So Long Summer . . .It's Been Swell!

Wow you guys - I did NOT intend to take the entire summer off from the blog. What started as a meal planning slump, morphed into a writing and planning and "doing" slump. Suddenly, the whole summer slipped by without a post. But I'm back - mostly because I missed you. Yes, YOU.

The whole reason I started a blog 13 years ago (YIKES!), was to connect with people. To reach out to other women and moms that were just like me. Or weren't just like me, but something drew us to each other's story. I still crave that connection. I want to share every single great thing I find with you. I want to inspire you to go back to school, or not stress over your kid's homework, or make something new for dinner. All. The. Things.

And in turn, I want to be inspired BY you . . .I want you to share a part of your life with me, so that my own life is richer for it. Connection. Stories. It's what life is all about.

Patriotic S'mores Trail Mix

I've always had a soft spot for patriotic decor. There is something about decorating your front porch with flags, buntings and banners, that just makes a girl (or guy) proud to be an American. We have a very down-home, main street style parade that passes by our house each Memorial Day. I put up our flags, buntings and banners for that, and then I leave them up until after the 4th of July.

In recent years, food has gotten into the patriotic game. It's gotten much larger than the tried and true strawberries and blueberries on a pound cake. Although that remains a personal favorite. There are cupcakes, frozen treats, cookies and I even made a Red, White and Blue Potato Salad one year!

5 Essentials for Your Beach Bag This Summer

Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner.  I admit that I am looking forward to a more relaxed schedule this summer. When I think of the perfect summer vacation, I always think about lazy days, trips to the beach and great books. In anticipation of those perfect days to come, I've put together a little list of the five things I always have in my beach (or pool) bag.

So don't head to the beach (or pool) without these five essentials in your stylish beach bag (affiliate links included):

Finding the Best Summer Camp for Your Kids

Summer is only about 12 weeks away. Sorry, I don't mean to scare you, but it is. So if you are a working parent, or one that likes to have their kids actively engaged during the summer, you may need to start thinking about summer camp.

Summer Camp. I always think about all those TV programs and movies about summer camp, mostly the sleep-away variety, where there is rarely an adult to be seen, and the kids have the summer of their lives. In reality, summer camp can be a necessity for working parents, and can look like anything from sleep away camp to a few teenagers overseeing a group of kids at the local playground.

Here's a little secret. . .summer camp isn't just for your kids . . .it's for you too. So how can a parent find the right summer camp for them AND their kids??

Making Frozen Yogurt at Home

Summer and ice cream just seem to go together. We have several places within walking distance or a short drive to get both ice cream and frozen yogurt. I realized that it's the end of July, and we haven't done it nearly as much as we did last summer, so I vowed to change that. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a frozen tasty treat after all.

So when Stonyfield asked me if I was interested in trying out an ice cream ball from YayLabs with some Stonyfield yogurt, and try making frozen yogurt myself, I said yes! I admit to being a little intimidated. I know it seems easy - but it's FroYo! (there's a full recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt at the end of the post)

Summer Style Round Up

Summer is just about half way over, which means there is still plenty of time left to wear your favorite summer outfits. It's also a  great time to pick up some fresh items to round-out your wardrobe, as almost all summer clothing is on sale!

I have shared a lot of ideas for summer style each week here on the blog, and today I'm combining some of my best ideas that highlight the clothing I received from Aventura Clothing as part of my Ambassadorship. (scroll to the bottom to see how to save 60% on Aventura Clothing right now!)

I have enjoyed this partnership so much, not only did I get to try out and share stylish clothes, but I got to learn more about the company behind the clothes. Aventura Clothing is a lifestyle apparel brand based in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They design, make and sell comfortable clothing with an active focus while being thoughtful to both people and the environment. Aventura is family owned (since 1965!) and their clothing is designed by women for women for a great fit.

