4th of July Vacation: Birmingham

Hello friends!

After spending a few days in Birmingham with family for the holiday weekend, we are settling back into our daily routines and I wanted to take a moment to share a few photos of our time with you.

For the past 12+ years my family and I have visited my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in Birmingham, AL.They have a lovely home with a large pool and the most relaxing sun porch made for reading and naps, of course!
Adam and I decided to go up a couple of days early to have some alone time in addition to exploring the city and suburbs of Birmingham. I took some time prior to arriving to research a few places to visit and was lucky enough to do it all. On Wednesday we had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen followed by shopping at The Summit (Madewell, C. Wonder, Sur La Table). I purchased a couple of turkish towels at sur la table for our future home and am so I'm excited to be able to use them.

Thursday we ventured to a small but very affluent town, Mountain Brook. Driving through the tree lined winding roads you were met with beautiful custom homes on both sides. I apologize for the photos being slightly grain-y but we were going about 45 mph so this is as good as I could get. I must say, the Colonial home was my favorite.

We drove into one of the villages they have in Mountain Brook, specifically English Village to have brunch at Chez LuLu. Having arrived a little before they opened, we meandered about the shops and grabbed a couple of treats and an iced latte at The Continental Bakery.

The thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam and the the french love cookie, respectively.

After walking about the village we sat down at the tables outside of Chez LuLu (adjacent to the Continental Bakery) for lunch and were able to eat with my cousin, Tessa.

First they greeted us with a bread basket and dipping oil, so naturally we felt like we made the right choice.

I ordered the soup and salad sampler with my choice of any soups or salads offered. I chose two salads, the roasted walnut, goat cheese and pear salad with a champagne vinaigrette; the beet and avocado salad; a warm carrot soup (this was absolutely amazing!) and a cup of the gazpacho whose descriptors have left me. It was yummy, that's all I can recall.

 

Adam had the Goat Cheese, Pesto and Tomato Sandwich along with a cup of the gazpacho as well. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon in and out of the local boutiques and later saw a movie with the family!

On the 4th we all slept in and enjoyed a pancake breakfast thanks to my Aunt Beth. It was red white and blue themed, of course. We had our bathing suits on, magazines out and sunscreen applied by mid morning. It was so relaxing!

After swimming and hanging out for quite a while we hopped over to Steel City Pops for an afternoon treat. They make  gourmet popsicle's  and let me tell you, they do it well. Hello, Coffee Pop!

By the end of the day I looked like one hot lobster. I don't tan, I mainly burn, so I am still reeling from the effects of the sun. Regardless of my candy cane lookin' legs, we had a wonderful time. I realized after uploading all of the photos that it was mainly of the fun food we ate and none of us or our family! 

If ever you find yourself in Birmingham or in the very least passing through, I suggest you take a few minutes to explore this fun city.

I hope your holiday weekend was enjoyable! We'll talk soon, I promise.

xoxo  bd

4 years

I cannot believe it has only been four years since we stood beneath those two old trees and said "I do" at sunset.

These four years have flown by but I feel as though I have been with him my whole life. I truly don't know what I would do without him. He's the only person in this mighty big world that gets me. 

I love him with all that I am.

Here's to many many many more!

Happy Anniversary, my love!

Ipsy: July 2013

Yesterday I received my very first Ipsy bag! Formerly known as MyGlam Bag, it was curated by some of my favorite Youtube Beauty gurus. Similar to other monthly subscription services, you pay a small fee, Ipsy's is $10, fill out a questionnaire about your style and wait for the wondrous package to arrive in your mailbox! What is fun about Ipsy is you receive 5 sample beauty items that come in a specially designed bag every month. Seriously, I could never have too many bags to store everything from cosmetics to toiletries to a few pens and pencils.

This month Ipsy's theme is Beach Beauty and they packed the cutest hot pink bag with some awesome beachy essentials.

 

1. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample

2. POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon

3. Benefit benetint - Lip and Cheek Stain

4. COOLA Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer

5. Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray

For more information on how you can get your hands on Ipsy, click Here.

Seeing that we are headed to Florida in the next few weeks, I'm excited to carry this little bag with me!

I'll talk to you soon!

xoxo bd

July 2011 Favorites

 July Favorites, a collection of some of the beauty products I have been loving. I hope you enjoy!

Thanks for watching!

xoxo, bd

As I have the day off, I decided to clear the cobwebs from this poorly neglected blog.

June flew by as has July already and the summer is hotter than ever. I have been working on a few new things for this little world of mine and I hope it is received well!

Lovelies, enjoy your Friday and the beginning to a beautiful summer weekend. May these next few nights be filled with warm breezes and breathtaking sunsets.

Talk to you soon,

xoxo .bd

{Photo Credit: Plum Pretty Sugar}