Powell's Book Haul!

Emma || Zookeeper's Wife || Tatiana and Alexander || City of Thieves ||

The Faithful Place || Beautiful Ruins || My Misspent Youth || Enchanted || 

Secrets of the Flesh: A Life of Colette ||

A few years ago one of my friends told me about this amazing place filled with books. It was kind of like a fairytale, but with a comedic ending and I immediately new that one day I had to go to Portland. My dream of going to Powell's City of Books finally came true (yes, I'm a total nerd).

Anyways, last Saturday with a tall espresso in hand I went to Powell's and got completely overwhelmed. It was like that scene in Gilmore Girls when Rory freaks out when she realizes how many books are housed on the Harvard campus. I felt kind of like a failure for not reading more! There are so many books and so many that I haven't read! See: overwhelming!

I ended up with ten books! I know that sounds crazy, but the prices were so amazing that I new I would never get those same prices elsewhere. Plus, it was all part of the experience. There were people with bags and baskets overflowing with books, so my ten seemed like nothing.

I can't wait to read them all. It's going to be a good summer!! 

What you are reading right now?

Love you lots,

Catching Up!

I've been on the run for what seems like the last month. There's always something to do and somewhere to be and my to-do list just gets longer and longer. So I am giving you an update on what I've been up to via some Insta posts! 

 These booties were featured in my favorites video last month! I found them at Target and they've been a staple in my closet ever since. I love the relaxed look and the cutout back makes them perfect for the spring and summer. 

Neutrogena Color Sticks || Covergirl Oh Sugar! ||

 I've been rocking a lot of pink lipstick in the last few weeks! These are three that I just added to my collection. They're currently living in the bottom of my purse because I take them with me all the time. I also just got hooked on the Lancome Juicy Shakers, but I still went for a pinky/coral shade.

Martha Stewart Magazine || All in Good Taste || Cupcakes and Cashmere ||

 I've been feeling like baking and doing some DIYs! These are my current inspiration books. Hopefully, this weekend I will have a chance to do some serious creating!

Flamingo Clutch (sold out, try this one!)  || MK Watch || Link Bracelet || Essie Polish ||

 Although the weather here in Napa has been crazy bipolar and still pretty chilly, I've been wearing a lot of bright pieces to liven up the sweaters I keep wearing into work!

 Another shoe staple from the past month. I've worn them in blog posts (here, here) and of course they were in a favorites video! I've seen these in every color they have for sale on Instagram, so I know a lot of you love them, too! They're so comfy and add a cute touch to every outfit!

 Tanning may be bad for your skin, but soaking up a little Vitamin D is my favorite way to relax. Nothing puts me in a better mood than some homemade lemonade, a great playlist, and a warm day!

Blogging Day Mug || Straw Hat ||

 I ordered a few new accessories from Francesca's and I can't wait to take this hat out for a weekend adventure. I can't forget about the mug, of course, it's been my go-to Sunday mug for when I work on the blog posts for the week ahead. (Unfortunately, I've been out of town every weekend so my upload schedule has gone a little crazy!!) 

 If you feel the need to treat yourself order a Diptyque candle. They are a little pricey, but the fragrances and lasting power of these gorgeous candles is so worth it! We ended up with the Baies candle in the colored jar! Apparently, it's one of Diptyque's most popular scents. My favorite scent is without a doubt 34, but I've also got my eye on the Eau Rose Eau de Toilette.

 I took off on a little excursion to the Central Coast. Went to a party and got to see my bestie! Plus, these Karen Walker sunglasses were screaming for a selfie.

Bellocq Tea || Starbucks Mug ||

This is one of my favorite teas! We picked it up last time we were in New York. If you're in or around Brooklyn I recommend checking out their shop. It was absolutely beautiful!

