SARAH DILLONAIRECreative Director, The Lady Project

Lady Project is about showcasing the amazing women who make up our powerful network and our bi-annual gift guides are an incredi-ble way to do that. With the Lady Project tribe growing every day and chapters sprouting up everywhere– like did you know we launched in Dallas, TX and have even more chapters launching this summer?! It’s amazing what can happen when women team up to make some-thing awesome! You’ll find some fantastic fea-tures from our members who came together to collaborate and create something special for this edition of the Summer Gift Guide.

This edition is packed with members who went above and beyond, and it truly show! Features on how to grab your tribe and create a fresh DIT (yes, DIT) dreamcatcher, how to pack the perfect suitcase for any summer getaway, where to have the best summer in Rhode Island and so much more.

The gift guide has fun and creative curated gifts for your next wedding gift, baby shower, graduation, housewarming gift, and much much more– every person on your gift list this summer is covered!

With summer comes endless memories. So ladies– it’s time to break out the barbeque, mix up some tasty cocktails and make this a summer to remem-ber!

Thank you all for making my job amazing & allow-ing me to create for such a wonderful, talented and hardworking group of women.

Here’s to the best summer ever!

Sarah

Table of ContentsSpecial thank you— to all of the amazing members and businesses that helped contribute and sponsor to create this year’s Summer Gift Guide and make it truly phenomenal!

SUMMER GUIDE FEATURES 04 — Contributor Showcase

08 — DIT Dreamcatcher

13 — The Barter Cocktail

14 — Smooth for Summer

18 — Packing the Perfect Suitcase

20 — Inexpensive Family Summer Fun

22 — Classic Mojitos

24 — Business Spotlight, BLD Lady Project: Geek Spirits

28 — How to Effortless Host a Backyard BBQ

34 — Lady Friends: Intentional Friendship

36 — Rhode Island: Summer Off the Beaten Path

38 — Bohemian Chic Dinner Party

48 — Summer in the City

THEMED GUIDES 70 — Beauty & Care

72 — Jewelry

74 — Better Yourself

76 — Gifts for $25-$50

Contributor ShowcaseSpecial thank you— to all of the amazing members and businesses that helped contribute and sponsor to create this year’s Summer Gift Guide and make it truly phenomenal!

Photographer, DIT Dreamcatcher

Writer, Lady Friends: Intentional Friendship

calico

shopcalico.com

CALICO

Wardrobe Sponsor, Bohemian Chic Dinner Party

Writer, Smooth for Summer

WAXING THE CITYMARIANNA CLARK

BROOKE CADETTB.CADETT PHOTOGRAPHY

LAKAY CORNELLTHE CORNELL AGENCY

Contributor ShowcaseKRISTIN COSTA

Inexpensive Family Summer Fun

Set Stylist, Bohemian Chic Dinner Party & Summer in the City

WWW.ANDCELEBRATE.COM

PATSY@ANDCELEBRATE.COM @ANDCELEBRATE @ANDCELEBRATE /ANDCELEBRATE

PATSY CULP

CELEBRAT ION COACH

EVENT STYL IST & STRATEGIST

FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

PATSY CULP& CELEBRATE

Photographer, Classic Mojitos & Business Spotlight: Geek Spirits

DYLAN GALLAGHERDYLAN CROSSLEY PHOTO

Photographer, How to Effortlessly Host a Backyard BBQ

DIANE MEDEIROSPHOTOGRAPHY BY DIA

Jewelry Sponsor, Bohemain Chic Dinner Party

BRIANNA MOONAMERICANA DARLINGS

Writer, How to Effortlessly Host a Backyard BBQ

KAITLYN ROBERTSEASY ENTERTAINING INC

Wardrobe Stylist, Bohemian Chic Dinner Party & Summer in the City

Wardrobe Sponsor, Summer in the City

Writer, DIT Dreamcatcher

AMY STAMPCRAFTIVATE

Photographer, Bohemian Chic Dinner Party& Summer in the City

BRITTANNY TAYLORBRITTANNY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Writer & Photographer, The Barter Cocktail

GABRIELLA VALLADARESBY GABRIELLA

OLIVIA RODRIGUESOLIVIA RODRIGUES, WARDROBE STYLIST

& PERSONAL SHOPPER

SHOPPE PIONEER

Wardrobe Sponsor, Bohemian Chic Dinner Party

VELVET REVOLUTION

BRITTANNY TAYLOR

FASHION & LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHYBLOGGER & SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTING

PVD | NYC | BOS

WWW.BRITTANNYTAYLOR.COMBRITTANNY@BRITTANNYTAYLOR.COM

@BRITTANNY @BRITTANNY /BRITTANNYTAYLOR

TUTORIAL BY AMY STAMPPHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE CADETT

DIT (DO-IT-TOGETHER)

Dreamcatcher

I love that more people are step-pingout of their comfort zones and attempting to DIY. However, as we all learn, not every DIY at-tempt results in a finished prod-uct. Wouldn’t it be helpful to be able to seek guidance on your DIY adventure? Maybe a friend to laugh along with you during glue gun malfunctions? What’s really exciting to me is the prospect of crafting together.

