summer weekends are the best!

Today is Friday! Yay. That means I get my husband for two whole days without sharing him with work. Boomshakalaka!

This weekend's schedule includes a zoo visit, eating yummy cherries, gym time, Saturday breakfast, church and making sure my dad knows how amazing he is and how much I love him!

Happy summer weekend!

Photo via Ffffound

home sweet home

I know it is still a couple of weeks away, but I am so super duper excited for the Fourth of July. Yes, I love the fireworks and sparklers and watermelon. But what I am most excited about is that I will be spending the holiday weekend in the place that I love the most - my grandma's house. Growing up, we lived with my grandma at one point, then lived right next door to her for a bit and when we moved away to San Diego, Puerto Rico, etc., we would spend the summers there. My grandma lives in a tiny little town called La Mesa in New Mexico. She and my grandpa hired builders to build the house, but when my grandpa found out he was being ripped off, he fired them and he and my grandma finished the house. My dad, aunts and uncle grew up here and have countless tales of childhood adventures that I love to sit and listen to. Neighbors are one mile away, separated by fields of cotton and alfalfa. When I was younger, my grandpa grew the most delicious watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes and chile, among other things. My grandma has grown peach trees, apple trees, a pomegranate plant and two regal pecan trees that still reside in the front yard. Driving up to the farm, a feeling of serenity and calmness take over my body. My heart and mind are at complete ease as I step out of the car and into my haven. My grandpa passed away when I was in the eight grade, but I can still feel his spirit on the farm, where he spent his life working harder than any man I know. My grandma is a beautiful woman with the best sense of humor and a beautiful heart. Like I said, I can't wait to go home.

confessions of a shaved iceaholic

Hi my name is Erica and I'm addicted to Shaved Ice.

Seriously, this fresh summer treat is driving me bananas.

Every time I make my way into Dallas (I live in the burbs) I find a way to inch up Central toward Meadow so I can stop in at Doc's and grab a shaved ice. The photo above is the remnants of a medium Tiger's Blood (small, shmall).

The only two Shaved Ice stands in Dallas I've discovered that are worthy of my dinero are:

Summer Snow (located inside Doc's and next to Brother's Pizza)

10455 North Central Expressway

&

Shaved Ice Snow Cones

1626 Morrell

I'm not gonna lie, this one is in Oak Cliff, but make your way there while the sun is shining and you and your shaved ice will be safe.

vitamin D

I'm heading out to catch some rays with my BFF, but I leave you with my favorite Passion Pit song, Little Secrets. Unfortunately there is not an official video, so a montage of the band will have to do. I heart this song and can't wait to see them at ACL this year! Have a beautiful day!

this week

It's a new day and a new week!

Plans to make the next few days good ones:

• eat healthier
• get to the gym
• start my adventure book
• buy Polaroid film
• keep working on the "effortless" braid look
• buy my necklace
• wear a flower in my hair
• take lots of Holga photos

What are your plans for a peachy keen week?

Photo via my beautiful and amazing friend Summer

guest dress

We have two summer weddings to attend this year - one over Fourth of July weekend and the other in August. I always start the search for my outfits quite early and I'm dying to get both dresses from J. Crew. I've even managed to find some sale options!

Marbella Lorelei dress - even the name of this dress is lovely!

Robin short dress - Sunshine abound!

Ruffled cotton-sateen dress - I heart ruffles and I must

say this isn't a bad price for a J. Crew dress

Goldwyn dress - Gold's a good color for the tan I'm planning to have.

I love the back too!

Pique Pavilion Dress - More ruffles and $40, are you kidding me?

Penelope dress - Lilac Love

Melody dress - Simple and Sweet

There were so many I started going cross-eyed with giddiness. Which do you like best?

summer weather in Texas

There's a summer storm headed our way with all the works - thunder, lightning and rain (apparently a tornado too, yikes!). I love it. Gonna enjoy some pizza with my two main men - my husband and little brother!

Photo via CoreBurn's Flickr

here, there and everywhere

My brother is staying with us for three weeks, which means, much like this lovely bubble, I will be floating around for a while. Excuse the longer times between posts. Hope summer is treating you well!

Photo via Ffffound

Sunny with No Chance of Rain! Well 10%, but Whatever.

Today's weather was beautiful and the next three days are going to follow suit!

I'm particularly tickled that Sunday's sunny and warm weather is going to cooperate for my birthday pool party! Holla! Check out those digits! I can't wait to see my sweet friends!

hello and goodbye

Last night my sweet husband told me he had a surprise that was going to make me very happy! He said it had to do with a TV show. This confused me - like I wrote about before, there is only one show I can't tear myself away from, and that's So You Think You Can Dance. Hmmmmm, what was he talking about? He gave me a hint: PD.

GASP! Could it be true?

I have to admit, there was one other show that stole my heart a couple of years ago. Like many TV shows with low ratings, it was sent to TV show heaven.

Pushing Daisies was whimsical in every sense of the word - the characters were lovable, the wardrobe was gorgeous and the plot was unlike anything else on TV! I had a major girl crush on Anna Friel, who played the lead character Chuck.

Much to my delight, the show is coming back for three final episodes, starting this Saturday, giving us one final glimpse of the magical world and enchanting characters!

Photos via The FilmPhile, Honey nor Honeybee

texas heat in full effect!

I don't think summer wants to wait until June 21 to have its official kick off! The heat has crept up on Dallas and is not going anywhere. This calls for a yummy frozen treat to cool off. I have been wanting to make these Tequila Sunrise Popsicles for a while now and may use this weekend's 90 degree high as an excuse! Since tequila isn't exactly a middle-of-the-day treat, I'm going to find a shaved ice stand and indulge in a blue coconut shaved ice - Y.U.M.

must-watch TV

Today is the season premiere of my absolute must-watch TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. I'm pretty impartial to TV, I mean I can walk away from a show I've been watching for a couple of years and never think about it again - with the exception of So You Think You Can Dance. It is such a beautiful art form, to be able to dance like those people can. I especially love the Mia Michaels contemporary pieces. Just watch the video below to see what I mean and I'll bet you get hooked!

not so mellow yellow

I'm loving the color yellow lately! Summer is basically here in Dallas and what better way to usher in the warm sun than with an homage to the bright star's beautiful color!

I can always count on Banana for a cute dress or two and this one is no exception!

I'd love to wear this aptly named, Here Comes the Sundress to one of Dallas' Shakespeare in the Park performances. A picnic basket with wine and cheese are the perfect accessories!

I love to browse Shopbop even though most of their stuff is well out of my price range, much like this super cute linen dress with hidden polka dots!

I found this dress a while ago and forgot to note where it is from - if anyone knows, let me know! I want to buy it and wear it to a wedding we are going to this summer! I heart the ruffle neckline.

So, this last one is definitely a splurge I could never justify, but WOWZA, what a bananas (no pun intended) dress from J. Crew!

All this summer talk makes me want a beach, a floppy hat, an umbrella drink and my favorites!