On Vacation...

Hello There!

We're on vacation at the Jersey Shore this week  (GTL, baby!) with limited internet access.  I'll be posting again next week!  Until then, I've got my toes in the sand and a daiquiri in my hand.  Long overdue.

via Pinterest

Family Photo Shoot at the Creek

Hello there, friends.  Summer vacation has officially begun here, although you'd never know it.  Because I'm so used to operating on a tight schedule, it usually takes me quite a while to fully relax and unwind from what is always a hectic school year.  The unwinding and relaxing will probably happen in August, right before I return to school!

A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted some family photos.  We have never officially had any family photos taken, largely because my children are, ahem, uncooperative in situations that require them to stand still and follow direction.   I enlisted the help of two amazing photographers, Scott and Kristi Morris, who also happen to be family friends.  They own LittleWing Studio Photography. I explained to Kristi that I didn't want a traditional family photo, partly because I knew the kids wouldn't stand for it, but also because I wanted something different and fun.  I've seen many of their wedding photos, which are often candid but stylized, like a magazine shoot.  Exactly what I wanted.

The finished results are amazing, and that's saying a lot, because I hate pictures of myself. (And believe me, I'm still critiquing myself right and left:  My stupid bra strap is showing in some photos.  Why did I wear a short dress?  Should've worn a long one to cover those spider veins. I have old lady hands. My dress is so boring...)  Anyway,  here are some of my favorites.

If you are interesting in getting professional photos taken, and live in the Philadelphia Area, I suggest you contact Littlewing Studio Photography!   They also do amazing wedding photography.  We are so happy with the way these turned out!

My Terribly Neglected Garden

I have mentioned (numerous times) on this blog how I have neglected my garden for many years due to the craziness that has ensued since the twins were born prematurely.  I have felt drawn to it, and every summer I partake in the necessary weeding, and mulching, and dead-heading, but I haven't been able to plant anything new.  Or till big beds that are overgrowing with flowers for cutting.  Or grow my own tomatoes.

I swore this summer was going to be different.  And I think it still will be, once my school year is over...(one week and counting)!  There is something therapeutic, and calming, about digging in the dirt.  Growing flowers reminds me to be patient.  It reminds me that something beautiful is hiding there, under the dirt, and I just have to wait for it.  It reminds me that everything is connected; that there's this hidden energy that connects everything.

So for now, I will keep weeding, and watering, and dead-heading until next week until I'm finally free to put in some serious garden time.

Look at these sad, empty vegetable beds.  I haven't had time to plant anything in them, but I'm also still trying to figure out the best way to build a fence around them, since the rabbits and foxes and groundhogs and deer are going to annihilate them if I don't.

This is one of my favorite perennials, called Goose Neck Loose Strife. I love it, but man...it TAKES OVER.  I'm serious.  If you're not careful, these buggers will choke everything else out.  My Bee Balm didn't come up this year because of them.

Unfortunately, they seem to have some sort of disease.  Experienced gardeners, what's the word?  Help a sister out.

My neglected roses are blooming, but need some serious TLC.

And my very favorite plant, my hydrangea, is almost ready to show off.  This one is beautiful!

This is the first year that my hosta have grown.  Usually they are eaten before they get anywhere.  I guess the deer are being fed elsewhere?

I pulled all my evening primrose out two years ago, but she still makes an appearance.  This one is hiding in my azalea.

Fingers crossed, I hope I have some vegetable beds to share with you soon!  Happy planting, friends.

Father's Day Ideas

Hi, Everyone!  I hope you are all having a great week.

Father's Day is creeping up on me again this year.  You'd think I would be able to plan for it every year, because it's not like the month changes every year or anything.  But still, a few days before Father's Day, I'm like, "Oh!  This weekend is Father's Day!"  And then I have no gifts or ideas or anything.

So this post is actually early for me.  I'm giving myself a pat on the back right now.

I've rounded up a few of my favorite little projects that you can make for Father's Day this year.  You can't go wrong with any of these!

This is a great one for a Dad who loves golf.  It's from Lindsey at Inspiring Creations via the Tatertots and Jello blog.  You can print the graphics for this project for free!  Click here.

How cute is this homemade leather bracelet?  Michael would love this.  And it's surprisingly easy.  Get the tutorial at Little Blue Boo.

The Vintage Pearl never disappoints.  Their jewelry is fantastic.  Two years ago, Michael was on a hunt for dog tags.  (I'm not sure why...his idea of what's fashionable confounds me sometimes.)  I agreed that he could wear dog tags under one condition: that I picked them out.  These dog tags would definitely gain my approval.

I love these superhero printables by Tip Junkie.  You can print them out and put them on special treats for Dad.  I'm totally doing this one.  Find them here.

And it doesn't get any easier than this one from Just Another Day in Paradise.  Print a photo you like, put it in a frame, and hot glue some Scrabble Tiles to the front.  You can usually find Scrabble tiles at a thrift store, or you can print your own here.

Have fun!  I'd love to hear what you are giving your favorite guy for Father's Day.