Summer Faves/Bucket List

I didn't make an official summer bucket list but I always have things that I want to do/experience each summer.  Here's how I did:

Make the pool area feel more "resort like". We added some lounge chairs and an umbrella to this section of the pool deck and it's my favorite spot right now. I also planted perennials in large pots and added a basket with faux stems as well as other decor around the pool.

Eat some fresh, local produce..it doesn't get fresher than right off of your neighbors' tree.  They offered me some peaches as I was walking by.  I love my neighborhood!  We also enjoyed local tomatoes and white corn from our local farm store.

Go night swimming-we finally got one in!

We attended a local Summer Fun Wednesday Night.  We were watching the band in this photo.

There was an outdoor bar and lots of activities for adults and kids as well. It was the most pleasant evening to just stroll along the closed road and enjoy the night.

Have a beach day with our little niece and nephews.  We had some crafts and this was my favorite one (and easy!).  

We celebrated our niece/cousin at her lovely bridal shower. It was book themed and her mom made that amazing backdrop.  Remember her engagement photo shoot?

Enjoyed some outdoor concerts. This one happened to be Mr.Click's band back in our old hometown.  We had so many friends and family that came out to see him. Pictured here are three of my friends (and bridesmaids...we go WAY back) and my very hip mother in law.  We also attended two other concerts (JJ Grey & John Waite and we see Ringo this weekend!)

Added a proper bed to our guest room.   Here's Mr. Click putting the new bed frame together. I wanted something very minimal with the smallest footprint I could get for a queen size bed.

Here's how the room looked before (at Christmas, obvi!). We had a tiny, full size sofa bed for guests and now we have a queen size bed. 

We changed the layout of the room with the new bed and love how it looks.

We also got new window treatments that are so much lighter and easier to operate. I'm still looking for a slim side table for next to the chair and more artwork.   

We had another summer project in this room, the Thrifted Gallery Wall is across from the bed. 

We also hosted six Sunday Fundays, went to two beach fireworks shows, took four trips and kept very busy this summer! 

Linking up:

Talking About it Tuesday

 

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More Instant Pot Cooking & Food Prep/Storage

 I had a very productive day of food prepping and my Instant Pot got quite the work out.

1) Veggie Chili-I made this for a Sunday Funday and froze the leftovers in Souper Cubes, then popped them out into ziplock bags.

2)Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs-The easiest method for perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs. I used this recipe.  

3) No Soak Instant Pot Black Beans. I used this recipe. I portioned out the cooked beans in the Souper Cubes and froze them

4 )I roasted up some carrots that needed to be used up.

5) I made a big batch of jasmine rice in the Instant Pot and froze it in zip lock bags.

We've used the Instant Pot quite a few times at our Sunday Fundays this summer making Instant Pot Mac & Cheese with this recipe.

and Instant Pot Pesto Cavatapi with Costco Pesto sauce. 

The Instant Pot has become a real work horse in my kitchen. 

Do you have an Instant Pot? What's your favorite thing to make in it?

Linking up:

Talking About it Tuesday

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{Garden} Morning Glory Appreciation [And Everything I Planted From Seed]

I've grown morning glories quite a few times but this year they are absolutely taking over and thriving.

This one in the back yard keeps trying to climb the fence over to our neighbors' house.

I'm greeted by these beautiful blooms when I go to yoga in the morning.

They've taken over our Japanese Maple and are climbing the railings of our front porch.

I'm loving all of the different colors we're seeing.

The white blooms are nice...

..deep pinks are eye catching...

...but I really love this deep purple.

The lighter periwinkle is pretty with their darker accents.  

In other flowers planted from seeds news--the cosmos have gone crazy as well. I love cutting them for bouquets.

They've toppled over but are still going strong.

They come in some pretty shades too!

They make me happy!

The naturtiums are just ok, I love their foliage but the flowers don't give much "wow".

I guess I could put them in a salad.

I pruned all of my flowering zinnias last month and they are all about to (hopefully) start blooming again.   I see lots of buds!  I think it was a pretty successful seed sowing year!

Linking up:

Talking About it Tuesday

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{Shopping} Trader Joe's-Favorites and Some Vacation Buys

We had a few trips to Trader Joe's in the recent months with a few hauls.

Here are some typical staples that I buy.

We had a surprise trip to TJ's when we were in Boston for a few days and picked up some snacks.

Some more staples and a seasonal candle.

Even though we were on vacation, we picked up some recommended products to try when we got home. The mustard is really good. I haven't tried the Spicy Honey Sauce yet.

We also picked this up on our vacation haul.  I've been using it at home and it's a good transition from summer scents before getting into the heavier fall scents. 

I can't wait to check out all of the fall things on my next TJ's trip!

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{Thrifting} What I Thrifted in August

It was another pretty good month of thrifting.

I found this cover up romper that is easy to just throw over my swimsuit.

This was a splurge but a deal on Poshmark.  It's a new-with-tags washable silk dress from Quince that I plan on wearing to an upcoming wedding. I think I can dress it up or down.

dress

I've been into puzzles since I thrifted one last month and found these from one seller on Facebook Marketplace.

I've already finished two of them.

I think I'm getting better at them (and faster!).  I might be addicted.

We went to a local estate sale and I found a few holiday decorations.  The Halloween candles have timers and still work. 

The Christmas tree stand wasn't working when I put in the new batteries but I took the bottom off to investigate the wires and I must have triggered the right connection because it turned on. Yay!

The candleholders are Lenox and will look nice for Christmas decorating. The candles were included and look kind of vintage 80's to me.

Linking up:

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A Full & Fun Summer Weekend

 This was a really good weekend when both girls were home and it was full of good stuff, like...

...walking to breakfast in town.

...family pool time

...trying some new seltzer flavors

...poolside summer fruit

...charcuterie box and beer at a local brewery

...Bananagrams too!

...dinner and spritzes with the girls at a waterfront restaurant

...a Sunday night concert (this was the theatre, not the performer)

...the theatre had a rooftop bar for before show drinks and views

...our first time at this intimate theatre

...seeing John Waite!  He did most of his hits from the 80's and his voice is still amazing! 

This is the kind of weekend I want to remember from this summer!

Linking up:

Talking About it Tuesday

Tuesday Twirl

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