Summer is approaching quickly, and you might be thinking about all of the fun memories you will make hanging out by the pool, going to baseball games, and enjoying backyard barbeques. However, we know it can be tough to put together stylish outfits when you want to be cool and comfortable. Maxi dresses are the perfect solution! Not only are they lightweight and flowy, but you can wear them in several different ways depending on the occasion and your personal style.

1) Casual With a T-Shirt

If you have plans to go to a backyard barbeque or grab lunch with a friend, you can take your favorite tee and throw it on over your maxi. This gives a cool girl vibe, while keeping your outfit comfortable. To complete the look in a chic way, you can tie the bottom portion of the t-shirt.

2) Throw a Blazer On

For an evening out, you might think about wearing your maxi dress with a blazer. This is the ideal way to dress up your outfit a touch more. A silk maxi dress is perfect for wearing to date night or grabbing drinks with your best friend. If you want to dress the look up, put on your favorite pair of heels and some beautiful statement earrings!

 3) Sneakers and a Belt

Maybe you plan to run errands for the afternoon or take the kids to their summer activities. Either way, a maxi dress is perfect for the occasion. A black or white linen maxi dress screams summer and you can put on a tan or brown leather belt with your favorite pair of white sneakers to be ready to take on the day!

These ideas on ways to wear maxi dresses will help to inspire you and get you ready for the warmer weather in style!

How to Style a Maxi Dress Just in Time for Summer

Floral prints are everywhere this summer, making it easy for you to add a piece (or two!) to your wardrobe. Whether you prefer muted patterns or want something bold and fun, there’s an option you’ll love.

Here’s everything you need to know about wearing summer florals this season:

·       Pair florals with neutrals: Perfect for the office or to wear to a summer soiree – a classic white tee and a floral trouser or skirt is a chic and easy look to put together. Top it off with gold jewelry and you’re ready to go!

·       Vintage floral prints: Jumpsuits and rompers are the quintessential summer look, so add even more style by finding one in a vintage floral print.  

·       Floral on floral: If you’re majorly in love with floral print, there’s no rule that you can’t pair a floral garment with an accessory featuring the same print. Look for a clutch or handbag with embroidered flowers to complement your summer outfit.

·       Country chic meets floral: Festivals, barbecues, girl’s night out – there are plenty of reasons why floral works for summer looks! Look for a fun dress or romper that features one print (gingham, for example) with floral accents in a smaller print.

·       Floral (with an edge): Want to experiment with a floral print but not sure how to give it some edge? Pair a floral blouse with a skirt and combat boots, or throw on a cropped moto jacket for those cooler night temps.

Floral is fun and adds a pop of color to any wardrobe!

Here’s Your Summer Guide to Wearing Florals

While a chat with your doctor is always important while navigating mental health challenges, there are a number of things you can do to boost your everyday mental mindset. Here are 10 ways you can boost your mental mindset:

·       Engage in social connections. While many of us spend time texting or chatting with friends online, in-person connections are where it’s at. Dedicate a time on a cadence that works best for you to spend time connecting with friends or family on a face-to-face level.

·       Get active. Even a 5 minute walk outside is enough to boost energy and relieve stress. Not into walking? Stretching is another great option!

·       Don’t hold everything in. Whether you have a special person to talk with or you prefer a professional, talking about what’s holding you back is a helpful way to gain new perspectives on issues (and works powerfully to calm your nervous system).

·       Meditation isn’t the only way to relax. Meditation isn’t for everyone. If it is, dedicate time each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness. Not into meditation? Incorporate other actions that allow you to turn your mind off and focus on breathing – gardening or coloring are two great activities.

·       Tune into your senses. Love the sound of ocean waves? Prefer hearing the early morning birds getting ready for the day? Whatever sounds you love, look for ways to incorporate them into your daily routine. Playing nature sounds on your smartphone or sitting outside for a few minutes are just two ways to get a little more grounded.

·       Get plenty of sleep. There’s no way around it – getting enough sleep (8-10 hours depending on your body) is necessary to repair and rejuvenate.

·       Look for things that spark joy! Whether it’s volunteering at the local YMCA or paying for coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffeeshop, do things that make bring you a sense of joy.

·       Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Mood-boosting nutrients are important – look for foods rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants.

·       Being too busy isn’t the goal. Sure, it’s good to fill your calendar with activities that you need to get done. But being busy for the sake of being busy isn’t helpful. Instead, take time for yourself. Whether it’s a weekly tennis class or a monthly massage, find time to unwind.

Get professional support when you need it. Taking the step toward professional support is one of the best things you can do for your mental, physical and emotional health.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Here Are 10 Ways to Boost Your Mental Mindset

There isn’t much better than spending time with family and friends gathered in your backyard and creating memories you will remember for years to come. However, hosting people can feel stressful, and you might be left wondering what you need to do to plan the perfect backyard bbq. Here are our tips to ensure that your guests have the best time possible, and you will the hostess of the year!

