life lately: august update, summer recap

well, i am closing in on the end of my summer. these past few weeks have been busy but i wouldn't want it any other way. my internship at LEONA ended and i can honestly say my time at LEONA and in nashville was the happiest i have been in a long time. the internship presented me with an amazing opportunity to have a hand-on experience with the business and operations side of a growing designer label. every day was different, sometimes i did a task just right, sometimes i was presented with a challenge, and sometimes i made a mistake. it was an experience i will be forever grateful for. the LEONA team taught me so much, about myself and the business. i truly feel like i have found where i am meant to be and what i am meant to do. hopefully it won't be the last time i am working at LEONA! i already miss 2309 12th South Avenue more than i thought i ever could!

as far as my summer bucket list went, i think i added more to it than crossed off. i did read most of the books on my list, though found more to put on my wish list. unfortunately, i didn't make it to any movies but that's what red box is for! there was no lake day this summer but i spent a few afternoons by our pool and a weekend in charleston which i would choose over the lake anyway. i made it the local farmer's market as often as i could, both the one on 12th South and the Murfreesboro market. i have more than eaten my share of fresh veggies and fruits, with no plan of stopping. knoxville apparently has a wonderful market at market square on saturday mornings that i am hoping to get to soon. i also ate at some new restaurants & dessert places this summer (the pharmacy, taqueria del sol, the flipside, epice, saint anejo, gray's on main, boca loca, jeni's, crankee's) and dined at my all-time favorites (the puffy muffin, the frothy monkey, mafioza's, fido, las paletas). i definitely added more restaurants to my nashville bucket list! the summer was everything i could ask for and more. rewind it and let me press play again!

i have spent the past several days in murfreesboro at home. though i didn't want to leave nashville, i have relaxed here at home. mom and i went shopping and i have been packing up my things getting ready for my last move to knoxville. it is so strange to think that just 3 years ago i was moving into humes with a random roommate and now i am moving into my own single-girl apartment as a senior, with my best friends just a look out the window away. so much has changed since then, for better or for worse, but i couldn't be happier with where i am at this exact moment.

i have started blogging for my sorority and couldn't be more excited about launching the alpha chi omega at UTK blog! we plan to use the blog as way for parents, alumni, family and friends to stay involved in all that is going on with the delta pi chapter. check out our first post, sign up to get posts in your inbox and stay tuned for a recruitment recap coming next week!

i am still hoping to build my blog followers so please continue liking and sharing! also follow me on instagram, twitter and pinterest (links on the right). your support means the world to me and i appreciate my readers taking time out of their busy days to read my ramblings. speaking of ramblings, that is what this post has come to. i'm off to read my textbook-sized september issue of instyle!

xoxo,
clp

boca loca + the vacationers + fro-yo

better late than never is the saying right? last week i ate supper at boca loca in hillsboro village with a friend and just realized i never posted my rants and/or raves about it! i also finished a book this past weekend that i wanted to tell y'all about!

• boca loca cantina and taco factory: located in hillsboro village next to cabana, boca loca is where i met one of my friends for supper last week. completely open air and with high-top tables, the restaurant has a cantina-like feel. on the menu were various kinds of authentic tacos as well as salads, house favorites and so many tequila choices that they span the entire length of the menu. we both ordered the zucchini salad and i added shredded pork to mine. the salad was delicious and a great change from the usual mexican salad. my favorite thing at boca loca was definitely their salsa! it has a slightly smoky taste to it and i used it as a dressing on my salad! my friend also ordered a margarita from the happy hour menu which she said was excellent! 
• the vacationers by emma straub: i finally picked up this book after seeing it on multiple summer reading list and bestseller lists. taking place in mallorca, spain, the novel is about the secrets, joys and jealousies that come to surface over a family's two-week vacation. it shows how we build ourselves up and tear others down, as well as the unbreakable bond that is family. the book has both its funny and sad moments, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. i recommend you pick it up to round off your summer reading list. 

unfortunately, it seems i have caught a case of the summer cold. this is rare for me, as i don't get sick often, but i am really feeling subpar! with a congested head and a scratchy throat, the only thing that sounds good to me is some frozen yogurt! and, since we have a small frozen yogurt maker and enough blueberries for an army, i decided to make some blueberry fro-yo! with a waffle cone bowl and topped with more berries, i can't think of a better way to cure my summer cold!

