Summer Series 2014: Summer Is Over

Happy Saturday!  It's a sad day because this series is over.  It's already beginning to feel like Fall and I'm not happy.  I miss Summer already!  I thought today I would reflect on how my Summer was.  As I predicted I was EXTREMELY busy.  Pretty much every weekend I had something planned.  I made SO many memories.  I wish I had gone swimming and boating more but there's always next year.  It was a pretty awesome Summer though.  Never have regrets.  I hope you all enjoyed this series!  If you want another one just let me know.


xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Making Memories

Happy Saturday!  I feel like this week lasted forever!  So I'm glad its the weekend.  This week I'm going to talk about my favorite Summer memory.  I have SO many but I narrowed it down!  When I was 10 my cousin and I spent every single day together.  She'd stay with me then I stayed with her.  We would watch Goosebumps every day even though it freaked us out.  Other times we'd just sit in our rooms listening to Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys.  Nothing really exciting happened but we still talk about it all the time.  Sometimes the best memories come from not trying.  What is your favorite memory?



xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Summer Hair

I'm SO glad it is Saturday!  Has school started for you guys yet?  I have and I'm already over it.  Today's post is about Summer hairstyles.  In the Summer, I like to give my hair a break from the heat.  This year I've been loving my hair donut.  It makes the perfect bun.  I wear it everywhere!  It looks really classy too.  The hair donut comes in different sizes for different hair lengths.  Go buy one!  They are only $1 and life changing.  I also just go for a ponytail or a braid.  If you do want curls I have the perfect solution.  I did a tutorial on no heat curls using only a headband.  How do you wear your hair?


xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Summer Wardrobe Staples

Happy Saturday!  It's time for another Summer post.  If you guys want more after this series is over let me know.  You can leave suggestions in the comments or email me at jerica.berner@aol.com.  Today I'm going to talk about my wardrobe staples for this time of year.  I wanna know your go to clothing piece for Summer!  Let's get started!


Graphic Tees: I'm obsessed with graphic tees!  I wear them TONS.  I just love how it can express my personality without me saying anything.  Plus you can dress them up or down.

Jean Shorts: These are a must because it is just SO hot out!  I don't like them high waisted though because I feel like they are too unflattering.  Too short isn't attractive either.

Cardigan/Hoodies: You probably think this is an odd choice.  It can be super hot one second and then freezing the next.  So I just always keep one with me at all times.

Maxi Skirts: I've hopped on the maxi skirt/dress trend and I'm loving it!  They are just very comfortable and you can wear them anywhere.

Sandals: I love sandals!  I usually wear flip flops but now I prefer sandals because they are dressier.



xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Summer Drinks

Welcome back!  Summer can be very hot so why not have a few cold drinks.  I'm going to share two different drinks that I enjoy.  One is alcoholic and one is not.  These drinks are perfect for parties or when you hang out with friends.  Let me know if you try these!

Sex On The Beach:

Now my drinks never look this good when I make them but I'm not a professional.  This is called Sex On The Beach and it does contain alcohol so if you aren't 21 don't drink this.  If you love fruity drinks then this is for you!  It doesn't taste like alcohol at all.

Here are the ingredients:

1 ounce vodka

1 ounce peach schnapps

3 ounces cranberry juice

3 ounces orange juice

All you do is pour it a glass and mix it up.

Cherry 7up Float:

This drink is just a twist on a classic root beer float.  Use cherry 7up instead and it is SO good!  Perfect for a hot day or just a simple dessert.

xo,

Jerica

Summer Series 2014: It's Party Time!

Hello!  Summer is the best time to have a party because your possibilities are endless.  Last weekend I went to my Aunt and Uncle's 25th wedding anniversary party.  We had a blast!  I've never been to a theme party before.  The theme was baseball since they met at a ball park.  Even the food fit the theme!  We had hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.  The best part was the photo booth.  You don't have to rent an actual booth either!  All you need is some string attached to two poles.  Then all you need is a fun fabric for your background and a big frame to stand behind.  Next just buy a bunch of cheap props and you are set.  Set up a digital camera on a tripod and have somebody run it.  We had a bunch of 80's props and a few baseball props.  It was really funny watching everybody.  Overall the party was a success!  What would your party theme be?


xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: OOTD!

