Summer Days

One of the best parts about last summer was a three foot deep inflatable pool that J's sister purchased prior to our pre-wedding "meet your partner" luau party for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I attribute the tan I had last summer to this very pool, once I realized that a small, soft-walled pool is better than no pool at all. We spent so many days and nights in that pool, that when this year it was offered to us, I jumped at the chance to put it up at our house. We had a few issues off the bat, which included filling the pool up 3/4 of the way and realizing that it had a leak. (WHOMP.) The next day J decided that he could "patch the hole" and went out and bought an entirely new pool at K-Mart for less than $150. We haven't had too many opportunities thus far to share the pool fun with our friends, however, that is part of the plan for the upcoming weeks. For now, I enjoy spending a half hour or so in it every day around lunchtime after stretching my legs on my afternoon run.

beginning stages of putting up pool # 1... epic fail in the end. 

ahhh... nice and refreshing.

What's your favorite way to beat the heat in the summertime? Would you settle for a sweet little pool like ours or would you prefer a 'real' one?

Swimming pools and summertime, 

"Roughing It"

Over the past weekend, J and I went on a camping trip. Friday morning when we left, I was 100% mentally prepared to 'rough' it out in the wilderness for the weekend. Tennis Shoes, check. Extra-strength bug spray, check. T shirts and sweatpants for campfires, check. Battery-powered outdoor fan/light, check. Marshmallows as big as your fist, check. Margarita maker, check? (Ok, maybe I was 99% mentally prepared to rough it.)

As things turned out, the weather was not on our side this weekend. A heat wave swept across the eastern part of the country this week, so we were left with mid-90 degree temperatures, unbearable humidity, and moderately severe storms in the evenings. Luckily, this camping weekend did not include tents and 3 minute walks to the closest bathroom. We were able to stay safe-and-sound in our 100 square-foot log cabin. Windows shut, air conditioning blasting.

I may not be the most handy or adventurous person when it comes to the outdoors, but if the weather is warm, I like to be outside enjoying it. Sunshine or no sunshine. I spent a lot of time while we were camping on the porch swing of our cabin, trying to enjoy the fresh air and trees, even though I couldn't really be out and about enjoying it, per se. (If you know me well, you know that I am a big fan of porches. Love sitting on them, swinging on them, eating dinner outdoors at restaurants, and will always choose a porch over being indoors.) I will admit, I did not hate the fact that I could bring a fresh-blended margarita with me while I was on this swing, and I did not hate that there was a nice bathroom on the other side of the door.

Here are some photos of some of our indoor camping adventures, including enjoying hours of country music since we were out in the 'country,' playing card games, and the guys attempting to put a hurting on the bottles of spiced rum and gin that we packed for the weekend.

outside of our cabin

futon/seating area + air conditioner ;)

eat in kitchen area/ card table

turtle that I painted during ceramics- lines are shaky because I had WAY too much coffee that morning. 

card game using flat marshmallows as our poker chips

my husband playing NKOTB to his brother-in-law's stomach for the baby... that his sister is having

flat marshmallow being saved as a snack

ET phone home- candle wax dipping late in the night

my faaaaaaaavorite part of the weekend *sigh*

What is your favorite part about camping?  What's your definition of 'roughing it' in the wilderness?

Marshmallows and margaritas,

Having the Time...

Having the time to garden has been one of my most favorite parts of spending my summer job searching.  I picked up this habit last year when I wanted to plant flowers in memory of my grandpa, and this year I have done the same. Not only has it made our home look more inviting, it has also proved to be very de-stressing for me. Here's a photo I captured using my phone of my favorite flower that I planted this year- a light pink Lithianthus which were potted in hanging baskets and are now decorating each corner of our screened in porch. I absolutely love this delicate flower with its gorgeous (and feminine) dusty pink hue! I will be sharing more pictures of the house as I work to get it ready for a party we are hosting this weekend in honor of J's best friend R.

Lithianthus, corner of porch, flagpole :)

About me

Web and Graphic designer. Wife and best friend. Sister. Artist. Lifelong learner. Passionately organized. Unfailingly creative. Determined to travel. Patient, and persevering. Spirited friendships and drinks. Photography, live music, love.


{More soon.}