I launched Craftivate in the spring of 2015 to provide fellow DIY-ers with memorable and stress-free, social crafting experiences. My DIT philosophy is the very foun-dation for Craftivate. The idea is that collaborating and working together fosters a more creative and nurturing environment for the maker. Craftivate provides op-portunities to get together, make beautiful things, build friend-ships, and promote community.

One of the reasons that I love The Lady Project is that it consists of women who work together to lift each other up. It fosters growth and community through mutual

support and understanding. The Lady Project is not a community driven by competition, but one fu-eled by collaboration and encour-agement.

Today’s independent woman is seemingly valued and respect-ed for her accomplishments as a “one-woman show”. “One-der Woman”- the woman who can do it all by herself with no help, no rest, no cookies, no wine, no support network, no relationship troubles, and no cares in the world. But I wonder if this inevitably makes “One-der Woman” feel less than? To me, the idea of the individual being able to DIY life alone is non-sense. I believe “one-der woman” is a myth and that the propagation of this myth is unhealthy. To real-ly “do” life, you need community. You need a support system, guid-ance, encouragement and a place to fall. We need people. We need a tribe.

My goal is to “do” life and help build a community for crafters, makers, and artists to learn new things, share skills, and find their

tribe. Presenting crafts in new, in-novative, and social ways will help people step out of their comfort zone and grow creatively while creating and feeding the soul. I in-vite you to join my Craftivate tribe with this whimsical how to:

HOW TO MAKE A CRAFTY DREAM CATCHER

We each hold in our hands the power to create more than we can imagine. Embrace that power & start dreaming big !

SUPPLIES: Your Tribe 12” metal embroidery hoop Doily Thin embroidery string or yarn Scraps of fabric / lace / quilting Feathers Beads Ribbon Scissors Hot glue gun Hot glue sticks

CONTINUE FOR INSTRUCTIONS >>

I’M GOING TO INTRODUCE YOU TO A SIMPLE YET OVERLOOKED CONCEPT IN TODAY’S WORLD OF DO-IT-YOURSELF FAME, SOCIAL MEDIA MAVENS, AND INDIVIDUALIST BRANDING–

DIT (DO-IT-TOGETHER)

1. Get together with your tribe for some quality DIT time.

2. Choose fabric to wrap your em-broidery hoop and secure end to hoop with a dab of hot glue.

3. Wrap fabric around hoop add-ing new pieces when needed and securing with dabs of hot glue.

4. Attach thin embroidery string or yarn to edge of covered hoop with a small knot.

5. Gradually weave string around hoop in a repetitive pattern until only enough room for the doily is left.

6. Thread string through hole on the edge of the doily and then con-tinue pattern. Alternate between doily and original weaving pattern until the entire doily perimeter is secured to the web.

7. Choose fabric pieces, ribbon, feathers, etc. to use as the stream-ers for your dream catcher. Fold pieces in half and loop the bottom through the hoop and top fold of each piece, forming a simple knot to secure each piece to the hoop.

8. Place additional embellish-ments on the streamers, such as beads and feathers, to add detail.

9. Tie a small piece of string to the top of your hoop for hanging.

10. Hang your gorgeous dream catcher, give yourself a pat on the back, pour yourself a glass of wine, relax and bask in the glorious ac-complishment of making your very own dream catcher.

2

3

4 5

“GO BOLDLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS.” -HENRY DAVID THOREAU

BUT NOT WITHOUT YOUR TRIBE IN TOW! HERE’S TO LIVING A SASSY, CRAFTY, HAPPY LIFE!

– AMY

6

7 8 9

WWW.ANDCELEBRATE.COM

PATSY@ANDCELEBRATE.COM @ANDCELEBRATE @ANDCELEBRATE /ANDCELEBRATE

PATSY CULP

CELEBRAT ION COACH

EVENT STYL IST & STRATEGIST

FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

The Barter

FOR THE DRINK:2 oz. Gin1 oz. St-GermainClub soda1/2 cup sugar1 cup water1 small beetApricot, beet, and thyme for garnish

MAKE YOUR BEET SYRUP:Combine sugar and water overmedium-high heat.Stir until sugar is dissolved.Add beet and let simmer for10-15 minutes.Remove beets and set aside.

MIX YOUR DRINK:Add gin, beet syrup, and St-Germainto a glass and stir. Fill glass with ice cubes. Top off with club soda.Garnish with sliced apricot, cubed beet,and fresh thyme.

