Sea Salt in My Hair

I've been off having a sweet savory affair with summer, but now that my calendar is less full and I am more available, my thought process has to catch up and I  need to revel in the shallow tide of free time. Having nothing penciled in for the next couple of weekends, it is time to return to life as I know it from a much needed getaway to Rhode Island. Although my thoughts continue to drift to miles of pristine coastline, rolling blue surf, gorgeous desert like vegetation, crabs and clams by the bucket full, feet in the sand, cocktails in hand and lots of sunshine. I am fully rejuvenated!

 My husband surprised me with a sweet little camper, which instantly won my beating heart! At last, those faint whispers in his ear at night "buy a camper" took root and I am sincerely the happiest wife on the planet . I just adore her! Of course, if you know anything about me by now, I at once viewed her as my newest little project. Since he had purchased her a few weeks before our voyage to the sea, I had limited time to decide as to how I was going to glam her up, thus the terminology glamping.

 I really wanted to refurbish the material on all of the cushions, but time was not on my side so I had to scale down the project and settle for throws. Sticking to my thrifty vintage/boho theme,  I decided to see what Amazon had to offer and I was thrilled to find Mexican Falsa blankets at decent prices. Another cool offer, if you were willing to allow the seller to surprise you with the color combo then the price would be even less! I am always for surprises and lucky me, I was given my favorite color as well, purple :)

I had on hand two gorgeous grayish blue Aztec pillows that I had purchased some years ago. But I had torn them open with zero class to empty the stuffing and wash the covers at least a year ago and had never put them together again Silly me! So after a little bartering, my friend Debbie sewed them up like new and I used those to pretty up the dining and seating area of our camper. They worked out perfectly!!!

My husband stumbled across a box that we had stowed away in the attic of our garage. It contained a pot and pan set that had been handed down to me by a close friend, which I had completely forgotten about. It was such a wonderful find, since they totally went with my vintage theme. Perfection!!!

I made a quick trip to Goodwill to see what I could find in the home section. I have to confess, it was one of those finds that made my day complete! There are so many great little finds, I was having a field day collecting all sorts of necessities for our camper, including another vintage throw, a woven ikat rug, charming glass spice jars, rope pot mats.....I left there with my cart overflowing, I was in heaven!

I splurged on some indulgent candles at TJ Maxx (of couse!!) that made our tiny home on wheels smell like heaven. I then  hung a few canvas prints on her walls that I had from home. Lastly placing a bowl of fruit and veggies on her counter tops, she truly felt like home. It was one of the best vacations we had!

Being back has been bitter-sweet, but towards the beginning of summer there was so much to be accomplished at home. It is time to revisit those plans and get the ball rolling! I am someone who needs to be able to see rather envision, so on my current things to do, I am going to be creating a mood board to help myself organize my thoughts visually. No worries, I will be sharing once I have created my board. I would love to see yours as well! A few things that will be included are paint chips, colorful pokey cacti (current little obsession), white moon flowers, wildcrafting...the rest will be a surprise!

A Case of the Blahs; Rejuvenated

Hope ya'll had a fantabulous weekend!!! We finally had a warm front so we were able to head outdoors for some much needed fresh air and vitamin D! Last week I had a serious case of the blahs. Between my  work load increasing, temperatures staying below zero, my boys being sick (that includes my husband since I only have one little boy technically) and a nasty case of cabin fever, it's not a rare diagnoses round these parts of the northeast hemisphere. 

But I was able to shake it off this past weekend with the help of much needed sister time, which included lots of gut aching laughter, crafts for her upcoming wedding, a makeup trial run (which was done after a few glasses of wine, you can imagine the outcome, lol!) and the love sisters share. 

My entire family benefited from her visit. She has a natural calming quality that soothes and comforts, she is like home. She is medicine to my soul. And the laughter between us is the best of all. If I could spend the rest of my days in a fit of laughter, my world would be ideal. That should be an added life goal! 

If you're a mother, you will completely relate I am sure. My son is three. We flew through the two year stage without a hiccup, he was my sweet darling boy with a heart of gold. And....he still is....but with added sass, independence and I swear he is on the brink of turning 15. The defiance! To get a kiss or hug from the little dude is like begging for the moon and I end up looking the pathetic baby! Lol!

But this weekend, this weekend he overcompensated for lost time (yup, pathetic). He gave me my hugs, kisses and "I love you"'s on his own accord! My heart and mind have been in full swoon mood. I soaked it up like sea sponge! Oh the joys of being a parent (and I mean that in every way)! 

We ended the weekend visiting my parents (aka the grandparents). They are my bread and butter. I needed the comfort that parents can give. They love you even in your ugliest of moments. We took a nice walk, splashed in melted snow and laughed about life in general. I am so thankful for my parents. 

I think when it comes down to it, all we need or want in life is to love, be loved and to laugh, along with a purpose to live. Thus the overused cliche "live, laugh, love". I suppose it's overused because it reigns true to so many. 

Although Monday's can be the pits, I am refreshed and ready to start a new week with a new attitude. Hope you have a great day as well!!

Carla, XO