It's the Weekend!

image one || two


Hello weekend!
With this being my last free weekend until basically the end of August due to cookouts & a goodbye party, bachelorette parties, Father's Day, a long 4th of July weekend, showers, and multiple weddings it's safe to say my summer will be all but gone with the snap of a finger.

What are you up to this weekend? For me it's all about relaxing! There are a few projects I'm hoping to tackle around the house and if the forecast for Cincinnati is correct, it will be the perfect weekend since I'll most likely be stuck indoors the whole time.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

BaubleBar's New Bib

Neon Alaqua Bib

I love when BaubleBar features a 'Guest Bartender'.
The collections are always amazing and it's so fun to see what is pulled together.
Speaking of, have you seen the most recent Guest Bartender collection by Courtney Kerr, the Dallas blogger + Bravo TV star? My favorite would have to be the Neon Alaqua Bib seen above but I'm also a little obsessed with this and this. Check out the full collection here.

And be sure to stop by Courtney's blog, girls got some serious style!

Summer Snack

Mango-and-Avocado Salsa

 

Salsa Fresca

Pineapple-and-Black Bean Salsa

One of my all time favorite snacks would have to be salsa. The fresher and chunkier the better.
I practically live on it during the summer and it makes the perfect pairing to a delicious margarita.
I still make this salsa all the time [amazing on top of salmon!] but am anxious try the recipes above.

What about you guys? Know any good salsa recipes I should try?
You can never have too many options!

Closet Craving || Mosaic of the Night Skirt

Tank Top || Mosaic of the Night Skirt || Sunnies || Shoulder Bag 
Braided Bracelet || Flatweave Bracelet || Prairie Grass Sandal 


With the hot summer weather right around the corner basically here and this weekend being Memorial Day weekend this Mosaic of the Night skirt couldn't be more perfect for a cookout, pool party or even a day of shopping [lots of sales going on!].

A fun little nod to the traditional red, white and blue!

Minty Mix || BaubleBar

via

I received an email yesterday from BaubleBar with the image above and I must say I'm rather smitten with their recent new arrivals.

And I'm pretty sure I need want this, this and definitely this.

If only I had a money tree growing in my backyard ...

Weekend Rewind

wedding shower invite

The Bride with her Bridesmaids!

Julia, Brandy, Katie, Darci [the bride!] Kara, me, Paige

just missing Liz S

road leading to the farm

a view of the reception location

Hey friends! Sorry I went MIA Friday and yesterday! 

I had a very busy weekend || I traveled a few hours northeast of Cincinnati to attend my college roommates wedding shower! The wedding is only a few short months away [July 13th] so afterwards we spent the weekend at her cousins farm [reception location] working on a lot of fun DIY projects. Sorry, can't share - they are a surprise! Needless to say it has me super excited for Darci's big day!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Do anything fun?

follow along on instagram @amandapattison_

Playful Options || TOPSHOP

 

Pom Pom Flippy Dress || Ikat Printed Pinafore Dress || Neon Jaquard Seam Shift Dress


If you were to take a peek into my closet you'd see it's full of fun+bold [and usually funky] prints. You'd also see very few solids and probably tell me I could use a lot more basics, but what's the fun in that?! Actually I'd have to agree with you if you did say that considering I just had to buy this due to lacking a basic black top. Is that normal? Probably not, so if you all know of any great solid basics pass them along!

However, when it comes to a party dress, give me pattern!

Summer Strawberries

 

Almond-Cornmeal Strawberry Shortcakes

 

Strawberries-and-Cream Cheesecake

 

 Strawberry and Apricot Crisp with Pine-Nut Crumble

 

 Strawberry-Rhubarb Sundaes


My diet always consists of a lot of fresh fruit but for some reason when summer rolls around it goes into overload. Maybe it's because it makes the perfect snack on those hot days. One of my favorites has always been strawberries and the options are endless.
Especially when they are used in a sweet treat!

To find these recipes and more [31 total] pop on over to Martha Stewart.
Lots of yummy options!

The Perfect Gift

Brass Love Box

If I had a few extra dollars laying around I'd for sure snag this up for all the girls I know saying 'I do' this year.

It would be a perfect storage box for their rings!

Jump Start the Week

album cover via

Sometimes on a Monday you just need a little something to get you going.

Enter this fun little number.

Promise it will help!

Hey, Weekend!

image one || two

It's Friday! How is that possible? Traveling this week has thrown me a little but it was a great trip, which is probably why I also took yesterday off from blogging [sorry!]. I'm looking forward to catching up on sleep and of course hanging out with my mom on Sunday!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Busy, Busy!

image via

Happy Monday!

I'm off to Chicago today for work and will be away until Thursday.

See you all in a few days!

xo

Amanda

Saturday Steal

Hope you're all having an amazing Saturday.

Just stopping in to give you a heads up if you're out shopping around. I popped into my local Old Navy only to find they are having a 30% off sale on the entire store! I brought home this, this, and these. I could have brought home the entire store but I had a little self control.

So stop in, they have lots of cute stuff right now!

Happy Song

For Your Friday

album cover via

You guys, you seriously have to check out this song.

Happiest song ever!

It will be on repeat this weekend, guarantee it.

Closet Cravings || Leather Pieces

Patent Lace-Up Flat || The Essex Messenger

I love Madewell. I love the clothes, the bags, the shoes, the accessories ... ok, ok, everything! But what I love the most is the actual store itself. The design and styling of my local shop is always on point. From the vintage soda bottles to the huge leather tufted sofa, it's a place I just want to go to hang out [or maybe live in if it was allowed]. Each piece feels like it belongs there and it leaves me wanting to spend more money than I probably should. It's like you walk into a store and it just feels ... perfect. Have you ever experience this or am I alone?

So of course after visiting the store over the weekend these two beauties are at the top of my wish list.  

Love them!

Closet Craving || Red Floral Tea Dress

Denim Jacket || Red Floral Tea Dress || Chain Link Watch || Essie 'Bouncer, It's Me!' || Lake Platform Wedge || Transport Tote

I love a fabulous patterned dress. Especially one that has so much versatility like this Red Floral Tea Dress from Topshop. I chose to pair it with wedges but love the idea of swapping those out for cute flats or sandals. For a more dressy option pair it with pumps and a blazer.

 I'm off to Chicago next week for work and would love to pop in the Topshop store to see if this darling dress is available.
 Keeping my fingers crossed I have time!