HAPPY DAYS

 

'day one: beautiful (fake) flower seven year old mason "picked" for me on his way home from school'

I started one of those silly online challenges that sees if you can be happy for 100 days in a row.  I'm a pretty happy person so of course I can be happy for 100 days in a row but I thought it would be nice to take time out of each day in order to capture a moment of that happiness.  Here are a few of my first happy moments for the happy day challenge.  Have a wonderful (and very happy) weekend!

 

'day two: this view with my coffee every morning (and my amazing 50 cent mug that i bought nine of)'

 

'day six: a little early afternoon golf with my parents. so much fun! (even though im not very good)'

 

'day eight: my first purchase for my apartment i don't yet have!'

 

'day ten: my first seedlings are planted in my new pot. grow, lavender, grow!'

SUNDAY SUNDAY

 

^^fresh farmers market flowers from last summer^^

I always knew Sundays had potential.  The smell of coffee floating from room to room, soon filling the entire house.  The scent of coffee meant fresh, doughy cinnamon rolls or an egg casserole filled with vegetables warm out of the oven were soon to follow.  My family scattered throughout the house, curled on every couch reading or napping.  In college, it meant all of the girls cuddled in front of the tv for a marathon complimented by Panera's fresh bagels (and my embarrassing Sunday favorite - caesar salad).  

But Sundays always came with a quiet burden.  Whether it was Sunday school robbing my youthful body of sleep or, later, struggling to read seemingly hundreds of pages in political science and sociology textbooks for Monday's classes - there was always a Sunday weight to be beared.

After graduating college, I slowly began to realize that Sunday burdens were to cease.  A weight lifted on that second day of the weekend, my favorite day of the week.  Instead, sleeping in, creating a masterpiece brunch, baking bread, visiting the farmers market for fresh fruits and flowers, reading all day....the comforting, delightful options are endless.  Sunday, I love you.

BIG BEAR

a couple of weeks over a month (i swear time is moving faster everyday) ago my mom and cody and i road tripped.  road trips are my favorite and the cali mountains were calling us.  it was a much needed weekend in nature.  cold (see: freezing) nights were accompanied by tea and chocolates (i was on vaca....) and the days were spent hiking, exploring some beautiful historical areas, admiring our family friend's stunning horses, and attending inspiring film festivals.  and cody was in dog heaven, i think he's mad at us for leaving.  big bear, you are wonderful.  maybe ill be back this winter....

STOMPIN'

Two weekends ago (I'm really off my blogging game) we ventured to Coronado Vinyards for a grape stomp.  It was a perfect day with more eating and drinking going on than stomping.  The wine was incredible, we even brought a few bottles home, and the views were stunning.  I am shocked by the many vineyards surrounding us in Arizona (and loving it).  It's going to be another busy week with a juice cleanse, a house closing, a little bit of work, and some training for volunteer work.  Happy Monday!

THE WEEKENDER

{the view from a morning hike}

After a packed and successful week, we have a relaxing dinner with friends planned for this evening.  But tomorrow we're heading to Coronado Vinyards to participate in their annual grape stomp complete with wine tasting and tapas!  I'm a huge vino fan so tomorrow will be like a dream, I'm so excited.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, here are some of my favorite links from this week.....

Do you eat any of these banned foods?

Live a happy life.

I love you, Netflix.

What women wore under their skirts.

I want to try this tasty morning cocktail.

I'm more of a dog person but this cat fashion show is pretty funny.

I can't wait to make these with my new popsicle molds!

 In case you were afraid that I've been going hungry.

THE WEEKENDER

I've spent three days in the desert and I already have a favorite cactus, the saguaro.  There are so many different shapes and sizes--some have grown to be towering, some are just fuzzy babies, some have grown sideways, and some have what seems like a million little arms popping out from all over.  All of the different cacti are so fun to explore--I even saw one start to bloom today!  Other than visiting my new home and stopping by a farmers market, this weekend is simply for settling into a new lifestyle... that I love already!  Some links for you this weekend.....

I'm planning on making this spray for my hair.

Such a great, helpful tip for making cooking easier.

I made cauliflower mashed potatoes for a barbeque a few weeks ago and it was delicious.  I can't wait to try this eggplant version.

I am on the hunt for a light summer robe similar to this one.

I can't wait to have my very own at-home bar one day.

I am sad to report that I am not very hip, at least according to this quiz.

Happy birthday, Harry!  And now I feel old....

It's good to fall in love.

