clothes haha! Amazon has been a great place for deal and fun colors and styles of dresses. I often have luck at Marshall’s, T.J.Maxx and Ross‘ too! Where are your favorite places to shop?!

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Currently

Currently #19

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! If I had to describe this month in one word it would be rain. We had so much rain, when we finally got our first day of sunshine, I couldn’t be happier. I’m all for a rainy day here or there but not for a month of summer. But the good news is we have had plenty of sunny days since then. Here’s a look into my life this past month.

What I’m up to: I’ve been doing a lot of indoor activities and seeing lots of family and friends. I saw family over the Fourth of July which was great. I also went to my high school reunion with some friends that I’m still close with. I also saw some college friends too. It was a busy month, but I was so happy to do so many things and see so many people. I also took on a new role at work, it’s been fun to learn new things!

Behind the scene at work

What I’m wearing: I got some new work dresses from Amazon. I can’t wait to show you them soon in. post in a few weeks! For days off, I have been wearing lots of shorts and tee shirt sets and of course a few easy throw on dresses. Here’s my past posts on summer looks and vacation looks.

One of my Amazon purchases!

What I’m reading: I finished The Bookstore on the Beach. It was definitely a fun and summer read. It was a lot deeper than I thought, there was a lot of challenging issues that were tackled. I really liked how there was a lot about the relationships between mothers and their daughters. Speaking of women, our book club book for this month was called The Secret Lives of the First Ladies. It was a fun historical read. The writing was very modern and light. It almost felt as if you were having conversations with them. I learned a lot about the wives of the men who helped run our country. It also was interesting to see how much these women endured through their lives. I’m currently reading One Summer in Paris, I just started but it’s already looking to be a great read. 

What I’m Watching: Before you ask, yes, I am still watching Offspring, butttttt I’m on the final season! So hopefully this is the last time you read about it. But in all seriousness, it’s been a wonderful show. I’m so glad it was recommended to me. It’s a great show all about family dynamics and all the things they go through. It’s been a perfect show to watch in the spring and summer. Season 2 of Lupin was so good! I loved the ending. It felt like the first episode. It’s a must watch if you haven’t seen it yet. I also am catching up on Virgin River. It’s such a cute and classic Hallmark-y show on Netflix. It’s been such a light summer show. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a summer show. 

What I’m Loving: I’ve been loving the simple things. With all the rain these past few weeks, I’ve loved taking time to read more, curl up and light a candle or watch movies or tv shows. But when the rain breaks, I love getting out for a walk or just sitting outside. Plus, nothing says summer like some fresh flowers or an ice cream cone! Taking summer adventures have been fun too!

Heading to the Botanical Gardens in Cleveland has been a fun summer adventure
Another shot of the botanical gardens

What Inspires Me: I’m inspired by all the green after the rain. Everything looks so much more alive after a storm. I’ve also been inspired by supporting more local spots for meals and treats. It’s been so nice to see the community out and about more this summer and enjoying food at home!

Enjoying a summer brunch outside

What I accomplished: I’ve loved being able to see so many friends and family this past month. That has been a huge accomplishment. I’ve also gotten adjusted to my new routine and schedule which has made life much easier. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got to celebrate the Fourth of July after work with family and friends. From yummy food, to fireworks, and seeing people. It was one of my favorite days of the year. I’m also getting lots of things done on my summer to do list.

Fireworks on the Fourth
My little pup getting in the Independence Day spirit!

Goals for the New Month: Enjoy the last month of summer! Luckily, I don’t have to go back to school but my siblings will. It’s been so nice to have another summer home with them. I can’t wait for more time outside and in the sun and continuing to see family and friends

A tasty meal outside supporting a local spot is my idea of a perfect time!

That’s a look into my life this month. What things have you been doing this past month. Let me know!