The Barter: A quirky summer cocktail with just the right amount of spunk and flavor. Mix up this cocktail during your next summer soirée, it’s sure to impress (not that you need to). Make your own with the recipe below!

MARIANNA CLARK

Smooth for the SummerYOUR WAXING GUIDE

WHY WAXING?Waxing lasts longer than shaving and you avoid razor burn. You can get about 2 weeks of hair free liv-ing after a wax! With consisten-cy of waxing your hair can start to grow back in slower and finer. Spending less time getting ready and more time enjoying your sum-mer? That’s a total win!

PICKING A STUDIOIt is important to find somewhere that specializes in the craft of waxing. When you’re new to wax-ing, or have more sensitive skin, finding your right fit in a salon is especially important! At Waxing The City the waxes are special-ly formulated to ensure comfort and a positive experience for the

client. When it comes to the more sensitive areas, like the bikini, comfort is key!

PREPPING FOR YOUR WAXA couple of days before going in for your wax you should exfoliate. This will yield better and smoother results! There are different op-tions for how to exfoliate in or-der to suit different lifestyles. A body scrub is usually everyone’s first choice. A quick and easy way to exfoliate is with a bath pouf or glove. Getting in a routine of exfo-liating 2-3 times a week will help keep that smooth look and healthy glow that we all want, especially in summer! Before getting waxed you want to make sure that your hair is long enough. Hair should

be about the length of a grain of rice, which is typically 2 growth post shaving.

WAXING AFTERCARESo now you’re waxed, smooth, and ready to show off - let’s talk af-ter care! Of course, you probably can’t wait to bask in that sun, but protecting your skin is important! Since waxing is a form of exfolia-tion, you’ll want to stay out of the sun for a day and make sure you’re always wearing sunscreen when you are in the sun. A few days after your wax you’ll want to exfoliate with your scrub or bath pouf. A key to a smooth summer is moisturizing. Keeping skin re-plenished with moisture will help you look a feel healthier.

TIME FOR YOUR SMOOTHESTSUMMER YET!

Summer is the perfect time for stepping out, enjoying the weather, and enjoying all those pieces of your wardrobe that winter forgot. A breezy summer dress can bring a world of confidence but with more skin out it’s time to think about smooth! There’s nothing worse than having to shave every other day or stepping out and a breeze of cold air causing those little hairs to stand up. Here’s where your secret to smooth comes in - waxing!

MAKE A “MUST-HAVE” LIST. Determine which items you can’t live without - including things you use on a daily basis, and items that would be difficult to replace while away from home. What are some standard “must-haves”? Your cell phone, charger, important travel docs, cash, prescription medica-tions, and a toothbrush.

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA? You’ve probably checked the weather forecast for your destina-tion, but what about the event cal-endar? A quick visit to your loca-tion’s tourism website can spark ideas of what’s happening during your stay. If “just-in-case” is your name and overpacking is your game - this step is crucial in deter-mining whether a cocktail dress or sturdy pair of walking shoes is a better use of space.

KNOW WHEN TO DOUBLE UP.Once you’ve nailed down an itin-erary, you can better identify the items you’ll need multiples of. It’s best to have backups for

items you can’t launder during your trip - think workout gear and swimsuits. Lightweight, oversized scarves are a great way to acces-sorize, or even camouflage an out-fit that ends up wrinkled after a long day on a plane, train, or bus.

ALWAYS LEAVE ROOM FOR SOUVENIRS!Think of it like the tiny house movement, but for packing. Wor-rying about what to bring, or what might get lost or left behind will only get in the way of your expe-riences. Maybe you’ll feel a little bit less prepared, but maybe it will add to the excitement.

Bon Voyage!

RIGHT ABOUT NOW YOU MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING AN

INCREASED SENSE OF ADVENTURE ONSET BY SUNSHINE... Hello, Summertime!

For many, summer is synonymous with vacation; and the last thing you want getting in the way of your wanderlust is a burst-ing-at-the-seams suitcase. Have you ever stressed out at the skycap trying to redistribute the weight of 12 pairs of wedge san-dals before boarding a flight? Or had to ice your shoulder after a long day of too many tote bags? Whether you are embarking on a trip to the beach, or an international escapade, here are some tips to help you revamp your packing style.

KRISTEN COSTA

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN. Check out your local green spaces and state parks.

In some states, like Rhode Island, certain town beaches are free or discounted to town residents, so check with local authorities to find out how to get a beach pass.

Most local and state parks are free and permit picnics - pack up some goodies, pile on the sunscreen, and enjoy time outside.

GO OUT + FIND INEXPENSIVE OUTDOOR TOYS. Stop by the dollar store or Target to grab in-expensive outdoor toys like a Fris-bee or kite to make it an afternoon family and friends can enjoy.If you want to stay close to home, nothing beats a great water bal-loon fight on a hot summer day. With a hose and inexpensive wa-ter balloons or water guns (anoth-er dollar store buy), you can have hours of fun while beating the heat.

