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SUMMER READING LIST

07.15.14

Awhile back on Instagram I was asked, “What’s on your summer reading list?” Well, today I thought it would be fun to share with you what books I’ve been getting lost in so far this summer! I do want to note, however, that I love reading but I’m not always the best at taking time the to read. I slightly blame this on college and grad school for burning me out, but now that I’m out of school, I’m enjoying getting back in the groove again. Anyways, onto the lineup —

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
// I picked this book up on a whim after reading through a chapter or two while at Barnes & Noble one day. You may not know this about me, but I’m a BIG fan of anything set in the South (Gone With The Wind, ya’ll), so the fact that this book was set in the South AND had a bit scandal between the pages made it the perfect easy (no pun intended!) read.

Love, Nina – A Nanny Writes Home by Nina Stibbe
// Ever since reading The Perks of Being A Wallfower in high school, I’ve been a fan of the diary-style writing. This book follows Nina, a 22-year-old nanny who moved to London to care for two very eccentric little boys. Their stories are shared through a stack of letters sent home to her sister, capturing each mundane and out of the ordinary moments the she has while wrapped up in this world of famous playwrights, mysterious happenings, and London in the 80’s. I’ve yet to finish this yet, but I’m really enjoying all of the humor between the pages.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple 
// I picked up this book before our trip to Kentucky last summer, as I was in need of a good read for our journey to and from. I instantly fell in love with the eccentric Mrs. Fox and her life in Seattle, and each page left me wondering where the story would take me next. I’ll admit, I only finished about half this book at the time, but I plan on going back and reading it cover to cover. 
Now that I’ve shared my list I wanna know, what’s on yours? 
Happy reading!
-Chelsea xo
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BEGIN AGAIN

07.14.14

Hey! Didn’t mean to disappear on you like that. On top of being busy working on personal projects last week, a nasty sinus infection was bringing me down (summer colds are the worst!). I did take some time though to see the film Begin Again, and also promptly learned all of the songs on the soundtrack!  I knew Mark Ruffalo and Kiera Knightly would make for a killer movie, but the musical indie vibes that filled the story line just nailed it and won Begin Again a spot on my top ten favorite films list. Have you guys seen it yet? I think it’s still playing in limited theaters, but should be out all over very soon. Anyways, we’ve also big having crazy monsoons around here (hence the sinus infection), so it’s been extra hot and muggy during the day. This sweet shift dress that I scooped up on sale from Madewell has been helping to keep me cool when my iced coffee just isn’t cutting it!





Outfit details:
Madewell dress
Bracelets: Kate Spade & Jcrew

On another note, I’ve been been brainstorming as to what other kind of content I want to add to the Tea Talk lineup (everyone needs a little refresher now and again), so I wanted to ask YOU what you would like to see more of on this little ol’ blog of mine! Please share any and all thoughts in the comments below and THANK YOU in advance!
-Chelsea xo
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THE SUMMERY LBD

07.09.14

While browsing on Pinterest the other day, I saw this photo of a very chic gal dressed in all black and rocking a summertime glow. The photo was linked to a Refinery29 article showing how you can rock all black even in the sunshine and hot, hot heat. Being an all black ensemble loving kind of lady, I took this as a challenge to style a favorite LBD with some summery accessories.

This morning we woke up to another glorious, gloomy day (for reals, I’m stoked about it). We had a huge thunder and lightening storm last night and it poured for hours. Scott and I took advantage of the stormy weather and laid in bed and watched our wedding videos! We had seen our wedding highlight video, and our reception highlight video, but hadn’t seen our dances or speeches yet. It was SO emotional watching our videos! Our wedding day was everything we could have hoped for and more, and getting to re-live our big day whenever we want is SO, SO special. If you’re getting married sometime soon or in the far off future, we can’t stress enough how important it is to have a videographer! You’ll never regret having your special day on film forever and ever.



Outfit details:
Necklace: gift from my mom
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Belt: Levi’s
Hope ya’ll have a lovely day!
-Chelsea xo
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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

07.04.14

Happy 4th of July, ya’ll! I hope everyone is having a fun filled day with family, friends, good food and lots of red, white and blue! Scott and I are taking a little break right now (me -blogging, he-sleeping zzzz) before we head out for a good ol’ American BBQ with family and friends on a farm in Queen Creek. Tonight, we’re on a mission to find the best place to watch fireworks. They always have a huge fireworks display on Tempe Town Lake, but we might head out to Phoenix with some friends or stay at home and sit on the roof to watch the fireworks going on a few streets away. Either way, it’s going to be a fun night! Scott and I are also both dressed appropriately for Independence Day in full red, white and blue. I added my favorite constellation crown from the amazing Giant Dwarf (Sue is my hero!), and a ban.do pom pom flower for a little extra shimmer and shine!