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Currently

Currently #18

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are at the end of JUNE!!! Where has the month gone??  These past few weeks have been packed with fun, family time, and lots of fresh food. YUM! I have so much to share with you. Let’s get started!

What I’m up to: I’ve been marking a lot of things off my summer to do list. From seeing friends, doing family activities and going to my favorite summer spots. From ice cream dates, to our family vacation and end of the school year traditions. June has been packed, but so fun. 

Summer smores and bonfires go hand and hand

What I’m wearing: I did a post a few weeks back about some of my favorite summer outfits. You can find it here. We went on vacation last week and I will have a post about what I wore on vacation in the coming weeks. For work days, it’s been lots of sleeveless dresses. For off days it was been t-shirt dresses and short sets. Super easy to put together and comfortable for being outside. 

Here’s one of the dresses I wore!

What I’m reading: I’ve been on the fiction train when it comes to books. Some of my favorite reads have been about travel, friendship and love. No surprise there…haha. I like to really escape. I just finished The Paris Wedding for our book club…it was so good. It told the story of a girl who goes to her ex’s wedding in Paris. I love the description of Paris and reading about what happens when these ex’s are reunited. I’m currently working on The Bookstore at the Beach. It’s the perfect summer read by the pool or ocean. It’s about three generations of women and the secrets and struggles that they are working on while spending the summer together. I’m only halfway through but I’m loving it so far.

What I’m Watching: If you have been following this blog for a while you know I take forever to watch a show…like for someone who watches a series in a month, it will take me 3 months. That being said, I’m still watching Offspring, which is soooo good. I’m also catching up on season 2 of Lupin on Netflix, again a very good show too! 

What I’m Loving: I’ve been loving the summer weather and spending time outside and making more plans with friends. Now that more people are vaccinated it makes travel and seeing friends and family much easier! Also I’ve been loving all the fresh fruits and veggies that come with summer too. Plus who doesn’t love a summer salad. YUM!

My favorite summer pasta salad. Recipe coming soon!

What Inspires Me: I’m inspired by our return to a sense of normalcy. This summer feels almost like things are back to normal. I’m also inspired by new life with fresh flowers and taking things a bit slower in the summer months too.

Grilling at the beach was something new I tried this summer!

What I accomplished: I am making the most of summer. I’ve also been working on some fun work projects and making plans more plans for summer. We also celebrated my youngest brother graduating from elementary school too which was fun. We had been at the same school with 4 children for 18 years. It was sweet send off.  

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Getting some time away with my family was much needed and so fun! We went to one of our favorite places and I can’t wait to share some pictures soon!! 

Just a taste from our family vacation… 😉

Goals for the New Month: Continuing with my summer bucket list. I can’t wait to see more friends, do my summer activities and relax with family at the end of the day! I’m also starting a new role at my job which I’m super excited about. Also, the Fourth of July is quickly approaching which is a favorite summer event for me too! 

I tried a new local crepe spot this summer…yum!

That’s a recap of my life. Lots of family time, crossing off things from my summer bucket list and enjoying the outdoors…it’s truly the best days of summer. 

Categories
Fashion

Shopping my Closet

It’s been a while since I’ve done a fashion post. BecauseI have to dress up every day for work, I do a lot of shopping in the store, but I also shop my closet a lot too. I love to mix and match outfits and looks for different functions, events and looks. 

Here’s a few looks that I’m loving right now.

Look number 1

I wear a lot of black. In the fall and winter I have black dresses, tops, pants and skirts. It’s an easy, go-to, color that looks slimming and it’s also super versatile. You can dress it up or down depending on what you are feeling. Even though black is worn more in the winter months, it can be also worn on occasion n the summer which brings me to my look today.

A silk black blouse with black dress pants and a pair of pumps. I’ve had all these pieces in my closet and paired them all together for an outfit for work. The sleeveless blouse is perfect for summer. I got the blouse from Marshalls last summer. The black trousers are great for on the go and busy days, I got mine from Talbots. I chose the pump because they are versatile in all seasons. I’ve had these shoes for years. They are by Kelly and Katie and I got them from DSW. You can wear them with black tights in the winter or with black pants in the summer on those breezy days.

