Stars & Stripes

| top | shorts | sunglasses |

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you're enjoying the long weekend and taking a moment to celebrate the patriotism and sacrifice of those who have so selflessly served our country. I thought it would be a fun occasion to pull out some stars and a few stripes for the day! It's also the unofficial start to summer, yay! This is my favorite season, and I'm so excited for more beach days, travel adventures, getting out on the water, evening grilling and dinners on the patio. Happy Monday!

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Island Escape

As soon as the sun comes out, and the weather heats up, I'm all for a weekend escape to the beach. The sound of the surf and swaying palms, and the feeling of the warm sun on your skin is the best kind of combination to make you forget all the cares of the week. I love to wander along the shoreline and hop on a bike to explore the little palm-lined streets. There's something to be said about taking a break from the work week to indulge in a little natural beauty. What do you do to get away and recharge?

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Shades of Green

(Top: Old Navy, Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer, Sunglasses: GlassesShop c/o, 

Shoes: Zara, Hat: purchased in the Caribbean)

How was your long weekend? Hope it was fantastic! It sure was nice to take a day off from the crazy amounts of work I've had recently and just escape to the beach for the afternoon. Summer has always been my favorite season, and while everyone toward the north prepares for Fall, I'm kind of glad that the cooler temps won't be stopping by here until about mid-October (if we're lucky). One of the ways that I like to transition into Fall is through fashion, and while jackets and sweaters sound nice, it's just not practical yet, so I like to use accessories to make the style switch. Emerald has been picked as a hot shade for the new season, and these gorgeous gold-rimmed sunglasses, in a brilliant shade of green, are the best way to incorporate a hint of it into my wardrobe. There's something about mirrored frames that makes you look chic and put together, even if you were running late ;) Oh, and did I mention they're only $20?! (Seriously, I know. You'd never guess it by looking at them) Come grab a pair...trust me, you'll love them! 

Also, don't forget to receive an extra 20% off sitewide when you enter the code: Candice20 at checkout! 

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Clean & Green

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope your weekend was fantastic and restful. It's been so warm recently, and already feels like summer has arrived. We've been taking trips to the farmer's market, and getting out to the beach whenever there's a moment of free time. It's amazing what 30 minutes in the sun does for your body and mind..I always come back from the beach feeling refreshed and happy (and hopefully a little tanner, too!).  If there's one thing I enjoy most about the summer season, it's actually the arrival of all the fresh fruit in the stores. Say hello to pineapples, bananas, papayas, sweet melons and other delights, yum! With all this fruit, it's fun to try out different smoothie recipes, especially on those crazy warm days, or for a simple breakfast option when you're on the go. I recently found and tried this guide, and thought you might enjoy it also...especially when you have a bunch of random ingredients in the pantry; this list may spark new combination ideas! For those of you who are a little wary about the whole "green" smoothie idea, I suggest you try only a handful to a cup of spinach in a smoothie. You won't taste any of the flavor as it gets blended in with the fruit, but you'll still get the benefits of the greens. Trust me, it's always more delicious than it might seem! :)

(via)

Have a favorite recipe? Do tell! 

Have a great week!

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Everyday Sparkle

(Top: F21, Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer (past season), Necklace: Majestical Jewelry c/o)

Ooh I do love the arrival of spring! Time to pack up the bag and head to the beach, or at least slip into a pair of shorts and enjoy the day! This weekend was filled with glorious weather, and I had a little time to enjoy a beautiful lunch by the harbor and an afternoon walking along the shoreline, playing tag with the waves and soaking up some sunshine. Most days my style uniform consists of shorts and a simple top, and when the weekends arrive, there's nothing better than a soft, striped tee, paired with a fabulous necklace. I've been eyeing this gorgeous tortoiseshell piece, as it reminds me of the art deco era, but updated with a modern twist. There's something so fun about everyday sparkle...who says that you can't glitter during the day? I'm all for bringing out the fancy evening jewels to play in the daylight, and give casual style a little glamour. After scouring the internet for a little more affordable version of this beauty, Majestical Jewelry seemed to have the perfect option, and I've got to admit, I'm a little obsessed with their collection that's perfectly curated for every season. Definitely worth the visit! 

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Weekend Wanderings

(Headband by Devon Alana)

Happy Weekend! I'm so looking forward to a little time in the sun, and even an hour or so to finish up a few good books I've been meaning to read. What a fun week it's been with the Style Sessions here on the blog, co-hosted by Devon Alana! We hope you've enjoyed them as much as we have! It was such fun to put them together, and we're dreaming up a few more exciting ideas for the future, so stay tuned! If you haven't entered the giveaway, definitely do so, as this is the last day it's running! You'll want to get your hands on all the fun things we're gifting to a reader of ours. Also, if you get the chance, you'll want to take a peek at Devon Alana's Etsy shop..she's got all kinds of monogrammed accessories, adorable shirts & more; with Spring Break coming up, you'll want to snag a few to pack in that beach bag!

Hope you have a beautiful & relaxing weekend!

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Weekend Wanderings

It's so easy to want to conform to what others want, or what society says..but this is one of the most important lessons I've ever learned. To read my story, start here! In other words, hope you have a fantastic weekend, everyone! 

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Weekend Wanderings

I just love summer...time to see family, meeting up with friends for lunch, watching the beautiful display of colors every evening as God paints the brilliant sunset across the sky, time to kick back and relax with my stack of books I've been meaning to finish, exploring new places and visiting old favorites. Finally a little time to plan, dream and enjoy; a break from the busy schedules of normal routine.

Oh summer you just might be my very favorite ;) 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

-Candice

P.S. 

