FAVORITE THINGS: MAY 2016

As usual, May has been a whirlwind. I always feel that May/Early June are the CRAZY months of the year. There is just  so much going on between end of the school year events and baseball and dance recitals and birthdays and anniversaries.

I had to really think about what my Favorite Things were this month. As I was brainstorming for this post all I could think was, "Nothing. NOTHING IS MY FAVORITE WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO DESTORY ME MAY. WHY CAN'T WE JUST GET ALONG!?" (Seriously. This is my life. I talk to the months of the year in caps lock in my head). I had to check myself this past week and remind myself to be positive, be patient, and be kind (to others and myself). Because no one likes a mean, grouchy, frazzled person (including myself). And then, once I was calm (for at least 20 minutes), I was able to think and come up the following:

Favorite Things to Eat: My garden is growing beautifully and the nasturtiums are blooming like mad. Did you know that nasturtiums are edible? The entire plant is-flowers, steams and leaves! They add beautiful color and taste to salads.

Favorite Weekend History Lesson: Over this past Memorial Weekend, our family took a trip to Gettysburg. More to come on that (if I ever manage to write a post about it, that is. Don't hold you breath, friends.)!

Favorite Thing to Wear: These gold sandals are my new BSF (best shoe forever). The metallic makes any outfit instantly more dressy and the cut makes jeans feel summery. Perfect for work and weekends!

Favorite Thing For Relaxing: Lavender essential oil is my go to lately. I put a few drops in the bath in the evening and it helps calm me and even helps me sleep better.

Favorite Cookbook: The Little Paris Kitchen, Rachel Khoo Simple French recipes, beautiful photos. I'm so inspired by this book and Rachel Khoo.

Favorite Family Nights: Little League games. Here's the thing: Little League is a TON of work. Mutiple practices, games, gear. But I love it. I love every part of it. This year has been especially fun, because it's Dylan's first year playing kid pitch and it's Ava's first year ever playing t-ball. I made this chalkboard at the beginning of the season and when it comes to an end next week, I'll be sad. Less for us to do, but the end of baseball season is always bittersweet.


Summer, we are ready for you!

SCENES FROM A MOTHER'S DAY

She loved the sea.

She liked the sharp

salty smell of the air,

and the vastness

of the horizons

bounded only by a vault

of azure sky above.

It made her feel small,

but free as well.

-George R. R. Martin

(At the Barnegat Lighthouse)

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

 

We had another busy, fun weekend! Here's a few highlights:

 

 

I was honored to be asked to make flag for a Gold Star Mothers Memorial Ruck. Gold Star Mothers are mothers who have lost a son or daughter in combat. This ruck (a 10K with a loaded backpack) was made up of 21 teams, each who carried one of these flags with the name of a service person who gave their life. I hand cut each of the Gold Star and thought of each of those Mothers as I made them.

My Saturday mornings are devoted to meal planning, grocery shopping, and food prep for the week. I'll be writing a more indepth post about my process soon.

 

 

The kids went to a birthday party at Sky Zone. We'd never been there, but will defiantly be going back, especially with the cold winter days that are coming! So fun.

On Sunday we headed to Philadelphia for Boo at the Zoo! We're members of the Philadelphia Zoo, and I highly recommend that if you're ever in Philadelphia that you check it out. It's the oldest zoo in America and the setting for The Trumpet of the Swan.

 

 Love these three.

 The leaves were on point this weekend! We've at the peak for fall foliage.

 

My baby girl got her first haircut this weekend. I wanted to take her to my salon, but the husband pointed out that $50 for a trim wasn't a smart financial decision. So she went with daddy to his place.

 She looks so big now. And extra sassy.

 

 An outtake from some family photos I took this weekend. This one pretty much sums up our kids.

 

 

 

We had oven baked ribs for dinner on Sunday. SO yummy! I served them with dairy free mashed potatoes, a big salad with a Dijon vingarette, and kamala olives.

 

Hope you had a great weekend! Grab a cup a coffee and get after this Monday.