I've been talking about building my own chicken coop just about forever, and seriously talking about it for about two years now (click here to read my post about getting some chickens from over a year ago). Well, this weekend I finally took the plunge!! My very own chicken coop is now under construction, and my new Silkie Bantam chicks (with 3 more on the way) are anxiously awaiting their new home. Surprisingly, Tom seems to be more excited than I am, which is crazy from a boy who has never been around animals! I've always wanted my own chicks, and I am BEYOND excited that this is actually happening. One step closer to becoming the Duchess of Devonshire in my old age - definitely don't hate it.

The official start of summer is just a few days away, but I'm already basking in the summer time bliss. There are a LOT of things that I love about summer: peaches are back in season (frozen peaches in champagne are AMAZING), wearing straw fedoras, bright toenails, open toed sandals, the smell of coconut tanning oil, and having a cocktail by the pool. All of that is amazing, but my favorite thing about summer time? You're looking at it. Pure summer bliss captured in one Instagram photo. Family cooking together and feasting on home cooked food outside when it's warm out is my idea of the perfect summer night. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Cheers!!

This gilded bison skull from Fab.com is my new favorite internet find. Not only is it the home-decor version of my own personal brand mark, it's the perfect fusion of Texas (being an actual animal skull on the wall, hello taxidermy) and LA (it's painted GOLD). City meets country, high meets low, Tanya meets MUST-HAVE. $535 for a dead animal part nailed to my wall? Worth it.

This week we got our PRIDE on, had some much needed pool time, and me and the man went to see Cheap Trick (and Pat Benatar). Can't wait to see what the weekend has in store for me!

It's been brought to my attention that I MAY have a thing for mojitos. I will neither firmly confirm or deny this, but I WILL tell you that this blueberry mojito from The Novice Chef looks like exactly what I need start off my weekend right. This light, fruity summer drink and a pool is exactly what the doctor ordered. There's really no fancy instructions here, just mix all your typical mojito ingredients together, add blueberries (either muddled or pureed in a blender) and welcome to blueberry mojito bliss. Ah, yes. Can't wait for the weekend. Cheers!!

I love a personalized touch in fashion every once in a while. This monogrammed clutch by Clare Vivier caught my eye on Pinterest the other day, and I can't stop thinking about it ever since! It's a  very tasteful monogram; not loud or obnoxious in any way, just two little letters that designate it as mine. I'll take it!

This past weekend was Pride weekend in West Hollywood, and this Texan proudly wore a big ol' rainbow around my neck to show my support! It was a fabulous weekend with fabulous people and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Cheers!!

A hardwood floor is lovely, but a wood ceiling is so unexpectedly cool. I think wood ceilings may be my new favorite thing for interesting interiors (well... this week, anyway). A wood ceiling is an unusual finishing touch that adds polish and character all at once. Whether you're going for traditional (left), modern (center), or rustic (right), you can achieve pretty much any look with a wood ceiling. Here are some of my favorite wood ceiling picks... can't wait to do this someday.

Fabulous week in TX getting my Aggie ready for Texas A&M in the fall and eating WAY too much delicious Texas food (burgers and wings and fries - oh my!)

Well, it seems that June gloom has reared its ugly head and taken over the country with a vengeance. It's not "cold" out necessarily, but when you're ready for swimsuit & pool weather, it definitely feels like rain on my parade. So for this Thirsty Thursday, I'm going for a spicy, angry drink to fight the gloom - a cinnamon whisky & cold apple cider to rattle the bones and shake up the gloomy weather. Combine the cold (or warm) cider with cinnamon, a little bit of orange extract, and a few shots of Fireball whisky and drink up! I like to put sugar around the rim for a little extra sweetness, and fancy apple chips like in the photo are always delicious, but very optional. Cheers!