The Makings Of – The Perfect Fourth of July

My memories of the fourth of July are always filled with heat, barbecues, family and fireworks. But since I've left for college, the holiday has almost become just another day. Without a good fireworks show, lots of family, and good food, we've let our celebrations become a bit lazy. This year, though, we are going to make the most of it. Brunch with family, gourmet hot dog bars with friends, and maybe, if Aubryn doesn't object, a few fireworks.

Here are a few of my picks to help make the celebrations easier and the day more enjoyable.

INSPIRATION: Say Yes To Hoboken.


ONE: Giant Sparklers. By far my favorite fireworks.
TWO: Sparkly Hair Accessories. It's like fireworks in your hair. Except safe.
THREE: Polka Dot Chambray Top. Yes, I know that it's sold out (everywhere, apparently!) but until someone can show me a better one, I'm sticking with this one.
FOUR: Grill Combs. How great are these comb alternative to skewers? They make eating those kabobs SO much easier.
FIVE: Serving Tray. Ikea has mastered the art of making things simple + beautiful.
SIX: Portable Grill. This one is perfectly festive without going overboard. Plus, you can easily take it with you wherever you choose to celebrate.
SEVEN: Navy Shorts. Keep your outfit simple with staple pieces that you can wear all summer, rather than just the fourth day of July. Just like with every holiday, you can be festive without decking yourself out in holiday-specific apparel.
EIGHT: Dots + Stripes Napkins. Dots are close enough to stars, right? Just squint and you'll see it.
NINE: Red Sandals. Add a pop of festive color to your outfit and you're good to go.

What does your fourth look like? Any grand plans? Any good meals planned? Confession: food is always one of my favorite parts of any holiday. It's fine.

The Makings Of – Neutral Nursery

One of the things I'm looking forward to most about having our own home is decorating the nursery. And since I already have said nursery furnished and arranged in my head (or on Pinterest, same thing), I thought I'd share some pieces I have in mind. Just like with the rest of the house, I've got neutrals planned for the basics, like the bedding and dresser, with pops of color added in for accessories. And while I probably won't end up going with this exact color scheme (I'd like to keep the nursery as gender neutral as possible), I love how this bright pink and that tan look together!

Inspiration / 01. Rug / 02. Storage Baskets / 03. Llama Box / 

04. Rabbit Hook / 05. Meg Pillow / 06. Rosie / 07. Ikea Dresser

The Makings Of – Our Future Home

With Jordan's graduation drawing near, I can't stop daydreaming about our future home. Filling Pinterest boards, Ikea shopping carts that never make it to the check-out, and imaginary floor plans with beautiful furniture and accessories. I instinctively start thinking about how a product can be made into a DIY project or how a certain piece will fit with the rest of our imaginary furniture.

As I was looking through my pins, I seem to be favoring neutrals like black + greys, wood and gold, paired with pops of color like aqua. The idea of decorating an entire house kinds scares me a bit, but I've come up with a game plan: keep basic, staple pieces like couches and bedding neutral and adding interest with throw pillows and knick-knacks. Cobalt blue couches and pink ombre dressers can be a little tempting, though.

Inspiration / 01. Honeycomb Mirror Wall / 02. Fouta Oversized Towel / 03. Teak Sofa  

04. Wishbone Keyring / 05. Soapstone Vase / 06. Poppy Pillow

The Makings Of – The Perfect Father's Day

This Father's Day will be Jordan's first and I'm so excited to celebrate with him. Adding the new identities of father and mother to the mix has changed us both in so many ways, including how we approach our roles of husband and wife. As the holiday quickly approaches, I feel like it will be a day to celebrate not only the love and kindness he shows our little girl and all that he has done these past ten months as her father, but also the love that he has shown me as my husband.

Here are a few goodies that I'm thinking would be the perfect mix of both.

01. A wonderful memory stored safely in a beautiful frame.
02. Something from his childhood.
03. A bow-tie.
04. A quirky and practical item for the office.
05. Something sweet.
06. An iPhone. The perfect gift for any occasion, really.

Image found here. 

The Makings Of – A First Birthday Party

It pains me to say it, but Aubryn is almost a year old. I really have no idea where the past ten months went, but if the next two could slow down a bit, that would be great. I've already started planning her first birthday shindig, because even though I'm sad about her growing so quickly, I'm really excited to start planning kids' parties! Just one of the many perks of being a mom.

Here are a few things I have my eye on to make the day special and fun for our growing girl.

Inspiration / 01. Striped Cups / 02. Confetti Garland / 03. Party Dress / 04. Tablecloths /05. Striped Utensils / 06. Face Plate