Favorite Things: How to be a Beach Babe

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Today's "Thought for Thursday" are all about my Favorite Things - the "How to" be a beach babe edition. 

1. Aviators are a classic.  This "shrunken" version makes the shape a little more wearable.  

2. The Sparkling Grapefruit Izze soda just might be the only thing I drink the rest of the summer.  #delish

3. Every girl should own a perfect black bikini.  This one fits the bill, and it's 30% off with code "HISUMMER"

4. There is something so chic about a wrap bracelet at the beach.  This one pops just enough without feeling contrived.

5. Want a sandal that can go from the beach to dinner and back again?  Grab this pair!

6. I love a good bargain on a beach bag.  This one is roomy, chic, and won't break the bank.

And as an added bonus: 

The perfect dress to show off your beach-y glow this summer.

A striped cover up that's adorable and functional. (And on sale!)

This multi-tasker can be used a towel, sarong, or top.

And just in case you can't make it to the beach today, spritz this and be transported.

I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday again today.  

xo,

Mid Week Muse: Summer Chic

top // pants // earrings // bracelets // clutch // lipstick // shoes

Happy Mid Week Muse!  Today I'm so excited to share one of my very favorite "muses."  

It's the perfect combination of neutrals, great accessories, and just a small pop of color on the lip.    

For most summer events, you will find me in a flow-y top, white jeans, and wedges.  Every now and then, however, a situation calls for something a little more dressed up and glamorous.  Enter this "Summer Chic" look.  I love the neutral tones in this top (surprise, surprise), and the cutout detail makes the simple shape special.  Add these black pants in the perfect relaxed fit for summer, and snag them on sale for 60% off here.  These cult favorite shoes are back in stock in multiple colors - grab them while you can.  Finish the look with great accessories - these earrings, these bangles, this clutch, and a pop of color for your lips.  

What's your "Summer Chic" style? Share your muse by linking up or commenting below.  While you're sharing, be sure to visit some of the other blogs and say hello!

How it works:

Grab the button below and link back to BOTH of the hosting blogs:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:

Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

@annelliottblog and @pampersandpearls

Follow us on BlogLovin:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

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Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy
Style Elixir
Walking in Memphis in High Heels
The Fashion Canvas

xo,

Recipe: Avocado and Feta Dip

In an attempt to keep from melting in the heat and humidity, we've been spending lots of time by the pool.  When it's hot and sticky outside, and all you want to do is submerge yourself in gallons of cold water, you need a quick and easy snack that won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen.  It's just a bonus that this one is a crowd pleaser too.  If you want to be really ambitious, grill some chicken, and throw this dip on top to make more of a traditional meal.  Even if you're not feeling up to grilling chicken, this one is great served with plenty of tortilla chips and an icy cold drink.  

Avocado and Feta Dip
Recipe adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients:

• 4 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 3 medium avocados, cubed
• 1 can corn, rinsed and drained
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
• 1 (8 oz) package of feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla Chips

Directions:

1. Toss together the six five ingredients in a large bowl.  
2. Whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. 
3. Pour oil mixture over the tomato mixture and toss gently to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

xo,  

Thought for the Week: Who Will

image via

This has been my mantra of late.  I've never been much of a "self doubter," but lately I've been presented with some new ideas and opportunities that have me feeling a little less than overconfident.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't vacillate between excitement, fear, confusion, and that little speck of self-doubt.  Self doubt creeps in only occasionally (while the other feelings are a little more constant,) but it can wreak havoc in mere moments when it arrives.  

I think that's the irony of self doubt.  Excitement and confusion are relatively constant, and so I've learned to deal with them each in turn and collectively.  Self doubt, though less constant, takes that other emotion, fear, and magnifies it.  The fear of failure in each of these opportunities is real, and the means to that failure is me - my thoughts and my actions. 

On the other hand, being paralyzed by self doubt is the surest way to fail.  How often have I passed on new opportunities because I was worried about failure or a lack of perfection?  The true fun of new opportunities is not about coming to the project perfectly equipped.  For me, new projects are fun because of what I can learn and gain along the way.  

Sometimes remembering the fun of the process takes a little pep talk, a run, or a quick break from the idea or opportunity.  In the end though, it really is about pushing past that fear and believing in myself. 

Because as Marilyn so perfectly put it, if I don't, who will?

  xo,

Friday

original image via

Happy Friday!  We've got another low key weekend around here which leaves plenty of time for projects.  I'm toying with the idea of pressure washing the house?  Mowing the lawn?  Tackling our downstairs closet that still has a box or two to be unpacked?  Odds are that I will actually relax, sit by the pool, do a little work for a new project, and have a lemon ricotta pancake or two.

What's on your weekend agenda?  

Checking out Chelsea's adorable muse for the week?

Investing in the perfect distressed jean for less than $100?

Dreaming of poolside vacations and this cover up on major sale?

Checking out this website to download a new desktop background?

Being inspired by this article about one of my former law school classmates?

Rounding out your perfect summer wardrobe with this list?  

Implementing some organization into your daily routines?

Trying the "matching" trend like Emily?

xo,

Favorite Things 6.12.14 + Thoughts for Thursday

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Happy Thursday!  Without further ado, here are my "thoughts" about my favorite things:

1. This dress is perfect for hot summer months.  The layering is flattering and gives it a little something extra.  

2. I love these pretty cat-eye sunglasses.  Instant chic at a great price.

3. You all know I'm a one piece girl.  The color of this one is so pretty, and it's on sale for less than $50!

4. A simple stud earring is a "must" in my wardrobe.  I love the organic look of these and the soft pink color.

5. The perfect summer sandal.  

6. A fun pillow to add a pop to your living room.

I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie today for "Thoughts for Thursday."

Stop by their blogs, link-up, and thank them for hosting!

This post contains affiliate links.  This means if you make a purchase from the links I may receive a commission from the sale.  All of the items I share on Ann Elliott are items I love and would buy (or have bought) myself.  Thank you for helping support the brands that make Ann Elliott possible.   xo,

Mid Week Muse: Shifty

dress // necklace // shoes // clutch - sold out, similar here and here // ring

Welcome to Mid Week Muse: How to wear a shift dress.  When it's 102 outside, and you have to wear something other than a bathing suit, a shift dress is the only way to go.  Especially when you have an option as cute and affordable as this blue beauty.  I'm also still on my tassel kick, and this fun option is half off for a limited time.  Throw in my new go-to shoes from Old Navy (seriously - I wear them at least twice a week), and you've got an entire outfit for less than $100.  You're welcome.  Throw on the cocktail ring and grab this clutch (or this one) to dress up the look a little more.  Either way, I think this is the perfect pulled together look to survive the heat of summer.  

How do you stay cool but pulled together in the summer?  Share your muse by linking up or commenting below.  While you're sharing, be sure to visit some of the other blogs and say hello!

How it works:

Grab the button below and link back to BOTH of the hosting blogs:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:

Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

@annelliottblog and @pampersandpearls

Follow us on BlogLovin:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

<div align="center">
<a href="http://annelliott.blogspot.com/" title="Ann Elliott"><img src="http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/morganteichert/MidWeekMuse_zps9969ae42.jpg" alt="Ann Elliott" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Also linking up with:

Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy
Style Elixir
Walking in Memphis in High Heels
The Fashion Canvas

This post contains affiliate links.  This means if you make a purchase from the links I may receive a commission from the sale.  All of the items I share on Ann Elliott are items I love and would buy (or have bought) myself.  Thank you for helping support the brands that make Ann Elliott possible.  

xo,