Friday Favorites | Halfway Through April


Happy Friday friends!! I like to keep things very upbeat around here, but this has been a tough week with the passing of Gary’s good friend and mentor…to say we’re looking for a bright spot in the weekend would be an understatement. If anything it’s these moments that show you how valuable and precious life is and we were reminded of that this week. I truly like to look on the bright side of things and still want to share some favorites with you all so I’m linking up with Amanda



Favorite Recipe//


I was scouring  pinterest for, you guessed it, dinner recipes and came across this one from Mix and Match Mama – the bleu cheese and ranch dressing is what sold me! 



Favorite White Jeans//


For the last year or so I’ve been on a major hunt for a white pair of jeans! It’s taken me that long to find a pair that isn’t too tight and doesn’t showall the imperfections if you know what I mean! Well I stopped into Loft and foundthese relaxed skinny white jeansand you know I’ll be pairing it with my new favorite chambray top!! 



Favorite Beach Bag//




I stopped into Target last weekend and picked up a weekender bag that I’ve had my eye on and for under $35 couldn’t pass up! Of course while there I spotted so many cute beach bags…as much as I love this straw one, I think this nylon onewould be a better option or even this lobster one!  



Favorite DIY//


While I don’t have an office space in my home, I think this ombre gallery wallis pretty amazing!! Just think of the colors combinations you could create! 



Favorite Links//




//10 Affordable Online Courses to help boost your career


//ICYMI: I shared a chambray look that’s work appropriate 


//How Reese Witherspoonturns books into hit movies




Hope you all have fabulous weekends – come back Monday to share your fun for Weekending! 


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84 Comments

  1. MONICA SORS
    April 15, 2016 / 10:19 am

    Nice post, this burger seems so good 😉

    xx

    Mónica Sors

    MES VOYAGES À PARIS

    NEW POST: STRIPED PANTS

  2. Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
    April 15, 2016 / 11:11 am

    I love turkey burgers! That looks delicious. Hope you have a wonderful Friday and great weekend!!!

  3. Veronica-VeroSays!
    April 15, 2016 / 11:33 am

    Yes to white jeans! I've always struggled looking for the perfect pair! I found a pair this spring, but they are maternity haha. I'm still on the hunt for some after baby! Thanks for sharing yours! Xo

  4. a little bit of emily
    April 15, 2016 / 11:35 am

    I have to check out these white jeans! I always stay away because I feel like I would get something on them right away, but I do love the look. So sorry to hear of your loss – thinking of you and Gary!

  5. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    April 15, 2016 / 11:39 am

    Those burgers sound amazing! And obsessed with that tote, I just wish it had a pocket on the inside so I didn't have to dig for my keys and my phone! So sorry to hear about your loss girl. That is so tough. Thinking about you guys! Have a great weekend! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  6. Jenn
    April 15, 2016 / 11:43 am

    I'm surprised you didn't post your weekender bag here as a favorite! I saw you got the cute one this weekend and then had Gary carry it home haha
    Im so sorry to hear that his mentor passed. Keeping you guys in my thoughts and hoping that you find some good stuff to lift your spirits this weekend

  7. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    April 15, 2016 / 11:47 am

    Sorry to hear about your loss!! That burger looks wonderful, yum!

  8. Andrea Nine
    April 15, 2016 / 11:53 am

    Oh B, I am so sorry you and Gary experienced a loss as well. You know I totally understand what a rough week it has been!! And on a lighter note, you got my Target tote and you'll be so pretty carrying it!! Hugs to you both sweet friend!!

  9. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    April 15, 2016 / 11:58 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you both and hope that the week gets better. Love that DIY ombré gallery wall! Xo

  10. Blaire Bingham
    April 15, 2016 / 12:01 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Biana. I know this must have been a difficult week for the both of you. I will be sending hugs and prayers from Georgia.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  11. Evelina
    April 15, 2016 / 12:15 pm

    Sorry to hear about Gary's friend. Losing a good friend is never easy. Sending love!
    Evelina @ Fortunate House

  12. Rachel McCarthy
    April 15, 2016 / 12:18 pm

    So sorry to hear about Gary's friend. Sending love and prayers to you!

