It's Monday! Let's get this party started

I don't know about you but I have really been feeling ready for fall.  It's a while before it feels like fall 'round these parts but we can still dream.  I have already purchased a couple new long, slouchy cardigans and am freshening up my light layering pieces.

Friday night was picture perfect.  We had a 7:00 soccer game beachside.  There was a lovely little breeze and all smiles from my little ladies as we left with the win.

Our Saturday game was rescheduled and my Dad was out of town so I skipped racing and spent the first half of the day at the fields watching nieces and nephews.  

Sunday we slept in as long as the dog would let us, did some house cleaning, organizing and had NFL & Nascar on throughout the house.  I was dreaming of a nap but I was on a roll cleaning so I kept going.  I am in town most of the week so I am hopeful my cleaning itch keeps appearing these next few days so I can get some more projects knocked out.

I inherited some family furniture and I am hoping to tackle my first dining table refinish.  I have been hoping for a few years to do this but this time, I am realllllyyyyy hoping.  :)  

Happy Monday, make it a great week! 

10 ways to fancy up your party (with Amazon)

1. These paper straws are a fun way to add a little color to your bar cart and add a little personality to your party.

2. There are lots of straw holders.  Round cylinders are the most common but this acrylic one is eye catching and unique.

3.I love these foil balloons.  You can buy words or individual letters and numbers.  Search "foil balloons"

4. Aside from gold, clear is my favorite accent.  This cocktail napkin holder is classy and prevents the fold-over of droopy napkins.

5. These gold dot Kate Spade cocktail napkins are a fun, classy accent.

6. Bathroom napkins are a lovely touch (and keeps your hand towels clean).  This napkin holder is perfect.

7. A neutral monogram paper guest towel can work for anytime guests stop in.  These are a great option.

8. Ahhhh, isn't this the cutest ice bucket?!!

9. I love flamingos and they are such a fun accent for finger foods.

10.Cookies, cupcakes, cups of pasta, and cheesecake bites would all look elegant served on a multi-tier acrylic stand like this.

Back from Islamorada

Spa...sun...fun, the perfect way to spend a couple days.  We have an annual work outing for a quick end-of-summer getaway down to Islamorada.  I live a little more than four hours away so the drive isn't too bad.  It's really a shame I don't got there more for personal trips.

There are lots of nice places to stay in Islamorada.  The Founder of the company I work for took a particular liking to a little resort called Breezy Palms.  It isn't the fanciest on the strip but it's got tons of charm and is just big enough to house all the people that go and we are able to have the hotel all to ourselves.

 There is always the rush to get there first and get the best rooms.  I totally lucked out and got one of the half dozen or so that overlook the water.  This was the view from my back porch.  The beds are on the opposite side of the room so I didn't get to wake-up to this but 10 steps or so to the porch are nothing to complain about.  :)

 

The big event of the trip is a fishing outing.  It's just for our group set up tournament style and they give tons of great prizes.  I experienced the fishing last year but this trip down I stayed on shore and opted for a facial and massage.  I actually had several of the men saying how much they wanted to skip the fishing and join me. (Not such a bad idea after all)

 Before I snuck over to my appointment, I decided to get a little Vitamin D.  One thing I just don't remember from past trips are the HUGE (dog/cat sized) iguanas.  These suckers are everywhere.  They were more interested in the shade rather than me but dang, I couldn't take my eyes off them and relax.  I was texting my husband asking what I should do.  He told me to go back to my room.  How can I get sun that way??!!  I braved it for 30 minutes or so but seriously, these iguanas were everywhere and totally creeped me out.

 

The guys were cracking me up.  After a few adult beverages they thought it'd be a good idea to try for some iguana selfies.  haha  The iguanas were #NotImpressed.  

I hope you had some fun in the sun.  It rained alllllll weeekend here.  On a good note, it wasn't 100 degrees.  I am ready for a little cooler weather and some sweaters.  Let's make it a good week!

Yay for 3-day weekends!

Hey friends! Raise your hand if you are sad to see the long weekend go.  I caught up on my beauty sleep and managed to pack in lots of fun stuff.  I am off to the Florida Keys this week for a little work outing so I headed to grab a pedi.  My nieces were with me so the three of us treated ourselves.  The girls were almost asleep by the time we were done.  :)  

The girls were cracking me up because they have fake cell phones and sit in the back set chit chatting away with themselves having full on "phone" conversations.

 

I really really wanted to go home after pedicures but they begged and begged to go to a hibatchi dinner.  I am a softy and caved so off to dinner we went.

 

We went to Orlando to support their older sister, Payton in her wakeboarding competition.  She finished third for the event and second for the season.  Go girl!  

 

Soccer starts this weekend and I must have overslept because I was feeling verrrryyyy ambitious and decided to make matching hair bows for the team.  H-O-U-R-S later, I had all 12 done.  They came out cute considering they were my first attempt.  Thank god for Pinterest!  

 

I have a short week....on the road today for work and out of town for the next few days.  Catch y'all next week!  :) 

5 ways to style a vest

Who is ready for falllll?  Me! Me!  I just noticed this week it's getting darker a little earlier and I am ready for some cooler temps.  I love, love, love vests for fall and winter and found some really cute ways to wear them.
So far, I am just a puffer/quilted vest owner but am loving some of these looks.

Dear Miley,

Dear Miley,
You had the world watching you.  Your parents in the crowd.  I was really hoping you'd surprise me and show the world you could class it up a bit.  You win.  
While I am in no position to judge your 20's behavior, I think you will regret this.  I hope you do. You are a pretty girl and have the world at your fingertips.  Get it together girlfriend.  
#RantOver

Who rants about MTV?  I am officially old.  haha

Did you see the VMAs?  I loved Tori Kelly.  Wow....the next generation Mariah Carey mixed with Alicia Keys.  I also heard Kanye is running for President.  I am going to have to catch the re-runs and will report back to you.

Hope you are off to a good week.  We are getting heavy rains here is Central Florida.  I need some Vitamin D.  Let's fast forward to Friday.....a 3-day weeeekkkkeeennnddd!!!