I love a good list. They let me brainstorm all the things I need to do, want to do, or just things I need to remember. But there is one list I really love in particular: bucket lists. Bucket Lists always seem to be the one thing I set out to make with only the best intentions only to forget about it down the road. This happens a lot especially when it comes to summer. I quickly set to making a list of things I can't wait to do during the warmer months and then, just as quickly, work consumes my life. This is a different type of bucket list. 

A couple weeks ago I shared a post dreaming about having a proper home office. While I have yet to actually create a home office or even begin thinking about implementing a real one, there is one thing I know it has to have. Well, really something my apartment needs in general...a gallery wall. I'm truly obsessed with them which is a little strange for someone who has OCD and prefers everything is neat and orderly. The best gallery walls have a rhyme and reason but you can't see it. What I mean is there was clearly thought put into the exact layout and where each piece of art would go, but you can't tell on the surface. I suppose its really the perfect combination of organized chaos.

I have pretty lukewarm feelings about summer. Mainly because it's always way too hot to function and sometimes breathing in walls of dust isn't exactly fun. But one thing I do enjoy are summer mixes. There is just a different vibe to them compared to any other mixes made through the year. Sometimes they can be fun and upbeat and other times they can be chilled out and relaxed. This one is more chilled out and relaxed. Mix no. 17 was inspired by long, dreamy summer days. The days where nothing sounds better than relaxing in the pool with a cold beverage. Sadly that's not plausible every day, but still, I wanted this mix to have that feel.

Being from the desert, I love a good sandal. Whether it's a cringe flip-flop (hey, sometimes you just need to run things out to the trash!) or a sleek slide, sandals are almost always my go-to shoe. Since the temperatures are fairly nice year round they become a closet staple almost. Really the only time they aren't worn is during the chilly winter temperatures (which really only happen two times a day). 

Growing up a trip to Target was a treat. Today it's more like a wonderland that makes money fly right out of my wallet as soon as those doors slide open. If I can stick to the list of things I intentionally went to buy, I'm shocked. Truth be told, my list goes right out the window if I go NEAR the Hearth & Hand by Magnolia section. But now there's Made By Design. Made By Design offers simple, well-designed items at an affordable price tag. We're talking 750 brilliant items to channel minimalistic style without breaking the bank.

Chrissy Teigen's Cravings cookbook is probably my favorite cookbook. So it's not really surprising how excited I am for its follow up. But since that doesn't come out for a little while I have plenty of time to keep cooking my way through the OG cookbook. And there is one recipe that keeps popping up in my Twitter feed. I feel like Chrissy has literally favorited every single tweet featuring her Cacio E Pepe. I am pretty hesitant to try new pasta dishes.

4th of July is just a couple of days away. Everyone is packing up and going on vacation. Except for me. I'll likely end up watching a fireworks display, having a burger, and making some boozy popsicles. Not that those things don't sound fun, it's just I wish I was going on a vacation. I can't remember the last time I took a real vacation, but since I can't pack up and go, I thought I would dream about it instead. I picked 4 places I wish I could be right now plus what I would have to bring with me. And so this series of destination wardrobes was born.

It might be a cliche, but I definitely can't believe it's almost July. Just days away at this point. Right now I feel like a stressed out mess. Something that isn't a good look on anyone. Have you ever just gotten so mad at someone that you just have no way of telling them how mad you are? So instead everything just snowballs and you start getting mad at everything else essentially covering up what is bothering you in the first place? Sure, it's not a healthy behavior, but I guess its easier than realizing how hurtful the original situation is.

Pasta salads are basically a 4th of July tradition. At least to me for a couple of reasons. First, the end of June/beginning of July the temperature begins to start hitting over 110 more frequently. This makes cooking or consuming heavy meals uncomfortable. Second, everything about pasta salad screams summer and al fresco eating. I mean BBQs, picnics, or even just casual meals at home can welcome a tasty pasta salad. And, I won't lie, as an Italian, I'm a fan of any dish featuring a good noodle or a really good antipasto.  Antipasto Pasta Salad combines two things I've joyously grown up eating. This is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes.