The "Lake" (2)

The "Lake" (1)

 

Tunes: Just a Boy

It's a quiet week around here, but I hope it's been a good one for you. 

Real quick . . .

I am loving this asymmetrical dress from Anthom. 

Reflections

I'm in the final 50 pages of The Warmth of Other Suns. Just picking it up less than 3 weeks ago, I haven't been able to put down the 600 page book, but the final pages have me halting in my tracks with no desire to read the conclusion. 

Let me tell you why. The Warmth of Other Suns so beautifully narrates the lives of three African Americans from the deep South who migrate to Chicago, New York, and California in search of a better life; a life void of Jim Crow and prejudicial obstacles. The book has chronicled their journeys through marriages, babies, jobs, disappointments, and triumphs. In the final pages, you see Robert, George, and Ida Mae as deteriorating beings with their generation dying around them, and the present generation utterly unaware of the past. 

oh hello Friday

(source)

Heyo, it’s Friday, and we’re heading to “The Lake” tomorrow for a weeklong vacation. I’ll be spending some time with this one in Boston, then have a week of this and this, and definitely this.

Some links for your weekend . . .

Tunes: Shake, Shake, Shake

Some good background tunes to wrap up my Friday before heading to vacation. Enjoy. 

Some days

Do you ever have one of those days where nothing is going right? No matter how many apologies and acknowledged miscommunications, the day just needs to end to give you a fresh beginning in the morning.

The salmon that you made for dinner came out dry, and you know he’s just not in the mood for a budgeted dinner at home or the dishes that will follow. Heading to the gym while he's on a work call, you hope that the space and time will help. It's just an “off” evening. On the precipice of taking a week-long vacation, you know that you have to get through just 3 more days of emails, conference calls, meetings, and some semblance of routine.

To the lake, we go.

We are heading to the lake next week, and I couldn't be more excited! We are in need of some serious R&R.

We'll be in Boston, then Lake Ossipee for an entire week with boy's family. The days will be filled with sunbathing, reading, canoeing, swimming, some boat time, and delicious meals by the grill. I am also looking forward to . . .

Design: Bedroom Art

There are so many options for above the bed art- sunbursts, the classic three frames (which we currently have), big art, wall collage, and do I dare say, antlers? Which, we all know, I would love.

After reading a few articles on my beloved Apartment Therapy (here and here) and attempting to create mood boards on Pinterest,  I think I've finally decided on the art for our bedroom. 

I wanted it to be minimalist, but dramatic. Taking a photo from one of Philip's trips to Israel, he is creating something like the photos below, which have served as our inspiration. I'm really quite happy about it. By ordering it on a stretched canvas, we can get it any size we want, and it actually holds sentiment.

One year today

Today, we've lapped a year since boy proposed near Eastern Market. I just can't believe how much has happened in the last year. A friend mentioned the other day that 27 is supposed to be a great year, and mine surely was. Engaged shortly before my 27th celebration, a trip to Ethiopia, a wedding and honeymoon ;), our first apartment, falling more in love with my in-laws (yes, you heard me right),  and so much more.

oh hello Friday

(source)

Plans this weekend?

With a cookout tonight, an Annapolis clambake tomorrow, and cocktail dates with friends,  I think it will turn out to be the perfect summer weekend. I'm halfway through The Warmth from Other Suns, and I can't wait to devour more on my lazy Sunday afternoon; it's a page turner and history lesson all rolled into one. Some fun links to kick off your weekend . . .

Tunes: Follow the Sun

This tune and video seem only so appropriate for lazy summer days. Enjoy. 

Notes to Self

Johnny Cash’s notes surfaced to the internet a while back, but I just love reading through them from time to time. 

“Kiss June.” 

“Not smoke”

Bar Essentials

What are your must haves for your at-home bar? Those things that no matter how untimely guests show up at your door, you are ready to break out the shaker and woo them with your latest cocktail recipe. 

Some essentials around here . . . 

Life Lately

It's summertime, which means I've been away from the 'ole computer, leaving it slightly quiet around here.  How was your  Fourth of July weekend? Ours was SO relaxing and fun!

Some photos of our long weekend in VA beach and the Outer Banks . . .