Dreaming of Fall

white-pumpkinI always enjoy summer and all the fun it brings (ie, beach days, margaritas made with fresh grapefruit juice, and falling asleep to the sound of Sea World fireworks to name a few). But hands down, fall is my favorite time of year. For several weeks I’ve been itching for cooler weather, cozy fall clothes, and that sweet crispness in the air (of which we get very little here in San Diego).

Here are a few things I’ve found that are getting me even more excited for the next season…

Above: white pumpkins are one of my favorite ways to decorate for fall (image via).

cable-knit-headband

A warm cable knit headband for warm ears and easy hair days.pumpkin-whoopie-pies

Pumpkin whoopie pies with chai-spiked ice cream filling (or let’s face it, anything pumpkin will do).

cider-caramels

Apple cider caramels (these sound like HEAVEN).

kimono-sleeve-cardigan

An oversized sweater is a must to make every day cozy.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Loving: Sevenly

anchor-braceletHow sweet is this delicate anchor bracelet? It would look lovely with a stack of gold bangles, watch, or just on its own. You can find it at Sevenly, a brilliant company that donates $7 from each purchase to a different charity every week. Isn’t that lovely?

I hope you had a beautiful Labor Day weekend. We certainly did! Southern California has been in the throes of a heatwave recently, so we spent our time lounging by pools and going to the movies. It will be tough getting back into the work week! xo

Sound Check: Remember My Name

yuna

This lovely Malaysian singer named Yuna is worth a listen – I’ve really enjoyed listening to her sweet voice the last few weeks. I also wish I could pull off a head scarf like she can, don’t you? She picked up songwriting at the age of 19 while in law school. I’m so glad she did!

Happy Friday! xo

Smoothie Series: Summer Peach

peach-smoothieThis simple, tasty smoothie has been a favorite as of late, since I’ve been able to take advantage of our peach tree in the back yard. You can add more protein powder or plain yogurt to add more substance if you like, but I really enjoy the sweet, slushy, summery goodness of this one on its own. Enjoy!

In a blender, combine until smooth:

1 fresh peach (or 1/2 cup frozen peaches)

1 medium ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

8-10 ice cubes

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Be sure to take a peek at the other two smoothies in this series! And tell summer to slow down… I’m not ready to say goodbye!

Do you have any smoothie recipes you love?

Summer

DSC_0101Even though it’s been a busy season for me at work, summer manages to live on without me. I’ve still been blessed with a few bits of the season these last few weeks. Here’s a peek…

Above: birthday flowers from dear friends.

summer-fruit

Farmer’s market finds (Little Italy’s is the best in San Diego).

summer-hat

The perfect hat for lazy summer days.

summer-peaches

First round of peaches picked right off our own tree in the back yard.

Thanks for stopping by, and for being patient with me while I’m posting less frequently! I’ll be back soon.  Happy summer! :)

Work / Life Balance

work-life-balanceI have always believed strongly in finding balance between work and life outside of work. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that I am a much more creative, efficient person when I take the time to rest my mind and body and spend time with those I love.

Especially now since the Mr’s schedule requires us to make the most of our time together, balancing life and work has never been more important. I feel very blessed that I can, for the most part, leave work at work and be present when I’m at home or doing other things I love (like spending time with you here!).

work-life-balance

That being said, there are those brief seasons that work takes priority over everything else, especially when there is an important goal or deadline on the horizon. Things are currently super busy at my day job, so my posts will be a little less frequent for the next three weeks. It’s all part of the balance. But don’t worry, I’ll still be around! xo

What are your thoughts? Do you have trouble leaving work at work? Have you found a good work / life balance? I’d love to hear!

Photos courtesy of Chadwick.

Summer Romance Part 2: Playlist

natalie-wood-and-robert-wagnerA few weeks ago I mentioned that the Mr and I were making the most of the little time we have to spend together this summer. Here’s a little romantic soundtrack that has been playing in the background during these sweet times, if you’d like a listen.

It’s also just a lovely playlist for lazy summer days. :)

Enjoy! xo

Photo: Natalie Wood & Robert Wagner

Smoothie Series: Berry Green

berry-green-smoothie

While this smoothie may not be as rich as this one, it packs a ton of nutritional power. No matter what else I may eat during the day, it’s good to know I’ve gotten a fair share of fruits and veggies when I make this good ol’ standby for breakfast!

Berry Green Smoothie 

In a blender, combine until smooth:

1 cup frozen mixed berries

1 ripe banana

1 handful of spinach

1 cup almond milk

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

If you have smoothie recipes you love, please share them!

(ps – in case you missed the first smoothie of this series.)

Going Away

going-away-party

It was just over a year ago that the Mr and I began our journey into Navy life. I’ve been thinking lately how thankful I am that his training so far has been a success, and how far along we’ve come. It’s been quite an adventure so far!

Before he left for basic training in Chicago for five months last spring, some family and my closest friends and I threw a going away party for him. I stumbled across these photos from that special day and thought I would share them, if you’d like to see…

going-away-party

We used red and blue glass, rope and burlap accents, and vintage photos and Navy prints to give it a festive maritime feel.

going-away-party

Some of the Mr’s favorite foods (Mexican market tacos, spiced rosemary cashews, and a special whiskey cocktail) made him feel extra loved.

going-away-party

going-away-party

going-away-party

going-away-party

Everyone signed a beautiful print I had found and framed (which is hanging in our bedroom), wishing him well.

going-away-party

One of the highlights was (of course) a fantastic photo booth by our dear friends. They even made the flag for the background by hand.

photo-booth

photo-booth

photo-booth

It was such a precious and memorable day. But I am so thankful that this year of separations and tough training has flown by so quickly!

Thanks for taking a look! Happy Monday. :)