I scream, you scream, we all scream for...

bananas?

Besides making yummy frozen treats out of bananas (and any other fruit you want) this machine IS bananas. Buy fruit, freeze fruit, put it in the Yonanas Machine and out comes a cold, delicious, fro-yo like treat. Whatever you put in, is what comes out, it is as simple as that. For $50, you can buy it here!

introducing...

BOW (and not the one that you wear in your hair). This bow is a different kind of bow:

BOOK OF THE WEEK.

In elementary school I always heard "Reading is Fun!" well guess what, now that I am not forced to read, I love it. My favorite part is that I am able to create my own version of the characters in my mind. It lets me escape the ins and outs of everyday life, allows me to travel to places that I may not be able to see, and has taught me lessons that I hope will help me maneuver through hardships in the future. Each week, I will provide you with a BOW, a short summary of the book, and a way to learn more if you think it strikes your fancy. Here it goes...

This week's BOW is: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese


Set in Ethiopia (pronounced correctly as Ethyo-pya), Cutting for Stone, follows the life of two twins: Marion and Shiva Stone. Their mother, Sister Mary Joseph Praise and their father, Thomas Stone are frequent surgical partners in Operating Theater 3 at Missing Hospital. Throughout their life, these boys face struggles and gain triumphs that will turn them into two very different men. The story is filled with colorful details and poetic language that will keep you turning every one of the 600 pages. Although it is a long read, you cannot help but let yourself go into their world. Get a glimpse by reading the first chapter here.

Abraham Verghese and Cutting for Stone

flat out cute

The key to looking chic this summer is being comfy. Don't overstep your confidence boundaries when it comes to heel height. Most of your favorite styles: gladiator, espadrille, and peep toe are now available in a flat version, and what's even better is that you can find them at a super great price!

@ Old Navy for $20

@ H&M for $25

@  Old Navy for $20

got salad?

Making a healthy (and tasty) lunch is easy. Mix up a light, fresh, vinaigrette in seconds! The key is using olive oil, good balsamic vinegar, and a little Splenda. It may seem strange, but trust me, it works.

get what you like at a price you love

Listen UP.....

J. Crew Factory is the worldwide web's best kept secret. Starting at 12 midnight on Fridays women AND men can choose to purchase from the pages and pages of J.Crew Factory, AT LOTS OF REDUCED PRICES! You have until Sunday at 12 am. But go fast, there is only a limited supply. Go ahead and click here J. Crew Factory Online to explore, but you can't buy until the weekend.

color wheel for your heels

One hard thing about going to the pool is finding shoes that you won't have to worry about getting wet. The worst feeling is when you buy a new pair of sandals and you think you can get away with it and they end up getting ruined. On pool days, go easy on yourself and keep it colorful with rubber sandals. 

e x c u r s i o n s (19 points)

Life's a Picnic by jillyt featuring h&m dresses

Taking an adventure doesn't mean it cannot involve sitting down and eating. But why not do it outside, in the open air, with a group of  friends, someone special, or your family? Use it as a time to wear something whimsical. This dress from H&M's new Conscious Collection is the perfect pick for your afternoon outing, and flats, like these from J.Crew, will give you a little support if you need to find a quiet spot farther up the hill. Make sure you throw a sweater in your basket so you can cover your shoulders later into the day. The key to a successful picnic is having the right materials: a thick (ideally waterproof) blanket like this one from L.L. Bean, a heavy duty basket, and something to keep the beverages cold all day long. This colorful hot pink tube holds up to 6 beverages, and also comes in a larger bottle sized option (for your favorite bottle of Champagne?) Find this at Marley Lilly. Keep yourself busy with a book, or a game. Travel Scrabble is the PERFECT thing to pick up during a lazy Saturday in the sun. Play on teams and get the whole group involved, or against a friend, but it will keep you busy for hours. 

right outta the gate

It's Derby Time by jillyt featuring kate spade handbags

Even if you didn't make it to Churchill Downs, you can still sport your polka dot dresses! anyone will be able to spot you in this spotty number and oxford shoes. pairing these with a bright colored straw purse, like this one from Kate Spade, will give your outfit a little punch. thick rimmed sunglasses channel Jackie O and give you effortless style. After topping your look off with a hair pin and a pair of gloves you are ready for the races. don't forget to swipe on some Falsies mascara from Maybelline: people will be able to see those lashes from the track.