an earthly good-bye.

Today and tomorrow are two days which are sure to remain in both of our hearts for a lifetime:

{cv} and I will be saying our earthly good-bye to his grandmother, {dv}. 

Diagnosed only five weeks ago with spinal and lung cancer, her body succumbed to her illness

while we were away this weekend at the wedding in Blacksburg, Virginia. Though hearing the

news wasn't easy, it certainly wasn't unexpected. {cv} and I have visited a few times in recent

weeks--and in our last visit, I had a feeling it might be our last. We said the Lord's Prayer before

we left her to fall peacefully back to sleep and it helped bring a smile to my face because I knew

{dv} was completely at ease and ready to make her trip to her heavenly home.

Though my hair in the last two Christmas pictures shows the wear of a long evening, these photos

are some that I know we'll treasure for a lifetime. {dv} brought so much joy to so many--and she

welcomed me with open arms to the {v} family. Her warmness and her ever-constant smile

always made you feel at home. In our first meeting, she told me I was a lucky girl to snag her {cv}...

and, boy, she was right. She and {cv}'s grandfather, {lv}, have provided a remarkable example 

of married love--as high-school sweethearts, lifelong partners and incredible parents.

Since we'll be traveling up to the wake and funeral in New Hampshire today and tomorrow,

there will be radio silence on {long distance loving} until Friday at 12:00am...

when I'll be back for the 25th Friday's Fancies link-up. 

Until then, give your family members an extra squeeze and cherish every moment with them.

Though {dv} wasn't my grandmother by blood, I certainly counted her as one. 

The Lord got a very special angel this week--and I can't wait to see her again one day!

I'll see you all back here on Friday--all of my love, {av}

the tie that binds.

In fourth grade, I spent almost every spare minute I had making friendship bracelets.

Though I cringe to say it, 17 years later, I think it's safe to say the trend has returned...

{where to find them: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6}

I have always loved the symbolism of a friendship bracelet. To me, it's a gift given from one friend to

another to let that friend know they're loved. In doing so, it is a walking billboard for that love you have

for your friend. Though my friendship bracelet making skills are a little rusty, I'm hoping it's a bit like

riding a bike. I'd love to start making these beauties again. {I was a mean arrowhead bracelet maker!}

Though I'm still undecided whether this trend is back for good, I'm loving the upgrades to the

modern-day friendship bracelets. One such design I'm particularly loving is seen in #4 from 

Monika of bfrend and the Doctor's Closet. I think it's chic--and still conveys that friendly feel :)

What's your take on the "modern-day" friendship bracelet?

Would you sport one of these beauties?

I hope you all had fantastic weekends--whether it was celebrating the 4th or just making

the most of the summer...which is scarily slipping away much too quickly.  eeks!

Have a lovely Tuesday! xoxo {av}

ooh + ahh.

To my American readers out there: have a very happy 4th of July! 

I hope it's full of fireworks, family, and friends :) 

Remember just how far we've come in 235 years...

To my readers elsewhere: I hope you have a sunny Monday!

An enormous thank you to my incredible Friday's Fancies faithful--

I seriously can't wait for this Friday! {Too bad it's only Monday!}

Have a fantastic fourth! xoxo {av}

friday's fancies #31.

Happy Friday! What a wonderful Friday it is too--in the United States, it holds the promise of a long weekend and it also holds one of my favorite holidays: the Fourth of July. Short of Christmas, I always anticipate the festivities of Independence Day. Maybe it's the fact that I'm an American Studies grad, maybe it's just because I'm a wee bit of a nerd...but whatever it is: I'm pumped for this weekend!

Here is what I'll deem to be my patriotic pretty outfit. In true Friday's Fancies fashion, I dreamed big...

1) These rich, red A.P.C. Cotton-Gabardine Shorts simply rock. I owned a pair of shorts like these {with a much smaller pricetag} the summer I lived in France. I desperately wish I still had them!
2) I eyed this Joie Orly Silk Top and immediately fell in love with the pleats. It's simple but beautiful, which is just my style.
3) As of late, I have been working to rock some bolder earrings and these Yochi Ivory Cross Drop Earrings definitely fit the bill. Their versatility would make them wearable today and for many years to come.
4) Full parity: I have tried to include these Tory Burch Wedge Sandals in a Friday's Fancies for weeks. To me, they are a page out of the playbook on wedge perfection.
5) I don't think one could ever go wrong with Yves Saint Laurent and this Python Clutch Bag is no exception. The color and size of this stunner rocked my world.
6) If you see me on a normal day, you might notice I wear sunglasses more like a headband ;) I thought these Selima Optique Andy Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses would be great for sun protection and hair defense too. Don't judge!

Thank you so much to those of you who voted for last week's "likes" champ!
Jessica from birdie to be won the honors with her gorgeous California-inspired get-up :)

Here's more info on how your blog can be featured next week!

Spread the word via twitter {use the #FridaysFancies!} or whatever other way you think works best!

Since you work so hard on your posts, don't forget to use your blog name in the "title" box when you add the link to your post through the linky tool...I don't want you missing out on the recognition or praise!

{psst} If you're new to the idea of Friday's Fancies, check out this post or email me! It's really a simple concept: you create an inspiration board with pieces you'd love to have this weekend, if money were no object. In other words: you get to dream big and forget about pricetags. Pretty simple and super fun!

Feel free to tack this button on your post if you want to drum up interest too! {If you need the code, it's at the bottom of this post.}

Oh! Be sure to check out my guest post on the ever-fabulous blog, Mo Pie Please! Meagan is a long-time Friday's Fancies faithful and I am honored she is in that group of lovely ladies!

To those of you linking up this week: thank you so much! I always love when Friday rolls around and your posts stream in...

you make me one happy blogger!

Last but certainly not least, an endless supply of thanks to those of you who have signed the sun savvy pledge! Your support is overwhelming! Danielle and I have plenty more up our sleeves, so keep checking back for tips on sun safety and ways to live out that sun savvy pledge :)

Be safe and have fun celebrating this weekend, whatever your plans!
Much love to all of you! xoxo {av}

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