summer 2015 Archives - Page 3 of 5 - So About What I Said

Monday, June 29, 2015

Etsy Love: Watercolor Home Decor

When it comes to design and decor, I’ve always lived by the philosophy, “the brighter, the better.” I mean, I do have these screaming pink sheets on my bed and had a reputation for proudly sporting neon shorts back in the day. My philosophy has long matched my personality, it seems.

But what about a more subdued, laid-back approach? While bright colors make me think of the frenetic hustle and bustle of life in New York City, the watercolor pillows by Euodia Roets give me visions of a quiet summer spent by the beach, in a cute cottage with all sorts shell-themed knickknacks adorning the walls.

Pillows pictured: Bubblegum set, green florals, clouds and sky, hummingbird throw, candyfloss ombre cushion, scallop fish scale and orange striped cushion.

The South Africa-based designer makes sure all her materials are sourced locally. How cool is that, friends? I’m relaxing already — can’t you smell that salty sea air?? xoxo

[Top photos by Euodia Roets]

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Family Photos: Lazy Cats! Summer Shopping! Mini Ms. Bear’s Kitchen!

As promised, I give you more photographic proof of our summer shenanigans, which have been quite relaxing, actually. Something tells me that we’ve been hanging around the cats too much — something tells me their laziness is rubbing off on us. Someone’s enjoying the morning sunshine…

And shopping! Oh, how I do love going on my classic Target trips. Yesterday, the sun was shining and it was the perfect summer day to take in a little retail therapy. Of course, all the summer essentials were out in full force. It made me feel like I was on the beach just strolling up and down the aisles of Five Below*

My summer motto this year, courtesy of Target…

Some fun reading for the summer in the form of my favorite magazines…

A trip to my old haunt (my old college library!) to get some work done…

Lots of good summer eats, courtesy of Ms. Bear’s Kitchen. Two of my recent favorites: A summer fruit salad medley and a cucumber and tomato salad. The dressing on the cucumber salad was delicious!!

And lots of summer fun, like Yahtzee and, more recently, rummy! I’m on a rummy winning streak right now, so cross your fingers that it continues!

…and the sun burning has begun! #NoFilter #Summertime

But…danger, danger! My mom is trying to introduce at least some semblance of order into our lives. Being a rather obsessive planner, she came up with this chart system. In the words of Miranda Sings, “Are you kidding me…?”

I’m going to do my best and stand my ground on her War on Fun. Are you with me, friends? I figure we’re stronger together. C’mon, you know you’re dying to relax too, so don’t try to deny it any longer! Here’s to lots of fun and relaxation!! xoxo

*OMG, I’m not the only one obsessed with this store, right?

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Family Photos: Summertime Walks

Over the weekend, we decided to spend a rather lazy Sunday afternoon walking around some old childhood haunts. The weather was perfect — warm and sunny — and it was the perfect day to get lost in nostalgia.

I know better than to go anywhere with my mother unless she’s had something to eat; look up the words hangry in the dictionary and you’d find her photo. So, we first fueled up at our favourite Mexican restaurant, above…

After lunch, we walked down to a park I went to all the time as a kid. My cousins lived right across the street, and I remember walking along the broken cement and the cobblestone streets. They were the kind that made you feel as though you’d just stepped back in time — I half-expected to see a horse-drawn carriage clickety-clacking down the street.

Apparently, part of my mom is still a kid. It’s actually a pretty cool trait, I’m learning, to be able to fully be present and just enjoy the moment. Thanks for the lesson, Mom!

We saw beautiful flowers and bursting-with-green trees…

This labyrinth was built years ago and it still confounds me to this day! I’ve even tried starting on the outside first and starting on the inside first. No luck. So what did I end up doing this weekend? Zooming to the center and posing for a couple photos. That’s most important anyway, right?

How’s your summer going so far, friends? What have you been up to these days? I’d love to hear about all your adventures! And, I’ve got lots more fun photos tomorrow, so be sure to check back!! The BEST SUMMER EVER lives on!! xoxo

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2015

While Father’s Day has been one of the most bittersweet holidays since my father’s death, I love the idea that the day can still be an opportunity to celebrate ALL fathers, uncles, grandfathers, etc. After all, these men influenced your life and that’s something worth cheering about! Here are 12 of my favorite gift picks for everyone on your list, starting with Stuff My Father Always Said by Erin McHugh ($12.30), to thank him for all that fatherly wisdom over the years…