{ america the beautiful }

Popping in quickly to say "hi". We've spent the last couple of days reveling in our nation's capital and its incredible beauty. I'm in awe of how much there is to see, do, and learn here--I think every American, if not everyone, owes it to themselves to visit Washington D.C. at some point in their life. 

This photo was taken last night at the entrance to the World War II Memorial which sits at one end of the reflecting pool, opposite the Lincoln Memorial (which you can see in the distance). We spent about 30 minutes taking in its stunning beauty and reflecting upon the sacrifices endured during this period of history to give us the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today. 

We then walked along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial, which is nothing short of awe inspiring at night. It was a powerful and moving experience and all the more memorable sharing it with a few of my favorite peeps. 

I'm off now to take in as many sights as possible over the next couple of days--I hope my feet hold out. I miss you all and will be back soon...

{ come fly with me }

Did I ever mention that my daughter's Oma and Opa invited her to tag along with them on a trip to Washington D.C. this summer? As if that wasn't already enough, they then extended the invitation to me as well. I'm still pinching myself and beyond excited about the adventures ahead of us. We leave tomorrow and I hope to post some highlights next week from the road. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

{ thursday thoughts }

found on this gorgeous blog.

I'm trying to sneak in as much summer living with my little one before she goes back to school--I'm sure many of you can relate. Thanks for your understanding if you notice me playing hooky around here over the next couple of weeks--I'll be here, just not as often as usual. xoxo

{ open for business: paper cameras print store }

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a lovely weekend. As you might have noticed, I was absent yesterday--busy catching up up on some work projects. I'm so happy to be back here today to share one of my favorite photographers, Sydney based, Amanda. { Long time readers of mine might remember this post. } Amanda's gorgeous work has been captured in several projects, including the book, For the Love of Light. The good {great} news is that Amanda recently opened an etsy shop--Paper Cameras--featuring her dreamy polaroids, so now we can have some of her prints for our very own.

You can purchase the prints currently on display in her shop and also visit her flickr stream and choose other favorites--I found a few new faves of my own...

Best of luck with your new endeavor Amanda, I'm certain it will be a huge success.

Psst: Be sure to visit Amanda's enchanting blog too.

{ happy, happy friday }

Are you as excited as I am that it's finally Friday? I thought I'd share some inspiration from Amy Butler's gorgeous portfolio of lifestyle photos that I just discovered today thanks to Victoria*. Amy's wonderful captures and cheerful prints + colors make me oh-so-happy--a great way to kick off the weekend. Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating couple of days! xo

P.S. If you haven't already, you must go see sfgirlbybay's favorite things as featured today on craftzine.

{ thursday thoughts }

found via don't forget to fly

{ pedal away the blues }

Ever have one of those days? Well this one's been a doozy! I usually try not to whine about household & appliance repairs, but when they start stacking up in 3s, 4s, and 5s, I must admit to feeling a bit blue. The kicker was my beloved iBook G4 going belly up this morning {did I mention finding out yesterday that our furnace needs to be replaced?} *Sniff Sniff!*...cue the pity party!

In my quest to escape from my current reality, I did a little surfing around and happened upon a lovely and new {to me} site, London Cycle Chic. It was just what I needed. For a few minutes, I wasn't thinking about HVAC systems or blank laptop screens with question marks. Instead, I added several adorable bike baskets to my wish list and imagined myself frolicking about with my new little pup. So much more fun! 

{ the good stuff }

meet "Buddy" {aka Butterball}--our new little bundle of joy {and energy!}

A long, leisurely bike ride and ice-cold water from the hose. 

The latest issue of Country Living and 500 Days of Summer at the Tower. 

Bringing home our new {furry} friend...

and wondering how we ever got along without him.

Happy Monday!

{ happy, happy friday }

What do you all have planned this weekend? It's been a busy, busy week around here and I'm looking forward to an adult night out Saturday with friends and spending some time Sunday chillaxing {my new favorite word, borrowed from my eight year old}. Meet you back here on Monday. xoxo

Image from new {to me} photographer, Tec Pataja--what a dreamy blog!

{ thursday thoughts }

i will not live a mundane life print by compulsively compiled

{ interior inspiration: johnér }

Oodles and oodles of inspiration found on the Johnér site. 

I love the fresh, relaxed design approach captured in these images.

{ try it tuesday: create a colorful gallery wall }

Hunt thrift shops, yard sales, and flea markets for interesting and different sized frames. Then, choose a palette of complimentary colors, paint your frames, and voila!...you have created a fabulous gallery wall. I absolutely love this one featuring Amy' Rice's artwork found here. 

{ our favorite things... }

evening strolls through the creek and cotton candy skies. 

perfectly roasted marshmallows and pine-scented mornings.

the pitter patter of rain and discovering new places. 

These are a few of our favorite things.