Sweet Summer

Here's to a beautiful weekend!

via dontcallmebetty 

For most of you, Summer is just beginning.
Here in Arizona, we got an early start.
My children have been out of school for almost a month now,
 and I have enjoyed this month and took things much more leisurely.

Last week, it was really over cast for several days.
That reminded me of the June gloom days in California.
Everyone taking it easy,
and then right when the sun burned the clouds away, which was right around noon,
everyone took off to the beach.

Hotel del Coronado

Talking to my older daughter, who lives in Washington state,
she's planning to come back for a visit at the end of July
 ( crossing my fingers to stay *a mom can hope*).
One item on my bucket list is to go on a hike with all my children,
and she won't be able to get time off from work until then.
Which will be nice to get away from all this heat, to the cooler climate of Sedona.

That means, and I am super excited that next week, we'll be off on a roadtrip to California.
It won't be too long of a trip. One part of the trip is to see the sights in
Coronado, California, on the San Diego bay. 

 

One item I am taking with me is this beautiful (affiliate link) embroidered tunic dress
,

to help me stay easy and breezy during our trip!

 

coastal vignettes

I couldn't stop swooning over this coastal vignette. The galvanized buckets, the bottles filled with white, fragrant, freesia, the white washed candlesticks, and a new botanical love for me are artichokes. I couldn't believe my mother's artichoke plant survived the winter where she lives. I am hoping she gifts me with a few of her home grown ones.

Lobster Rolls via Suburban Soapbox

Also, in California, I am hoping to taste a Right Coast Lobster roll at Terra American bistro.  Can't wait to bite into one of these.

Lavender topiaries 

One plant I do not have a problem keeping alive has always been lavender.

In fact the more I abuse it, the better it grows. I'm actually thinking of

putting two lavender topiary bushes out on my front porch to keep the mosquitos away!

 

Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!

Until next time!

xo, Christine

A Week in CASL photos: March 19- March 25

I am so glad you stopped by to visit me today! What I love about Wednesday is that I get to share with you a peek into what my week has been like, and possibly a sneak peek to what next week will bring. I've tried 365 Photo or Daily photo memes several times before, and surprisingly, I am getting farther posting my photos once a week, instead of once a day. It makes a big difference, and it's really nice to look back and see a slice of my day!

March 19th: Private - Enjoying a private mom moment, before my children get out of school, with my favorite caffeinated beverage, and pretty Spring magazine by Matthew Mead.

(affiliate link) Matthew Meads Upcycled Style

March 20th-  Hand drawn..Since I'm simply not really good at drawing, how about hand "picking'. I just went with one of my day's events. No need to dye eggs...My chickens' eggs today were 3 different and lovely shades of brown. 

March 21st- Sun Flare- Gave it a go! Looks ok for first time!! Although I was seeing sun spots after taking this picture for the next 5 minutes after! If you like photography, here is a Lesson on How to Capture Sun flare in your photographs!

March 22nd- Leaves- Love the pattern on these leaves. Very tropical. This picture reminded me of a container garden, that I wanted to use for our front porch, that contained Red Cannas and Red Dahlias. Look for a post coming up!

March 23- Too Much! This picture if you haven't already seen in an earlier post here, I had too mch Rose Blooms, which actually came in first. Chocolate took the back seat on this one. 

March 24th- Treasure- Not all treasure is Silver and Gold....The time I spend with my family and friends IRL and online...every like...every comment...every moment I spend...I dearly treasure! Since I took a pic of Lindsay for her birthday...Happy Birthday Katelyn 3:16! This was taken last year, at a Horse Ranch in Cave Creek, AZ! The horses name is Albert, and Katelyn was in heaven. So was Albert! Every time Katelyn went to brush his bangs and nose he wanted to take a nap!

March 25th- Half- Sneak Peek! What am I doing with lemons? Y'all know I love lemons! Check back later to find out!

Are you on Instagram?  You really should be!!  I recently started a photo a day prompt on #fmsphotoaday.

 Let me know if you decide to join in the fun!

Have a great rest of your week! Until next time!

xo, Christine

5 of my favorite Vibrant Dahlias

Yesterday and today the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting the Central States Dahlia Society Show. The first dahlia, I ever laid my eyes on was a giant dinner plate size, that was a stunning dark purple almost black and to me it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. What I love about dahlias are that they come in all different shapes and sizes.

via Dinner Plate Dahlia, "Thomas Edison" 

 

This Spring I plan on ordering these to plant. Here are my Five of  My Favorite Dahlias.

 

1.)Dahlia 'China Doll'
 

 

 

2.) 'Karma Choc' A formal decorative dahlia with deep burgundy petals and a slight chocolate scent. Reminds me of the saying...."I'd give up chocolate, but I am no quitter", and I am one that needs a little chocolate in my garden.

via

 

3. 'Wizard of Oz' A small ball pretty in pink dahlia.

via

 

4.) Straight Cactus Dahlia 'Prince Charming' as Pure White as

he is charming. 

 

via

 

5.) 'Crichton Honey' A small Ball dahlia with lovely peach glowing petals.

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via

One extra touch I would also like to place these beauties in a container, to give them center stage in an eye catching display of color and contrast between the dark leaves of the dahlia, and the light green leaves of the sweet potatoe vine, with a pop of color from the superbells.

via Pocket Full of Posies Design