Flame on

*Image & card by ShedLetterpress

If I were to share a cake with my mom today it would have 93 candles.  In four years, we'll have to make a go of sharing a cake to light up 100 candles together.  I wish I could be celebrating with more friends and family, but my good wishes and love can span the distance.  I'm looking forward to a fabulous cake baked by my husband and a fun dinner with a few of my favorite local people.  Happy birthday mom!  Have a wonderful day.

Marshmallow

*Image & cards by blackbird letterpress

I've been thinking cake all along and then out of left field today I got a hankering for rice krispie treats. For a while last month we went on a soft carmel corn kick and that gooey sweet goodness really hit the spot.  Are rice krispie treats too simple for a birthday dessert, or should I combine my sweets and add cake to the mix?

Martini

*Image & card by ColorHug

Cheers to Sandra, who I imagine celebrates by slipping into her fanciest heels and sipping a martini from her favorite glass.  A Cosmo counts as dessert right?  Happy birthday Sandra!

Requests

*Image & card by Fine Day Press

My husband the baker makes some delicious confections.  He is the best when it comes to birthday cakes, in my opinion.  One year he surprised me with chocolate lava cakes.  I could probably have any cake I could dream of, but I'm feeling stuck this year.  I just can't decide.  I feel like cupcakes could be delicious, but so could a pie.  Last year we did an ice cream theme party, but this year I'm keeping it small.  I have all week to make my request, but I need some help.  What should I have for dessert?

Birthday week

*Image & card by papillion press

It's birthday week all week, which will end with a lovely celebration of my very own birthday on Saturday (my mom's birthday too!).  I love celebrating birthdays, especially my own and have a few extras this week to make the celebration last.  Right now I'm thinking of cake.  What is your favorite birthday dessert?

Climbing

*Image by Evan Sensebrenner

Happy (belated) birthday to my dear friend Ryan.  I hope that your adventures continue to take you far beyond the reaches of the normal man.  I wish I could be celebrating with you over a pint in Seattle.  

Shower

*Image by karsayk

So, I've been helping out on deck with my school's water polo team.  It has been pretty fun getting to know the girls on the team and to have them look up to me because I'm an athlete.  My polo team was actually invited to play in the local high school tournament in order to help fill spots and to mentor other teams in the water.  It's really a fun experience to get in with girls who are learning and to help teach them the game.  Today I got in the water with my high school girls, which was great - until I learned that there was no shower at the pool.  They are practicing at a local community pool because one of our huge district swim complexes is getting a new deck and is closed for a few months.  No shower?  To top it all off I had a meeting before school today.  I planned for a laid-back ponytail, but not the accompanying chlorine scent.  I managed to wash my hair in the tiny sink to make due, but will reconsider getting in the pool again on Thursday.  Waking up at 5 a.m. surely deserves a wake-up shower.  Don't you think?

Break

*Image & pencils by cloud and clover

Where have I been?  Up to no good?  Last week school started and after a week in, I can happily say that I love my new job.  The overall mood on my new campus is energizing and refreshing.  Students seem happy to be in school and generally excited to learn.  I've been waiting to get this feeling back and am so glad it finally came.  I've been patient.  This past week my husband also got laser surgery on his eyes, and has been spending time recovering.  Busy week.  I hope to be back to more regular blogging now that I'm back into a more normal routine.  How has your week been?

Adventure

*Image & print by happydeliveries 

I'll take an adventure.  The first day was great - what a relief.  Back for more tomorrow.  I even gave them homework.  Yes, I am that teacher.  Ready for more?  I hope so.

Sophomores

*Image & notebook by Happy Dappy Bits

My first day back in a high school is today and I am pretty excited.  I can't wait to see how this year pans out and how it feels to get involved in clubs and sports again.  I'm nervous, but in a good way for sure.  I am hoping for a great first day meeting students who are hopefully as excited as me.  How do you remember feeling on the first day of school?

Final

Source: inspirationfeed.com via Vilija on Pinterest

Today is my final Friday of summer vacation.  Monday I have to be up early and at work for my prep week before school starts.  I've already gotten a head up on my classroom and have started moving in, but it all starts for real on Monday.  I'm pretty excited, but sad to see the lazy days of summer end.  How are you spending your weekend?

