Summer Week: 8 fun ideas for a family picnic

Have I ever told you just how much I absolutely love summer, friends? Oh, I’m pretty sure I’ve told you 5138751 times, but I have to say it again: I am head-over-heels, crazy-in-love with this time of year. It doesn’t get any better than the warm, sun-kissed days and cool, breezy nights. Everything comes alive in one giant pop to all the senses, and you find yourself wanting to live your life as if it were a Carly Rae Jepsen song. Case in point: I just happen to be listening to Miss Jepsen as I’m typing this post, and her pop confections are summer wrapped up in a song.

On that note (get it…note…music…see, summer makes me a giddy little school girl…), I’m so excited to kick off Summer Week 2013. I’ve got tons of amazing this planned, including an in-depth look at some of our guilty pleasures, but first, I’d love to know: What are your favorite things about summer? Beach days? Juicy watermelon? Road trips? S’mores? One of my favorite memories growing up is packing a sack lunch and heading to the woods for a picnic. We also spent countless hours on soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches. Here are 8 must-haves for the perfect family picnic…

1. Lots of fun games, like dominoes ($10.57), for relaxing in the afternoon.
2. Polaroid instant camera for capturing those special bonding moments, $179.99.
3. Watermelon serving bowl for serving, well, watermelon, $60.
4. A comfy picnic blanket for some quality cloud gazing, $40.99.
5. Weber grill for those barbecued-just-right hot dogs and gooey s’mores, $34.99.
6. A picnic basket to keep all the good stuff around from those curious creatures, $119.95.
7. A pair of binoculars for some classic bird watching (my father loved doing this…), $13.19.
8. Brightly colored flip flops to feel the grass between your toes, $22.95.

Wherever the summer winds take you this year, friends, whether it’s to the best, to the woods or to the open road, let’s enjoy the season together, shall we? xoxo

P.S. Some EXCITING news is coming your way this afternoon! :)

[Top photo via We Heart It, edited by me]

Summer pasta salad

Over the years, my mom has worked hard to perfect her signature summer pasta salad recipe. Well, I think
she’s mastered it. Last night, she made this delicious pasta salad, complete with all sorts of summery ingredients like tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cucumbers.

And, have you been into summer fruits a lot this season? I’ve been eating a cocktail of peaches, mandarins and strawberries at least three times a week.

What have you been eating this summer, friends? Any favorite foods so far? Thanks, mom, for the wonderful meal! xoxo

P.S. The best part about last night’s dinner? We’ve got leftovers for tonight! Also, my mom’s famous cookies. :)

Father’s Day: 10 Fun Gift Ideas

Lobster bottle opener for fun summer barbecues, $16.

An illuminaire moon stake because he was obsessed with space as a kid, $25.

This eye glasses holder since he’s always losing his specs, $18.

This baseball game because it’s his favorite pastime — and so he can play year-round, $48.

Emergency clown nose, so he’ll always be nosed and ready, $5.

Einstein socks in honor of his favorite scientist, $9.99.

An iPhone case because he’s finally moving into the 21st Century, $19.95.

A 6- or 12-month subscription to the Candy of the Month Club from famed Dylan’s Candy Bar to satisfy his huge sweet tooth.

A funny card with a heartfelt message because, whether he admits it or not, he’s a big sentimental softy at heart, $4.50.

A father-daughter date to go see Man of Steel because, well, your father’s always been your Superman.

Found: The perfect grown-up lemonade stand

Great news, friends: Next week is going to be all about summer on the blog! Think fun! Think sun! Think…guilty pleasures! Oh, yes, it’s going to be a fantastic week. To get us revved up for all things summer, how refreshing does this grown-up lemonade stand look? I love the Gatsby, vintage vibe. Photographer Ola Mirecka envisioned a playful take on childhood dreams. “I invite you to drink refreshing, homemade lemonade from handmade cups, sit on unique chairs, pop lemonade balloons, talk and meet new friends,” she said.

I’d say the result is refreshingly spot-on, would you, friends? xoxo

P.S. Family photos are coming up soon! And, summer posts from last year.
[Via Design Mom]

Thursday Giveaway!

Today’s giveaway is from Maddy from Marolsha, a beautiful Etsy shop of vintage- and nature-inspired bridal jewelry, as well as modern, everyday pieces. Maddy handcrafts each piece — from her trademark hair combs to lockets to rings to necklaces to earrings to bracelets to her bridal collection — with love and care.

“I have lived and traveled to many countries and loved the unique experiences of many beautiful places, cultures and people,” she says. “Life is a gift, and I am grateful for it every day. I create from my heart and I am happy to be able to share my beautiful handmade jewelries with you.”

She’s offering this flower hair collage comb to one lucky reader. I love how the mint and pink hues complement each other so nicely, don’t you? It’d be perfect for everything from a summer picnic to a summer wedding!

For your chance to win, simply visit Marolsha, and leave a comment below, telling us where you’d where it if you won. You can also LIKE Marolsha on Facebook, GET INSPIRED on Pinterest and PIN TWO ITEMS from her shop to your Pinterest for extra entries. AND, you can also share the giveaway on Twitter by tweeting, “I just entered to win this beautiful vintage hair comb” via @melissablake. Enter the giveaway here: http://bit.ly/12uOHoe

As always, make sure you leave separate comments for each entry. A winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, June 11th, so you’ve got five days to enter. Happy browsing, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Meg! Thanks so much! :)