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

Driftwood, Seashells and Roses

via

Good morning ! How has your week/ weekend been? With Summer vacation officially started, it's been much slower around here. On Wednesday it was very exciting to see Katelyn graduate from 6th grade. We celebrated by sharing a Hot Fudge sundae, and giggled over the things that went on over her last couple days of school. It's a rare thing to be able to spend time with my children one on one; time which both of us truly enjoyed.

 

Katelyn with one of her teachers

 

 

The last couple of days have been very restful and relaxing. While the kids have been swimming in the pool, I've been flipping through magazines, I've been wanting to read, but only get a quick minute or two, and I don't really like skimming articles. Here is what I have been dreaming about.

 

 

1. We are planning several trips, not sure which ones will actually happen. The first place is to Corona del Mar in Orange County. It's been too long, since I visited Sherman Gardens there.

 

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On a trip almost 10 years ago, I drove along Pacific Coast Highway to San Diego, and I remember all the gorgeous beaches we passed. Just looking for new places to explore, rather than our usual trip to the beach.

 

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2. With the children getting a little older now, I've been wanting to hike up in Sedona. One of the hiking trails, that looks like the perfect one, is West Fork at Oak Creek Canyon. It's said to be one of the most picturesque for every season. How beautiful it would be in the Fall?! In the Summer, this looks like it would be nice and cool, with refreshing water and tons of shade.

 

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3. Bright cheery Summer colors. I've been looking at my blog, and knowing I need to update the header, and give it more of a Summer Look, or maybe add a few colorful touches here and there.

 

 

(affiliate link) 

Trina Turk Trellis Coral Abstract Embroidered Decorative Pillow, 20 by 12-Inch, Turquoise/Coral

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4. Driftwood and Seashells- go together like Roses and Peonies. Summertime for me means, it's time to head to the beach. It doesn't matter if I live in a desert that has plenty of sand, I want to feel the ocean breeze, smell the salt air, and listen to the waves as they crash upon the sand.

 

5. Roses- Is it sad, that I miss my rose bushes more, at the old house, rather than the kitchen!
Another side trip in California would also include a trip to Roger's Gardens. I've been dreaming of their roses, and it's been over 20 years since I was last there.

I am looking for a deep pink, very fragrant rose, and this one looks perfect to me!

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David Austin English Roses Huntington Rose (affiliate link)!

 

Hope you all have a relaxing Memorial Weekend!

Until next time!!

xo Christine

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