LAST MIDWESTERN WEEKEND

We spent my last weekend in the Midwest this summer playing with adorable little puppies, spending time with friends, and constantly cooking (I actually ate a piece of bacon!).  A final farewell of sushi and champagne tonight and Kurt is sending me off to the mountains tomorrow!  I hope everyone had a fun weekend.

LIQUIDATION

Saturday was rainy.  But, we managed to make the most out of the momentary bursts of sun throughout the day.  After enjoying burgers by the river, we visited Mendelson's Liquidation Outlet.  I'd never been to a liquidation outlet before and it was fascinating!  An eight story warehouse filled with everything from hospital beds to restaurant appliances.  Upstairs, there were rows and rows of seemingly broken down engines, cylinders, tools, and computer parts.  Kurt scored some classic redneck belt buckles and I found my dream mugs (I can't wait to share them with you!).  After a trip to the farmers market for fresh flowers and some veggies we spent the afternoon relaxing and listening to the rain.  It was a lovely Saturday.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too!

THE WEEKENDER

{a haphazard shot driving through Dayton last year}

We have another relaxing weekend planned.  Other than the awesome (surprise!) date I have planned for us tonight, we're just spending time with friends and enjoying the air conditioning (maybe we'll venture out for a bike ride on Saturday).  Have a great weekend!  Here are some fun links from around the web...

Manhattan inside of the Grand Canyon.

I love Channing Tatum.  Check out his early modeling days and this (more recent) hilarious video.

Netflix has put some awesome shows out lately.  Have you seen Orange is the New Black?  Kurt and I binge watched it last weekend and loved it.

A photo for every subway station in Manhattan.

I was just introduced to this vegan food blog (thanks, Hannah!) and I can't wait to try some recipes!

New York is a pretty unique place and this blog highlights the best of it's inhabitants. 

I would love to stay in this hotel suite (and I wouldn't mind being in Capri either).

I've been loving the gallery wall look lately.

THE WEEKENDER

{my beautiful backyard in just a few short weeks}

The past few weekends have been full of traveling and parties with family and friends so we're excited to have a restful weekend at home with very few plans.  We went to the comedy club again last night with an old friend and are planning on biking along the river and grabbing some food at the Silver Fern Cafe (finally!).  Have a wonderful weekend!  Here are some fun links from this week....

We're making this salad for dinner tonight!

I can't wait to see this Disney movie around Christmas time!

Which caffeinated owl are you in the mornings?

As soon as I'm ready (we're talking years here) I'm going to get an English Bulldog.  I can't even handle their cute wrinkles.  But how adorable are these pictures of their brothers the French Bulldogs?

Isn't this beautiful home dreamy?

I used some of these great tips for my yoga routine this morning.

I LOVE kale chips and I can't wait to try this recipe this weekend for a new twist on my favorite snack.

THE WEEKENDER

Our summer celebrations are almost over but for one last hurrah we're heading to a friend's cabin in Michigan for the weekend.  We are so excited to spend our last summer weekend together with friends... praying for nice weather!  Here are a few fun links from around the web...

How great (and useful) is this new app?

I'm so excited to be living in the mountains so I can start hiking again.  Here are some good hiking spots all around the country! 

Iced coffee is such a great start to a summer day.  (This one's for you, Kurt!)

Interesting concept for changing Barbie, do you think it could make a difference?

I'm excited to get back into an exercising routine next week.  I'll definitely want to remember these tips.

Some tempting recipes that all include cherries.

This really makes me want to go on a picnic (one of my favorite summertime activities!)

DATE NIGHT

Last week Kurt planned so many surprise dates I can barely remember them all!  One of my favorites was making the drive to Columbus for a Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew soccer game.  Soccer was a huge part of my life from childhood until the end of high school and it was so fun going to a professional game with Kurt.  We ate awful stadium food (we're talking some major exceptions), cheered on the Fire as they beat the Crew, and ended the night watching fireworks light up the sky.  It was pretty much a dream date night.

BAR GAMES

{edited with Elsie and Emma's A Beautiful Mess app}

I don't typically play games when I'm at bars (other than trivia nights!) but last weekend I tried out darts and it was a blast.  I was even able to keep up with the boys!  Another one of my favorites is Bar Dice.  It's so fun making up interesting shots and seeing who the unlucky 'winner' is.  Do you have any favorite bar games?

THE WEEKENDER

This weekend Kurt and I are headed to our hometowns for family parties.  I'm excited to spend time with both of our families and visit pieces of our pasts.  I hope you have a great weekend!  Here are some of my favorite links from around the web this week....

I've always liked doing work at coffee shops.

