list seventeen: to do this summer.

1. Wear more dresses and skirts.

2. Take more pictures.

3. Run, run, run!

4. More veg-friendly meals.

5. Get a hair cut (this is maybe my favorite).

6. Read a few books.

7. Go to the beach more!

Any big plans for your summer vacation?

summer lovin'.

Summer is almost over, and I've had a really good one. Vacation always goes much faster than you think it will. And I have yet to complete even half of my 'to-do' list. I'm mostly at peace with it, though. Summer created its own 'to-do' list, and it included making several batches of granola, watching Northern Exposure, skipping one stone successfully (my first ever, I might add), spending way too much time in Gap with my mom, eating dessert every night in Wisconsin, lazy days with my dogs, eating ice cream with my best friends, going antiquing with Jeffrey, and so much more goodness that I've forgotten. I love summers. They just make me feel so happy and relaxed. They remind me of honey — sweet, slow, and delicious.

I love all seasons, but there's just something about you, Summer. You really have my heart. It will be sad to see you go, but I'll tuck you away in my memory, and think of you fondly, always.

What little things ended up on your summer 'to-do' list?

xo, R.

bowling, pizza, & a birthday.

Jeffrey's birthday was really fun. I missed all my friends from up here, and it was lovely to see all of them. We went to our favorite local pizza joint and then went bowling. My first game was awful. I am a terrible, terrible bowler, but I'm blaming my failure on the wonky lane we had. The second game we played was much better. We ended up switching lanes, which didn't solve my poor bowling skills entirely, but it helped. I ended with a score of 88, and did not use the bumpers that I have been known to use in the past, so I was proud of myself. Jeffrey is a much better bowler than I am. Most people are.

Sidenote: Something exciting that I don't think I've ever mentioned here is this: On our last trip to the Junk Lady, Jeffrey and I found a bowling ball that fit him perfectly, WITH HIS INITIALS ON IT. Get. Out. Of. Town. How's that for awesome? I'm banking on the fact that there's magic in that bowling ball, which helps him with his success.

Anyway, we had a blast-y blast. I think Jeffrey had a lot of fun, which is all that really matters. And the jukebox at the bowling alley kept playing really awesome songs. Awesome songs at the bowling alley! Can you believe that?! They must have known it was Jeffrey's birthday!

Fierce.

These were taken after about half the group had left. Clearly I need to work on taking pictures more frequently. Oh well. And Jeffrey loved his gift, but I'll save that for another post. Have a lovely weekend! xo, R.

the excited post.

I woke up this morning and I just felt excited. About everything. My trip to Wisconsin to see my sister is slowly inching closer and closer. I can't wait to experience all the places she gushes about on the phone and finally see her cute little apartment. Before that, Jeffrey is putting on his 3rd bike race — something that takes lots of time and preparation, and if I may brag, he does a stellar job. I'm serious. He puts his heart and soul into these things and It. Is. So. Obvious. We went to our favorite local donut shop this morning, and although the original owners sold the shop to another family, our favorite guy was still working there and greeted us with a happy "Good morning Donut Family!" I love nice people. And come fall, I'll finally be taking classes that mean the world to me. Classes that will catapult me into a journey that I've been waiting to embark on. I love knowing that I was molded perfectly to become a teacher. There is nothing more wonderful than knowing I'm going to school to become exactly what I want to be. Have a great weekend, lovelies.

What are you excited about?

xo, R.

heaven in the form of an italian market.

Jeffrey and I headed out for a lovely adventure last weekend and ate lunch at this incredible Italian market that I've been wanting to take him to for months now. We got a huge sub on delicious bread, a Frostie root beer, and a Cannoli and Chocolate Hazelnut gelato. Of course we also spent some time browsing the aisles filled with about 3 million different kinds of olive oil and an impressive selection of chocolate. It really just made me want to go to Italy. Right. Now. The best part was spending time with Jeffrey, though. I love that guy.

Have a really splendid weekend! xo, R.

full of fun things.

Almond Biscotti. Let me be clear: I have never liked biscotti. I always think it tastes like a stale cookie, and not a good one at that. So, I thought I'd try making it myself. It. was. so. delicious. Please go make this right now. Oh, and I used orange juice in place of orange liqueur and I thought it tasted fabulous.

And then Jeffrey and I made whole wheat apple muffins for Teacher's Appreciation Week, which I think is probably one of the most wonderful weeks out of the year. I mean, a week dedicated entirely to honoring teachers? So brilliant. And since I'm going to be a teacher, I might be a little partial.

