SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN'S EASY

If I had my way, this is what my summer wardrobe would consist of. Easy, classic and colorful pieces perfect for cocktails on the roof with friends, days at the beach and backyard BBQs.

I'm going home to Minnesota on Saturday and because of that, it finally feels like summer is here. Working full-time in a warm climate sometimes makes me feel like I don't get a real summer. It all seems to blend together and before I know it, it's Halloween. Knowing I'll get a few days off to kick-start the season, in a place that is hotter than here right now, makes me feel optimistic about this summer. I absolutely love and miss how excited and cheerful everyone in the Midwest gets when summer arrives and the days get longer and the nights get warmer. True appreciation!

I hope I can learn a thing or two and remember how to take full advantage of the warm breezy nights and sun-soaked days. Crossing my fingers and toes for none of that San Diego "June Gloom" non-sense when I return.

01. red stripe shift dress
02. dots tote
03. teal watch
04. polka dot dress
05. stripe backless dress
06. studded cuff
07. red and brown sandals 

LIFE LATELY, VIA INSTAGRAM

If you follow me on Instagram you have probably already seen all of the pictures. If not, here is a peek into what I have been up to lately/the past three months. Lots of eating (per the usual) and trying to get out and enjoy the gem of a city that I call home!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY: MY HERO

A special shout-out to my great uncle Diz on this Memorial Day.

He's a decorated WW2 vet with a long list of life accomplishments including five-time national raquetball champ, author, drafted by the Yankees, teacher, coach, uncle and all-around good guy! Certainly my hero.

Read all about his awesomeness here.

FRIDAY'S FAB $15

Four fabulous finds this week, all under $15. It just dawned on me- the reason I love doing the Fab $15 every week is because, well, it means it's Friday! This week, I can truly say I'm in love with each and every one of my picks. I featured Small Talk Studio last week and had to show these cards she designed as well, they are just so sweet. I'm also in a lusty relationship this week with Spoonflower's fabrics. While they are slightly pricey compared to other fabric websites, the designs are unbeatable. And number four consists of two of my favorite things, arrows and wine!

Hope you all have a wonderful and LONG Memorial Day weekend. In the midst of moving this weekend I hope to squeeze in some bbq time and relax a bit. Check out all my other Fab $15 posts here!

Big thanks to Tracey from Helana & Ali for the PicMonkey collage help this week as well. She emailed me this easy peasy tutorial that she found. If you haven't checked out Tracey's blog you must, she has the cutest crafty ideas!

1. Triangle Fabric from Spoonflower
2. Zig Zag Cuff, Nordstrom
3. Fox Cards, Small Talk Studio
4. Arrow Wine Stopper, BHLDN

THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO THE CARNITAS' SNACK SHACK

Talk about pigging out. My boyfriend and I stopped by the much-a-buzzed Carnitas' Snack Shack last week in North Park and went hog wild. 

Ok, I'll stop the pig jokes now.

This cool outdoor dining area, or "shack", as they like to call it, is one of our new favorites. The entire menu is built around pork and if you are like me, anything with bacon in it makes you a happy camper.

Their menu changes often based on what food they can source locally. I had the BLT which was stuffed with bacon, crispy ham, veggies and their signature aioli {can anyone ever go wrong with aioli?} on toasted brioche. Kim had the burger which is topped with cheddar, aioli and bacon jam {yes, bacon jam, I will marry you}. Both were huge, juicy and deilsh. Don't skip their tangy fries either- that's an order! 

Overall, great addition to the neighborhood. 

{Every time I write about food I feel like the lady who wrote the Olive Garden review- if you haven't read it you must!}

FRIDAY'S FAB $15

This morning when I woke up I felt like a train had run over me. I think all the craziness between every day life, moving in two weeks and flying home to Minnesota for ten days {the day after I move!} is catching up to me. Good intentions are in place this week to get a long line of chores checked off my ever-growing to-do list. I'm also going to try this 5 recipes for under $50 plan next week by the Everygirl. I tried a few weeks ago but the dining out bug bit me and all the food went to waste. Wah wah! I'll let you know how it goes this time around and how much it actually costs. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Here are this week's four fabulous finds under $15. I think the gold decanter would look mighty purdy on my bar cart! Cheers.

• chisel decanter, z gallerie
• printed contact lens case, urban outfitters
• aqua tea kettle, world market
• antler votive, z gallerie

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MINTED ART COLLECTION

Lately I have been swooning over so many cute art prints from around the ol' world wide Web. When I think about what I'd like to adorn the walls of my home, I imagine these pretties. Brought to us exclusively through Minted and from a variety of brilliant designers, each piece comes in six different sizes, many in a multitude of colors and all printed on quality paper. So many choices, how could you ever pick just one!

I've never tried a gallery wall but I think it's about that time. Any words to the wise on creating one?

From top to bottom:

• sweet treats, by kelli hall
• elegampersand, hello hailey
• zou bisou bisou, by tami bohn {mad men, anyone?}
• a blonde, a bluenette and a readhead, by feb10 design
• some things take time, by mono
• rectangles revisited, by carly reed

And while you are over at Minted, don't forget to stop by and check out my friend Allison's gorgeous stationery, The Social Type.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all of you mamas out there! You are all simply amazing.