    I need to try this burger, it looks so delicious! I will have to skip the bleu cheese though, my husband won't eat it!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  13. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    April 15, 2016 / 12:37 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Biana! Sending prayers and love your way!!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  14. Unknown
    April 15, 2016 / 12:44 pm

    Yum those buffalo turkey burgers sound delicious! And I really need to do a DIY like that ombre gallery wall. So pretty!!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  15. Zelle B.
    April 15, 2016 / 1:06 pm

    Thinking of y'all during this time! Love and prayers to y'all!

    I have the target straw bag from last season and honestly use it for more than just the beach! I hope your weekend brightens up!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  16. Hannah
    April 15, 2016 / 1:29 pm

    Love that photo wall! I think that would be gorgeous in blues or greens in my dining room :))

  17. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    April 15, 2016 / 1:33 pm

    Sorry to hear about Gary's friend. 🙁 I seen that purse at Target too! So pretty and perfect for summer!

  18. Unknown
    April 15, 2016 / 1:36 pm

    Thinking of you with this super difficult time! Prayers with you all!
    I am obsessing over that buffalo chicken recipe I always am looking for a fun new way to incorporate buffalo chicken! Wishing you a wonderful and bright weekend!
    xoxo,Victoria
    coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

  19. kerri @ cheshire kat
    April 15, 2016 / 1:37 pm

    so sorry to hear about gary's friend. sending all the love to you both! that gallery wall is too cute and i love the bag you got at target! i'll have to hold back from spending all my money over the weekend!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  20. Leah Behr
    April 15, 2016 / 1:38 pm

    That burger looks amazing! What a steal on that bag, too!

    xx Leah / eatpraywearlove.com

  21. P!nky
    April 15, 2016 / 1:48 pm

    So sorry to hear about the passing of someone so dear, that is never easy. Sending you some extra sparkles and love this morning.

  22. Unknown
    April 15, 2016 / 1:50 pm

    so sorry for your loss– i hope you both hang in there!
    loving those white jeans. have a good weekend friend. xoxo

  23. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 15, 2016 / 1:51 pm

    That beach bag is super cute, and that turkey burger looks delish! I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary's friend and mentor. Sending lots of prayers and *hugs* to you guys <3
    Green Fashionista

  24. Karly @ What Karly Said
    April 15, 2016 / 2:05 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss – sending lots of love and prayers your way!

    Thanks for sharing those white jeans – I'm on the hunt myself, so I'm going to check those out!

  25. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    April 15, 2016 / 2:18 pm

    I am so sorry about Gary's friend. I hope that he is doing OK. Same goes for you my friend!! Stay strong!! It is also very true that moments like that remind you to appreciate how special life is. On a brighter note, LOVE that beach tote!! I also totally feel you on the white jeans.. I bought my first pair last year. They are skinny jeans but they are not super tight. I was definitely insecure about wearing them but the more that I did, the more I loved them. 🙂 I hope that you have a fab weekend and sending hugs to you! 🙂

  26. Nina Kobi
    April 15, 2016 / 2:20 pm

    Loving thes white jeans and the beach bag. xx
    Nina
    ninasstyleblog.com

  27. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    April 15, 2016 / 2:27 pm

    That turkey burger sounds yummy. I just bought some Loft pants too (psst they're having a 30% off sale right now (40% for cardmembers)! I Love that weekend bag you got and how cool is that ombre gallery wall?! Great list of favs today. Have a great weekend!

  28. Christina Lea Loves
    April 15, 2016 / 2:34 pm

    I hope that you guys DO find a bright spot this weekend and have some happier times! I've been lusting after that beach bag too – every time I walk into Target it grabs my eye!

  29. Monique | WritingMonique
    April 15, 2016 / 2:37 pm

    Great favorites! I love Reese Witherspoon!
    WritingMonique

  30. Rebecca Jo
    April 15, 2016 / 2:54 pm

    ohhhh – you have my mind working now with that ombre wall art… I have a space in my office area that I need something like this.

  31. The Lowcountry Mama
    April 15, 2016 / 3:03 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss =(

    I love that ombre gallery wall what a creative idea! I'm feeling crafty this weekend so maybe I'll tackle that.

