NINE SUMMER FAVORITES

I know many of you don't have to worry about back-to-school until the middle or even closer to the end of August. You're so lucky!! In Alabama, sadly, we head back in less than two weeks. But for those of you who will be summering much longer than me, here are a few items that I loved all summer long. Some I use all the time and some I just came across.

By far, my favorite little sandal of the summer is this one from Franco Sarto.  I found mine early in June at T J Maxx, but they are still available on line. They were comfortable and never once hurt my feet from the minute I started wearing them. They also come in black.

My year-round lotion is this one by Nivea. It is a little heavy, but I like the slight shine it leaves. I don't tan well and have the fairest skin, so during the summer months I use this self tanner by Jergens. It works great (and the smell isn't too bad)!

Here are two sunscreen products I love. My son plays tennis and uses this one by Coppertone, and I use it as well on everything but my face. For my face I like this Timewise moisturizing sun screen by Mary Kay.

I've shared this favorite nail product before. I promise you if you are having trouble growing your nails, you will thank me for this one. I would show you my nails, but I think I'll spare you the age spots. :-) I tell everyone I know about this Sally Hansen product.

And last, but not nearly the least, the three things I throw on when I don't want to put my entire "face" on to leave the house. You know what I mean? Cover Girl Mascara, Wet n Wild Lips (there are tons of colors), Rimmel Lip Liner.

Here are all the links to the products one more time for quick reference--in case you want to try any for yourself.

Franco Sarto Sandals  //  Nivea Lotion  //  Jergens Self Tanner  //  Coppertone Sunscreen

Mary Kay Moisturizer  //  Sally Hansen Polish  //  Cover Girl Mascara  

Wet n Wild Lip Stick  //  Rimmel Lip Liner

Those are my favorites. Have you come across something new that you've loved this summer?

Kathryn

*Affiliate Links Used

SUMMER LINKS: SWEET SUMMER RECIPES

Today I'm linking to my five favorite summer recipes shared on the blog over the past few years that your sweet tooth or your summer guests might appreciate. Click the blue link and ENJOY!

Poppy Seed Bread

(my mom's recipe)

Fruit Pizza

(my husband's favorite)

Green Apple Dip

(everyone always wants this recipe)

Lazy Cake Cookies

(for lazy summer days)

Summer Fruit Casserole

(perfect for your fresh picked blue berries)

Have a great weekend!

Kathryn

ALL THINGS PINEAPPLE

You probably know that the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality. But do you know how and why it came to be so?

Here's a great article I found from Southern Living explaining all the ins and outs of the pineapple's journey to becoming the hospitality symbol. After reading it, it's easy to understand why the pineapple, in every size and color, can be found on store shelves, clothing items, household items; just about anywhere you can imagine. Here are a few fun examples.

1 - The teacher in me loves this back pack from Jansport.

2 - And you never know when Pine Apple Duck Tape will come in handy. 

3 -  Alex and Ani bracelets... Here's the pineapple version.

4 - Salt and pepper shakers from Mudpie.

Look how cute for summer! The pineapple rug from Caron's Beach House.

For sunning, how about this adorable suit from Cupshe.

And finally, enjoy these pineapple vignettes, decorating ideas, and inspiration from around the web. 

Dimples and Tangles

Stylish Petite

Jesi Haack via Glitter Guide

A Thoughtful Place

Domino Magazine

Thanks to the pineapple for inspiring this post. :-) Do you have any pineapples in your home?

Affiliate links used

BEACH TOWEL ROUND UP

I'm guessing you might be heading to the beach or the pool sometime soon, so I've rounded up some of the cutest (and most interesting) beach towels.

Are you like me? Do you wait until your towels are just about worn out--like you can see through them--before replacing them? If so, and beach towels are on your to-buy list this summer, maybe today's post will help you out. I think I managed to find something for everyone.

One  //  Two  //  Three  //   Four

Five  //  Six  //  Seven

Eight  //  Nine  //  Ten  //  Eleven

Twelve  //  Thirteen  //  Fourteen

The food towels are so fun to me, but the multi-colored dots towel is my favorite. Do you see one you like? Beach towels also make good graduation gifts--if you're still finishing those up.

And speaking of summer...

Is it really already the last week of June?! I saw a back-to-school commercial today and almost shed a tear. :(

Kathryn

SUMMER LINKS: SHADES OF SUMMER HOME TOUR

One of my favorite things in the world of blogging is home tours. It's a great place to get inspiration for your own home and a fun way to meet new bloggers to follow. The tours are usually tied to a holiday, a theme, or sometimes they're simply for a season of the year like the one I'm sharing today.

Today's summer links will take you through the Shades of Summer Home Tour where you will visit the homes of seven bloggers. They each have their own unique style and each blogger uses different colors and elements of decor to express summer.