Neon vs. Orange

I'm not quite sure how I feel about neon, but I do have a friend who is willing to push fashionable trends with simple neon accessories.  I think that is as far as a grown woman should go,or at least one who has already seen this trend come and go.  I'm all for day-glo in workout gear, but am unsure if I could do more than a strip about the waist or perhaps an earring, or even more daringly a shoe.  How would you wear this shade?

Source list:
sherbet
neon
tomato
pants

Outside

*Image & print by 1canoe2

I wish it were that easy.  I would love to go outside and enjoy it - but that is usually only about 7 o'clock in the morning, or while I'm pool-side.  This is my last free week before I'm back to the good old grindstone and working full time again.  I really want to play outside, but that will have to wait for fall.  I guess I have good things to look forward to.  Where have you been playing?

Flash

*Images & flash cards by Knock Knock

I currently have the first version of slang flashcards laminated and ready to put up in my classroom.  I find it perfect that this new set of big words has concrete literary references.  With pregnant friends popping up all over someone is bound to be gifted something awesome like this.  Can you tell I have school on the brain?

Versus Series

I've been considering a weekly series and came up with the perfect word play.  Versus = vs = my initials.  Could the stars be more aligned? This week, obviously I'm getting ready to head back into the classroom.  Next week is my final week of summer and then it's back to the grind stone.  I have a purple pencil skirt in my wardrobe and I thought that I could dress it up or down.  My normal outfit would be the cardigan all the way.  It is my standard wardrobe element for sure.  The same goes for flats.  I'm on my feet all day, so that usually leaves any type of a heel out of the question.  I think I could pull of a petite wedge, not a heel.  I'm still hunting for the perfect blazer.  How would you wear this outfit?  What would you choose?

Source list:
1. schoolboy blazer
2. striped shirt
3. gumdrop earrings
4. belt
5. cork flats
6. pencil skirt
7. python wedges
8. cardigan

Shopping

*Image by me, model via j.crew

My goal for the upcoming year is to feel a little more put-together, and a little more stylish.  It's easy to show up to work in a middle school and look like an adult because you're taller than most of the students around you.  Standing out as an adult in a high school is a little more difficult.  I want to make a good impression and although it might have been flattering to be confused for a high schooler a few years ago, now I'll take college undergrad.  This is my shopping list and so far I've scored a few awesome pencil skirts, and anyone who knows me has seen the cardigans galore.  Is there anything I'm missing?

Tie-Dye

*Image & article via deadspin

Tomorrow the Lithuanian basketball team plays USA.  I'm having a game-watching party at my house, but the live game is too early to host a group of friends.  We'll be watching the re-play in the afternoon, so I'll be avoiding the internet just as to not spoil the results for myself.  I even have some tie-dye gear that my husband will be sporting because we're rooting for the under dog in this house.  Lithuania already has a gold medal from the London games thanks to Rūta Meilutytė winning the 100m breaststroke. Who are you cheering for these games?

Cut

*Image by Judith511 went on a photo walk

I'm not a wuss!  It wasn't my fault that the lawn mower wouldn't start.  No amount of pulling the mower chord would have worked because the carburetor was clogged and needed to be cleaned.  I feared that the moment my husband came home and pulled the lawn mower chord that the whole thing would start and leave me looking like a wimpy fool.  Once the part was cleaned the lawn mower started up and yesterday I did the whole yard myself.  Yes, I'm proud, but can you blame me?

Mower

*Image & t-shirt by Viva Sweet Love

Today I tried to mow the lawn, and I failed.  I couldn't start the stupid lawn mower.  I tried until I was super tired and sweaty, but still couldn't get the lawn mower to actually start.  I feel like a big wimpy failure right now.  My husband said that it might take a bit to get the lawn mower started because we haven't used it in a while, but I didn't think that it would be this difficult.  Hopefully we get it started tonight so I can mow to my heart's content tomorrow.  Oh, such an exciting day I have planned!

For two

*Image & tag by Vintage Twee

Today I explored my town a bit more and met a friend for afternoon tea.  We had lunch and I enjoyed a nice pot of Earl Grey at Madhatters and I know I'll be back.  I'll have to make it a point to keep up to date with my middle school teaching friends now that I'm moving campuses, and afternoon tea is the perfect way to do it.  Plus, it was a bonus because my friend is currently growing her own little family with twins arriving in December.  Tea for two, or four depending on how you see things.  How do you stay connected with old friends?

Torture

*Image & print via Outdated

Last night around 3 a.m. I could have used some relief.  I have a ridiculous amount of mosquito bites all over my legs.  There is even a lovely cluster of 5 or 6 bites on my left foot.  I think it's pretty obvious that I was miserable and not sleeping.  Both of my legs are speckled with bites and just being touched by the covers was almost too much.  I currently have a tube of hydrocortisone cream at the ready, but I still have that tingling itch that wants to be scratched until it bleeds.  How do you cope with mosquito bite torture?

Sunrise

*Image via Gilt Groupe dress by French Connection

Something about this orange color strikes me.  Although I'm a blonde, I can get away with some bright and deep colors due to my olive-toned skin.  I'm trying to elevate my wardrobe for my new tenth grade teaching position and I think silk is one way to do that.  Something more sophisticated in my closet than the standard cotton dress.  I'm a huge fan of cotton, I think I'm becoming a bigger fan of silk. What are your favorite bold colors?

Peter Piper

*Image by me

All of these peppers are from our garden.  My goal today is to can them so that we can enjoy them for a while longer.  I haven't yet tasted those beautiful orange and red peppers, but we bought the plants because of their name - tequila sunrise peppers.  They start out green and then slowly darken to orangy-red. Hopefully they spice up the pepperoncinis. I think that this will be a tasty savory treat.  What are you growing in your garden?

Nose

*Image & print by f2images

Last night I made it to Thursday night water polo practice.  It was great to be in the pool and we had enough players to set up a half court scrimmage.  I had a blast until the last few minutes, when in the middle of chasing the ball my face slammed right into another player's forearm.  I thought I would totally bleed, as is my tendency, but there was no visible damage - only pain.  Today there is still no obvious damage, but the space between my nose and upper lip sure is tender today and I have the remains of a headache.  Part of me wishes that there was at least some bruising or something to make me feel tougher, or at least not too whiny.  I guess I'll just have to be tougher and suck it up.  

Red Raspberry

*Image & print by A Two Pipe Problem Letterpress

I have another home brewer to add to my list of friends, or would it be a friend to add to my list of home brewers?  Either way, last Saturday we all toasted and enjoyed his summer red raspberry beer.  The beer was a lovely pink color, almost that of ripe grapefruit flesh.  The beer was refreshing, slightly tart and perfect for summer.  Rather than using raspberry flavor or syrup as many are wont to do, he used a pound of fresh macerated raspberries in muslin and immersed them in his beer (I'm not exactly sure at what stage in the process, but if you really want to know I'll get you the recipe).  This was by far the best tasting raspberry beer that I have ever had, and it is also the perfect beer for summer. The flavor of the fresh berries was a compliment to the beer and the absence of artificial sweetness let the flavors of the beer and berries mingle to create a tart, but not bitter end note.  Lifting the glass to my nose, I could even smell the raspberries. I'm glad that I know such talented people, and that I can drink to their success.  What is your perfect summer beer?

Reese

*Image by Nik

Little baby Reese Kay was born on Saturday and today I get to hold her.  She will be officially the youngest baby I have ever held and I'm so excited that I get dibs to visit and hold this baby pretty much all of the time.  Not a bad deal really, and her mom will get naps and showers out of the deal too.        
Any tricks for amusing newborns?  Ha! I'm kidding, this is when they're easy!

Labor

*Image & card by studio wren

This morning I awoke to a text message from my friend letting me know that her water broke.  I'm so excited to hopefully welcome a new little baby to the world today.  When I stopped by the hospital to bring them entertainment (there weren't any contractions quite yet and it was looking like the day would get really really long).  Hopefully more good news is on the way tonight.  Yay for babies!

Update

*Image & card by MAN vs. GEORGE

My grandfather seems to be doing well.  His tests revealed a bile stone and when they found it they removed it.  He was supposed to be discharged yesterday, but will hopefully go home today.  I'm feeling happy and hopeful.

