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It's no secret that brunch is my favorite meal of the day and that restaurants that serve breakfast all day long have a special place in my heart. And what better way to enjoy brunch than on a backyard patio with a few of your best girlfriends? No backyard? No problem. With enough potted plants, and some fake turf if you are feeling extra festive, can turn any apartment balcony into a private garden.

Although a brunch-time event doesn't give the hostess as much time to prepare everything as opposed to a dinner party, a menu of everyone's favorite sweet and savory bites are sure to be a crowd pleaser. And if you are still hesitant about having enough time to decorate the table and fix a full meal, why not make it a potluck and ask everyone to bring their favorite dish (and swap recipes at the end of course)? If you are a hit-the-snooze-ten-times kind of person, I would suggest opting for a potluck. You'll thank yourself later.

If I were to throw an end-of-summer brunch my must haves would be: florals, a color palate of peaches, corals and greens, outdoor seating and slightly-uncoordinated dishes for an undone look (which really would simply mean I don't have a full set of matching dishes yet).

On the menu: cinnamon rolls, fruit and yogurt tart, BLT biscuit sliders, melon-mozzarella-prosciutto skewers, cold brew coffee and a juice bar.

As much as I love brunch, I love any excuse for unique paper goods, including invitations to coordinate with the event and to set the mood. Paperless Post is a great resource for unique invitations to add the finishing - or really the beginning - touch to any party!

So you've downloaded PhotoShop to add the finishing touch to your photos. Now what? Scour the Internet for tutorial videos. Here is a quick look at five of the main tools you'll need clean up images for your blog.

The walls of my apartment are covered in prints of iconic Paris scenes and this one of the Louvre is a must to add to my collection.

Photos from Jamie's trip to Croatia has solidified it as the next adventure on my (slightly distant) horizon. I can't wait to get lost in the winding staircases and panoramic views of the sea.

Looking to save money and stick to a budget? Well Samantha Rose is right there with you with a humorous take on suggestions to pinch a few pennies. 

If you've ever scoured photos of homes on trulia then you know the importance well-lit and semi-stage photos can play in choosing your dream home. Unfortunately these home-sellers missed that memo. 

Perfectly portioned healthy snacks to hold off hanger when you're on the go are a must.

The itinerary for my trip to Germany and Austria (in less than two months!) is coming together with help from a few lists of must- see sights and must-eat cafes including: best cafes in Vienna, the Everygirl's sights, flavors and culture of Vienna, and Salzburg: Downtown + Hohensalzburg Castle.   

Magazine basket | Shelving unit | Pink and orange trays | Paper organizer | Closet shoe rack | Tray | Canisters | Under-bed storage

I moved into my first post-grad apartment last year and was starting with a blank slate when it came to decorating. The good news is that I am no longer sharing one bathroom with three other girls. The bad news is my space is only 600 sq. ft., which for Tallahassee is on the small side, but I know that compared to other cities I should be counting my blessings. No mater the square footage, my apartment is seriously lacking in storage space. I have two "closets" in my bedroom, cabinets in the living room and a coat closet (or in my case, broom closet. don't need too many coats in Florida).

Over the past year, I've had to get creative with my storage solutions. No matter if your home is 600 or 6,000 square feet, somehow you are always wishing for more storage space. Here are a few of my favorite ways to maximize the space you have.

1. Storage containers that double as decor.

This is key. If you are lacking in closets, then you must find storage that is both functional and decorative. Would you rather see a stack of magazines in the corner, or a woven basket filled with potential mood board inspiration?

2. Routinely sift through closets and purge/give away items that you no longer use.

You can't afford to let your hoarder tendencies creep up when you live in a small space. In addition to going through your wardrobe once or twice a year, set aside a little time to take inventory of all of the other closets and cabinets. Almost every house has a junk drawer that acts as a catch all for miscellaneous tidbits. Many of us can't afford to devote an entire drawer to "what if I need this" items.

3. Make use of every available space.

This includes under the bed, corner shelving units, ottomans that double as chests and the cabinet above the fridge that no one can reach without climbing on the counters first.

4. Are you really going to use those magazines for inspiration?

Magazines and books are my weakness. After I filled my bookshelf, I opted for a Kindle in order not to box myself into a room with floor to ceiling stacks of my favorite stories. Same goes for magazines. Although I've cut down on the number of subscriptions I receive, I still hold onto back issues because they have a tip, a recipe, an outfit, or a paint color that I'm convinced I will need to reference in the future. Pinterest was the best thing to happen to me because I can store all of my inspiration and helpful information from obscure sources online rather than stacked beside my bed. 

