Exploring Utah: Lake Blanche Hike

A few weeks ago my in-laws came to visit and we decided to take all our kids on a hike up to Lake Blanche.  There is nothing better than exploring the great outdoors and I think it is so important to instill that love of nature in my children. Kids these days spend waaaaaay too much time playing video games and watching TV, so it's important to get them outside and away from all that technology!

This was definitely one of the harder hikes we've done with the kids this summer, but they were such troopers!  It was about 6 1/2 miles and some parts were pretty strenuous, but the views along the way were amazing.  As soon as we saw the beautiful lake waiting for us at the top, it was all worth it.  

If you live in Utah, or plan to visit soon, I highly recommend this trail.  I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and I can't wait to explore more of it!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

Summer Vacation Wear with Athleta.

Tunic: c/o Athleta, Linen Pants: c/o Athleta, Sandals: Target, Tote: Big Buddha, Watch: Nixon, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This summer has been hot and I want to spend every single day near the water.  I just got back from a trip to the Oregon Coast (if you haven't been, you MUST go) and I loved spending the day with the sand between my toes, soaking up the sunshine and breathing that Pacific Northwest air.  I also recently hiked up to a waterfall and some awesome hot springs here in Utah, which made for a delightful mid-hike swim.  Oh, I can't forget the local splash pad, where my kids could literally play all day long. 

Spending all this time around water means I need to have some casual, lightweight pieces of clothing to stay covered up, when I'm not swimming or soaking up the rays.  These white linen pants are perfect for walking around in the sand or lounging by the pool.  They are super easy to throw on and they dry super fast if they happen to get wet!  I'm also in love with this gorgeous embroidered tunic...I think the blue color is so perfect for summer.  I could honestly wear this comfortable combo every day (I've already worn it a few times), but the best part is that each of these items could be styled so many other ways.  Athleta's apparel is so versatile, comfortable and cute...I know these pieces will be packed up in my bag for a bunch of my summer adventures to come!

P.S. Athleta is having their semi-annual sale right now and there are lots of great deals to be had!

Let Freedom Ring.

Shirt: Old Navy, Midi Skirt: c/o Lulu's, Hat: Target, Sunglasses: Cotton On, Watch: Michael Kors, Tote: Tory Burch (love love love the same bag in this color), Sandals: c/o Lulu's

I always love the 4th of July.  It means spending time with the ones I love and celebrating the beautiful country we live in.  Plus, who doesn't love good food and fireworks?!  We went to the firework show at Thanksgiving Point, for the second year in a row.  It was the perfect weather and we had such a nice, relaxing evening together. 

I hope everyone else had a fantastic Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Of course I needed to give myself a patriotic manicure to celebrate the occasion.  I'm horrible at painting stripes by hand, so I'm kind of obsessed with this awesome striping tape that Salon Perfect sent me.  You just stick it on and cut the sides...super easy and it looks so fun!  I also love their decorative top coats...how cute are those stars?! You can find the Salon Perfect products at Walmart and they are pretty cheap, which is always nice.

On a serious note...I'm so grateful to live in this beautiful country and I'm especially grateful for the freedoms and liberty we have as Americans.  We are able to choose our own religion, have our own political beliefs, speak our minds and make our own path through life, doing what we CHOOSE to do.  It's a great thing and unfortunately not everyone in the world is so fortunate. So make sure to think about those freedoms, while you are having barbeques and enjoying the fireworks!

Fun fact:  In 1778, George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence.  

'Murica.