Hey guys!  Before Summer started I bought a whole new wardrobe.  I have been loving them so much.  Today I thought I would share my favorite outfit that I've been wearing a TON this Summer.  The best part is that I paid less than $30 for the whole thing!  What have you been wearing?

My shoes are from Walmart and cost about $10.  The shirt I bought on clearance from Gordmans for $7.  I just put a plain blue tank underneath since it is all lace.  Lastly my shorts which are my obsession!  I wear them probably 3 times a week, no joke.  I bought them at Delia's on sale for $11.  They have a lace detail on the sides.

Here's what it looks like on.  I wore this to a water park with my nieces.  Also my sunglasses are from Delia's as well.

xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: What I'm Reading

Welcome back!  Everybody wants a good book to read during the Summer.  Whether it be by the pool, at the beach, or just tanning in the sun.  I am a huge book lover!  I probably have at least 50 books on my list to read.  I just get SO busy that I never have time to actually finish a book.  I made a goal to finish 3 books and so far I've read 2.  So I thought I'd share the books I'm reading right now.  If you want reviews of any of these books let me know.  Also tell me what you've been reading!

I saw everybody talking about this book!  Honestly I'm not a fan of books that every one talks about because I don't like be a follower.  I was at the movie and saw the trailer.  So I broke down and bought it.  I'm LOVING it so far!  Here is the description: On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

I am in LOVE with Nicholas Sparks!  I've read pretty much read all his books but this is by far my favorite.  I read this every single summer for some reason.  It's also a movie but trust me the book is SO much better!  Here is the description: Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.  The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels—first love, love between parents and children that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover.  It's beautiful!  Second, I'm really into dystopian type books right now.  This is a trilogy series as well.  I'm actually on the second book currently but I'm sharing this one so nobody gets confused.  Here is a description: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I saw this recommended on YouTube a few times and thought it sounded interesting.  So far it really keeps my attention.  I never want to put it down once I start reading it!  It's definitely different than anything I've read.  It really makes you think about life.  Here is the description: What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life? Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

I like to randomly browse for new books to read even though I have a giant list already.  I saw this cover and loved it!  That's a theme for me apparently.  It's also set during the 1960's which is my favorite era.  It is sorta hard to read due to the little bit of Italian because it's set in Italy.  I've only read one chapter so far but I do like it.  Here is the description: From the moment it opens—on a rocky patch of Italian coastline, circa 1962, when a daydreaming young innkeeper looks out over the water and spies a mysterious woman approaching him on a boat—Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins is a dazzling, yet deeply human, roller coaster of a novel. From the lavish set of Cleopatra to the shabby revelry of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to the back lots of contemporary Hollywood, Beautiful Ruins is gloriously inventive and constantly surprising—a story of flawed yet fascinating people navigating the rocky shores of their lives while clinging to their improbable dreams.


xo,
Jerica

Summer Series 2014: My Summer Jams!

We are back on schedule!  Today I'm going to share my Summer playlist.  I make a playlist for every situation.  Summer always has the best songs to choose from.  This playlist is fun and upbeat.  You could listen to it on a road trip, by the pool, or just while you are relaxing in your room.  If you follow my monthly playlist posts you won't be too surprised.  I have to say 5 Seconds Of Summer is the band to look out for.  Exactly a year ago I saw them live when they opened for One Direction.  They've changed SO much and have really found their sound.  Also I highly recommend the Ed Sheeran album.  It is perfection!  I hope you enjoy my playlist.  What are you listening to this Summer?

Summer 2014 from jerica.berner on 8tracks Radio.

xo,

Jerica

Summer Series 2014: DIY Inspirational Quote Canvas

Hello everybody!  This week I decided to try out my Pinterest skills.  Not every day is sunny during the summer.  Instead of being bored on a rainy day, why not get crafty.  I told you guys I would be posting this series every Saturday morning.  Well, if you haven't noticed it isn't Saturday.  I had a bit of a mess up and had to start over.  Don't worry I will be back on schedule next week.  I promise!  Send me pictures on Twitter @jerica_89 if you attempt this project.