Adult

*Image & top by x silk

With my return to a high school campus I feel like my wardrobe needs a bit of a tweak.  It will no longer be immediately obvious that I am an adult on campus because my students will not be in uniform, nor will I be taller than most of them.  I like to flatter myself and say that I look younger than my 31 years, but hopefully not so young as to be confused with a high school student (although, administrators have a skewed view of younger teachers).  I've gotten to try a few new fashion trends while working at the middle school, but now feel like I'll have to do something to distinguish myself as an adult.  This doesn't mean that I'm going to pay more for my clothes, but definitely that I'll have to try a little harder to be refined if I want to try out new trends.  What do you recommend?

Tetukas

*Image of my grandfather

Currently my Tetukas, my grandfather, is in the hospital.  He's awaiting some tests, but it's always scary  when a grandparent is in the hospital for any amount of time.  It's also a nail-biter when your grandparent is 91 years old.  This has been in the back of my thoughts for several days and all I can ask for is that he gets to go home soon.  I am really looking forward to seeing him in October.  Will you keep him in your thoughts please?

Sophomores

*Image via design:related; designed by Mikey Burton

Today I'm starting my week of Advanced Placement (AP) training.  I'm pretty excited to learn and to plan for my upcoming year teaching 10th graders.  Hopefully there are a bunch of new productive things I can do in my classroom to make me a stronger teacher, because I'm already excited about my new prospects.  I'll be reading Lord of the Flies this year and that excites me as well.  What do you remember reading in high school?

Review

*Image & print by Jena Ardell

Today the Gators got together to watch video of our games from Nationals.  I wasn't looking forward to seeing myself slaughtered on the big screen, but it wasn't that brutal.  I am thankful that we have video of our games so that we can have feedback on what worked well for us during games.  I learned that I need to spend more time in the pool!  Lifting some more weights could also help my game play.  I need to model myself after the 50+ team and maintain and increase my level of fitness.  How was your Sunday morning?

Winner

*Image by me

Last night we explored another San Antonio hidden gem.  We drove out to the Boardwalk on Bulverde where a host of food trucks gather Thursday through Saturday night. The night was perfect and the food was excellent.  We'll go back for sure.  I had the Mimi Melt from Winner Winner Chicken Dinner and didn't think that I could finish this enormous sandwich, but after passing it around my group for bites (they were salivating) I managed to finish the entire thing with no regrets.  Chicken, avocado, spice, bacon and cheese with a tasty slaw on Texas toast made for a lovely dinner.  The sweet, creamy and spicy all married well together and I couldn't put it down.  I've already planned my next dinner because the selections from the Spice Runner truck were so good I don't want to settle for bites next time.  The owner of the truck is from South Africa and makes some delicious, well-balanced flavors and his own complex hot sauces.  Because the food trucks don't have a liquor license, it's either BYOB or a taste of the free beer they offer on site.  Free beer, you ask?  Yep, they can't sell it, but they can give it away.  Have you been swept up by the food truck movement?

Strawberry Pie

*Image & recipe by Cook's Illustrated

Yesterday, to celebrate the 4th, my husband made a fresh strawberry pie.  I wanted to take a picture of it, but we devoured it too quickly.  Seriously, there is no pie left today and I am sad about that.  The whole, fresh berries are pulled together with a cooked jam and fill a flaky pie crust.  There is nothing better than chilled fresh strawberries on a hot day, and this pie was just the ticket.  I think that it will be a repeat in this house.  We spent our day outside playing by the water, grilling, and then devouring this tasty pie.  How did you spend the 4th?

Gators

*Image by richseow

This weekend I'm playing in the Masters National Water Polo tournament with my team the Gator Gals.  We're finally playing in the 30+ bracket and have less competition overall, but will definitely play hard this weekend.  Our first game is us vs. the Olympic Club and needless to say, I won't feel bad  if we don't win that game.  The thing I'm most excited about is seeing my little brother again, because Nationals is in Irvine and that is just close enough to have a fan in the stands.  I'm not looking forward to another weekend away from home, but that should be it for my summer.  At least this little jaunt will be another temporary escape from the heat, for now.

Pool & popsicle

*Image & card by Hartland Brooklyn Card Co.

Yesterday I spend a glorious day poolside and in the refreshing waters of my friend's pool.  It was a perfect way to beat the TX heat and enjoy the summer.  I even got to practice passing for my upcoming trip to Masters Nationals for water polo this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to.  Today I will beat the heat by completing my indoor household chores, eating a popsicle and possibly heading to Sea World to pick up my educator's pass.  I can't think of a better way to beat the heat than by getting splashed at Sea World.  How do you stay cool in the summer?

