A Week In Washington

Hi, lovelies! Sorry for being m.i.a. this week. As soon as the wedding festivities ended on Sunday I packed my bags for a week long training in D.C. The trip has been amazing so far, but I was so silly to think I'd have any time to keep you all updated with 14 hours of trainings every day..crazy, right?!

I'm so happy to be back in this lovely city that I used to call home and look forward to telling you all about it (and the wedding, of course!) as soon as I can!

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Up and Away Wedding

If you follow me on Pinterest, you've possibly noticed that I have a love for editorials with balloons. Knowing my latest fascination, you can imagine how excited I was when I ran across these lovely images on Martha Stewart Weddings!

I'm in a wedding today (remember my friend, N), so I thought sharing these fun photos with you all would be very fitting. With so many beautiful images can you guess which one is my favorite?

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I'll be back on Monday to share all of the wedding fun with you all! Have an amazing weekend!

P.S. Interested to know how I'm prepping for the wedding? Check out my Wedding Essentials list!

Thursday Love List

Happy Thursday, darlings! Here we are again at my favorite day of the week where I share a few things that I love! What are your favorite finds of the week?

I ran across the company Sugar Paper Los Angeles while visiting one of my daily reads, Ashely Nicole Catherine. To say I'm in love with this company is an understatement. Each product is simple and lovely, with the perfect delicate touch. I'm especially in love with these monogram notecards!

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I purchased Domino: The Book of Decorating last week and couldn't be happier! Although it was published in 2008, the book still has some great basic tips for decorating your home and it looks wonderful on a coffee table! 

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You all saw my love for summer stripes yesterday, so it should come as no surprise that I'm lusting over this ivory and navy striped Windsor top!

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Summer Stripes

Happy Summer! In honor of the first day of this new season I've decided to share one of my favorite classic trends of summer...stripes! The striped items below are the perfect cool pieces for what is sure to be a hot summer. What's your favorite trend of the summer season?

Top/ Tote/ Bracelet/ Dress/ Swimwear/ Shoes/ Skirt

25 Before 25

--> Hi, friends! Sorry for being m.i.a yesterday. I was staying on my grandparents' farm (see list below!) where there's no internet to be found for miles...and I forgot my phone charger, so I almost went 24 hours without my cell phone and internet—gasp! 

As you all know, I've been taking it easy the last week and a half while between jobs which has left me with a little time to think. I started ATC as part New Year's Resolution/ part challenge to my self to try something new. In that spirit, I've developed a list of things that I’d like to accomplish before I turn 25...which coincidentally is 8 months away from today! 

1. Become certified to scuba dive

This has been on my to-do list for the past year. I was hoping to become certified before I went to South Africa, but unfortunately time got away from. I'm so excited to try this! 

2. Go skydiving

I promised a friend I would try this once in my life--Mom, I promise to let you know about this one after I land!

3. Create a budget...and stick to it! 

While living on my own I am able to do this pretty well, but while living with my parents over the past year I've unfortunately slipped into my pre-college habits. Time to fix that!

4. Stay on my grandparents' farm 

Have I told you all that I live in Iowa? (It's a great state--you should visit!). While growing up I would always stay on my grandparents' farm in rural Iowa for a few days in the summer. My days were spent eating baked goods and running around barefoot. *You'll hear about this one very soon!

5. Watch the sunrise  

I'm not sure I've ever seen a sunrise intentionally. What I mean is that I usually catch the sunrise because I'm up early to catch a flight. This sunrise will be seen for the sole purpose of welcoming the morning. I'm a night owl, so this could be tough! 

6. Travel to a new continent 

I checked off Africa during my 23rd year...which one should I tackle next?! 

7. Complete 1 DIY project a month

Any ideas for projects I should try?! 

8. Learn to play the mandolin

I received a mandolin as a gift in March. Now, it's time for me to actually learn how to play it! 

9. Go gluten free for one week 

10. Attend a pro baseball game

Can you believe I've never done this?! 

