Spontaneous no·mad adventures

Spon•ta•ne•ous: /spänˈtānēəs/ adjective

  •  performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

  •  (of a person) having an open, natural, and uninhibited manner.

  •  (of a process or event) occurring without apparent external cause.

No•mad: /no·mad/ noun 

1. • a person who does not stay long in the same place; a wanderer.

Adventure: /ad-ven-cher/ noun

  •  an exciting or very unusual experience.

I love spontaneity and so does my hubby, and we would like to think our daughters have learned to love it as much as we do also from years of us taking last minute trips or planning fun events in a spontaneous way. It is always fun and sometimes easier then planning something months in advance. We love to travel. We have become a family that lives for adventure, whether it is a trip to a theme park, the zoo or aquarium, movies, road trips, mountains, beaches, you name it we love it and we want to be able travel and spend as much quality time together as a family as we can. My oldest is almost 17 and before long will be off doing her college and training then life starts to happen and before long they are married with their own families. 

* (outfit details) Vacay mode, graphic tank is by Stella&Blue Apparel, use my code Create to receive 20% off their site now. Go to www.Stellaandgraceapparel.com will add clickable link below and should be one in side bar under favorite stores, if not will add tomorrow morning. Shorts are boyfriend shorts by Silver jeans, kimono is a palm print kimono from eBay Ehlers passion for fashion, link in prior posts and side bar. Necklace by Boohoo.com. 

We always plan spring break and a good two week road trip or adventure for the summer time but it's the in between those two planned trips we always have the most fun. Whether it's a last minute camping trip, or something as simple as getting a nice apartment down on the beach for a couple days, we love adverts and exploring. My dream trips are when we take off to the mountains and rent a rustic cabin or when we plan some fun adventure going from state to state seeing many different places. No matter where it is we always have an amazing time and being a family that loves nature and photography we love hiking, climbing, and many styles of traveling from bikes, mopeds and even boats for seeing the local sites where ever we adventure to as well as capturing those places through our own eyes and cameras. We love to document our sights and what we get to see along the way.

 I'm in the process of finally getting around to painting the accent wall in the entry to our home. We have since changed our color scheme some in parts of the house and want to change from a red wall to a dark teal or turquoise maybe even cobalt or navy something blue for sure, then we want to have photos from trips that were taking by us on canvas or wood even metal, then some framed pieces, paintings my girls do while traveling of sites we have seen, maps and some cool handmade pieces from some amazing Etsy shops I have been wanting to order from. I also plan to not only paint and change the wall decor making an amazing huge accent wall of cool photos, paintings and findings but also my vintage antique buffet from the 1930-40's will be adorned with a hand made table runner from a local artisan, some candles and then a hand painted globe we are going to use to mark places we have been, some cool decoupage map pieces with letters from our names and other cool wood cut outs, some air plants and succulents on cool handmade or unique shelves and hanging pieces then some cool lighting. I'm really excited to start but that will have to wait till after our trip in July to Charleston, SC, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and York town then to see family and friends who live in PA and Va. 

Back to my blog post topic, this week I had planned Monday to leave Wednesday morning last minute to take the girls and myself down to the Keys to stay with family in a family friends home but then last minute Tuesday my hubby called me to tell me he would be joining me. He normally works a lot and misses some last minute trips or shorter trips I take with the kids mid week but this time he was able to come. 

Florida Keys view from the small beach, fishing pier at the community pool, beach and park. Also has an amazing boat launch for those bringing boats for their trip. We had access to use the friends boat but we arrived late Wednesday and left Saturday am so we did a lot of other fun things. We went to John Pennekamp and did the glass bottom boat reef tour, snorkeling around and amazing reef with sunken ship and statues, then we went to the local bird sanctuary and rescue which had amazing owls and injured birds being nursed to health. So sad to see how many birds are badly injured from being hit by cars or run over, we really need to be careful and vigilant. 

