a new pair of sneakers

Vans Authentic Lo Pro Sneakers // Converse Shoreline Sneakers // Vans Classic Sneakers // Sam Edelman Studded Slip-On Sneakers // Superga Camo Sneakers // Nike Dunk Sky Hi Liberty Sneakers

Like most girls I'm sure, I've got quite the collection of shoes. Ballet flats and sandals take up the most space on my shelves, with some wedges and heels here and there. But with the ever growing sneaker trend becoming more and more popular, I think I need to expand my little collection. The one I've got going is pretty simple - a pair of white Vans {the first in the picture above!}, off-white Converse, and my pair of black Nikes {currently on sale!} for the gym. I think the purchase is completely justified since you can wear them with pretty much anything, right? Right.


Are you fan of sneakers with... well, everything?

time for the nordstrom anniversary sale!

It's that time of the year again! Whenever the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale comes along, I always get a little bit excited. I usually take it as an opportunity to buy a few things I'll need for colder weather - like riding boots and warmer jackets - but I always sneak in some other purchases as well. I'm on a major spending freeze for the summer {sad face!} so I unfortunately won't be getting anything on my list, but that doesn't mean I can't do a little online window shopping. Prices go up on August 4th so be sure to grab your favorites now!

I also love this BCBG Max Azria wrap dress for work days and think this open sweater is unique and perfect for those days when you just need a light cover-up.

Happy shopping!

victoria sponge cake & the open

Since the third golf major of the year, The Open Championship, starts tomorrow in England, I wanted to share a recipe that is delicious and classically British. I never had this cake when I visited England, but I've put it on my bucket list to have some the next chance I get. Light layers of vanilla sponge, fruit jam, and whipped cream is my new favorite combination! And this cake is so simple to make that it will definitely become one of your go-tos. Afternoon tea anyone?

Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter {softened}
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup self-raising flour
Milk {optional and only if needed}

Filling:
1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
2 tbsp. sugar
1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time. Then, add the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the flour with a rubber spatula. If the batter seems too thick, add in about one teaspoon at a time of milk.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before adding the filling. While they're cooling, whisk together the sugar and heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form to make whipped cream.
8. To assemble the cake, transfer one cake to a plate or stand and spread jam evenly over the top. Then, top with whipped cream. Place the second cake on top.
9. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar and enjoy!

what i learned from a month without coffee

If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have noticed the picture I posted yesterday about going a month without coffee. I started this challenge in June and today happens to be day 30, the last and final day! For some of you who don't drink coffee, this may not seem like a big deal, but for me, it proved to be quite the test. Here are a few things I learned during those 30 days...

via Madewell

1. The withdrawal headaches were no joke, showing just how dependent I was on daily caffeine.

When I decided to try this 30-day challenge, I was having coffee every day. The first week was so bad that there were days when I felt physically sick because of how badly my head hurt. I eventually started drinking some tea, which I think helped. But that could have just been all in my head.

2. I don't need coffee to get me through the day.

I started drinking coffee for the same reason I imagine most people do - for a jolt of energy. When I felt lethargic in the morning or drowsy in the afternoon, a cup of joe was my go-to. Since I couldn't have it, I turned to green tea and water. And no surprise here, my upped water intake did wonders not just for my energy but also for my health. {As a note: I don't drink soda or energy drinks so I never considered have that instead of coffee.}

3. My wallet didn't feel so light.

This is probably an obvious one, but iced coffees/cappuccinos/caramel machiattos are not so kind to your wallet. I didn't realize how much I was really spending on my daily Starbucks fix because I often paid with my Starbucks gold card. When I stopped having to refill it because I wasn't going nearly as much, I realized how much money I was spending on my afternoon pick-me-up.

4. I slept much better at night.

This isn't to say that I always went to bed at a sensible hour {I seem to have picked this up from my mom}, but my sleep during this challenge wasn't so restless. I use the Sleep Cycle app on my phone to measure how well I've slept during the night. When I compared the quality during these past 30 days to those prior, I was amazed how much quicker I fell into a deep sleep and how much longer I actually slept for.

5. The feeling of accomplishment is pretty great.

To be honest, this isn't the first time I've tried to give up coffee for an extended amount of time. It's usually my top choice during Lent, and I've never succeeded in making it to day 40. I usually give up before around day 15 or 20. After multiple failed attempts {think more than five}, I'm really proud of myself for making it to day 30! Any accomplishment, no matter what kind is a great one.

So there you have it - a few things I learned along the way. Would you ever consider going without coffee or something similar for 30 days?

independence day treats

Watermelon Cake // Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers with Blueberry Glaze // Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Ombré Cake

Can you believe that the Fourth of July weekend is just a couple days away? Where is this year going? I thought I would share a few recipes I've found that I think would be a great addition to your party's dessert table. The watermelon cake is fun and unexpected, but I'm particularly loving the ombré funfetti cake. Not only does it look beautiful, but who can resist funfetti and sprinkles for any celebration?

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!