this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• I've been listening to the Hamilton Mixtape nonstop since my mom gifted it to me for Christmas - my current favorite track is Usher's version of "Wait for It." I need this on a poster in my classroom: "I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable. I am an original."

SWOON.

Studio McGee

• Studio McGee's fresh take on country club decor.
• From APW, a relaxed and pretty purple wedding.
• A calming master bedroom from House Tweaking.
• Featured on SMP, a chic DC engagement session.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Geninne, Sea of Atlas, Mospens Studio.
• Watch Joe Biden receive the Medal of Freedom...
• and a record-breaking female astronaut's spacewalk.
• Wishlisting Cristina's picks for a home yoga space.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: a goal-setting moodboard, fave streaming shows, and entertainment picks.
• 2015: Top 3's, cranberry wardrobe updates and black, white, and blush inspiration.
• 2014: favorite Instagrammers and red amaryllis inspiration.
• 2013: January blog loves.

What are you loving this week? Share your favorites

or link to your most recent blog post in the comments!

Style - June Yogi Surprise Jewelry Box Review

Last month was my first time trying the Yogi Surprise jewelry subsciption box, and you can consider me in love! Each month's box has a different theme, and the June box was inspired by the summer solstice celebration on June 20th. The note for this month encourages members to "let these pieces be a reminder to share your own light with a glowing smile and positive energy" as we embrace the arrival of summer.

Here's how Yogi Surprise works: there are two boxes to choose from, a Lifestyle box and a Jewelry box. The Lifestyle box is $44.95 each month (with a $70 average retail value) and includes 6-8 full-sized items such as organic skincare items, natural sunscreen, yoga gloves, herbal teas, and healthy snacks. All products are GMO free and vegetarian. The jewelry box, which is $24.99 each month, includes two handcrafted pieces, most often a bracelet and a necklace, and a seasonal chocolate treat. Yogi Surprise jewelry is nickel, lead, and cadmium tree, fair trade, and made with sustainably harvested materials. Subscribers are automatically charged on the 15th of each month and boxes ship out on the first week of the month. Yogi Surprise also hosts a monthly giveaway - each month, one member can win $1000 cash to go on the yoga retreat of his/her choice by posting a photo with their box on social media. This summer, Yogi Surprise is also hosting the Yoga Summer Sweepstakes, with the grand prize of a 5 night "Revive an Renew" package at The Retreat Costa Rica ($2500 value). The package includes daily yoga classes and wellness workshops, customized fresh cuisine, and luxurious accommodations in a healing environment - click here to enter!

Once again, the June jewelry box featured cute packaging and spot-on branding. I like that Yogi Surprise includes the information card explaining the significance and symbolism behind each item. This month's box included a desert-inspired necklace, stone bracelet, and chocolate energy snack. The jewelry was packed in sheer pouches that I'll be able to reuse for travel or gift-giving.

My Chakra Love necklace was made of agate and represents the sacral chakra. In this Yogi Surprise jewelry box, members could receive a variety of stones from Chakra Love's Desert Collection, representing the seven different chakras (energy points on the body that many yoga practitioners focus on). The sacral chakra (svadhishthana) is associated with emotions, relationships, sensuality, pleasure, and movement. In addition to being linked with fertility and known as the "seat of life" (as a woman with PCOS, I like the reminder of a little positive energy in that department), Svadhishthana is also considered to be connected to creativity, joy, and enthusiasm - I like having a piece of jewelry that represents those aspects of my personality, and the vermillion color of the agate stone is really unique in my jewelry box.

The second piece in the June Yogi Surprise jewelry box is a yellow and white jade bracelet featuring a silver Om charm. Yellow is obviously one of the main colors associated with the sun and solstice, and yellow jade represents purity, bravery, and honesty. According to the card that came with my box, in China, yellow jade is a symbol of "wealth, good fortune, friendship, and loyalty." 

I really like the bracelet styled with my Jawbone UP2 band, copper bead bracelet, and friendship bracelet from India. The golden color of the jade is very neutral and adds a nice bohemian touch to a summer arm party!

This week's chocolate treat was a Rawxies Mint Chocolate Chip heart - yum!