My favorite was Leopold. He was injured but is now calling the sanctuary home since he can't fly and defend himself well. He is amazing. So cool to watch them and listen. Love owls always have been fond of them and they really are super cool. 

Geico racing boat coming into to town for the weekend. Key Largo, Florida

This was our last night I took a ride to see the sunset at Caribbean Club and while sitting water front watching from the docks and beach I had a $100 bill that looked as if it had been floating in the ocean for months come directly to me. I thought it was fake or an advertisement thing but it was real. It is gone already well I broke it getting gas when we were heading back. 

Hope you enjoyed some of the photos from our spontaneous, nomad adventure to the Keys. Florida has these amazing islands all connected by a series of bridges, one being the seven mile bridge, we stayed in Key Largo which is the closest only being an hour and maybe 30 minutes without traffic, with traffic we don't want to even think about lol. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend, tomorrow I will have my patio touch ups, news on my Ole Henriksen three step treatment I plan to use after the beach, and my Fourth of July pics are coming this week. I have some cute American proud tanks from The Light Blonde, Old Navy and Tara Lynn's Boutique, also some kid tanks for the mamas, some shorts by Vigoss, shoes, accessories, and so much more. I have some really cute pieces that everyone is going to love along with some DIY tips for those who don't have time to run out or forgot then it snuck up too fast, when in a pinch we all have pieces in our closet that will work just takes some creativity and some tips on how to make up some cute looks for basic pieces. 

Happy start to a new week. Take the bull by the horns and let's take control of the week. Accomplish your goals and do what you set your mind to. Anything is possible just remain positive and ignore toxic or negative people. My life has been amazing the last few months since I have completely cut it all out. I don't make time for any nonsense and will NO longer defend myself against mean girls or delusional lies or stories people tell to get attention or sympathy. I'm all about kindness and never want to hurt anyone but I don't have to or want to entertain ignorance and people who lie. I pick to live my life drama free, positive and happy life is too short for anything else. Om... Really need to get into yoga their stuff is so much about what I try to practice now to get the moves down. Maybe I will create an area outside for my yoga since I have a mediation area and my hammock will also be a spot for reading and relaxing. Life is good my friends and I'm loving taking my journey with those who have supported me and enjoy my sharing. Have a great night xoxo peace and love always y'all. Muah 

4th of July Outfit Inspiration

A little collage of some of my faves for summer 2016 and the upcoming July 4th weekend. Are you looking for some cute red white and blue or American pride tops or outfit ideas? I have some cute pieces I have gotten over the years as well as some new graphic tanks for this summer. 

This ensemble is by Tara Lynn's Boutique. This mid length full skirt is a red tapestry design and looks great paired with the flag tank. Be sure to use my code WANDERLUST for 15% off your order at www.Taralynnsboutique.com. Lots of cute styles and designs for every season... 

Bikini is reversible on the top, grabbed this when Target had their suits on sale buy one get one half off, I believe they have this promotion going on again. The kimono is a tie dye blue wrap or kimono I got off eBay for under $10. The headband is by ItsyBitsybands and the flip flops came from Payless by American Eagle. 

Tank by Old Navy, shorts Silver Jeans, kimono Cracker Barrel but have seen some this season at Target that are cute. Headband again Itsy Bitsy Bands. 

Shorts are Vigoss USA, tank by The Light Blonde and also have a tee shirt in same print just a little lighter shade of red. Necklace can be worn around neck or wrist and is from Old Navy. 

Being a lover of amazing graphic tops I of course have several style tops, but keep in mind it's a weekend long event this year. I know I will be rocking my red, white and blue, with Stars and Stripes from Friday to Monday. 

Tank from Tara Lynn's boutique use code Wanderlust for 15% off your order, shorts are Silver Jeans Co boyfriend dark wash, kimono is from Cracker Barrel country store. Bracelets are all Wanderer Bracelets. 

Wanderer Bracelets use code Melissa10 for 10% off and every order helps support local Bali artisans. 