I have reached for each piece time and time again since the box arrived. They fit great, they wear well, they look stylish and they wash up nicely. I'm a big believer in buying the best quality clothing you can afford. When you can splurge, spend the money on great basics that will last and let you build a wardrobe fit for any occasion.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Great Casual Summer Pants

Easy Summer Skirt Style

The Kyle Wrap as a Transitional Piece

Some other pieces that I turn to again and again, are my trusty foundation piece, the Bienne Tank:

And the goes with everything, bright Saphira Infinity Scarf to add a pop of color to my neutrals:

There's still plenty of summer left to try out one of these ideas with your own summer wardrobe. I'm willing to bet you've already got similar pieces in your closet. And if not, here's a great opportunity to add something new to your wardrobe:

SPECIAL OFFER
As part of my Amazing Ambassadorship with Aventura Clothing, I have discount codes to share with my friends and readers.  What does that mean for you?? If you are one of the first FIVE real people with an email to leave a comment on this post, I will send you a code that gets you 60% off original retail pricing.

Check out this fabulous post by fellow Ambassador, Melissa from Adventure Tykes too!

ps - fall orders just went in for ambassadors - it's going to be a very stylish fall!!

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy.

Summer Wardrobe Staple - White Shorts

Welcome back to another weekly fashion post. If this is your first visit, thanks for stopping by. This is where I share what I'm wearing right now (real clothes for real women) and also share some tips and inspiration for getting the most out of the clothes you already own. I'd love it if you left a comment with your thoughts or ideas on implementing these ideas with your own wardrobe! This week: White Shorts.

This week, I hit up some of the 4th of July sales, and picked up two great shirts from my local Ann Taylor. The blue one was a bargain and the print one was a splurge. If you're a regular reader here, you also know that all of my wardrobe pieces need to work with more than one other piece in my wardrobe in order to come home with me. Both of these shirts showed promise, and the printed one was worth the splurge as it will go well into the fall months.

I picked up this same shirt in white a few weeks ago, it's on sale now, so I picked it up in this great chambray blue color.  I wore this outfit to a 4th of July Party, celebrating the red, white and blue. (full disclosure, since it was a casual party, I switched out the wedges for flip-flops - but I wanted to show you the potential).

Shorts - Lands End (old)

Tank - Bienne Tank from Aventura Clothing

Top - Ann Taylor (new and on sale!)

Shoes - Target (last year)

Necklace - Tiffany

Earrings - Kate Spade

Bracelets -  Alex and Ani and Tiffany

The second shirt I picked up is a floaty printed button-down. It's pre-tied in the front, and the hang was perfect for my body shape. The sleeves unroll and have button cuffs, which makes this a great option heading into fall. I'm picturing it with dark denims, over a cami or tank. For now I love it with my white shorts, jeans and pants!

Shorts - Lands End (old)

Tank - Bienne Tank from Aventura Clothing

Top - Ann Taylor (new)

Shoes - Vionic

Bag - Kate Spade

Necklace - Handmade at Art Festival

Earrings - Kate Spade

Bracelets -  Alex and Ani and Tiffany

I know I go on and on about wardrobe staples and classics around here. I truly believe you can build an amazing wardrobe for the long-haul with some classically styled, basic pieces. White shorts are one of those pieces. I am not a fan of shorts. They tend to look too long or too short for my liking, but I have one pair from Lands End that I love. I really need to find a new pair - but the struggle is real.

Now is a great time to shop for summer clothes. Fall lines are starting to arrive (it's in the 90s here and summer just got started - go figure), so summer clothes are moved to sale racks. To make your money go even further, consider pieces that will take you into fall, either paired with a light jacket, or on their own. In fact, I found a light blue 3/4-length sleeve t-shirt at Ann Taylor for $10 - it will be great for fall!

What on-sale items are you adding to your wardrobe right now?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy , Jo-Lynne Shane and at ThirtySomethingFashion. Check it out for even more outfit ideas and inspiration.

5 Great Cooking Tools for Summer

This post may contain affiliate links. It's summertime around here, and that means a much more laid back approach to planning, fixing and serving meals. I try to grill as much as possible, keeping the heat and the mess outside, rather than in my kitchen. I also try to plan meals that don't involve a lot of prep work to keep things easy, and also there's less mess to clean up on the other side, so we can enjoy more of our evening as a family.

With our summer vacation starting next week, I'm sharing a few of my favorite cooking/kitchen tools for making my summer meals easier:

A Colander - I keep a colander filled with fresh fruits and veggies on the counter almost all summer long. I like to use a colander rather than a bowl, because it permits better air circulation to help prevent rot.

Bread Machine with a Dough Cycle - I've had my bread machine for years. In the last two years, I discovered how useful the dough cycle can be - especially to make homemade pizza dough! I can put the dough on sometime during the day, then toss the pizza crusts on the grill for an easy lunch or dinner.