Hope everyone has a fun and safe night!
-Chelsea xo

Outfit details:
Constellation Crown: c/o Giant Dwarf
Madewell top
American Eagle high-waisted leggings
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IN THE SUMMER

07.03.14

Happy July! This summer is just flying by and it keeps getting hotter and hotter in Phoenix. Do you guys remember that song Summer Girls by LFO? The one that went, “I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch.” Well the other night I went on a old music video binge and now I can’t stop singing this song. It’s the perfect (silly) anthem for summer! Anyways, Scott and I have spent the entire week hanging out with my folks and our two pups. Yesterday we took my parents to a local restaurant called The Original Chop Shop for the first time and they loved it (minus the lunch crowd noise). It kind of melted my heart to watch my dad munch down on a gluten-free oatmeal cookie like it was no big thing! Later on in the afternoon we drove down to Scottsdale to look at a few car dealerships and to spend some time at the mall. Madewell was having a 30% off of sale, so of course I had to take a peek. I picked up this dress at Madewell recently for a major steal, and I know it’s going to be a staple in my summer wardrobe. I even saw a photo of Princess Katherine wearing a white eyelet dress, so I definitely know I’m in fashion! 😉





Have a wonderful holiday weekend, everyone!
-Chels xo
Outfit details:
Bracelets: Threads, Kate Spade & Jcrew
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SURPRISE: HE’S GOING TO GRAD SCHOOL!

07.01.14

That’s right! My husband is headed to grad school in the fall! Last Wednesday we received the exciting news that we’ve been waiting for months to hear – he was selected as one of the 40 students (120+ applied) welcomed into the Real Estate Development program at ASU. AH! I’m so excited I could scream! 
This moment has been a long time coming, as its been a moment we’ve both thought about since we graduated together in May of 2013 – I getting my Master’s in Communication Studies and he getting his Bachelor’s in Design Management. Before and after graduation day, we talked a lot about what the next year would hold for us, which included planning our wedding, Scott and I starting our careers, getting married and much more. As the days went on, we saw our plans and dreams become a reality and continued to work hard on focusing on what was best for us in the future. For Scott, that meant taking the plunge and applying for grad school in an area that he could see himself growing and flourishing in. 
About three months ago, Scott started the process of meeting with an advisor and the director of the school, attending a mixer for past, current and potential students and staff, studying for and taking the GMAT and finally finishing his essay and turning in his application. Fast track to last Wednesday, Scott walked into the room with a somber look on his face and said, “I just got off the phone with the school and I guess I don’t have to take that test anymore (a pre-placement test), ………. because I GOT IN!” Then there was lots of shouting, dancing, wishes of congratulations, kisses and big smiles! Woohoo! He then told me that the staff member who welcomed him into the program said he has a very unique perspective and they look forward to him bringing this into the group and program. WOW!
Even though I knew he would get in (confident wife, ya’ll), he still honestly scared me when he had such a sad look and low tone in his voice — that trickster! I’m truly so happy and proud of him, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him reach for his dreams and to be able to help him however I can along the way! 
Congratulations, darling! I love you!
-Chelsea xo
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WEST FEST

06.30.14





Outfit details:
Sweatshirt: Forever 21
Chambray: Jcrew
Bracelets: Jcrew & Kate Spade
Jeans: Levi’s
Kicks: Vans
This time last week I was packing up my things and getting ready to hit the road to Vegas. The fam and I had just spent a week in West Valley/Salt Lake City, Utah, which included a handful of trips to West Fest, the cities annual summer celebration! The weather this week was perfect and I totally took advantage of the cooler temps by wearing this sweatshirt I picked up during the tail-end of spring. Anchors have always been my thing (you may have seen my favorite anchor necklace on the blog a time or two), so I couldn’t pass up this high-low sweatshirt even though it was already hot, hot outside. Anyways, I really enjoyed my time in Utah and already miss the killer scenery. Scott and I don’t have any other travel plans until Labor Day weekend, but I am super thankful for the summer getaway/road trip we got to have with our family. 
Today, I have a secret project I need to finish up and I’m getting my car detailed (oh the joys of being an adult, haha). Scott’s work schedule is a little out of control this week, but I am looking forward to spending a little more time with my family and going on a few adventures around town when he gets off of work each day. So far, this summer really has been perfect and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store for us! Oh, and the big news I mentioned in my last post? It’s coming! 🙂
How has your summer been so far? Any big plans?
-Chelsea xo
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DENIM DAZE

06.28.14





Outfit details:
Denim jacket: Levi’s
Floral blouse: Forever 21
Custom necklace: Etsy (lyric from our first dance song!)
Denim leggings: American Eagle
Bracelet: Vintage
Wedges: Kork-Ease
Happy Weekend! Ever since I got back home from our week-long road trip I’ve been in a bit of a (denim) daze. It was SO nice in Salt Lake City, but I’m happy to be back home and to be able to spend some more time with my family while they’re in town for a few days. We’ve done a lot of running around and shopping the past few days, and we received THE most exciting news (promise to share soon!). 
Today, I’m working on a secret project (part of the exciting news!), lounging around with my folks while we wait for Scott to get off of work, and slurping down a trenta unsweetened iced coffee. Later on, we’re headed out to do a little more browsing/shopping (on the hunt for the perfect summer sandals!) and take a drive around Scottsdale. We’re taking things pretty slow today, but I guess that’s what Saturdays are all about, right? 🙂 
Hope you all have a nice weekend!
-Chelsea xo
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