friday five …

//  image via blackswandive  //

may first is approximately one week away… which means memorial day weekend (hello summer!!),  mother's day, and cinco de mayo.  while i'm clearly not of mexican heritage, i am 100% on board with celebrating and eating fun mexican food-- my favorite!!  i love the idea of having a mexican fiesta to celebrate with friends and think this tablescape is perfect for decorating.  simply use a blanket as a table runner or tablecloth and decorate with cacti and bold flowers.  this recipe for mexican quinoa has my name written all over it!  or, use the quinoa to make these quinoa, black bean, and corn tacos.  spice things up with this recipe for easy blender salsa or this chunky mango and avocado salsa recipe.  if there's one thing i'm a sucker for, it's definitely chips and guacamole.  my absolute favorite!  i plan on following this recipe for guacamole!  no fiesta is ever complete without sangria --- find 'the BEST sangria recipe' here!  including arugula in my sangria drink has me a bit leery, but i'm more than willing to test it out.

or, keep it simple and set out a taco bar with all the helpings and let the guests do all the rest!

//  image via  olive&clover  //

rather keep things simple for a cinco de mayo fiesta?  this moodboard via camille styles is sure to drum up inspiration!  simply set out a taco bar with all the helpings and let the guests do all the rest!  add to your decor by DIY-ing your own paper flowers.  find an easy-to-follow tutorial here.  looking to literally dress the part : this dress or this dress (similar here) is perfect for the party!  

//  image via  pinterest  //

could someone please invite me somewhere it would be appropriate to wear a floral crown ?!  i'm dying to diy my own and try these 'five fabulous floral crowns', but have a feeling it'll look funny in the grocery store or target…the only places i seem to frequent these days!!  thinking i'll have to stick with my no-mess, laid-back, typical bun.  at least i can look here for bun inspiration to jazz it up a bit.

have you heard about this collaboration between Shopbop x Vogue x 22 top designers such as jcrew, chloe, lemlem, stella mccartney?!  it's an exclusive collection of women and children's clothing with one hundred percent of the proceeds benefitting their mission to end mother-to-child HIV transmissions at birth.  shop the collection here!

//  image via theyallhateus  //

we're heading away on vacation to costa rica soon, and, of course, i've been gearing up!  here are a few pieces i've picked up recently :  these flat sandals are so reasonably priced and super cute and instantly add fun to any outfit!  i'm especially loving them paired with this chambray dress and this hat!  loving the print on this free people dress (on sale!) paired with these sandals (on sale!).  this off-the-shoulder beach coverup might be my favorite!  i also love this free people x mara hoffman poncho.  it's currently out of stock so be sure to sign up to be notified when it becomes available!

happy friday!