late summer days

I am never one to ring in the fall with enthusiasm, and right now is one of those times when I wonder why people rush to welcome upcoming seasons when, in reality, we are still halfway in the current one. I guess that being a student all my life, I associate the fall with the end of all of the summer fun.

Well, despite all of those ramblings there is one constant: my wanderlust and desire to just SEE everything this big beautiful place has to offer.

Can't wait to get in on the constant movement and bustle and uncertainty of traveling again. There is a time for that. Right now, this is a time to work for it.

snips of summer

I know I don't update this blog as much as I should (mostly because I post every day on this one) but times are a'changing around here.

New jobs, new ideas and new endeavors propel us forward. I'll be the first to say I detest "change" but right now as I watch everyone move on to bigger things, I am sort of awaiting my time to move too. I suppose this is symptomatic of all post-graduates.

In the meantime my camera makes me happy - not only that but being behind the lens and shooting photos that are seemingly meaningless when we go through our todays and tomorrows. I love these little snips of the summer.

glimpses of the sea

Recently our family embarked on a beautiful trip down to the sandy beaches of North Carolina. Seriously, every sunset is magnificent. The beaches are expansive and quiet. The mild breeze eases any worries.

It was the ultimate state of relaxation. We ventured to some places so desolate and alone...it would be a travesty to publish them here. Some things are just meant to stay untouched, they are just perfect the way they are. If you ever find yourself in the Outer Banks...just explore! There is so much to see.

See the OBX posts on my other blog.

Going anywhere this summer?

gardening 101

I believe in messy, happy gardens.

Here are a few tips I have learned over the years.

#1. 

Be open to bizarre looking plants

(cat tail)

#2.

At the store, always buy the buds!

(snapdragon)

#3.

Beautiful foliage for shade does exist.

(caladium)

#4.

Spark conversation with ornate pottery

#5.

Use pots of different height to add volume to your patio garden

#6.

Herbs, herbs, herbs

(a blend of rosemary, oregano, thyme, etc).

#7.

Use color fearlessly

#8. 

If you live in a dry area, try a cactus flower or succulent

#9. 

Decorate your stairs with unique artwork and potted plants

#10.

Fairy lights will turn your garden into an eden.

- - - 

Enjoy your garden!

at the height of spring.

- - -

All from yesterday's sun...my mom and I definitely had a little pink in our cheeks.

Sunburn! Oi.

But it faded into a nice rosy color, and we are excited for more sun soon.

Springtime warmth is the best, and the sun is oh so strong this time of year.

Nothing is making me happier than cheerful pink flowers in the garden.

This spring is quite gorgeous so far, despite some rainy and foggy days.

We couldn't ask for better!

photo inspo.

last photo is mine - - the rest from here

- - - 

All random but all good, it makes my heart a little warmer to 

see beautiful pictures like these...

Hope you are having a happy week!

a yummy salad.

Yesterday the both of us noshed on this healthy and extremely filling salad!

It was quite a satisfying lunch.

We'd like to share with you!

- - -

Ingredients:

zucchini

snap and snow peas

asparagus

red pepper

grape tomatoes

grilled chicken

gnocchi

romaine lettuce

red potatoes

salt, pepper, seasoning

olive oil

- - -

Recipe:

Vegetables

Preheat oven to 350

Cut all vegetables and place into a roasting pot

Season to taste with salt, pepper, and other things you like

Add a tiny dash of olive oil

Roast for 30 minutes at 350

Chicken

Heat pan/skillet on high

A dot of olive oil on the pan (optional)

Cut chicken into small pieces or strips

Grill on medium-high temp for about 8 minutes

Gnocchi

Set a pot of water and bring to a boil

Once boiling, place gnocchi in the water

Bring to a boil once more

(should not be in more more than 2 minutes)

Using a strainer, drain out!

Viola! You're done.

Enjoy your lunch, everyone!!!