A July recap including items purchased from the Nordstrom Anniversary {and those outside of the sale}, where we went, recipes tried, & more!
Get 20% off your first order from The Bouqs Co. with code XOLAURAL {all caps} at check out.
Clothing Purchased:
Patterned Pajama Set
Brown Woven Slides {50% off, come in black too}
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Purchases
Blue Suede Pumps {jury is still out on these, what’s your vote?}
White Sneakers {new favorite pair}
Grey Suede Sneakers
Bumble Bee Mules
Ripped Boyfriend Jeans {size down two sizes}
Basic White Tee
Home Items Purchased:
Large Pink and White Vase via HomeGoods similar here
Wood + Metal Bar Stools via HomeGoods similar here
Where I Went: This was a busy, busy month. With lots to do here in Charlotte so our trips were minimal. Joshua also traveled a few times this month for work. Which always has us wanting to stay home and be with family + friends.
We did spend Fourth of July weekend up at my in-laws house on Lake Norman. We spent our days soaking in the rays, water skiing, and wake boarding. I really need to get some videos of Joshua wake boarding. It makes my heart beat fast just thinking about, he’s such a stud out there!
Today we are currently in St. Simons Island where we’ve been since Saturday, previous to that we were in Savannah for a little over 24 hours. We were so excited for this four day getaway and time together! And it has been the BEST! I also cannot wait to share all about our trip – stay tuned for a travel guide, travel style, travel eats, and more.
What Movies Watched:
The Zookeeper’s Wife – This movie was incredible. Not for the faint of heart though. While I know things were way worse, I do feel this movie paints a very real picture. I was left heartbroken several times throughout the movie. However, I would recommend it. The acting is amazing and the story is a very strong one.
Recipes Tried:
Mini Blueberry Hand Pies – I made these for Fourth of July and they were a HUGE hit! Very quick and easy to make. I would definitely recommend these if you’re bringing a dessert to a summer party.
The BEST Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – I know I’ve shared this recipe before but they seriously are the BEST. So addicting and sinful. Everything you want in a cookie ha.
Favorite Blog Posts of the Month on Louella Reese:
Readers Favorite – Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Fitting Room Session
My Favorite – Area Trend // Five Bloggers, Five Ways – I am obsessed with this outfit. I have found myself reaching for it more times then not. Plus I love seeing how the four other bloggers style the trend we pick!
Favorite Blog Posts of the Month:
Mexican Mule Recipe – My Style Vita
Things to Focus on When Setting Career Goals – Pink Champagne Problems
Chicago Travel Guide – Glitter and Gingham
Blue & White in Nice, France – Gal Meets Glam
Bikes & Boy Approved $20 Dress – Pearls & Twirls
Favorite Song of the Month:
When It Rains It Pours – Luke Combs
Reading:
The Knockoff – okay this is embarrassing but I am still reading. I am almost done! I promise by next month I will be done and able to share a review.
5 Minutes with Jesus: A Fresh Infusion of Joy – I read this every morning to start my day. I seriously could not say enough about this book. If I were to recommend ways to kick your day off on the right foot, this would be my top recommendation!
TV Shows Watched/Watching: I have finished Brothers & Sisters and absolutely hate it. I did not want the series to end. I want to know what happens to Justin, does Kitty have the baby, what happens? Sadly, I have moved on though. I am now watching Parenthood. While I really like it, the Bravermans just don’t hold a candle to the Walkers. I’m still on season one so we’ll see how I feel as I progress. Besides that, Joshua and I watch Nashville. Does anyone else think Scarlett is SO annoying? I just can’t with her anymore.
It sounds like you had a good month. That’s awesome.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Yes for sure! Thanks so much sweet gal!
xo Laura Leigh
thanks so much for including me in this amazing roundup! I loved reading and now I am dying to make those oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Of course lady! You know you’re always one of my favorites. They’re SO good but very addictive so be careful haha.
xo Laura Leigh
I wish I could enjoy the same too… been planning for so long
Hope you get to soon!
xo Laura Leigh
I’m still preparing myself to watch the zookeepers wife… Every time I sit down to watch it I end up watching something else. Maybe I’ll give it a try in August! 🙂 And yes, Scarlett is a bit annoying right now, plus I don’t think they don’t enough music this season!
Jessica | The Way to my Hart
Ah I totally understand that. The movie is a commitment and I feel like you need to be the right mood to watch it. Definitely let me know what you think after you watch it. I completely agree with you about the music on Nashville. I hope they step it up!
xo Laura Leigh
Love love love your recap my friend! Can’t believe it’s already August!
Thanks for including me too!
xx Dana
Thank you gal! I cannot believe it either. It’s SO crazy. Time is flying. Of course gal!
xo Laura Leigh
Okay one, your flowers are gorgeous (and photo came out way better than mine), two, I vote no on the mary janes, and three, thanks for including my Mexican Mule. It’s my FAVORITE cocktail!
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
Ah thank you gal! The husband really knocked it out of the park with that pic. Thank you for the vote on the Mary Janes, I ended up going with that way. And, of course! It was brilliant and delicious.
xo Laura Leigh
Sounds like you had a wonderful month! I can’t believe we are already to August!
It definitely was! Looking forward to August though too. Can’t believe it either though!
xo Laura Leigh
What a fun idea for a post! Love this…and also love Parenthood 🙂
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Aw thank you gal! Yay! Glad you’re a fellow Parenthood fan.
xo Laura Leigh
Your fourth of July trip sounded amazing! Lake time, BBQ, family — what more could you want?
Thanks gal! Definitely agree with you. Those three make for the ultimate Fourth of July. Hope you had a great one as well!
xo Laura Leigh
You’ve had such a busy and productive month! I have never been to Lake Norman but it is high on my list. So great to see you in Savannah!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Very much so! You should come one weekend and stay with us. That would be SO much fun!! Great seeing you too lady.
xo Laura Leigh
I love the sneakers you grabbed! I want to watch the Zookeepers Wife, thank you for recommending it!
Thanks gal! I cannot wait to start wearing them. Oh it’s really good. You’re so welcome.
xo Laura Leigh
I love your round up and I’m going to try that cookie recipe!
x
Missy
http://popofstyle.com
Yay! Let me know what you think of the cookies. I literally could not be more obsessed.
xo Laura Leigh
Yay! Thanks for the share!! Your trip looks like so much fun and I totally need to try some of the recipes!
xo!
Katie
http://www.pearlsandtwirls.net
Of course gal!! And thank you, it really was a blast. Yes, for sure!! They are all so tasty.
xo Laura Leigh
Ok I just love that you do this! Great that you include other bloggers as well!!
Aw thank you so much! I’m really glad that you’re a fan of it.
xo Laura Leigh
Looks like a great month!
Definitely was, thanks gal!
xo Laura Leigh
Sounds like it was a great month!! Such a fun post idea. I love Parenthood. Except I cried every dang episode!
– Mary
http://www.MissMaryPowers.com
It absolutely was. Thanks so much gal! Oh gosh yes, totally get that.
xo Laura Leigh
Love what you scooped up from the NSALE!
Thanks love! Give me all the sneaks.
xo Laura Leigh
You got so many shoes from the Nordstrom sale… I love shoes too!!
And need to watch the Zookeper’s wife movie!!
Yes ma’am! I could not pass them up. Shoe hoarder over here haha. Yes! Let me know what you think of it.
xo Laura Leigh