blueberry frozen yogurt

3 cups plain fat-free greek yogurt

1/4 cup Splenda

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup milk

2 cups frozen blueberries, thawed slightly

1. in a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients except blueberries.
2. pour mixture into ice cream maker. add in blueberries.
3. turn on ice cream maker and allow to churn until mixture is frozen.
4. scoop into freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to serve. 

cool off with this healthy, summer treat! and don't forget to top with your favorite toppings! 

xoxo,

clp

white on white OOTD

as labor day quickly approaches, i am scrambling to get all my summer whites worn! i am a stickler to only winter white/ivory after labor day unless you are in the tropics. i know its old-fashioned but thats just the way i am! the following outfit is one of my favorite LEONA looks from the spring collection. the handwoven silk gingham is gorgeous and the sheer details keep it chic and modern. i love the gold buttons on the the top and the gingham couldn't be more southern! grab this outfit before it sells out at the LEONA : nashville store on 12 south! (its on sale now too!)

LEONA robyn shorts and lilly top, LEONA double rope chain bracelet

well, i am officially in a state of depression. not really, but i am sad to be packing up my nashville apartment. my sublease is up on the 31st so i have been getting everything ready to be moved back to murfreesboro tomorrow. i have absolutely loved this summer here on kirkwood. my roommates have been the best ever and i hope to stay in touch with them! i also realize how happy i have been here in nashville this summer - i know that this is where i am meant to be and hopefully i'll be be back full-time sooner rather than later. it certainly has been the best summer i could have ever hoped for. 

the next few days/weeks seem like they will be hectic with packing, unpacking, packing again, organizing my life, working and working out. i seem to have a to-do list a mile long (as i always do) and i keep adding to it. however, i do hope to spend a few last days of summer poolside and with my family! i hope everyone is having a great week so far and wish me luck as i pack up yet again!

xoxo,

clp

need weekend plans?

looking for something to do this weekend? come to 12 south! the entire 12 south neighborhood is throwing a block party! join us for a saturday filled with giveaways, promotions, food, fun, sidewalk sales, refreshments and raffles! some of my personal favorite 12 south businesses are participating as well as others i haven't had a chance to visit yet! check out the flyer below and click the link for more information, including what businesses are offering as part of the block party!

12 South Block Party

can't make it this weekend? go ahead and mark your calendar for august's party! better yet, come to both! you won't want to miss this new, exciting event! see you there?! 

xoxo,

clp

summer, slow down please

summer... can we go slow-mo?! i am amazed that it is the last week of june! i guess working and being in a routine really makes the days fly by, especially when you love what you're doing and where you are in life! i am already sad that i only have a month left at LEONA and living here in nashville. hopefully i'll be be back, at least in nashville, come next may!

tonight for supper i tried out a new ingredient: wheat berries! i finally found them in the bulk bins at whole foods after searching multiple stores for them! similar to quinoa, they are high in protein (6 grams per 1/4 cup dry) and high in fiber. they are a great addition to salads,  alternative to rice or pasta and even good in soups with their nutty, chewy taste and texture! i went savory with my first try of wheat berries tonight! 

wheat berries with asparagus, squash and chicken

1 c dry wheat berries

1 lb asparagus, washed and trimmed

2 yellow squash, sliced and diced

bunch of kale, washed and cut 

4 chicken breasts, cooked 

italian seasonings, pepper, garlic powder, to taste 

parmesan cheese, for serving

1. cook wheat berries according to package directions (i did mine the night before because they take longer than most other things to cook). 
2. meanwhile, season asparagus and squash with seasonings. sauté over medium heat until tender. add in kale and cook until wilted.
3. stir wheat berries in with veggies and kale. serve with chicken and parmesan cheese.

lastly, today's post wouldn't be complete without my OOTD! it was a bit chilly at work so i threw on this green marc blazer to complete the outfit!

j. crew jeweled shell, LEONA scribble squares skirt, j. crew mid-heel sandals, kate spade bangles

xoxo,
clp

p.s. if you aren't on Facebook, i have been featured in a few outfits in the past week or so! check them out by clicking the links below and shop the outfits online or in-store (flash sale ends tomorrow)!

city cami + disco dot rouge pant

the david dress

life lately: june update

with it being the official first day of summer (and national wear your lilly pulitzer day), it seems to be a good day to post an update on my life lately! it has been just over a month since my last "life lately" post so it is due time for another! the one word that still describes my life right now: happy. i really think i am happier than i have ever been! it is going to be so hard to leave nashville in 2 months and go back to school in knoxville. i am loving every minute of my internship at LEONA and loving every minute spent crossing things off my summer bucket list. i have made new friends and am trying to step outside of my comfort zones. i am maintaining a healthy weight and still enjoying cooking healthy, nutritious foods. all in all, i may be dog-tired by the end of some days, but life lately is pretty sweet. here's a quick review of what i've been up to in the past few days (a new restaurant, some shopping, and a pedicure treat!)

