{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...

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... 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.

What to do in June

One of the reasons I started writing this blog was to help me live in the moment; have experiences now that are exciting and memorable. A big part of that initially was little home projects, helping me enjoy the space I am in and not getting too caught up in where I am headed. I am still working on those projects, but I wanted to enjoy more than just creating pieces for the home. In an attempt to further my quest to make time for the present (sounds like it should happen naturally doesn't it...) I have decided to set 4 simple goals a month and then post about their progress. I am hoping this results in fun and enjoyment, not, "How am I going to fit one more thing into my day, what was I thinking, I am so crazy!" Either way, you'll hear about the outcome. So here we go...

1. Locate and try out the treats from Skylite Snowballs. This truck delivers what the creator calls a "Baltimore thing," although I have a feeling it is becoming an Oakland favorite. Something about shaved ice laced with homemade syrup and topped with marshmellow cream sounds irresistible. It must be tried! The mister and I already enjoy walking the lake, so I am going to keep my eye on the schedule so we can plan our next jaunt to Lake Merritt accordingly.

photo by Aya Brackett

2. Use the copious amounts of sage slowly taking over my garden to create simple syrup to use in a homemade cocktail or soda. I have to find something to do with this plant or it will grow and grow and take over my strawberries.

3. Read an entire novel. I am thinking about I Am Number Four. A bit of a sci-fi adventure, but I am beginning to believe (contrary to prior personal belief) that I am a sci-fi reader, especially sci-fi found in the teen section. The Hunger Game series was a personal favorite. Who knew? My husband questioned if a book still counts as a novel if found in the teen section. I say yes.

4. Finish the cushions for the wicker furniture. Progress has been made. The wicker is painted, thanks so those who gave their input in the previous post about color choices. It is now "Shock Red" and I couldn't be happier. The fabric for the cushions just arrived. I am hoping the the aforementioned novel will be read on the new and improved wicker couch, maybe with a cocktail made from homemade sage simple syrup. How I love summer...