Styled by Laura

Hi everyone! 

It's Laura here from Styled by Laura. I'm so excited to be filling in for Shannon while she enjoys some time at the beach! 

Today I've pulled together two looks inspired by my favorite summer blush tones! To mix things up a bit, I've added in pops of snake print for a fresh, modern twist!

T by Alexander Wang Top |  H&M Shorts |  Next Sunglasses | DVF Wedges | YSL Clutch | Kurt Geiger Heels | Miss Selfridge Dress 

Thanks again to Shannon for having me! Have a great day :)

Laura 

x

Blonde Ambitions

Hi everyone! I'm Andrea from Blonde Ambitions & am beyond excited to be posting for Shannon today while she is relaxing on vacation! Since we are in full summer mode here in Texas I thought I would give you a little "beachy" day!



Beach homesHere are some of my favorite coast/beach rooms! Aren't they gorgeous?

{photos via Coastal Living}

Beach outfitI put together a little pool/beach outfit for you. I just love floppy hats and really love these DV sandals. I actually have this exact pair in gold & wear them all of the time!

Beach CocktailYou definitely can't have a fabulous day at the beach without a great cocktail!
Royal Orchidrecipe from Coastal Living Magazinemakes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:3/4 oz (1 1/2 tablespoons) St. Germain liqueur1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) gin1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) gold rum1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice1 oz (2 tablespoons) guava nectar or papaya juiceGarnish: lime wedges
Combine first five ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover, and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedges. 
Beach appetizerFinally, here is a little recipe that I received from my Mom. She makes the BEST cerviche and now I can't seem to stop wanting it with the warm weather. Just warning you, it is addictive and you might eat the whole batch!Cerviche

Ingredients:1 lb cooked shrimp, cut in 1/4 or 1/2crab meat (I used about 1 1/2 cups)2 tomatos, chopped1 avocado, chopped1/2 jalapeno, diced1/2 cucumber, diced1/2 red onion, diced1/4 cup cilantro, chopped1 cup fresh lime juice2 Tablespoons olive oil1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon cumin1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish
Steps:

• Place shrimp in glass bowl and cover with lime juice. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to allow to marinate.
• Add remaining ingredients, gently mix and place back in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill. 
• Serve in cocktail glasses and garnish with lime slices.

You can't beat how easy this recipe is and I definitely think it is the best cerviche I have had (but maybe I am a little biased because it is from my Momma!)

Now do I have you wanting to be my beach pal?
I hope you will hop over to Blonde Ambitions and see what my obsessions are today! Thanks for having me Shannon! 

Because Shanna Said So

Hi, I am Shanna from Because Shanna Said So.  Here is the 411 in case you have NO IDEA who I am. I blog about fashion (a.k.a. my personal outfits), beauty obsessions and  random life happenings.  I try not to take myself too seriously and from time to time, have no problem making fun of myself.

I currently have a Bauble Swap going on over at my place and would love it if you would join me on the fun. Basically, you let me know that you want to play, I will give you a blog partner and then you give/receive a new bauble. There are over 50 ladies that have joined thus far. Don't be left out. Deadline is July 15th.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite trends that we seem to see everyone wearing this season. These are in no particular order and I love them all equally.

Color Blocking

Pattern Mixing

Statement Necklace

Monochromatic

Maxi Dress

Neon

So, which fashion trend are you hung up on these days?  One thing is for sure, we have so much to choose from and the current trends help stretch our closets more than ever before.


So, stop by and see me sometime! I love making new friends and discovering new blogs!


Cheers,

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Blog

A La Mode Maven

Hi Ya'll!  My name is Shelli and I am so happy Shannon invited me over today!  I am a former sales rep turned stay at home mommy that has always had a passion for design....on a budget.  I LOVE a good find!  I have a lifestyle blog with an emphasis on design and interiors called a' la mode and hope ya'll stop by sometime!  Now let's get this interview started!


1. What inspires you as a design enthusiast?
I am inspired by design blogs of course!  There are a ton a great images out in blogland to get you motivated!  I also love House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Elle Decor.  A trip through HomeGoods usually does to the trick too!  Amber Interior's blog really helps me get inpired with color!

