All American summer.

When I saw this dress I knew I had to have it.. ruffles? stripes? YES, please. It's also the perfect little number for a patriotic holiday! (and for summertime backyard barbecues!) The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Reason #1 is to celebrate our Independence and freedom, and reason #2 is because of the best food and summertime get togethers of all time. I love the vibrant colors of summer, and when I think of the 4th, I think watermelon, my great grandma's fried apple pies (something I wish I could have just one more time), fresh-squeezed lemonade, the smell of fresh cut grass and family. I am so thankful to live in a country where freedom is real. I also love living in the south and the slower paced, easy ways we do things around here. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

Dress | Shoes: Splurge , Save | Watch | Crossbody bag

xoxo, ab

Ocean blue.

I felt like a mermaid washed ashore in this dress. It's super flattering and the perfect piece for a walk along the shoreline (and for channelling your inner Ariel).

 Dress

Photos by Cherith for Anna B. | Photography.

Sally sells seashells down by the Seaside [FL].

The weather seriously couldn't have been better. Our time in Seaside, Florida was just as relaxing as I had hoped and I am so thankful for this trip. It will be one to remember! It's been a very long time since I've gotten to enjoy a good ole family vacation (PA school had its limitations...). We usually trek down to Pensacola to visit my aunt, but this year we opted for something a little bit further down the panhandle. Even still, the white sandy beaches awaited us and were beautiful as they always are. The water was as clear as I've ever seen gulf water to be, and it just sealed the perfection of the whole trip.    Every day, we (mostly my sister & I) would go down by the water for a few hours to soak up the sun and relish in the moments that will last a lifetime. After all, a good day at the beach ends with sandy toes and a sunburnt nose. (Side note: we NEVER got burnt to a crisp! - usually someone does and they can't go out for a few days...)

Another memory I will hold forever are the too-numerous-to-count bike rides down the coveted 30A. I seriously need to get a bicycle. I forgot how much fun and relaxing a long bike ride can be! (2 miles to town and back is a nice ride.. and totally worth the sweat :))

We have already begun to look for a place to stay next summer ;) Here are a few pictures from the trip that captured my most favorite memories.

xoxo, ab