WEEKEND IN THE WOODS

Every May I start to get itchy to make a trip to the North Shore of Minnesota [along the coast of Lake Superior]. It's picturesque and quiet and can also be cold even in the middle of July, Marc says it reminds him of the small fishing villages on the coast of Maine. Weekend jaunts should be easy and so should packing your bag. Layering outfits make it easy to be comfortable as the temperature changes throughout the day. Here are a few of my favorite ways to maintain some style and comfort...

If you want to follow along, be sure to find me on instagram! @luxeandlillies

DO YOU SHOP AT A CO-OP?

 

 

One of the things I love about living in the Twin Cities is that on the whole, its an incredibly health-conscience community. Minneapolis [and St. Paul] are quick to adapt to forward-thinking initiatives and implement them with much thought and consideration. There are so many people here who are widely educated on topics that really run the gamut from natural food to natural healthcare - I've learned so much just from speaking with the passionate people who work in my local co-ops and whole foods markets where I have started to buy everything from produce to face lotion. 

Co-op's stand for some pretty cool ideas:

- providing, using, and promoting earth friendly sustainable products

- activism on sustainability, health and nutrition-related issues

- building community within the neighborhoods they support

Beyond that, I know that every item I pick up is as locally sourced as possible [yay! for supporting local businesses], organic, free-range [meat/dairy] and gmo-free. I also can feel good about giving back to the community by shopping there.

Based on my experiences, I feel lucky to have a few nearby and wonder if other cities are jumping on the co-op train too?

So, tell me - do you shop at a co-op or have one in your community?

If you are in the Twin Cities and interested in giving one a try, here are 3 local co-op's in the South Minneapolis area:

Seward Co-Op //  2823 East Franklin Avenue - Minneapolis

Linden Hills Co-Op //  3815 Sunnyside Avenue - Minneapolis

The Wedge //  2105 Lyndale Avenue South - Minneapolis

HAPPY FOURTH!

 via

Wishing you all a safe and happy Fourth! I hope you all enjoy this fun long weekend with family and friends.

*An extra special thanks to my cousin Christopher and all those who serve to keep our country the land of the free!

See you back here on Tuesday

PAIRING DOWN & FRESHENING UP

In my mind I would eventually have this sort of maximalist designed home. Mixes of great printed fabrics, book stacks, picture frames and the like adorned with tschotskes from beautiful corners of the globe - or the antique store down the street. 

That was up until about 2 months ago. We invited a realtor over to and give us their opinions on what projects we should do, and which we shouldn't. To our surprise [and delight] they told us that we really don't need to do anything else. It meant no more "we will do that when we are working on that other project" and it's allowed me to look more closely at the choices that I have made...

Those choices are white and gray with natural textures mixed in. And lately - the choices have become even more minimalist than maximalist. The idea of living with less is exciting [is it the summer heat?]. Totally clear surfaces, simplistic greenery and lots of white...

Here are a few of my go-to's for pairing things down, and freshening things up:

lemons // clear out a bowl you have on the counter that houses fruit or whatever else and fill it with lemons instead. Find a cabinet [or fridge] home for all other things on your countertop and just set out the bowl of lemons - clutter be gone!

white linens // white linens are my go to. they can be bleached to their original brightness and always look fresh.

glass containers // fill the soap of your choosing into a glass dispenser, serve cucumber water out of a glass pitcher and have a pretty glass vase on hand for your garden clippings...

garden clippings // venture into your yard and clip a few sprigs off your favorite plant, or even a pretty weed. place them in a nice glass vase and voila- green and clean!

CURRENTLY COVETING

1// i'm loving that pom-poms are having a moment right now. Bring them to the beach on this fun beach towel

2// given the choice between another dessert and s'mores - I'll choose s'mores everytime. Sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies - yes please!

3// add these fun sandals to one of the outfits in yesterdays post and you will be starred and striped from head to toe!

4// who doesn't love a little fourth of july excitement? this fun assortment of sparklers will make your holiday, well -- sparkle.

5// Jillian Harris concocted this delicious looking bloody mary. It just may be the perfect post fourth saturday morning slurp.

6// jewelry that pairs with every outfit whether it be a beach coverup or cocktail dress is a win when packing a weekend bag.

WHAT TO WEAR: FOURTH OF JULY

See the Red dress here! 

Only a few more days until we celebrate one of my favorite holidays! I'm looking forward to dressing patriotically in red, white, blue [a few stripes and stars too!]. If you haven't completed your weekend looks - here are a few ideas which can be found in most shopping centers. However - there are some pretty great sales [and free two days shipping at gap!] on Fourth of July fashions online, too!

ESCAPE TO TANGIERS [ON YOUR PATIO]

Could not be more excited about the absolutely gorgeous end of May/beginning of June weather we are having! There have been multiple opportunities to spend time outside and it would be amazing to feel like I could steal away to somewhere exotic if only for a few moments. Anything with some extra UV protection is a winner in my book and this Ikea umbrella blocks 97% of harmful UV rays. The chairs are super comfortable, perfect for sinking into for the afternoon and that rug is not only bright and colorful IRL - its plastic which makes for easy cleanup. 

BE MY VALENTINE?

CABLE BRACELETS // CARD //  PURSES // CANDLES //  LIP GLOSS // ROMPER // SWEATER

#PROJECTDECORATE WITH POLYVORE

I'm so excited to be partnering with Polyvore on their Project Decorate campaign to help them give TWO lucky winners a $500 gift card to Z Gallerie! You may know Polyvore as the awesome fashion site that helps you create outfits and moodboards, and they have now done just that for home decor. It  fun and easy to use, and you can "clip" things from all over the web to use in your collection or set [much like "pinning" on Pinterest!]

I will personally be choosing one of the winners, so go get busy on creating a board! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Project Decorate: Palm Beach Chic 

CALIFORNIA COOL

Do you remember this beautiful California cottage that House Beautiful featured in one of their "small spaces" issues? When it came in the mail- I found myself turning back to it several times - when I came across it today I was reminded of how much I liked it again. This [is it third now?] polar vortex has me chilled to the bone, and for just a few moments - this place transported me to warmer days...