Weekending

inspire: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." I think this quote applies to any age, and it is certainly something to remember.
wear: It is a known fact that I have a romper obsession, and I love how fun this one is. It can easily be dressed up or down, though I would opt to keep it casual with that one.
drink: This coconut pineapple recipe looks absolutely amazing! We might be recreating this one over the weekend.
eat: I love easy pasta recipes that I can whip up really quickly and that will also be good the next day to take for lunch. This twenty-minute tortellini bake is on my menu for Sunday!
see: I'm spending the weekend with SW, and I can't wait. Weather permitting, it's going to be a relaxing weekend by the pool -- no beach for me this weekend! He's also been taking all of my blog pictures, and I'm in love with how they are turning out! The DSLR is only a few weeks old and neither of us has much experience, so I can't wait for both of us to keep learning techniques that will make them even better.
With this short week, Friday came very quickly, and I know the weekend will fly by, too. Hope it's a great one!

Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha

Triangl

swimsuit: Triangl c/o, coverup: similar, flops: Tory Burch, bracelet: gifted
Let me preface this post with the fact that I am not a swimsuit model nor will I ever be. I am, however, loving the Triangl swimsuit line, and I get the most compliments on it each time I wear it.
This Australian line of swimwear is unique as it is made out of wet suit material. This does affect the fit, as there is not much room for stretching with this suit. It is pretty comfortable and I am beyond obsessed with the color.
My Winnie Miami Mint suit is definitely making me work harder in the gym! When preparing for Miss NC last summer, I was on a regimented workout schedule that was paired with a clean eating lifestyle, but unfortunately, I did not stick with it like I should have. As of late, I've adopted the Tone It Up plan as my workout of choice. Those workouts and this fab bikini are encouraging me to work harder towards my ultimate health and fitness goal!
Note: If you're purchasing this suit or a similar one for yourself, I would suggest going a size up. I chose the sizes that I tend to wear in swimwear, but I definitely could have gone up a size in both the top and the bottom.
Be sure to visit Triangl Swimwear to see their collection of swimwear, and you can shop lace cover-up options below!

Floral

dress: T.J. Maxx / shoes: Steve Madden (similar) / bag: Tory Burch / bracelets: Loren Hope, J. Crew, Linbrooke Designs c/o, gift from Greece

On Saturday night, I went to dinner and out with friends to celebrate turning 23. Because the beach is such a laid-back atmosphere, I wanted to wear something casual, flirty, and fun. I had purchased a different dress that I planned on wearing, but when I saw this dress with tags still on in my closet, I opted for it instead! It was the perfect dress to celebrate in, and I definitely had the best night!

Layering bracelets always adds something extra to your look, and I'm tending to do so more often than not these days, like in this look. I'm loving this light blue Cat's Eye glass bracelet from Linbrooke Designs. It pairs perfectly with some of my other jewelry, and it will easily become a staple in my jewelry collection. 

Linbrooke Designs is offering a giveaway of 75% off your purchase from her Etsy store! She has so many great pieces that I had a hard time choosing just one. With 75% off your purchase, you can choose more than one great piece of jewelry from her fab collection. You have until next Wednesday to enter!

Plus, if you use the promo code SSFEAT15, you can receive 15% off your order. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trending: Scalloped

 shorts: White Plum c/o, top: H&M, clutch: GiGi New York, shoes: Jack Rogers; bracelet: BaubleBar (sold out)

photos by Stephen Wiggins

Cheers to 23! I had the absolute best long weekend celebrating with my friends and family. Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes! For a dinner on the Wilmington riverfront with my family and SW, I wore these gorgeous Clementine Scalloped shorts from White Plum. To say I'm obsessed with this boutique would be an understatement.
Scallops are a major style trend at the moment, so when I received these fab shorts in the mail thanks to White Plum, I was beyond excited. I paired them with a white top and Jack Rogers sandals for an easy night out to dinner. (And how are you liking my new GiGi New York clutch that SW gave me because I am obsessed!) These shorts are definitely going to be a go-to for summer, as they are so versatile and comfy, and the color is so much fun.
Be sure to head over to White Plum to see some great pieces!

Honoring and Remembering

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Happy Memorial Day! Hope everyone has had a wonderful long weekend! Though I am excited to spend this day off with my family on the water, an extra vacation day is not the reason for Memorial Day. We need to truly remember those who have sacrificed both their time and their lives, and honor those who have served and continue to serve today.
Thank you to all of those who have laid their lives on the line for our freedom!