....and it turns out that coffee is good for us too!

How great are these his + her mugs?

Hopefully I'll have time to make one of these beautiful crowns for the fourth of July weekend.

How cool would this bedroom be?

In just a few weeks I'm going to be surrounded by cacti.  I might try making this cute mini cacti garden for the new yard...

I would love to take a road trip and visit some of these beautiful national parks (and make a stop at the Redwoods).

I love these ideas for a little spring cleaning for your body.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Every second of this last weekend was perfect but if I had to choose, my favorite day was Sunday.  We spent the whole afternoon biking along the river and through the city.  I discovered areas of Dayton that I didn't even realize existed!  We attempted to get lunch at the Silver Fern Cafe at Riverscape Metro along the river but they aren't open Sundays (along with every other lunch place in Dayton, it seems).  So instead, we enjoyed the fountains at the park, ran into a festival downtown and finally made our way back home to indulge in Chinese take-out (our favorite).  And if it wasn't a perfect day already, Kurt surprised me with tickets to a comedy show at Funny Bone.  We were laughing all night, it was the best.

 Thanks for a perfect weekend, Kurt!

THE WEEKENDER

{a shot of campus in late fall}

This weekend I am returning to my alma mater for the first time since I graduated (it's been a whole two months and I already miss it!).  Kurt still lives next to campus so I'm visiting him for the week!  He has hinted at a week full of surprises, dinners at some of my favorite restaurants, and time to relax together.  I'm so excited!  Have a great weekend.  Here are some fun links from around the web....

This made me a little nostalgic and a lot happy.

Some great (and cheap) breakfast ideas.

Videos like this give me a little more faith in humanity.

This bloody mary looks amazing.  I can't wait to try it.

Some of these ideas make me want to throw a party!

This project is so fun!

Don't these cocktails looks delicious?  I'm planning on trying the gin sparkler tonight!

COMET

Kurt knows my favorite meal is brunch so when he was in town last weekend we spent my last Sunday in Milwaukee exploring the brunch scene.  My mom had recommended The Comet Cafe with a post card she bought from the cafe and sent to me back in April when I was living in Dayton.  I have wanted to try it ever since and neither Kurt or I were disappointed!  The menu was vast (and vegan friendly!).  I really enjoyed Kelly's Vegan Scramble and Kurt was adventurous and got the special--a breakfast sandwich made of sausage and eggs with pancakes as the bread!  We got to sit at the bar and the staff was great--it felt like we were hanging out with friends!  With such a fun atmosphere, great bar, and amazing food I'll make sure I make this a stop when I come back to visit my hometown.

BEERBEERBEE

{I loved the Apple Peach Hard Cider from Ciderboys}

This weekend was perfect!  Friday night we celebrated my mom's last day of work with our favorite fish fry and some Veuve Clicquot. On Saturday we made our annual visit to the Breast Cancer Showhouse.  It was beautiful and fun, as usual!  After the showhouse we visited the newest restaurant in my town, The Bay.  I give it rave reviews, the salmon salad was delicious.  Then we headed home to get ready for Beer Fest. We spent the rest of the day tasting the amazing beers of Wisconsin with friends and enjoyed a barbeque at a family friends house for dinner.  It was the perfect weekend.  

{one of my closest friends, Luckey, and I at our second annual beer fest together}

{me, Charlie, and my mom enjoying the day}

{one of my favorite beers was a chai tea porter from this Stevens Point Brewery}

THE WEEKENDER

{A shot I took last summer while sailing on Lake Michigan of the sunset over Milwaukee}

This will be my first weekend spent at home in weeks but the last weekend I'll spend in my hometown for a while.  So I've filled up my schedule with dinners with family and friends, Milwaukee's best beer fest, and a father's day cookout.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Here are some fun weekender links....

I am a huge Sex and the City fan and loved this collection of Carrie Bradshaw moments.

In case you're in a bind and craving some vino.

So very true.

Some good ideas for making your home more efficient.

These are so cute for a girls night!

I'm currently re-reading this and am so excited to see the movie when I visit Kurt next week!

IVY LEAGUE

I spent a good amount of my weekend driving but it was worth being able to celebrate my cousins graduation in New Hampshire.  It is a beautiful part of the country that I have never been able to explore before.  Although Dartmouth is located in the middle of nowhere, it was absolutely beautiful and inspiring in it's isolation.  From frat parties to official Phi Beta Kappa meetings, it was a wonderful weekend full of food and a lovely celebration of accomplishments.  Congratulations, Joey!