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equakyi

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Picture Of The Day

Greetings everyone!

I’m back in the U.S. after my too-short trip to Ghana. It was eventful, it was relaxing, it was everything! And for the first time in my life…IT HAPPENED. I met someone at a party and introduced myself to her, and she immediately said, “Don’t tell me you’re Essie Does Summer!”. I wish it was appropriate to have done a dance when she said that, or I’d have done it. Life achievement unlocked!

After coming back from such an amazing stay, the last thing I wanted to put up with was negativity. Now New York isn’t exactly the place to be if you want to avoid negativity – and people had already stated to annoy me. So I took the decision to JUST DO ME! Not everyday other peoples’ melancholy, sometimes good vibes.

And maybe you needed this reminder today. It’s a wonderful thing to put others before yourself but once in a while we all need to be selfish. Sometimes unplug and focus on you. It’s necessary!

Keep doing you, homies,

Essie

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Freebie: Pink Bible Verse laptop wallpaper

Fill your laptop screen with some encouragement with this simple and elegant wallpaper. The quote is from one of my favorite bible verses to turn to for strength, John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Sometimes we all need this reminder, right?

Click here to download!

Drinks

Lemon and Cucumber Infused Water

It’s boiling outside and as much as I’m the self-proclaimed queen of summer, this weather is extreme. It almost seems too hot for a cocktail and that’s saying a lot. But still, who wants boring ol’ water? I like to #turnup my water Continue Reading

DIY Home decor

Gold Animal Fridge Magnets

I’ve said this before but let me repeat it for everyone who hasn’t noticed yet – my favorite color is gold. #Allgolderrthang. My obsession led me to make these fridge magnets which make a very simple ol’ thing like a fridge look jazzed up. I previously had some Continue Reading

DIY

Lavender and Rose Body Scrub

Body scrubs are the perfect way to pamper yourself , and you can make them very easily at home. Did I mention that they also make an excellent gift? Making a scrub yourself means you can use all organic/natural ingredients like I did, and also use ingredients the gift recipient will love. I made mine with Continue Reading

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Shop: Ankara Print iPhone wallpaper

An Essie Does Summer exclusive, this African print wallpaper is made to grab attention. It combines the traditional patterns seen in fabric from West Africa with modern calligraphy to create this one-of-a-kind product.

Get it now in our shop for really cheap – it’s only $1.99!

Party Styling

Rooftop Brunch Party

Essie Does Summer turned 1 on 1st July! #YASSS. What started out as a ‘boredom project’  flourished to become a blog (now website!) that I have grown to love so much. It literally keeps me sane when I’m tried of reading about quantum mechanics and amino acids.IMG_1

Forget what you’ve heard; any reason is a good reason to throw a party. When I realized that the anniversary of my DIY blog coincided with the 4th of July weekend, I couldn’t think of any other way to celebrate than with a rooftop brunch party. I knew I wanted whatever party I was hosting to reflect the vibe of Essie Does Summer – chic, summery and bright.

I kept the food to small bites and hors d’oeuvres to cut down cost and to give my guests the opportunity to taste many different things. Of course, my world famous (I wish) mini chicken and waffles made an appearance and were gone within seconds.
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The party theme was floral and summery and I pretty much went overboard with that; even down to the floral ice cubes in the champagne bucket! Of course, my favorite color, gold, made an appearance as well.

The Photo Booth was a hit and my trusted selfie stick came in handy. I was nervous before that people wouldn’t use the props but I can safely say that they were definitely overused in the pictures.

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It was a beautiful day and the turnout was great. What was supposed to be a brunch party ended up going on until 7pm! My BFF Jake (aka the champagne angel) was so helpful during the setup and I think I might have a new intern now ha! It was all what you might call; on fleek.

My guests enjoyed themselves and I got so much positive feedback following the brunch, including a ‘How To Plan a Summer Brunch’ feature in Ayiba Magazine!

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Are you throwing a summer party? I want to hear about your party ideas!