  32. According to Kiki
    April 15, 2016 / 3:11 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to Gary through this hard time!

    I hope the two of you go out and do something fun this weekend to get your minds back in the right direction. <3

  33. Jalisa
    April 15, 2016 / 3:12 pm

    I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of Gary's friend; I will keep you both in my prayers, as well as the family, friends and loved ones who've also experienced this loss. What's amazing about this life, is that all that we do an accomplish that we can then use to mentor, as Gary's friend did with him, extends past our lives here on this earth and can really help make a huge difference and impact.

    As for the white jeans, I know the struggle, girl, I have yet to find the perfect pair myself. I have a pair of white high waisted pants that I love, but they're not denim. It also reveals all the imperfections, but I've found the Spanx capri in nude, which I wear underneath, to be so helpful in smoothing things out because white really does highlight, EVERYTHING, haha! That tassel woven beach bag is just too cute and trendy, I think I'll have to pop into Target and check out their selections! I also really love that ombre decor, which I had to pin to my 'Home Decor' board on Pinterest because we're really thinking about moving in a couple of months and I would love to recreate this effect somehow, so thank you so much for sharing this, you ALWAYS share the best inspiration and resources! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, gorgeous girlie!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  34. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    April 15, 2016 / 3:13 pm

    We've had a rough week here full of prayers too. So sorry for your loss.

    Glad you linked these jeans…I've been eyeing and I'm glad to know they cover well. I have been wanting some pink jeans and received some from GAP this week and umm…no…just no. And I am voting for the lobster bag for you!

    Have a super weekend!
    Shelly||The Queen in Between

  35. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    April 15, 2016 / 3:23 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's mentor. I'm sure this has been a difficult time. On a different note, I'm heading to Loft to see if I can find a pair of white jeans I like!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  36. Nadine
    April 15, 2016 / 3:37 pm

    I just made turkey burgers last night for dinner, but the buffalo one would be a nice change up! Blue cheese anything will get me! Loft has some of the best pants for me, so I will have to check those out. Hope you have a great weekend! So sorry to hear about Gary's friend 🙁

  37. Girl Meets Bow
    April 15, 2016 / 3:42 pm

    I'm sorry you've had a tough week- losing someone is never easy. Sending lots of love your way!

    On a happy note- I love that pink ombre wall!! What a fun idea and like you said the options are endless!

  38. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    April 15, 2016 / 3:47 pm

    So sorry to hear about Gary's friend 🙁 Thanks for sharing those jeans! I've been on the hunt for a pair so I'll check those out!
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  39. Emily @ Beauty Blether
    April 15, 2016 / 3:53 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear that Gary lost a good friend of his 🙁
    You guys are in my thoughts! And hope you have a good weekend full of sunshine! xx

  40. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    April 15, 2016 / 3:54 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about Gary's friend! I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. Such a hard time.
    The burgers look amazing, definitely worth a try. And the ombre wal…yes, love that!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  41. Erin LFF
    April 15, 2016 / 3:54 pm

    Sorry to hear about the tough week and the passing of a good friend. Sending love your guys way! Hope you can enjoy a nice weekend together♥

  42. elle jo
    April 15, 2016 / 3:57 pm

    How are we halfway through April???? I'm sorry to hear about Gary's mentor! Incredibly sad to hear.

    The buffalo turkey burgers look heavenly! I may try that out this weekend.

    liz @ j for joiner

  43. CubicleCouture
    April 15, 2016 / 3:58 pm

    Ugh. So sorry to hear about Gary's friend. Please send my condolences to him. It's been a tough week here too– we lost one of the sweetest Rabbi's. Life is fragile, precious, and oh-so-short. Hope the weekend brings some cheer. XOXO, Rachel -CubicleCouture

  44. Anonymous
    April 15, 2016 / 4:04 pm

    So sorry for your and Gary's loss, Biana. Someone I'm close to lost someone they love this week—tough week all around. I'll add you guys to my positive thoughts and hope you find some sunshine and reasons to smile this weekend!