I was very satisfied with my June Yogi Surprise Box. I love being able to add yoga inspired jewelry to my everyday essentials, and Yogi Surprise is a great deal (the total value of this box was $53). The card included in the box also features a six-pose yoga sequence and invitation for friends to join (if 3 friends join, your next box is free) - if any of you are interested, click here!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way by Yogi Surprise or asked to write a review - I just thought this was a cool subscription box worth sharing with my readers! I paid for my own subscription and this is my honest review. This post contains a referral link.

Linking Up With:
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting
Hello Monday with More Pieces of Me and Sincerely Jenna Marie
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Tuesday Fashion Party at Two Peas in a Blog
Confident Twosday at I Do DeClaire

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Ageless Style at Happiness at Midlife

my late spring in instagram.

As y'all know, Instagram is my favorite form of social media. Lately, I've been striving for a balance of "styled" shots that help me practice my photography skills and real, un-posed memories of small town life that I know will serve as a diary for years to come. I'm really happy with the result! Here's what I've been up to since spring break.

Spring break photography practice with some blossoms from

the trees around our townhouse and a few of my favorite

antiques - this espresso cup is from my parents' time spent

living in Germany and I can't pass up a blue Ball Mason jar!

My jewelry organization situation was reaching crisis mode, 

so I ordered this cute arrow hook from Urban Outfitters and

I'm in love with it. It's the little things! Spring break = real 

lunch without having to supervise 150 kids or rush to eat!

One of my town's gems - the Grainery, which is home to an

art gallery/store and glass blowing school/studio. I love the

Van Gogh inspired mural outside. | Someone got my yoga

teacher this fantastic gnome as a gift at the end of term.

My mom is from the Kentucky and watches the Derby religiously

every year. This year we celebrated at my house with virgin

mint juleps - the colorful paper straws reminded me of the 

jockeys' racing silks. | This spring I taught three boys I referred

to as my Musketeers on their best days and my Stooges all the

others - all three were on the baseball team and I loved going

to their last middle school game, where they shone like stars.

         

My Bestie and her husband came in from Seattle to visit their 

families and their trip just happened to coincide with our 31st 

birthday (we were both born on May 29th!). We celebrated in 

true Roanoke fashion with a very indulgent brunch at Thelma's 

Chicken & Waffles, visiting a downtown event for a photo op with 

a mini horse, an adult big wheel ride on the Greenway with my tribe, 

homemade ice cream from Hits, and dinner at Beamer's 25 in honor 

of Bestie's love for Virginia Tech (as a Wahoo, this is true friendship).

Bestie and I both bought each other whale gifts for our birthday

in reference to an old inside joke from when we worked at

4-H camp together and our resulting catchphrase, "Whale please!"

Great minds think alike even when living on opposite coasts.

Finally, here's my chubby adorable cat, Scout, responding to being 

called "pretty boy." He is 100% awake in this picture.

Are you on Instagram? Let's be friends - you can follow me here.

{Linking Up with Weekend Snapshots at Her Heartland Soul}

Style: Yogi Surprise Subscription Box Review

It certainly does seem that there is a subscription box out there for every interest and hobby: as you all probably know, I'm a little bit addicted to Stitch Fix, and I'm mighty tempted by all of the lovely looking YA book and geeky subscription boxes that are out there. For a while, Mr. Q even got in on the action with a cycling subscription. When I started to see ads for Yogi Surprise boxes, I was intrigued - I've really become devoted to my yoga practice over the past few years as I've seen my mood become more stable and even my bone density improve (I can't prove that was because of yoga, but it certainly seems to be the case). I stalked the Yogi Surprise website and Facebook page for a while, but when I saw that a jewelry item I'd been coveting for a while was going to be included in the May box, I had to treat myself to a little early birthday gift. 

