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!

Back With a Bang!!

{Back with a Bang, get it?! LOL! Super corny! Still getting used this new look myself though....}

Now that tax season is over and I have been able to fully unwind, I feel as though I have truly hit the reset button and have gotten to enjoy the comforts of home. I had a much overdue date night with my husband accompanied with new business contacts that have become friends through my husband's business. They are such a great couple, I am in much hope for a future get together! We had a great time at a local brewery, I enjoyed a delicious dinner of bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with wasabi sided with an array of fresh steamed veggies, it was heavenly! It was so nice to share laughs, great conversation and just relax. I was also able to see my husband's work (beautiful remodeled bathroom), which I rarely get to see in person. He is so talented and it was amazing to see his craftsmanship in real life, I am his number one fan-girl!  In all, Saturday was simply smashing!

{There is something so magical about spring and waiting for those first blooms. These are some beauts}

Sunday was just as divine. My husband took the day off to spend with Logan and I, we enjoyed a lavish homemade breakfast. That has always been a tradition of ours and its THE best way to start off a family day. I whipped up some scrambled eggs, used a heavy hand with shredded cheddar cheese. Then sauteed onions and potatoes, both of which came from our local CSA. Tossed in some fresh pork sausage, sprinkled it with dill and freshly ground pepper. Sided with apple slices and of course a frothy cup of coffee, it was delicious!

{So happy that my hens and chicks have made a comeback!!}

We then did some fun shopping together. My husband bought me a small greenhouse that I am completely over the moon with! Whilst the weather refuses to warm up, I am keeping it in our living room. As soon as it warms up, I will move it to our mudroom. But for now, I rather like it right where it is. I have never started a vegetable garden from seeds, but there is simply no going back. I have gotten the utmost enjoyment watching our baby plants grow, nurturing them. Its so exciting and amazing! Putting together my greenhouse and lining our little Dixie cups holding our future veggies on its shelves was a delightful way to spend my afternoon soaking up the little bit of sun that there was.

{All planted with organic love}

Afterwards, Logan and I took off on the four wheeler to do some forest foraging. We found all sorts of artifacts. We brought home a beautiful birch branch, which is now showcased in my kitchen waiting for herbs to be hung and dried. We also found a perfect sheet of birch bark which I will be framing, its AHHHHmazing. We then took off down towards the creek to collect rocks in which we will paint and use as markers in the herb garden. It was a grand adventure and seeing the excitement on my son's face as we collected together is always priceless.

        

{I was super duper excited when I came up with the idea to hang this little birdhouse from my branch and pop a tiny airplant in its hole! I mean, cereal?!?!}

The best ending to our afternoon ride was when he picked me some flowers and had us smell them together, he is just the best and I am so smitten with my little guy. He makes my heart swoon :)

{He is the blue to my sky} 

To end our perfect Sunday, we painted, one of our favorite crafting activities we do together. Then cuddled together and watched 101 Dalmatians, which he took a keen fascination to. It was by-far one of my favorite weekends of all!!!!! 

 I have missed you and now that I'm back, I'm feeling as though I've connected with an old friend and hopeful for the future! I am so glad to be back! Leave me a note, I would love to hear from you! 

{Love life, because life is too short NOT to!}

A Perfect Afternoon

{Dress: TJ Maxx & Bag: Just Fab}

The first hints of spring and warmer weather are here, at last!!! Its arrival has truly felt amazing, I can literally feel the sun seeping into my very being slowly melting away the winter blues. As much as I am bitter with winter, without her, I would take spring for granted I am sure. But as of right now, spring is my very favorite, she holds the most magic! I cannot wait for my garden's to grow....its always a moment of awe for me. 

{giving this new hairstyle a try, didn't turn out exactly how I envisioned, but I still rocked it! Thank you Promise Tangeman for the tutorial!!}

My girlfriend and I took a quick getaway during our lunch break to catch a few rays, enjoy the fresh air and enjoy our little town, it was amazing not to have to need a coat! You could see the smiles on everyone's faces welcoming the change, I feel as though I had perma-grin, loving everyone and everything!! There were definitely good vibes floating around ;)

{Coat: gift from hubby from Victoria Secret's}

As much as I loathed going back to the office, I felt refreshed and looked forward to taking a nice walk with my littlest guy in the evening. Some of the best things in life are truly free! Like great weather, awesome friendship and laughter.

{apparently someone loves SOUP, haha!}

Other things cost a little more. Like.....bright pretty pink nails to match my brighter spirits (cheesyyyyyyyyy! LOL!).

I am not one to fork over money to get my nails done. I used to. But now, I literally feel like its just something else I have to devote valuable time to. Aside from a few pedicures during the summer, I would rather spend the time and money elsewhere. That being said, I do like me some bright eye catching nails. I am more than capable of doing them myself. But finding a nail polish that stands up to constant cleaning and filing paperwork IS a challenge (not to mention gardening in the summer, yay!). I have bought high end nail polish and drug store brands.....nothing ticks me off more when my nails chip the very first day of wear. GRRRR.

{LOL! This picture makes me laugh every time! He thought my book prop was hilarious, so he had to replicate it as well!! And yes....he did his nails with mommy too!}

So, there are a couple of demands that I ask from a nail polish: quick drying and stay power. I want and need the ultimate super woman of nail polishes. And, I believe I have found it! 

{Spoiled nail polish, CVS exclusive, best lacquer around, I swear by it!! Two coats, clear coat and your ready to go! The shade I chose, Plastic Flamingo #S010}

Better brace yourself ladies: cost $1.99. Time: 15 - 20 minutes. Memories: a lifetime! 

Hope ya'll are enjoying this beautiful weather as much as I am!! 

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