Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day gift Ideas:

Take the stress out of purchasing gifts for the men in your life.

Father's Day is next Sunday and I can already hear the men chanting, "No more ties! No more ties!"

Don't be stressed out if you've already gotten them one. Take it back and try one of these ideas to spoil the men in your life. 

Dad:

Omaha Steaks // This is a great gift if you're like me and you live far away from your dad. You can order any package and have it sent straight to your dad in a styrofoam cooler packed to the brim in dry ice to make sure all of its contents are kept nice and cold. Be sure to call your dad (or even your mom if you want to be extra sneaky) as they need to be refrigerated or put in your freezer within 4-6 hours post delivery. Hurry and sign up for their emails! They will send you special Father's Day offers of free extras or even free shipping! To learn more click here.

Happy Pops Day // If you're more of the gift basket type, you will love this fun and simple play on words. Get a nice wicker basket or box crate and fill it with: Pops cereal, Pop Secret Popcorn, Pop Tarts, Pop (or soda if you're from anywhere other than the mid-west!), Pop Rocks, Popped Tortilla Styled Chips and a Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. Don't forget to write a nice card that reads, "Happy 'Pop' Day!"

Wallet Filled with Coupons //  I'm wanting to do something a bit more sentimental this year. My Dad and I live about 3,000 miles from each other so I don't get to see him very often. He really appreciates the time and experiences we share together when we can and I'll be there at the end of the Summer. Some examples of the coupons I am putting in his wallet are: Ice Cream Outing, BBQ Night and Movie Night. 

Hubby:

For the Techie // My husband works with computers and data so basically... he is a nerd for a living. He couldn't live without his Macs. This Father's day I decided to bring some life back to his Mac. So I purchased a Steel Blue Speck for one of his MacBook Pros. It's basically a cover (they call it a "smartshell") you can put on your laptop to protect it and add some color. Click here for more details and more colors. Now only $24.97, much cheaper than buying a new laptop!

Father's Day Grill Basket // Again, if you're more of the gift basket type you'll love this too! Fill a basket or crate with: A spatula with a tag that reads, "I flipping love you!", Meat thermometer, a hodge podge of different seasonings (spicy, smokey etc.), Grill cleaner and brush, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, Famous Dave's BBQ Sauce and skewers.

Pillow Case with a Handwritten Message // What better way to ensure your children are the last and first thing he thinks about? I also think it's a beautiful way to capture your child's handwriting. Especially if they've just started to write. This is a Father's Day Gift you will all cherish for years to come. Learn how, here. 

I hope that these ideas were helpful. 

What do you like to get for your Dad or Hubby on Father's Day? Do you purchase something or give something homemade? Do you have an idea to share that has been a success for you? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Reader's Request: Looking Polished on the Go

Somewhere between yoga pants and heels?
Whether you're a mommy, working or both... this post is for you!

I absolutely fell in love with this Reader's Request question. It happens to all of us (myself included). We run to the grocery store or a dentist appointment in our beloved yoga pants... I know: They're fast and easy. But let's take a long hard look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves:
 They look sloppy.

With the same effort it takes to put on a pair of yoga pants, why not slip into something comfortable and polished? I know what you're thinking: Not possible.

But I'm here to tell you that not only is it possible, but you probably already have all of these items in your closet.

Hmm... I see I've caught your attention!

Okay. I know you're a busy woman on the go so I'll cut the "chit chat" and get straight to it. Here are  two incredibly easy looks to wear that are polished and extremely comfortable.



Look 1 // Maxi Dress & Basic Knotted Tee
 I love a good Maxi dress. They are comfortable and fun to twirl in...
Yes, I like twirl. So what?
But to simply wear a Maxi is a bit boring-- So, I decided to "give it a twist"
Okay, more like a knot!

I recently purchased a GIANT tote (mentioned in my Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale post) and thought it would work perfectly with this post as a polished yet fully functional "baby bag." I packed all of my daughter's necessities in it and still have half a bag to spare! 

The bronze metallic sandals, shown below, are not only incredibly comfortable but they also add the perfect amount of shimmer without going overboard. I accented my outfit with a statement bracelet to add a touch of bright color.

*BONUS* Talk about a conversation piece! I was stopped eight different times by women wanting to know where I had purchased my bracelet: success! :)

Shown Above:

Dress: F21 // Top: Loft (similar) // Tote: Nordstrom (sold out) // Bracelet: Charming Charlies 

// Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar) // Shoes: Target 

Look 2 // Blouse Vs. T-Shirt

So it's 8:26 AM, you didn't hear your alarm and your little one has a check-up in a little over fifteen minutes! You grab a pair of fitted jeans from your closet and a T-Shirt from the drawer and--

STOP RIGHT THERE.