BACKYARD OLYMPICS. The Summer Olympics are happen-ing this summer in Rio, making it a great time to host your own backyard Olympics. Race relays, ring toss, or hula hooping com-petitions are just a few ideas that

are great for all ages. Get creative- make “medals” from cardboard, have your own torch lighting at your backyard fire pit, and other festive fun.

BERRY PICKING IS ALWAYS A FAVORITE. Depending on where you live, berries bloom in the sum-mer making berry picking a great afternoon adventure. Afterwards, head home and make fresh straw-berry shortcake or blueberry pan-cakes with your loved ones.

CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES. Of course, summer comes with its fair share of rainy days. Check in with your local public library for family programs or check out some new books. Af-ter board games or arts and crafts at home, there are low-cost op-tions to get kids of all ages out of the house too. Many national bowling chains offer free bowling for kids during the summer. Quick tip: there often is a charge for shoe rental and an adult to accompa-ny children during game. You can check out if there is a location near you at kidsbowlfree.com.

Whatever your summer plans in-volve, remember it doesn’t have to cost you much to have fun.

With kids on summer vacation and so many days to fill, there are many opportunities for inexpensive family activities during the season. Even if you don’t have children, these activities will guarantee loads of laughs and bring out your inner child without hurting your wallet.

Whether you’re near the coast or the mountains, exploring your area’s natural resources is one of the cheapest summer activities.

RECIPE BY SHERIAL STARRPHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN CROSSLEY

Classic MojitoWITH GEEK SPIRITS

CLASSIC MOJITOINGREDIENTS:1.5 oz Geek Spirits Silver Rum or your favorite white rum1 oz simple syrup (equal amounts of sugar and water, heated until sugar is dissolved & cooled to room temperature)0.5 oz lime juiceGenerous portion of fresh fruitSmall handful of fresh herb leavesSparkling water

METHOD:Place fruit, herbs and lime juice in a shaker. Muddle the ingredients together with the back of a spoon or muddler. Add in the simple syrup and rum. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off glass with sparkling water. Garnish with a fruit and/or herb sprigs.

Cheers!

Mojitos are one of my favorite summer cocktails because they are so versatile. Use cucumbers, fresh berries, fresh herbs from your garden or farmer’s market. Mix and match flavors and ingredients for a refreshing cocktail. Some of my favorite combinations are strawberry and basil, blackberry and sage, and cucumber and mint.

- SHERIAL

TEA OR COFFEE? Coffee before 11am. Tea in the afternoon and evening.

FAVORITE CITY?San Francisco, CA

STYLE ICON?My style icon is my baby sister Carol Holloway. She can throw together a Target bargain with a Neiman Marcus splurge and make it all look fabulous. I consult with her for everything from what to wear to how to decorate the dis-tillery.

BLOOM OF CHOICE? Peonies

FAVORITE SEASON? Spring. I love all the flowers in bloom.

MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My family. They encourage, love and believe in me. I would not be where I am today without them.

ON WEEKENDS I... am working in the tasting room at the distillery. I do make a special effort to enjoy the mornings and get outside for a quick hike, bike ride to farmer’s market or enjoy my coffee on the patio.

Business SpotlightWITH SHERIAL STARR OF GEEK SPIRITS

/GEEKSPIRITSDISTILLERY @GEEKSPIRITS @GEEKSPIRITSDISTILLERY /GEEKSPIRITS

GEEKSPIRITSDISTILLERY.COMBOULDER, CO

SPOTLIGHT QUESTIONSWHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS SO FAR?Our spirits recently won several medals in the Denver Internation-al Spirits competition against hundreds of similar spirits based on type and price point. This is a very prestigious award that has brought national recognition to our brand.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A LADY PROJECT MEMBER?My favorite thing about being a Lady Project member is learning, networking and laughing with other like minded women. The ca-maraderie and support is wonderful.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR INDUSTRY? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT/HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DEAL WITH IT?We are very delighted that Geek Spirits has been very well received. As we continue to expand in other regions in the United States, we have been challenged to make sure that we are positioned to meet our explosive growth with the quality and customer service that our company and spirits are known for.

IS YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVED WITH ANY LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS?I think it is very important to give back to your community. My per-sonal motto– which I have also adopted at Geek Spirits is “Learn. Earn. Return.” Geek Spirits has supported a variety of non-profits from parents struggling with addictions, improving children’s liter-acy, giving feedback to tech startup companies and awarding prizes for best website design by software students at the local university.

