Summer Loving: What I'm Loving Lately

Love them or hate them, Birkenstocks have been riding a wave of popularity for the past few years, and I'll admit that I've fully embraced these comfy, German-made shoes. 

I especially love the "Gizeh" style of Birkenstock sandals, which somehow seem a little less hippie-ish than some of the other styles of this shoe. Bonus: unlike many other pairs of sandals, Birks have a supportive foot-bed that mean long summer strolls are totally do-able.

 

Our Blush Necklace is the perfect piece for summer: the iridescent pink moonstone looks gorgeous against sun-kissed skin, while it's neutral color means this piece can be worn from day to night, with any outfit.








 

Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature Of All Things is the perfect summer read for lovers of historical fiction and strong female protagonists. 

This epic novel features a rich cast of characters and an unlikely heroine - Alma Whittaker, a brilliant 18th Century botanist who embarks on extraordinary adventures while exploring the spiritual, sensual and natural worlds.

The Signature Of All Things is a beautifully written, engaging, and masterful book that is a must for your holiday reading list. 

I stumbled upon this delicious fragrance after eying up it's beautiful turquoise & gold packaging while browsing at Anthropologie. 

One whiff of its heady and nostalgic scent and I was hooked. Scents of warm weather goodness including sea salt and coconut emanate from this limited edition perfume by Land Over Sea.

What I'm Loving Lately

It's time for another installment of "What I'm Loving Lately" - the little (and sometimes, big) things in life that have been bringing a smile to my day.

{Image via Cookie + Kate}

These pumpkin muffins.
Let me be totally honest here. Cooking? For the most part - I've got that. Baking, on the other hand? Forget it. I mean, I maybe bake something like, once every year or two, at best. It's not that I'm necessarily terrible at it, but while cooking seems an art form - throw in a little of this, and a little of that - baking is such a science - and chemistry was never my strong suit. Swap baking powder for baking soda? Bad idea. Opened the oven too early? See ya, cake. Plus, while I admire these women who can bake and not eat every last one of the two dozen cookies personally, I'm afraid my discipline isn't that good.

So imagine my joy to stumble across this super easy, and healthy, Maple-Sweetened Pumpkin Muffin recipe on the blog Cookie and Kate.  I win. 
 

 

This little beauty. 
Yup, if you haven't seen her on Instagram, the man and I got a puppy. And yes, she's a handful. And life is even more hectic than it was before. And we totally adore her. 

Sometimes crazy is a good thing. 


Alt-J's Hunger of the Pine.
This song is simply too good. Take a listen. 

Frye Boots.
I must admit that splurging on a pair of Frye Boots has been on my mind for a while now. Anyone I know that has a pair of Fryes swears they will last me forever, but I've always choked a bit on the cost. I mean, they're cool boots, but I'm not sure I felt that the purchase was "sexy" enough to warrant making. Well, let's just say this might be the season I buy some... Do you own a pair of Fryes and love them?

What are you crushing on lately? Leave a comment below and share the love!