While I was home, I took on a bedroom re-do project. I wanted to transform my room into a more classic, cozy space. I love my new Bella Notte crochet pillow cases and white linen bedding, but I have been on the hunt for the perfect accent color. The crisp white is beautiful, but this indigo/navy accent color would look great! I can’t wait to get home and finish decorating. I’ll be sure to share the final product in December : )
black is the new black
Whether its for casual, daytime or to dress it up at night, you can’t go wrong with an all black outfit. I’ve been incorporating my favorite black fashion staples into most of my outfits since being in Australia. My new distressed black rag & bone/jeans are absolutely amazing! They go great day or night, I just switch out of my Newbury booties and into my Vince. suede heels. During the day, a comfy black knit jumper or denim button down around the waist looks great! I love mixing the grungy jeans with a classy, Cami NYC silk tank and Clare V. clutch. Oh, and the backpack is on my birthday wish list 🙂 
makin’ banana granola (not pancakes)
{photo via: minimalist baker}
It’s been a rainy week here in Sydney…boo! The one thing I love doing on rainy, cold days is to stay in and try baking something new. My mom makes this amazing banana granola that she shared to me from Minimalist Baker, one of my favorite food recipe blogs! Her Banana Bread Granola will make your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s so easy to make! There are only a few ingredients needed, and you probably already have them stocked in your kitchen so it saves a trip (out in the rain, in my case) to the store. I added almonds and used coconut palm sugar instead of raw sugar. I also was generous with measuring the wet ingredients to make sure every bit of granola got banana syrup!
I already had a bowl with my favorite coconut yogurt and Orchard St. green meadows juice this morning. The only downside is that the remainder of the batch will be taunting me from the kitchen all day while I stay in : )
The one thing missing on this rainy day is my baby Tucker. He’s the best snuggle bug! I’d do anything to have him in Australia with me : (
a drop in the ocean
{photo by: Chris Slawson}
During my time home this summer, I got to watch my dog save baby sea turtles that were stuck in their nests. He would bring them to me gently, and watch as they slowly made their way out into the ocean. It’s such a beautiful sight to see–having this tiny, new-born creature instinctively make its way out into the ocean alone. Could you imagine, being tossed through waves into a massive, unchartered territory–but at the same time, instinctively knowing to do so?
It’s so easy to get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle. I’ve always been the type of person to have a long list of things to do, going through every day with some sort of agenda. Ever since I went home this summer, I really started slow down and take the time to observe the little things that happen around me. I have taken that understanding with me to Australia, immersing myself in this new place while letting things come naturally. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and a lot of my appreciation and happy memories have come from the moments when I slowed down and really took in the moment.
There’s such a deep message that I’ve picked up on from watching the turtles this summer. It inspires me to open my eyes and immerse myself in the unknown, and to always know that home is there. I was blessed with support and guidance growing up, and I have so much appreciation for the foundation I’ve been given. Now, this is the time to go out and learn more about myself from being in new places, figuring out which direction to head as I go along. It is such an exciting point in my life, and I am so thankful to have this understanding with me as I continue my journey. I instinctively know that I am doing what’s best for me, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
coffee coffee buzz buzz
When I was a toddler, my mom caught me in the kitchen, swimming in coffee grinds on the counter. Ask me why I did it, I couldn’t tell you then–but today, I would proudly say I was doing a coffee body scrub! Who knew a toddler could be so innovative? (Yes, I did just share one of the many weird things I did as a child.)
Meet Frank, the best body scrub I have found to date. Its coffee-based, all natural formula not only soothes your skin and sloughs off the bumps, it is proven to help diminish stretch marks, psoriasis, and many other skin problems you may be experiencing. The quirky packaging just arrived and I was so excited to try it out!
I may have looked like I was just casually rolling in dirt, but after leaving the scrub on for 10 minutes and rinsing, I came out of the shower smelling like sweet almond oil with a hint of coffee, and my skin was the softest its ever been! (probably as soft as it was the last time I rolled in coffee grinds…)
If you’re in Australia and New Zealand, you get free shipping. If you do not live there, I still highly recommend the product! Check out there products online, there’s a few other types to choose from! However, I found a little DIY recipe on another Australian favorite, The Beauty Chef, to try at home! (I’ll be filling you in on why she’s so amazing soon!)
Oh PS- Tasha Oakley loves Frank too! So if I couldn’t sell you on it, maybe she can!
simple summer look
During the summer, my makeup drawer is usually collecting dust. It’s such a hassle to put on makeup that I usually end up just showing my sunburnt face in public without a care in the world. In an attempt to clean up my look, the first thing I go for is a simple shimmery eyeshadow. I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand eyeshadow palette–it’s every beautiful neutral color in a fun case! It’s a great touch for the natural makeup look if you’re looking for something subtle.
Happy weekend everyone! : )
rainy days
South Florida summers mean beautiful, sunny mornings for the early birds followed by dark rolling clouds by noon. The clear blue skies are engulfed by the rumbling thunder and lighting in just moments. I personally love this weather–it makes me wake up early and enjoy the day, then feel at ease snuggling up in the afternoon.
What better than to snuggle up with this cutie too?
I recently sent his paw print to this etsy shop called Cherished Sentiments, where she had it made onto a gold-fill pendant. Joanne was extremely nice and the item was shipped within a week. I love my new addition to my necklace collection, and now have Tucker’s paw print close to my heart : )
independence
Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope you all enjoy the holiday with your friends and family. I am so grateful to those who serve for our country, and for my amazing family and friends surrounding me today.
Today, we are having a family barbecue with our close friends–hot dogs, cheeseburgers, the whole deal! I’ll be making a vegan strawberry shortcake with Clara. New post coming soon (if it turns out yummy!)
wish you were here
I can’t believe how quickly summer is going by! I’ve been so wrapped up in my routine that I’ve hardly kept up with my blog. I can’t believe that I’m leaving in 2 weeks for Australia! It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted a lot more than I have been the past few months : )
Here’s a few shots I’ve captured this summer. I lucked out with this awesome South Florida weather! Happy Monday everyone!
trio takeover
The Céline Trio bag is a beautiful fashion staple, making its way throughout my Pinterest feed. It’s a beautiful “trio” of three leather clutches buttoned together into a perfect cross body bag. After spending months saving up for one of my very own, I could’t find the bag anywhere! Just as I was about to give up, I lucked out with the Annabel Ingall look-alike. She is an Australian designer with an eye for what’s trending, but also classic at the same time. Double win–it’s a third of the price (which means I had some extra money saved up to spare!) I love detaching one clutch from the trio and using it as a pouch in my bigger totes, as well as a casual clutch to run quick errands with.
Check out her website to see an array of color choices, as well as her other styles (I love the totes too!) You can also find some of her products on Shopbop and Revolve Clothing with free shipping and returns!
blonde of paradise 
You must be logged in to post a comment.