Flora by Gucci The Garden - Glamorous Magnolia

If you happen to be looking for the perfect summer fragrance to wear this year, let me share this one that I've been wearing now for the last week. Because I am around so many fragrances each day, and have the opportunity to wear any one at any time, I can get slightly casual about choosing. I don't feel the need to really live with any particular one, nor have I taken on a 'signature' that I wear daily. That is, until now.

When the three scents included in this series were released beginning this Spring, they slipped right through my radar. Consequently we had quite a few new launches this season, one of them being Valentina by Valentino and well I was a goner when it came to that one. But now that a few months have passed and as it seems increasingly difficult to find that perfect summer scent that is light but complex enough to wear all day, this one has re-captured my attention. Sparkling and crisp, with hints of citrus, freesia, and a warm chocolate accord, it's a fragrance that will lighten your step and stay with you all your summer days.

Father's Day 2012

I would rank this Father's Day among one of the best yet. While in the past (due to not so great weather) we've always headed out to a local town fair, this year we woke up to beautiful sunshine and made a change in tradition. After my husband opened gifts of grooming from my son and I, we quickly headed out the back door to soak up some rays. My son and I then made a yummy breakfast of waffles; after we devoured those we made our way to the park. From my post yesterday I shared the fun we had at a brand new wave pool just opened blocks from our house; not only does this park feature the wave pool, but it also has a great playground with a skate park for kids, and an enormous field on a hill for ball games and kite flying. The wind was wild, and we flew our kite for a good amount of time before the lines snapped twice... the wind whipped us around for a little longer while my husband chased our delighted son around, then it was time to head home for dinner. I made buffalo burgers and mixed in a bunch of ingredients like onion, cheese and seasoning. Served up on some cute gingham plates I found at our local dollar store, and the day was complete.

Opening Day - New Wave Pool

We had a blast at opening day of the brand new wave pool that just opened blocks from our house. Ground broke for this project last summer and I remember thinking how great it would be if it were done right then, so my son and I wouldn't have to trek over to the next neighborhood for swim sessions. It's remarkable how fast a year has gone by, and time flying is something I'm getting more used to every day now since we've had our little one. The timing on this location couldn't be better; now that I've returned back to work we are on a bit of a shorter supply of the invaluable commodity. Not only is this pool only open swim, but weather permitting, it has evening hours. They offer season passes and we'll be picking ours up this month!

Thrifted Leopard Jones New York Dress & More

Each week I try to hit the thrift store at least once, and since we had some time to kill before the library opened at noon, I headed there today with my son.  After he was happily busy playing with his toys, I had a minute to rifle through the dress rack and found these two numbers.  I was on the fence about the second one since I tend to wear more neutrals and not much color, but my son insisted it was a good selection so I caved.  The shoes add yet another black pair to my collection, but for work wear I don't think I can ever have too many in black.  I did come across a very cute pair of Nine West round toed pumps and should've added them to my haul, but my rational side made me think twice since I am on my feet all day...  although I may have to go back for them anyway.  Check back next week for my ideas on styling these; my head is swimming with them already...

 {The dress on top is my first leopard; 

the one above is a large so it gives a bit of a drapey, slimming look}

Water Colors

Awhile back I read about a kiddo product which struck me as ingenious; one full of delight and whimsy that I just couldn't wait to get my hands on.  That is, until I discovered it must be ordered from overseas... that became a deal-breaker.  Don't ask me why. 

Then, out of the blue, while perusing the body product selections and picking up our favorite bubble bath at our local market, I spotted it.  Tint-able bath tablets; six nine to a packet, with instructions on the back on how to create unique colors.  Glory glory, we picked up three at 99¢ and had a blast mixing a rainbow of colors.  My son calls it 'medicine' for the bathtub.  I call it 'the coolest'.

Pep Up

I had a whopper of a day.  I spent the entire afternoon at a local food bank while volunteering on my company's behalf.  My time was paid for; although I would've done it anyway.  This was my first real volunteering experience, and after years of wanting to get more involved, I finally have.  I don't know what my excuses are for it taking this long; although it does take a toll on my spirit.

It's difficult for me not to get emotional over some of the things I saw today, but I think it would be more difficult not to stay involved.  I feel better about trying to do what I can to make a bit of a difference.  And more than anything I feel grateful.  Many of us have so much in this country, yet somehow we seek more.  And many of us have so little, and yet seek just enough.  Each day I try to be happy with what I have, because at the end of it, I have what I need for myself and my family.  I even have a little bit more, like the opportunity to pick up a favorite chocolate bar and scented candle at the end of a tough day.  Just to brighten my mood a bit, and remember how lucky I truly am...

PJ's and Pedals

There's a lot about our backyard I'd love to change. It's been pretty much the same for the last six years we've lived in our house, with no real layout or design and lots of randomness. Over the years it's seen many incarnations; from a backyard camp site to a canopied oasis, to a place for storage. We've never invested in actual outdoor furniture, yet somehow manage to always have somewhere to sit (blankets sprawled across the grass, our indoor dining table brought out for al fresco meals... ).

I study outdoor spaces on home design websites and always say to myself 'this year we will have some outdoor order!' And then, before I blink, summer is over. We are after all, in the Puget Sound, where summer doesn't begin until after 4th of July, and the crispness of Fall can be felt like clockwork by October 1st.

What I wouldn't change are all the memories that have managed to be made among the mess. My son running through the line-dried clothes, burgers being barbecued last minute on the Hibachi, water-balloon fights ending with both my husband and I falling flat into the kiddie pool with laughter; and my son, pedaling his heart out in his pj's. While I am one to prefer an aesthetically pleasing environment, I know from experience my happiness doesn't depend on it... but maybe this year, an outdoor furniture set just might add to the delight.

Best Summer Body Moisturizer

Each season there are skin and beauty products I can't wait to restock.  Now that summer is just around the corner I was free to pick up one of my favorite body moisturizers for this time of year.  Light yet hydrating, all natural ingredients, and a strong coconut scent make this the most amazing body lotion I've ever tried.  I like to keep it in the shower and apply before towel-drying for the most moisture retention.  If I'm feeling really summery, I'll pick up the bath bar with the same great scent.  Find it all here.