Life Lately // Instagram Recap

It has been crazy around here to say the least. Sorry for the radio silence!

We got back from our European grand finale trip last week. Here is our collective instagram recap:

1, 2-Venice, Italy  //  3-Dubrovnik, Croatia  //  4-Santorini, Greece  //  5, 6-Corfu, Greece  //  7-Istanbul, Turkey

I hope to get a full recap from all of our destinations up soon. But with over 1,000 photos and moving across the world, it may take a bit of time. Some plane editing may be in the works.

On that note... On Wednesday, after 20 months in Dublin, it's time to pack up and head back to California. We are beyond excited to be moving back home!

Linked with B Loved Boston and Join the Gossip

Smoothie Recipes

Smoothies have been my go-to since it started warming up a bit. They are filling and I love how refreshing they are in the summer (which is a relative term in Dublin).

Here are two of my favorites:

 This one is perfect for breakfast. It's filling and nutritious with the added spinach and flax seed.

I like this one for a afternoon or after dinner snack since it's a bit sweeter. I love almond butter, but you can definitely substitute peanut butter.

Tell me your favorites so I can start mixing it up over here!

Guest post from Lew Party of 2

Hello! I am Bailley from Lew Party of Two and I am so grateful to be guest posting while Jessica is on her amazing vacation. I mean, Croatia, Turkey, AND Greece?? SO fun. I know she is having an absolute blast! 

My husband Robert and I, like Jessica and her hubby, are newlyweds living in Europe and enjoying/exploring all it has to offer! The best part of living in Europe? I bet you can guess...Traveling! And recently, we have done quite a bit of it. In May, we enjoyed a few weeks in Italy, then shortly after we made the journey back to the states for a couple of months! And since being back home, we have been road tripping like crazy to see lots of loved ones.

With all that traveling, we have some travel essentials that always accompany us. Whether we are traveling by train in Europe, by air from one continent to another, or by road from one state to the next, these items are always in our bag!

/Hand Sanitizer/ kills those nasty germs and makes the hands smell oh so good!

/Nook/ magazines, books, games, the options are endless and entertaining.

/Trail Mix/ a great snack to keep you satisfied and away from gas station and airport junk food!

/Gum/ Let's just say traveling is not easy on the breath. Make sure to pack gum to keep the bad breath away!

/Games/ Sudoku and a deck of cards are our go-to games. Perfect to fill time while waiting in the airport.

/Ear Phones/ Don't forget these! Sometimes it is nice to listen to music while on the train or plane, a great escape from the noise.

These items are a must for us and make the traveling part of a trip so much more enjoyable. So whether you are preparing for a two hour drive or a ten hour flight, add these items to your carry-on. You will be so glad you did!

So excited to hear all about your trip, Jessica! Thank you for having me!

Guest post from Turquoise and Teale

Today, Ashely from Turquoise and Teale is here sharing some travel pieces she's 'Currently Loving.'

1. Theodora & Callum Scarf  2. Tai Jewelry Bracelet Set  3. Davines Sea Salt Spray

4. Coola Sunscreen  5. Tom Ford Sunglasses  6. Matiko Sandals

 

Currently Loving [Guest Post] by ateale featuring vintage scarves

I absolutely love those sunglasses and that pretty scarf! Thank you so much for guest posting while I am away, Ashley!

Guest post from Love and Bellinis

Hey guys! I'm Jaclyn from Love And Bellinis and I'm so honored to be guest posting for Jessica. Our girl is living the dream, touring Europe, as I'm sure you are all aware... so I'll be filling in for her today while she's away.

