Summertime

Ahh, it truly is summer. The pool party on Saturday was a blast and I attended my first baseball game of the season last night. Tomorrow a group of friends is meeting up for an outdoor concert and in just a few days comes one of the most summery weekends of the year, Fourth of July.

I had forgotten how much I love this time of year. I want to savor every second and do the things I dream about when it's cold out. Walks, picnics, swimming, reading books outside, drinks on the deck, all that good stuff.

Don't these gorgeous photos by Irene Suchocki (her blog is one of my favorites) capture the essence of summer? They make me want to run out into the sunshine!

Photos from here.

Party Time

Woo-hoo! The weekend is here and I am ready for it. Tomorrow afternoon, my sister and I are hosting a pool party at our parents' house. Nothing big, just some of our best friends along with drinks and food and music. Unfortunately thunderstorms are in the forecast, but with luck they'll pass by before the party starts.

While I'm not sure what the weather will bring, I do know what I'll be wearing. My favorite swimsuit is a white string bikini from Old Navy. It's crazy inexpensive but so comfy and flattering. I love it.

Happy weekend to all!

Photos from here.

There and Back

I'm home from my trip, happy and exhausted. The past few days were chock full of activities, but I had a great time. I had forgotten how much fun it is to ride a bike, how amazing it feels to glide over the water in a kayak, how fascinating it can be to hike through the woods. I loved all the time I got to spend outdoors, especially in such a beautiful corner of the world.

Here are a few of the sights I've gotten to enjoy this week:

Photos by me.

Up and Away

This week, I am away from home. I'm on a press tour of a scenic area of my state and over the next few days I'll be walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, eating, photographing and all-around exploring. I'm excited for this opportunity to be here and see someplace new.

Another aspect of this little adventure is I've never really traveled on my own. I've taken trips with my family, girlfriends and my husband, but not solo. It's a bit strange to get used to, but hopefully I'll embrace and enjoy this time to myself.

I hope everyone has a week filled with adventure and discovery!

Photo from here.

Well Put

Here's some beautiful inspiration to make the most of today:

Photo from here.

Decked Out

Wait a minute, when did it become Thursday? This week has been flying by, and it's only going to get busier. It's a good kind of busy, but nevertheless I am craving some nice, low-key relaxation time. I might have a little window on Saturday to kick back with a book on the deck. 

I hope the experience is as relaxing as this incredible deck, featured on Canadian House and Home, looks. The light wood and bright white is such an understated, elegant, calming and refreshing combination. Ahhhh ... 

Photo from here.

Make Me Feel Like Dancing

It's a dark, rainy day and seeking a pick-me-up, I popped over to Aldo. And the shiny, strappy, frilly, colorful, sky-high sandals spoke to me. Don't they make you want to grab your girlfriends, get dressed up and hit a dancefloor?

A fun thought for a Monday afternoon!

Photos from here.

Geeky Chic

Sunday nights are an interesting time. I try not to be sad about the weekend winding down, and instead focus on getting ready for the week ahead. I'm geeky like that.

Speaking of weekends and being geeky ... My husband and I finally joined the twenty-first century and got iPhones (I know, I know, the new version is coming out soon but this one is just fine for us). We were like kids on Christmas day, playing with our new toys, figuring things out and being a bit obsessed with it all. But it was a good weekend for it, since it was rainy out and there was no where we really needed to be.

It reminded me of the adorable photo above. If this cutie pie can't inspire me to embrace my nerdy side and have fun with it, I don't know what will.

Photo from here via here.

The Best of Both

My sister and I have very disparate style preferences. She prefers things that are comfortable, natural and slightly country while I tend toward modern shapes, graphic patterns and rich colors.

However, I think this amazing house -- a "modern country home" featured on Elle Decor -- would suit each of us. The relaxed feel, mix of textures and all that natural light would have us both feeling right at home. It's gorgeous!

Photos from here.

Wild World

Have you seen the illustrations of Jill Bliss? I am completely mesmerized by them, especially these images of animals and sea creatures. I can't believe they're ink on paper.

She also has at Etsy shop and blog, if you'd like to check them out. Such talent!

Photos from here.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for all that is out there -- for all the places in the world to visit, all the wonderful things to learn, all the amazing experiences to have. The fact that no one person can take them all in just adds to the wonder.

Photo from here.

White Hot

White is one of my favorite colors to wear. I love it in winter and I especially love it in summer. It doesn't get more effortlessly chic than a simple white dress in sweltering weather.

A slew of gorgeous white clothes can be found on Calypso St. Barth, which I stumbled upon after seeing this lovely post on Black*Eiffel. Take a peek at some of the beautiful looks:

Bring it, summer. We're ready for ya!

Photos from here.

A Great Reminder

My husband and I have been together (dating first, then married) for ten years. Thus we know one another's quirks pretty well. One of my husband's that baffles me -- and that I also think is quite adorable -- is his the way he unconsciously hoards pen caps. I find those suckers everywhere! In pants pockets, in drawers, in the laundry, even in our bed. I don't know where he gets them and, surprisingly, we don't seem to have an abnormal amount of cap-less pens around the house.

In any case, when I saw this sterling silver pen-cap necklace (featured on Splendora), I immediately thought of my guy. Maybe I should get the necklace -- and wear it proudly as a I reminder of how much I love this one-of-a-kind man.

Photos from here.

Gotta Get Away

Does the feeling ever sneak up on you -- the desire to just get away, break out of your routine, see something new? I always love to travel, but lately I've wanted to head somewhere out of the way and explore. Growing up, my family always took a big trip in the summer, and I would spend months looking forward to it. Maybe that tradition is still in me.

In any case, these vintage U.S. Parks posters from the 1930s struck a chord. Don't they inspire you to trek across the country and see for yourself all the beauty it contains?

Photos from here.

Easy and Breezy

I've long dreamed about having a beach house. I have visions about walking by the ocean, exploring towns and simply relaxing in a lovely house with the windows open to let in breezes and the sound of the sea.

Actress Meg Ryan's home on Martha's Vineyard, featured in Elle Decor, could be just the setting for this daydream. Clean-lined furniture, worn woods and lots of white -- it's all so lovely.

Photos from here.

Summer Lovin'

Well, I don't know where the week went, but I'm happy the weekend is upon us. And these vibrant, summery clothes by Madewell would be the perfect wardrobe for all the joyous things a weekend brings: long walks, shopping, sitting by the lake, cocktails with friends.

Here's wishing everyone a fun-filled weekend!

Photos from here.

Happy Days

Now, that's what I call a holiday weekend! Having three days off from responsibility and stress was glorious. We slept in, took long walks, grilled out, hung out with family and lounged by a pool. We couldn't have asked for better weather, and the sunshine and warmth seemed like a Memorial weekend welcome to summer. 

Feeling refreshed and re-energized, I was excited to stumble upon these amazing abstracted landscapes by budanART. They're so colorful and energetic. They, too, make me excited for the summer months to come. Enjoy!

Photos from here.