Guide to a Cool Summer

Hi, peaches! TGIF!

Temperature estimation for today: 113 degrees. Eeek!

Now I know in Arizona we like to think that we are tough and capable of handling the extreme heat. I will be the first to admit that I have told way too many people that their 90 degree weather is nothing for an Arizonan who deals with summers of 115 degrees. However, let’s be real with each other for a moment. No one is immune to triple digit, insane madness! So, here are a few tips for stayin’ cool this season:

Three letters: H 2 O !

Sunscreen

Lip balm (Burt's is my fav!)

A/C

Mandatory pool dates

The ocean blue!

Photo taken: January 2011

Adorable tanks

Sun hats (skin spots are so unglamorous)

Water parks

Iced drinks: take your pick!

Recipes included

Delicious Iced Espresso

Frozen Lemonade

Peach Iced Tea

Fruit Infused Water

Secret for the day: water tastes a hundred times more refreshing when fresh or frozen fruit is added to a pitcher of it. Plus, the slight hint of fruit taste is delicious, and the display is beautiful! Go wild.

See! It is possible to have fun in the sun.

But be wise, dearies. Stay cool, smiley, and forgiving.

XO.



Snail Mail

Good afternoon, blog goers! I hope this Tuesday finds you in high spirits.

Let's talk about letter-writing. Well, in case you haven’t guessed, “snail mail” is used to reference the slow lag process between a letter’s send off and its arrival to the recipient when compared to its electronic equivalent. Unfortunately, the medium of technology is becoming increasingly popular and physical letters are becoming less and less frequent. I think this is tragic. Hand-written letters express more gratitude, character, love, and authenticity than any electronic portal. So, let’s change this.

Here are a few pictures that highlight some perks that come with snail mail:



If you don't have some pretty stationary, get on that.

An old war letter, in honor of the up and coming 4th of July!

Pure class.

If it tickles your fancy, send a post card instead.



Vintage Marilyn stamp.



Sound of Music style!

Lovely.

Have a great Tuesday, blossoms.

Today, take a minute and practice your penmanship by letting someone you love know you care.

XO.

[Sorta] Easy Bread

So. Today I woke up with a craaaaving for homemade wheat bread. Why I couldn't have just been satisfied with store-bought bread, Eggos, or Poptarts, I don't know. However, great stuff came as a result.

I had never made bread before because my mother has always made bread-making out to be a horrific nightmare, so I went into this experience hesitantly. I think I found a winner, though! I hope you think the same. Be excited.


Ingredients (only four!):

1.5 cups warm water

4 cups whole wheat flour (you can also use bread flour)

2 teaspoons yeast

2 teaspoons salt

Directions:

1. Place flour in a bowl

2. Put yeast on one side of the bowl and salt on the other

3. Pour warm water in the middle

4. Mix on low till dough comes together



5. Switch to medium and mix for 2 minutes

6. Let dough rest for 5 minutes

7. Mix dough again for 3 minutes

8. Take dough out of bowl and hand knead the dough for 3 minutes

9. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the ball over to coat entirely

10. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel

11. Let rest for 1 1/2 hours

12. Remove from bowl; the dough will have doubled in size

13. Punch down the dough, reform the ball, and put back in bowl

14. Let rest again for 30 minutes

15. Remove from bowl and cut dough into 2 pieces

16. Form these pieces back into balls

17. Let rest, covered with a damp cloth for 1 hour

18. When dough is ready, preheat oven to 450 degrees

19. Slash the tops of the dough balls to allow breads to expand while baking

20. Bake for 20-25 minutes

21. Top with butter or a tasty spread

22. Share!



I hope you all try this one out. I don't foresee you being disappointed, just remember to allow for adequate time. Patience is key.

Happy Thursday!

XO.

Summer Pieces

Hello and good morning Wednesday goers! Can you believe we are already half way through the week? I can’t believe how time flies during the summertime.

This morning, I woke up and started my usual routine by flipping on the news while I made breakfast. I just happened to catch the weatherman predicting a day of 111 degrees for tomorrow. 111! Oh Phoenix, we have different definitions of summer.

Let’s try to not let this rain on the parade, though. Think beyond the heat and try to remember summers in different years and places that could capture the magic of this season. Here are a few summer staples I remember:

Flowers are my number one.



Spending time outdoors in the sunshine
(One day I'll live in a place where this is possible)

The sea. It always seems extra blue in the summertime.

Traveling to magical places while wearing beautiful clothes and sun hats.

Beautiful spots to escape the routine.

Summer love is so cliché, yet so marvelous.

Don't give up hope, cherubs; this heat will pass. Summer is a state of mind, not just a passing season.

XO.

Wall Décor

Hello, dearies! Thank you for turning your shining faces this way once again.

This past week was a busy, blurry whirlwind. It’s likely that I set a record for how many appointments someone can have in a seven day period. Plus, I wrote a paper that had a page requirement that was far too long for my tiny, summer attention span. So, I apologize for being sporadic in my posts.

Throughout my travels this week (most of which were around the Phoenix area—glamorous, I know), I came across bundles of inspiring wall décor. From classic vintage to sleek and modern, these pieces each had unique flair. If I had to put a few adjectives to these furnishings, they would be as follows: positive, comforting, lovely. Curious to join the insiders’ club and see these precious pieces? Take a looksie at a few of my favorites below!

Today, make a point to rejoice in Christ's sacrifice for you! Give thanks, be slow to anger and quick to love.

Happy Monday!

XO.