{Etsy} Janet Hill Studio

Oh how happy I am! Yesterday I came across an artist, Janet Hill, that completely embodies my style. I purchased one of her art prints so fast I didn't even have time to think about it. The moment I saw "Francine And Her Frenchie" I was in love! From the blue beach cruiser, to the polka dot flats, to her fabulous must-be-from-J.Crew outfit... pure chic! I can't wait for it to be hanging in the Hello Harbor office.

Be sure to check out Janet Hill's beautiful website and her Etsy shop.

"Francine And Her Frenchie"

"Persimmon Bundt Cake and Espresso"

"The Columnist"

{My Life} Okinawa

As those of you who follow me on Twitter already know, I'm in JAPAN! For the past ten days I have been roaming around the island of Okinawa, which is a tiny island way far south of mainland Japan. While Asia has never been at the tip-top on my list of places to visit, I couldn't possibly pass up this great opportunity to visit.

I'm not sure what I thought my most favorite experience in Okinawa would be, but I am surprised that it revolved around SALT. We went to the Gala Aoiumi sea salt factory in Yomitan, which is a complex of little shops, galleries, eateries and the sea salt factory itself. If you ever get the chance to go be sure to try the Caramel Sea Salt ice cream.... it was deeeelicious!

Caramel Sea Salt ice cream!

Making my own sea salt!

Enjoying the view from inside

{My Life} #1

photo spotted @ acu's, stiletto shoes, and pretty pink tutus

In the past 365 days I have gotten married, quit my job, lived in three states, moved a total of 5,415 miles, started a small business, lived out of a suitcase for 6 weeks straight, and pinned Wings of Gold on my husband. But by far the most challenging thing that I have dealt with has been beginning Deployment #1. 

Very soon after we arrived in Hawaii my husband deployed with his squadron. Deployments are an inevitable fact of life for all military spouses. I've heard that no matter if it is your first or tenth deployment, it is not one ounce easier. Experience does not apply here! Sure, one can create goals and have a to-do list twenty miles long to keep them busy, but the tugging at the heart never seems to go away. 

There are common myths and jokes about "The Deployment Curse", which I may have experienced my third week into deployment! (Thank you for fixing my brakes Firestone, even if it was for an insane only-in-Hawaii price!) 

Anyway, I wanted to come back and share what has been happening in my world. In the coming months I will be re-launching Hello Harbor, moving into a new home (We are in a temporary house at the moment!), decorating our new home, visiting Japan, and soon after planning my husbands homecoming!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

{Weekend} Ocean View

.littlegirlblue spotted @ Simply Seductive

{Fashion Finds} Trina Turk's Summer Essentials

A favorite designer of mine, Trina Turk, shared her fabulous summer essentials with Coastal Living. I love the bright colors in the "Coachella" tunic that she picked! Unfortunately, it is completely sold out. Sigh. But, jump over to Coastal Living to see the rest of her beachy "must haves".

via Coastal Living

{Photography} Red Heart Photography

Todays feature of Hawaii-based Red Heart Photography is long overdue. The problem was that I found it to be an almost impossible task to decide which photos to feature first! I finally chose the surf session that stole my heart. The water, the suit, the blue sky... I love it all.

Be sure to check out Marina Miller & Red Heart Photography.

images via Red Heart Photography

{Great Outdoors} National Cherry Blossom Festival

I'm so sad to be missing this years National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.! It is an absolutely beautiful way to ring in spring!

 photos via brmurray

{Weekend} Genuine Quote

the bedlam of beefy via Apartment #34

I've had this quote lingering in my "blog" folder for awhile. Today I realized its greatness. To "prove real" is to be genuine. Enjoy every moment of finding yourself. It is a magnificent journey!

{Weekend} Home Sweet Home

©14'STANDARD via Simply Seductive

Friday has never felt sweeter! I'm back in Florida after a week filled with driving, flying, visiting family, Disney World, African food and Southern Illinois. Although it was hectic, it was nice for my husband to spend some quality time with our families before he deploys. 

Although it is sweet to be home, Florida will only "home" for a few more days! Next week the movers come to pack up our things for the big move to Hawaii. In this day of ultra fast technology and gottahaveitnow mentality I had no clue that it would take our household goods up to two months to reach us. With shipping items all the time for Hello Harbor I have seen an item reach another continent in only a few days. But alas, I will be living out of a suitcase (or 3) until then. However, the next two days are going to be full of relaxation!

Enjoy your weekend!

{Details} Wedding Libations

images via Style Me Pretty

One wedding detail that I love is "Signature Cocktails". These drinks can be anything you want them to be. Match your color palette? Yep. Named something cutesy or personal? Sure! Non-alcoholic? Tastes just as good! Signature Cocktails can match any wedding style. Below are a few drinks that I picked out from The Knot's "Ultimate Signature Cocktail Finder".

Caribbean Breeze

1 oz. Caribbean Rum

1 oz. grenadine

.5 oz. Grand Marnier

.5 oz. lime juice

Top off with Jamaican Ginger Beer

Garnish with lemon slice

Cheeky Rose Cocktail

1 oz. gin

1 oz. rose wine

.5 oz. lemon juice

.5 oz. honey syrup

Rosemary for garnish

Red Cedar Sunset

4 oz. champagne

2 oz. orange juice

3/4 oz. grenadine

What Signature Cocktails have you seen featured at weddings?