 

Plan the Menu

One of the most important parts of preparing for a backyard bbq is to plan your menu. Whether you want to do classic hotdogs and hamburgers, or go outside of the box with chicken skewers and veggies, write down a list of what you plan to cook.

Once you have the menu narrowed down, be sure to purchase dinnerware and utensils for your guests. A great way to wow your guests is to choose a theme or color for your plates, napkins, and cups.

 

Purchase an Outside Speaker

 There is nothing better than getting to listen to music while you relax with the people you love most! An outdoor Bluetooth speaker is the perfect way to do this. It does not have to anything huge, but having a speaker that you can easily connect your phone to will allow you to play your favorite tunes throughout the afternoon and evening.

 

Consider Outdoor Lighting

When you host a backyard bbq, you will most likely be spending time outside well into the evening hours. In order to continue to enjoy your outdoor space, you want to think about outdoor lighting. Whether you want to line your patio and walkways with lighting or place string lights throughout your backyard, additional lighting means that the party does not have to stop when the sun goes down.

 

Don’t Forget Games

Your backyard bbq might be adult only or you may have a house full of kids. Either way, you want to think about fun games that everyone can play. If you have the space, cornhole is a great outdoor game that kids and adults will both love. When you are more limited on space, having a deck of cards on hand can still provide hours of entertainment.

These simple tips can take your backyard bbq to the next level and allow you and your guests to have hours of fun!

Summer Kickoff: Your Guide to the Perfect Backyard BBQ

A t-shirt dress looks effortlessly cool, but styling it might be a whole other ballgame. Here’s how to take this super simply garment and make it fit any occasion and any body.

·       Add a belt: Cinch the waist for a figure-flattering look and change up your look based on the belt style.

·       Use accessories to add style. For summer looks, shoes like espadrilles and sandals make sense. Canvas, bamboo and rattan totes or hats also add to this effortless look!

·       Change up the hem: For daytime looks, consider a hemline that falls around the knee or mid-length. For a casual nighttime look, hemlines can be shorter depending on preference.

·       Give the dress an edge: Take a basic t-shirt dress and give it an edgier style by pairing it with some strappy heels and a moto jacket!

Any shoe works: Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the t-shirt dress. Mix and match your favorite shoes to give it a new style: from canvas platform sneakers to combat boots or wedges and heels, it all works.

The Easiest Piece in Your Summer Wardrobe? A T-Shirt Dress

It can be easy to assume that just because you want to shop sustainable, you have to spend more money. However, that does not have to be true. So, how do you shop sustainably while sticking to your budget? Read on to learn more!

 

Consider Vintage and Secondhand

 Although shopping for vintage pieces can be expensive, take the time to look at secondhand stores and online for pieces that have already been worn. Not only are these sustainable, but you can find great deals on different items. Maybe you find the most comfortable pair of older jeans, or you come across a great graphic tee that you know you will wear on a consistent basis. If you take your time to comb through the racks, you can almost always find something that fits your budget and matches your style.

 

Spend Time Making Decisions

A great way to stick to your budget is to think twice before making purchases. You may see a handful of items you love when you are shopping at a secondhand store but be sure to take the time to think about what pieces you will get the most use out of. This will ensure that you are truly shopping sustainable and will wear the items in your closet. 

 

Look Within Your Own Closet

 There is no better way to be sustainable than to look within your own closet! Take the time to sift through each piece in your closet and determine what you could wear again or style in a new way. This will also allow you to see what is missing from your closet so you can purchase pieces that you will be able to wear along with what you currently have.

Shopping sustainable does not have to break the bank and we know these tips will help you find ways to stick to your budget while helping the environment!

How to Shop Sustainable on a Budget

Decade after decade, there’s still a piece we all seem to love: a caftan. But if you think it’s just a garment to wear to the pool, think again! We’d venture to say that wearing a caftan as more than a poolside piece is best.

·       Cinched waists:  If a flowing caftan feels overwhelming, look for a style that features a drawstring waist or tie a chic belt to create an hourglass shape.

·       It’s all about the fabric: Ornate and colorful caftans are perfect for a night out. The garment is so universal you can either wear them to the pool or chic night out – just look for styles that feature a bit of bling if you want to a glamourous option.

·       Go for solid colors: True, some caftans feature very illustrious prints and designs. If that’s too much for you, opt for a caftan in a solid or muted print. Want a hint of print? Look for a style that has embellished necklines or sleeves.

·       Details are important: When you want your caftan to look like more than a swimsuit coverup, the details are where it’s at. From gorgeous embroidery to sun-catching beadwork and sequins, caftans with embellishments are ideal for evening events!

·       Wear with a variety of shoes: While you might opt for sandals or flip flops with your poolside caftan, you can wear so many different styles with the piece for a night out: flats, heels, and strappy wedges all work great.

How to Style a Caftan: It’s More Than Just a Poolside Piece!

Whether your celebrating mom or the mother figures in your life, Mother’s Day is fast approaching. If you haven’t figure out what to get, maybe some of these ideas will jog your creative juices:

·       Personalized (anything): From keychains to necklaces and tote bags, you can get pretty much anything personalized for mom.

