Life Lately

As a child, there isn't much better than "summer vacation". Three long months, warm weather, no alarm clock...a child's slice of heaven. And then time passes you by and you're suddenly an adult. Working through every single season, five days a week. PAINFUL. Summer somehow loses it's magical appeal when you're an adult, but if you work it just right, you can still make your summer a fun filled one, even if you have to go to work the next day.

With that said, I thought I'd share with you all some of the things I've been keeping busy with this summer!

We kicked things off with a family trip to Jacksonville, Florida to watch my not-so-little brother graduate from the University of North Florida. You can see more photos and read more about our week HERE.

Watched the Orioles beat the Nationals during the battle of the beltway at Nationals Park on Memorial Day! More about that one, HERE.

Celebrated with this handsome little fella, who turned the big 5 in June!

Took a totally awesome trip back in time and went to see 98*, Boyz II Men and the New Kids on the Block in Philadelphia. Please note: we are dressed in full 90's attire, this is NOT our normal style.

We had a small get together for the 4th of July at our house with Bubba's family.

We welcomed our new nephews and Godsons, Zack and Eli, into the Church through their Baptism at the end of July. Seriously, how cute are all of these Smith children?!

Finally, this past weekend I had a BLAST with my sister at the VH1 Mixtape Festival in Hershey Park, PA. Oh, did I mention I got to meet Taylor Hanson?! More on this encounter later... :)

What do you like to do during the summer months for fun? 

Concerts? Vacations? Parties? Leave a comment and share some of your summer fun!

Birthday Bliss

Today is one of my favorite days of the year, my birthday!! I've been pampering myself and relaxing, but I did want to share a couple pictures I've taken in the past couple of days, just because they're pretty. Enjoy!

While trimming back my rose bushes a couple days ago, I found a beautiful little birds nest with these three eggs.

My sweet beagle, Harper, about a year and four months old, helping with yard work.

The lavender bush was in full bloom and filled with bumblebees.

Another view of the lavender bush.

Starting to get the porch ready for the 4th of July!

Beat the Heat!

Tuesday’s Tip…

…for beating the heat! It. Is. HOT! Here in southern Maryland, we are experiencing an unusual heat wave, with temperatures in the high 90’s, even breaking 100 a couple of times. And not only is it hot, it’s also humid. (a little something we are known for here in the old line state) So here it is a couple of tips for beating the heat while you’re out searching for your next product or working on a new masterpiece.

1.      Stay hydrated. Water, water, water. When it’s 6am, your leaving for your first yard sale and it’s already 85 degrees, you know it’s going to be a LONG, hot day. Grab an insulated bag and throw several bottles of water in there, trust me, you’ll need it.

2.      Dress appropriately. Comfortable athletic clothes are what I prefer when I’m going to be working out in the dreaded heat. Light colors are always helpful, too. I’ve also found that a nice French braid or two is great for keeping heavy, frizzy (thank you, humidity) hair off your neck and face.

3.      Don’t overdo it. Especially if you are in a workshop or workspace that does not have A/C. Work in ½ hour increments, make sure you have a fan or some form of breeze, and remember that this is supposed to be fun, not torture in the hot sun. If you have a large room in your home that you can transport the piece to and work on it there, even better!