Lately I’ve been seeing emerald, and LOTS of it! Since partnering with Starbucks to showcase how to wear and accessorize with Pantone’s color of the year, Emerald, along with an iced Starbucks beverage, the color emerald and other shades of green have been on my radar. Needless to say, I’ve been enjoying taking in all the different shades of green I’ve found in this desert home of mine (who knew Arizona had so much green to offer!). Over the past few weeks Scott and I spent some time exploring the Desert Botanical Garden (you can see the famous Chihuly glass in background of the top picture), as well as a budding urban garden right in downtown Mesa. Both spaces, being different and unique in their own ways, are equally as beautiful and definitely should not be missed if you’re in the area.

We also recently enjoyed a date night at one of our favorite spots, La Grande Orange, and shared the most delicious green pizza (avocados galore!), and a minty gelato that is made in house. Both were delicious, and really hit the spot on such a warm summer evening. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards sipping on an emerald straw on the daily (the best way to get through the work day!), and also dreaming of cooler weather. Monsoon season has officially started in Arizona and the dark clouds and rain storms we’ve been having really have seem to awoken the whole area (everyone here loves a good rainstorm!).

Have you been toting the emerald straw around lately? What’s your favorite Starbucks drink in the summer?
-Chelsea xo