In The Kitchen

Summer is a great time to experiment in the kitchen, and it's also on my list. With all the fresh fruit and veggies in the grocery stores, it's hard not to come home with bags full of the colorful treats. Wraps are kind of a staple in my summer menus (actually all year round, let's be honest), and we decided to jazz them up a little with some roasted veggies and hummus. Take a peek into the kitchen and see how we did it!
What you cooking this summer?



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Hello, Summer


Hooray! It's the first day of summer, and boy am I glad to see its arrival! It's finally official..break out those shorts, swimsuits and sandals and #getmetothebeach. Here's to many fun adventures, longer days, and a lot of sunshine! Happy Summer, friends!

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Lush






(Dress: Lilly Pulitzer, Sunglasses: Forever 21, Clutch: Lilly Pulitzer-- past season(similar here), Ring: BCBG)

Summer colors are just the best, aren't they? I love the way that blues and greens immediately evoke thoughts of wandering around a hidden paradise, overrun with tropical plants, blooming flora and swaying palms, as you listen to the waves crashing up against the shore. We took a mini trip down south to explore the more lush and tropical parts, and the views were simply breathtaking as sea kissed sand under the blue sky. It seemed appropriate to dress in colors that mirror nature during this time of year, and I have to admit that it just makes me happy to wear these pretty shades. A shift dress is always stylish and cool in the heat, and this one is the perfect blend of whimsy and functionality...now all I need is an iced tea and I'm set for summer!

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Beach Bash


Guess what?! The Summer issue of Lydia Magazine is now live! Catch all of the details that went into creating this colorful and simple Bohemian-inspired Summer Beach Bash, as well as more amazing content from the talented Lydia staff!

Read it online HERE or order a print copy of your own HERE
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Six Things To Do This Summer


Hooray it's Summer! (well not officially, but hey, close enough!) School is out, the sun is warm and days are getting longer. It's my favorite season, and I often enjoy having some extra time to do those things I "never have time for" during the year. It's easy to just lounge around, and while there's certainly something to be said about doing a little of that, it's also fun to do something different.
Each summer I like to make a list of fun things to do, so if I'm ever bored, there's a few ideas on hand to reference. Here's a few that made the list:


1. Take a day trip.
With some extra time on your hands, it's a good idea to get out and explore your hometown and surrounding area. Take a quick day trip to shop, eat, and explore some of the things that make your town or a nearby area unique..who knows, you might even find a few new favorite places! If you're visiting somewhere that's close to the water, don't forget to pack your swimsuit!

2. Try a new restaurant...or better yet, cook up something new in the kitchen.
What better time to whip up a new smoothie recipe, or to try out a new dinner idea than summer?! Take an afternoon and look up some ideas on Pinterest  in a cookbook to get inspired. Maybe even invite a few friends or family over to taste test and bring some of their own dishes to share.

3. Get outside!
Hello gorgeous weather! Let's stop spending so much time indoors, and take advantage of the beautiful sunshine. Get out and sit in the hammock, go on a bike ride, walk in the park, go for a run, walk the beach...you name it, there's tons of things to do instead of being inside. Enjoy the day and soak up the sun!

4. Attend an event
Look to see what's going on locally, and get tickets to a show, concert, festival, sporting event, gallery opening..etc. During the summer, most cities have a lot of different events planned, so take a look in the social column and pick a day to try something new! (This was the World Finals for the Modern Pentathlon, so cool!)

5. Have a party
No need for a specific reason, just have some friends over and enjoy the beauty of summer days. Invite everyone to bring a favorite dish to share, or have people over to enjoy a little summer grilling and time to catch up. When the sun sets, light a few lanterns or switch on the cafe lights for a little extra glow.

6. Go to the farmer's market.
One of my favorite things to do is to wander about the different streets, lined with vendors selling the freshest of fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods. The colors and smells are always so rich, and it's a great place to people watch and even get your dog out for a little walk! I like to make a stop to pick up a fresh coconut with a straw, so refreshing and delicious! Try a local market purchase in some of your recipes, and support the small businesses in your town. I think you'll be delightfully surprised!

Next time you're wondering what to do that day, take a look at this list or create one of your own!
Here's to a fantastic summer!
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5 Ways to Achieve Anything In Life


Whoa, sounds too good to be true? Try applying these to your life, and you'll be surprised at what you will accomplish. Let's take a look..

1. Know your strategy: Begin with the end in mind, and set a goal of where you want to be, what you want to achieve..etc. Most people start out their journey with a vague concept, and wonder why they never end up with the results. Next, plan out your plan of action to get there! Case in point: if you want to get into better shape, begin with your end result, back it up to a monthly plan, then a weekly workout schedule, and add details like meal plans and water consumption. Have a strategy and you'll already be farther along the pathway to success.

2. Fight distractions: Let's face it, it's easy to get---hey, have you read my story yet? Click here to read more!-- Wait, what was I talking about? Oh, right, distractions. When you're tracking for success, don't be surprised if all kinds of things seem to come out of the woodwork to distract and de-rail you. They may be outright distractions, or they may be good things, but you'll have to ask yourself "Is this helping me to accomplish my goals and dreams?" If not, then leave it alone and move on. Fight any feelings of doubt and keep on going.

3. Stay Focused: Ask any one of the most decorated and celebrated athletes, or anyone who has accomplished something great and they'll always tell you that the pathway to achievement took a lot of focus. People and things can be distractions and sometimes misleading in terms of tracking to reach your goal. Continue to be committed, show up to that morning practice/workout/meeting or put in those extra minutes at the gym/office/in the books. Don't judge yourself solely on the results along the way, judge your commitment to the activity...if you are committed and focused, the results will begin to follow.

4. Speak What You Want: Why is it that we tend to talk a lot about what we dislike, don't want, can't change? If you can't change it or don't like it, don't talk about it! Simple, yet powerful concept here. Self-talk has the power to make us well or sick, cause us to achieve or fail, and can change your life for the better if you embrace it from the positive perspective. What DO you want? Talk about what you want because you'll always get what you expect. Believe in yourself, stay positive and forget about the negative thoughts and actions. Be your own best cheerleader. Success begins by believing it within.

5. Celebrate: When you make progress, celebrate it! The world needs more happy, motivated people, and what better way to encourage and propel you forward than to celebrate the victories in life?! Get a faster time in training? Celebrate! Received a promotion? Celebrate! Made it a certain amount of days with consistency in a particular area of life? Celebrate that. It's always better to encourage yourself and others by rejoicing in the good things and forward progress toward your goal.

As we move toward summer, it's easy to switch into lazy mode, but challenge yourself to use your time effectively, and take a moment to set some goals to work for. It will make your life far more fulfilling and exciting, promise! You can do it.



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