• epice nashville: i tried epice on wednesday with a family friend and it did not disappoint! i love trying new cuisines and lebanese was one that i had not had to the chance to dive into. i drive by the neighborhood lebanese bistro twice a day and it is always crowded at supper time and now i know why! the clean, stark interior lends itself to a delicious menu, one of which i can't pronounce many of the items but they all sound delicious. i ordered the hummos beyrouti (ground sirloin with pine nuts over housemade creamy hummus with pita chips and a peasant salad) and ate almost every bite (had to save some room for dessert). i would certainly recommend epice, as well as go back time and time again! 
• LEONA: work lately has been great! we are starting to get fall in and getting ready to ship out the first part of it to stores and it is unbelievable! LEONA girls are in for a treat with this collection! i have also been featured on the LEONA : nashville Facebook page in some lovely outfits! i think at this point in my internship i have tried on the entire store for some sort of photo! no complaints though! click the links below to see my "shorts story" and two possible outfits for the fourth! 

a short story

july fourth outfit idea 1

july fourth outfit idea 2

• yesterday i had a total "me" day! spin class, a trip to whole foods, coffee from eighth and roast, a pedicure and some friday shopping were all part of my friday! i'm not sure how, but my days off from my unpaid internship always involve spending my nonexistent paycheck. i think a shopaholics anonymous intervention is needed... nonetheless, i have gotten some great finds and new additions to my closet this past week, pieces that are classic, on trend, seasonless and timeless! 

j. crew "masterpiece" linen tee: to dress down a high-heel shoe printed silk skirt

ivanka trump loire flat: a seasonless shoe perfect for skirts, pants and dresses

tory burch kerrington crossbody shopper: a great printed summer purse 

tennessee home t-shirt: for off days

andre assous anouka espadrille: a midheel wedge that will carry me through summer and into fall

as you can see i have been a bit shopping-happy lately! all the things i have gotten lately are perfect for building my wardrobe! today, mom and dad are coming up to nashville to visit me (luckily they come or i might get a little bit lonely)! i always love seeing them and today we are going to the nashville farmer's market, visiting a few places we have wanted to go but have never actually gone, and dining at saint anejo for supper! i went to barre 3 this morning in the gulch for a good workout so now i am ready to do some fun summer stuff with them! have a happy first official day of summer y'all!

xoxo,

clp

on the menu + OOTD

i have such a good looking meal plan this week that i just had to share it! i am altering some of the recipes a little bit to make them healthier or to use what i have in my pantry and fridge!

• monday: crispy gnocchi with basil, zucchini and yellow squash (from iowa girl eats), side artichoke salad (instead of corn in the original recipe, subbed yellow squash we got at the farmer's market saturday - delicious!), coconut rice krispie treats (just dump some shredded coconut in with the regular rice krispie treat ingredients!)
• tuesday: crockpot salsa chicken tacos with black beans and guacamole with veggie chips (sliced jicama and bell peppers) - this time around, i added some black beans to the crockpot as well and cut back on the chicken! 
• wednesday: dinner out with a friend at epice nashville - it is a lebanese restaurant on 12th that i drive past twice a day and have really been wanting to try! the menu items that are really looking good to me right now are the mujadara, fatayer, and the hummos!
• thursday: slow cooked peach pork from dashing dish over brown rice with stir fried veggies (right now i am thinking about trying out soy and chile-glazed brussel sprouts) - instead of doing chicken in the main dish, i am going to cut up a pork chop for another kind of lean protein! also, i am going to use frozen peaches with the skins on
• friday: stuffed chicken breast from tag'z (you haven't lived until you've eaten one of these) with baked zucchini and squash, salad 

my mouth is watering just thinking about the tasty meals ahead of me! on the hand, today's OOTD was full-on LEONA again! my collection of LEONA is growing and growing and i love it (i may or may not have bought at least one thing a week since i started - oops)! i did buy a top today that is just perfect for UT football games! even though the designer went to alabama, this top just screams go big orange! for all you UT fans, snatch this top up (picture and linked below) so you will be ready when kickoff rolls around! 

