Breezy Summer Dresses And Refreshing Salad
Hello! Today I have an updated post with some good things for you like NEW, breezy summer dresses, an easy, crunchy salad, my Florida friends’ sunblock recommendations, and more!
These summer “resort ideas” are appropriate right now as I am in the British Virgin Island enjoying a little vacation with our California friends, Laura and Jack.
INSALATA FINOCCHIO (Fennel, Celery Salad with Oranges)
A couple of years ago, we had a delicious, refreshing Italian salad at Cafe Zoetrope. The cafe is owned by Francis Ford Coppola (and he works in the triangle historic building).
The salad is perfect for summer.
Howard made it for me at home and it’s delicious. Serves two.
Fennel and Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, cut into segments with skin removed
- 3 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
- 1/3 cup shaved Pecorino cheese
- drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
- spritz with juice from 1/2 lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients and serve.
The Best Sunblocks
My Florida girlfriends and I have a text chain where we can keep in touch. Recently, everyone chimed in with what they use for sunblock. Which was timely as my dermatologist told me I should be wearing an SPF of 50 every day.
- Mary Ann’s: La Roche Posay (recently a few people recommended this to me on Instagram when I mentioned needing something). I like that it’s tinted.
- Neutrogena: Another recommendation that I received. It’s a spray…so that is convenient. I use it on my arms, hands, and chest too.
- Dorothy uses PCA Skin “My favorite as it is water-resistant 80 minutes and has zinc and titanium.”
- Mercedes uses Dermalogica. Pricey but I got this as a gift and really liked it. I brought this on my trip.
- Julz works for a skin cancer foundation and recommends Isdin.
- , 7. Netta uses Elta MD…another brand that several people recommended on my Instagram page.
Breezy Summer Dresses ~ Reasonably Priced
Here are some flowy, more affordable (as in less than $200) dresses for summer like…
Boden Cassia Corset Dress in Ivory
This Tuckernuck maxi dress comes in different colors. It looks cute with block heels for a summer wedding. Notice the feminine puff sleeves.
Midi Shirt Dress in Tall, Regular and Petite (lots of patterns) with pockets. This would look nice with wedges for a date night.
This dress is cute with sneakers for an everyday dress to run errands or with block heeled sandals and statement jewelry for an outdoor event.
This tried this cool dress on in the store. Now it’s 30% off. This would be great with a jean jacket or cardigan but good by itself in hot weather like here in the Virgin Islands.
I’ve had my eye on this embroidered J. Crew dress that Cindy featured! I love the design on the sleeve. There is also a blouse version (on sale) that you could wear with linen pants.
You may also like Cool and Chic: Stylish Linen Fabric Outfits For Women.
Those are breezy summer dresses with plenty of airflow (that can take you through August), fennel/orange salad, and sunblock recommendations.
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I’ve also used the elta md clear sun screen for years, and also get mine from lovely skin. On sale. I just purchased 3 more bottles. My husband uses it too.
Can’t wait to try that salad! I second the suggestion that Howard write a cookbook. Big fan here of Supergoop products! Especially love their Unseen Sunscreen. It’s clear and perfect to layer under makeup, and it doesn’t pill! Great post!
I’m eyeing that coral maxi dress from J. Jill, like that they have tall sizes. I have a baby shower coming up in the heat of the Summer so it would be perfect. I love the LaRoche Possay sunscreen so lightweight! I haven’t tried the tinted yet. Definitely will be trying that salad…I love fennel!
Linda
Greetings, I loved this blog – LOVE the dresses! Oh!!! And the sunscreen guide – I will definitely be exploring those products to find which one I like best. OK, and I see I need to ‘true up’ my opening sentence to say I love ALL of the blogs! Every recipe I’ve tried from them turns out great – will have to try the salad. In fact, I’m heading to Calabasas for a family get-together this weekend on Sunday, so will take this salad. And, finally, I’ve been meaning to THANK YOU for the reminder about now being the time for the self-tanner, and for reminding me to treat myself to fresh flowers in my home whenever I go to the market!
Hi, love your blog! Did you ever receive the lovely dress from Bohme? Just curious what you thought of it?
I love the white embroidered one but the rust/peach colored one I couldn’t get over my head so I had to return it. It needs a zipper.
This post was timely as Bohme ads keep showing up online and in my Instagram feed and I’ve wondered about the quality given the low prices. But you look great in that dress so I’ll take a look at their dresses.
I literally just made an iteration of that salad Saturday night when we had the kids over. My version did not have cheese however. That dress is darling on you. I use the elta md and love it. I have the tinted version snd the regular. It was recommended by the girls who work in my deems office. Great post! I think Howard needs to write a cookbook! Love that idea!
I could have that salad every night, Cindy! Can’t wait to see more of your new home.
Hi Mary Ann,
Your recipe for Fennel and orange salad looks so delicious. I’ve printed the recipe and will make it this week. Summer is coming, I know it, but I’m not ready for summer dresses just yet. As a redhead, I must wear great sunscreen. I really like Super Goop. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling.
xo,
Karen
I saw Super Goop in Sephora, Karen. Need to check it out.
I have worn the Elta md uv clear untinted for years, and finally even got my husband to wear it every day. It totally rubs in easily and leaves no white tint behind. It is a chemical/zinc oxide blend. It also comes in a tinted version. I get it through LovelySkin and wait for a sale. I just got some last week for 20% off.
Thanks so much for the sun block tip!!
I just bought The Rose Code a week ago but have not yet started it. Her previous book, titled “The Huntress”, is one of my all time favorites about WW2. Happy Birthday to Howard!!!
Oh good. I will get that book!
Mary Ann , I so enjoyed your post this week the bathroom make over was fabulous
great tips on ordering only what’s in stock .
Building cost continue to go up now is the time for this type of make over !
Another great recipe make over from Howard , in his spare time he could write a cookbook
“ Classic casual cooking with Howard “ just say’n….
Love that cookbook idea!!
La Roche Posay was my foundation for years!STill use but recently found a 70 sunblock who’s name I don’t remember…….it is in my bathroom will look!I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT LA ROCHE POSAY!
The photo of YOU in the white dress is BEAUTIFUL!That lipstick is GREAT ON YOU!
NICE TO HAVE FRIENDS WHO KEEP IN TOUCH.
Thanks, Elizabeth! Wow! A 70 SPF! Does it sink in?
Lovely post thank you Mary Ann, I am going to make that gorgeous salad and read the book! Just finished “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro whcih is just terrific. Beautiful dresses too….. how lovely to start the day this way! Happy week:)
I’ve heard that book is good. Going to look for it.