Hope you enjoyed my favorites. Have some photos of outfits on and a few other favorites for decor, entertaining and fun toys for the beach and pool depending on if you have a backyard BBQ or hit the beach. 🇺🇸 Hope everyone is able to find something perfect to show their American pride and their own unique style as well. Happy Independence Day to all. 

Where to shop: 

www.thelightblonde.com

www.oldnavy.com

Ole Henriksen

Happy weekend everyone. Sorry I have not posted recently was out of town for a few days on a last minute, spontaneous trip to the Keys. We visit the Keys every summer in August for a week but this year we went a little earlier to avoid mini lobster season which is when we usually go and it tends to be super crowded. It was nice to visit mid week when there were less people and do some fun touristy type of things like snorkeling, glass bottom boat ride and fishing. We even went the Shell World to get some fun wind chimes for the back patio redesign I will unveiling this week. I stuck to my $200/300 budget, happy to report that I was under $250 closer to $200. Then I had super amazing luck to have a $100 bill float right up to me last night when watching the sunset and taking photos with my camera at the Caribbean Club. Feeling lucky, won a couple contests and have had amazing luck with receiving some fabulous products to share and review here on my blog. 

I was super excited to hear I had been chosen for the Influenster Voxbox with Ole Henriksen, I have read some amazing reviews on this line of facial care products and creams on Sephora and other beauty sites. My box arrived last week and here is the unveiling of the amazing products I was sent to sample and review with all of you. 

I received the cleansing sponge, 3 step treatment, serum and lotion. I will go into each product and what the steps along with what each product is recommended for in a future post when I review the products but for now wanted to share the box, then give a little feedback on the start of using the products. 

So far since I was out of town I have only used the serum in the morning and the cream at night. I have used it for 2 going on 3 nights in a row, and I have to say I feel and see an amazing difference in the appearance of small fine lines around my eyes and mouth then dark spots I get during the summer from sun exposure do appear to be getting gradually lighter. It's hard to tell right away but I can feel a huge difference in how soft my skin feels and it has a a change to the appearance also, my hubby told me my skin looks like it has a glow. I have to say for only a few days I'm impressed with the difference and love how soft my skin feels. Excited to sample the cleansing sponge and then the 3 step treatment. I really am hoping to see a huge difference with the treatment. Hoping it will remove any skin and dark areas that is dry or damaged from the sun. I'm waiting for the weekend to be over to be out of the sun for a few days and I will be sure to take some before/after pics also. 

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend peace and love always. Xoxo 

Where to shop:

www.sephora.com

www.olehenriksen.com

Boys and Arrows Bikinis arrived

Today was a wonderful mail day. Not only did a few new great summer trends come in that I have been waiting on but my new Boys + Arrows bikinis arrived. I saved for a couple of months for one perfect bikini and the hunt was on those two months. I found the Boys and Arrows bones pattern on Pinterest a few months ago so I kept going back to that style. I love the top and the pattern is so me. I had a hard time finding the size I needed but after a few orders one top and bottom from Diane's beachwear which the bottom was out of stock then found the bottom at Nomad Chic Mexico. I had a L in the top on order hut was on the waiting list for a XL through Boys and Arrows directly. I met the amazing Tess, she handles the online customer service and not only answered all my sizing and ordering questions, she also was someone I spoke with on the phone and she always went above and beyond for me. Amazing customer service and thank you Tess. I got that email notice a XL top was available and ordered it without a second thought. Tess told me how everyone who signs up for that notice gets an email at once and they sell out really quick, so I felt I had hit the bikini jackpot. I felt bad canceling with Diane's swimwear whom originally had the top and bottom sizes I needed but then had issues with not having the bottoms were so kind to refund my money and cancel my order since it had still not shipped at the time. They also went above and beyond. Tess had recommended both shops to check for my sizes and she really did know the shops well. Both Diane's was amazing helping me with my order and refunding was not an issue. Then Nomad Chic is in Mexico I called to make sure the size and style bottom I wanted was available, she got the bottoms from a weekend event they were set up at and set them aside for me. 