Similar Vince Camuto Top || Levi Jeans || Kendra Scott Cuff  || Similar Ted Baker Booties ||

This is my favorite outfit of the moment! I love this top. It pairs so well with jeans and these booties! I threw an oversized gray sweater on top of it to stay warm. Plus the retro dots are a perfect match for some oversized gold jewelry!

Similar Sunglasses || Nanette Lepore Watch || David Yurman Cuff ||

 I've been so on the go that running errands has super been necessary, but also not a frequent thing! To make it through my to-do list a coffee was definitely needed and so was a watch to keep me on track and on schedule.

Brow Envy || Hoola Travel Bronzer || Lancome Juicy Shakers ||

 A trip to Sephora left me with a few new products! I also finally got brave enough to try the Brow Envy kit that has been sitting in my makeup drawer for a few months. April was all about trying a few new summer looks. That includes going back to my curly hair!!

Meyer's Candle || Current Favorite Nespresso ||

 April showers bring May flowers! I've made sure that while I'm home I have fresh flowers on the dining room table. They just make me smile in the morning (so does the Nespresso machine)! I also love lighting this Lemon Verbena candle in the kitchen. It's a great clean fragrance.

Honey Bee || Big Blue || Flamingo Bubble Bar ||

And since April was a crazy few weeks that just flew by a relaxing bubble bath was necessary. I ran into Lush while I was in San Luis Obispo and grabbed a few bath bombs! I know it's not the right way to use them, but my tub is so small I usually break them into two so they last longer. I live so far from the nearest Lush so a girl's got a do, what a girl's got to do in the name of a good bubble bath. 

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for even more Magnolias and Sunlight!

Love you lots,

A Day in Portland!

I spent the day in Portland and I can't wait until I get to go back! I loved the city, the experience, and all the places we got to go. I am so sad we only had a day to explore, but that just has me planning another trip!

From the second we pulled up to the hotel I was so excited to be in Portland! We stayed at Hotel Vintage which is right downtown and really close to a few of the places on our to-do list. Everything about the hotel from the lobby to the game room to the actual hotel rooms was like a curated modern art exhibit. They offered red Public bikes to use and although we chose to walk everywhere rather than ride, if we go back I really want to take advantage of them. Maybe I'll ride along the waterfront down by the river! 

Our room was "sponsored" by a winery, which I thought was a great way to to explore the local Oregon wineries. Some of the photography in the room was from the winery and the cellar, plus there were two bottles of their wine in the room for purchase. We had plans both nights to get dinner and drinks, so we didn't take advantage of that option, but I really loved that little extra touch. All of the art and light fixtures in the room were amazing. We had a huge red sofa, which was really fun!

I think everyone has heard of Voodoo Doughnuts. However, after talking to a few Portland locals and KB (who's tried both) we ended up going to Blue Star for breakfast. I am not a huge doughnut person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this meal and would definitely go back. The shop was so much fun, with Gwen Stefani playing over the speakers and an open kitchen concept so as we waited in line we got to see the doughnuts being made! Some employees were beating the dough and portioning it out, others were throwing giant trays in the oven and another was icing the blueberry basil bourbon doughnuts (so good!). It just showed how fresh they all were – and not a single one was greasy!! 

Blue Star really plays with flavors and making a decision was so hard! I ended up with the Meyer Lemon & Key Lime Curd and it was delicious and fluffy. My other favorite was the Passion Fruit with Cacao nibs! It has a little kick to it (from the cayenne that's also mixed in to the glaze) and it's so tasty. 

After breakfast, we wandered further into downtown and stumbled into a Jonathan Adler, West Elm, and Design Within Reach. We were looking for a cabinet for our house and needed to walk off those doughnuts! I spent the most time in Jonathan Adler because I love his designs! I completely fell in love with the white owl on the marble base. I wish I had a mantel to fill with all kinds of Jonathan Adler designs!

