The 4th...

Hello my little dream weavers.

My mom says she feels like reading my blog is like peeking into someone's diary. I kind of agree because sometimes it's just me writing my thoughts down. No real rhyme or reason. Today is one of those days where I'm just typing a little this and a little that. No theme for today.

I just got home from an awesome ride on Isabel. Perfect way to start the day. She was spot on today. Love my girl.

Another perfect way to start my day is enjoying my morning coffee outside {although I've almost kicked my coffee habit... I've moved on to these delicious isagenix protein shakes. So yummy and super healthy for the body too. Can't beat that, right?}

And now... I move on to my next unrelated topic, the 4th of July. I love the 4th of July. We got engaged at the fireworks years ago during the grand finale. So the 4th has sentimental meaning to me. We always have an American flag hanging off the front of our house year round, but come June, we put out our 4th of July buntings on our front porch railings and keep them out all through August. I love how it looks. Super festive and summery.

This picture reminds me of all things summer and 4th of July. I am obsessed with the old pickup truck too. I really want an old vintage beauty like that. It's so farm girl chic.

I hope you enjoy your Thursday. It is a beautiful sunny day in CT today. I'll be sure to soak up some vitamin D outside!

xo

Pic via: Country Living

The Dynamic Duo... Back Together...

Good morning sunshine!

Remember this picture from one of my older posts?

 

 

I talked about how that was just like my best friend and me growing up. Blonde and brunette. The dynamic duo. And that she lives across the country now so we never really get to see each other.

 

Well, guess what? I just got a text from her that she is coming to town in June with her daughter! We are going to have a sleepover together! Isn't that so fun... perfect... awesome... epic! This will be the first time I'm meeting her little girl.

 

I can't even see straight I'm so excited. She said she wants me to sleepover because she wants me to spend as much time as possible with them. Sigh. Melts my heart. Just like old times. I can't even count the number of sleepovers we had as little kids. Probably every single weekend for years and years and years.

 

When I don't think about her, I'm fine. But when I do think about her, I miss her so much. Seriously, when we were little, you didn't see one without the other. We were that close.

 

So on this Wednesday, my day is starting out with this piece of happy news. It makes my cup runneth over. I am so blessed to have so much love in my life. So very blessed. And so very grateful.

 

xo

 

pic via: pinterest

The Little Bumble Bee...

Hi there.

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I have been playing catch up since I was away last week and haven't been in a bloggy sort of mood. I have been more like a busy little bee... Running here and there. Doing this and that. Tying up some loose ends...

You know the drill. I just need to hit the re-set button to get my butt back into gear. I hate when I have a million things hanging over my head. I feel like I'm drowning... Not a good feeling.

But I'm slowly chipping away at all the things on my to-do list. By next week I should be back on my feet. Hope you continue to follow along and be patient with my little hiccups along the way!!

Love and hugs.

xo

pic via: pinterest

The Art Of Swimming...

Hi again.

I'm back! I had a busy day getting back into the swing of things, starting with a ride on Isabel. As for my trip, it was a lot of sitting in a "classroom" type of environment with a lot of studious and highfalutin folks, but I learned a ton crammed into three short days.

The truth is it felt like 3 long days though. There was so much information to absorb, so even though I was technically just sitting, by the time I got back to my hotel room every night, I was totally spent. I think it was more brain exhaustion.

I researched my hotel before I went so I knew it had a beautiful pool. I went and bought a new bathing suit so that I could do some swimming every night.

Little did I know how much I would need that swim. I am not exactly a great swimmer. I can swim, but it's nothing too fancy. Let's just say that I won't be winning any Olympic medals any time soon. My goal is simply to exercise and enjoy.

Anyway, when I stepped into that pool, the water was so warm and welcoming. It didn't take but two seconds for me to dive right in. I swam and swam, trying to get my heart rate going. Back and forth I went, side to side, treading water, breaststroke, backstroke, you name it, I did it...

I had the whole place to myself so it was incredibly peaceful. At the end, I floated on my back for a few minutes, ears underwater, listening to the sounds of the water splashing ever so slightly against the sides of the pool. Have you ever done that before? Honestly, it was the most relaxing part of my whole trip... being in that pool. There is something about swimming that kind of takes you outside of your own head and into another world. A tranquil, soothing world full of sounds and sensations. The swimming felt good. The floating felt even better. The sounds were relaxing. The sensations were calming. It was good. Yes, it was all good.

