summer staples: back to school edition!

I have really loved putting together these 'summer staples' posts.  Maybe I'll have to re-work it into 'fall staples' now that summer is coming to an end.  Today I have the back to school edition of my summer staples... (the staples are something to sip, something to snack on, something to wear, something to read and something fabulous for my eyes!)

1. These apple/ginger/cranberry cocktails look SO good!  And easy to make... these are only for mom after school! The kids can get regular apple cider...

2. I've been hoarding this pretzel & beer cheese recipe for a while, it seems like the perfect after school snack (the alcohol in the beer probably burns off, right!?!?)

3. Back to school chic! Even if you aren't really heading back to school, you can just pretend. Right? (jeans, blazer, top, flats, bag)

4. What is more appropriate reading for back to school than The Book Thief? Loved this book and would love to read it again.

5. My personal favorite four-eyes accessory.  The Preston in Gimlet by Warby Parker.  I own this exact pair and LOVE them!

summer staples! {birthday edition}

This weekend is going to be one FULL of celebration!  The Summer Olympics begin tomorrow in London... and who doesn't love the Olympics!?!? (Plus, have you seen this amazing Olympic poster? so cool!) I will be watching for sure.  If not for rooting on Team USA then definitely for Kate Middleton sightings.  Shallow, yes. Fashionable, for sure.

Also, I celebrate my birthday this weekend!  Yay!  Another year older and wiser.  Birthdays are fun... and dare I say even more so on weekends!  I'm excited to see my husband again who has been traveling all week and get some fun and relaxation in.  And we have a fun date night scheduled as well.  It's been forever since I've been out with the guy and I'm looking forward to good food and celebration!

So here is my summer staples... birthday edition!  The summer staples series is simple... all I need is a little something to sip on, snack on, wear, read and some great sunnies.  Simply put - they are just my summer style staples!

1. A little bubbly is a necessity for birthday celebrations!  I love these adorable Sofia cans.  

Perfect for picnics or the beach!

2. Let (me) eat cake!

3. I always think I'll 'dress up' for my birthday. But the fact is I am much happier with the basics!  This look would be perfect for a casual date night.  (nail polish, jeans, tank, necklace, clutch, flats)

4. I just snagged this new release from the library.  Gold: A Novel by Chris Cleave is a book about cyclists in the Olympics.  How timely!  I'll have my nose in this book this weekend for sure!

5. Love aviators.  Oldies but goodies.

Summer Staples! Part 2.

Summer Staples is a series that rounds up my five staples for summer: 1. something to sip 2. something to snack on 3. something to wear 4. something to read and 5. some fabulous sunnies!

Today's Summer Staples is all based around the book Night Circus.  Have you read it? It is such a cool book! And while I was perusing the book shelves at Target the other day (don't they always have the best books?) I noticed the Night Circus is now in paperback!  I think I need to read it again and then have a little "Night Circus" party! If you are going to pick up the book for the first time, or again... let these fun staples get you in the circus mood.

1. These pomegranate champagne cocktails look delicious! And look super easy to make (always important).  They would be the perfect summer drink!

2. The food imagery in this book was amazing! Kettle corn is always a favorite of mine and would be perfect to munch on while reading.

3. A black and red themed outfit? You got it! (jeans, top, scarf, flats, ring)

4. The Night Circus - this book was so fun and magical to read! It completely transports you to another place and time!

5. These sunglasses are seriously hot. LOVE.

summer staples...

Summer is simple for me... I need a delicious drink in my hand, a seasonal snack on hand, something simple and fabulous to wear, a great book to keep me entertained and some stylish shade for my eyes. Done and done.

1. Eight ways to pimp your lemonade!?!? Whoa! Yes, please! My favorite is the cinnamon stick. How fun!  I'm sure you could mix some spirits in their some where for some boozy fun as well!

2. Confession time, who buys sushi from the grocery store? (my hand is raised) These Cucumber and Avocado rolls are bound to be fresher than at the grocery and look so easy to make!

3. I love this tank, short and sandal combination.  Couldn't you just wear this all summer?

4. Have you read Clara and Mr. Tiffany: A Novel? (as in the famed Tiffany lamps?) It still is one of my all time favorite books!

5. I couldn't live without sunglasses. I love this classic pair!