·       Gourmet food items: Coffee, chocolate-covered fruit, or cooking ingredients – food items are perfect for the mom who loves to get a little fancy in the kitchen.

·       Flowers: Okay, so flowers are a little basic but they’re perfect when you need a last minute item or delivery. Look for a bouquet that comes in a gorgeous ceramic vase or pot for the added wow factor!

·       Gift an experience: Does mom love going to the movies? Maybe getting her tickets for a concert that you can go together is an option. Instead of buying her another trinket, consider looking for an experience you can do with (or without – a massage for a new mom, for example) her.

·       Complement her favorite activity: If mom or grandma loves spending time in the garden, consider a gift that elevates her experience while there. A birdfeeder or butterfly feeder is a fun idea, or maybe she’d love a luxurious new outfit for her yoga class!

Gifting mom or the women in your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for something meaningful and they’ll no doubt be thrilled with any gift that comes from the heart.

Your Go-To Mother’s Day Gift Guide

There isn’t much better than spending time with family and friends gathered in your backyard and creating memories you will remember for years to come. However, hosting people can feel stressful, and you might be left wondering what you need to do to plan the perfect backyard bbq. Here are our tips to ensure that your guests have the best time possible, and you will the hostess of the year!

 

Plan the Menu

 One of the most important parts of preparing for a backyard bbq is to plan your menu. Whether you want to do classic hotdogs and hamburgers, or go outside of the box with chicken skewers and veggies, write down a list of what you plan to cook.

 Once you have the menu narrowed down, be sure to purchase dinnerware and utensils for your guests. A great way to wow your guests is to choose a theme or color for your plates, napkins, and cups.

 

Purchase an Outside Speaker

 There is nothing better than getting to listen to music while you relax with the people you love most! An outdoor Bluetooth speaker is the perfect way to do this. It does not have to anything huge, but having a speaker that you can easily connect your phone to will allow you to play your favorite tunes throughout the afternoon and evening.

 

Consider Outdoor Lighting

When you host a backyard bbq, you will most likely be spending time outside well into the evening hours. In order to continue to enjoy your outdoor space, you want to think about outdoor lighting. Whether you want to line your patio and walkways with lighting or place string lights throughout your backyard, additional lighting means that the party does not have to stop when the sun goes down.

 

Don’t Forget Games

Your backyard bbq might be adult only or you may have a house full of kids. Either way, you want to think about fun games that everyone can play. If you have the space, cornhole is a great outdoor game that kids and adults will both love. When you are more limited on space, having a deck of cards on hand can still provide hours of entertainment.

 

These simple tips can take your backyard bbq to the next level and allow you and your guests to have hours of fun!

When it comes to planning a vacation, the part you likely dread most is packing. How do you decide what to bring? Is it possible to keep your suitcase organized? We are here to help! Our tips and tricks will help you stay organized and actually find what you need in your suitcase so you can relax and enjoy your trip!

 

Utilize Packing Cubes

Packing cubes will become your best friend when packing for a vacation. No matter what size of suitcase you are using, you can find packing cubes that will fit comfortably. When you use packing cubes, you can group together your items into categories such as jeans, tops, and dresses so you can easily find the piece of clothing you are looking for.

 Not only do cubes work great for packing, but you can also utilize compression cubes for your dirty laundry. Trying to figure out what to do with dirty laundry while traveling can be a hassle and a compression cube will allow you to keep your dirty clothes in one area while not taking up your entire suitcase.

 

Plan Ahead

Create a list ahead of time of what you plan to pack. Get as detailed as possible when writing this list. Put together outfits for each day and do not stray outside of this. This is the best way to keep your suitcase from overflowing with clothing that you won’t wear.

 

Choose a Color Palette

By picking a color palette for your trip, it will allow you to mix and match items, which means you can create more outfits out of the same items. Whether you want to go with all neutrals or stick with a certain color, it will make your life easier to know that all of your clothing will go together.

 

Roll Your Clothing

Rolling clothing prior to packing will save you space and keep your suitcase tidy while traveling. You will be able to utilize more space and still see each item of clothing easily. For pieces that you do not want to roll, consider placing them on the bottom of the cube, folded neatly.

Pack Like a Pro for Your Summer Vacay: Tips and Tricks for a More Systemic Suitcase

Calling all future  princesses and  princes! Join JCPenney Portraits for a NEW photography event, Fairytale Adventures, on July 13th at the Green Tree Mall - JCPenney Portrait Studio near customer service.

Click here for more information and to book a session, visit https://jcpportraits.com/ or call 812-282-8335.

JCPenney Portraits - Fairytale Adventures

Visit Enchanted Kids on June 2nd at 6 PM for a perfect mommy and me, daddy-daughter date, Aunties, grandparents, or whoever would like to spend some time with a special kiddo and create a piece of 'hand' made art together.

Click here for more details https://bit.ly/3MyLrRw 

Visit Enchanted Kids for 'hand' made art.

Enchanted Kids - Hand Print Art

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