We're dreaming of pool parties... || Champagne + Linen

I am DONE with winter.
I am done with tugging on my Fuggs.
I am done with hauling my coat around [and hating myself when I don’t].
I am done with getting into a freezing car in the morning, having Scottie drag me across slick ice in an attempt to murder me, and I am done with nipping out.

Please don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate winter.

+I enjoyed cuddling up with my Starbucks caramel hot chocolate [The Bucks isn’t just for basic white gurls #memorableblackbitch].
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+I loved watching fresh snowfall. I binged watched Gilmore Girls last fall + Lorelai Gilmore definitely changed my perspective on snow for the better.

+I loved being able to wear leggings every day and a baggy sweater and calling it good enough. Am I wearing a bra? Did I sleep in this outfit? Did I spill BBQ sauce on myself earlier? You’ll never know dear friend. Well, the BBQ sauce you’ll probably know depending on how prominent the stain is.

I am ready for bro tanks, sandals, and pedicures. I need to wear dresses and have my legs breath. I need to drink on patios. I need BBQs. I need POOL PARTIES!!!

The gals of C+L dream of hot summer days by the pool. We realize it is the start of March in Montana. Mother Nature is most likely teasing us with these past few nice spring days. But hey, it is never too soon to start planning your first summer pool party that is sure to be a splash! Ha, see what I did there? Anyways..

So like any party the three key ingredients are: Good Food. Good Music. Good Company. But lets add some gravy to our pool party!

​For Alicia’s bachelorette party we stayed at the Lux Hotel. I could have drowned in their pool and I would have died happy.

#cabanabitch-ing at the Lux pool. Living the dream.

Pool || Okay, so maybe add pool to the list of key ingredients for a pool party. If you are blessed enough to have your own pool in your backyard share the wealth + invite your friends over for a dip. If you are lucky enough to know someone with a backyard pool, invite yourself over for a dip. 

Not fortunate enough to fall into either of the above categories? No worries. Find a pool in your community that you can use! Becoming friends with Ariel benefited my life in many ways. One way being when she shared her secret of The Broadway Hotel swimming pool with me. Turns out if you spend at least $10 [which is easy to do because they have delicious drinks and chicken wings] you can use the pool as long as you want! 

Now I know what you’re thinking, public pools may or may not be public toilets as well. I am willing to bet that hotels or other pool venues will let you use their pool for private events. So unless you invite a ton of children or people with poor bladder control you shouldn’t have issues.

Alicia's adorable pup Buster in his very own pool.

Last summer, Alicia and I bought one of those cheap plastic pools [pictured above], two fold out tanning chairs, new swimsuits [I want this one!!], and beach towels. We blended up vodka lemonade slushy drinks. [Combine 1 ½ cups vodka, cup of lemonade concentrate, and 4 cups of ice cubes in blender. Blend tell it’s a slushy consistency. Poor in large pitcher, grab some fun glasses and crazy straws, and drink up! OR if you have an ice cream machine and want to be lazy like us, just toss juice and vodka in and let it roll] and we made our own tropical pool side in Alicia’s backyard.

Picture via FunBoy

Fun Pool Toys || I don’t mean foam noodles. Check out Funboy for “the world’s most luxurious pool floats.” I personally really want the rainbow unicorn float!

Food & Drank || Growing up in Reno, my aunt had an in-ground pool in her backyard. Some of my favorite childhood memories include eating BBQ and swimming all day. Now that I am 25 I have the luxury of adding a little something extra to my juice. Remember glass in the pool is not cool. So stick to canned beer and red solo cups. 

Food & Drank Check List:

1. Watermelon
2. Hot Dogs
3. Cheese Burgers
4. Chips & Dip
5. Potato Salad
6. Baked Beans
7. Corn on the cob
8. Vodka lemonade slushy drinks
9. Jello Shots
10. Peach Strawberry Sangria 

Giant Janga || Picture via Mary Brennann

Games || Alicia made Melanie Giant Jenga for a surprise wedding gift. We were able to test drive it during The Annual 2016 Beer Olympics. Let me tell you it was a blast!  
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Giant Beer Pong. Need I say more? 

I am also always down for a good game of Chicken. I am a huge fan of water guns and water balloons. I know. I am a child. 

Honestly friends, I could go on and on about how to plan the perfect pool party. As I write this in my chilly apartment [my electric bill has been terrifying so I refuse to turn my heat on], I cannot help but be really really excited for getting my feet wet. I hope to see you and your squad in the water this summer! In the meantime, you'll find me at The Broadway!

Thanks for reading!
All my love,
Mariah ​​