Click the blue (summer) links and enjoy the tour!

First up is Emily A. Clark. Emily's blog is the first design blog I ever read. She's one of the most inspiring people (and not just in decorating) that I've never met. Maybe one day. :-) Emily uses blacks, browns, and nature in her summer home tour.  Not the usual colors you think of for summer, but not surprisingly, she makes them beautiful.

Emily A. Clark

Image: Emily A. Clark

At Driven by Decor you'll meet Kris Jarrett. She's using the more traditional pinks and whites for her summer decorating.

Driven by Decor

Image: Driven by Decor

Kelley Nan's blog is your next stop. She's using neutrals and naturals for summer at her house.

Kelley Nan

Image: Kelley Nan

At Citrine Living you'll meet Tamara. I've been following her on Instagram for a good while, and I was excited to see her in the tour. She is also using blue + greenery.

Citrine Living

Image: Citrine Living

On Sutton Place is authored by Ann Drake. She is using navy and neutral colors for her summer home tour.

Image: On Sutton Place

Jessica heads up Four Generations One Roof. Her story is incredible. Be sure to read her "About" page when you stop by her blog. Her family and living arrangements are not the norm as you can probably tell by the title of her blog. She's using navy, pink, and coral in her tour.

Four Generations One Roof

Image: Four Generations One Roof

And finally, stop by Setting for Four and meet Heather. She is using blues with black and grays.

Setting for Four

Image: Setting for Four

Shades of Summer Home Tour

Emily A. Clark

Driven by Decor

Kelley Nan

Citrine Living
On Sutton Place

Four Generations One Roof

Setting for Four

And that's a wrap of the Shades of Summer Home Tour. I hope you enjoyed your visit. Did you have a favorite? I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Summer!

Kathryn

WARDROBE LOOKS FOR SPRING

I'm fairly simple when it comes to dressing. Every now and again I wouldn't mind being the flashy, hip momma who rocks the latest trends from head to toe. But, the truth is, basic and classic make me feel the most comfortable--I rarely even buy prints.

Since the weather seems to have finally taken a turn to the warm side, I took a look at my Spring/Summer Fashion board on Pinterest to get some outfit ideas. Anybody else use Pinterest to get dressed? :-) I pin looks that appeal to me and have something in common with what's hanging in my closet. Then, when I have trouble coming up with something to wear to work, I hop on my board and find something I can copy with my own items.

Here are some of my favorites. Maybe you'll see a combination for yourself that you hadn't thought of before. The source link will take you to the original pin if you'd like to save it for yourself.

Blue and White

Source

Blush and White

Source

Denim, Cream, and Brown

Source

Denim and White (one of my favorite combinations)

Source

Blues On Blues

Source

Neutrals and Denim

Source

Pink and Black

Source

Hopefully, you've found some new ideas for your own wardrobe. 

Happy first week of Spring!

Kathryn

LEAVING SUMMER BEHIND

There are only seven more days to cross off of the August calendar. 2016 is marching by at a ridiculous pace!

Saying goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall always makes me a little giddy. I love the lazy days of summer, but Friday night lights, boots, cardigans, and new school supplies make this teacher happy! 

Before we start officially talking fall, I thought I would revisit some of my favorite posts from the summer. Some of them were yours, too.

A Snake Tale definitely made the list!

I served a Potato Casserole for the first time around here.  

I shared my go-to, favorite new top/blouse/shirt--the tunic.

You loved the restored Drish House as much as I did. Take the tour here. 

(My most viewed post of the summer!)

When the world went a little crazy, I shared a few verses in A Sunday Thought. 

And that's a wrap!! of summer on the blog...

Thank you all again for reading along and all your sweet encouragement. I'm enjoying meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones.

Don't forget you can also follow along and keep up with Woodbank Lane on Instagram by clicking here. 

Kathryn

EXTEND YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE--ADD A CARDIGAN

I know, I know. It's still 9,000 degrees outside and sliding into anything other than sleeveless cotton probably doesn't sound too appealing right now. Here's the thing though...my teacher friends and I would like to wear our cute summer dresses and tops to work, but some styles may be a little too strappy on the arms or around the shoulders. No problem!

We can add a cute cardigan, and still pass inspection upon entering the halls of academia.  I've found a few to wear with hot weather looks and number nine and ten I just liked.

1  //  2  //  3  //  4   //  5  //  6  //  7  //  8  // 9  //  10  //  11

Most all of these come in different colors, so if you see one you like, click on the link. It may come in the color you need.

Go ahead--wear your sun dress to work, but don't forget to throw on a cardigan. You don't want to get called out for a dress code violation. :-)

Have a great week!

Kathryn