  45. Dana Ivy
    April 15, 2016 / 4:25 pm

    Stop it with that ombre photo wall! Obsessed! And I am sorry to hear about the passing of Gary's good friend. That's never an easy thing to deal with. On the bright side, I'm sure that Buffalo Turkey Burger is delish! I read Shay's blog everyday and love her so much!!

    Xox Dana Ivy // iadorewhatilove.com

  46. Traci Taylor Hart
    April 15, 2016 / 4:32 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's passing. Hang in there. The Buffalo Turkey Burger looks delicious! I saw that bag at Target the other night but ended up grabbing the clutch! Sooooo cute.
    xo, Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  47. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    April 15, 2016 / 4:38 pm

    Cheers to finding bright spots! It's never easy to go through losing a close friend. I love those white jeans – I have the same pair and they look so great with a chambray top!

  48. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    April 15, 2016 / 4:39 pm

    I love the structure of that beach bag and the price point. Sorry to hear about Gary's Mentor passing please let him know I'm thinking about him!

  49. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    April 15, 2016 / 4:47 pm

    totally checking out that reese link. those turkey burgers look delicious, and that straw bag is the cutest. i am so sorry about Gary's friend, that is so sad. thinking of you both!

  50. Darcy
    April 15, 2016 / 4:56 pm

    So sorry to hear about Gary's friend. That is so sad :(. White jeans are a definite wardrobe must!
    amemoryofus.com

  51. Melanie
    April 15, 2016 / 4:58 pm

    My sincere condolences about losing a friend…it's never easy and I wish you both strength! =) *hugs*

    I hope you two find a good weekend ahead of you with the lovely weather coming on up! =)

  52. Sarah Blodgett
    April 15, 2016 / 5:02 pm

    So sorry for your loss <3
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    EverydayStarlet

  53. Lindsay's Sweet World
    April 15, 2016 / 5:22 pm

    I'm so sorry for your loss, Biana. I hope that you guys can find peace and comfort this weekend.

    And ohmigoooodness to the hombre gallery wall. Now you're gonna make me redo a wall in my office! Seriously!

  54. Kristina @ Ms.Modify
    April 15, 2016 / 5:40 pm

    I'm loving the ombré gallery wall too!

    So sorry to hear about your loss this week, hugs and prayers sent your way! xo

  55. Missy
    April 15, 2016 / 5:46 pm

    Sorry to hear about Gary's friend, that is awful. So glad you found great white jeans! They are the best. HAve a great weekend!

  56. Caitlin Elizabeth
    April 15, 2016 / 5:52 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary's friend, it's definitely hard to look on the bright side in situations like that.

    Love the chambray top and white jean combo, it's my go-to during the summer!

  57. Nikki @ makeupHER
    April 15, 2016 / 6:46 pm

    So so sorry about the passing of Gary's friend, hope your weekend is good. It's so hard to find a good pair of white jeans, so glad you found that. How cute is that straw bag!

  58. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 15, 2016 / 6:46 pm

    So sad to hear about Gary's good friend. May he rest in peace. I know you will hug your hubby tight and get him through this grief. That straw beach bag is soo cute! Doing online classes to boost your career is a wonderful idea….hopping over to see if anything applies to me career. xx Emily
    Martinis & Bikinis

  59. Amy @The Crazy Wise Woman
    April 15, 2016 / 6:59 pm

    I am sorry for your loss, I hope you two can find something to lighten your mood a little this weekend. I am still obsessing over your chambray for work post… like the whole outfit has been in my brain all week. Time to shop for it!Have a great one!

  60. JMO
    April 15, 2016 / 7:11 pm

    So sorry to hear about G's friend 🙁 sending prayers!

    LOVE that beach tote and I def need new white jeans! Hope you have the best weekend pretty lady! xoxo

  61. Ashley Lillis
    April 15, 2016 / 7:28 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Gary's friends! Sending lots of love y'all's way! On a lighter note, that ombre wall is beautiful! You could almost do that in a special room in your home too! I haven't checked out Loft's website in a while! I need to head over there and have a look to see if I can find something cute!