Grilling Basket - I love vegetables on the grill, but I'm not a fan of the bamboo skewers. When I don't use an aluminum foil packet, I like to toss my veggies with some olive oil, salt and pepper and toss them in my grill basket. The cook up very nicely and I can keep an eye on them to prevent over-cooking.

Popsicle Molds - I think I now have three different molds, and I keep being drawn to them at places like HomeGoods and Ikea. Popsicle molds are great for freezing lemonade and fruit juices, or making frozen yogurt pops for a tasty mid-day snack.

Cocktail Ice Cube Trays - This is a relatively new find for me, but it's a little bit genius. In the summer, it's so easy for your favorite cocktail to get watered down with melting ice. These larger cube trays, make ice that takes longer to melt, and still keep your drink cold with only one cube.

What's your favorite summertime cooking tool?

catch you soon -

Great Style and Sun Protection Too

Summer is coming, and it's more important than ever to protect our skin from the sun. Research shows that more people have skin cancer, than all the other cancers combined. That's scary - isn't it?

Did you know that you can be proactive and wear sun protective clothing as a first defense? It's true. In fact, Coolibar sent me one of their amazing ZnO Bali Tunic to try out for myself. This shirt not only looks awesome, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection and blocks 98% UVA/UVB Rays.

Let me tell you that I am in LOVE with this shirt. It's stylish, fits like a dream, works with so many pieces I already have in my wardrobe AND it feels like I'm wearing my favorite broken-in t-shirt. Truly the perfect addition to your wardrobe - right?

The first time I wore it, it was a little chilly and I tossed it on over my favorite Bienne Tank from Aventura, with a pair of yoga pants. Hello stylish, sporty outfit perfect for meeting friends for cup of coffee!

Yoga Pants - Target

Tunic - Coolibar

Flip Flops - Vionic

I also wore it on a sunny warm day, when I was going to be sitting outside in the sun, watching my youngest play baseball. Again, it didn't disappoint; it looked stylish and kept me protected from sun. And even though the tunic has long-sleeves, I wasn't too hot because it has great breath-ability.

Shorts - Lands End (old)

Tunic - Coolibar

Hat - Aventura - I'm an Ambassador

Sandals - Target

Bracelets - Tiffany and Alex and Ani

It looks great with skinny jeans cuffed up too. I am also planning to pack this tunic for our beach trips this summer and wear it over my bathing suit as a cover up on the beach.

Here are some more tips from Coolibar and the American Cancer Society to help you be #SkinSmart this summer:

• Teach kids that being safe in the sun is as important as wearing a bike helmet! Limiting sun exposure now helps prevent skin cancer in the future.
• Make sure to wear lightweight clothing that is tightly woven (t-shirts do NOT block UV rays!), and contains a UV protection factor of 50.
• Keep sunscreen and a hat in your gym bag, stroller or diaper bag so it¹s always accessible when needed.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes BEFORE going out in the sun, and remember to reapply to exposed areas every two hours, and more often after swimming or sweating.
• Take regular breaks from the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest, and make sure to drink lots of water. Set your phone¹s alarm for reminders.
• Wearing a wide-brim hat provides extra coverage to the neck and shoulders. Every inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%.
• Wear a swim shirt specifically designed for water activities while at the pool or beach. These provide maximum sun protection, cover a large amount of exposed skin, and dry quickly so they are great for trips.
• Wear sunglasses. In addition to protecting eyes from UV exposure, another cancer risk, the right sunglasses offer impact protection, and reduce reflection if you are participating in any rigorous activities.

What do you wear to protect you from the sun?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy and at Get Your Pretty On. Be sure to check them out for even more style and outfit ideas and inspiration.

Summer Recipe RoundUp

Summer may not officially start until June 21st with the Summer Solstice, but for many of us in the US, summer begins this weekend. It's almost as if a switch in my brain flicks, and I start thinking, "how can I make life easier?" In the kitchen, that means staying OUT of the kitchen as much as possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty salads, and lean meats on the grill make up the majority of our summer dining.

More relaxed, outdoor dining happens too. Paper plates or pretty plastic ones, and cool refreshing drinks become the norm. So I'm ready to slow it all down, kick back and enjoy summer, and to help you do the same thing,  I've gathered up my favorite summer recipes to share with you!

