#DearSummer: Seasonal Food, Travel, Entertaining & More!

We've been taking in Summer with loads of inspiration--and before we say farewell to the season, I invite you to join in on the fun!

From scrumptious recipes, to travel scenes, style, entertaining and more, we love taking in all that this time of year has to offer, and we're not done yet!

I hope your Summer is going great and that our inspiration will only make it better.  See our featured highlights here and may your remaining days of Summer be filled with...

Happy Eating and Living!

Link Love: Beach Bliss

If bliss had a name in my Summer chronicles of days and years gone by, then it would have to be the beach (as in warm, powdered sands, balmy air, turquoise waters, luminescent sunsets, bright sun rays and the most relaxing of getaways that one can muster).  In fact this year has already caught me in my favorite place to escape, relax and recharge thrice in as many months.  And besides my firmly baked-in tan and Instagram pics to show for it, I have more than a few tips to share to jumpstart your next beach getaway.

No Passport Required
Now before you go thinking that a supreme beach vacation requires that you post up in an exotic destination abroad, think again.  One of my favorite beaches (that can rival the Caribbean seas and sands) happens to be in San Destin, Florida.  And in case you're seeking more options, here's a list of eight of America's Best Beach Towns. (PureWow)

Beach Body Prep
If abs of steel (or something between a flat one pack and six pack) is a part of your beach body goals, then you'll be well served to remember the saying that abs are made in the kitchen. (I try to remember, but even the best laid plans... well, you know.)  But for those who do, here are ten tummy-tightening foods to get your beach bod goals in motion. (Skinny Mom)  And if time is of the essence, here are eight ways to debloat in one day. (Self)
 
Beach Wares
If you're the kind of girl who takes her beach style seriously--and loves options--then these stylish one-piece suits have your name written all over them. (Glitter Guide) And if bikinis are more your speed, not to fret.  The fabulous duo affectionately known as TashandDev have you covered with bikini wear, tips and more via their uber popular bikini brand. (A Bikini A Day)

Now that you're settled on where to stay, what to eat and what to wear, the only thing left to do is to go and revel in beach bliss of your very own.

Happy Travels!

{POPSUGAR MUST HAVE}: Summer In a Box!

Summer called and just in time for the upcoming holiday weekend, your essentials for a stylishly fun season await!  Beauty, fashion, fun, snacks and more make for perfect afternoons by the pool or oceanfront.  And the before the month wraps, you can get everything delivered to your door in POPSUGAR's June Must Have Box!

Featured Clockwise: Wild and Wolf's Ridley's Game Room "Who Am I?" Quiz | Hat Attack Neutral Diamonds-Printed Sarong | Pacifica Deodorant Wipes | Knock Knock Compact | Sisters of Los Angeles "Cheers" Gold Bottle Opener | NCLA Born on the 4th Nail Lacquer | Sriracha Pressels 

Happy Summer Living!

Disclosure: POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try. All opinions are my own.

{Beach Style}: One Scarf, Two Ways

Beach holidays are meant to be fun, relaxing and relatively low-key.  And as the scene of oceans and powdered sands and abundant sunshine serves to woo you into an other-worldly dimension of rest and relaxation, a casual, yet chic, style agenda is the only way to go.

When we're talking the bare essentials of a day at the beach--beyond sunscreen, water, sunglasses, some tunes and a good read--my go-to accessory for an instant style kick is a beautiful scarf transformed into an extra-chic cover up.  

Worn around the waist, a large scarf becomes an instant sarong that lends effortless sophistication and a bit of sass to your swimwear look.

 An equally chic alternative is wearing the scarf full-length with a halter-tie at the top. (The flowy effect can't be beat if you happen to catch a good breeze. :) )

So as your travels lead you oceanfront in the days ahead, be sure this essential lands in your beach bag. Your R&R agenda will then be officially--and stylishly--complete.

Happy Styling and Travels!