Boys + Arrows Website

Most exciting part was I followed Nomad Chic MX on IG @Nomadchicmx and saw they had a contest to win a Boys and Arrows Baja bikini, so I tried my luck. I was so shocked and grateful to wake up one morning last week to see I had won. We joke I hit the bikini jackpot for my Boys and Arrows suits this summer. For a long time I have wanted to invest in some new suits but never wanted to spend a lot of money. Last summer I got a few Triangl brand suits and paid $60/100 for two suits then got two samples one real and one that looked the same. After calculating how much I spent out of pocket on swimwear last summer I set aside the same budget and came out with two new Boys and Arrows suits. A few new L Space bikinis, misc bottoms and tops by the same two brands and six new VS bikinis, and 4 new Target bikinis not bad. Trust me you get what you pay for and these higher end suits are worth the money. The fabric, the quality, fit and service. I am for sure recommending these suits to everyone. I have size M and L bottoms then L and XL tops in a few styles that you can feel free to ask me about. I always love to help any way I can. My affiliate link for Boys and Arrows is in my side bar, I will also add links below for both Boys + Arrows, NomadChicMX and Diane's beachwear. You can find the styles in all three shops. Be sure to tell them I sent ya. Happy summer and bikini shopping. Peace and love always 

Both tops are the Deb the Desperado one is a L, Baja print the other is a XL, Bones print. There is a good difference in sizing I think the L is perfect for 32-34 B-D and XL can fit 34-38 C-DD for sure. Bottoms are Petra the punk in a L full coverage in bones, then Yuppy bottoms in a L Baja. The Petra the punk bottoms fit amazing. They don't have any bulging in hip area, fabric is soft and so light weight, well lined and perfect fit. The yuppy bottoms aren't my favorite, they are super cute but a little low for me, if I wear them normal the back my crack is almost out and feels off. Then if I pull them up higher in the back to cover me they are really low in the front. I'm going to see if I can exchange since they have 3 styles in this print. I also have bronze, black, blue and violet solid bottoms. I wear usually a M to L depending on cut. Some times you have to be aware or keep in mind that swim wear tends to stretch in the water and a L may look more flattering on but once wet you may have a saggy tush. 

One last photo, Cattle Skulls obsessed and adored.. 

Necklaces by: bison by Fawning In Love on Etsy 

Choker: Ettika Jewelry 

Where to shop: 

www.nomadchicmx.com

www.dianesbeachwear.com

www.boysandarrows.com

Summer Bikini preview

Happy summer to all, now that summer has officially kicked off I'm getting all my new swimwear for the season together. I'm still waiting on my Boys + Arrows Deb the desperado and Petra the punk in Bones pattern to arrive, super excited I won a contest for another Boys + Arrows bikini by Nomad Chic, won the Baja bikini. Pumped for it to arrive along with some other L Space pieces. 

I have a few bikinis I found at Target in the spring when they had their buy one get one half off sale, my daughter also has several styles I gave her for her Easter gift. I got this reversible flag print bikini cause I had a credit and they had a sale. I love how you can wear the top either stripe print or stars. 

I also have stocked up on Victoria Secret bikinis. Being a larger busted woman I'm sadly going to miss their suits after they are all gone. I was sad to hear they won't be carrying swimwear anymore. Every year I find one suit I love and usually it's from VS because I can order my bra size so it actually fits me. I took advantage of their clearance and then additional 40% off, I ordered every color and pattern they had in my size along with style so I have tons of tops and bottoms not in the above photo. You will see more of them in the weeks to come. I also have my Mayan print reversible D cup L Space top the bottoms are in route and should arrive this weekend along with my Boys and Arrows suits which should be here any time now. The bottoms and new suit I won will ship Friday and then the top for the bones pattern should be shipped out already. 

In case you didn't see the designs I got, I also own a couple solids and one other print top in a different style. 

The top photo is my L Space Mayan top that is also reversible to solid black. The boys and arrows bikini on the left is the Baja print I won, and I purchased the top on the right off eBay. Have solid black, bronze, violet, navy and white bottoms. I will add shopping links and be sure to check out @nomadchicmx on Instagram. Peace and love always y'all.

