take me back, please.

take a peak at our little weekend getaway in

glacier, montana.

oh, what a lovely time we had.

full of nothing but laughter, camping, friends, huckleberry's, 

nature, celebrations, river rafting, hiking, creating memories and food.

lovebird's best friend decided to marry his beautiful bride

up in the gorgeous surroundings of montana. 

{just a mountain range away from canada}

it was quite the destination wedding.

they actually decided to tie the knot on our wedding date/anniversary.

i'm not complaining, because what better way to celebrate than 

to be out of town at your dearest friend's wedding? 

we all know what this means too- lots of future anniversary trips to come!

the wedding was simply perfect for the two of them,

our anniversary was delightful {and busy} and

the weekend was a big success full of bonding moments between our friends.

to top it off, lovebird surprised me big time with a wedding band.

my jaw slightly dropped when i saw a little box from our jeweler.

let me tell you, there's nothing like getting a diamond in the ruff.

my heart is forever captured by his romance and love.

i certainly have a keeper- and i'm holding on forever....

for many more anniversaries to come.

xoxo

{follow on instagram: eleasejane}

a place called home.

yes, home sweet home.

i seemed to have gone m.i.a. without telling anyone.

{so sorry about that.}

lovebird and i left town in a hurry for his best friends destination wedding.

it felt like we were gone for a long time-

and maybe that's because being back home has never felt better.

lovebird and i have been away from our little home this summer

more than we have actually been in it. 

but, i can't really complain because traveling 

and lifetime adventures have been the reason for that.

so for now, i am happy to be home.

there is something so nice and comforting about being in your own home,

especially after being away from it for so long. 

i hope you all had a lovely weekend.

i'm looking forward to catching up on your sweet blogs.

xoxo

{picture source}

take a boat into venice.

venice

this is where we started our lovely trip in italy.

venice in ten:

1.arrived and got completely lost; two hours lost.

2.first on the itinerary: straight to st. mark's square.

3.oredered our first margarita pizza and bought a painting from a local.

4.took a long nap. trust me, it was needed. 

5.first "real" italian dinner: 

i ordered the traditional pasta with mushrooms. lovebird ordered an italian steak. 

6.onto our first taste of authentic gelato! {grom}

7.enjoyed a {very} romantic stroll along the canals.

8.breakfast at the hotel while chatting with sweet english women.

9.last stop: the famous rialto bridge.

10.a gorgeous city; 

the atmosphere was so italian and nearly impossible to put into words. 

{the humidity was a little much, i'll admit that.}

officially over.

being home from italy for less than a week,

life already has picked us up in it's whirlwind of business.
you know that saying, "vacation is over"?
that's truer than true.
the minute you step off the plane from your vacation,
no matter how long or short it may have been, it's back to "real" life.
however, our real life has still felt like vacation...
considering we didn't exactly go straight home; we spent a few days in utah.
 also, a big thanks to holidays, family time, baseball games,
eating out, friends, treats and sleepovers
for helping drag out our vacation as long as possible.

{instagram: eleasejane}

1. jet lag requires early morning starbucks runs.

2. & 3. red, white and blue for the fourth of july. 

4. the gorgeous mountains in utah, which we miss dearly.

5. great harvest and einstein's = carb heaven, as well as my heaven.

6. currently in the market for a little putt putt.

7.  cutest little kids on the block.

8. pedicure, for both of us, was mandatory after walking the streets of italy.

9. nothing better than coming home to california's well earned rep for fresh produce.

10. lovebird being our family's 'grill master' on our new grill.

11. finally got around to changing my last name on my license. 

{never too late, right? ... two years later. ops!}

12. spending time catching up and writing my awesome brother. 

that's a wrap: a wrap to the close of our vacation.

vacation is officially over.

we are home safe and sound and surprisingly ready for "real" life again.

xoxo.

goodbye italy. hello america.

home again home again jiggity jog.

