Dream Vacation: World’s largest pool

The end of the summer? Not quite, especially if you live in the good old Midwest. It’s going to be another scorcher today, with temps topping well above 90 degrees! I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to take a dip in the world’s largest pool. Located in Chile as part of the San Alfonso del Mar Resort, this mammoth pool has it all: more than 3,000 feet in length, covers 20 acres and contains 250,000 cubic meters of water. Maybe I can beam myself there if I just close my eyes… xoxo

P.S. 10 cool pools and 7 ways to beat the heat.

[Via Huffington Post]

S’mores ice cream

The summer is winding down (my mom and sister go back to work tomorrow, and I get back into my normal work routine…), so I couldn’t help but post these delicious treats. Nothing says summer quite like s’mores. And adding ice cream to the mix? I’m sold…

How are you celebrating the end of summer, friends? xoxo

P.S. Look for Back-To-School Week in a couple weeks! 🙂

[Via Food52]

Peek Inside: My birthday wish list

So that’s me, above, on my birthday a few years ago. As I’m sure you know by now, I’ve always had a deep love for my special day. It’s a grand event, a day to do all my favorite things. Last year, we enjoyed lunch at Applebee’s and then browsed the aisles of Target.

My mom and sister have been pestering me for the last week or so with the same question: “What do you want for your birthday?” And, as hard as it is to believe, I’ve been rendered speechless. Every single time. The truth was, I had no idea what I wanted for my birthday, let alone what I wanted to do. So many possibilities. So many fun options.

But! I’ve thought about it (since thinking is one of the things I do best…), and thought it would be fun to share my birthday wish list. Here are my six picks (Mom and Janelle, are you reading this?)…

1. A gift card to my favorite store: I hopped on the gift card train a loooong time ago. You can’t go wrong with this gift. I haven’t fallen down the eBay hole for awhile, so I figure I’m due for a good shopping binge.

2. A magazine subscription: Yes, I know this gift would fly in the face of The Great Clean of 2013, but there’s nothing like curling up with a good magazine and savoring the last relaxing days of summer. My pick? Glamour, of course!

3. My favorite TV show on DVD: Last summer, it was 7th Heaven, and this summer, we’ve been watching old episode of the ’80s classic Mr. Belvedere (did you used to watch this show?). I love taking a little stroll down memory lane!

4. A collection of my favorite candy: I take my candy choices very seriously. I’ve been really into sour Skittles and Sour Patch Kids this summer. It’s even become my go-to movie snack.

5. Day planner: I’m all for practical gifts, and for the last couple years, it’s become tradition that my mom give me a day planner for the coming year as a birthday gift. She always picks a bright color, and throughout the year, I think of her every time I use it. Smart idea, Mom! I love this chevron one!

6. Puzzle book: I used to do these all the time — a great way to keep your mind sharp. And, surprisingly calming!

Anyone have a birthday in August? Happy birthday to all the August babies! What’s on your wish list? xoxo

Fashion Friday: 10 nautical faves

How ironic that I should post about beating the heat this week. Just as we were going to bed last night, we noticed that the thermostat was stuck at a hotter temp than usual. It got hotter overnight, so by the morning, we had to call the repairman, who, thankfully, had everything fixed (yay for warranties!) and cooled off by 10 a.m.

And now, as I sit here drinking my ice-cold Diet Coke, I can’t help but daydream about a lazy summer day at the beach. The kind of days that mark so many of my childhood summers spent on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, frolicking and splashing and laughing. Well, nothing screams beach day more than nautical style, so I thought it would be fun to round-up 10 pieces I’m loving right now…

*Panama hat, $58
*Signature French terry dress, $15.99
*Linen anchor pocket tee, $49.50
*Striped bikini, top ($29.99) and bottom ($24.99)
*Ponytail holder (set of five), $5
*Sailboat button earrings, $38
*Anchor rope bracelet, $38
*Wondrous whale ring, $40
*Gold knot ring, $27
*DIY anchor tote

So, what’s your favorite nautical-themed find, friends? Are you wearing a lot of it this summer? I’d love to hear! xoxo

P.S. Friday links are coming up shortly! 🙂

[Top photo via The Sartorialist]