A T H E N A D E S A Ih e a l e r. a d v i s o r. w r i t e r. m u s i c i a n.

acupuncture & coaching: athenaacupuncture.com

songwriting & music: athenasounds.com

*$50 discount on coaching sessions for members*

c: 617.960.6472 e: athenadesai@gmail.com

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for booking, questions or counsel:

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HadleyClark,DoctorofAcupuncture

2RichmondSquare,#200Providence,RhodeIsland

Relax • Rebalance • Revitalize

phone401.318.8399www.ZenkaiAcupuncture.com

RECIPES BY EASY ENTERTAININGPHOTOGRAPHY BY DIANE MEDEIROS

HOW TO

Effortlessly HostA BACKYARD BBQ

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and what better way to re-joice in the freedom of Summer than getting your friends and loved ones together & hosting a quintessential backyard BBQ!

While hosting friends can seem intimidating to most, we’re here to calm your nerves and offer you some professional tips to entertain with ease.

USE YOUR RESOURCESEntertaining friends, family, and anyone in between doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a variety of dishes for your guests to enjoy. It’s completely acceptable (and recommended) to enlist the help of your favorite neighborhood ca-terer in the process (hint, hint). When hosting, prepare food you’re comfortable making and order the things that seem to take the most time. There are often options for a cold pickup or delivery when ca-tering which makes it even easier to pretend you pulled the whole soiree off by yourself.

PREPARE THINGS AHEAD OF TIMEJust because you’re hosting doesn’t mean you should be run-ning around preparing things while all the fun is happening. We are firm believers in “make-ahead” friendly recipes. Prepar-ing things a day or two in advance,

and putting the finishing touches on the day of will lower your stress level and give you the opportunity to actually enjoy the company of your guests.

KEEP IT SIMPLEYour friends are coming over to enjoy your company, socialize, kick back, and relax so don’t feel the need to go crazy creating this beautifully elegant tablescape. Remember, we’re BBQ-ing and more importantly, relaxing! One of our favorite ways to display (and serve) food is family style with what we call a “brown pa-per” runner. This set-up allows guests to serve themselves from larger platters adorned with your mouthwatering spread while re-laying what’s on each dish at the same time. The brown paper set-up is something you can write on to outline the dishes being served! Not only does this label your food, but it creates a cute set-up as well.

UTILIZE WHAT YOU’VE GOTYou don’t have to spend a bunch of time and money organizing and purchasing extra details to dress-up your table; use what you have on hand. Bunched herbs, sliced or whole fruits and vegetables, and even smaller household plants can make beautiful, natural accents to your display while keeping your budget in tact.

CONTINUE FOR RECIPES >>

BASIC BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS2 C. ketchup1 C. water1/2 C. apple cider vinegar5 T. light brown sugar5 T. sugar1/2 T. black pepper1/2 T. onion powder1/2 T. ground mustard1 T. lemon juice1 T. Worcestershire sauce

METHOD1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.2. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer.3. Cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring frequently to avoid burning*THIS RECIPE CAN BE MADE UP TO 1 WEEK IN ADVANCE*

SWEET CORN + FETA SALAD

INGREDIENTS4 ears of fresh Summer corn1/2 medium sized onion, finely diced1/2 C. feta cheese1 C. arugula1 lemon, zested and juiced1/4-1/3 C. cold pressed olive oil1 T. freshly chopped parsley1 T. freshly chopped green onionsalt and pepper to taste

METHOD1. Roast or grill your ears of corn and let cool.2. Meanwhile, chop your herbs and onions. Combine in a bowl with feta.3. Once corn has cooled, slice ker-nels off the cob and add to herb, onion, and feta mixture.4. Toss with arugula, lemon juice and zest, and olive oil.5. Season to taste, adding addi-tional lemon juice if necessary.*THIS RECIPE CAN BE MADE UP TO 1 DAY IN ADVANCE*

QUINOA CAPRESE

INGREDIENTS1 C. quinoa, uncooked1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved1 pint baby mozzarella balls, halved1/2 C. basil, finely sliced1/2 C. cold pressed olive oilsalt and pepper to tastebalsamic reduction, optional

METHOD1. Combine quinoa with 2 C. water or stock. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes, until water is absorbed and quinoa “bursts”.2. Once quinoa is cooked, cool it.3. Meanwhile, halve tomatoes and mozzarella, and slice basil.4. Toss together with the cooled quinoa and olive oil.5. Season to taste and drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired.*THIS RECIPE CAN BE MADE UP TO 1 DAY IN ADVANCE*

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LAKAY CORNELL

Lady FriendsINTENTIONAL FRIENDSHIP

This is not the story of the night I met my soulmate. Except, that it is. It’s the story of how I met Jenny, one of my dearest friends and my first collaboration partner. The nervousness, the excitement, the vulnerability it took to reach out to her is a common thread in many of my strongest relationships. Like more traditional romantic rela-tionships, they have sometimes led to heartache, disappointment, and self-doubt. Thankfully, they have also resulted in true joy, belly laughs, and a shoulder to cry on.

