Just writing to say I love you...

Attention: This is NOT a test, I repeat do not adjust your monitors.  You're reading this correctly, I have returned from the elephant graveyard right to your blog reading device once again… Oh hey there!  How have you been the past three months?  My, oh my, I have been great.  Summertime is always better spent lounging by the pool, sipping cool drinks on patios, and spending some QT with your besties.  Sure, I still get dressed and go shopping and such, but for some reason I have never been much a good blogger during the summer months.  Honestly, I don't think I've cracked open this here laptop since I got my iPad in March! Eek!  I realllllly dropped the ball this summer.

I missed you chickens, I did indeed.  I would totally do a catch-up post, but if you even give a hoot about what I've been up to… you already follow along in my Instagram.  But because I love picture collages (and you probably do too) here is a collection of some of my favorite things I did in the past three months, for your eyeball's enjoyment.  

Imagine this in my best TV voice: Previously on Matters of Merrymaking…

Long story short (too late)... I spent two weeks in paradise, enjoyed a summer of tourist-ing in my own town, spent too many days by the pool (I'm one big freckle,) and there are many margaritas and craft beers not pictured.  

I hope to return to merrymaking more regularly here soon!

PS Thanks for all of the emails & notes telling me you missed me, be sure to leave a comment or shoot me a message to let me know how you've been.  Sweet words have not gone unnoticed and I seriously have some of the best readers ever ever! XO, Bekah

Swim Suit Search

In two month's time, I will find myself on a beach in the Caribbean.  What!  So it is time to take this swim suit search seriously.  Try saying that ten times fast!  I have always been a fan of the retro style maillot and I love the ruffles!  These are my top faves.  What styles are you reaching for this summer?  I wanted to find some fringed tops, but I will settle for the adorable fringed coverup!

Shop my finds here:

Graphic Print Suit

Eyelet Twist Bandeau

Ruffle Tankini

Beach Dress

Radiant Rays Halter

Tie Dye Coverup Dress

Nautical Dots Suit

Spotted some fab suits?  Let me know about them in the comments! Xo

Eat, drink, & be MERRY!

As the sun was slipping behind the trees on June 15, 2013...

A treasured and beloved little sister wed her soul's complement.

The ceremony and ambiance really were perfect and 

everything felt like a celebration of Sarah and Rob.

It's hard to imagine (even now) that the little sugar bear that used to follow me around everywhere and draw pictures of me in her self portraits is now a grown up, married lady.  But hey, if they gotta fly the coop... send 'em out with a good ole time and a great party!

Warning: Picture heavy post, but boy... they are great pictures.

 The Happy Couple

So cute!

 Barn doors & moss letters.

 Personalized bridal party glasses with our dresses and names painted on them!

GOLD SHOES! (and cajun shrimp OPI)

 SISTERS!

 Gorgeous Bridesmaids

 Lots of laughter and only a few tears.

(Sister-in-law, Brother, Bride, Groom, ME, Sister)
Then we party!

 The Lowrie's!

Cheers to the happy couple!
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BELISARIO PHOTOGRAPHY.

Current Obsessions

I have been blogging for almost 3 full years here at M of M, and every summer without fail, no matter how many good intentions I have... I fall behind.  I become a total blog slacker.  I still get dressed and I still go out and do things (maybe even more so) but I turn in to a total recluse on this blog. Maybe it is because the sheer thought of standing outside in the 100% Memphis humidity and tkaing outfit pics?!  Probz.
Anywho... just in the nick of time for summer beginning ending, here are some of my current obsessions right about now :) Maxi dresses are totally a year round thing for me.  I love layering over them in the fall/winter and rocking them with fun sandals and wedges in the summer.  ASOS has some super amazing ones that I am watching to go on sale.  Also, this model is my favorite... she's gorgeous. ONE // TWO // THREE

My birthday present to myself was this beauty right here. Clarisonic Mia 2 in Lime

Seriously, OBSESSED with this investment and if you have been putting off getting one, run to the store right now.  My skin has never been smoother and my pores have NEVER been smaller.  It is worth its tiny little weight in GOLD!