Now that I'm home, I have been looking into how I can make swimming a part of my weekly routine. There is a pool in town that I can use at certain times of the day for "adult free swim." Sounds kinda perfect, right?

I never realized how soothing swimming can be. I guess in the past I've always been with other people when I've gone swimming. Never did I think I could find enjoyment in it as a solitary thing. But I did. That's why I love trying new things. Had I not done this, I never would have realized the calming effect it would have on me. You just never know when something unexpectedly will add some spice or happiness or relaxation to your life. I'm trying really hard to live my life with no regrets. And trying new things is at the top of my list.

 

 

 

xo

 

 

pic via: pinterest

Outta Here...

Good morning!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning...

Sunny after a night of pouring rain and thunder. It feels so peaceful out right now.  All is still damp and quiet. The sun is just starting to warm things up. There are only a few little birds getting their morning breakfast at our feeders. Beautiful start to the day.

Anyway, I think I forgot to mention that I have to go away for part of next week. I 'm leaving tomorrow and won't be able to blog until I get home. I'm going away for business, not fun.

It will be excitement for my brain though. There is a lot to learn on this trip. Three days worth of intellectual stimulation. I am actually really looking forward to it.

I love learning, growing and stretching my mind. Every day is an opportunity to put something new and great into your head.

So until Thursday my loves... Bon Voyage!

xo

pic via: pinterest

Tis The Season...

Like it or not y'all, tis the season for bathing suit shopping! It comes upon us in a blink of an eye, right?

Since I have a summer trip planned, I actually want to buy a few new bathing suits and some summery things.

Here are my wants:

I love the ruffled top on this one.

Kind of a ruffled top and I'm really liking the mix of colors on this one.

 

 

 

The bottoms on this one are adorable. I think this one made my must have list. 

If I'm going one-piece, I'm going cute one-piece...

Again, great colors.

And you can't be on vacation without a lovely cover-up. I love elephants, so this one is perfect.

 

 

A sunhat is on my must have list too. This one is cute enough to wear around during the day but great for the beach too. Love. 

This will be my summer staple. I have tons of maxi skirts. They are comfy and easy. They go with anything and can be dressed up or down. Perfection.

 

 

The stripes are summery fun and the bag is giant {just the way I like it.} She looks like she is ready to go boating.

 

 

This look is just a fun pop of color for the wardrobe. Loving the pink and aqua mix. Fun and fashionable. 

I can't wait to start my shopping for my summer vacation! I won't go crazy but I will definitely be buying a few goodies to take along to The Vineyard with me!

Hope you have a nice weekend!

xo

Pics via: Anthropologie and Pinterest

Joy Rising...

Yes, you know them...

Those people who walk into a room and everyone gravitates towards them...

Wants to be friends with them...

Wants to know them...

Wants to be like them...

There aren't too many people like that out there. But when you see one, you know it.

I was watching an interview with Dolly Parton yesterday. Yes, Dolly Parton. She was way before my time so I never really knew anything about her. But listening to her talk yesterday I thought, yes, she is one of those people. She exudes happiness and positivity. She radiates joy.


I once heard it called Joy Rising. I believe I heard that term from Goldie Hawn. She is another one who is before my time, but I think she is truly fantastic. She actually described herself as Joy Rising. You don't have to know her to feel it from her. She was on an interview that I watched years ago and I felt it way back then. So when writing this, Dolly came to mind first because I saw her interview yesterday. But I was thinking of other women who ooze joy and positivity and I remembered Goldie's interview. She was simply glowing with happiness.

I mean look at that laughing smile. And Kate has it too!

I guess some people might believe it's because they are rich and famous, but I don't believe that for a second. How many celebrities are out there who are arrogant, selfish, negative and miserable. So I believe it's something internal that these women have.

The other woman who I think fits under the Joy Rising title is Drew Barrymore. She is someone from my generation who is definitely one of those people. When you watch her talk, you can't help but smile. You can feel her genuineness... her happiness.

 

I love how she can be silly and have fun.

 

 

 

You can feel her joy just looking at her! 

I know I've said this before, but my yoga teacher is another one. She exudes tranquility, happiness and love. You want to talk to her. You want to be near her.

I wish the world was full of more people like these women. I know I'm going to start making more of an effort to be more of a Joy Rising kind of woman.

xo

Pics via: pinterest