Beverages

Pink Lemonade Cocktail

A Perfect Summer Mojito


Side Dishes

Caprese Salad Stacks

Watermelon and Avocado Skewers

Farmers Market Pasta Salad

Potato Medley Potato Salad

Main Dishes

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad with Non-Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Shrimp and Beef Kabobs

Foil Fish Packets

Desserts and Treats

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas


What are some of your favorite summer recipes?

catch you soon -

Summer Evening Style | What I Wore #ootd

Back in the day, I used to be something of a night owl. It was nothing to take two hours to get ready for a night out and pick out a spectacular fashionable outfit for the occasion. These days, I'm more of a freshen up, change and go kind of girl.

The other night I met some girlfriends for the #HomeHerPhilly Conference, along with dinner and drinks. I wanted something fashionable, but still comfortable. Enter my Maxi Skirt . . .remember how I confessed I didn't like them? It was the perfect outfit.

Skirt - Ann Taylor (this season)

T-Shirt - Michael Kors (old)

Shoes - DSW

Bag - Kate Spade

Earrings - Kate Spade

Bracelets - Tiffany, Alex and Ani, Kate Spade

A few weeks ago, John and I had a long-overdue Date Night. While I would have much rather put on a cute summer dress and some heels, time didn't permit a wardrobe change, so I went with a stylish summer favorite. White Skinnies, a Navy Tunic and metallic sandals  - something along these lines:

A classic LBD (Little Black Dress) is always an option for any season. Let your accessories set the mood. And the thing with Summer Style at Night - add some nice heels. Dress up your daytime skirts and dresses with a higher heel, rather than sandals or flip flops.

What's your favorite summer nighttime outfit?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy and at Get Your Pretty On

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas

This summer, I have vowed to try and make fun and different snacks for my kids. Getting creative in the kitchen and bringing back some classics. I got an email the other night, and it had chocolate covered bananas pictured in it . . .I thought - YUM!

So I set out to make a batch.

What You Need
3 Bananas (more or less depending on your crowd)
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Popcicle or craft sticks
Coconut, Nuts or Sprinkles (optional)
Knife, Baking Sheet, Parchment Paper

What You Do

• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Peel your bananas and slice them in half.
• Gently insert the craft sticks into the round end, pushing about half way in.

• Melt some chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (I do mine on 30 second intervals).
• Stir up the melted chocolate to get it nice and smooth.
• Holding the banana by the stick, drop chocolate over it, covering about 2/3s of the banana.

• Lie the chocolate covered banana on your baking sheet.
• Repeat, melting more chocolate if you run out.
• If you want, you can sprinkle the covered bananas with shredded coconut, chopped nuts and/or sprinkles. I bet chopped pretzel or peanut butter chips would be yummy too.

• Slide the tray into your freezer to let the chocolate set - about 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

What snacks are you enjoying this summer?

catch you soon -

The Best Summer Ever | #Moms4JNJConsumer {sponsored}

 

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Summer is the time for fun - right? And what could be more fun than having some friends over for  a little old fashioned backyard summer fun? Thanks to The Motherhood and Johnson and Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc, we got to share some backyard summer fun with friends and family and do a little summer entertaining.

We know that Target is THE place for all your summer fun essentials! Last summer, we bought the boys an inflatable pool to hang out in on hot days. Well they and their friends use that as a "filling station" for squirt bottles, water shooters, sponges and water balloons! Throw on a bathing suit, grab a towel and enjoy some good old-fashioned water play on a hot day.

For the smaller kids, you can't go wrong with some sidewalk chalk and bubbles.  Target has a great selection and we keep a supply of both on-hand all summer long.

For family fun, lawn games like badminton, bocce and croquet are all making a big comeback. We picked up a few sets at Target and have been getting a kick out of learning new games. Through August 16, you can play a virtual soccer game, share your score and take a shot at instantly winning a $200 Target eGiftCard. You could also win one of more than $15,000 in prizes! Score savings with Target-specific coupons on key essentials for summertime (and all the time!)