5. Have a place for everything, and do your best to return it to its desired location.

Although you don't have to go the extreme of having a chalk outline of every item in your home so you know exactly where it is supposed to be, you get the idea. Personally, having items strewn about like a tornado has ripped through your home stresses me out to no end. Having an idea of where to return something once you are finished will also save time searching through every. single. last drawer.

I hope you're making the most of the long weekend and that it's filled with BBQs, lake time, lemonade, fireworks and your most patriotic outfit. Happy (early) birthday, America!

Fourth of July weekend marks the halfway point of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Every summer I make a bucket list of things that I want to do before fall comes around but I somehow fall into the same routine of visits to the farmer's market, afternoons by the pool, dining on restaurant patios and nightly walks in the park. Not that I'm complaining. They don't call them the lazy days of summer for nothing. What all is on your summer bucket list? There's still time to check them all off! 

I'm so excited to share Jen of Lady Relocated's tips on how to experience London like a local. If you would also like to participate in the Tourist in Your Hometown guest post series email me stampinmypassport (at) gmail (dot) com. 

I'm often asked what it's like to live in London, and I typically respond like a deer in headlights. It's impossible to answer that question easily. London is unlike anywhere I've ever traveled or lived. A city of contrasts, old and new, historical and modern, chaotic and peaceful, maddening and magical, cold yet welcoming, claustrophobic but expansive, quintessentially British yet culturally diverse...I could go on and on. London refuses be characterized in simple terms.

I've taken my best shot at tourist advice for my visiting family and friends, but there's also something to be said for taking a page out of a local's book. Londoners have taught me to embrace free museums, appreciate pubs, and keep up with the latest cultural events. They've also taught me to cram too many people into a tube car and queue properly, but that's another story.

If I was showing you around London like a local, here's what we would do.

1. Take the bus

The #11 bus is the perfect route to see all the major sites. Rather than getting on a crowded tourist bus, we would pay the regular commuter fare and grab a seat on the top deck of a city bus to sightsee like a local.

2. Enjoy the pub scene

Sunday Roast is like Thanksgiving every Sunday. Wear your stretchy jeans. Here's a guide for the best roasts in London according to The Londonist.

3. Night at the museum

Most museums in London are free which is reason enough to go. But many also offer late night hours, often serving drinks and hosting activities so we can get our culture on, drinks in hand, without dodging school tours and strollers. Peruse our options here.

4. Grab lunch at the market

The tourists all go to Portobello and Borough Market. We'll hit up the Real Food Market, Maltby Street, Broadway Market, Brixton, Columbia Road Flower Market, or Spitalfields instead. These are just a few of the markets in London that serve up tasty food at reasonable prices alongside fresh produce and handmade crafts.

5. Coffee and Canals

When I learned about the canals snaking through central London I was intrigued. One of London's best kept secrets is Regent's Canal. We'll get our caffeine fix at local coffee shop Towpath along the canal and start strolling.

6. Brunch

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear about London is that British food is bad. In case you couldn't tell from my food theme, this couldn't be further from the truth. London has Michelin-starred restaurants coming out of the woodwork and a diversity of cuisines that mirrors the cultural mix of this town's population. Brunch is the latest revelation in London's food scene. I would take you to Granger & Co. in Notting Hill for an Australian-style brunch, or The Breakfast Club if you preferred American-style bacon and hash browns. Ottolenghi is another hot chef in town with several brunch and dinner spots.

7. Go to the theatre

The West End isn't just for tourists. We can buy day tickets or scour lastminute.com for a great deal. There is so much talent in this town we're sure to enjoy whatever show we choose.

8. Ferry to Greenwich

We can escape London without ever leaving the city limits by hopping on a water taxi and sailing East to Greenwich. The covered market, expansive park, and museums will keep us occupied for hours. The views from the water taxi are stunning too, and much cheaper than a tourist cruise.

9. Walk in the park

Everyone knows Hyde Park is amazing, but have you been to Richmond Park, Regent's Park, Victoria Park, or Hampstead Heath? Those are just a few of the more popular ones. We'll walk off all the food we've indulged in and take in some people-watching as a bonus.

There's never a dull moment in London. I hope you have a chance to experience it like a tourist AND a local for yourself soon.