I'm excited to share some of my favorite summer staples with you, these are the essentials I absolutely cannot live without during my favorite season of the year....

one // This St. Tropez Lotion works as an anti-aging creme and a sunless tanner. It gives me the most perfect gradual tan without ever looking orange or streaky.

two // Caudalie's Divine Oil was given to me as a wedding gift and has remained a favorite ever since. I love spraying it on my arms and legs in the summer to give them a pretty, moisturized glow.

three // I basically live in these silky camis during the summer. They're so comfortable and can easily be dressed up or down.

four // I cannot leave the house without my Oliver's Peoples Shades. Every year I try on other brands, but I always end up remaining loyal to my OPs.

five // White Cut-Off Shorts are my go-to as long as it's warm out. Nothing looks more flattering against tan legs.

six // Diptyque's Baies is a gorgeous scent. I always pull this out once the weather turns nice and it's my favorite candle to burn in the summer while we're having company over.

I love these picks! Just picked up this oil and candle while in Paris and can't wait to use them! Thank you so much for filling in while I am away, Jaclyn!

Vacation packing

Yesterday, we left for Venice, Italy. We came here a couple days early since we had never been to Venice and to celebrate the bird's birthday.

Here's some gorgeous packing inspiration to kick off this vacation:

Orchid bikini top & bottom // Raffia backpack // Summertime tank // Cat eye sunglasses // White espadrilles // Floppy hat

Is this not the perfect summer pack? I also wish I had these espadrilles in my bag. I'll have to settle for my new Converse.

On Saturday, we depart on our cruise! We've been waiting for this fabulous vacation for so long! On the crusie, we stop at Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Greece; and Istanbul, Turkey. We have 3 nights stay in Istanbul after our cruise lands. Definitely the grand finale send off for our time in Europe!

I have a few lovely guest posts lined up while I am away. Enjoy and have a great weekend! Feel free to follow along on Instagram @birdietobe

Linked with Meet at the Barre and Long Distance Loving

Outfit Inspiration: spring edition

Last winter I posted some outfit inspiration in the form of selfies. I wanted to do another post for spring outfits.

As you can tell, spring in Dublin isn't very warm. But it beats fur vest and big coats everyday.

 Faux leather pink jacket, sold out (similar here) // Slouch tee in gray // Ankle booties (similar here)

Tieks in Ballerina pink (my favorite spring go-to!) // Chambray top (similar here)

I know it sounds ridiculous, but taking these pictures seriously helps me get ready everyday. I look up these pictures when I'm feeling less than inspired about my closet picks. They're a quick reminder of what I can easily throw on and go.

Day trip to Bruges

While I was in Belgium a couple weeks back, I took a day trip to Bruges.

The city is so gorgeous and it was so easy to get to from Brussels via train.

There was a market in the main square, which was so fun to peruse. So many fresh fruit and veggies stands, food vendors and pretty flowers.

And then just like that... the sun (finally) came out!

I didn't stay in Bruges, but I did come across a couple lovely places worth noting:
• Dumon Chocolatier (Simon Stevinplein 11)
Arguably one of the best chocolate shops in Bruges. I brought a couple truffles back home and they were delicious.
• Gelateria Di Vinci (Geldmuntstraat 34)
The only gelato of the trip and it was absolutely superb! If you're in Bruges, make a pit stop!

Linked with B Loved Boston and Join the Gossip

Happy Fourth of July!

We are currently in Palma de Mallorca, Spain with some friends and hoping to find a way to celebrate Fourth of July!

fruit tart // stripes & cut offs // festive cart // strawberry popsicles

I hope you have a fabulous weekend and celebration!

striped maxi // coral sunnies // summer hat // skinny belt

Follow along on our trip on Instagram: @birdietobe

And I will be posting my Bruges recap on Monday! Stay tuned. Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

Linked with Meet at the Barre

Guest posting: Cornflake Dreams

I am over at Cornflake Dreams today guest posting for Jillian while she is away.

Head over to find out more about my life in Dublin, Ireland.

On that note, we are off to Palma de Mallorca tomorrow for a weekend getaway. One of my very best friends and her bf are flying over from the states. I am so excited to celebrate her birthday together in Spain!

Lastly, a HUGE congrats to Biana of B Loved Boston for winning the GiGi New York giveaway! So jealous!

Happy Wednesday!