Refreshing drinks and summer snacks are always in demand. When the boys have friends over, we serve up lemonade (traditional yellow and festive pink too) and iced tea to help keep them cool. Soda and Mixers for the grown-ups too. In between water battles, I like to have a variety of snacks to keep everyone's energy levels up! Some fruit, cheese sticks and pretzels keep active kids energized.

After a full afternoon of playing, treat kids to a yummy and cool treat like popcicles or old-fashioned fudgcicles. I found a great recipe on Pinterest, that tastes just like the originals (see more ideas on my Summer Fun board). Don't have enough molds? Don't worry, paper cups and popcicle sticks do the trick too!

With all the summer fun, bumps, bug bites and scratches happen too, so I keep a small bucket handy with Neosporin, anti-itch cream and Bandaids in it for quick fixes! Don't forget the sunscreen! Hats and sunglasses can add layers of protection too for all your outdoor fun!

We sent our guests home with family favorite, everyday HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® courtesy of Johnson and Johnson.

Sadly, we can't invite EVERYONE over this summer, but that's okay because the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program is offering amazing printable coupons, tips and tools and so much more for all the products you and your family love! So be sure to head over to save! HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® Products are key essentials that can help you and your family keep going and stay focused on fun this summer, no matter what happens. You won't have to worry, because you're prepared for the Best Summer Ever!

How are you and your family having fun this summer?

catch you soon -

Summer Skirts | What I Wore #ootd

Skirts can be a great fashion choice in the summer. Summer skirts come in a wide variety of fabrics, lengths and styles. Skirts can be sporty like a tennis skirt, or athletic skirt, dressy paired with a gret pair of heels or wedges, or even casual with a tank and flip flops. I recently shared with you how I overcame my fear of the Maxi Skirt, another great summer skirt style.

Well, last week, I dug into my summer clothes bin and came up with a few skirts that haven't been in rotation lately (remember how we only wear about 20% of our clothes?)

First of all I pulled out this A-Line cotton skirt I bought several years ago. For this look, I paired it with a simple t-shirt and some fun wedges. In the past I have worn it with a silky red t shirt and peep-toe red sling backs.

Skirt - Ann Taylor (old)

T-Shirt - Eddie Bauer

Shoes - Ralph Lauren

Necklaces - Tiffany and Studio Jewel

My second outfit was this stretchy black and white pencil skirt. This is a great wardrobe piece as I can wear it with flip flops, heels or even with tights and boots. It's a great year-round piece, despite the light fabric.

Skirt - Talbots (old)

T-Shirt - Ann Taylor

Necklace - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Target

Bag - Kate Spade

How do you like to wear skirts in the summer?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy and Get Your Pretty On.

Summer Skincare with Biore

Summer can wreak havoc with your skin. And between sweat and humidity, who wants your pores all clogged up with dirt and oil - right?

I recently received two products from Biore to try out and see what I thought.

First up is the Biore Daily Makeup Removing Towelettes. These towelettes instantly dissolve pore-clogging cosmetics.  You can fight build up with these gentle wipes that effectively remove your make-up, even waterproof mascara. These are perfect for on the go and easy to carry in your carry-on or gym bag!  

The second product is the Biore Detoxifying Foam Cleanser. This light cleanser is infused with eucalyptus extract. The cleanser is self-foaming and detoxifies your skin and pores by removing surface toxins.

I put together a little video to show you how easy they are to use, and what great results you get. (yes - I went on camera with NO make-up on, just for you)



The results are in - after using these products, I'm left with healthier-looking and refreshed skin!

What's your go-to summer skincare product right now?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up with #BeautyBuzz hostesses:  Mom Trends, Mama in Heels, Sassy Moms in the City and Musings of a Housewife

What to See and Do in Ocean City, NJ

I grew up right off the Jersey Shore and we have a history. According to my mother, when I was a little girl, I didn't care for the sand, but these days, my zen is a walk along the Jersey coast, with my feet in the sand. Ocean City, NJ is a great destination for families, with a ton of things to see and do.

Since about 2009, we've been taking a family long-weekend trip to Ocean City, NJ to enjoy the sand, surf and boardwalks. Ocean City is a fantastic family destination, only about an hour and a half out of Philadelphia.

Summer Style - What to Wear | What I Wore #ootd

I recently listened to some very wise fashion advice from Hilary Rushford, including the fact that most of us only wear about 20% of the clothes in our closet.  That's right - those favorite jeans, three tops and jacket that we reach for again and again. those certain outfits that quickly become our "uniform".