In high school and college, we be-come friends with the girls we are around the most. During those years, most of us are open, vul-nerable, and changing constantly. Those relationships were perfect

and intense and comforting. As adults, we still crave friendship, but our focus is elsewhere. How-ever, we can (and should) still seek out and form amazing friendships. Especially if we are willing to do the work and be intentional about it. These tips will help you find your soulmate this summer.

GO IN ALONE. Attend events in your area. Notice the women around you. Who talks about the same things you do? Who is dressed the way you are? Who keeps popping up at similar events?

FRIEND-DATE. When a lady catches your eye, or you’ve run into her a number of times, ask for her contact info then follow up. Meet for lunch or cocktails.

I WAS AT A SUMMER PARTY. I heard the most beautiful laugh across the room. I introduced myself. We talked, eventually exchanging numbers. I waited as long as I could the next day before writing an email– which I crafted 4 or 5 times before sending– suggesting lunch. Was it a mirage, or was the con-nection really as strong as I remembered?

The connection was there! We talked. We laughed. We made plans to do important things. A few days later, we drank wine and shared our biggest dreams. By fall, we were talking on a daily basis, and we had introduced our families. We threw the most amazing holiday party that connected all of our friends. On January 1, we moved in together.

WIDEN THE CIRCLE. Invite some of your new friends over for wine or meet at a fun restaurant. The next month, everyone brings someone new. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by beauti-ful women you couldn’t have met otherwise.

Sometimes the best way to cre-ate friendships is to start small and expand outward. If making plans far in the future seems scary, invite a new friend to take a walk later in the week. Friend-ship doesn’t just happen; friend-ship is the process of attracting just the right ladies, inviting them into your circle, and open-ing yourself up to the possibility of a new tribe.

JENNY & LAKAY

KRISTEN ZOSA PULEO

Rhode IslandSUMMER OFF THE BEATEN PATH

OUTSIDE ADVENTURES

JOHN H. CHAFEE NATURE PRESERVE, SAUNDERSTOWNThis really is a year-round trea-sure, and one of my favorite plac-es to cool off in the summer. Miles of hiking trails weave throughout the preserve and the straight path from the parking lot leads you to a rocky, shell-filled beach with beautiful views of the Jamestown and Newport Bridges. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring those fur babies along!

BONUS: And bring your binocu-lars to spot the Harbor Seals that spend their winter offshore from September through April.

FORT WETHERILL STATE PARK, JAMESTOWNWith a history that dates back to the Revolutionary War, nature has taken its course on the fort, and so have some very talented graffiti artists. Short trails weave their way through the site, offering gor-geous views overlooking the At-lantic Ocean.

BONUS: Relive your favorite scenes from Moonrise Kingdom at Fort Wetherill. The iconic cove located here is one of the many RI locations seen in the movie. Or just bring water shoes, a kayak and/or snorkeling equipment for exploring.

MOHEGAN BLUFFS, BLOCK ISLANDGet on the Block Island Ferry and go. There are over 100 steps lead-ing down to the beach after a short hike through the woods, but the views all the way down are un-beatable. HUNGRY YET?

CRAZY BURGER,NARRAGANSETTAptly named for their delicious burgers, Crazy Burger also serves up a mean breakfast until 4:00 p.m. daily.

BONUS: There’s a playground next door, so if you have young ones in tow on a busy day, order your food to go and dine al fresco.

DOUBLE BONUS: The B.Y.O.B.B.A.M policy (Bring Your Own Booze By All Means).

SEASONS AT OCEAN HOUSE, WESTERLY If there is one thing you do to treat yourself this summer, make a res-ervation to dine at Ocean House. Yes, it’s a Forbes Five-Star restau-rant (read: $$$$), but it’s worth it. Add in the gorgeous ocean views and you’ve got yourself a wonder-ful evening.

MR. LEMON, PROVIDENCEDel’s is delicious, but I must de-clare my allegiance to Mr. Lem-on. I don’t know what magic is employed in the making of a Mr. Lemon frozen lemonade, but it is like no other - smooth, sweet, and refreshing! If you can’t decide on a flavor, go for the Tutti Frutti.

Growing up in Rhode Island meant spending as much time as possible on the beach every summer. When I purchased a home, I moved to South County because I always dreamed of being close to the beach. Rhode Island is wonderful in any season, but summer is where it’s at. Here are some of my favorite places to spend the summer in the greatest little state.

- KRISTEN

WRITTEN BY PATSY CULPPHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANNY TAYLOR

MAKEUP BY SYDNEY TESSAGLIAWARDROBE STYLING OLIVIA RODRIGUES

Bohemian ChicDINNER PARTY

MODELS: (Clockwise) Jackelyn Dacanay, Katie Kleyla, Bethany Everett, Pearl Farquharson, Brianna Moon and Cait Roberts

CHOOSE A THEME, LIKE BOHEMIAN CHIC!Declaring a party theme is a surefire way to add more cheer to any gathering. And, it gives your guests permission to get cre-ative with fashion. It’s not often that many of us indulge in extra special accessories like large brimmed hats, suede vests, and fringe skirts, as pictured above. Choose a theme that strikes your fancy and encourage your guests to “go all out” to win a prize for “best dressed.”