{lovebird grew up saying jig, i grew up saying jog. to this day we "argue" over which one's right.}

{the classic airport picture: going to italy, then leaving it all behind.}

hello lovely readers.
 it's been quite awhile- wouldn't you say?

oddly enough, i've slightly missed the blogging world;

mainly catching up with your fun lives, envying your fashion,
trying your diy's and craving your recipes. 

i am back now and have every intention of staying put for a little while. 

where do i even begin?

maybe by sorting though the thousands {literally} of photos i took,

counting the calories i consumed from pasta and bread,

organizing my memories into words to post,

or reflect upon the "important" things to share with you.

all of which seem a little overwhelming at the moment.

you can thank a heavy case of jet lag for that.

i'm anxious to share our adventures amidst the beautiful country of italy.

i now know why roma {rome, in english} spelled backwards is amor. 

not only did i fall in love with everything in sight,

i fell in love with lovebird all over again.

italy has my heart.

i'm convinced i left it there.

thank goodness for throwing a coin in the trevi fountain-

legend has it, i'll return to rome one day and can then reunite with my heart. 

until then, i'll reminisce and share the details with you.

stay tuned. 

i promise to post those details as soon as i can. 

xoxo 

meet bridget.

hi! it's swell to meet you. are you as envious as i am that these two are galavanting through italy? that said, i'm very honored to be filling in!

i'm bridget from the deer circus, a blog about my life in denver, co with a way-too-cute-for-me husband, our beagle and our frenchie, and my photography adventures. the two of us like to document everything -- our little dates, small style tips, diys, and whatever we're currently crazy about.

for my guest post, i thought i'd share the things i'm most looking forward to traipsing around denver in this summer:

1. floral crowns. they're so easy to make! you can see my tutorial here. i've grown so accustomed to wearing them, that now my outfits feel blah when i don't. 

2. shoe clips are great because they elevate the ordinary -- so-so shoes become real gems when you slap sparkle clips on them. disclaimer: may cause intense distraction. 

3. i know we're all salivating over mint pants this season, but let's give a nod to the peachy hues too. maybe it's because peaches are my favorite fruit, and peaches remind me of picnics, and picnics remind me of my husband -- but i think it's so pretty and feminine. slap a gilded belt or watch on top and, well, you're golden. 

4. i love how long hems are getting! pull it up to your smallest spot, cinch it with a skinny belt, and tuck in just about any blouse. this skirt length is flattering, modest, easy to sit on hills or ride a bike in -- and it's breezy enough to keep your knees cool in the summertime. 

5. accessorize with found objects you wouldn't see other people wearing routinely. on my list for this summer: binoculars, a kaleidoscope in hand, vintage cameras on leather straps, a harmonica on a string, books to flip through like bird-watching guides, atlases, and french dictionaries.

come say hi! 

meet TJ.

Hello Little Lovebird readers! I’m TJ from over at His Little Lady, and I’m so happy to be filling in for my girl, Elease, while her and her lovebird are off exploring Italy. Yep, jealousy is an understatement at this point. So while I’m filling in for the day, let’s get to know each other better! Some key things about me: I always have my iPhone in one hand, my husbands hand in the other, and a laptop never too far away. I love documenting my daily life, my handsome hubby, and all the little awkward moments that happen in between. Trust me, there are a lot of them. And some days, on those REALLY good days, I actually change out of my pajamas and put on some real clothes.

I’m a dachshund owning, stripe wearing, ice cream loving, instagram obsessing, tv watching junky, who could school anyone on their celebrity gossip. Yep, I’m kind of proud of myself. No shame. And if you want to get to know me better, head on over to the blog. Can’t wait to see you there! xo TJ

meet caitlin.

These lovebirds are good friends of mine from way back when, so I was very excited when they asked me to guest post for them while they were vacationing!

And now, a (very) brief introduction of me and my blog - Hue and Hum.  I like to draw, my husband likes to make music, we met when we were teenagers, and we're still totally into each other.

