Hey loves. Happy Memorial Day! I can honestly say that I’ve been waiting for this weekend for quite a while now. Why? Because it’s the unofficial start of summer! To me, Summer is the perfect time to relax, spend time with friends, and take a few days off from work here and there I also can’t help but love Summer fashion trends (which, Ali did a fab post on the other day). So with the summer season on my mind, I let me share with you some of my Favorite Things: Summer Edition.

French Braids

When I was a kid, I was strangely obsessed with braids. In fact, I would only color the Barbies in my Barbie coloring book that had braids! And as I’ve gotten older, that obsession hasn’t faded (although, I’ll color just about anything now :P). That’s why I’m glad to see that french braids have come back with a vengeance. I’m a huge fan of the classic, long french braid, but I’m also loving all of these side braids going on. Now there’s no excuse for you short-haired ladies to miss out on the french braid lovin’!

Not only is braiding a super cute look, but it’s gets the hair out of your face and is much quicker to do than a full blow dry. And if you have long hair, taking out the braid will leave you with a fun wavy look!

Coral Nailpolish

You’re looking at the queen of dark nailpolish. But during the summer I like to take the opportunity to tuck those away and bring out the bright, summery colors. Pastel nailpolish is all the rage right now (which I love) but my favorite is still a gorgeous coral shade.

Gladiator/Strappy Sandals

Glad-Sans were introduced to us a few seasons ago, but this is a trend that I can’t give up on yet.

The perfect sandal can bring shorts + t-shirt from eh to sass-attack.

Sunglasses

I’m an accessory girl, plain and simple. And sunglasses? They’re in my top 5.

I recently broke my favorite pair of fake Ray-Bans (RIP), but it gave me the opportunity to snag my new faves.

While I’m not hating on the big, Nicole Richie style shades, I suggest switching it up a bit this Summer by trying out some new shapes and styles!

Cut-Off Shorts

We’ve all got a pair of jeans that we haven’t worn in years, so why not do some snipping and put those denims to use?

I got 2 years out of those jeans, and about 3 out of the cut-off version. Why bother spending $60 at Abercrombie & Fitch when you can get the real deal for nada? Trust me…the Daisy Duke isn’t going away anytime soon.

Salad

I don’t know about you, but my appetite changes quite drastically during the warm, Summer months. I want cold, light, and refreshing food…so what’s better than a monster-sized salad?

Cantaloupe

…Same thing goes for fruit, but specifically cantaloupe. I tend to associate cantaloupe with Summer because growing up, that’s when my mom would always have fresh-cut cantaloupe in the fridge. It’s just so juicy and fresh. YUM!

Ice Cream

Do I really have to explain this one? Sometimes I think that ice cream should be a food group of its own…especially during the Summer. I have absolutely no problem eating ice cream multiple times a week, and I most likely will. While I love a good sundae from time to time, my favorite treat is a simple vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles.

No Make-Up

…I mean, you’re probably going to sweat or swim it off anyway! Trust me, going sans-make-up is such a refreshing and freeing feeling. There’s just something so real about looking at yourself and others with your natural (and in my case, freckley) face.

If this is something that’s tough for you, that’s all the more reason to do it. Going a few days without make-up is a great way to force yourself to embrace your natural beauty and boost your self-confidence.

Sunless Tanner

I’ve made it no secret that I’m a huge fan of sunless tans. While I’m not entirely against spending time in the natural sun (with sunscreen, of course) roasting your skin is sooo 2005. There’s no shame in getting a little help from sunless tanner, kay? Kay. St. Tropez and Jergens are hands down my top picks.

Romp It!

In my mind, the romper is the trend of all trends this season.

Word to the wise: a good fit is a must when it comes to rompers, so take your time finding the perfect one. And you don’t have to spend your whole paycheck for a good romper; I found both of mine at Marshall’s for less than 15 dollars each!

The BEACH!

Woooo!! Just thinking about the beach puts me a better mood. I can’t think of anything more relaxing than sitting by the ocean and listening to the sound of the waves rolling in. And I may be 23, but homegirl is still all about playing in the ocean…boogie boarding included.

Look, even though we’re all celebrating by barbecuing or going to the beach, let’s not forget the real reason for this holiday. Let’s remember those who have and are serving in the armed forces, and especially those who have died doing so. If it were not for those brave men and women, we would not have the freedoms we have today that we so often take for granted. So in the midst of today’s celebrations, take a second to just be thankful for those who have fought for our nation.

• What are your favorite Summer foods, trends, and places to visit?
• What are your plans for this Memorial Day?