Latest Loves of Summer

Summer Sandals

Found these above shoes here (went with 1/2 size up). Perfect price for me to still feel trendy somewhat with it, but not too bad if I don't wear as often as my ever-so-comfy Sanuks (shown below). 

In case you haven't heard of Sanuks, they're worth trying on. Your feet will actually miss them when you take them off....here's why: they're made out of Yoga mats! Pure comfort. I've spotted them at the children's boutique All Tucked In in Bountiful, Dillards, or online here.

Strawberry Fruit Crisps

Everyone in my family loves these bars. They're not as gooey as Nutri Grain bars, and not too sugary either. I keep a couple in my purse at all times and like how I don't have to worry about them melting like granola bars always seem to do. You can buy in bulk at Sams Club. Highly recommend!

Teen Dept. Accessories

I'm about to tell you to do the exact opposite of what Stacy and Clinton from What To Wear advise women....shop in the teen department. But, only for accessories. After a recommend from this blog, I hopped over to nordstrom.com and found the cutest pairs of studs (seem to wear often with kids nowadays!) as well as some other nice pieces of jewelry all at really good prices. 

Italian Pasta Salad

This recipe that I'm about to share (wish I could remember where I found it...) is by far the best. I'm a HUGE fan of pasta salad (especially in the summer) but all the recipes I've tried in the past have either been too oily, too dry, or too bland. I'm telling you THIS recipe is it. And very easy too. Seconds please!

1 cup mayo

2 tsp. red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic (minced)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 box multi-colored macaroni

1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1 1/2 cups steamed broccoli

Combine first 6 ingredients. Stir in remaining. Cover, chill.

Coupon Organizer

                                

I have my friend Cherise to thank for this one. I'm not a huge couponer (looks like I just made that word up!), but just like anyone, love a good deal. I had an envelope that I kept all of them in but hated digging around for the right one at the right time. Then I saw this handy dandy accordion-styled organizer that my friend had and knew I HAD to get one. 

    

It truly has changed my life forever. Reasons why I love:

You can create your OWN folder titles (mine are: Receipts for Returns, then I go alphabetical for the others which I file based on store/restaurant names....A-D, E-H, I-L, M-P, Q-T, U-Z, Smiths, Toiletries, Places To Go, Directions, Haircut Photos). Found at Walmart, or Dollar Tree for you guessed it...$1. Brilliant.

Songs playing on my iPod:

• L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole (Performance World)
• Shine by Laura Izibor (recommended by friend, Gentri)
• If I Try by Bianca Merkley (She's such a cool find. Click here to learn more about her. Turns out she grew up in the same neighborhood as I!)
• Time Rolls By by Bianca Merkley
• Grateful by Bianca Merkley
• Never Say Never by The Fray
• Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band (this song makes me cry it's so cute!)
• Back In Time by Pitbull (I have no shame)
• How We Do by Rita Ora (yep, I fully admit to liking bad teeny bopper music)
• SOS by Rhianna (I love to listen to this one while cleaning)

That's it for this season! Hope you all are enjoying the 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS. I love watching all the passion, tears, and satisfaction in the athletes' faces. Find it all pretty awesome.