USE BRIGHT COLORS IN THE DÉCOR Bring the sunshine in. Choose a bright colored table runner and fabric napkins to create an instant burst of happy, especial-ly when skies are gray and the weather keeps you in from cele-brating outside. Consider using colorful tableware, if you have some on hand, and for additional color on the table, place a bowl of granny smith apples, or fresh cit-rus. Bright yellows, oranges, and greens scream “summer, summer, summertime.”

DINE WITH WINEInvite your guests to bring one of their favorite summertime dishes to share with the crowd. Before you dig in, ask each guest to describe their contribution and why they love it so much. Does it trigger a memory from summers gone by? Perhaps it reminds them of a loved one who has passed. This will help people feel more connected to each other and get them excited about trying the variety of food at the table. And, don’t forget the wine! Any dining experience can be elevated with a glass (or two) of the sweet stuff.

CELEBRATE FELLOWSHIPBeat the rainy day blues by asking your guests to share their favorite “caught in the rain” moments. This is sure to keep the conver-sation going. Sharing a meal and stories with a common theme brings people together and deep-ens connections – something we all need and desire. Before you know it, people will be laughing and reminiscing about an other-wise gray day.

HOW TO THROW A SUNSHINE-Y PARTY, EVEN WHEN THE SUN’S NOT SHINING

Ahh, don’t you love the sweet smell of summertime? In New England, we look forward to those long summer days and warm summer nights. The season brings with it, an invitation to spend ample time outdoors, enjoy fresh food from the garden, and relish in summertime celebra-tions with friends. Even when the weather doesn’t work in our favor, it’s important to remember that we have the power to make our own sunshine. Here are some tips to keep the party going no matter what the weather:

We would also like to give special thanks to LP Members; Jenny Faw for opening her beautiful home, and Easy Entertaining for keeping the photoshoot team well nourished.

BRIANNA: White Tie Front V-Neck with Ruffled Bottom Shirt, Queen of Hearts & Modern Love $80; Black High Waisted Cuffed Shorts, Queen of Hearts $52; Real Leather Braided Choker (also available in Vegan Leatherette), Designer by Brian-na Moon $45. PEARL: Red V-Neck Floral Romper, Calico $70; Real Leather Tubed Arrowhead Necklace (also available in Vegan Leatherette), Designer Brianna Moon $50; Shoes, model's own; Earrings, stylist's own. BETHANY: Off the Shoulder Acid Wash Dress with Bell Sleeves, Calico $50; Turquoise & Silver Necklace with Arrow Charms; Seedbead Squash Bloosom Necklace, Designer Brianna Moon $15; Shoes, model's own.

JACKELYN: Brown & Navy Printed Strap-less Dress, Shoppe Pioneer $68; Brown Suede Hat, Calico $30; Silver Cuff Bracelet, Shoppe Pioneer $34; Shoes, model's own.

KATIE: Turquoise Suede Kimono with Fringe and Cutouts, Feminine Fancies $175; Blue Multi Colored Maxi Dress, Femi-nine Fancies $100; Gold Drop Earrings with Beads, Shoes, model's own. CAIT: Asymmetrical Arrow Heart Tank, Calico $25; Black High Waist Pants, Queen of Hearts, $56; Black Suede Hat, Calico $30; Foral 3/4 Sleeve Kimono with Fringe, Queen of Hearts & Modern Love $68; Silver Earrings, Shoppe Pioneer $28; Semiprecious Real Leather Fringe (also available in Vegan Leatherette), Designer Brianna Moon $60; Shoes, model's own.

MODELS: (Left to right) Hadley Clark, Athena Desai,Brandie Leach, Lauren Silveira

PHOTOGRAPHY, BRITTANNY TAYLORWARDROBE STYLING, OLIVIA RODRIGUEZ

SET STYLING, PATSY CULP

HADLEY (FRONT LEFT CHAIR): Wrap Denim Dress, $58, Velvet Revolution; Stone Art Deco Necklace, $28; Sandals, stylist’s own. LAUREN (FRONT RIGHT CHAIR): Floral Blouse, $48, Velvet Revolution; Level 99 Blue Linen Pants, $108, Shoppe Pioneer; Boho Bead Stone Necklace, $38, Velvet Revolution; Stacked Beaded Bracelets, $48, Shoppe Pioneer; model’ shoes.