Look number 2

Another classic look is a summer dress. I wear a lot of dresses to work, and I love looks that are bold and bright. This dress was one I picked up late last season and I couldn’t wait to wear it this summer. I love the classic colors of pink, blue, and white. They are softer colors but also speak volumes. It’s a lightweight dress but has the formal feel to it. I got this dress from Ross Dress for Less last year. It’s a hit or miss for Ross for me, sometimes, I find great dresses, other times, I leave empty handed. My best advice is to always keep checking back. I wore this dress with a pair of blue pumps, but you can easily wear a flats, loafers or even sandals to change the look of the outfit. I would suggest wearing a navy blue or white shoe. This would be great to wear for work, a semi-formal occasion or a dinner.

Look number 3

My third and final look is a bright dress that screams summer fun. Once again, I got it late last season and couldn’t wait to wear it in the summer. Besides the bright color and the feel of the dress, the neckline is a favorite of mine. I also got this dress from Marshalls last year and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I think it stands out without being too bold. I wore this dress with a pair of white pumps but you can easily wear sandals or a kitten heel for a different style.

These are three looks that I’m loving this summer. I got them from a variety of affordable places that carry name brand items. These are all more dressed up looks for the summer months. I will have a roundup of casual outfits coming up soon. Until then, what looks are you loving this summer? Let me know below!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Bucket List 2021

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! We are officially in June! I had the best time celebrating my birthday last weekend. In between work, I was able to go out for dinner, see family, open presents and celebrate with friends too! It was the best way to celebrate 23! 

I always view Memorial Day as the official start to summer, now that we are passed that I can share my official summer bucket list! I have shared them every summer since I started my blog and I love to use my list as a way to hold me accountable and be intentional with my summer plans. Here’s my summer bucket list for 2021. I’ve already started to do somethings this summer which I was super excited about. 

My summer bucket list that hangs on my wall

-Seawolves Baseball Game

-Start a new show

-Summer reading

-Travel someplace new

-Best friend’s wedding shower

-Best friend’s wedding

-See college friends

I already saw my bestie Danielle!

-See high school friends 

-Ice cream nights

-Dinner by water

-Play putt putt

-Beach day

Grilling on the beach was a favorite of mine!

-Zoo 

-Family trip

-Pittsburgh Trip

-See family

-White Turkey

A summer must-have

-Sara’s

After a walk at Presque Isle, ice cream was a must!

-Niagara Falls

-Grill nights

-Entertain friends

-Winery or Brewery

-Celebrate 23

-Summer festivals

-Pool days

-Summer Hikes

Hiking at the Peninsula
Hikes at Geneva State Park

I know more things will come up this summer but here are my top things that I want to accomplish this summer. What are some things that are on your summer bucket list?!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #117

LOTD 

 Happy Thursday!

Any Taylor Swift fans out there?! Tomorrow, Taylor Swift is dropping her latest album, Lover. Although, I’m not a die heart Swiftie, I enjoy her music and it has been interesting to see her evolve from her country roots, to 1989, Reputation and now Lover. In honor of her new album, I am showing another way to rock your favorite concert t-shirts.

You may recall, last fall, I showed how you can sport a concert shirt in the fall and winter. You can see that post here. Today, we are switching gears for the summer months. 

Last week, I put together this simple but fun-loving outfit. I was hanging out with friends and I wanted to change up my wardrobe a bit. I first started out with the concert t-shirt I got from the Reputation tour last year. 

Taylor Swift is the headliner of the outfit

I wanted to dress the outfit up a bit, therefore, I paired the black and white shirt with a crisp white pair of shorts. I got these a few years back from Marshalls, and I love the high waisted look, not to mention how durable they are. I am going to be retiring them soon with Labor Day approaching. 