We finally met up with our friend who lives in Portland and decided to grab a really light lunch. When she said, "Do you guys like toast? Nevermind, I know where we're going!" I was so confused. We ended up across the river at a really great place called Cup & Bar! Not only is it a coffee roastery with some of the strongest espresso I've tasted, but they're also a chocolate company. Ordering an espresso gets you a bite of their chocolate, and the two combined was heaven. And as you might have guessed, they also have a toast menu. And by toast I mean some of the thickest and tastiest toast I've ever eaten. I, of course, went for the avocado toast because old habits die hard. However, the smoked trout looked delicious, too! I was still full from breakfast so KB and I split the toast and it was a perfect portion. They have a factory tour on Saturdays at 1 PM – we didn't get the chance, but I think it would be really interesting!

From lunch we headed back across the river to the Rose Gardens and the Japanese Gardens which are right next to each other and it's definitely worth doing both! You can just wander through the public rose garden, and the Japanese Gardens are only $9. I think we might have been a few weeks early for the roses to be in full bloom, but it was really warm this weekend so I expect the gardens will be covered in flowers shortly. I don't think I realized how many different variations of colors and petals were possible until we walked through all the rows! I guess that's why they call Portland the "City of Roses". I would love to go back and see a few more of the gardens around the city!

I love going to the Japanese gardens in San Francisco, so I was excited to see the Portland version. Like I said above, the gardens are super affordable and worth every penny! There's also a cheaper student price, so definitely take your ID with you. Not only were the gardens gorgeous and the trees the prettiest shades of green, but all the small details will hold your attention for a really long time. The zen garden had me wanting to create a small version in my backyard. Plus, there's a breathtaking courtyard with views of the city and Mt. Hood. Being up on the hill looking out like that was breathtaking! And they're in the middle of a huge construction project to add even more to the gardens, including a tea room!

Check back Thursday for full Book Haul!

I heard about Powell's a few years ago and I've wanted to go ever since. I went to Strand in New York last fall and it was an amazing experience, which made me want to go to the City of Books that much more. And to be completely honest, I walked over to Powell's twice in two days. I was so completely overwhelmed by the size – I took a list with me of the books and authors I wanted to search out, but it didn't matter. The giant shelves, the multiple floors, all the people walking around with armfuls of books – this was a reader's paradise! I definitely feel a little defeated about not reading enough, but I grabbed a bunch of titles that I've been looking forward to reading, and I can't wait to crack them all open! I love Powell's because it's a used and new bookstore, so you can compare prices on different copies and stretch your budget a few books further! I also found a few titles I've been searching out on the "New Books at Used Prices" tables, but everything else I grabbed was a secondhand copy. I better get reading so I have an excuse to go back and spend another afternoon wandering through the floor-to-ceiling shelves.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

Love you lots,

April Favs!

Sam Edelman Sandals || Similar Fringe Earrings or These! ||

Karen Walker Sunglasses || Hoola Bronzer || Too Faced Brow Envy

Lancome Juicy Shaker || Young & Hungry || Project Runway ||

At The Water's Edge *My Review*

May is here and I can't wait for the summer to officially start! For me that's going to be May 28 when I head back to Texas for a long vacation! And although all of these products are my April Favs I am pretty positive most of them will be in my suitcase for that trip, too!

What have some of your favorites been for the spring?

Love you lots,

P.S. I'm on the road so I am so sorry this post is a day late! Hotel uploading can be tricky sometimes!!

At The Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

*Psst* Click the picture to find a copy

If Sara Gruen sounds like a familiar name to you, it's probably because she wrote Water for Elephants, which happens to be one of my favorite novels. When I saw her name at the top of yet another book in the store I knew it would be great! And from the time I opened it last week, all I wanted to do was dive back into the Scottish Highlands and the world Gruen had recreated.