I'll be having a few lovely guests sharing here & there on the blog over the next few weeks, so be sure to check back, as you won't want to miss it! :)

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Weekend Wanderings

As the weekend arrives, I'm about to begin a bit of an adventure that brings me to time spent with good friends, late night stargazing, lots of sunshine and maybe a little work here & there ;) Really though, it's good to enjoy my summer in a place that causes me to step back from technology a little, changes my focus & routine, and surrounds me with the beauty that is found in nature and time shared with some long-time friends. I'll be back soon with stories to share!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

Happy Weekend, everyone!

I don't know about you, but this week has been exceptionally busy. Midweek I was desperately craving a weekend spent by the ocean or a good pool day. While I don't see a whole lot of time to fit that in this weekend, I am planning to enjoy some time spent in the company of friends who are celebrating their completion of hard-earned degrees (can't believe it's already been a year since my grad, what?!) as well as doing some styling for girls getting ready for prom! Things are happy here :) I so hope you have a wonderful, restful weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday! Enjoy!

-Candice

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Refresh

What is more wonderful than gorgeous sunset dinners, sunkissed skin and days filled with poolside lounging and a dip or two in the clear water? Only being able to do everything with some of your close friends of course! It is always wonderful to do coffee chats, but there's something so refreshing about sneaking away for a few days to just relax, unwind and enjoy. After all this, I'm ready to face a new week!

Happy Monday! 

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Weekend Wanderings

Happy weekend, friends! I'm off enjoying a little getaway to relax, recharge and sit by the sea with some friends. It's oh so good to take a moment or two to breathe, especially when life gets so busy! Whether or not you're able to drive to the beach, take a moment and just enjoy. Do something that makes you happy, and forget the stresses of daily routines. You'll be amazed at how much better your day goes! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Candice

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#Instachallenge Friday

Ready for another instachallenge? We've been talking about enjoying life all week long, focusing on the positive, and looking for those moments or little things that make life sweet, so today I challenge you to instagram something that makes you smile. Make sure to hashtag it with #projectinspiredlife. It's so encouraging to look through and see those goals & dreams of yours, and now you can share with the community the things that make life fun. Can't wait to see what makes you happy!

Happy (Easter) weekend, everyone!

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

Weekends are always a great time to relax, recharge and to accomplish things you didn't get to during the week. One of the activities I most enjoy during the weekend is the chance to spend some evenings at the beach, enjoying the brilliant blaze of colors, sea breezes and relaxing sounds of waves meeting the shore. We've had the most mild of winter weather this year, and so I've been wandering through my summer wardrobe once again. Can't say I'm missing my coats and layers all that much..island days here I come.  

Happy Weekend, everyone!

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Weekend Wanderings

Is it just me or has this week gone by crazy fast?! Perhaps it's because I've been running around to prepare for a fun venture this weekend, as well as a Christmas party I'm hosting soon. Weekends during the holiday season are always such fun because they're usually brimming over with activities like baking, parties, shows, seeing friends, a drive about town to see homes adorned with sparkling lights and cozy evenings curled up with hot cocoa and a good book. Do you have a favorite holiday activity? They're all so lovely its almost impossible for me to pick a favorite! 

Have a delightful weekend! 

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

It's time for the weekend, and this one is full of events and fun! I'm off to a friend's wedding, my sister's performances of the Nutcracker ballet (in which she has the lead) and a few other shows and parties along the way, whew! I cannot help but love this time of year! This week held decorating, both at home and at church, prep work for an upcoming project or two, as well as some present purchasing...have you finished your holiday shopping yet?!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

Hi Everyone!
Happy weekend! Hope this week was full of fun and productivity for you. I'm happy to see the weekend arrive, although it's somewhat of a busy one! With the holidays beginning next week there's lots of preparations here, and it can get slightly hectic, but luckily there's a little bit of time in this weekend to relax, enjoy and breathe a bit. Plans to do some baking, writing and goal setting for the upcoming holiday season are all on the schedule for the next few days. Take a bit of time this weekend to enjoy the present moment, something that I can often forget to do when things begin to get busy. Something about just being fully in the moment, mentally and physically seems to do wonders for de-stressing the mind.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

-Candice

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Plum + Navy

(Top: Marshall's, Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes: TOMS, Jewelry: Lilly Pulitzer,  Ceclie Melli, Sunglasses: Michael Kors)

One of my favorite places in town combines beautiful gardens full of blooming beauties with the sky, sea, and historic mansions that are illuminated by the sun's last streams of light as it slips past the horizon in a blaze of brilliant hues. It was a rather busy weekend, but a fulfilling one. I had the chance to speak to middle school students on the topic of dating and life purpose. They have so much potential, and it's a fun age to work with. 

On another note, it's been a rather warm fall here, with a few cool days here and there, but I can't say I'm not enjoying these semi-summer like weekends..

Hope you have a wonderful Monday! 

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

What a week..I still feel a little like I'm in a whirlwind of activity since being back; running errands, unpacking and reorganizing, as well as catching up on your lovely blogs since my absence.

(my Bloglovin account was only slightly frightening..triple digits, yikes!)

Weekend, I'm happily welcoming your arrival..now if only it would act a little like fall around here.. 87 and sunny in October..hmm guess that means some beach time isn't out of the question! Do you have anything exciting planned?

Happy Weekend, everyone! 

-Candice

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Weekend Wanderings

(via)

Regardless of what is trendy or not, knowing who you are and sticking to that is most important. People will try to change you, to sway you, to make you feel as though there is a need to accept conformity... don't let them. Ask God to reveal what it is that he wants you to do; your life purpose is something that only you can fulfill. Take time to know yourself...find the things that make you come alive, and the desires that have been written upon your heart. Your gifts & talents are what make you, you! Learning to love yourself may not be easy, but it is essential to a life worth living! 

Have a lovely weekend!

-Candice

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