Bits & Pieces: Summertime

Hope your all having a wonderful start to the weekend. I'll be spending the day driving around looking for apartments with Chris, and if there's any daylight left after, hopefully work on some crafts. Stay tuned for some new diys coming up and don't forget to check out my lovely May Sponsors.

I'll leave you with some pictures from my "summer" so far. (I know it's not summer quite yet, but it feels like it here and I just can't wait!). Sunnies from Venice Beach, fresh picked strawberries, hanging out on the grass at Two-Day town music fest, Chris' screening of his senior thesis film, sushi & beer for days and days.

Blog Love: May Sponsors

Today I'm so happy to introduce some of lovely May sponsors. Let me tell you, these are some seriously talented and creative ladies. I hope you'll visit each of their blogs because I'm positive that you'll find yourself inspired. I asked each of them to share their most favorite part about summertime, and a photograph that expressed it. Enjoy! 

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Bits & Pieces: Santa Barbara, CA

You know those days where you keep making the mistake of thinking it's a day later? Today was that kind of day for me. My mind was convinced it was Thursday. Must be the result of lots of fun over the weekend, followed by lots of work this week. I have some fun stuff to share with you this weekend like some die's and my May Sponsor Highlight post tomorrow! But until then, here are some bits & pieces from my weekend with Chris and friends up in Santa Barbara. Warning, there is a slight puppy overload in this post. Our friends just adopted the CUTEST French bulldog named Oliver. I love my little girl to death, and have always considered myself a cat person, but I might be having second thoughts, as I seriously had a case of puppy envy.

Sponsor Calico Skies in June

Looking to promote your blog, store or online business? Well, I would love to hear from you! I love to feature and promote other bloggers, creative entrepreneurs, small businesses and handmade shops. I post several times a week, where I share about my 52-week craft challenge, favorite recipes, and my little adventures here in Los Angeles. Here are some stats:

Pageviews last month: 89,476

Google Friend Connect:

Facebook likes: 139

Bloglovin' followers: 173

Currently, I'm offering a free advertising and button swapping program. Starting in June, I will have 3 different ad sizes, that are rotated with each page refresh in order to maximize exposure for each sponsor. 

Spaces are limited, and are on a first come first served basis, so please contact me for availability. If you are interested in advertising with me, please send me an email with a link to your site at laurenteresa86@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

*I reserve the right to refuse participation if I feel that your site does not reflect the positive and eclectic aesthetic of Calico Skies.

Guest Post: Ten Summer Essentials

I have an awesome guest post for you today by Bethany from Handbag heaven. A fringe purse like that one is definitely on my list.

10 Summer Essential

Hello Calico Skies readers! I first wanted to say thank you to Lauren for allowing me the opportunity to guest post on her fabulous blog! Are you ready for summer and the new amazing fashion trends?

Summer is just around the corner. Are you as ready as we are? The girls at Handbag Heaven pulled together a list of our top ten must-haves for summer. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway to a beachy locale or just enjoying a date at a local park, here’s the rundown of what we think every fashionable gal should have for summertime.

1. Maxi dress: What could be better than an ultra chic dress that beats the comfort of most pajamas? This one should be an obvious pick.
2. Summer scarf: Best for taming hair on a windy day, or adding contrast and pattern to a plain outfit. They aren’t just for wintertime! Floral scarves, striped scarves, or bright colors are all great options!
3. Sunglasses: There’s no reason you shouldn’t own a pair of sunglasses, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Sunglasses protect your eyes from sun damage (blindness is a REAL side effect, ladies!), but they also prevent crows feet from forming around your eyes after hours of squinting. Style staple AND health staple, it’s a win-win.
4. Bright nail polish: Tangerine was named Pantone’s color for summer, and we love it for fingers and toes! Plus, we love any excuse for a bright splash of color. Painted nails is so summertime.
5. SPF: Duh, sun spots aren’t chic. Neither are burns or skin cancer. Be safe, be smart!

6. Cross body bag: Music festival staple - from Coachella to Bonnaroo.
7. Cream blush: Even if you don’t typically wear cream blush, summer is a great time to give it a try. It’s moisturizing, lasts all day, and adds a gorgeous punch of color to your cheeks!
8. Wedge sandals: Wedge heels are the easiest form of heels to wear, and they make your legs look great!
9. Beach bag: Even if you’re not headed to a beach, every gal needs a beach bag!
10. Good read: There’s something about summer that’s perfect for reading — poolside or post-picnic especially. We hear the Hunger Games books are as good as the movie!

 

Did we miss anything? What else do YOU consider a summer essential? Ok, maybe ice-cream is a nice #11!


 

Author Bio: For more great inspiration on how to mix colors, mix patterns, and dress with the fierceness of a fashion blogger, check out this Guide to Style for Beginners with tips on everything from selecting the right handbag to wearing leopard print and polka dots.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Chris and I are on our way up to Santa Barbara for the weekend to stay with some friends. Looking forward to chilling and enjoying the sun, drinks and yummy food. However, you know that feeling when you leave town and you just know you left something at home? Well this time I really did, and left my phone at home by accident. So I'll be a little cut off this week, but oh well. I'm leaving you with some images inspired by the sea. Have a wonderful long weekend!

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10 Things I Dig

I've been slowly working on a new layout, very slowly. So this is what a lot of my online time has been looking like lately, which explains the lack of posts this week. 

I thought I'd take a break from designing and  browse around for some pretty things to look at. That's what Pinterest is made for, right? Here are some of my favorites.

In love this home tour from Love Made Me Do It. The light-filled spaces and all the quirky little things it's filled with, just everything.

I want to eat every one of these little beauties.

This couple's portrait by Oana Befort is just lovely.

Bows, tea-length dress, and train cases. Adorable.

I've had my eyes on a pair of these in size 7 for some time now.

I reaaallly need one of these for the summer. 

Prosciutto wrapped chicken fillet with asparagus and pesto sauce. The recipe appears to be written in Russian, but this looks looks like it would be worth translating.

Lovely Liz Taylor. I don't think I've ever looked this glamorous reading the paper.

I honestly can't remember where I found this (if you have any idea let me know), and I don't even know if if it's true, but it's just magical.

One of my favorite songs from My Morning Jacket. It's sweet and uplifting.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!