The story follows Maddie Hyde, a well-off Philadelphia woman who's been sheltered from the realities of the world. Her husband, Ellis and his best friend Hank are also from a very similar upbringing. World War II rages on, but due to ailments the two men aren't able to enlist. So hiding behind their large homes and money, life goes on despite the many lives being lost across the ocean. After embarrassing his family for the last time, Ellis is tossed out – Maddie along with him, which avalanches them into an adventure of a lifetime. Ellis, Hank and Maddie cross the Atlantic, braving German U-boats on the journey to Scotland to find the Loch Ness Monster.

Once they settle in the small inn next to the Loch, the team begins to unravel. Ellis, determined to find the monster and regain status in his family, begins to deteriorate. Hank, obsessed with the adventure and unable to break the habits of his wealthy upbringing, isn't willing to accept change or defeat. But as Maddie becomes disillusioned with the whole event, she starts to realize what a fog she's been in her whole life. With the war raging on and her companions falling apart around her, Maddie decides it's time to change.

I loved following Maddie's personal growth throughout this story. She goes from doting wife – a weak character driven by those around her – to a selfless, strong woman who blazes her own path. Once again, Sara Gruen sucked me in with all of the amazing details and historic tie-ins. (Some of which are admittedly changed a bit for the timing of the story, as described in the Author's Note.) I love that she also talks about only using numbers that the characters would be able to get at the time. Death tolls from the war were underreported during the conflict, and despite what we know now, Gruen used the papers that would have been available to Maddie for her research and depictions of the front.

I would definitely reccommend picking this book up over the weekend. It's a quick read, so grab a blanket and some tea and enjoy the story!

I'm headed to Powell's in Portland on Saturday! Have any book recommendations for me?

Love you lots,

Straw Clutch and Fringe Earrings

Similar White Tops (here, here, here, here) || Fav White Tanks || J. Crew Jeans ||

Sam Edelman Sandals || Francesca's Clutch || Francesca's Earrings (similar) || 

David Yurman Cuff || Lancome Juicy Shaker Lip || Essie Nails (fingers, toes) ||

I've been loving bright pieces recently! Vibrant summer earrings and fun summer-inspired bags are what I seem to reach for every morning when I get dressed. I've also really liked the crisp white tops that I've been seeing basically everywhere. I think it's really easy to overwhelm an outfit with bright colored everything, so I prefer to start with a simple base like dark jeans and a white top and throw in some of the fun, trendy pieces! The white and denim are still summery and your favorite accessories will pop! I'm in San Francisco so I also threw a brown leather jacket over this to stay warm, which seems crazy in May, but the Bay is still pretty chilly!

These sandals have been seen in a blog post (or two) already, but after searching for my size for months I tend to wear them a lot! They're the perfect summer sandal. The block heel is very much in style and makes these sandals a comfortable option, so win/win! And I love the strappy details and the lace up front! They come in a few colors and I almost went with the gold, but I'm glad I got the more neutral pair because I can wear them with everything!

If you haven't tried the Lancome Juicy Shaker, get your booty to a Sephora and check it out. The packaging is so cute and the colors are perfect for summer. I chose the shade "Freedom of Peach". It was the lightest pink/coral shade that had some pigment to it. Some of the lighter ones just looked like gloss on my skin when I swatched them, but I love the really light coral color this one leaves.

Love you lots,

Beach Shoulders!

I can't believe it's almost May!! I have a little less than a month to get closer to my fitness goals for my birthday, my best friend's wedding, and my little brother's graduation! There are going to be a ton of photos taken in that one short weekend and I want to be looking my best! And that all starts with being confident in the way you look and feel!

My bridesmaids dress has pretty small straps so I've been working on my shoulders and arms since they'll be on display! And of course since I like to run I love working in some lower body strengthening! Matt knows all of this and put together an awesome routine! It's one of our shorter workouts in time, but do three full sets and you'll definitely feel your muscles! Pair this with thirty minutes of your favorite cardio! That way you get the calorie burn and the strengthening!

We are so close to summer and that means vacation! What are you doing to get ready for summer? I'm thinking about getting a haircut, too! Because it's not always all about the bikini body :)

Love you lots,