Hum and I just got back from our own lovely little weekend of vacationing.  Everybody vacations differently, but this one happened just the way I like it:

A true vacation [to me] means there are no rules on when to get up, when to go to bed, and there are no destinations to be late to.  It means carrying only a phone in your back pocket to capture pictures and a tube of chapstick in the front pocket to keep your lips from chapping in the sunny weather.  It means feeling like we are both in high school again - flirting unconditionally and freely without adulthood smothering our childish love.  It means taking a deep breath and exhaling the heavy worries and inhaling the sweet time you get to spend together.  This trip was absolutely perfect in it's (mostly) nothingness.  I spent a lot of time remembering how we fell in love and falling just a little bit deeper into that same thing.

I have a really hard time switching my brain to the "off" position.  Between all of the creative projects swirling around in my head and my finger tips, vacations seem to be the only way I can truly leave the world behind.  I am grateful I could escape with my love for a few days, and (attempt to) doodle what it feels like to be loved.

Here's to wishing the lovebirds a great getaway and to all of you who are skipping town.  Just remember to pack your bags, get on the road, and leave the real world sitting on your bed with all the other unpacked items.  Oh don't worry, it'll be there when you get back.

>> Stop by and say hi!  Hue and Hum blog
>> Tweet!
>> Instagram?  Yes please.

meet meg.

^ that's me. i'm meg. nice to meet you. i blog at the happy hour. you want my personal opinion? i think you should try this summertime recipe below. your tastebuds will thank you. it's my favorite thing. ever.

summertime bruschetta

you can spread baguettes with soft goat cheese, salty parmesan, olive oil, garlic & then broil, then pile on the tomato misture ~ experiment with it ;) 

1 cup fresh summer tomatoes, minced & drained

2 tablespoons fresh basil, slivered

2 tablespoons green onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

a splash of balsamic vinegar

pinch of red pepper (opt.)

salt & pepper

mix everything together & allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour or more ~ strain juices if you'd like before serving. pile mixture onto crisps, or crusty bread, or even pasta & salads.

i hope you enjoy!

meet jenessa.

Hello Little Lovebirds Readers!
I can't even tell you how happy I am to be posting on Elease's blog.  I love reading about her living her dream, and just about every other little girl's of being a ballerina.
I can also relate with her on the whole "natural blonde going brunette" thing.
And I'd say we both rock it, don't you think?

Since I'm sure you're wondering who I am, I'll tell you a little bit about moi!

I guess I'll start off with my name...

I'm Jenessa! 

And I blog over at C'est La Vie about...my life!

Things I love, things I don't love, things I do and want, friends, and family are all included in that.

Otherwise, I'm a twenty-something poor starving college student.  

A California Gurl living in Southern Utah.

Kind of a silly move, I know.  

(And yes, Katy Perry's song has been my ringtone since it came out. Represent!)

I have a top knot obsession, a high heel addiction, and a deep ardent love for all things Disney.  

Oh, and my favorite color is yellow.

And I'm so excited for summer!

via Pinterest

Taking 17 credits in school and working part time definitely helps me look forward to warm lazy days during these few months off.  

But it's going to be strange.  It's my first summer away from home.

No beach

No family + puppy

Different friends

No free room and board

No "real" mall

And so many other little things will be missing.

But luckily, I'm a pretty positive person!  

And kind of excited about summer in a new place with new activities to offer. 

I'm thinking my summer will be full of

Hiking

With Zion National Park basically in my backyard, how can I not take full advantage of it?!

Angel's Landing, tubing, canyoneering, it's going to be awesome!

And I'm thinking it'll help that I have a friend who works there.  

Yeah, I've got connections.

Lake trips

As close as I'll get to the beach for most of the summer.  Definitely not the same as listening to the waves crash on the shore, but it'll do.

Tiki Shack

Snow cones are the new fro yo.
Or just snow cones.
Mmm.
And riding my bike there makes it taste even better.

And I think I'll mix in with all of that
some catching up on TV shows
(New favorite: Once Upon A Time. Addicted)
a trip home
weekends in Salt Lake
working at my favorite youth conference
fireworks
(the actual fire kind, not the feeling kind.  although some of those would be nice too)
and just relaxing!

