ONE SHOULDER CLASSIC & "THE" BRUSCHETTA

I've said it many times, and I will say it again, there is just something about crisp white in the summer! While I've always been an off-the-shoulder girl, as you know, I've really been diggin one shoulders this year. When I saw this from the Loft I knew it would be perfect with just simple jeans and cute pumps! 

There is an amazing Neapolitan pizza restaurant in town called Venturi. While the pizza is pretty delicious, what I love most is their seasonal bruschetta. From mid June until August, they have the most embarrassing heirloom tomato bruschetta that I have ever tasted in my life. I look so forward to it every summer and while I could eat a whole one by myself, Mr. Nine and I usually share. 

This is what I wore on a night when we went there and you cannot see it in the pictures, but before dinner the wind blew the ruffle up in my face and I got lipstick on it plus Mr. Nine joked why would you wear crisp white to a pizza place?

I did manage not to get any pizza on it, and my taste buds were still screaming with joy after our meal there that night due to the homemade mozzarella the lemon oil vinaigrette topping and crispy homemade baguette bread. Something about those with the heirloom tomatoes just makes it extra special.

So I guess you could say this post combines two of my favorite things, well actually three, fashion, food and out to eat with my Mr. and sons. Any night like that is special, even if I do get lipstick on the ruffle, LOL!

And Tomorrow I am back again for Tasty Tuesday with a recipe that would most likely taste delicious with this Bruschetta! I'm hungry, see ya then!

Linking up The Pleated Poppy // Oh Hey Girl // Trendy Wednesday // The Mummy Chronicles // Visible Monday //Style Me Wednesday // THT // Spotlight of the Week //Fashion Moda // WIWT// Thoughts for Thursday Fashion Friday // Lizzie in Lace // Shoe and Tell // Trend Spin // Fab Favorites //A Labour of Life // Confident Twosday //I will wear what I like //Let it Shine Monday // What I Wore Wednesday // Jersey Girl Texan Heart // Throwback Thursday //Jaymie Ashcraft // Fancy Friday  // Lipstick & Layers //Fashion Frenzy // WhoswearingwhatWednesday // The Weekly Style Edit // On Monday's We Link-Up 
// Metamorphosis Monday // The Scoop 
xoxo

BIRDS OF PARADISE, WUW & TBB STYLE LINK-UP

Welcome to our weekly style link-up and a Twofer with the end of the month What's Up Wednesday. Hard to believe July is about over.

Last month I told you about the pretty puppy dress that I got with the ladies of The Blended Blog when we were shopping on our Toronto trip. Today, I'm bringing you the most beautiful one shoulder ruffle top from that shopping excursion. The birds of paradise plant is just so lovely and it was the perfect thing to wear for date night on our recent vacation. It's from a store called Reitmans and wow do they have such pretty things with some neat prints. 

I could have dressed this up a little more but I wanted it to stay casual so the distressed girlfriend jeans, lace up espadrilles and touch of glam with the lace choker was just the look I was going after. I wanted the orange to pop in the print so I brought my favorite orange laser cut clutch.

This top is now on sale 60% for under $15

Buy it HERE

Now Let's see what is Happening in the 

Nine Neck of the Woods

1. WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK: Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. Chicken Bacon Alfredo Roll-Ups (recipe coming soon) Tasty Tuesday will be back soon I promise!

Recipe HERE

Turkey Burger Muffin Cups..Recipe on the blog soon

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT: The Fair. Our county Fair is this week. I told you a lil about it Here, Here and Here. Our oldest showed pigs and steers and the youngest was in shooting club. Sadly, we no longer have kids in 4-H, I no longer judge scrapbooking or enter items in the open class, so we probably won't even go out this year. But if I get a hankering for a corn dog.....

His 10th and final year last year

With a steer in 2009

My sweepstakes winning fudge one year (That year I won 4 sweepstakes categories and was soooo excited when I saw the results in the display case!)

3. WHAT I’M LOVING: Corn on the cob, sweet watermelon, Heirloom tomatoes...all the tastes of summer.

4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO: Having the Garage sale in 90 degree heat that wore this mama out! Glad it's over. Big Moving sale up next in a couple months.

Prepping for the sale, I had stickers all over me, I hope I'm worth more than that, lol

5. WHAT I’M DREADING: These two going back to college

6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON: Trying to not go too far over budget onto house.

7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT: The New House framing has begun, Fall, Football, Fall TV

8. WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING: Nothing much as changed from last month...still binging Shameless, loving Younger and AGT and reading......

9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: LOVE the new Garth Brooks song "Ask Me How I Know" and digging on a mix of 70's classics.

10. WHAT I’M WEARING:  Summer stuff and lots of coral/tangerine

11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND: Mr. Nine is in a golf tournament, boys are busy so who knows and that is ok by me!

12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH: Are you ready for some football?
High School starts in 3 weeks and Notre Dame ball all the way baby come Sept. and probably should throw in rooting for Purdue and IU since our boys go there.

We love our #9

13. WHAT ELSE IS NEW: I'm Back Tomorrow with our Christmas in July Reveal post!!! 
So excited!!

BONUS~WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUMMER? I used to say laying out, pool, beach, fresh fruits and veggies, but now that the 2 oldest are college age..it is simply having everyone together........ 

Now Let's Link-Up your fabulous style and head over to The Blended Blog and see what one of our beautiful ladies is styling and loving!

Linking up The Pleated Poppy // Oh Hey Girl // Trendy Wednesday // The Mummy Chronicles // Visible Monday //Style Me Wednesday // THT // Spotlight of the Week //Fashion Moda // WIWT// Thoughts for Thursday Fashion Friday // Lizzie in Lace // Shoe and Tell // Trend Spin // Fab Favorites //A Labour of Life // Confident Twosday //I will wear what I like //Let it Shine Monday // What I Wore Wednesday // Jersey Girl Texan Heart // Throwback Thursday //Jaymie Ashcraft // Fancy Friday  // Lipstick & Layers //Fashion Frenzy // WhoswearingwhatWednesday // The Weekly Style Edit // On Monday's We Link-Up // Mix and Match Mama
xoxo

An InLinkz Link-up

9 THINGS I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

There are always those moments where we look back and reflect on all the things we wish we could have done but never got around to doing them. As we start to age, you realize that your future is much shorter and you do not have all the time the world to get around to doing those things and pursuing your dreams. Looking forward to doing these things is half the fun too. Dreams keep us hoping and Hope is what we all need in this ever changing world. 

Last month, sweet and talented Beth from Our Pretty Little Girls posted 10 things she has always wanted to do and it really got me thinking!

From the silly to the fulfilling to the inspiring, we all have things we've always wanted to do. What are some things you've always wanted to do? Tell Me or Do a Post like this to share. I love hearing other people's goals and dreams!

9 Things I've Always Wanted To Do

Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco

I've always heard about what a treat this is. I can just imagine all the beautiful California coast spots to stumble upon. 

Train Trip around Europe

My husband and I have both been to places in Europe but on a trip to Italy, we started thinking about seeing as much of that continent as we could via train. Now, this may have to wait til my post blogger days as how am I going to fit all my pictures outfits in one toting on a train suitcase? LOL.

Run/Walk the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago
One Spring we were in Chicago and as I was looking out the window, I noticed the streets were blocked off. In a few seconds, here came this sea of green. Thousands of people were doing the Shamrock Shuffle, an 8k run walk through the streets of Chicago. I decided then and there, "I'm doing that someday!"

Host a Shower for my future Daughter-in-Laws, at least one

Hold on....no, none of our boys are engaged. However, you know I long for further daughter-in-laws who will like me, think I'm cool and actually want to spend time with me. How I would love to host an amazing bridal shower for at least one of them.

Host a Blogger Meet and Greet in Chicago
The Blended Blog ladies and I had talked about doing this but renting a beach house for our next get together won. However, it is still a dream of mine to host a big blogger meet and greet in Chicago. Since I am just 2 hours away, it would be fun to get put together a Bloggy weekend so even more of us can meet each other and bounce ideas off one another.

Take a future granddaughter on an amazing trip which will of course, include major shopping
Again, no grand babies even on the horizon but one day, one day, I hope to call a little girlie my sweet pal. How great would it be to take her on an amazing trip somewhere and spoil her rotten. A grandson would be just as sweet.

Go to the top of a wind turbine

On our recent vacay Mr. Nine got me a little closer to them but oh the ultimate would be to go to the top and I'd do it despite being scared of heights. I'm mesmerized; is it a ladder to get up? Stairs? An elevator? I want to see the country side from the top of my beloved turbines.

Take Care of my mom and NOT put her in a home

When my mother-in-law was ill, my sweet sister-in-law was able to take care of her in her home in her last days. I have always told my mom I never want to have to put her in a home and if it all possible, when she gets older is and if she is in need of end-of-life care, I hope I'm in a position to take care of her. 

Buy a house on Lake Michigan in our favorite town 
It's no secret around these parts that we are crazy about Lake Michigan. In the future or when we retire, we hope to get a house probably right on the lake if we can or at least close by in our sweet little beach town!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Biana // Totally Terrific Tuesday // Inspire Me Monday // Inspire Me Tuesday // Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party // Share It // Creative Monday's // Creative Muster Party // Wow Us Wednesdays // Wonderful Wednesday's Blog Hop // Feathered Nest Friday // Metamorphosis Monday // The Scoop 

xoxo

FRIDAY FAVORITES....in the GARAGE EDITION

You know where I am right now? In the garage taking in some dough. Yep, it's the first of two Garage sales this Summer before we move. Can you believe I am selling 30 pairs of my shoes? Wish you could all come. So, I apologize now if I am not commenting as much as normal today. It gets little nuts round here on sale day. People in these parts love em'!

In fact I did a whole post called last year called Garage Sale 101 as it is always quite successful but a lot of work. It'll be a fun, busy day. Wishing you the BEST Friday and fun and SWEET weekend ahead!

1. A Day at the Round Barn
We try to make it a point to get to the Round Barn Winery every year and had not been this year. My mom reminded me it as country music weekend so we said, Why not!!

 That is a vodka lemonade slushy with a sangria topper...so refreshing!