clara tunic in tangerine

LEONA top, LEONA sylvia shorts, j. crew mid-heel sandals, kate spade bangles

that's all for today, folks! mondays wear me out (5:45 AM spin always gets to me once the better half of the day is gone) so i am signing off to go fix my lunch for tomorrow and lay out my clothes (makes for such an easier morning)! 

xoxo,

clp

head to toe LEONA OOTD

well the LEONA office was head to toe LEONA today! both myself and michelle myers (outfit pictured below), who is in charge of LEONA wholesale, were head to toe LEONA! as lauren captioned the instagram, its clear we work in fashion, not the corporate world!

LEONA city cami, LEONA sussie short, LEONA ID bracelet

LEONA black top, LEONA sylvia pant in sea foam park avenue, j. crew black heels, kate spade gold hoops and bangles

the sample sale at LEONA starts tomorrow! come shop on 12 south this weekend for some luxurious clothes at amazing prices!

xoxo,

clp

double dose OOTD

today is a special treat! a double dose of OOTDs! i wasn't able to post yesterday's outfit until today so i am posting it along with today's outfit! last night i was a night owl for once and went to craig wiseman and friends stars for second harvest fundraiser concert with two of my roomies! it was fun getting out downtown and seeing some great artists like florida-georgia line and the minds behind all the hit songs! 

kate spade sleeveless buttondown, j. crew gingham jeans, lands end sandals, kate spade bangles

tory burch tunic, AG denim jeggings, j. crew sandals

i also modeled some lovely new arm candy from LEONA on Facebook this week and chose some of my picks for what to wear to CMA fest as well! check out the links below for some lovely LEONA finds! 

Favorite LEONA outfits for CMA Fest 

LEONA wrap bracelet, ID bracelet 

and don't forget about the LEONA + Brittany Fuson Pop-up Shop this Saturday! Come sip and shop with me! finish the week strong y'all!

xoxo,
clp

happy june & LEONA fall preview

happy june 1st y'all! i have been meaning to post all weekend but am just now getting around to it! i can't believe may is over and we are now starting the month of june! time really does fly by!

so i seriously have the best brother in the world. he came to nashville on his day off friday and trimmed our bushes (that were really a jungle) in the heat! all out of the goodness of his heart! i did cook him something for supper i thought he would enjoy, BBQ chicken cornbread pie (courtesy of she wears many hats) with watermelon and treated him to las paletas, the amazing popsicle place a few steps from my back door (dangerous), for dessert! i got the hot chocolate with chili and what an interesting flavor! it was super yummy though! phillip got the strawberry banana pineapple flavor which was good too! i really appreciate everything he does for me! he certainly gets the award for the best big brother in the world and i don't know what i would do without him!

yesterday i went home for the day to hang out with my mama! she had surgery last week so has been at home all week and i thought she may want a fresh face! she is recovering quite well and we are already having trouble getting her to sit still (wonder where i get it from?!). i spent the day with her and cooked them some pasta with bolognese sauce courtesy of skinnytaste and we finished the meal off with some delicious homemade peppermint ice cream! i may be boring but just spending the day at home with my parents and cooking for them is one of my favorite things to do!

i mentioned a few days ago about LEONA's upcoming fall collection and how fabulous it is. lauren leonard, the designer, has pinned a few items as a preview on pinterest that i happen to have seen the samples of and they are amazing. i love the leopard print, hand-drawn by lauren herself, and all the deep, jewel-toned colors! there are also some other great prints that will be revealed later that i love as well! i hope to see them hanging in my closet this fall! every piece transitions well from fall to winter and all can be worn to suit a variety of needs and styles! LEONA is also debuting a new label this fall and it is so chic, just like the brand! below are just some of my very favorites from the fall collection! the pre-fall items should be in store in july so come shop with me before i head back to knoxville!