What You'll Need:

- Blank Canvas

- Different Colored Paint

- Large Paint Brush

- Your Favorite Quote

- Stencils

Step 1:

First you'll need to cover your floor with newspaper.  Since there is paint involved you need to protect your carpet.  You could do this outside if it is nice out.  I got this canvas from my younger sister because she does art projects all the time.  You can buy a bigger canvas though.

Step 2:

Next you'll want to create a background on your canvas.  I chose to do dots but you can do anything.  I just took different colored paint and squirted it directly on the canvas.  This gives it more texture.  I did different size dots as well.  Then sit it aside to dry.

Step 3:

Now you'll need to think of your favorite quote.  It can be inspirational or just something that suits your personality.  Next put your stencils on the canvas.  You'll want to lay it out to make sure everything is even and lined up.  I used stencils that had a slightly sticky back so they won't slide around during the next step.

Step 4:

Using your large paint brush, paint over your entire canvas a solid color.  I chose black because I wanted the dots to pop out more.  Depending on what your background is you can choose any solid color that fits it.  I did two coats of black.  Let it dry overnight.

Step 5:

Peel off your stencils carefully.  Then you are left with this!  I love this quote because music is my life.

xo,

Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Breakfast Banana Quinoa Bars

Welcome back!  Sorry this wasn't up on Saturday but the holiday took over my weekend.  Today I'm sharing a recipe that's perfect for Summer.  They are SUPER healthy but they taste really good.  You could make them for a party, as a snack, or even for breakfast.  You can alter the recipe however you see fit based on your taste. Usually the top is coated in chocolate but I was out.  My friend actually made these and I knew I must share them with all of you.  Tweet me pictures if you try it @jerica_89.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

½ c whole wheat flour (or chickpea flour to make gluten free)

1 c cooked quinoa

1 c oats

½ c pecans, chopped

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp chia seeds

⅓ c almond butter

¼ c maple syrup

1 egg

2 mashed bananas

½ tsp vanilla

Directions:

Combine bananas, vanilla, egg, almond butter and maple syrup in a small bowl and mix well.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed.

Spoon into a greased 8x8 pan and bake at 375 for 20 min or until golden brown.

Let cool and cut into 6 bars.

Store in the refrigerator.

xo,

Jerica

Summer Series 2014: Summer Essentials

Welcome back!  In case you are wondering, I'll be posting my Summer Series every Saturday morning.  So come back every Saturday for more Summer fun!  Today is all about my must have items for Summer.  This is my favorite season so I have quite a few things to share.  Let me know your essentials too!  Let's get started!

Sunglasses:

I'm addicted to sunglasses!  I buy a new pair every single year.  This year I really wanted neon reflected aviators.  While shopping online at Delia's I found these!  I actually ordered the neon orange color and they were only $5.  I wear them everywhere!

Sunscreen:

This should be on everybody's list!  Protecting your skin is VERY important!  I've used Banana Boat Sport for years but for some reason this year it made me very itchy.  I have sensitive skin so my mom suggested I try the kids brand.  So far it has been working.  I prefer the spray because it's really quick and easy.  Plus it locks so it won't spill all over your bag.

Iced Tea:

I have been OBSESSED with iced tea this Summer!  Growing up my mom would always make tea but I never really drank it.  Now I can't get enough!  It is just super refreshing.  I buy the Lipton brand and just keep a pitcher in the fridge.  I just like original but you can buy flavored if you want.

Tumbler Cups:

These cups are AMAZING!!!!!!!!  I take them with me wherever I go.  They keep your drinks cold because the ice melts slower.  Since they are double walled they don't sweat.  You can get them for pretty cheap too.  There are tons of colors and patterns to choose from too.

Ponytail Holders:

Let's be real...nobody wants to actually do their hair when it is 100 degrees outside.  My hair is pretty much always up in the Summer.  Whether it's a bun, a braid, or just a ponytail.  I like to give my hair a break from heat anyway.  If you do want do have curls then check out my easy no heat headband curls.  Simple is always better.

Ice Cream:

I LOVE ice cream all year but especially on a hot Summer day.  I try all kinds of flavors but if I had to choose Chunky Monkey.  What is better than bananas and chocolate?  I change it up weekly though just so I don't get bored.

xo,

Jerica