On a particularly balmy night, Jeffrey and I got takeout from our favorite Thai restaurant and had a picnic. It's one of our favorite places to picnic and we actually carve the date into a nearby bamboo shoot every time we visit. It was perfect picnic weather.

I also made brownies from scratch for the first time ever. I can't believe I hadn't done this sooner. They were so spectacular!

I have some really exciting projects in the works. I can't share them yet because they all have to do with Jeffrey's birthday, but I promise I will as soon as I can. What have you been doing lately? I hope you're spending plenty of time outside — can't believe the beautiful weather we are currently being blessed with.

xo,
R.

salvage yard.

I think it's really important to find unique places to visit in your state. I've been guilty of taking my own surrounding area for granted and I think it's kind of silly. Traveling is important, too, but I think it's important to travel around your own town before moving onto others. My family and I still do this and we're always so happy when we stumble upon hidden gems that have been right under our noses for years. We've actually visited this salvage yard once or twice, but it has so many hidden treasures and there's always something new to check out no matter how many times you've been.

My mom found a really cool piece of a sign that said 'at' amongst the many other over-sized letters they had. We loved walking through the rows of odds and ends, sifting through tons of doors, and playing the Tarantella on an out-of-tune piano. It was such a lovely summer day — the kind I'm sure we'll have many more of since I am officially done with my second year of college. It is such a surreal feeling. This semester really flew by, and just like that I am already a Junior. After two years of working a full time summer, I'll only be working part time for this summer. I'm really excited to have some time to hang out and relax and do some really fun, crafty things with my mom. My family, Jeffrey and I are also taking a trip to Wisconsin to visit my sister and her boyfriend. Then, Jeffrey, Evie (my sister), Mark (her boyfriend) and I will drive to Minnesota to stay with Jeffrey's grandma. She has a summer lake house that is quaint and heartwarming. It's going to be such a welcome change from a 40 hour work week. I can already imagine the pure bliss. What are your plans for the summer?

love.

Coconut Lovin'

I love coconut.

I think it has a wonderful, fresh taste and it reminds me of summer.
Since the weather has been uncharacteristically cold here, I've been trying to find ways to retreat back into my summer mindset. I will gladly admit that I am a warm weather lover. So, although I try to embrace cold weather and think of all of its benefits, (good hair days is all I'm coming up with right now...)I needed some kind of reminder of my beloved summertime weather.

Enter coconut.

I am a creature of habit, plainly said. When I find something I like, I put it on repeat until it gets old. This is true with a lot of aspects of my life: songs, food, clothing, etc., etc. When I went grocery shopping last week I picked up a can of Coconut milk and a bag of Coconut flakes and I have been using them ever since.

My favorite thing to do with Coconut milk is throw it into my daily smoothies. Although it doesn't boast too much flavor on its own, it offers a delightful coconut hint in ANY smoothie I've thrown it in so far.
My favorite concoction so far is:
- Frozen Raspberries
- Frozen Blueberries
- Cranberry-Pomegranate juice
- Coconut Milk
And that's it. Throw the ingredients into your blender, hit blend and you will be transported to the summer oasis of your choice. I tend to use more raspberries than blueberries because I love their tart flavor. And as far as Coconut milk goes, you really don't need that much. Its thickness it ideal for the right smoothie texture, but you really only need a dash. I use enough to just barely graze the tip of my blender blade. In other words, the sharp little pieces still poke out of the milk. The Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice just sweetens it up a bit, so you should really taste the smoothie and then adjust accordingly.

The coconut flakes have also been put to good use!
You will need:
- Two slices bread (I prefer this specific sandwich with Pumpernickel)
- A generous serving of peanut butter (I use PB&Co's White Chocolate Wonderful. Their products are made with honesty and integrity. Check them out here.)
- 1/2 banana (or an entire one if you're me!)
- A generous sprinkling of coconut flakes
Personally, I spread the peanut butter, cut the bananas into thin slices and put those on top, and then sprinkle my coconut flakes. I usually add a dash of cinnamon for good measure! I tend to eat this sandwich open faced, but I believe smooshed together would be incredibly yummy as well.
This is a truly lovely sandwich. And if you're anything like me, you can drink the smoothie and eat the sandwich together.
In the dead of winter, it's a tasty summertime treat.

xo