A special shout-out to my own mom: you are the most patient, honest and caring lady I know. Love you lots and wish I could be there with you this weekend!

This photo is from my sister's wedding a few years ago. Mom with all her daughters. Can you believe she is the mother of four and grandma to five? Such a beautiful (grand)mama! 


xo,
Marit

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 - ANTHROPOLOGIE EDITION

This week's Friday's Fab $15 comes from beautiful finds at my favorite store, Anthropologie! And as always, each of these little cuties are under $15. I think those lanterns would look adorable in the corner of a room, I love the mix of metallics and clear.

What does everyone have planned for the weekend? Hope it is a lovely one. Particularly for all of you mamas (especially YOU mom), you deserve it!

From top to bottom:

• treading water glass
• barr co. soap
• just picked recipe cards
• fig jar lanterns

PRETTY ME PINTEREST

A curated list of some of the many things that have been inspiring me lately on Pinterest. A mixture of home decor, DIY, recipes and words of wisdom. Enjoy!

You can follow me here on Pinterest.

Sources, from top to bottom:

• Console, Anthroplogie
• Checkered Tea Spoons, Anthropologie
• Spicy Michelada Recipe, Spoon Fork Bacon
• Marble Shakers, Leif
• Some Things Take Time, Momo at Minted
• Colorful Candle Holders DIY, Martha Stewart
• Arrowhead iPhone Case, Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Dotty Curtains, Yvestown Blog
• DIY Cute Coasters, Fellow Fellow
• Love Stationery, Love Alice

SMALL TALK STUDIO

I recently came across Small Talk Studio on Etsy and was immediately smitten. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for a good quote and the words don't get much prettier than this! Her prints go for about $20 each on Etsy. One or two of these are definitely going to be hung in my home. My favorite part? She's from my home state of Minnesota, you betcha!

THE SHOPS AT TARGET

The Shops have taken over Target. I've been hearing about this new collaboration where Target is making selected boutiques from around the country accessible to everyday people like myself and had to check it out. Sometimes their special designer lines get me all hot and bothered (like the Missoni line) and other times I can do without. Last night I took a little field trip to see if it was worth the hype. Note: taking a late night trip to Target with no shopping list is never a good idea. Wallet beware.

The Privet House (numbers 1, 3, 6 & 7) was by far my favorite line. They have some high-quality interior and exterior gems. The Connecticut-based boutique has patterns that are fun and the colors are bright. I picked up some of their jute white chevron place mats for my new pad. As tempting as the poufs were, I had to walk away.

The Webster, a Miami boutique (number 5), had some fun summer clothes with loud patterns- notably dresses. Sadly they were all too short for my nearly six foot height.

Boston's very own Polka Dog Bakery (number 4) was my other favorite. I got Otis some branch chew toys and a new collar- spoiled boy. The colors were great, which I will continue to pretend he cares about.

There are two other brands included in The Shops- Cos Bar from Aspen and The Candy Store from San Francisco (number 2). I unfortunately didn't see either of these at my local store. Probably a good thing because, hello my name is Marit and I'm a candy addict.

If you pick anything up from this line let me know, I'd love to hear what every one else is feeling about it.

BRIGHTS & WHITES

As I mentioned Friday, the moving bug has officially bit me. I'm so excited to get into my new place and start decorating from scratch. There is nothing I hate more than moving out of a place but there isn't anything I love more than moving into a new place, a blank canvas! Here are some photos of some things that will be inspiring the vibe of the new place. Loving lots of brights mixed with a whole lot of white.

Ps. Have you seen the pictures or been to the Hotel Saguaro in Palm Springs? Put it on my weekend getaway list...

Sources:

Vintage Hints, Apartment Therapy

Feminine Touches, Ikea Live  

Cozy Nooks, Amber Interiors

I Spy Wallpaper, Lonny Mag via Decor8

California Cool, Saguaro Hotel

Pops of Color, This Is Blog from Elle Decoration

FRIDAY'S FAB $15

It's that time again (luckily), time for Friday's four finds all under $15. I don't know if I can resist buying that gnome salt and pepper shaker...

Hope everyone had a great week. Mine was interesting for sure. After falling in love with an apartment in our neighborhood last month, having it fall through and go to someone else, having that person fall through and having the place be offered up to us, we finally will be moving into a bigger place come June! It's bittersweet for sure and tested my patience like none other, but I can sigh an exhale of relief knowing we won't be crammed into my little studio much longer. I think Otis is happy about more space as well! Expect a lot more home design posts in the upcoming months, I'm already busy planning (and fretting) every last detail.

Here's a little quote about patience, something I'm trying to get better at, by John Steinbeck. Floral design background is by Sage & Berries.

1. anthropologie knob

2. shop ban.do pom-poms

3. maxwell fishhook charm

4. garden gnome salt and pepper shaker, francesca's