About Mandie

Hi! I'm Mandie, the girl behind Nautical Stripes. Some of my favorite things are nautical items, sailing, stripes, bangles, ripped jeans, bright colors, clutches, vacation adventures, running (only outside), and cooking (always homemade).

Born & Raised: St. Louis, MO
Lives: Chicago, IL
Favorite Meal: Salmon with mashed sweet potatoes
Signature Drink: Captain and Diet Coke
Go-To Closet Item: Ripped, Dark Jeans
Go-To Designer: Tory Burch & Kate Spade
Travel Aspiration: Ireland

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Tips to Avoid Melting in the Heatwaves

Hi Gorgeous!!!

It seems like a lot of people I talk to are experiencing the heatwaves of the summer this week. In Chicago it's supposed to be the hottest week of the summer, so I thought I would share my tips to avoid melting out there!

Water, Water, and more Water!
I know, everyone says they drink the water they should but when you think you've had enough water, drink more! Especially in this heat. Drinks like coffee and soda will not keep you hydrated in this heat. Here are some of my favorite water bottles to take to work or on the go:
Glass Mason Jar with Straw
I love this water bottle! Nothing is more fun than drinking out of a mason jar!
Anchor - Sequin  - water bottle
I love my tervis water bottle! It keeps my ice from melting and the water cold which it should be in this heatwave. 
Loose Fitted Clothing-Work 
This loose fitting and light colored dress from J.Crew is great for these hot summer days! 
I think this skirt would be great for a day like today that is supposed to be well into the 90s. This J.Crew skirt also comes in blossom which would be really pretty with a chambray shirt. 
Loose Fitted Clothing-Casual 
I am in love with this loose fitted dress from J.Crew. Would look so cute with some Jack Rogers and a straw hat for summer causal days. 
I love this dress from Evereve! Currently on sale for $45. 
I absolutely love this tank from Evereve! It is so comfortable on a hot summer day, and looks great with ripped jeans or cut offs. Tank is currently on sale for $40. 
What's in My Bag for a Day Out in the Heat: 
Great Summer Bags
I wear this Landsend bag majority of my week. It fits everything I need as well as my beating the heatwave essentials. Unfortunately it's sold out, but I am sharing some similar ones that I love just as much. 
This Tory Burch Tote is so great! I love all the compartments it offers! 
I love this tote also by Tory Burch. The print is very light and fun for the spring, summer, and early fall months. 
Kate Spade has a lot of great options, but this bag is a similar floral print to my beloved Lands End Tote. I've always been a big fan of Kate Spade handbags and wallets (I have too many!). 

Sweet, Cold Treats


Lavender Ice Cream 

Ingredients: 
2 cups of Whole Milk*
1/4 Cup of Dried Lavender
1/2 Cup of Organic Honey
5 Large Egg Yolks 
1/4 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup  of Heavy Cream 
1 and 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Bean Paste

Directions: 
1. In a medium sized saucepan, combine the milk, lavender and honey and bring to just a light boil. Then remove from heat and cover, letting it steep for 8 minutes. 
2. Strain the mixture after the time is up, saving the milk mixture and discarding the lavender
3. Combine the egg yolks and sugar in a mixer bowl and turn mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes or until the color turns light yellow. 
4. Meanwhile, return to milk mixture and put on a simmer over medium-low heat. 
5. Add half the milk to the egg mixture and mix until well blended. Then add that mixture to the rest of the milk in the saucepan and cook over low heat until mixture is thick enough to cover a wooden spoon. 
6. Remove from heat and immediately mix in cream. Strain mixture into a medium mixing bowl and put over ice until cooled down. Then add the vanilla bean paste and freeze according to ice cream maker manufacture's directions. 
Can store in an air tight freezer for up to 2 weeks. 

Recipe originally from: Honey Lavender Ice Cream


*Whole Milk really does make a difference in the process of making ice cream. You can buy smaller sizes of milk at the store, so pick up a whole milk if you are making this recipe. 

Hopefully you all won't melt in all of this heat, especially after reading my advice. Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and don't forget to comment below :)

XOXO-Mandie 
Way Back When Wednesday picture from our trip to the USVI in 2014. 
Can you tell I'm counting down the days until my vacation starting next Friday? 

All photos above are from original sources: Kate Spade, Nordstrom, Google, Tervis, and Barre3