Open-Air Beauty in Thailand

This 9,200 sq. ft. villa is listed for a mere $2,700,000 in Koh Sumui, Thailand, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Isn't it dreamy? How much would you love to vacation here? Or just dip your toes in that pool?

The living room is completely open to the outdoors to provide cross-ventilation to the entire house. When it rains you can pull down sail-like sheets to protect you from the elements. Heaven!

Ahh that view is insane. I can practically smell the ocean from here.

I hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

xoxo

Hunting

I've come to the not-so-difficult realization that unemployment while on severance pay is pretty much vacation. A wonderful, perfect vacation. A PAID vacation. My days have been spent in one of two places: in front of my computer job-hunting, or catching up on my reading by the pool. Not too shabby.

It's not always sunshine and rainbows, though. The image below is what I've been telling myself when I get frustrated with not having a job. I actually printed it out, framed it, and hung it in my bedroom. It keeps me calm and focused. God is good!

You can check out more of my morning motivation here.

 

Prayers would be much appreciated, because whether I want to admit it or not, I can't live like this forever! 

 

Please be sure to check out some of my other blog posts!

xoxo

The Good with the Bad

Welp, what a crazy week it has been..

I'll start off by saying I had a FANTASTIC time at the beach with my friends. More fun than I've had in a long, long time. If you follow my blog at all, you know how much I've been dying to spend some time at the beach with my toes in the sand and a Corona in my hand. Work had been so stressful for the past few months that, even though we were only there for three days, it was plenty enough for me to clear my head and de-stress.

Some of the lovely ladies I lived with in college. From L to R: myself, Alyssa and Connie!

Jacy (R) and me (L) on Connie's sailboat

Spending a perfect day out on the Gulf.

Okay.. Here's the kicker..

I went back to work on Monday... and was laid off from my job.

Yep, I am currently unemployed. It sucks majorly just to type that.

Womp womp womp.

Working in a job you're not happy at is a horrible feeling. Being let go from a job you dislike is just as bad.

At the same time, it's such a weight off my shoulders. I can honestly and genuinely say that I am excited and happy to have the opportunity to look for a new job. What an adventure life can be!!  Instead of beating myself up about it, I'm looking towards the future and what great opportunities are coming my way.

So, I encourage all of you who may be going through rough times to remind yourself that these are the moments that just make you stronger in the end!

I love you all, xoxo

W2WW :: Wear to Work Wednesday

This outfit would be perfect to to work after a long week at the beach - great tan and rosy cheeks included. 

I'll be in Florida from tonight until Sunday.. sending lots of love your way!

Blazer / sheinside.com / $33

Tote / Mulberry / $670

Heels / Zara / $30 (similar - on sale!)

Blush / Tarte / $30

Skirt / J.Crew / $50 (on sale!)

Top / Old Navy / $10 (on sale!)

Earrings / Tiffany & Co. / $575

xoxo

Currently Coveting :: Green, Green, Green

Emerals green, kelly green, pea green, fern green, lime green, forest green, mint green... 

I'm typically drawn towards warmer colors when it comes to interior decorating, but for whatever reason whenever I'm asked the question "What's your favorite color?", my response is always "GREEN!"

I love the serenity and calmness of this color.. plus I'm kind of a hippie at heart and it reminds me of being outdoors. Literally like a breath of fresh air. 

I want to know - whether it's fashion, interior designs, art - what colors are you leaning towards lately?

xoxo

Birthday Week :: Dream On

I turn 23 one week from today.. eek! Why does 23 feel so dang old? Can't I just turn 21 again?

I am DYING for this infinity ring from Tiffany's. It's perfect. So, if there's anyone out there who wants to buy me a $2,300 ring for my birthday, you know where to find me. Or perhaps the matching necklace? Anyone?

*crickets*

Somewhat more reasonable is this necklace from Stella & Dot that I'm lusting after.. Mom, are you listening?

Many more birthday-related updates to come later in the week. I'm not one to pay much attention to my own birthday, but this year I'll be headed to the beach with some of my besties and (to put it lightly) I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT!!! This will be the first vacation I've taken since I went to Key West in March 2011. No lie. 

xoxo

Chic Up Your Office

If you're like me and spend 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, 160 hours a month at your desk - why not spice it up a little? Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to have an office space that is both functional and fun. Check out these desk accessories to add a little chic to your work life!

1. Signature three-ring binder / russel+hazel / $24

2. Leather mouse pad / Freshly Picked / $35

3. Tassel key chain / russel+hazel / $30

4. iPhone 4 case / J.Crew / $25

5. Florence Broadhurst pad set / Kate Spade / $12

6. Bulletin pencil cup / Anthropologie / $32

7. Brass Squirrel letter opener / Jonathan Adler / $98

8. Acrylic tape dispenser / The Container Store / $10

9. Ink pen / Lilly Pulitzer / $20

10. Marcella tote / Z Gallerie / $60

11. Gardenia candle / Diptyque / $60 

12. Turning Triangles terrarium / Urban Outfitters / $39

13. Brocade letter sorter / The Container Store / $8

4th of July Fun :: Recipes

Summer Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes and Zucchini

This recipe from Skinnytaste looks SO yummy!



Ingredients:
16 oz uncooked elbows
4 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
2 cups (1 small) zucchini, sliced and quartered
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
7 tbsp light mayonnaise (Hellman's)
2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp fat free Greek yogurt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste










Jello Shots!

Blue Layer
2 boxes berry blue gelatin dessert mix (3.1 oz)
1 1/2 cups water
2 envelope plain gelatin
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
Red Layer
2 boxes raspberry, strawberry or cherry gelatin dessert mix (3.1 oz)
1 1/2 cups water
2 envelope plain gelatin
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
White Layer
2 ¾ cups water
6 envelopes plain gelatin
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
1/2 cup white crème de cacao (or white chocolate liqueur)

Click here for more recipes on my Pinterest page!