ATHENA (FRONT LEFT CHAIR): Floral Dress, Stacked Bead Bracelets, $48, Shoppe Pioneer; Neck-lace, stylist’s own; model’s own shoes. BRANDIE (FRONT RIGHT CHAIR): Cold Shoulder Poncho Top, $58, Velvet Revolution; Earrings, $44, Shoppe Pioneer; Stacked Silver Bracelets, $35, Velvet Revolution; model’s own jeans & shoes.

BRANDIE: Black Perennial Wrap Print Dress, $108, Shoppe Pioneer; Vintage Chain Choker w/ Quartz Crystal, $58, Velvet Revolution; model’s own shoes. LAUREN: Hi-Low Boho Dress, $88, Velvet Rev-olution; Long Green Crystal Bead Necklace, $18, Velvet Revolution; Stacked Beaded Necklace, $, Shoppe Pioneer; model’s own shoes.

ATHENA: Strapless Black & White Dress, $55, Velvet Revolution; Silver Statement Necklace, $58, Shoppe Pioneer; Ring, $25, Velvet Revolution; model’s own shoes. HADLEY: White Floral Dress, $55, Velvet Revolution; Handmade Crystal Long Necklace, $48, Velvet Revolution; Ring, $28, Velvet Revolution; earrings & metallic san-dals, stylist’s own.

GIFT GUIDE

Beauty & CareGIFTS

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1. KARMACEUTICLES AHA BHA EXFOLIATNG CLEANSER FROM 1AM BEAUTY $20 / 2. FLASHPOINT BURN CREAM FROM INFINITY APOTHECARY $9 / 3. OH SHIT! KIT FROM INFINITY APOTHECARY $26 / 4. JADE PILLOW RELAXATION SPRAY FROM INFINITY APOTH-ECARY $12 / 5. DIRTY LITTLE SECRET DETOXIFYING MASK FROM INFINITY APOTHECARY $16 / 6. POSY SUGAR & SALT SCRUB FROM CURIOUS NATURE APOTHECARY $28 / 7. WAXING THE CITY GIFT CARD FROM WAXING THE CITY NORTH STATION $20 / 8. 90 MINUTE MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM SILLIMAN MASSAGE & BODYWORK $105 /

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JewelryGIFTS

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1. "HARPER" STRETCH BRACELET BY THE ART OF FATE $78 / 2. BRONZE & STERLING SAGE LEAF EARRINGS BY DAVINE JEWELRY $77 / 3. COLOMBIAN BEADED BRACELET FROM LOLLY BE HEALING/PACHAMAMAS DAUGHTERS $30 / 4. TULIP SPARKLE SURLY NECKLACE WITH SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS & RHINESTONE CHAIN BY SURLY $48 / 5. ISEULT QUARTZ CRYSTAL CROWN BY LEMBAS $138 / 6. DERYN PENDANT NECKLACE BY LEMBAS $68 / 7. BOW NECKLACE BY A DIFFERENT KIND OF FINE $60 / 8. LIVE AND LOVE LEATHER WRAP BRACELET FROM BBA BRACELETS $30

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Better YourselfGIFTS

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PVD LADY PROJECT

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PVD LADY PROJECT

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1. VIRTUAL ROOM DESIGN BY FOUND PROVIDENCE $79 / 2. MY FAB FASHION STYLE FILE BY THE CREATIVE COOKIE $110 / 2. SIGNED COPY OF EIGHTYSIXED BY EMILYBELDEN.COM $10 / 4. INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION - 90 MINUTE SESSION BY BRICK + BEAM STUDIO $125 / 5. TRAVEL, FASHION & HOME STYLIST BY A BIT LOVELY $125 / 6. WOMEN'S RETREAT (REDISCOVERING YOUR INNER & OUTER BEAUTY) BY HALF FULL $475 / 7. GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR ZENCARE THERAPY SESSION BY ZENCARE $100 / 8. ICY CREAMY HEALTHY SWEET BY CHRISTINECHITNIS.COM $22 /

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BLD LADY PROJECT

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$25-$50GIFTS FO R

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1. HEY HONEY {FRESH CREAM, HONEY, NEROLI} 10 OZ SOY CANDLE BY RAYNE HOME DECOR $22 / 2. COLORING THE UNIVERSE: THE INSIDERS LOOK AT MAKING SPECTACULAR IMAGES OF SPACE BY KIMBERLY ARCAND $44 / 3. BLOOMING TEA PRINT BY DESIGN BY KERI $25 / 4. WATERMELON ECO FLOWY TANK FROM CINDER AND SALT $36 / 5. FLORAL SCARF BY CABI $49 / 6. SWADDLE SET BY MOMMA LOVE $35 / 7. GOODNIGHT AZATHOTH BY CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ ILLUSTRATION $20 / 8. NAUTI-GIRL WOMEN'S TSHIRT BY SIMPLY CHICKIE $50 / 9. ART PRINT BY GIRAFFES AND ROBOTS $30 / 10. SUGAR MAMMA CARAMELS $8 /

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