{ try-it tuesday: 4th of july crafts }

4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. 

I especially love the fun and festive decorating options. 

These craft ideas, found at Martha Stewart, look relatively simple to create 

and would look great at any summer gathering.

Find more ideas + full instructions here.

{ white house tour }

Lyn Gardener, whom you might remember from this post way back when, has recently unveiled her latest undertaking--The White House Daylesford--a dreamy, fully restored 1850s brick miners cottage in Daylesford Victoria {Australia}. I love the subtle mix of city meets country--the industrial elements add interest and texture without taking away from the coziness of its countryside setting. My favorite spot is the old garden shed, which has been converted into a separate guest room {top photo}--like I said...*dreamy*.

all images {and more} found here

{ a few of my favorite }

...summer things

1950s vintage bombshell sun dress  {via please sir}

Vintage bicycle locket

Swings fine art print

Honey Bee locket necklace

Paper flowers-shades of red

What's everyone up to this weekend? We're taking a quick road trip tomorrow and hanging lakeside for the day--can't wait! Wishing you all a sweet weekend of summer frolic.

{ in case you were wondering... }

this is my idea of heaven on earth--

You simply must read the story behind this little lakeside gem, 

located {now} in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin.

P.S. Note the radio in the third photo. 

{found here}

{ try-it tuesday: colorful photo clipboards }

I purchased these clipboards months ago and have been planning to create a photo wall with them since spotting this photo in this post way back when. I considered painting the clipboards first, but never narrowed down a color nor did I seem to make the time to just do it. Instead, they sat in a bag cluttering up our closet. 

Then, the other day, I had an A-ha! moment upon spotting these adorable sets of scrapbook papers in Target's $1 bin {yes...12 sheets for $1}--perfect for adding a fun and colorful background for the photos I plan to display in my daughter's clubhouse. I was inspired and got to work immediately. If you'd like to try it yourself, here are some very simple instructions:

Each 12 x 12 scrapbook sheet is large enough to create two mini clipboard size backgrounds. *I used double-sided tape to mount the paper because I wanted the ability to easily change out the background paper with the seasons. However, spray mount or modge podge would work well if you're looking for a more permanent and durable solution. Voila...you're done!

Coming later this week: An unveiling of the clipboard photo wall--stay tuned.

{ monday making me smile... }

Memories of our relaxing, fun filled weekend. Some highlights:

Hours & hours playing with our new "slip & slide"

A full Father's Day brunch--prepared by moi. 

     { Hubby's still thanking me & talking about it...perhaps I should cook more often? }

A long bike ride with my best little pal, during which she said, "This is the best morning ever!"  

   {{ sweetness }}

How about you...what's making you smile on this first Monday of the summer?

{ summer lovin' }

Summer fresh images inspiring the weekend ahead.

What are your plans for the weekend?

We have family coming to town to celebrate Father's Day with us = cousin time, which my little one loves. I'm also hoping to work on a couple of small makeover projects I've had planned for awhile--details soon. Wishing you all a sunny, rejuvenating weekend! xo

images by Atlanta Bartlett

{ thursday thoughts...}

It's tempting sometimes, isn't it? 

I'm thinking Positano, Paris, or a simple cottage by the beach.

Where would you go?

{image found via  brown button.}

{ a new love }

for image credit, click here

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my parents handed down one of their old** radios to me. It was brown and cream and crackled each time I turned its huge plastic knobs--an unforgettable sound. I recall the instant sense of independence I felt hanging out in my room and being able to listen to my choice of radio stations and songs. Perhaps that's why I felt so nostalgic at our local antique fair the other day upon noticing these charming little radios that seemingly popped up everywhere--I was instantly smitten. I'm now on a mission to find one at a yard sale or thrift shop this summer--pink or turquoise please.

P.S. I did manage to find this little treasure to take home. It's official: I cannot pass up well priced, turquoise pyrex bowls.

**mom...perhaps you remember the make & model???

{ sweet dreams... }

I'm quite certain I would be very, very happy if offered the opportunity 

to stay at the oh-so-quaint Bed of Flowers B & B in Holland.

{ cheers to journaling }

image via Tom Schopper Photography

Happy Monday friends. Did you all have a lovely weekend? Mine was the perfect combination of fun and catching up on some to-dos around the house. Saturday evening I went to a tapas party and had the most amazing peach Sangria. It's so refreshing on a warm Summer evening--I must recommend it if you're hosting a little soiree of your own this Summer. 

Today it's back to planning some fun, Summer kiddo activities. My daughter took quite a liking to the weekly journaling she did in class this school year so, I thought it might be fun for both of us to keep a journal and chronicle our adventures over the Summer. After seeing Pam Garrison's awe inspiring work, I am completely smitten with the idea.

Pam's blog led me to Geninne's journals...

You can see more of Geninne's art jouranls here.

Fun, right? I don't expect ours to be nearly as cool but, I love this free flow, coloring outside the lines approach to journaling and I think my little one will too { + it's a really good excuse to look for cool notions that we can incorporate into our books }. How about you...have you ever or do you currentlly keep a journal? 

{ take it outside }

I'm going off line  ~ my little one and I plan to spend as much time as possible outdoors today.  Thank you for all of your sweet comments on yesterday's post ~ have a wonderful weekend everyone!

inspiration courtesy of Country Living

{ thursday thoughts... }

for my amazing daughter who wraps up her last day of Second grade today***. 

I'm so, so, proud of you my sweet, smart & independent girl--

I can't wait to create magical Summer memories together. xo

***P.S. Can you please slow down the growing up too fast thing?

top image credit: I love you much sign by Sugarboo Designs.

{ try it: cupcake liner garlands }

image via Petunia

You have probably figured out that this week's "Try It Tuesday" was, in fact, delayed until today. I considered skipping it and saving it for next week, but I simply couldn't wait to share this clever DIY idea with you.

All you need to create these charming garlands--spotted here and here--are cupcake liners, thread, and a needle.

image via happy: blissful

shops like layer cake shop & bake it pretty

offer adorable liners & endless possibilities for your project

something fun to add to your summer celebrations!

{ summer freshness }

Do you ever take a look at your home and suddenly feel like everything looks dreary and drab? I'm soooo there right now. With Summer just around the corner, I'm hankering to lighten, freshen, and cheer things up around here.  

Carolyn Barber's photography has me thinking about how I might update a few pieces using cozy whites and gorgeous pops of color...

stay tuned...

all images via Carolyn Barber