I think the number one question I’ve gotten from my Southern California friends since making the move to Tennessee is…how’s the weather? Followed quickly by, how are the bugs?? And I can understand why they are asking, because those were some of my top questions before we moved here too! We have almost two weeks under our belt and I can honestly say the weather has been beautiful so far! There have been a couple very hot days, but nothing a trip to the pool or relaxing in the AC can’t handle. Our kiddos seem unfazed and actually like the heat…”it’s summer after all!” is what they’ve said. After the May grey and June gloom of SoCal, I think we’re all actually enjoying the heat. The evenings are also warm which we’ve really been enjoying. We love to hang outside as a family and play ping pong or corn hole near our apartment. Now…ask again in August and I may feel differently!

As for the bugs…yes we’ve seen some! Mostly lightening bugs in the evenings which we all find so fun. Our kiddos have caught some in jars and it just feels like such a summer evening activity that we are happy to be able to participate in. We’ve also seen some big carpenter bees nearby, but they don’t seem to get too close so they haven’t been an issue yet. And while we have friends who have been bitten my mosquitos and had encounters with ticks…we’ve managed to steer clear so far. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time!

With our new summer weather I’ve been living in dresses. I love that wearing dresses seems to just fit the feel of Franklin and Nashville. I feel like “me” wearing them and it feels so good! Maybe I was meant to be Southern after all! I have a few ones that I’ve been wearing heavy rotation and a few more on their way to me. I thought I’d share some of my favorites. The cream dress I’m wearing here is from Target! It’s super comfy, flattering and light weight. It’s also lined so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. I wore it recently to Arrington Vineyards for an evening picnic but I’ve also been wearing it just running around with the kids.

My outfit details….I’ve been wearing the sandals nonstop (thanks to Liz at Pure Joy Home) and the hat is only $10!!

1. Cream Dress (Target) – this is the one I’m wearing above! I would say it might run a tad on the small side.
2. Blue Floral (JCrew) – this one is on my wishlist! I have the same style dress but in this pattern, and I love it so much. Again, super comfortable and I love the smocking detail. I can also never turn down a Liberty London pattern.
3. Blue with Ruffles (Mango) – how sweet are these ruffles? I’m always drawn to a blue dress and this one is no exception. I love how the ruffles make it fun and sweet, but the overall silhouette looks so flattering and comfy for summer.
4. Neutral Plaid (Madewell) – I love the subtle plaid detail on this dress…it’s on it’s way to me now!
5. Black Cotton Midi (Mango)– Such a great basic…wear over your swimsuit, to the farmer’s market or out to lunch.
6. Block Print (JCrew) – ahhh the block print, so popular right now and I’m in love! I just always find JCrew dresses to fit well and be flattering. This one is in my cart!