Amber's dining room!  Isn't it so boho chic and fun?

(via)

2. What is your favorite pattern/print currently?  
I am obsessed with anything graphic...imperial trellis is a fav and you can find it all over blog land! I am also loving indian blockprinted fabrics

West Elm

Rikshaw Design

3. Where do you find your bargains? If so, what have you purchased recently that was a bargain find?


Anyone who knows me at all knows I am OBSESSED with HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  Check the clearance aisles, you never know what you might find!  My most recent bargain find is a cool club chair for my living room!  Click here to see it in my home!

4. What is your most proud DIY project?
What inspired you to create a piece on your own/what inspired you to fix it up?


 I am a DIY designer.  I may tackle a few little spray paint projects here and there but mostly my interiors are my DIY.  I love to recreate beautiful design in my home on a budget.  If you check out my home tour, you will see all of my rooms designed by yours truly and on a budget- of course!

Thanks for having me Shannon!  

xoxo, Shelli

Stars and Stripes....Forever!

Happy Friday!  This feels like a really short week to me but don't think I'm not totally ready for the weekend.  I will heading to the beach this week so I have some fabulous guest posts lined up for you all next week.  You really don't want to miss out...trust me!  You'll be seeing some of your favorite blogs right here on Wine Taste Girl including a little someone from today's favorite link up....Ms. Alison from My Friday's Fancies....stay tuned.  So today's My Friday's Fancies is focused on the stars and stripes theme and I was so excited to actually be able to put together an outfit that yours truly has in my own closet....minus a few of the accessories.

J.Crew stripe shirt / 7 For All Mankind jeans / Steve Madden platform shoes / Mango shoulder handbag

If you all want to join in on My Friday's Fancies then go visit Alison over at Long Distance Loving to link up!

Which is your favorite?  Stars or Stripes?

Fourth of July Fun!

Did you all have a happy 4th?  I had a great one filled with fun, food, fireworks and family.  We went over to a friend's house to watch the fireworks and hang out and I didn't want to go empty handed.  Of course I had to check out Pinterest to find something fun and festive to take and I came up with these.  Did you all see this idea on Pinterest?

I made these and they were a hit!  What did you all do for the fourth?

Cocktails for the Fourth

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year.  Warm weather, laid back style, and outdoor water fun, yes please!  One of my must do's on the fourth is to visit the pool or lake and finish up with a festive picnic topped off with an amazing fire works show.  This year will be no different and to finish off the festivities, I'm looking for some new fun drinks to accompany the day.  Here's a few recipes I found that I will be trying out this week!

 This one is not a recipe, but my goodness....it is delish!  

 Bud Lite Lime-A-Rita

We had some of these the other evening and they are easy, no mixing required, and taste just like a margarita/beer cocktail.  Plus the little can is so stinkin' cute! I will be stocking up on these for the holiday for sure. 

Next up.... The Mango Margarita

I posted this recipe several months back so if you missed it, it's your lucky day.  You will definitely want to make this one! You can double or triple the recipe to serve a large crowd and trust me, they will not be disappointed.  This recipe is straight off of Duval Street in Key West and nothing says summer like a cocktail from Key West!

Cruzan (I used Capt. Morgan's) Mango Rum- 4 count

Triple Sec- 2 count

Cranberry Juice- 6 count

Sweet and Sour Mix- 6 count

 

Here's a yummy non-alcoholic drink that will leave your guest asking for more.

 Pink Honey Lemonade

via

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
• 1/4 cup SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
• 1 teaspoon honey
•  
• 7 cups water
• 1 3/4 cups fresh lemon juice
• 2 slices orange

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, strawberries, SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener, SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend, and honey. Bring to a boil, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature, cover, and chill.
2. In a large pitcher, mix together water, lemon juice, and orange slices. Stir in cooled strawberry and sweetener mixture; chill. Serve in a tall glass over ice.

So what do you think?  Will you be experimenting with any of these recipes this week?