{dreaming of}

{source}

... living in the moment. This seems to be a reoccurring theme for me. Part of the reason I started this blog was to inspire myself to do things now that I am excited about, to get away from spending my time thinking about long term plans. I am getting better about it, but it is definitely on ongoing process.

... having a backyard barbecue before the end of July. I love to have friends gather with good food and conversation, summer feels like the perfect time.

... starting to write letters again. Snail mail is so fun to receive and such a nice way to connect to people who live far away. I found a letter that a dear friend wrote me and it has inspired me. I want to get back to that.

... getting a set of mason jars. Several years ago I bought a set of 30 cheap wine glasses from IKEA. Since then I have used them incessantly for parties. Now I want a set of mason jars to go with them for beverages other than wine. Maybe I can get them in time for the barbecue...

... completing projects. I have so many wonderful materials purchased and ready. Now I just need to find time to sit down and create.

... eating Caprese from the garden. The basil is doing extremely well and there are flowers on my tomato plants. I cannot wait to harvest.

{Update} Wicker

The paint phase has been completed. Since being painted and prominently displayed in our shared garden the wicker has been getting a lot of use. I have noticed the paint chipping in areas that shift while people sit in it. I might need to add one more layer of paint and a thicker protective coat. Regardless, I am thrilled with the outcome!

The fabric is already here and ready to be made into cushions. I went for a pretty bold gray, white, and black color palette. Hope it looks good!

{30 for 30} What I've Been Wearing

Since my last run at 30 for 30 I have found myself in true appreciation of the clearance rack. I have also purchased a couple pairs of shoes that are more practical and comfortable thanks to some advise from my brilliant cuz. The truth is I only really wear shoes when they are comfortable, so my new loafers (shown above) and Toms are getting a lot of wear.

Hope you are having a lovely summer!

30 for 30 Begins Again!

{source}

So there is a little thing that a lovely lady started called 30 for 30. It is pretty simple really. You pick out 30 items from your wardrobe and wear just those 30 items for 30 days. The last time I did this I learned a lot about my personal style and how to combine things I never would have combined before. I'm looking forward to the lessons waiting to be learned in the coming weeks. We'll see what happens.

Style Crush: Ceramic Garden Stools

{source: Williams Sonoma Home}

{source: West Elm}

{source: Target}


{source: Neiman Marcus}

I often like a punch of color, but next to my now bright red wicker I think a little white would give the eye a place to rest.

Dreaming of...

{source}

... learning more songs that I can sing as the mister plays the uke. I love singing with him and as we have built our repertoire it has become a special time for us to sit and make music.

... finishing the dream living room I have been posting about. The vision has changed a bit along the way, but I am loving the changes I have put into place so far. An ottoman and a rug and I think I will be satisfied.

... taking a jam making class from Blue Chair Fruit Company. I recently started buying their jam from our local farmers market and have become inspired. They sell a gorgeous jam cookbook that I was flipping through and had trouble putting down. But do I really need another hobby? Hmmm.....

... taking a watercolor class. With summer approaching I am finding myself wanting to take an art class. Photography is also calling to me, but I am waiting for my dream camera to arrive on my doorstep before I sign up for a class.

June... Sage Simple Syrup

After a little online research, a sage simple syrup recipe was found and tried. I am definitely happy with the result. The sage plant is looking a more reasonable size and I have a couple hostess gifts ready to go. So far, favorite concoctions include:

Blueberry Sage Cocktail
adapted from Missy's Recipe
- 1 part lemon juice
- 1 part blueberry vodka
- 1 part sage simple syrup
- top with bubbly water

Raspberry Sage Soda
- a lil' sage syrup
- a lil' Monin Raspberry Syrup
- bubbly water

Sage Lemonade
- 1 fresh squeezed lemon
- a lil' sage syrup
- bubbly water

For the hostess gift I used Paper Source Oval Cards and tied them to the bottle with waxed twine. I wrote out the cocktail recipe on the label to give an idea of how to use the syrup.

Lovely drinks to sip on a hot day.