the friday frock in custom tan safari print

paige pocket tee with easy silk short

essential blouse and easy pant

the perfect ponte dress

very v blouse in color-blocked black and garnet 

tuesday tier dress in garnet

(all images courtesy of LEONA FALL 2 0 1 4 on pinterest)

also, this coming saturday, LEONA is hosting a Brittany Fuson Pop-Up Shop! come join the LEONA ladies and Brittany Fuson for a pop-up party complete with prize giveaways and gifts with purchase! 

hope to see y'all there!

xoxo,

clp

thursday OOTD & spring sale

i feel like all my posts lately have been quite short but to be honest, working 9 to 5 is tiring! i may not be doing physical labor but i am worn out by the time i get home and not in the mood to write long posts! i am still loving every minute of my internship at LEONA and everything about this summer in nashville. each day is something new and exciting and i couldn't be happier! soon i will post my favorites from the most recent j. crew and lilly pulitzer collections and also some of my favorites from the LEONA fall collection! i have seen the fall collection with my own two eyes and oh my goodness, which organ do i need the least so i can buy everything!? it is gorgeous and lauren has outdone herself! tonight i don't feel like staring at the computer screen so the post may come tomorrow or in the next few days but i still wanted to post my OOTD!

j. crew sleeveless drapey top, j. crew reid crop jeans, tory burch miller sandal, c. wonder necklace

i also wanted to share LEONA's spring sale with y'all! we just marked down a ton of amazing spring items and they would be perfect for any wardrobe! shop the great prices in-store or online at www.leonany.com or give me a call! 

xoxo,

clp

feeling peachy OOTD

peach season has started! one of my favorite things about summer! i love getting peaches at the farmers market and from the peach truck whenever i find them around nashville! i have already bought 2 bags from the peach truck and oh my goodness they are good! i am using them in every way that i can and today i put them in my salad!

tomato and peach caprese salad

1/2 tomato, sliced

1 peach, diced

handful grapes, halved

2 slices of mozzarella cheese 

fresh basil

spinach 

balsamic vinegar

1. assemble salad, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and keep in fridge until ready to serve! 

my outfit was peachy today as well! i guess i had peaches on my mind (maybe daydreaming about my lunch?) while i was getting dressed this morning! actually i think i just had fruit in general on my mind when i got dressed! 

j. crew linen shirt, j. crew eyelet skort, j. crew pineapple necklace, marc jacobs watch, kate spade new york lemon keds 

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! 

xoxo,

clp

urban floral coral OOTD

today's OOTD is a nashville exclusive at LEONA! the urban floral print is one of my favorites for summer (it was hand drawn by the designer herself) and i love the millie dress silhouette since it can be worn as a dress or as a tunic! it was so comfortable and easy to slip on this morning! i paired it with a low-heeled sandal since i was wearing it as a dress!

LEONA millie dress in urban floral coral, j. crew evie midheel sandals 

xoxo,

clp 

memorial day weekend

long time no blog! i have been busy relaxing and such this weekend at home in murfreesboro so i haven't posted anything! my best friend from school, kaitlin came to stay with us this weekend and i have been giving her the tour of murfreesboro and my current home in nashville! i hope she has enjoyed herself!

we went to nashville for some touring and some shopping on saturday and had so much fun! we ate at one of my favorite restaurants in hillsboro village, fido, and it was so tasty! i also had to take kaitlin to iveycake since it is one of my favorites as well! i, of course, spent money i didn't have but i really got some fabulous finds! j. crew and kate spade are always good to me!

yesterday we had our memorial day cookout since kaitlin had to go back to knoxville today and i have to go back to nashville later this afternoon! we were in our swimsuits and by the pool by 11 AM and basked in the sunshine for the majority of the day! the cookout was complete with family, friends and delicious food (of which i ate way too much of my mama's homemade peppermint ice cream)! we were exhausted after being in the sun all day and slept like rocks! i made these easy-peasy baked beans to go with our barbecue and other sides. they are the easiest thing to throw in the crockpot on low all day or to bake in the oven at 350 until heated through!

slawsa baked beans

1 jar Slawsa (i have found at Publix)

2 24 oz cans Bush's original baked beans

garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, to taste

1. place slawsa and beans in slow cooker or casserole dish. season to taste and stir to combine. 
2. bake at 350 until heated through or warm on low in slow cooker until hot! 

i hope everyone has a great day off and remembers those who have served both past and present for our country! happy memorial day and unofficial start to summer!

xoxo,

clp

p.s. LEONA's PRINT PARTY ends today! order online with the code PRINTPARTY for 35% off full-price prints or shop in-store on 12 South until 7! 

wearing red OOTD

LEONA red top, j. crew white matchstick jeans, tory burch miller sandals, marc jacobs watch, kate spade bangles 

xoxo,

clp

summer bucket list

i am on day three of summer vacation! there are so many things i want to do this summer that i hope i am able to squeeze them all in! the list grows each and every day but as of right now, here is the summer 2014 bucket list!

