The White Summer Dress

To me, nothing says quintessential summer than a simple white linen dress. Romantic, light, airy and best of all, a blank canvas. Add statement jewelry or keep it simple for a minimalist approach that invites running barefoot through freshly cut grass and sipping lemonade. 

I prefer to stick with simplicity when it comes to a piece like this because the appeal of it is charming all on its own (unless it's a bachelorette party...there should be nothing basic about that night!) 

And how do you say no to twirling in this baby? (Looks like Lisa agrees with me!)

Dress (on sale!), Sandals (similar), Sunnies (similar), Bracelets: Old Navy (Perhaps I should invest?)

Necklace: E Street Denim (I love this one too!)

P.S. Lisa is styling a white dress on her personal blog today too...it always makes me smile when our thoughts align and we end up looking like twinsies. Stop by see more of her look! 

Stay tuned for Lisa's outfit details next week! 

Top Five 4th of July Traditions

Our annual 4th of July party is one of those traditions that's been happening for so long, we can't even remember life before it. Each year, the excitement begins after the out of office message goes live...the time to sit back and experience a true summer weekend is suddenly right around the corner. 

There are new memories to be made in the north woods (how Pure Michigan is this post, btw? Anyone else feel super relaxed by those ads?) But first, we look back on what makes this holiday one of our favorites...

1) FESTIVE STYLE

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And we're not the only ones sporting patriotic style...

 

2) ANNUAL MORNING PARADE

Our neighborhood initiated a morning parade a few years back and it has been the best way to start our morning ever since. We all wake up early to decorate the golf cart (a typical form of transportation in our association) and head to the parade which is short but fun and festive. 

The fire truck starts and everybody follows on the bikes, carts, or by foot, waving at all the neighbors as we go buy, Plus, as an added bonus, ice cream is served to everyone down by the pier at the end...it's the little things :)

  3) FAMILY TRADITIONS

Sparklers, the pinata, bag competitions, bocce ball, pier time, and so on... 
Endless sea breeze consumption not pictured ;)

4) FOOD

Most of our holiday weekend is consumed with eating...when we finish breakfast, we're already talking about what time lunch will be and when the s'mores will take place that night. Seriously, it's become a running joke...We walk to and from the lake (which includes an approx. mile walk down AND up a giant hill..like, can't breathe steep) just to walk off our endless meals. 

Our gracious hostess and AMAZING cook provides 90% of the delicious eats but a "pot luck" vibe has also developed over the years where everyone brings a dish whether it's an appetizer or a dessert. 

In attempts to maintain some kind of nutrition over the long weekend, Kaitlyn made this watermelon cake last year. Simple, festive and a great combination of sweet and savory with the fruit and nuts.

5) FIREWORKS ON THE PIER

We end every party by a trip down to the pier around dusk to reserve our seats for fireworks. Our whole neighborhood meets up with blankets and snacks...some watch from their boats, some from comfy lawn chairs or some in the arms of their favorite people. However you choose to view the show, it's always the best way to close out the day. 

We will be watching the sunset, waiting for the fireworks and laughing off our daytime drinking stories and often wondering, does it get any better than this?

What are your 4th of July traditions that you look forward to?

4th of July Pressed (for time) Sandwiches

Our annual 4th of July party at the lake typically casts burgers and brats as the main acts...they're universally liked and it almost seems un-American not to fire up the grill but there are many alternatives that allow you to spend more time with your guests and less time slaving over a hot stove/grill. 

We recently attended Music by the Lake, a Ravinia-esque event up north which invites you to BYOB for a picnic style meal by the water. In the past, we have stocked up on pre-made snacks at the store but this time around, my whiz-in-the-kitchen Mom suggested we try this delicious pressed sandwich recipe from Seasons and Suppers: 

A pressed sandwich is a loaf of bread that's filled with ingredients, wrapped and refrigerated overnight under a weight. The concept is infinitely variable, so you can adjust the ingredients as you like. 

If you're heading to the beach or hosting a party over the holiday weekend, these a great choice because you can make them ahead of time and create a variety of combinations in order to offer a wide selection. We went with this recipe which calls for ciabatta rolls, arugula, bocconini, assorted Italian meats, vinegar and olive oil. 

Let your mouth water from all of these tasty sandwich layers...

"Do I smell an array of assorted Italian cold meats?"

After the sandwiches were wrapped and pressed in the fridge overnight, we wrapped them in striped twine which adds a special touch and really makes you feel like you're opening a gourmet meal rather than your basic everyday sandwich.

Oh, and for the 4th...don't forget to break out all the red, white and blue decor you own...a little (patriotic) party never hurt nobody. To that we say, yes way rosé!

P.S. Have no shame if you choose the bottle based on the label...

Those graphic designers deserve a little love and this one was too cute to pass up ;)

Peaked my Pinterest: Watermelon Cake

The minute I came across this image on Pinterest, I knew I had found the ultimate recipe for our annual 4th of July party. I have been out of control obsessed with watermelon lately -- like, I'm concerned I might sprout seeds if I eat one more piece (#sorrynotsorry). It's so refreshing and makes such an easy lunch when combined with arugula, feta cheese and balsamic dressing...my mouth is watering just typing about it!

You can usually count on me for a party dessert (cupcakes specifically), so I wanted to stick with a healthier option this year, as I knew there would PLENTY of sweets to go around. How cool that this looks like a typical cake from the outside but provides a shock factor when you cut in and realize it's made of fruit...

Check out how easy this process was...

1) Cut off all watermelon rinds

2) Cover whole watermelon in lite whipped cream (or if you have more time, make this vanilla version)

3) Coat entire watermelon in sliced almonds

4) Add blueberries on top of watermelon for festive red, white and blue look

 If you're skeptical of this strange combination of flavors, don't be! The sweet, juicy watermelon; crunchy almonds; tart berries; and fluffy whipped cream taste refreshing and light together. It was the perfect summertime dessert! 

What do you think of this recipe? What is your fruit of choice this season?