4th of July With Rachel Zoe's Summer Box Of Style Traveling Oklahoma
This post was done in partnership with Box Of Style however all opinions are my very own.
Do you dream of a place called home? Do you long for someplace, somewhere out there? Do you picture yourself on a lush, tropical island, on a quaint city street in San Francisco, in a hip ski town, or on a green hill top in the Mediterranean ? For a long while now, I’ve been telling myself that I need to move; that Tulsa is too small, too conservative, too . . . familiar for me. I feel so isolated and limited here...like I am slowly slowly suffocating. The man of my dreams STILL has this invitation for me to move to Barcelona. And I am dragging my feet you all. Who drags their feet for an opportunity like this? What am I so scared of???
As I travel and experience different parts of the planet (always with an eye that — “this might just be the place”), I find that everywhere seems to have it’s own form of duality. This part feels good, but that aspect feels, not so good. It’s beautiful, but the traffic is horrendous. It’s peaceful, but too hot in the summer. It’s perfect, but, it’s too expensive.
The key to life, then, is appreciating and being grateful for wherever you are. We must love what we have, here and now, because things constantly change. If we are always feeling that the “grass is greener” someplace else, we miss the abundance and goodness that surrounds us, now. We can always paint an ideal image of what could be or should be, but, have you noticed, life never works out exactly as we envisioned it? And yet, that’s the beauty of life . . . nothing is written in stone, and it’s always surprising us.
I’m not telling you not to take an adventure, or move somewhere new. In fact, listen to your heart and follow its sage advice. But, wherever you find yourself, take a tip from this line from an old, James Taylor song, “the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time”. So wherever you are, here you are. This is your time. This is your life. Surrender to what is. Even better, trust what is, who and where you are. Then, shine!
So when it comes to summer and the 4th of July I think of hot dogs, watermelon, and Rosé. And today I am meal prepping for a tiny Independence Day inspired fête with Chicago style dogs, sweet corn on the cob with coconut butter, campfire beans, a broccoli and pimento cheese salad, strawberry cobbler, and a banana pudding--and limitless Rosé. I will share some recipes and photos later on with you in the week! I am feeling the celebration in the air even though I am so pre-occupied with so many things on my mind. I had beautiful 4th of July's as a child with my grandparents. The most beautiful celebrations and I have very fond memories of it. My favorite part of living in the desert was that every sunset at the very moment that the sun disappeared over the horizon, everyone watching on would cheer and clap as the last millimeter of sun dropped behind the mountains – as though the sun had performed some kind of athletic triumph…
Anyhow ....back to that appreciating and being grateful wherever you are even though it is slowly drowning you....
Took a road trip over the 4th of July weekend exploring Carlton Landing again which is Oklahoma's very own Seaside, Florida. It's less than 2 hours away from Tulsa on the prettiest Lake Eufaula. I have showed you this gem of a place before but check it out again here. I love visiting the pop up shops on Saturday mornings. And their are food trucks and a delish pizza restaurant too.
Still dying to spend a weekend here in one of the vacation home properties. Then take the long back roads to Jincy's Kitchen in Park Hill, Oklahoma. (From Travel Oklahoma) This small town restaurant has a big reputation for making some of the best Southern and comfort food in Oklahoma. Stop in for lunch and dinner and feast on chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy with a side of green beans or sink your teeth into catfish and hushpuppies. Anything worth having is worth waiting for including Jincy's made-to-order pan fried chicken served with hot rolls that melt in your mouth. They also have jumbo hamburgers, Indian tacos and chili on the menu. Everything is made from scratch including their famous pies. Get a piece of pecan for dessert to enjoy while listening to live music on Saturday evenings. Regulars can't get enough of their breakfast menu available on Saturdays and Sundays. Stop in to relax and start your morning with a full Southern breakfast with eggs, sausage, toast and much more. The building was also used as a set in the movie "Where the Red Fern Grows" and is located near Tenkiller Ferry Lake.
As you make your way in stop and get some fresh produce for your 4th of July feast and all your favorite summer dishes!
The get poolside...because let's face it--it's the only way to beat this summer heat!!!! And then prepare your OOTD for your star spangled banner fête.
In this whole post I am featuring Rachel Zoe's Summer Box- THE JETSET EDITION.
I am loving this one so much !
The summer box features...
Palm Straw Bag
ExclusiveRetails for $99
"This optic black-and-white straw tote reminds me of summer in St. Tropez. Black and white is so timeless, it looks chic no matter what. This style is roomy enough to fit all your essentials—you can carry it all summer." –xoRZ
Length: 12” Width: 20” Strap Height: 10"
100% Straw
Extra long straps to keep you hands-free and stress-free.
Collapsable—which makes this bag the perfect travel companion
Bindya Lace-Up Cover-Up
Exclusive
Retails for $115
"I included this cover-up because it can go everywhere and looks chic on everyone. I adore all white in the summer, and the lace-up neckline and pom-pom details make this feel so special." –xoRZ
One Size. Shoulder to Hem: 31” Width: 41.5”
100% Rayon
Recommend dry clean only to protect the ornate trim.
Get ready to relax in this comfortable cover-up wherever the summer takes you.
Retails for $58
"I always entertain poolside, and I love decorating lounge chairs with vibrant towels. For relaxing on the beach or in the park, I think bigger is better, so we made sure these are sized for a picnic. Plus the print is so beautiful." –xoRZ
Length: 59” Width: 59”
100% Cotton
Multi-purpose, beach, picnic, pool, blanket—a travel must-have.
Roll it up in your beach bag for a quick getaway!
For Love & Lemons Loop Fringe Earrings
Retails for $63
"My obsession with fringe is no secret, and I love how these are playful enough for day but glam enough for evening. They’re from For Love & Lemons’ new jewelry line and we’re so excited to introduce them to our members." –xoRZ
Length: 2.25”
Brass with cotton fringe
Chandelier silhouette adds a touch of glam to any outfit.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer
Retails for $65
"My skin never can be hydrated enough. This product is one of my latest obsessions—I apply it a few times a day for an instant refresh and an immediate glow." –xoRZ
1.7 fl. oz.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic & Lactic Acids, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Papaya Enzymes. and Napol Cactus Fruit Extract
Reduces the appearance of dullness and uneven skin texture to reveal beautiful, glowing skin.
Happy 4th of July to my American friends!