• read: i plan on putting the kindle to good use this summer! the first few books on my list include bossypants by tina fey, the one and only by emily giffin, the beautiful and the damned by f. scott fitzgerald. i will also be turning the pages of many, many magazines as well! 
• watch: there are so many movies coming out this summer! i still want to see draft day and then see million dollar arm, neighbors, maleficent, the fault in our stars and tammy! luckily my family loves movies so i will have someone to go with! 
• lounge: we aren't taking a beach vacation this year so i am planning on lounging as much as i can, either by my pool or someone else's! i also am dying to get some lake time in so i want to rent a boat up at center hill one saturday! 
• work: i am interning this summer at LEONA and could not be more excited! i start in less than a week! i plan to soak up everything i can and learn as much as possible during my internship there. i already know that it is going to be an amazing experience and one that i am so lucky to be able to have! 
• eat local: one of my favorite things about summer is the farmer's market! i love fresh fruits and vegetables and always make a trip to the farmer's market! my parents and i go to the one in murfreesboro on saturday mornings on the square and this summer i will be able to go to the 12 south market on tuesdays! i also hope to cross some restaurants off my list! i am dying to eat at gray's on main, husk, saint anejo and the pharmacy! i will also have to hit up the places right down the street from me which include burger up, urban grub, the frothy monkey, 12 south taproom and taqueria del sol! 
• nashville: i am so excited to be living in nashville this summer - it is a dream come true! i hope to take in everything that the city has to offer! 

i have a busy summer ahead of me but i wouldn't have it any other way! happy summer to everyone! 

xoxo,

clp

senior status & a recipe

officially a senior in college! yesterday i bubbled in my last scantron of the semester and motored on home for summer! yesterday was like a marathon but i came out on top and all unpacked! for cinco de mayo we fixed upside-down salsa cornbread, homemade refried beans and homemade guacamole! it was the perfect welcome home supper (the angel food cake and fresh picked strawberries from valley home farm weren't too bad either)!

today was busy as well! i don't know why i always try to do everything the first few days when i get home but i always do! i hit up the MAC for a good workout and then it was on to running some errands, cleaning up the house and doing a bit of cooking! i also had to pack a load of things to take to my nashville apartment tomorrow. life has been a bit of a blur since i got home to be honest!

i did find time this afternoon to sit outside and paint my nails in OPI's "kiss me i'm brazilian" pink and finish allegiant by veronica roth. it was different than the first two in the divergent series in that it is told from two perspectives but it is just as gripping as the first two! this is a series that i am so glad i took the time to read! it is a great summer trilogy!

this post is short and sweet but i wanted to share that i was home from knoxville for the summer! tonight's supper is in honor of summer: BBQ pulled pork, corn, baked beans and watermelon! the BBQ pulled pork recipe is one of the easiest i have ever made and the house has smelled wonderful all day!

crockpot BBQ pulled pork tenderloin

1 trimmed 2 lb pork tenderloin

1/2 to 1 cup chopped onion

1 cup BBQ sauce (we like Sweet Baby Ray's)

garlic powder, to taste

1. cover bottom of crockpot with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and onion.
2. place pork tenderloin in crockpot and cover with remaining BBQ sauce and season with garlic powder if desired. 
3. cook on low for 4-6 hours, until cooked through and tender.
4. shred tenderloin with two forks (i just did this in the crockpot) and stir to coat. 
5. serve on whole wheat buns with your favorite BBQ sides! 