During my blogging hiatus, Samantha came to visit for a long weekend. No one appreciates (and requires) a foodcation more than that girl. You may remember our previous foodcation guide to NYC, which was a true test of endurance but we pushed through all of the doughnuts, truffle cheese fries, steak frites and brunches. This weekend was no different except that we couldn't have asked for better weather (not a single summer afternoon shower which is unheard of in Florida) and were able to take advantage of eating outdoors at most places. When we weren't eating, we were making plans for Germany, which is only two months away now! 

Saturday brunch at The Front Porch We hit the ground running on Saturday with brunch, which is the best meal in my humble opinion. Biscuits and sausage gravy for Samantha and biscuits, veggie omelet and hashbrowns for me.  

Photo via @tlhdowntown

Farmer's Market The key to being able to push through a foodcation is to eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies as often as you can inbetween stops. Your body will thank you. Typically my eyes are bigger than my stomach when it comes to buying produce. I say yes to everything all at once and then after a week or so am left with a fridge full of produce that is a little past its prime.

Bella Bella This may possibly be my favorite restaurant in Tallahassee. My advice to anyone going is order the bubble bread (garlic bread topped with . You'll thank me later. My other recommendations include the eggplant parmesan and the spinach ravioli with shrimp.

Photo via @paisleycafe

Paisley Cafe Also located in midtown, Paisley Cafe has fresh and locally-grown soups, salads and sandwiches and is the perfect location to catch up with girlfriends over a long lunch. You can't go wrong with their chicken salad croissant and lobster bisque, farmhouse grilled cheese and tomato soup. If you are ambitious and want to brunch Saturday and Sunday, they also have a brunch menu that is sure to not disappoint.

Pub Sub Picnic at Cascades Park Samantha loves Publix possibly more than Floridians and requested a pub sub at some point. The weekend's weather couldn't have been more perfect for a picnic. We loaded our cart with pub subs, pita chips and bacon horseradish dip (my new obsession), and fresh berries before driving to Cascades.

Jonah's On Memorial Day we drove over to Thomasville, and although most of the shops were closed for the holiday, Jonah's was open and offering free fried pickles to their Facebook fans. Yes please. Jonah's is a staple in the Thomasville downtown area. I was hesitant because Samantha typically has an aversion to all things seafood, but she was a good sport and was even pleasantly surprised by her first grits experience. My recommendations: the grilled salmon or grouper with the Jonah's sauce and the white cheddar grits. And if you're really hungry, or had a long wait (you'll want to arrive early), start off with the calypso shrimp, their version of bang bang shrimp.

Photo via @grassrootscoffee

Grassroots Coffee Although no Midnight Oil, Grassroots comes in a close second for a unique atmosphere that makes you want to hang around all afternoon. And their coffee, which is roasted in-house, isn't half bad either.

The moment that you can't remember the last time you blogged is a wake-up call. Do you completely throw in the towel and say sayonara to your online space or do you get back in the saddle? I'm a firm believer in not forcing yourself to write when you truly feel uninspired. Writing and blogging shouldn't feel like a chore or just another item to cross off your to-do list. During my hiatus, several people mentioned that they enjoyed following along with my blog and I felt a little guilty about ignoring this space. I say all of that to say that I'm back!

And now onto a few of my favorite posts, recipes and thoughts. 

The idea that "you can just shorten a bridesmaids dress and wear it again" 100 percent applies to these. I wouldn't complain one bit to have 27 of these bridesmaids dresses hanging in my closet.

There is something about summer that makes you want eat healthier and local. Perhaps it is all of the pool and beach days that act as motivator to say no to the office doughnuts and yes to the salad. 

Looking for a few new clean eating recipes? I've tried the roasted veggie salad from Day One, the nicoise salad from Day Two (I would suggest swapping the canned tuna for steamed shrimp or salmon) and the roasted pepper and spinach egg muffins from Day Nine of this Buzzfeed Two-Week Clean Eating Challenge. I haven't quite decided to give the full challenge a try yet.

And while you're in the habit of eating healthier, you typically want to also get moving more. If paying $15 per barre class is not in your budget, try this 15-minute barre workout at home. Trust me, you'll feel it the next morning. 

Oh Nashville, how I love you. I can definitely see myself living in Nashville and part of me wants to move sooner rather than later before I become too settled in Tallahassee. 

I grew up going to St. Simons Island for family vacations and besides the gorgeous views of the intercostal and the moss covered oak trees, the food is the best part. I thought I had tried all of the good restaurants until I came upon this list.