Starfish

*Image by my Mom

The first fish my mom caught of of the Gaviota pier was a starfish.  After poking it a bit and letting it slime up my hand we released it back to the ocean.  Our aim that evening had been to bait and catch a shark, but a sea lion decided to show up and spoil our fun.  We did catch some rock fish, some mackerels, some decorator crabs and plenty of sea weed.   All of the time spent outdoors in California made me yet again long for a more reasonable summer climate.  Maybe it's nicer down on the gulf coast?  Maybe we'll have to get down there this summer and see if there is any good fishing.

Crayon decor

*Image via greylikesweddings

If you're going to encourage people to color place mats you've got to provide them with art supplies right?  I'm not sure that there are enough crayons for the entire table, but what a fun way to display them.  I'm in a coloring mood lately, can you tell?

Solstice

*Image & card by Simply Pretty Prints

The solstice is upon us and although it has felt like summer in Texas for months, now it is official.  This guard shack reminds me of driving down the California coast and of my summers spent sitting in my own lifeguard tower.  Happy solstice to you.  How will you spend your summer?

Place mats

*Image & place mats by Cake Vintage Table & Home

When I saw these place mats with color-in, punch-out disguises I felt like a little kid.  I love restaurants that provide paper, crayons and a blank canvas.  I also thought of my friend & cousin who decorated their rehearsal dinner with action figures and whimsy.  They will be celebrating their union again in October and these place mats also reminded me of them.  Disguises and pearls and crayons would be enough to liven up any celebration and would make for memorable photos. Are you a fan of coloring?

Homecoming

*Image & print by HANDSworkshop

I'm back y'all!  I am so excited to see my husband and my wiggly bull.  The best sight when I've been gone for so long (or even a short trip, really) is the car pulling up with a beaming driver and a dog that is all bent sideways with wiggles.  The best welcome home greeting ever.  I can't wait.  What makes your homecomings special?

MFA

*Image & card by mad design

Today my little brother graduates as an official artist.  Well, I guess that's not right - he's been an artist since I can remember, but now he's got the fancy pants paper and the art school glasses to make it more official.  I'm excited to see where this takes him as he maintains the job title of artist.  Congrats!

Sun & Surf

*Image & print by Myan Soffia

I can't wait for a sunset beach hike with my mom and my brother.  California summer is so much better than the awful heat of Hades we experience during these same months in TX.  I'm not looking forward to the humidity & the terrible heat.  I am relishing all of this time with my family.  How are you spending your summer?

LA la land

*Image & print by Myan Soffia

Today I land among the sun and surf in LA.  I'm off to Santa Barbara to celebrate my brother's graduation.  He earns his MFA this weekend and I am so glad that I can come to see his thesis show and watch him graduate.  I'm excited to hike along the sea side and to see the surf.  Is there anything I should add to my list in Santa Barbara? 

Leavenworth

*Photos by Atlas & Elia Photography

On Saturday, as I mentioned my cousin married my best friend.  It was a beautiful day in a gorgeous location in the middle of the mountains.  I am so spoiled to be from such a naturally beautiful place.  The sun graced us during the ceremony and I'm sure any pictures will show my crinkled nose as I try to observe the nuptials while being slightly blinded, but gratefully warmed.  The joy is evident in their smiles and was prevalent.  Beauty and joy.  I couldn't want more for the both of them.  What is your favorite part of weddings?

BFF

*Image by Oh So Beautiful Paper card by Farewell Paperie

Today my friend is marrying my cousin.  If I had seen this card a month ago I would have bought it because this is perfect for the occasion.  Happy day!

Bow

 

*Images via Kate Spade 

Ok, seriously - this jacket is adorable.  I love the bow on the back, why am I suck a sucker for Kate Spade? I scored this jacket for a whopping 85% discount and could not believe that it was there, on sale and fit me perfectly.  How do you say no to such a perfect find? I will love traipsing around Seattle in the nautically inspired number, the perfect layer to the weather they're currently having.  I'm going to feel like such a posh traveler.  What do you think of the bow?