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser

Obagi Nu-Derm Toner

Aveeno Positively Ageless SPF 30 Day Mositurizer

Starting with the Clarisonic, I totally revamped my skin care regimen recently with these three products and I have never been happier.  I do want to invest in a great night moisturizer, so I am definitely taking recs on that!  I have seen amazing results in brightness and even tone in my skin. BIG deal, HUGE!

When I'm not washing my face, you can probably find me tuning in to Big Brother 15.  Say what you want, but it is the only reality show that I can stomach.  And I am OBSESSED!  I love the drama, the crazy comps, and the fact that it comes on three times a week.  Also, I may or may not have subscribed to the 24/7 live video feeds.  Look here, everyone has their vices mmmmmk?  PS I am Team Judd & Team Amanda, for sure.

pic 1 // pic 2
What is atop your list of obsessions these days, chickens?  Please share, a merrymaker always has room for more. Happy Tuesday!

Who's That Girl?!

I will save you the ins and outs of where I've been hiding (somewhere between a margarita bar and a lost Macbook charger) and just carry on, my wayward chickens.  Deal? Deal. Sweet summertime is here and I feel the freedom! I have slow, peaceful mornings, a belated work time, and freedom of dress code with my new job (a post to come on that soon.)  Also, summer means CELEBRATION! Last Saturday, a few of my favorites went out to celebrate my main blonde's birthday.

tank: tj maxx | pink shorts: dots | wedges: payless | necklace: gift | pink bracelet: gift | claw cuff: bid girl

I hope today finds all of you well, and I hope it won't be so long before I am back again.

Lord knows, I have a lot to say and share with my little chickens.
Cheers!

Goin To The Chapel...

dress: LB | wedges: nine west | belt: macy's | earrings: simply chic

Playing a little catch up this bright Tuesday morning!  I wore this to a friend, Kathryn's, wedding two weekends ago.  It was the twirliest, prettiest dress- perfect for breaking it down on the dance floor.

Such a fun evening it was with the most beautiful bride.  And don't think her wedding gown kept her from getting down and doing the Wobble.

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Turner! :)

It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's The Merrymaker!

I am so excited to be posting today!  Today is my official last day of summer, I got back for inservice and registration for the rest of the week.  The summer FLEW by, eight weeks of summer camp will do that to you.  I am super thrilled to get back and meet my new kids, and get on a recurring schedule of actual clothes (JEWELRY! Gasp!)  Field trips, crafts, and tennis shoes were fun- but I miss my sparkles and my dresses! Speaking of dresses, I saw this beauty in Target and knew it had to be mine. Birds! Collared! Sleeves!
I love the vintage feel of it.  I wore it to the movies once I finally had the time to go see Batman (It was only recently that I was super disappointed to find out that It's a BIRD, It's a plane! is actually Superman... but my heart will always belong to Bruce Wayne Christian Bale.) Whatev.

dress w/belt: target | necklace: eclectic ornaments | 

sandals: brash for payless | lipstick: NARS heatwave

I hope the end of summer finds you well! So tell me- What have you guys been up to? What's the 411? Any hot gossip?  See you soon, little chickens.  It feels good to be back in bloggerland.  I hope to give this place a face lift here soon, so look out for that. 

Here I Am!

Hello dear sweet baby little chickens!  Time has really gotten away from this merrymaker and half of the summer has already flown by.  My merrymaking schedule is a little off kilter these days, as I am working M-F at a summer camp at the school where I teach.  My daily attire consists of tennis shoes, Nike shorts, and a mandatory mint green staff shirt.  Exciting stuff, eh?I hope to get a few fancy posts in over the next few weeks, especially from my highly anticipated trip to Atlanta to see Aerosmith (!!!!!) and don't worry, I still wear lipstick and sparkles- I am just much too tired after chasing around grade school kids for hours on end to get dressed.

Here is a little glimpse in to my life lately according to my best friend Instagram. (@missbekah)

I am making sure to allow time for enjoying my summer, plenty of grilling out:

 Camp activities:

 Field Trips:

 Birthday parties:

 And shocker: I am a slave to summer programming:

I really miss my chickens, and I hope all of you are doing well!  What has everyone been up to? What is the hot gossip? Stay cool and cling to your A/C unit with a refreshing beverage.  Talk to you soon!