Endless Summer

It was always a bad moment as a kid when summer vacation was interrupted with signs that the new school year was coming. Commercials on television, ads in the newspaper, sales on school supplies, fall clothes in the stores -- all of these were very unwanted signals that a shift was taking place. I had the same feeling lately while reading the August issues of some of my favorite magazines. I know fall isn't far away, but I'm not ready to drool over pretty sweaters and coats and cute jeans and boots yet. I still want swimsuits, sundresses and sandals!

So, in a stubborn attempt to pretend summer will last forever, here are some swimsuits I'm loving at J. Crew. I'm usually a bikini girl, but these strapless looks feel so fresh and chic.

Photos from here. 

Splash

I've been a fan of Amy Arntson's artwork for some time. Her paintings of water and waves are incredible -- soothing, refreshing, rhythmic, mesmerizing and utterly beautiful.

Photos from here. 

Now We're Cookin'

I'm happy to say our kitchen remodel is finally complete! When we started it over Memorial Day weekend, we didn't realize just how involved the project would be, even on a low budget. But we're pleased with the results. The white cabinets and lighter walls really open up the space, and the new countertops and faucet feel more luxurious. We're still planning to upgrade the fridge at some point, and perhaps the flooring and lighting too. But my husband and I have agreed to not worry about those things for some time. We're just going to enjoy this new room!

Here's a look at the kitchen BEFORE:

And here's the kitchen AFTER:

Photos by me. 

Happy August!

Seriously, how can it be August already? This summer is flying by, which makes me eager to make the most of this sultry month. I hope to throw on a sunny-hued dress with some glamorous accessories. I'd like sip a drink while watching a sunset. But most of all, I want to soak up the rest of this fabulous summer.

* Drink

* Sandals

* Hat

* Photograph

* Dress

Happy Weekend!

This weekend we have no plans. No weddings to attend, no trips to take. Not even any major projects around the house to tend to. It's a glorious thing to have two wide open days in the summer, and all I know for sure is I want to spend a little time basking in the sun.

How about you? No matter your plans, please have a wonderful weekend!

Photo from here. 

Lush

It's a gray, stormy morning, so I'm gravitating to these vibrant, rich paintings and mixed-media works by Georgia artist Rachel Guest. They're quite an effective spirit-booster, no?

Photos from here via here.

Seeing Clearly

This past Thursday, my husband and went on a short getaway. For a travel story for my work, we visited a little glass cabin in the woods. It was amazing! We felt totally alone, surrounded only by trees, yet we were safe and comfortable inside this cozy room. We fell asleep to moonlight filtering through the trees and awoke early to thunder rolling in and rain pelting our roof.

It felt so nice to get away together, to do something different. And it also reminded me of some great questions Ola has been posing on The Apple Tea (here and here) about relationships. I truly believe stepping out of one's normal routine is important. I hope I showed my husband I was open to new experiences on this trip, and he completely impressed and surprised me. I had no idea he was so good at making a campfire or had so many outdoorsy skills! I got to see him in a new way and a bit more completely than I probably tend to look at him when we're at home in our typical day-to-day. In all, it was a wonderful trip, and I'll probably keep daydreaming about our time in a glass cabin in the woods.

Photos by me.