"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." -- Michael Castle

Birthdays and Shenanigans

one// This Sunday, I turn 23! So my weekend will be spent celebrating with friends. Saturday will be filled with a day at the beach and pool, which is the epitome of the perfect day. To top it off, I'm going to dinner at Bluewater -- one of my favorite places in Wilmington -- with SW and my best friends so it will be a great day. Sunday will more than likely be another day at the pool + dinner with my sweet family.
two// Speaking of birthdays, how amazing do these cake-tinis look! So cute.
three// My birthday always falls on or around Memorial Day weekend. I don't mind a bit, because that means a longer weekend for me! These adorable lemon mousse fruit parfaits will make the perfect dessert for your Memorial Day festivities!
four// For Christmas, my dad gave my mom paddleboards. I gave it a try a few weeks ago, and though scary at first, it's a lot of fun! I'll be getting my exercise + sun in this weekend with those.
five// Since I'm always finding something that I need, I am now obsessed with these Sam Edelman sandals! They're a more conservative take on the gladiator sandals, and I am in love! Plus, they're on sale, too! What's not to love!
This week was a struggle for me, and I took some news that I received harder than I thought I would. But positive encouragement from my friends, family, and a special blog friend made my entire week turn around, and I am beyond ready to celebrate all weekend long!
Have a wonderful weekend! linking up with Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha

Toned + Giveaway

Last week, I mentioned that I have been doing the Tone It Up Bikini Series! Let me tell you, I am in love! Even if I don't feel like going to the gym, once I get there and pull up my videos with Karena and Katrina, I feel so motivated. These workouts can easily be done at home, but I always feel more motivated when I'm surrounded by gym equipment, so if at all possible, I go to the gym to complete my workouts + cardio. I've been sore this week from workouts, but I'm feeling motivated that I am going to get that bikini body!

If you are looking to make a slight change towards a healthier lifestyle with yummy recipes, supportive women and workouts you can do from home, this could be your plan! Even if you are skeptical, entering the giveaway won't hurt! You could win a $110 prize package including The Beach Babe workout DVD, Tone It Up apparel and... well the rest is a secret! Who doesn't love a good surprise?

Myself and these 7 gorgeous bloggers have brought this giveaway to you, so please make sure to check each of them out. You'll love them as much as I do!

:: The Modern Tulip :: Kristal Strong :: Make Me Up Mia :: Birdie To Be :: 

Southern Style :: Jessi's Designs :: Erica Jacquline :: Kids and Cabernet ::

The giveaway ends Thursday, May 29th at midnight. 

Winning entry will be verified so please be honest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Insta-Lately

What did we do before Instagram? I love sharing photos, but I love seeing all the beautiful photos others post as well. Instagram has become such a tool for marketing, which makes it quite unique. After all, pictures are worth a thousand words. Here's a little peek into life, lately.

Trending: Tropics

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I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point in my life, I became obsessed with the tropics -- anything island-printed, beach-like, tropical -- I wanted it. At age 11, I insisted in having both a t-shirt that had "Island Girl" written on it as well as a little tropical-print halter dress, both from Limited Too, of course. I grew up at the beach, but I would hardly call the coast of North Carolina "tropical." 
Now, I absolutely love the clean lines, stripes, and light colors of coastal and nautical inspired decor and clothing, but this spring and summer, I'm loving the vibrant patterns and colors of all things tropical.

Link up with us to share what's trending!

Linking up with Laura | Amanda | Katie | Kristina

Laced

romper: ShopRiffraff / shoes: Steve Madden (similar here and here) / watch: Rolex / bracelet: Loren Hope / clutch: Francesca's (gift, online here) / sunnies: Ray Ban / nails: OPI's Strawberry Margarita / lips: Sephora Collection in Mr. Lover

Where is time going? May is flying by, and with it comes this glorious weather when I can wear fun little numbers like this one. Why do I have an addiction to rompers? It has turned into a problem. I am absolutely loving this lace one from Shop Riffraff. It can so easily be dressed up or down. I wore it out for my cousin's bachelorette party this past weekend, and received the most compliments on it. Shop Rifraff has a large instagram following, so when I saw this, I jumped on the chance to get it, and there were only two left in my size. It's out of stock for now, but adding your name to the waiting list will let  you know when it's back. I'm also loving my Steve Madden wedges. A birthday gift from friends a couple years back, they have served me well and are the most comfortable tall wedges that I own! Sandal wedges are the perfect accessory for summer. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!