Our (Long) Weekend

It has been awhile since I posted a weekend recap, and for the most part, that's because our weekends aren't usually terribly exciting these days, so those posts can seem a bit redundant.  This past weekend though... it was a good one, so I felt it was necessary to share some photos!

Summer Celebrations

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #DipIntoMeze #CollectiveBias

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With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, I've got summer celebrations on my mind.  I'm a party girl at heart, and I would never pass on an opportunity to entertain, but let's be honest, with three young kids, it isn't always easy for me to put together anything too elaborate.

Weekend Recap

Perfectly uneventful. Totally lazy. Zero agenda.  That about sums up the past weekend.

We spent a boatload of time outdoors. Lounging on the deck, splashing in the pool, and we even made another trip to the lake on Saturday.

Dinner was grilled, naps were taken, and ice cold white wine was sipped in the sun.  The weather was amazing. It was perfect in every way.

Aside from the expected occasional toddler meltdown, it was a weekend well spent... and now it's on to the week ahead.

                                                     

Swoon Worthy

Despite the fact that while roaming the aisles at Target the other day (for things I don't need but undoubtedly ended up in my cart anyway), I discovered that they were beginning to stock their shelves with "Back to School" items, we are still very much in the throws of summer, my friends.

I cringe at the thought of wishing away one of the most cherished seasons, so this Swoon Worthy post is 100% all about summertime favorites.  It's only mid-July, so Carpe Diem, let's enjoy it while it lasts!

Here's what I'm loving lately...

1.  Mike and I are always on the hunt for the perfect summer cocktail.  Generally I stick to white wine, but every once in awhile I step outside of my comfort zone and take a walk on the wild side.  The always inspirational Something to Snack On, posted this killer cocktail recipe awhile back.  If gin is your jam (see what I did there?), than search no further, this concoction is sheer perfection.  Personally, however, I am more of a Vodka girl, so the following is my twist on Caryn's original recipe, which was delightful to sip last night on the deck:

Ingredients

2 oz. vodka
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1-2 Tbs strawberry jam
Splash of club soda or seltzer water
* I chose to omit the simple syrup, because I used homemade jam that was already quite sweet.

In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, lemon juice, jam, and ice cubes. Shake, then strain into a glass with crushed ice, and top with a splash of soda water.  Garnish with a fresh strawberry and enjoy!

2.  Summertime is for freeing our feet and living in sandals... If there is any better combination than chubby baby toes and these, I don't know what it is!

3.  This print screams summer to me, and reminds me of Maine, totally a winning combination if you ask me.  I'd love to hang this in our family room.

4.  The color of this dress, paired with a great tan, have me swooning for sure.

5.  I absolutely adored Judy Blume books when I was growing up, so this latest title from the beloved author is on my summer reading list.

6.  I am on a HUGE strawberry kick lately, so this salsa sounds right up my ally.

7.  I really and truly want one of these bracelets in every color, but the "Portland" really speaks to my heart.

8.  Old Navy is having their huge summer clearance sale right now, and I'm totally digging this tunic as a beach cover up!

9.  Always, always in favor of handmade shops, Wren & James makes the most beautiful items.

10.  I'd buy this candle for its cute nautical design alone, but the scent sounds delicious too!

I hope you all have an amazing summer weekend!

                                            

Weekend Recap

I feel like I say this all the time, but seriously, where has the time gone? With the blink of an eye, the first weekend of August has come and gone, and summer is flying by at warp speed.

We kicked off Saturday with a picnic in the park... Something that's been on my summer bucket list and needed to happen. The weather was perfect, and Max had a blast running around and getting dirty.

You can tell by the look on his face here, that he was up to no good.

We capped off the day with our favorite go-to steak salad topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted potatoes, red onion and Gorgonzola cheese, dressed with a nice light balsamic vinaigrette. It's seriously my favorite salad, ever!

Sunday morning was rainy and dreary... The perfect kind of weather to indulge in a trip to Target. All was fine and good until a full blown thunder storm broke out and we had to ride it out in Starbucks, where Max shouted, "thunder, loud!" on repeat long enough that I felt guilty for disturbing the peace and decided I was brave enough to venture to the car in the monsoon outside.

Despite getting soaked, it was a successful morning, due to the fact that our Target haul included this amazing find...

Starbucks cold brew... my life is now complete!

Rainy Sundays really lend well to supporting one's iced coffee addiction, love of crocheting, and need to binge watch Friday Night Lights while my kids slept!

(Keep an eye out for these hand crocheted Mommy & Me cowls, I will be adding them to the shop soon!)

It was a good weekend! Hope you all have a fabulous week!

-J