Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Seattle to Alaska to Canada to Arizona....oh my!

I'm back! What a wonderful world it is! Seattle is a fantastic city, and Alaska is simply beautiful.

We arrived back in Arizona late Monday night from our Alaskan cruise. I'm still getting settled back in, so I'll share some amazing photos later this week. 

Here's a sneak peak!
Dashing in Seattle at Pike's Place market. See the fish-ies!!!

Headed to Alaska
Thank you to Julie from Little Pink Rain Boots (Summer Essentials) and Shannon from More to Hollywood (Stay-cations) for their great summer guest posts last week while I was away. If you missed them, check them out!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Summer Stay-cation

Hi readers! I'm still away on my Disney Alaskan cruise, but so excited for you to meet my IRL and blogger friend Shannon from More to Hollywood. She is quite possibly the most kind, thoughtful, passionate, considerate, fun, bright.....etc. girl I know. 


Hi friends! My name is Shannon and I blog over at More to Hollywood. I recently graduated from the University of Arizona and will begin my master’s in higher and postsecondary education at Arizona State University in the fall – and in case you were wondering, yes, those are two rival schools!

Life since graduation has been abnormal. Although I’m still working and spending time with friends, the absence of class and homework means I’ve had time to read books [I just finished Something Blue by Emily Griffin and watch seasons of TV shows I would have been too busy for [I’ve already gone through three seasons of Friday Night Lights].

When most people hear the word summer, they start to book flights, hotels and rental cars to help them plan their sweet getaway. But as a recent college grad, I don’t have a ton of money to spend on extravagant trips, or really any out-of-state vacations with my boyfriend of over three years, Mike. On the other hand, we did get to “play house” last weekend while my best friend was out of town – Ironically enough, my “bff” Brynne is Sara’s cousin through marriage. Such a small world, right?

But, in an attempt to help others realize you don’t have to take a plane, train or five-hour car ride to relax, I thought I’d talk about the best staycation I could have asked for.

So as I mentioned, Brynne asked me to watch her pets while she was hiking the Grand Canyon with her fiancĂ© and family last weekend. It came at the perfect time, as I recently moved back in with my parents to try and save a little money. Of course, I jumped at the chance! I must add that her condo is the cutest place, located in Tempe, AZ near so many fun places to eat and shop. But the best part was that I got to hang out with her new puppy, Bennett and diva of a cat, Tink! If you can’t tell by my writing, I was THRILLED! [I always wanted a puppy growing up, but am yet to own a dog. This, of course, only enhanced my puppy fever!]

When Friday arrived, I packed my duffle and brought a few cute outfits for nights on the town. Mike (bf) did the same, minus the “cute outfits,” as he prefers to dress more comfortably than trendy… a man after my own heart, because comfort is always key. When I arrived at the condo, I was delighted to find step-by-step instructions [I am an avid rule follower], the pool key and a thoughtful gift card to our favorite sushi restaurant Kabuki in Tempe Marketplace. I couldn’t help but think, “Let the fun begin!”

I’ll spare you the boring details of how we spent time by the pool, walking the dog and relaxing on the couch, but I wanted my point is to encourage you reading this to house/pet sit sometime this summer. If you’re free from children or animals of your own, it’s such great experience. Quite honestly, it was the cheapest “vacation” I’ve ever taken, and it was so much fun to spend a weekend in another part of the valley.

Of course, I am in no way discoursing anyone from hopping a plane and lounging on the beaches of the Hawaii– as long as I get an invite! J But if you’re looking for a short hiatus from your everyday lifestyle, offer to sit for a friend or a relative… it could be just the vacation you’re looking for! I can’t wait to relive this stay cation when Brynne and her fiancĂ© go on their honeymoon in August!

Lastly, I just wanted to thank Sara for allowing me to write a guest post. I am privileged to have her as a dear friend and mentor in my life!

I hope all of you are enjoying your summers and/or any vacations you have/plan to take in the near future! XO


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Words of Wisdom Wednesday






I'm still on the Disney Alaskan Cruise with my family. New guest post tomorrow! Hope you're having a wonderful summer day.

 Sincerely, Sara Cate

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Little Pink Rain Boots' Summer Essentials


I'm on vacation on my Disney Alaskan Cruise! Can't wait to share with you all next week. I'm so excited to have Julie guest post on her summer essentials while I'm away! I love her blog, especially her fashion Friday post. She is lovely and creative. Thanks for your post, Julie!

Hello Sincerely Sara Cate readers, 
I’m Julie from Littlepinkrainboots a blog about fashion, beauty and snippets from my life.

When Sara asked me to guest post for her I was flattered and immediately started thinking of topics to post about. Luckily we were on the same page with summer on the mind (brilliant minds think alike!)

With barbecues and trips to the beach and ballpark in full swing I thought I would share some of my summer essentials. 

  1. A cute summery tote that can fit everything, between planning my wedding and keeping up with social engagements this is a must for me. This one’s from Target.
  2. Garnier B.B cream, when temps are hitting the 100’s the last thing I want to do is slather on a heavy foundation. This is perfect for summer days, it is very light and moisturizing yet it can cover up the redness I get around my nose.
  3. A water bottle with a cute pattern that I can tell is mine from a mile away, to stay hydrated and keep my skin glowing. I like bottles that can hold almost 2 liters of water or more.
  4. An Ipod or Mp3 capable phone with ear buds, I love listening to Luke Bryan and Katy Perry.
  5. A non-greasy sunblock, because well… I want to look like Christie Brinkley when I’m 58 J
  6. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, these are the best face wipes I’ve ever used. I use waterproof mascara and these get it off easily without irritating my eyes or the delicate skin around them. And they leave your face baby soft.
  7. A summer read. I’m dying to get my hands on this one by Tinsley Mortimer.
  8. A bright polish like this one from Essie in Mint Candy Apple will really make that spray tan pop.
  9. Maybelline The Falsies waterproof mascara lengthens my lashes and stays put through the sweltering heat and crying at weddings.
  10. Avon Slick Tint for when you want the color of a lipstick and the moisture of a balm. My favorite shade is Glossy Rose.


I hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful summer,
Julie

Friday, June 1, 2012

Bon Voyage

Yesterday slipped through my fingers, and I haven't told you where I'm jetting off to.


DISNEY'S ALASKAN CRUISE!

Tomorrow morning, Dashing and I will fly from Arizona to Seattle, Washington where we'll meet up with Dashing's parents, sister, brother-in-law, and their 1 year old daughter Vivi. We'll gallivant around the city and board the ship on Monday. We'll be on the seas and in ports through Alaska and Canada for a whole week! 

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go (50 lbs on the dot).

Two lovely guest bloggers will be posting here next week on Tuesday and Thursday while I'm away. 
I hope you'll come check them out!

Happy Summer Vacation!

Sincerely, Sara Cate
 

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