Lastly, to complete the look, I wore my gladiator sandals and black hoops and a top knot to complete the outfit. Throw on a pair of aviator sunglasses and you are good to go! 

An outfit good for going out or playing around

Next week, I will be back in classes, so be prepared for all the back to school posts! Enjoy the last few days of summer!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #60

LOTD

Happy Thursday!

I promise I have some fun in the sun outfits coming up soon, but for now another formal, business casual look is up for today. This is just a peak into my summer…high hopes for fun in the sun but in reality, a lot of work. Although, I have no complaints, I actually enjoy getting dressed up for work and mixing and matching outfits. I love to put together outfits that I already have in my wardrobe.

Today’s look is no different, I had this dress for several years now, but this look was one of the first few times I paired it with these accessories. Let’s get started.

Amazing how you can transform a white dress

I got this white eyelet dress from Old Navy about five or six years ago-yes, I have had it for a while and it still is a great summer dress. Also, I always rave about Old Navy’s clothes and this is just another testament to their good quality when it comes to how their clothes are made. I have worn this dress to Sunday Mass, graduations, summer parties, and to work. A very versatile dress, if I do say so myself.

An up close look at the details.

Due to this dress being simple and white, I knew I had to spruce it up with some color. That’s where this blue cardigan and orange necklace came in. I chose the blue crop sweater (also from Old Navy) because I wanted to break up with white and I knew it would be a bit chilly. The blue laid perfectly on white dress and I really loved the preppy look it gave off.

 

Dress, cardigan, and necklace

I chose the orange necklace as a bold statement piece against the white and it did not disappoint. I loved the unique style and I think it truly tied the outfit together with the blue and white. i too, got this necklace from Old Navy.

An alternate look-just the necklace and dress

Lastly, I wore a pair of my favorite nude wedges to cap off the outfit. I got them from DSW a few years back and they have held up strong. You can’t go wrong with a nude shoe!

Overall, I was very happy with how this outfit turned out. When I chose this outfit, I just had the dress in mind and I was so glad I had the accessories around. This outfit came from my closet and costed $0!!

Where are your go-to’s for summer fashion!?

Let’s meet back here same time, same place! Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #57

LOTD

Happy Thursday!!!

I love June, the sun shines brighter, the flowers smell better, and the children are out for summer. I love summer days, the perfect pair for warm summer weather is a cute outfit. Today, I have the perfect summer sun dress.

One of my favorite summer trends are cotton dresses. I love how lightweight and effortless they look When wearing cotton dresses, you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. For example, with today’s look, I have worn it to work, to Church, and to a graduation party. The perfect summer dress for any occasion.

Wearing pink and going bold…it truly is the start of summer

Although, pink is not my favorite color, I wear it a lot in summer months. It matches my skin and hair well. I also like how there are several shades of pink and how they can be paired with other neutral colors like black, white, or nude to make more outfits.

Loving the boldness of summer

Focusing on today’s dress, I got it from Old Navy a few years back and I always like to wear it to change up what I wear when I go to work. It’s lightweight and made from soft material- both things that I love about Old Navy’s clothing. I love the bold stripes this pink and white dress provides, it really causes this dress to stand out.

I decided to wear my summer nude wedges with the outfit to dress it up. I wear these wedges a lot in the summer especially when dressing up. Nude shoes, whether they be heels, wedges, or ballet flats are a must when it comes to your wardrobe. I got my wedges from DSW, my go to for all styles of shoes.

I also made the decision to add some fun jewelry to the mix. I got these cute earrings at Charming Charlie’s and I got this necklace from Francesca’s. I love the metal daisies and how they add another dimension to the outfit.

Loving the jewerly and the pop that it adds to the outfit.

That’s a wrap up for today’s outfit. I hope this encourages you to go for a brighter color every once in a while. Have a sun shining weekend!