Update my new Boys + Arrows suits arrived and I'm obsessed. Can't say enough about the quality and fit of these suits also the customer service from bothBoys + Arrows and NomadChicMX amazing. Thank you again to Tess from Boys + Arrows who went above and beyond as well as still assisting me with questions. Then I have to say Nomad Chic was amazing. I called to verify if the bottoms I ordered were full or minimal coverage and she grabbed me my size off the racks at an event in Los Cabos for surfing and then I entered their contest on Instagram and was thrilled to find out I won. I love my Baja suit and everything worked out amazing. Prior to this I owned a few odds in end pieces but never a full suit. I love every piece I own but these two are hands down my new favorites and I think the Bones pattern may go down as one of my all time favorite pieces I have owned. 

Boys+Arrows.com

Also added this L Space bikini and solid bottoms to my collection with some amazing online and then a local small boutique had a sale of solids in same color tones. I don't think I'm going to need bikinis for a while but I'm sure when summer ends I will be stocking up to mix n match, they do great even mixing brands. Truly adore both brands. 

I got the top fits on sale for $40 then looked for bottoms wanted a solid pair so found the bottom left in a pale pink for $19 about twenty minutes after purchasing I found the bottom in the top two photos, these bottoms are my favorite especially with this style stop because the style is very close to the gypsy style bralette and hipster bottoms that have become popular. I can't usually wear them because even a L top won't cut it for me especially because most of the designers are Australian and their sizing there is smaller then our US sIzing. Now long story short I took my oldest daughter shopping just her and I since we don't have as much alone time with her little sister being a big time mama's girl, so we ended up in this little local boutique and they had this same bikini so I got to see how gorgeous the colors are, she had the bottoms like my Mayan ones in a pink that matches perfect and they are white on the opposite site. Loving reversible bikinis because you have so many options in one suite. I have one top that is actually two in one, then one print bottom that has two in one, one solid that is two colors and one solid. What's even better is these bottoms can be matched with some of my other tops. I have always been about mixing since I have always needed a separate top and bottom I use to by a bigger suit for the top and then several solid bottoms to mix n match. I'm also very aware of what colors look best with my skin tone and real hair color, I try not to figure in my fun colors because they change monthly sometimes I stick to what looks best with blonde hair. I also like full bottoms since I'm usually at the beach with my children and then their friends, family and other friends with kids I like to be covered but also feel comfortable to play in the sand and water not worrying about something slipping out. I feel so thankful and blessed, I would like to again say thank you to Tess at Boys and Arrows, the amazing crew at Nomad Chic MX and also a special thank you to Diane's swimwear for all your help. Diane's swimwear is another amazing spot for Boys and Arrows, as well as some amazing designers on their site for great prices. They have friendly and very helpful customer service 100%. 

Wanted to update and will have reveals soon along with some detailed reviews on the suits. I will review after wearing in water and washing. I will be hand wanna my suits and laying flat to dry. Hoping the white bottoms won't get sand in it where it leaves those little brown spots. I have some older suits after one beach outing they were never the same. I read somewhere if you stretch the fabric you can pick the sand out. I actually started doing this and after about 30 seconds I laughed, there was no way lol I would rather buy a new suit before I did that.

Where to shop:

www.Lspace.com

www.boysandarrows.com

www.target.com

www.victoriasecret.com

http://nomadchic.mx

www.dianesbeachwear.com

Summer patio and pool inspiration.

We always clean and update the patio when summer begins. My theme is always Moroccan and Asian with my statues and current decor. I have furniture, poufs, lanterns, statues and some pillows or accents. Going to get a new rug, pillows, hang ivory curtains I got last summer, some new Edison style string lights and we are looking for a sectional or sofa then large umbrella. Enjoy my inspiration photo and will add links for items below. Most items are from Target.com. 