It's going to be one great summer.
I can feel it.

I'd love to hear some of your summer plans, so stop on by!
Stay a while.
Let's be friends.
Happy Summer!

meet jessi.

Why, hello!  My name is Jessi and I blog about the good, the bad, and the smelly over at Hopes and Dreams.  I am thrilled to be here today!  I just love The Little Lovebirds and couldn't be more tickled to contribute to this adorable blog space.  For my lil' guest post I thought I'd answer this questionaire that's floating around the www so that yous all can get to know me a tad and decide for yourself if it's worthwhile to head on over to my blog and take a looksie.  I hope you do and I hope we become true bloggy pals!!  Mkay, here goes:  

1.| Tell us a little about yourself (family, where you live, job, etc)

I was born and raised in good ol' Utah and currently live in the Salt Lake Valley with my husband, Prince John William, and 10-month-old bubbers, Jameser boy.  I love all things domestic {call me old fashioned} and am currently staying at home most of the time to raise Sir Chubbikins.  I do work as a receptionist once in a while but feel very blessed to be able to stay at home and manage our household while Prince John studies to become a professional nerd {he's an engineering student and likes to build robots and such}.  We are overwhelmed with gratitude for our simple little life together and, although it isn't always easy, wouldn't have it any other way.

2.| Favorite vacation spot and why?

DISNEYLAND.  I dream about Disneyland far more than any grown woman should....  There is just something about the happiness and wholesomeness and innocent adventure that sucks me in and never lets me be.  I simply neeeeeeed Disneyland.  It has been far too long since I've been there {two years} and I am counting down the days until Prince and I can take Dudeski there and I can see John's face as he snarfs a turkey leg and James' face as he experiences the Tiki room for the first time.  EEEEEEEPPP!!! {I also have a small obsession with Ireland because I lived there for a year and a half...}

3.| What do you most look forward to every day?

Two times during the day:  1. When Jameser wakes and gazes up at me with his hammy grin and huge, stunned eyes, and 2. When he goes back down for a nap.

4.| Favorite food?

Potatoes, because you can prepare them in countless ways.  All of which are delicious.  I'm also a sucker for mac and cheese and breakfast sandwiches.  I'm a savory/salty as opposed to a sweet. But give me a savory/salty/sweet and I'm done for {yes I dip my fries and chicken nuggets in my frosty...which is why I'm currently on Weight Watchers}.

5.| Tell us something you are looking forward to this summer!

Taking Prince and Dude to the zoo!  Which I am actually doing today!  I'm also looking forward to going to Bear Lake and Sun Valley.  And I wouldn't say no to some strawberry picking and family bike rides.

6.| Why did you start blogging?

Honestly, and I know everyone says this, I started blogging as a way to keep a record of my life.  My dad was pretty much the only person who read my blog for the first few years and  I had no intention of ever turning it in to anything other than a journal, really. Until earlier this year when I decided to try to get my writing out there a little more.  I do so love to write.  

          7.| What is your favorite part of blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is that it helps me see the beauty in my life and in the whole "life experience."  If I have a responsibility to my readers to write something inspiring or intriguing then it helps me feel inspired or intrigued as I live, so that what I end up writing will be worth reading.  My life is no beautifuller now than it used to be before I started writing about my day-to-day-ness {except I have a kiddo now}, but the fact that I know I'll be putting words to my daily experiences helps me feel them more deeply and gratefully, which makes my life seem, taste, and be more beautiful to me.  To sum it all up: Blogging really has made me appreciate life more.  