HANDS IN THE AIR.

Back away from the T-Shirt slowly... No funny business!

Why, oh why would you ever throw on a plain graphic tee, when you can literally make the same two movements and put on a something that will look a hundred times more put together? 

A blouse effortlessly elevates an outfit without taking any more time. 

Okay, you may return to your closet now to pick out a cute blouse.

That's better. Much better.

The top (shown below) is the epitome of femininity:

Sheer. Floral. Lace. Bright. Intricate. 

Perfection.

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Top: Gibson (old, similar) // Jeans: Pac Sun // Tote, Jewelry and Shoes can be found in the previous outfit's links.

Okay, if you've read this article and you're still not quite ready to throw your yoga pants into a raging fire part with your yoga pants... 

Please, for the love of all that is good in this world, get these ones instead:

Straight-Leg Herringbone Dress Pant Yoga Pant:  Betabrand

Yes, you are busy.

But you are foremost a woman. 

You owe it to yourself not to forget that. 

You should not feel guilty about taking time away for yourself. Perhaps, your thing isn't fashion or shopping-- but you need to take a few hours a week to do something just you, for you.

It doesn't take a million dollars. It doesn't take personal stylists or an ideal body. 

It only takes a bit of planning. 

To busy women and moms everywhere, I salute you.

A huge, "Thank You" to Jen L. for being the inspiration behind this Reader's Request blog post. If you would like the chance to have your idea or suggestion featured on my blog, follow me on Instagram @xoxorachelleblog or leave a comment below!

Summer at your Fingertips

No Summertime Sadness allowed.
Five fresh and fun nail polish shades to keep Summer with you all year long.

Your outfit can be entirely on fleek down to the last detail but it's going to look incomplete and thrown together if your nails are not well groomed or chipped. No worries, I did the busy work for you and found the, 

"Top Five Fresh and Fun Shades for Summer 2015"
Enjoy my beautiful chickadees!

(Photo Cred: Yours Truly)

In order from Left to Right

OPI: Pompeii Purple // I love this fun twist on purple. When you look at it in the bottle it looks a bit like hot barbie pink. When you put it on your nails, it changes from pink to purple depending on the light.

essie: jump in my jumpsuit // The richness and depth of this red color is (in one word): Divine. You will definitely be red hot this summer sporting this bold shade.

Savina: Royalty // You will feel like royalty this Summer if you're wearing this tranquil and elegant hue on your fingertips. Don't let its cool and subtle hue fool you. All shades of mint are coming with a powerful vengeance this Summer.

essie: blue rhapsody // I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of blue on my fingernails. Usually, I find it makes me look like I'm suffering a bout of Hypothermia. However, I couldn't bring myself to put this audacious blue bottle down. So, I didn't!

OPI: Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs // Okay. My favorite nail color of the bunch. My favorite name of any nail polish EVER! I literally am at a loss for words other than, "Go out and buy this NOW!"

I hope you like the shades I picked out for this Summer.

If you happen to be sporting them tag me on Instagram @xoxorachelleblog and you may be featured in a future blog post!

What is your favorite funny nail polish name? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Burgers and Strawberries... What?!? YUM!

Summer: Burger as Strawberries: Summer

This burger needs to be on your plate or in your belly all Summer long.

Want to make everyone in your life love you forever? 

Grill them up an incredible burger (seasoned anyway you'd like) and top it off with spinach, grilled onions, crispy bacon and delicious Balsamic Strawberries.
I know it may seem kind like a strange combination...

I recently served them at a backyard dinner party and I was praised for what felt like years.

Trust me: Once you have burgers this way, you can never go back.

I tried the recipe, found below, substituting Strawberries with Raspberries and it tasted equally amazing. Not only will all of your friends worship you... but your taste buds will too!

Balsamic Strawberries:

(Yields enough topping for four burgers)

Ingredients:

24 Strawberries with green removed and halved. (When using Raspberries, I used entire carton).

4 Tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar

Directions:

1 // Place Strawberries in a small sauce pan over medium heat.

2 // Immediately mix in balsamic vinegar and stir. 

3 // Cook until soft (typically 5 minutes)

4 // Remove from heat and transfer to bowl. Set aside until burgers are ready for devouring.

** Another great thing about Balsamic Strawberries is that if you have any leftovers, they taste incredible with Vanilla Ice Cream. That's a true testament to how delicious they are because I normally loathe Vanilla Ice Cream. :)

Bon Appetite!

What is a food must have at any family/friend cookout that you put on? Is it a family tradition or something you have found on your own? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

Pineapple Sparkler & Yellow Shorts

Show me someone who doesn't love pineapple or the color yellow-- and I will show you a weirdo. 

Just kidding! More pineapple for me :p

Yellow is a prevailing color this season.
I love Yellow. Yellow is carefree, fun and cheery.
It's no secret that I am fair skinned so finding the right tone of yellow can be a bit difficult.
I found these yellow shorts at Buckle from the Jessica's Simpson line. I love them because they are are not too bright, neither are they muted.

If you're not sure how to jump on the yellow "band wagon" quite yet-- I completely understand.
Start small with a scarf or jewelry. Then maybe branch out to a sandal or tote bag.
Then (the big guns) a cropped pant, top or a high-low sundress!
Baby steps!

This drink is incredible. I can honestly tell you that pineapple is in my "Top Five" list of favorite things in life. The Pineapple Sparkler is the perfect balance of sweet and tanginess. Unlike the Miami Vice recipe found here, you simply toss all of the ingredients in the blender and Voila!

I give you the,
Pineapple Sparkler

2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup cream of coconut
12 oz sparkling water
1 1/2 cup ice

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until all ice is crushed.
2. Garnish with a pineapple slice, lime wedge or mint.
3. Dip your toes in the pool and chill out!

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Top: Eddie Bauer  // Shorts: Jessica Simpson sold at Buckle // Shoes: old  // Earrings: DSW 

// Bracelet: Charming Charlie  

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new this weekend!

Let me know what you think of the Pineapple Sparkler. I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Blank Slate: White on White

Black on Black is a Fall and Winter staple.

Summer 2015: White on White.

Not that I have ever followed the rule, but Memorial Day has marked the "official" date which okays wearing white again. It seems as though even designers are craving a blank slate as the White on White trend will be exploding this Summer.

Mark my words.

 As a fair skinned girl, I love white clothing. It gives people something to compare my skin to, so they're left thinking 

"Hmm, she's not that pale. She was a teeny tiny shade darker than her stark white shorts."

For a casual look I wanted to embrace the White on White trend, while also putting my own spin on it. I decided to pair a basic white tee and cropped jeans with a splash of gold for a fun first attempt.

(Yes, "Take Me to Church" by Hozier has been on my mind throughout the entirety of  this writing process... ha!)

Shown Above:

Top: American Apparel  // Jeans: Calvin Klein // Shoes:  Steve Madden with DSW
// Earrings: Dillards (Sold out!)

For my second look, I wanted to show how you can elevate the style and venue of the White on White trend by coupling a beaded satin shirt with an intricate lace skirt. I accessorized my outfit with a pair of strappy white wedges which carried through a fun and flirty vibe.

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Top: Nordstrom Rack, old. (similar) // Skirt: WHBM (discontinued, similar) // Shoes: Charlotte Russe (sold out, similar)  // Bracelet:  Charming Charlie


White on White is a crisp and polished look which has the ability to make a lasting impression. Whether it be in the work force, casual life or the night scene; I wouldn't be shocked if the Little White Dress soon gave the LBD a run for its money!

Do you follow the Labor Day/ Memorial Day "Rules of White"? 
What do you think about the White on White trend? Do you plan on trying it?
I would love to hear from you, leave a comment below!

Simple Miami Vice Recipe

The Sun is shining. Summer is calling.
Don't stop drinking until you can see the bottom of your glass!


I knew I wanted to make a drink with cream of coconut. However, I wanted to try something with a spin so it wasn't just the same old Pina Colada drink I've had time and time again. What better way to chill out after a long day than sipping on a cool and refreshing Miami Vice? After finding this recipe, let me be the first to say: OH EM GEE!

Miami Vice 
(Yield: 1 glass)

2 Tbsp pineapple juice
2 Tbsp cream of coconut
1 Tbsp half and half
3 Tbsp strawberry puree
3 Tbsp lime juice
Crushed Ice


1. Fill your glass to the top with crushed ice.
2. Mix together pineapple juice, cream of coconut, strawberry puree, and lime juice.
3. Pour mixture into glass.
4. Slowly pour half and half over ice.
5. Stir contents together with a straw.
6. Find hammock. Relax.

What's your favorite Summer drink? I'd love to hear from you, leave a comment below!