11. Learn how to use Photoshop

12. Start my own Etsy shop 

This is another that I'm really excited to accomplish! 

13. Learn how to change a tire

I've done this once out of pure desperation while stranded with a friend...and I'm pretty sure it wasn't safe to drive on. It's time for me to learn a thing or two about cars and changing a tire seems like a great place to start! 

14. Watch all 8 Harry Potter movies in 1 weekend 

Anyone want to join me?! 

15. Visit a zoo 

I've only been to one zoo in my life...crazy, right? 

16. Find a new organization to volunteer with 

Volunteering is a huge part of my life and I'm always on the lookout for a new organization for work with! 

17. Read 1 new book per month

Any suggestions? 

18. Research my family history 

I recently learned that one side of my family goes all the way back to the Mayflower! This has the history nerd in me pretty excited to research some more. 

19. Attend an amazing live concert 

This one is already in the works! 

20.  Host a giveaway on my blog

21. Write a letter to my 35-year-old self 

22.  See a shooting star

Why? Because it’s been too long! 

23. Turn off my phone for 24 hours

I was SO close to accomplishing this one on Sunday/Monday

24.  Move out of my parents’ home

Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate that my mom and dad have let me live with them and have really enjoyed the new aspects to our relationship that we’ve formed, but I'm ready to have my own space again. I’m itching to decorate an apartment! 

25.   Create a bucket list!

I have a mini-bucket list started on Pinterest, but I want it written out and displayed for all to see. Life is short and I have a lot to get done! 

So, there you have it! Anything missing that you would add to your 25 before 25 (or 30, 35, 40...) list?  


I'll keep you all updated as I accomplish each task! 

25 Before 25- Update 1
25 Before 25- Update 2

                
      

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! From the beginning my dad and I have been pals, so here's a post just for him!

Here we are together on day 1!

...He was a hipster ahead of his time in that plaid

Sunnies and Huggies...the only way to travel back in 1988

To the one who has always been there for me and has put up with my excessive shopping habit throughout the years--I love you, Daddy! 

xo,

BH

Kate Spade Dinnerware

This Kate Spade dinnerware is my idea of perfection. Seriously. Every piece is so lovely and has me dreaming of my someday kitchen and home! In the meantime however, I'll settle for hand-me-downs from my mother.

all images via 

Aren't they all gorgeous?! 

In other news, I’ll be spending the next 48 hours of my life helping with my parents' neighborhood yard sale. Hell hath no fury like a Midwesterner looking for a deal, so please keep me in your thoughts!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Thursday Love List

Happy Thursday, lovelies! Are you all having a nice week? I've been embarrassingly lazy all week, but I've still managed to come up with a few favorites to share with you all! Now, I swear I didn't plan it this way, but you might want to prepare yourself for a lot of PINK!

Over the last year Essie has quickly become my favorite polish. It lasts longer, goes on nicely, and Essie offers some pretty fun color choices! The shade below, Bachelorette Bash, has been on my nails the past couple of weeks. I think it's the perfect color to wear with all of the wedding activities I've been a part of!

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 I am in love with this adorable J. Crew Naomi Top! From the color to the ruffle details, this piece could easily become a staple in my wardrobe.

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This J. Crew Bubble Necklace is amazing, right? I've seen many similar pieces floating around on some of my favorite online stops, but I love the vibrant pink of this J. Crew version!

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Little White Dress

The little black dress is an obvious wardrobe standard, but when it comes to summer I think that there's nothing more adorable than a little white dress! Paired with the perfect shoes and jewelry, a little white dress can give you a fresh look for summer!

Top (L to R) Tbags Los Angeles Side Bow Mini Dress, Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Strapless Bustier Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Aliyah Crinkled Cotton Dress
Bottom (L to R) Nanette Lepore 90210 Dress, BB Dakota Sandrine Dress, Black Halo Alexander Dress

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my parents' 36th wedding anniversary! So in honor of their special day, here's a quick post featuring the two people who mean everything to me.

Here are the two lovebirds on a trip during their first year of marriage

And here they are on a trip we took to New Orleans over the holidays

Aren't they adorable?!

I love you mom and dad!

xo,

BH

Summer Sandals

I love shoes, but hate wearing them. Seriously, how I used to wear and dance (gotta love show choir) in heels is beyond me! So, when summer comes around my toes get excited for the freedom that wearing a cute pair of sandals can bring!

Here are some adorable sandals that I’ve had my eye on this season! Do you have a favorite pair of summer sandals?

Top (L to R) Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Love Embroidered Thong Sandals, Sam Edelman Gigi T Strap Sandals

Bottom (L to R) Sam Edelman Gigi T Strap Sandals,  Tory Burch Thora Flat Thong Sandals

Weekend Review

Happy Monday, friends! Did you have a nice weekend? I had a great kickoff to my "mini-retirement" by spending the weekend watching B (aka Otter's owner) in a golf tournament.

A few cold beverages, the hot sun, golf, and catching up on sleep is the perfect way to spend my time off, don't you think?!

Have a wonderful day!

The Beginning is Near

Today is my last day at my current job and it's leaving me with a very bittersweet feeling. I found a lot of joy and personal growth in my role and can honestly say it's one of the most enjoyable positions I've ever had.

While I'll miss everyone and everything most things from my position, I'm really excited to see what's next. Since graduating from college two years ago I feel like I've been racing along from one thing to another, so I'm looking forward to some time to really think about what I want to do next!

This image below seems to really capture my sentiments today. "The beginning is near"--doesn't that make you feel excited?! I think it serves as a great reminder to move forward and stay positive about all of the chapters in your life.

image via pinterest

So really, what's next for me? Well, I like to think I'm going into a "mini-retirement" until my next opportunity in a couple of weeks. I'm not going to lie, I'm really looking forward to the break! 

Have a great weekend, friends!  

Thursday Love List

It's Thursday! The weekend is almost in reach, which means that it's once again time for my weekly Thursday Love List!

Isn't this turquoise Lauren Elan necklace amazing?! I can think of so many ways I would wear this lovely pieces over the summer months!

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I'm about to head into a transition/decision making period of my life, so this print at Amanda Catherine Designs really spoke to me when I ran across it on her amazing Etsy shop this week. Seriously, her shop is a must visit!

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I have been all about yellow this season, so I think this bright Tbags Los Angles dress via Shopbop is the perfect piece for summer!

 

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Beautiful Ballet

I was a dancer while growing up, therefore I'm always drawn to images of lovely dancers. I adore all of the images below for the gorgeous lines and artistry that they offer. I could soak in the beauty of ballet all day long...sigh.

all images via pinterest

Personalized, Please!

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge sucker for anything that's personalized. I was one of those kids that loved to write my name anywhere and everywhere, so the idea of having my name or initials on any object obviously gets me excited! Here are a few fun monogrammed pieces that I've had my eye on!

Phone Case/ Necklace/ Clipboard/ Notepad

Monday Pick-Me-Up!

Happy Monday! My weekend was the perfect mix of friends and lounging--sounds like a great combo, right?! Before I share your Monday Pick-Me-Up, here's a quick glimpse into my weekend...

As I mentioned on Friday, I had a reunion with my beautiful best friend sister over the weekend! Here we are together at a friend's wedding.

L to R- L, Me, & our friend M 

Now, for your Monday Pick-Me-Up! This great quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my favorites and never fails to provide me with the perfect dose of inspiration. Have a beautiful day!

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Oscar de la Renta- Resort 2013

Oscar de la Renta is once again making me drool. Here are some of my favorite images of his Resort 2013 collection. Amazing, right?!

This weekend I'll be attending a wedding and having a much needed reunion with my beautiful bff, L! Do you have any fun weekend plans?

all images via pinterest

Photographer: Rachel Scroggins 

The Greyest Ghost- http://thegreyestghost.wordpress.com/