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a tad.  I'd love to have you over to my place soon and we'll have a right good time!

meet laurie.

hi everyone!  my name is laurie and i blog over at love, laurie.  i am so thrilled that elease asked me to do a guest post on her blog today!  i absolutely love to cook and bake, so i thought that i would share a recipe with you.  in the summer time, nothing beats desserts that incorporate fresh fruit.  since raspberries are one of my all time favorite fruits, i wanted to share my recipe for fresh raspberry sorbet.  this sorbet is so simple to make, and it only requires a few ingredients.  the tang of the raspberries together with the lemon juice is so bright and refreshing in the warm weather months.  it will make you feel like you will never want summer to end!

fresh raspberry sorbet 
prep time: 20-25 minutes
freezing time: 1-2 hours
yields: 6 servings

ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh raspberries
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

directions:
1. in a saucepan, bring the water and the sugar to a boil, stirring constantly in order to dissolve all of the sugar.
2. reduce the heat to low, and simmer without stirring to make a syrup (about 5 minutes).
3. pour the syrup into a bowl, and add the vanilla extract.
4. place the syrup in the freezer to chill (about 15 minutes).
5. in a blender, puree the raspberries, the syrup, and the lemon juice, until smooth.
6. strain the raspberry puree through a sieve and into a bowl in order to remove the seeds.
7. pour the strained raspberry puree in to an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the ice cream maker's instructions (about 30 minutes).
8. remove the sorbet from the ice cream maker and transfer to a freezer-safe container.  freeze until completely set (about 1-2 hours).
9. serve the sorbet garnished with fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

enjoy!

love, laurie

blog :: twitter :: pinterest

meet crystal.

Hey ladies! I am Crystal!
I blog over at Coffee at Nordstrom. 

I am so happy to be guest posting here today! I am a new wife! Matthew and I got married on June 2! So while you are reading this post, I am living the dream with my husband in Bora Bora! 

My honeymoon is by far going to be my most favorite vacation, but you'll have to read about my honeymoon once I return at the end of July! But for now, I want to share with you a special trip that I was able to take with my Mom, Sister, MIL, and a couple bridesmaids!

 My Wedding Dress Shopping Trip!

I am sure you all have seen the show Say Yes to the Dress! Well, I headed to NYC with my Mom, Sister, MIL, and a couple bridesmaids to spend the day at Kleinfeld picking out my wedding dress! 

It really was a fairy tale experience!

 I cried when I met Randy. But he's used to emotional brides crying when they meet him, so it really was no big deal.

 

 This was the whole group of us! Completely over-joyed to see Randy Fenoli!

This is the dress! I thought I loved it when I purchased it back in August, but I love it 1000x more now that it actually fits me and it's pure white!

 

My Pnina Dress. Completely Obsessed.

 

The back might be my favorite! :)

You will have to stop by my blog to see the rest of my wedding pictures!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram(c_gonzalez602)

Have a great day!

meet lucy.

I'm so excited to be a guest post on the wonderful and amazing The Little Lovebirds blog. It is one of my favorite blogs that I look forward to reading.

My name is Lucy and my blog is called Find Your Sparkle. Why "Find Your Sparkle"? I'm glad you asked. My life is pretty hectic. Between being a wife, step mom, a foster mom and a part time career woman it's very rare that I get to do something just for me. That's how the idea of starting my blog came about. I wanted to do something fun yet inspiring.

I believe in Finding Your Sparkle in your everyday life, being healthy, being creative, in being a step and foster mom, love of books and art, respecting and loving God's creations, following God...

I hope to encourage, inspire and make a difference in others on this journey we call life.

Sweet Girl (my foster daughter) and I created this super easy, yet unique memory board. 
The materials you will need are:

A canvas board, pretty paper, pretty buttons, ribbon, hot glue, needle and thread...

Some people choose to paint their canvas board, we decided to leave ours white. The first thing we did was to hot glue our pretty paper unto the left side of the board.

The second thing you want to do is set the ribbon pattern the way you like it, then gather some pretty buttons and sow them unto the canvas board making sure that the ribbon is being held tightly in place.

After sewing the buttons and hot gluing the paper. 
We added some pretty sticker and flower embellishments.

Once your memory board is finished to your liking all you have to do is add some of your favorite photos.

Below is what it looks like hanging against the wall. 
Sweet Girl and I had fun doing this easy and fun project.

Finally you simply hang it in a favorite area of your room or house to display those beautiful cards.

For other fun DIY ideas or to simply be inspired be sure to give me a visit.

Hope you have a FANTASTIC day!