Before we filled up on bevy's, we opted for an outdoor meal at The Clean Plate club 10 minutes from the winery. That's a veggie scramble on top of friend green tomatoes with chipotle sauce...so GOOD!!

Great band named "Gussied Up" from Chicago came in and played pop hits with a country spin and old school country  

Look at the Giant Jenga..and of course how my nail polish matches my drink, lol.

And earlier this week, I showed you my pretty Shades of Blue top. This blue was almost identical and the dress so comfy from Old Navy.

Dress HERE

2. Gifts from sweet Bloggy Friends!

I've said it a million times, but blogging friends are truly something special. We really couldn't do our thing on the bog ole net without each other. My life has been blessed with the most amazing woman all over the world. I was super lucky to get packages this week from two of them who I adore with all my heart!
Shelly from The Queen In Between thought of me when she saw this darling watermelon lunch bag...perfect of this lunch to work toting gal!! Her words of sweetness made my week and we are so honored she is the newest sister at The Blended Blog!!

The ever sweet and Talented Nicole of Nick and Nicole + 4 sent me this goodness. I cannot wait to show you what is inside and tell you more about Nicole! The contents of this precious package will be revealed on July 27th when The Blended Blog ladies and I do our Christmas in July Post showing off our gift exchange. 
You don't want to miss it! 

3. Week's Attire

Ross Dress, Vigotti Pumps, The Loft necklace

TJ Maxx top, The Loft pants, Michael Kors flats

Kohl's top, The Loft pants, Black pearl necklace from my husband

4. When your ice cream matches your outfit
Monday I brought you a recap from our Family Vacation. Well, in that town is the most wonderful little ice cream stand. The lemon custard ice cream is outta this world. And well, I just happened to match it.

JC Penny side zipper sweatshirt, GAP Girlfriend capris and Tory Burch Miller Sandals

More Inspo

 I'm thinking that's mocha?

Maybe top scoop is strawberry?

5. Misc. Fun
Pom Pom Blanket 
I have had my eye on this blanket from Meijer and thought they were sold out but they re-stocked and it was on sale. Plan on throwing it over a plush couch in my new office/craft space at the new house. LOVE the pom poms but I'll probably call it my "Ball Blanket" lol 

Shower Tile
Well, we are over budget on tile and flooring but Mr. Nine is thinking I can keep the waterfall tile in the Master Shower. This is exactly what it will look like.

Let's do this sale thing and wish me luck!!
I hope your weekend is Fabulous sweet friends!!

Linking up with  Amanda // Friday Favorites  // Oh Hey, Friday  // High 5 For Friday // 5 on Friday // Fashion Friday
xoxo

SHADES OF BLUE & TBB STYLE LINK-UP

I never really used to love wearing blue, except for the other black; Navy! However, this past year or two, I have really been drawn to shades of blue. So much so, that I'm even toying with the idea of having a shade of it be an accent color in some areas of our new house? As for clothing, it's the vibrant blues that really draws me in!

The sleeves and the flow of this beautiful top or just too cute to pass up and I could not believe that the shade of blue matched these fun and funky Fringed Steve Madden lace up sandals! and the the Rebecca Minkoff "Leo" clutch was a sweet addition since it too matched the pink fringe in the sandals.

Some of these pictures were taken by the most darling ice cream spot in our vacation town called The Cool Spot! While another ice cream shop is our favorite, this one has the cutest flowers and outside decorations!

The sweet little necklace..a gift this past Christmas from the Husband..it is morse code for "I LOVE YOU"

And can we just keep talking about the sandals? Not only were they comfortable but they're just so darn fun, definitely my favorite sandal purchase of the summer!

Steve Madden Swizzle Sandals, Now 1/2 Price 

HERE and HERE

Similar Tops Here and Here and Here

And it's funny, when I talk about Shades of Blue, J-Lo keeps popping in my mind because I absolutely love that show and I can't wait till it comes back in the Fall! She is one Bad-A#s Detective! Yes, that was totally off-topic but she happens to be one of my favorite fashion icons as well! LOL. Love you Jenny from the Block!

And with this new found love of blue, don't you think mama might need these pointed toe smoking slippers (NO, I do not smoke) for Fall? From Sole Society

HERE 

And know what else I love? YOU, Linking-Up with us and your beautiful style! 
Head over to The Blended Blog and see what one of our gorgeous ladies is styling and loving!

Linking up The Pleated Poppy // Oh Hey Girl // Trendy Wednesday // The Mummy Chronicles // Visible Monday //Style Me Wednesday // THT // Spotlight of the Week //Fashion Moda // WIWT// Thoughts for Thursday Fashion Friday // Lizzie in Lace // Shoe and Tell // Trend Spin // Fab Favorites //A Labour of Life // Confident Twosday //I will wear what I like //Let it Shine Monday // What I Wore Wednesday // Jersey Girl Texan Heart // Throwback Thursday //Jaymie Ashcraft // Fancy Friday  // Lipstick & Layers //Fashion Frenzy // WhoswearingwhatWednesday // The Weekly Style Edit // On Monday's We Link-Up

xoxo

An InLinkz Link-up