(recipe courtesy of youbeauty.com)

xoxo,

clp

weekend wants & an appetizer recipe

with studying comes online shopping... right?! not sure how they relate to each other but somehow during finals week, i always end up shopping online and finding things i absolutely have to have. maybe its all the studying that does it to me? so, without further ado, here are some recent finds from my favorite brands that are making my weekend want list! 

lilly pulitzer cruiser camp shirt

kate spade hutton tropical print lounge pants

j. crew patch pocket skirt in stretch cotton

j. crew tie-back tank in stripe

j. crew silk eyelet top

tory burch schaeffer flip-flop

j. crew embroidered floral racer dress

topshop crepe scallop hem top

tonight i am attending my first wedding shower as an actual friend of the bride - not a relative or someone i know through my parents. it is really strange but exciting to see a friend getting ready to be married and start a new chapter of her life! i contributed to the shower munchies with a favorite appetizer of mine courtesy of my lovely aunt! it is perfect for any occasion and i always rave about it when she makes it!

pecan-rolled cheeseball

2 8 oz. blocks cream cheese (i used greek yogurt cream cheese)

1 tbsp minced garlic

seasonings of choice - i used an herbs de provence blend 

chopped pecans, for rolling the cheese ball in

1. allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature
2. once softened, mix all cream cheese, garlic and seasonings of choice together and form into ball.
3. roll cheeseball in crushed pecans until fully covered. chill.
4. serve with crackers, pretzels, or chopped veggies.

i only have two days left here in knoxville for the semester... i am amazed at how fast this year has gone by. i feel like i have stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and am trying to do it more often. i have had to make grown-up decisions and do things that come with growing up. i have grown closer to and found my best friends both here at school and back at home, people i know i will be able to depend on for many. many years. seeing the seniors i have become better friends with graduate is bittersweet, as i know that will be me in just one short year. these last two days will consist of studying for my last two finals (hooray!), packing up the rest of my things, and making sure i see every last person one more time! i want to leave you with a quote that really stuck in my head after i read it. it is nothing special really, but it made me think of the things i have that i am glad i wake up for each morning, even if they do require work to maintain. 

"stay close to anything that makes you glad you woke up each morning"

have a wonderful first weekend of may and enjoy the spring weather! 

xoxo,

clp

lilly pulitzer summer 2014 favorites

new tory burch, j. crew and lilly pulitzer all in one week... i feel sorry for my bank account. i am trying to avoid anywhere that sells clothes like the plague but my email just keep enticing me. and when the subject line says "new arrivals" i can't help but click! i shared some of my favorites from tory burch (who is having a 25% off everything sale by the way) and j. crew the last two posts so today's post is all about summer in lilly! i wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way, and this collection is as lilly as lilly can be! i think the collection is much more wallet friendly and more casual which is great for both me and my mom. the fabrics are light and the prints are bright of course! it was hard to choose my favorites (which i know i say with every new release) but these are the pieces that really stood out to me!

acadia v-neck tunic sweater

delia shift dress

chrissy beach short

courtney tunic dress

marigold lace trim skort

macfarlane lace detail shift dress

today i had my last class as a junior! just three exams stand between being a senior which is crazy. its almost big-girl real-world time! right now though, i am preparing for the coming weekend by wearing my formal shoes to break them in, complete with socks and nike shorts. really a trendsetting look. in a little while, i am off to learn to play some tennis this afternoon and soak up some of the beautiful sunshine!

xoxo,
clp

j. crew may style guide favorites

my productivity has possibly been at an all-time high today... workout, sell books, shower, today show and ellen, homework, lunch, kroger, walgreens, bank, hardware store and even a stop by starbucks for a zen green tea with splenda and that was all before my class at 2:10! i must have done all caffeinated coffee this morning instead of my regular 2 scoops caf and one scoop decaf! it does feel great to have gotten so much done though!

as usual, j. crew released some new arrivals today and also posted their may style guide on pinterest! i really think they plan their releases for after i go to the store... that may be a good thing though, especially since this style guide and collection release has me lusting over many pieces! the collection is feminine, light and summery with a preppy and professional vibe. many of the pieces can be worn multiple ways and i am going to have to get my hands on a few of them for my summer wardrobe!

bandeau top and high waisted brief in seersucker

drawstring pant in brushstroke floral

surf skirt in cove floral

swiss-dot flounce sleeve dress

lightweight merino scallop sweater

waffle beach sweater and pleated eyelet skort 

(all images from J. Crew's Pinterest)

the linen cardigan, seersucker blazer and navy heels were also added to my wish list! i just got out of my last supply chain class of the semester and tomorrow i have a group presentation but that is all the school i have except for finals! seriously, where did this semester go!? i know i have said that multiple times but really i can't believe the end of it is here! happy last days of classes to all my college readers!

xoxo,
clp