With encouragement from Ms. Rushford, I worked to reach into that other 80% and match it up with the 20% I already loved for some fun new fashion inspiration! Here are some things I came up with this week:

20% favorite: White Jeans - I added my polka dot top and a bright yellow cardi to really change things up with my white jeans.

Jeans - Coldwater Creek 

Top - Ann Taylor (last year)

Cardigan - Ann Taylor

Sandals - Target

Bag - Kate Spade

20% favorite: Basic T-shirt - I added a black jersey knit skirt that I haven't worn in 2 years to a favorite aqua t-shirt for a beachy casual look.

Skirt - Lands End (old)

T-Shirt - Eddie Bauer

Sandals - Target

20% favorite: White Shorts - I added a 3/4 length sleeve shirt from fall in non-traditional summer colors. The brown and coral work nicely with the white.

Shorts - Lands End (old)

Top - Ralph Lauren (early spring season)

Sandals - Vionic

Bag - Kate Spade

So it is possible to stop reaching for the same "uniform" and take a few minutes to pair something new with your old favorites. Who knows what you may come up with?

This past month, I also talked about several fashion dilemmas you may run into getting dressed this summer, and easy ways you can overcome them - after all, getting dressed shouldn't be hard - right?

• Are Maxi Skirts your thing? Let me share some style and fit tips with you.

• Do you live in your shorts all summer long? Break out of a rut with some shorts style ideas. Use that 80% in your closet to update your shorts looks!

• Love the look of jeggings? Don't worry you;re not out of style, just call them skinnies! Cuff them up and you're summer ready!

• Have to travel this summer? Get some tips on travel clothes so you arrive looking wonderful, not wrinkled.

What's your biggest fashion dilemma this summer?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy and at Get Your Pretty On.

Wearing White Shorts | What I Wore - #OOTD

Let's talk about shorts. Specifically, white shorts. White shorts can be a great basic piece to round out your summer wardrobe. They go with just about everything you already own.

I like to keep my shorts styling simple. I am not a fan of heels and shorts - although a younger, taller woman can carry it off. Shorts are meant to be casual, they really shouldn't be part of a suit in the real world.

So when the temps started going up, I broke out my favorite pair of Lands End white shorts. I wanted an outfit that looked a little more pulled together than a t-shirt and flip flops. There's something very classic about simple longer shorts and a crisp tunic. Paired with pretty sandals and a great bag - you're ready for almost any afternoon outing - shopping, lunch, traveling. This is also a great outfit for a dressier picnic or patio party.

Shorts - Lands End

Tunic - Talbots

Sandals - Kellie and Katie

Necklace - Ralph Lauren

Handbag - Kate Spade (pictured below)

A great pair of white Bermuda Shorts or Demin shorts look perfect with a t-shirt. Think a boat-neck french t-shirt or pair them with a fitted t-shirt, backpack, Vans or flip flops and you're ready for the amusement park, boardwalk or baseball game.

When you wear shorter shorts, I think you have to consider proportion. They can look "cheap" or looks as if you are dressing much younger than your age, if not paired with a great top and shoes, like the sleeveless chambray shirt and neutral sandals combination above.

Like so many other clothing choices, it's really about fit and proportion. Just because you "can" wear something - doesn't mean you should. But enough lectures - these posts are meant to inspire - let's share ideas to take great stuff out of our closets, put it on in fun new ways and show it off!

What are your thoughts on shorts?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up The Pleated Poppy and Get Your Pretty On

Summer Grilling : Shrimp and Beef Kabobs

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a shopper social amplification for Collective Bias.

As I've mentioned in my Meal Plan posts, I am a big fan of Summer Grilling! Using the grill to create quick, fresh meals for your family, leaves a much smaller mess to clean up, and also creates less heat in your house. To me, that's definitely a win-win.  But it's easy to fall into a Burgers and Dogs or Grilled Chicken rut. Here's an idea to help get your quick and fresh meal ideas flowing. Kabobs.

To make my Kabobs, I chose fresh meat and produce from a recent shop at Walmart (#GOWalmart) with #CollectiveBias. Thinking about what my family likes to eat, I decided to create some yummy Shrimp and Beef Kabobs, adding some fresh produce to round out our meal.