There are two Yogi Surprise boxes: a Lifestyle box and a Jewelry box, both centered around a monthly theme. The Lifestyle box is $44.95 each month and includes 6-8 full-sized items such as body oil, organic skincare items, a neti pot, yoga gloves, herbal teas, healthy chips, granola bars, and peanut butter cups. All products are GMO free and vegetarian. According to the website, the boxes have a $70 average retail value. The jewelry box, which is $24.99 each month) includes two handcrafted pieces, most often a bracelet and a necklace, and a seasonal chocolate treat. Yogi Surprise jewelry is nickel, lead, and cadmium tree, fair trade, and made with sustainably harvested materials. Subscribers are automatically charged on the 15th of each month and boxes ship out on the first week of the month (June boxes shipped yesterday). On top of my box, I found a card explaining the May theme and explaining the monthly giveaway - each month, one member can win $1000 cash to go on the yoga retreat of his/her choice by posting a photo with their box on social media.

The first thing I noticed about this subscription box was the cute packaging - even the outside of the box was well branded. Underneath the information card was a cute packet of chocolate candies and nice jewelry pouches that I'll definitely repurpose for traveling.

The flip side of the card gives information about each piece and the candy. My two jewelry items were a sandalwood, pearl, and amazonite mala (the yoga jewelry of my dreams!) and a labradorite and jade bracelet.

Here's a closer look at the 'Balance' Sandalwood, Pearl and Amazonite Mala. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that tassel jewelry, especially necklaces, is a major trend this summer. Until recently I didn't know that most of these pieces are actually inspired by the tradition of 108 bead malas (thanks to Kara from Boho Berry for the education!). 

While, as a Christian, I do not believe that stones or other natural materials have healing powers, I do think that being reminded of nature is a positive thing! I've been a little bit obsessed with minerals and gemstones since elementary school, when my truck driver dad used to bring me samples of rose quartz, pyrite, amethyst, and tiger's eye from the Southwest (just like this commercial that gives me major ugly cry face). I think that by associating a specific intention, like living a more balanced life, with a specific material, we can help remind ourselves to work toward those goals. Sandalwood is associated with calmness and mental clarity - and it smells really nice. I couldn't resist the combo of natural wood beads with pearl and amazonite when I saw the preview of this Yogi Surprise Box, especially when a mala alone can cost around $120 on Etsy or in stores. I like to wear this mala necklace with my chambray shirt (from last week's style post) or even a t-shirt and jeans to step up my "preppy bohemian" style.

Since the mala was teased on the Yogi Surprise website, the 'I Am Healed' Labradorite and Jade Bracelet was the real surprise for me. I wish this photo was a better representation of the beautiful gray-green color of the labradorite beads and how luminescent they are in the light! It's a stone associated with protection and strength. White jade is connected to focus and clear decision making. Featuring pretty silver beads, rhinestones, and a lotus charm, this bracelet is a great reminder to have faith in my choices, and looks great dressed up or down.

Finally, the chocolates, which went way too quickly during exam time at school! These  all-natural "Chocolaty Fudgee Rolls" by the Lovely Candy Co. were chocolaty indeed without the waxy texture associated with other rolls which shall remain nameless.

Overall, I really loved my first Yogi Surprise Box. My only complaint about this subscription box is that it follows a traditional subscription system - boxes are sent each month unless the subscriber cancels; there's no way to pause a subscription or skip a month. While I love yoga inspired jewelry, and Yogi Surprise is a great deal, I'm still not sure I could justify buying 24 new pieces each year - or find room for all of them in my jewelry box! The Yogi Surprise Box was a nice treat to myself at the end of the school year, and I also think it would be an awesome gift for a yoga-loving friend.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way by Yogi Surprise or asked to write a review - I just thought this was a cool subscription box worth sharing with my readers! I paid for my own subscription and this is my honest review. This post contains referral links for Yogi Surprise.

Linking Up With:
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting
Hello Monday with More Pieces of Me and Sincerely Jenna Marie
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Tuesday Fashion Party at Two Peas in a Blog
Confident Twosday at I Do DeClaire

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet
Ageless Style at Happiness at Midlife

clicks of note: dream about the time i had with you...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• How amazing is this cover of The Proclaimers' "500 Miles"? How weird is it that it was featured in a Budweiser commercial? How ready are y'all for Thanksgiving? Discuss.

SWOON.

Annamarie Akins Photography

• An elegant Virginia wedding from Annamarie Akins.
• At One Love Photography, a cheerful Napa wedding.
• Modern model home perfection from Rue magazine.
• At SMP, maybe the most elegant camp wedding ever.

SMILE.