I'm going to set myself a budget to see if I can stick to it. I have curtains from last summer and the steel pipe to mount as a rod. I plan to get pillows to refresh and bring the colors and textures in to the area, overhead lighting for accent, rug, plant stand, pouf or recover two I have but fabric can cost more, reuse my statues and lanterns with getting a few smaller accents or lanterns. Can't wait to share the before and after shots. Have some fun but affordable ideas. My first stop is target, then ikea, and if I still need stuff maybe Walmart or Home Depot.

Where to shop: 

www.Target.com

Start of summer styles

My first post with some of my summer style and fashion starting to come into play. I'm excited to be a brand ambassador for Wanderer Bracelets, Sand Cloud, Ettika Jewelry, Silver Jeans, Tara Lynn's Boutique, and some other amazing brands I will be sharing coming soon. Some of my new collaborations are so exciting I can't wait to share but going to try my best. I have some really amazing swimwear lines I'm going to be sharing and reviewing bikinis or swim suits for. I'm also super excited that I won another Boys + Arrows bikini over the weekend. Nomad Chic had a contest over the weekend for the surf open and I found out this morning I won. I also won a suit by L Brand and have some other super cool designers to share. I also have some stylish coverups, shoes, accessories then of course summer dresses and rompers to show off. I will have my July 4th outfit inspiration post coming this week with tank tops from Target, Old Navy, Tara Lynn's Boutique and The Light Blonde. Shorts by Silver Jeans and Vigoss, American flag scarf from Target, headband by Itsy Bitsy bands, lots of cute red, white and blue accessories and even more fun beach or BBQ finds. Recipes for finger foods, drinks, BBQ meals and desserts all with American pride.

Below are some shots of Pinterest of some of the styles and looks, as well as shots from the sites the products are coming from. I will add where to shop below as well as links to shops, and some exclusive promo codes. Hope you enjoy my summer launch looks, and inspiration, stay tuned for my red, white and blue post later this week. Xoxo 

Wanderer bracelets use code Melissa10 at checkout. My link: 

Tank is by O'Neill Women's, necklace by Blackblackmoon and Forever21. Silver bohemian ring is from Bohemian Vibe Boutique and my bracelets are all Wanderer Bracelets, they have such a great summer and beach vibe. 

My anchor wrap, feather button bracelet, custom coordinates with tassel back, and peace sign. Where do you wander? I know I will be wandering all over the east coast from the water to land. Can't wait to share my wanderlust adventures with everyone. 

Won't need anymore go away Monday tees for a while but since it was the last Monday of the school year it felt suiting paired with my grey Silver jeans cropped and distressed. I adore Silver jeans and have long before becoming an ambassador. I'm proud to be able to be an ambassador and share a brand I have been wearing for over a decade that I really love. 

Wanderer bracelets mixed with some Alex and Ani bracelets in silver. You know I love to dress up my arms with gorgeous stacks of brackets of all kinds. 

Old Pebby Forevee cut off the shoulder mermaid graphic tee, wore with my caged cropped tank in white, then paired with my favorite summer shorts, love them so much have two pairs already and ordering a third. These are the dark wash and the boyfriend style by Silver Jeans Co. 

Necklace with tassels is by 31ements, an amazing designer on Etsy. 

Wanderer bracelets made from Bali with love. Every purchase you help secure sub sustainable jobs, and work for local Bali artisans. I love this brand and the bracelets are all hand carved using sustainable water buffalo bone, not ivory. They are fitting to protect against Ivory trade using this amazing product and so many gorgeous designs. 

Pam & Gela bubble gum tank I scored off ebay for under $40 with another eBay scored kimono under $10. My shorts are Silver Jeans boyfriend in distressed light wash. Told you these are my favorites. 

Necklace is an Indian tribal gold headpiece pendant by Fawning In Love of Etsy. Also wearing my pink Lokai. 

New tank from Target I scooped up for beach days.

Overall obsessed, posted about my fave trend with summer overalls. Paired these short overalls by Cotton On with a Rip curl turquoise or aqua tone fringe sleeve tank. Necklace is by Fawning In Love and bracelets are Wanderer bracelets. 

