snaps from a (mother's day) weekend.

Last weekend I had my parents over for a little brunch celebrating this lovely lady. Happy Mother's Day to one super great woman! 

For those who asked...here's what was on the menu! 

Strawberry Basil Spritzers 

Kale & Feta Quiche

Strawberry Torte 

love.lauren

shops I love (baublebar).

I have my fair share of vices. 

Jewelry shopping is firmly planted in the top five. 

So when I found a website that sells piles and piles of gems for much better prices than some of my favorite go to's (I'm looking at you and your $150 bubble necklace j.crew!), I quickly memorized my credit card number and became a loyal supporter. 

BaubleBar is an online shop dedicated to overwhelming the senses with sparkly, beautiful pieces. I could spend HOURS (and have!) clicking from page to page. They sell jewels in every shape, size and color, from giant, ornate statement necklaces (that's me!) to dainty, delicate monogrammed treats. 

They partner with well-known designers like Gorjana on limited edition designs and ask popular bloggers like Honestly...WTF to curate shops. They add new pieces all the time, and every one is equally lust worthy. 

Delivery is fast and treasures come wrapped in velvety little bags for safekeeping and easy storage. I highly recommend creating an account, because you collect points as you shop that you can use for discounts on future orders. 

Whenever I wear a BaubleBar gem, I inveitably find myself in a conversation about where I got it. 

Take a look. I'm positive you'll find yourself a treasure. 

love.lauren

shops I love (frances turns 7!).

Well Arizona, summer is upon us. Like it or not! We can pout and spend the next five months catching up on Bravo or we can embrace it, get outside and celebrate our lovely city! 

My friends at frances, an epic boutique with locations in central Phoenix and now Union at the Biltmore, welcomed summer with a weekend celebrating their 7th anniversary. And man, do they know how to throw a party. 

Bands played. 
Food trucks poured in serving pizza and pie and amazing hot dogs. 
Each day hosted new trunk shows, artists and giveaways. 
The Shine Project shared their story and sold their gems. 
Mr. Softee was there with summer's favorite treat. 
And they launched an adorable seasonal magazine (that featured one of my instagram pics!). 

It was the perfect way to spend the weekend. 

Congrats on 7 years, frances! Can't wait to see what has happened after 7 more! 

love.lauren

things I love (a good song).

via

Truth. 

Some days you just have to run home, put on a good song, and breathe. 

Today it's this one.

Tomorrow? We'll see.  

love.lauren

websites I love (the everygirl).

Last year, a couple of lovely creative ladies who's blogs I have followed (and LOVED!) for a long time got together and dreamed up an idea unlike anything else I've encountered. 

The Everygirl. 

There are plenty of websites out there today about lifestyle, career, relationships, adventure, etc., but there was never any great place to get inspiration around everything that so many young women are interested in. 

A simple idea, beautiful design, and an impressive list of featured women. Speaking to The Everygirls. 

The Everygirl Manifesto:
Whether she is searching for her dream job or a new city to call home;
is saving up for a down payment or a trip to Europe;
is learning to cook or speak another language,
she wants a little guidance. She wants to be inspired.

She is The Everygirl.

This is for her.

Every day the ladies of The Everygirl add new and engaging content that keeps readers (like me!) obsessively refreshing the page for new stories. Everygirls have a place to come together for interviews with amazing women (doing jobs you would kill for), fresh job opportunities, epic and delicious recipes, design inspiration and even the occasional (and super helpful!) financial or political gem. 

Most places for young women on the web these days leave me feeling uninspired and out of touch. I'm not reading things about people I aspire to be or new tricks I want to learn. The Everygirl has found a special way to share amazing and creative stories that you WANT to read and still makes you feel like you're swapping secrets with a friend. 

So take a look. If I haven't sold you yet, do it because it's pretty (hello gorgeous layout and design!). Then come back the next day and take another. Soon you'll be subscribing for updates, jumping in the conversations and picking up the next book club selection. That's the thing about The Everygirl. It's for you. No matter who you are. 

love.lauren

(all photos via)

videos I love (portugal the man).

This video is amazing. 

Way to go, Portugal the Man & La Blogotheque.

Way to go. 

Love. 

via 

love.lauren

places I REALLY love (marfa).

Okay, I know. Marfa's weird. 

It's not a place for everybody. Or even MOST people. But this dusty town nestled away in the WIDE OPEN desert of West Texas has a special place in my heart. 

A quick flight and a three hour drive will transport you to another world. A world where there are fewer residents than there were kids at my high school. 

A world where artists and cowboys cheerfully coexist and even depend on each other. 

A world where things close at 9, there's one stop light and everything you need can be found at The Get Go. 

A world where a food shark is king. 

It sounds strange. People wonder what the draw is. My mom is STILL confused about why I went once, let alone a second (and maybe third?) time. 

You don't get it until you get there. 

And then you do. 

It's a place like no other, where you can...

Drink beers in an old school bus. 

Eat grilled cheese in the Museum of Electronic Wonders and Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour.

Relax in a hammock forest. 

Search the horizon for the Marfa Mystery Lights. 

Participate in a Wayne's World Quote-a-Long. 

Accept invites to a stranger/email penpal's house for gourmet handmade coffee, cookies, a tour & shameless Courtney Does Dallas bashing. 

Recognize all the local employees and characters. 

Eat at food shark. Eat at food shark again. 

Sleep in a teepee. 

Spend hours doing nothing but wandering around. And love it. 

Maybe it takes being a little bit weird yourself to appreciate it. 

And I'm cool with that. 

love.lauren