  62. Elegance and Mommyhood
    April 15, 2016 / 8:07 pm

    I am so sorry about the loss of a friend, that sucks. I eyed that gorgeous straw tassel bag from Target too. It is so cool and girly. But I did buy the Weekender just like you.

    Enjoy the weekend as much as you can, B!

  63. Unknown
    April 15, 2016 / 8:25 pm

    OMG I need that straw tote STAT! Have a great weekend, Biana!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  64. Kristen {Miss Southern}
    April 15, 2016 / 8:41 pm

    I'm completely obsessed with the straw tassel bag, I just haven't pulled the trigger.

  65. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 15, 2016 / 8:54 pm

    Sad about your/Gary's friend. Many good thoughts to all.

  66. Anonymous
    April 15, 2016 / 8:55 pm

    I'm so sorry for your loss, sweet friend! Big hug and kiss to you. Enjoy the weekend 🙂

  67. The Siberian American
    April 15, 2016 / 9:01 pm

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Gary. I love Mix and Match Mama's recipes-that one looks so good! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  68. Katie Elizabeth
    April 15, 2016 / 9:43 pm

    So sorry to hear about Gary's friend- thinking of you both. And that burger? Yes, please! Anything with ranch and blue cheese and I'm sold! Happy Friday!

  69. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    April 16, 2016 / 1:59 am

    It's been a week of loss in our home too. Sorry to hear about Gary's mentor.
    That bag is super cute and what a great price.

  70. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    April 16, 2016 / 3:34 am

    Such a great beach bag and fun DIY! I hope you have the best weekend. So sorry for your husband's loss!

  71. Cat Chat With Caren and Cody (Caren Gittleman)
    April 16, 2016 / 4:46 am

    So deeply sorry about your husband's loss (((hugs)))) Wish I could wear white, I can't because I ALWAYS spill on it! catchatwithcarenandcody

  72. Julia
    April 16, 2016 / 11:55 am

    Sorry to hear about the loss of a friend and mentor. Thank you for sharing this post.

  73. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    April 16, 2016 / 3:22 pm

    So sorry for your loss, life is so precious 🙁 thinking about you guys!

  74. Bekleveer
    April 16, 2016 / 9:57 pm

    I like your blog, its really dope.
    Do you want to follow each other?
    If you want, than follow me, and let me know in comments, so I can follow you back with pleasure.

    We can follow each other on Instagram @andjela.dujovic, let me know in the comments so I can follow you back.

    bekleveer.com
    xoxo

  75. Paige
    April 17, 2016 / 2:08 am

    Alright- I'll be trying those jeans for sure! You had me at "hiding those imperfections!" Cute beach bag too!

  76. Paige
    April 17, 2016 / 2:09 am

    Alright- I'll be trying those jeans for sure! You had me at "hiding those imperfections!" Cute beach bag too!

  77. Carmen Varner
    April 17, 2016 / 5:39 pm

    So sorry for your loss! It's times like these where I love to look back fondly at photos & memories. On another note, that beach bag is awesome. It just inspires me to pack up & head over to the coast. Wishing you a very happy weekend. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

  78. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    April 17, 2016 / 6:20 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss of a family friend. I hope you guys are doing ok. Love white jeans and love the DIY project! Hope you had a great weekend!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

  79. Unknown
    April 18, 2016 / 3:12 am

    Sorry to hear about the unexpected loss… hope your weekend was good and that you found something to brighten you two's days!


    Amber
    All the Cute 🎀

  80. Ashley G
    April 18, 2016 / 11:24 am

    So sorry to hear about y’alls loss Biana. Sending lots of prayers and love y’alls way xx

  81. Carly
    April 18, 2016 / 5:04 pm

    Ohh that turkey burger looks good- we used to have them all the time growing up, but I haven't had one in such a long time. And I'm so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! Thinking of you guys!

  82. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie
    April 18, 2016 / 7:51 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Awful. Hugs from afar to you and your husband.

  83. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    April 27, 2016 / 11:47 am

    So sorry for the loss! Thinking of you and G! Love that gallery wall! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  84. sara [at] journey of doing
    May 4, 2016 / 2:59 pm

    THAT. GALLERY. WALL. stick a fork in me because I'm so done!! Need to figure out how to emulate that!!