Another shot of my wanderer bracelets wrist stack. You can always see more of my arm stacks using hashtag #melissasarmstacks #melissastees for my graphic tee collection and have some for my many hair colors also, on Instagram. Don't forget to use code Melissa10 when ordering for 10% off your order. 

This awesome graphic tank with mermaid  design is from Old Navy. I want to get a new tattoo thinking partial arm sleeve since I'm running out of covered space and don't care anymore what other people think, I think the hair shoes that. Anyways loved this and was only $5 and had 20% off extra. Paired with wanderer anchor bracelet that matched perfectly. Excited for my mermaid take to arrive this week. 

Even though its summer and everyday is Saturday for me, Sunday will still always be my funday. This tank is paired with a palm tree printed gauze kimono I got off eBay, new boyfriend fit cropped, distressed SilverJeans. 

Close up of the amazing stone wash dark detail, distressing and tassels from this summer vibes kimono I got last summer. 

Target ruffle top, tassel belt, strapless summer dress. Looks amazing styled wit this lace kimono from awhile back at Pacsun, but will find similar items for where to find below. 

My Jewelry, starting with crescent moon double chain, was part of a three necklace set from Forever21, the arrowhead came in my Rocksbox, use code MelissasBFF10 for a free trial month no string attached try it and if you don't love it like I did, cancel. You get to enjoy your free month with unlimited exchanges of borrowed jewelry free that first month. After that it's only $19.99 worth every cent, I have had many boxes and am enjoying this one the best. My arrowhead necklace from my Rocksbox is by one of my favorite designers they carry, House of Harlow1960. I then wearing a blue and gold detailed risk, horn necklace by Fawning In Love on Etsy. Check out her shop because all her new designs are amazing. 

Sand cloud graphic tee with sea turtle log and one of their glass water bottles which is perfect for me since I'm drinking a ton of water to get bikini ready for shot for my blog. Will have more to share on my diet, healthy eating and cardio, exercise routine for summer time. 

Enjoy and have a fabulous week. Red, white and blue post next, then summer patio inspiration, recipes, BBQ tips and more. Xoxo

Where to shop: 

Boys + Arrows Swimwear

Boys + Arrows

Swimwear

www.boysandarrows.com

I'm excited as summer has finally started here in Florida, to bring you one of my new favorite swimwear lines.  For some time I have admired these suits and I even own some solid bottoms along with a couple different style tops, but have never taken the dive and ordered a complete set.  I fell in love with the brand Boys + Arrows after first finding a post on Pinterest that directed me to their site. After reading about the Designer's influence for her brand and style I was even more excited about the brand.  She sounds like such an amazing, creative and fun, free spirited woman like myself.  Back a few months ago I received an email and saw the amazing new pattern for their Deb the Desperado top, bones.  I have longed love south western patterns but for sure have a passion for cattle skulls and antlers.  By the time I got to sit down and order a suit it was sold out.  I then received an email that they were going to start a pre-order for the next cut of these suits, I was excited because they had the fuller bottom to match, the Petra the punk.  I went to order and the size I needed was already gone.  For months I have been scouring online and hoping maybe one would pop up on eBay that it didn't fit, or that someone would return even just a top, but was unable to find both pieces or I could only find the bottoms.

This is the suit I went with, Deb the Desperado top in Bones pattern, matching fuller fit bottom, Petra the punk. Love this design and colors. Retails for $220 for suit, $110 each. Some sites have top for $98 and bottoms $108.

