Where we stayed had everything, restaurants, a bar, live entertainment, a private beach…

The spectacular view of the beach at lunch…Waiting for the boat ride to Saona Island. The perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity…The amazing view from the boat ride…

Our boat arriving at Saona, Island or in Spanish Isla Saona…

Paradise…

My first time horse back riding. Hmm, lets just say its not as easy as it looks.

An alley in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican artwork at the souvenir shop near our resort. I fell in love with these two! They were a bit too large for my suitcase and pricey. I settled for a picture instead.

One of the two pieces of artwork that I bought.

  Nicole from Pharr Away | $15 Starbucks Giftcard

  Amber from Classy Ever After | $10 Forever 21 Gift Card

  Carissa from Lillies & Silk | $25 Old Navy Gift Card

  Chelsea from Olive & Ivy | $15 Design Credit to Olive & Ivy Design

  Amanda from Modern Hippie Momma | Love Bug Ad Space

  Quana from Accidental Military Wife | $25 Amazon Gift Card

  Lanaya from Raising Reagan | Premier Ad Space & $10 Amazon Gift Card

  Ariana from Shopaholic Undercover | $25 Target Gift Card

  Shanay from My Unique Girlz | Crochet Handband

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Its hard to imagine that summer is just around the corner! I’m actually still waiting for spring to make an appearance. Lately, the weather in my neck of the woods has felt more like March than May. Raise your hand if you love summer? My hand is not only down because I am writing this post (hahah that was a joke) but because summer is not one of my favorite seasons. I know, stop hating on summer. I do enjoy certain things about summer, a weekend at the beach, an evening BBQ and sipping a nice cocktail in the air conditioned comfort of my living room.

If you’re like me you own a ton of summer apparel and shoes that you barely wear. Then there are what I call essentials, those items you just cannot go through summer without. My summer activities are usually spontaneous and I am always on the go. Above are essentials that I mix and match all summer long to create simple, cute and comfortable outfits. What’s on your summer essentials list?

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Flowers, how I love them so, the beautiful colors and the sweet smell provide an instant feeling of calmness and peace. Ever hear of the saying “April showers bring May flowers”? I look forward to this time each spring (minus the showers part). Watching pretty flowers bloom is my favorite spring pastime. Floral is a big trend this spring and its so easy to create a great look. How are you incorporating floral into your spring wardrobe?

The Top Five on My Lyst:

Mango
Cotton Striped Blazer
Source: Lyst.com

Mango
Printed Sheer Blouse
Source: Lyst.com

Linea
Faye Spot Jersey Tee
Source: Lyst.com

Zara
Mini Shopper
Source: Lyst.com

Mango
Sequined Striped Tshirt
Source: Lyst.com

Ariana Graham on LYST GET THIS

I am so excited to share my first guest post with you! I recently met April of April Golightly at the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference in New York City. April has come up with a great list of spring staples to share with you!

Spring is here and it is time to break out the spring staples that can be worn all spring and summer long.

1. Something Yellow

Yellow was all over the spring ready to wear runways and who am I to disregard this happy color. Yellow has an uplifting ability that will brighten your day and the days of the people around you. If you are frightened of a full yellow outfit, I recommend buying a yellow accessory to add a pop of color, like a pair of yellow shoes or yellow belt. If the color looks great on you, embrace it and rock it as much as possible this spring.

2. Jean Cut-Off Shorts

Just like a good pair of jeans, denim cut off shorts go with everything in the spring and summer. I highly recommend hitting up your local Good Will and searching for pair of Levi’s that you can cut off yourself. Places like LF are charging $150 for the same shorts and you can probably get a perfect pair for $8.00 at the local thrift store. All you need is a scissor for this DIY project. I made my own cut offs and wear them constantly. You can also control the length by doing it yourself. To me that control is priceless.

3. Over-sized Sunglasses

As the sun gets more powerful, if you aren’t already wearing sunglasses on a daily basis, you better start protecting your eyes now! I am huge fan of over-sized sunglasses that cover as much skin as possible. You are protecting both your eyes and the precious wrinkle prone skin around them.

4. White Sandals

White sandals are a spring staple that just adds a fresh feel to any outfit. There are so many different heel heights and styles to choose from that any women can find a pair of white sandals that suits them. I splurged on mine since I know I will get use out of them. The Valentino Bow Flip Flops are iconic and I get compliments on them literal every time I wear them!

5. Mint Jeans

Mint Jeans are the new blue jeans for me. This color has become my new fave. You must have them in your wardrobe as they can go with almost any top. Don’t underestimate the mint!

What is your favorite spring staple?

Neon this and neon that. I’ve seen neon everywhere lately. Neon was a major fashion trend back in the 80′s and until now it was almost unimaginable that it would come back in style.There is just something about adding a pop of color to a basic outfit. Color is lively, it has a way of instantly changing the look and feel of an outfit. You can easily pull off a hot neon look by pairing it with basic colors such as white, off white or grey.

If you are looking for a way to add a bold statement to your spring and summer wardrobe neon is the way to go! Neon colors are statement makers and they say “Hey, look at me!” In a good way.

(Quilted Neon Camera Bag. This reminds me of a classic Channel bag without the price tag.)

(Neon cap toe pump. A two for one trend ‘neon’ meets ‘color block’.)

(Neon printed scarf in green, orange and pink.This just screams tropical vacation.)

(Neon patent crossbody handbag. A much less expensive version of a Cambridge Satchel Co. bag)

I am so happy that spring is finally here! Its been a while since I posted a giveaway, here is your chance to win this awesome bangle from J.Crew! Totally loving the leopard print! Good luck.

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Ok, I know…I’ve been talking a lot about spring lately. Why? You guessed it, spring is my favorite season! Not only do I crave the warm weather, sunshine and pretty flowers, I adore spring fashion! This spring is all about color, mixing bold prints and patterns. Last night I attended this awesome fashion show presented by Macy’s in Washington, DC. The theme of the show was spring essentials or as I like to call them spring must haves.

The ten spring must haves I believe will make for an amazing spring wardrobe are: 1. Pullover Sweater 2. Modern Trench 3. Colored Denim 4. Denim Jacket 5. Trendy Sunglasses 6. Ballet Flats 7. Statement Necklace 8. Stripe Top 9. Open Front Blazer 10. Floral Dress. I love that each of these pieces are versatile. Mix and match spring must haves together or pair them with items you already own. By the way, Macy’s has an amazing collection of trendy spring essentials! What’s on your spring must have list?

Spring is finally here! Ok, yes, I am just a tad bit obsessed with spring. Warm weather, sunshine, flowers, what is there not to like? During the first few months of spring it gets a little chilly at night and a light jacket and scarf are in order. Much of my love for spring scarves is influenced by my twin sister who has a huge collection of about thirty plus. I normally do not spend much on spring scarves because the season is so short. I was browsing at Target and noticed that they have a fun collection of light scarves perfect for spring! Happy scarf shopping!

Ballet Flats:

Flat Sandals:

Wedges:

Heels: