[I’ve been eager to put flowers in this teapot for quite some time.]

I was looking forward to a weekend at home.  It seemed like the first I’d had in months.  Marshall visited, and we planned to not make any plans.  There were a couple things that I wanted to do to soak up the last moments of summer: get a drink on a patio outside, and go to the farmer’s market, but I didn’t know much beyond that. 

Although our farmer’s markets plans were put on hold by one of the best thunderstorms I’ve seen in a while, our perfectly laid back Saturday was exactly what I needed to counter-act the current gypsy state of my life.  Even though it will be another two weeks before I can officially say I’m done living out of a suitcase, this weekend definitely made me feel like I was home for good. 

[Audrey Hepburn movies are perfect for rainy days.]

[I made my first ever banana bread.  With chocolate chips, of course.]

[There’s nothing quite like sparkling wine in the middle of the day.]

[We rounded out the night with some drinks and an incredible view.]

Here’s to hoping your Saturdays were just as fantastic.

My gas stove (I hate everything about cooking with electric stoves!) and new tomato spoon rest from World Market.

Believe it or not, I’ve barely stepped foot in my own apartment for the past month.  I’ve been spending most of my time in Indiana, working out of the office in South Bend.  Although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time with Marshall and his family, I’m so excited to finally have some time to spend in my own girly apartment.  In my own city.  I’m not the kind of person who usually gets homesick.  I used to go on 3-week trips across the country during the summers when I was in high school, and never missed home.  I didn’t even cry when my parents dropped me off at the dorms on my first day of college.  But, especially this past week I’ve been longing for my bed, my kitchen, my complete wardrobe (which is going to be getting purged this weekend!), and my flowery pink couches.  Well, I guess they’re Allison’s flowery pink couches, but you get the point.  Anyway, here are a few simple pleasures I’m soaking up during my extended stay at home. 

This vintage-inspired rooster hook plate that holds my roommate’s vintage aprons.

The little yellow teapot that my grandma gave me that is more decorative than utilitarian.

Our deck that is filled with a potted garden.  I give all of the credit to Allison for this one.

Sunshine on beautiful flowers.  Impossible not to feel calm and content when surrounded by these little gems. 

My history of posting people’s birthdays on this blog has not been very consistent.  It really has nothing to do with how much I love the person, since I’ve often forgotten to post birthday wishes for my own parents or best friend of almost ten years.  Rather, it is more likely a reflection of how close I am to my computer/blog on the very day of their birth. 

However, on this particular day, I am close to my blog/computer, and it’s someone’s birthday that I happen to love. Very much.  She’s probably starting her party already, or did so hours ago if she’s anything like me.  Either way, I wish I could be there for the third celebration of your 21st year on our beautiful planet, Colleen.  I know I’ve said it before, but I am so thrilled that Danny has found you!  I always hoped he would find a lady friend who could also be my friend.  Sharing is caring, after all.  Anyway, I think you’re swell, extremely talented, sweet, funny, and generally fun to be around.  I’ll come to Normal soon for a fourth celebration of your 21st birthday.  Now go dance to Bulletproof like a mad woman and quote some Always Sunny for me.

The 4th of July has always been my third favorite day of the year (second only to Christmas and my birthday.)  I can never remember a 4th when it rained or that I didn’t spend the entire day outside.  It’s that perfect mix of sunshine, family, friends, food, and general relaxation.  Yesterday was no exception.  It was that quintessential kind of summer day without a cloud in the sky that seemed to go on forever.  I went to Silver Beach in Michigan with Marshall and his family, which is an adorable little town to visit if you ever get the chance.  We swam, walked the beach, ate more watermelon than you can shake a stick at, sunbathed, laughed, and just laid around.  Another flawless 4th of July under my belt. 

You’ve probably noticed that it’s been quite a while since I posted an outfit on this blog.  In fact, there was snow on the ground the last time that I did.  Truth be told, I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump, and my checkbook was having a slump of its own.  I’d mixed and matched, matched and mixed all of the clothes in my closet, and didn’t feel like sharing less-than-stellar ensembles with you that I wasn’t excited about myself.  Well, the slump is over, folks!  It’s a small start, but I found five new pieces on a shopping adventure with my mom this weekend, and I incorporated two of them in this outfit: the sweater and the shoes!  I’m loving these shoes!  I’ve been looking for wedges/clogs for a while, but didn’t find any that I liked until now.  It feels good to be back, and to be excited about getting dressed again. 

Happy 4th of July everyone!  Be safe and have lots of fun!

The Deets:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren

Top: Gap

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Coach

Shades: Fendi

Truth be told, this wasn’t my first trip to South Carolina.  I have visited Myrtle Beach once before with my family.  However, I’m told by true Southerners that Myrtle Beach doesn’t count.  I assume this is because it is viewed as nothing more than a tourist attraction.  That being said, I feel very lucky that my trip to Greenville was my third trip of 2011.  Even though times have been tough, I’m so happy that I still have the chance to travel.*  It is truly one of my favorite things to do.  Greenville is an adorable little city nestled in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge mountains.  I got to indulge in a variety of different activities: we hiked, tubed, swam, drove through the mountains, and - of course - ate a ton of great food and enjoyed some libations.  I can’t wait to visit again, even if it is mostly to hear Southern accents.  They amuse me. Greatly.  And everyone has one.  It’s fantastic.

*A very special thanks to Marshall and his family for such an amazing trip.  I’ll never forget it!

Happy Father’s Day, dad!  Here are the top 10 reasons that I love you!

1. You are hilarious
2. You have always been incredibly interested in my day-to-day life and friends
3. You tell me that you are proud of me even when I don’t feel proud of myself
4. You have great fashion sense
5. You are a great listener
6. You are the most devoted football fan I know
7. You taught me how to play soccer, do well in school, and be successful
8. You never give up, and you never settle for second best
9. You don’t take yourself too seriously
10. You put your family above all else

I love you more than words can say! Thanks for always being there for me…no matter what!

On Friday, I’ll be going on a mini-vacation to South Carolina.  I can’t wait to escape for a few days and explore a new part of the country. 

It seems as though I’ve taken a bit of a vacation from blogging lately as well.  But, don’t fear.  There are many new and exciting things in the works that I’ll share with you soon.  I’ve got some big plans to do some re-decorating in my apartment, overhaul of my warm-weather wardrobe (say that 10 times fast), new summer recipes I’m eager to try, and adventures I plan to go on. 

So, as I gather all of these new ventures together, please be patient with me.  One of my favorite things about blogging is that the blog changes as things in my life change.  Lately this means I haven’t had much time to write at all, but when I come back I will (hopefully) have a lot of new, interesting, and mildly amusing things to share with you. 

….So here are some updates for you…

I dyed my hair dark for the first time in my life.

Marshall turned the big 2-4.

And a large majority of my favorite people were there to celebrate.

We booked a trip for Greenville, South Carolina in June!

I’ve been catching up on Mad Men Season 4.

I’ve started spring cleaning.  But there is much more to come.  Will keep you updated on the process.  Read: It is far overdue, and Simple Abundance has been kicking my butt lately by stressing the importance of an orderly, comfortable, and beautiful home.

My mom tells me that when I was a baby, bath time was my favorite part of the day.  However, due to less than stellar bath tubs in my college apartments, I stopped taking baths when I was 17.  Last week I was reading Simple Abundance, and the author was talking about the importance of taking baths for relaxation and meditation.  So, last Thursday night, I gave it a whirl.  I used some bubble bath that I got for my college graduation (two years ago!), and had never opened.  I lit some candles, and turned on some Imogen Heap.  It was one of the most relaxing things I’ve done in a long while.  I slept like an absolute baby for the next two nights.  I felt refreshed, rested, and ready to take on the weekend projects of cleaning my apartment, doing a plethora of laundry, and re-organizing the container cabinet in our kitchen.  Needless to say, I’m going to make it a weekly ritual.