Boys+Arrows.com

I scored and was able to find both.  I called Boys + Arrows, spoke with Tess and she is so kind.  She told me to try the size L top because it is adjustable in the back and is meant to be more of a sporty fit so it is made for most cup sizes.  I was so excited and have my fingers crossed my girls will fit in it.  I was sad today when I got an email the L bottoms were not in stock at the shop I ordered from, Diane's Swimwear in California, but I did keep the top.  I went on the hunt for the bottoms and remembered the actual brands site had them but then I went to their online store and the L was gone, sadly I then checked my email to see they had gotten a L top in stock but that also sold out, then I find another online shop called Nomad Chic and they had the L.  I ordered and even called them to make sure which the owner was so kind, she was at a swim show and went to take the bottoms off the racks for me so it didn't sell out before she got back and saw my order.  I now have the full suit in route.  I love how this style of suit is cut, the top has a strappy adjustable back, but fuller coverage sporty look front, then the bottoms are a tomboy fit with a fuller bottom.  I have read that their suits are triple lined in the front to keep your private area private, which I love especially since this suit is white with a grey and black print.  

Another really cool feature is this style top has a button on the center front inside of the tops that you can purchase the below dress to wear with it, it snaps right into the top and makes your suit a stylish long maxi dress for the beach or dinner after the beach.  I love this.  Every style and pattern by Boys and Arrows is amazing.  After being so in love with every piece I own I decided maybe becoming a rep would be a great idea.  I reached out and I am now an affiliate for the brand, if you click on my link in the sidebar or here in this post you will be directed to the page, just make sure if you sign up and are emailed a promo code to always use my link when ordering so they know you found out about their amazing brand on my blog or social media.  below are some of the other items I own from the brand and my affiliate link, thank you for reading and I will have more photos, with a detailed review on this suit and sizing when it arrives.  I will tell you that if you have any sizing or product questions call the contact number on their site, because Tess was amazing and so kind.  I was beyond impressed with their kindness and how she was suggesting other places to look for the suit, even reassuring me since I was worried about ordering from a site I have never visited or ordered from, but both sites were recommended and I had to speak with both, they were also so helpful and beyond kind.  It has been a little head ache but this happens to me often, I see a pattern or design that is sold out but want it so bad I can't get it out of my head so then the search begins.  I am blessed I am good at finding bargains and deals online so that training comes in handy for searching for something I want that is sold out almost everywhere.

I first found the bottoms on eBay for this suit when looking for a tan color basic bottom, they are so comfy it doesn't feel like a bikini and it doesn't push in your hips like a lot of suits do giving you a muffin top look, these smooth the hips.  You will love them and want to wear them all the time, if only underwear were this comfy and cute.  I also own them in lavender and navy.  I found the top on eBay also in a L and it looks great.

These are the bottoms and I was worried that would be thin from this photo but they are lined (triple lined as posted on their site) and I have had no issues with feeling exposed.  

I have this top in the same pattern, need to order bottoms currently wear with a cream color bottom I have that I'm not sure the brand, believe they are off eBay also and came with a top I didn't like but the bottoms were nice,  I like to mix and match prints, solids and textures.  It is fun and then you can avoid having the exact same bikini as someone else.  It doesn't happen often with brands like this but if you find something in Target you love you better bet someone else or many people may have your same suit so I always mix them up.  

I got this top also and in a medium, was worried it would not fit me but it has a lot of stretch especially when it is wet, so I like that it is smaller, a large would be to loose and wouldn't look as nice, I also like that it has more coverage so I can throw on a skirt or shorts and be able to eat or grabs drink at a bar off the boardwalk without having to throw on a top also.  The pattern is also amazing, I love the higher rise bottoms with cheeky back in the pattern also.  Below will be links for where to find and off course all the links direct to Boys + Arrows online are for my affiliate links.

Happy swim suit or bikini shopping, remember not to be too hard on yourself either.  Us women can be our own worst enemies and swim suit shopping is hard, we wish we had the perfect abs, legs and bust.  I know many women wish for a larger or fuller bust, trust me I have it and wish for a smaller bust lol, while I wish sometimes for a smaller behind also lol.  I have been blessed even after two kids to have a little waist and flat stomach, even when I gain weight it never really goes there it goes to my arms, chest, thighs and behind lol.  Thank you for visiting and give me a week for the full suit review.  Hello summer, xoxo

Peace and love always