Time in a Bottle....or a Swim Suit

Summer 2009


Summer 2008

Summer 2007


Summer 2006

A Few of My Favorite Things - **For Summer**

In addition to my new favorite self-tanner, I thought I'd share some more things I am enjoying this summer.

** CLARK'S FLIP-FLOPS

I always thought of Clark's as too "granola" for my taste, but I ran across a display of their leather flip-flops at Macy's and tried a pair on for the heck of it. It was love at first wearing, and I now own these in silver, black patent and red.


** PUMICE SPONGES

As much as I love flip-flops, I hate what wearing them does to my feet. I keep one in the shower and give my heels a once-over every day. *Note: Pumice sponges are not the same as pumice stones. Sponges are a little more porous, easier to use, and give better results.


** KERI SHOWER + BATH OIL

I grabbed this on a whim at CVS the other day, hoping it wouldn't be too greasy or smelly. I was pleasantly surprised that it was neither. I slather this on right after I shower, wrap up in a towel, and let it soak in for 5 minutes or so. After I dry off there is no oily residue left behind and my skin feels great!


** BIOLAGE LEAVE-IN TONIC

In addition to all the usual washing, blow drying and flat ironing I do to my hair, the summer sun and pool take an additional toll. I've been using the leave in hair tonic by Biolage for years when my hair needs some extra TLC. Towel dry, spray in, comb through and style as usual.


** CK ONE "SUMMER"

One of Calvin Klein's unisex scents, I love it for its fresh and somewhat earthy smell.

(Now if only I could find a miracle bathing suit, I'd be all set.)

Thank Goodness The Mailman Finally Delivered....

my the three year old's...


July edition...


of Runner's World, his favorite thing to read.


Who needs Mother Goose when you can read about 5K's, high tech running gadgets and injury prevention, (not to mention that pretty cover girl...let's not kid anyone).

Hopefully I can borrow it when he's done.

The Maxi Dress

Are any of you fans of the maxi-dresses that are so popular this spring/summer?

I love them, though I don't find them terribly flattering on me. (And I wish they were called something else). You can't beat them for comfort and they're so easy to throw on and go.



I even hesitated posting this photo because it makes me look a little more MAXI that I want. ha!

But, I can't resist the allure of all the colorful choices and styles. I have seven maxi dresses and have loved making outfits by adding long necklaces, shrug or wrap sweaters like I'm wearing here, and even a denim jacket.

My favorite place to buy them is Macy's, and Target, Old Navy and Nordstrom have great selections as well.

I always wear them with flip-flops, which adds to the "throw and go" ease.

It's Nothing Short of a Miracle

The fat lady sang

Hell froze over

Donkeys flew

All of the laundry in my house is washed, dried, folded and put away.

Just Like Being In College, Except I'm Not

To figure the recovery time from a little too much vodka + tonic at the pool Friday night....

take age of toddler divided by the number of times he came into darkened, quiet room the next morning

multiply by the number of windows closed tightly trying to keep out the light plus the number of weed whackers and lawn mowers rattling said windows

invert with the square root of the number of Saturday morning appointments hubby had to cancel and/or handle himself on my behalf

subtract an entire Saturday morning lost to woozy slumber

then go ahead and subtract the whole darn day

raise sum to the power of number of loads of laundry needing to be done

invert the diameter of half the circumference of the pizza eaten Sunday morning at 10am

add the ratio of Extra-Strength Tylenol to glasses of water

assign factor "zero" to the desire to get in ice cold pool water with toddler Sunday afternoon

add 100 for doing it any way

assign factor "double zero" for the desire to ever drink vodka again

add 1,000 for getting to work Monday morning
at 8amat a reasonable time looking pretty much like nothing happened...even remembered to put on watch and earrings.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Happy Monday.

Five Things I Love About Summer

Pink in a Sea of Blue tagged me for a fun meme to list Five Thing I Love About Summer.

Before I list my summer bliss for this year, I should tell you all that I have already given myself a lecture about embracing these upcoming months since last summer was less than stellar.

A great attitude about any situation is 90% of the battle, so I'm planning on lots of summer fun this year.

1. SWIMMING

We have a great neighborhood pool and we spend a lot of time there on the weekends (until about August 10th when the mention of the word pool makes me cringe because I am so over washing those beach towels.) This little guy is now a big boy - 3 years old - and so far spends most of his time paddling around the deep end with his floaties chasing his sister and his 12yo girlfriend. By the end of the summer, my goal is to have this little champ swimming on his own.

2. OUR DECK

My family loves our deck for many reasons. My husband built it over the course of Summer 2006. Our house has a drive under garage, so our living area and deck are really second story. It makes me feel like I'm in a big, comfy tree house.

It's shady early in the morning and late in the afternoon and we love having casual meals there, or reading in the chaise lounges with a
strongcold drink.


3. SUNDRESSES

Light, airy, flirty, colorful, great with flip-flops... and no pantyhose required.
Amen.


4. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES GALORE!

I especially love fresh green beans, tomatoes and watermelon this time of year. And I can't forget those delicious Georgia peaches! Yum!


5. IOWA

This year our summer vacation will be a trip to Iowa (via Minnesota) to visit lots of family and friends. The corn should be knee-high by then. I love my life here in the South, but I'll always be a Midwesterner. To me, it is heaven.


I'd love to hear what your summertime favorites are.