• Alex's good advice about adding wit to your writing.
• Kate Spade yoga wear! Spring 2016 just got exciting.
• Fantastic Beasts photos! Fall's looking great too...
• Oh Happy Day's tips for taking holiday card photos.

NEST.

• In time for Thanksgiving: what guests won't tell you...
• and Camille Styles' rules for being a good houseguest.
• APW's roundup of noncommercial holiday festivities.
• Erin chooses a holiday theme to keep things simple.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year, I shared red picks for fall and easy Thanksgiving decorating ideas.
• Two years ago, I rounded up festive pink pieces for a holiday wardrobe, inspiration for a pink vineyard wedding, and recapped November in Instagram and our quiet Thanksgiving at home.
• Three years ago, I shared my "no thank you" list, inspiration for a woodland fairytale wedding, cabin-inspired wardrobe and home picks, a Sunday Social that was all about the 4's, and my updated DIY Christmas wreath.

clicks of note: jump off the edge...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• Can lyrics get any more romantic than "I will follow you to the end of the world?" I think fans of The Lumineers will enjoy Rivvrs' "I Will Follow You," which was a fortunate Spotify find for me! I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Rachabella Photography via The Sweetest Occasion

• A colorful bohemian model home from HoJ.
• Love Magnolia Rouge's modern autumn shoot.
• A whimsical gold and blush Southern Wedding.
• An apple farm picnic from The Sweetest Occasion.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Minding My Nest, Smashing, Paper Leaf.
• APW asks: what traditions make you happiest?
• 28 photobooth background ideas from BH and G.
• Inspiration for a rustic Thanksgiving from Pinterest.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I recapped my fall in Instagram, rounded up my favorite trendy graphic sweatshirts, and joined The Circle for some book-themed questions.
• Two years ago, I rounded up my November favorites, favorite neutral pieces and studded ballet flats, decor and recipes for a modern Thanksgiving, my fall blog loves, entertainment favorites, and an Instagram recap.
• Three years ago, I shared inspiration for a black and white anemone wedding and my favorite healthy pumpkin pie oatmeal recipe.
• Four years ago, I featured our indoor wedding portraits, recapped our social hour, and showed off our outdoor bridal party portraits, and couple portraits.  I also posted about gratitude, shared my recipe for slow cooker baked apples and a peek at how we used cedar and teal as our main kitchen colors (still love this combo!).

clicks of note: then we were new

get your week off to a colorful start...

• There's no doubt in my mind that this will be my favorite week of this summer. After consulting my packing list, I'm headed to my childhood summer camp this morning for my annual volunteering gig, but I'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon for a little day trip with my mama - to see SIR PAUL FREAKIN' MCCARTNEY. There's a 99% chance I will weep uncontrollably throughout the concert. On Friday after camp, we have a rehearsal dinner for Breeze's sister's wedding, which is on Saturday (I'm serving as the day-of coordinator). Whew!

LISTEN.

New by Paul McCartney - Lyric Video from Ricky Yin on Vimeo.

• Of course this week's song has to be Paul. I think "New" is such a sweet song. I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Melanie Duerkopp via Style Me Pretty

• How adorable are these portrait rubber stamps?
• Real life needs more Kate Spade inspired parties.
• A genius last minute shower from Kojo Designs.
• This preppy Seaside wedding looks like such fun!

SMILE.

• Love this summer iPhone wallpaper roundup.
• Molly's giving away a budget-friendly wallet.
• Love LC's and Target's new outlooks on fitness.
• I needed this essay on softening your gaze.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I listed some weird faves for Sunday Social and whipped up some cute and easy washi tape home decor for Independence Day.
• Two years ago, I shared patriotic fashion ideas for Independence Day and rounded up red, white, and blue pieces for entertaining along with side dish recipes, channeled my inner choreographer with a wish list of songs for SYTYCD, recapped my first Color Run, and showed off my early summer in Instagrams.
• Three years ago, I rounded up inspiration for summer in the country, featured poolside essentials, and reflected on why I love my flower girl.  
• Four years ago, I showed off my dyed wedding shoes and Etsy garters as well as my veil and jewelry, and a preview of our menu, inspired by our favorite Southern comfort food.