Summer Bucket List

Do you have a summer bucket list? Or rather a Summer -to-do-list, the fun kind, the one that inspires new adventures and lessons learned? In Yesterday's Links and Such post I included a quote "When Was the last time you did something for the first time?". So maybe one's summer list could have this theme...?

With the first day of June, I'm trying to write my own list, one that doesn't include items from my "Ultimate to do list" (such as various knitting projects, our wedding album (4 yrs is embarrassing!) and so on).

Although my list is still a work in progress, one key piece, that although does not fit into doing something for the first time... is to paint outside again. During my undergrad we spent many painting classes outside painting landscapes. I have mad respect for those that can capture a landscape in simplified hues and shapes... I would get bogged down by each leaf. And so that's the number one goal on my list- to paint outside again. (And to paint in general, I also hope to offer new original oil paintings in my Etsy shop).

So as you head out on your weekend, think about writing a fun summer bucket list, one that will challenge you... but one that will ultimately set this summer apart from the rest. And report back, cus I need help with mine! ; )

have a great one!!

xo

abs

Shop Update at GrayDayStudio: Funky Paper Garlands!

Hi All!

Just a quick little note to let you know I listed three new garlands this afternoon!

Shimmering Metallic- is funkier fare, with triangles and circles in card stock and plastic, would be cute in one's home office!

And then two Space inspired garlands- Rocket Man and Planetary Neon- both combine 1 inch neon circles with larger 2 inch watercolor circles!

Links and Such

word up! 

Although I find that motherhood makes me feel like I am constantly doing new things all the time, just not what I want to do... I'll stop there! ; ) But this quote does make me draft a little mental list in my head (who am I kidding it's not that organized!). I am, however, going to post a Summer goals list tomorrow in keeping with this idea of trying new things! So stay tuned for that.  Here are this week's Links and Such, enjoy!

37 shrubs that are easy to propagate from cuttings
grow your own mushrooms- kit
DIY- outdoor canopies 
cool wire basket!
honeybee embroidery pattern
Outdoor Garden work station
adorable kid's bed
a crochet shrug I can get behind... now to find a similar pattern and to learn crochet!
check out this black velvet layer cake- cute for Halloween or a fancy b-day party!
tis the season for sleeping porches
101 Pretty Free Printables
DIY ombre tassel necklace

And in case you missed it...

This week's LAST Love Letter to Spring
subtle happenings at GrayDayStudio
Crumble Recipe- IE the easiest Summer Dessert you will EVER make (maybe)

Happenings at GrayDayStudio

Thought I would update you on some happenings over at GrayDayStudio! I sold this lovely hand painted bird pillow to a customer in the Netherlands this morning. The Moth pillow is still available!

I'm experimenting in my studio with some pink metallic for my garlands... Hope to have a few metallic garlands in the shop by the end of the week.

I also hope to put the finishing touches on my hand painted owl pillow (with down pillow insert!) and list this little baby ASAP!

We were without internet for the past 24 hours (which feels like an eternity) thus no blog post yesterday. But to celebrate the internet's return- lucky customer #7 at GrayDayStudio will get a free garland with purchase- just let me know which one in your message to seller!!

have a good one!!

xo

abs

What I've Learned this week and it's Only Tuesday

* Week to week this lesson holds true- the more I take time to explain what we are about to do, the easier she is at easing from one transition to the next... it's less overwhelming for her.

IE: She hates to have water on her face at bath time, so I explain to her before I rinse her hair, how I'm going to lay her back in the tub, she will be safe, doesn't have to be sad or cry, that I'm going to rinse her hair and it will be easy and fast. This works great and I wait to rinse her hair when she is ready. Of course during her little rinse I have to continue to reassure her... but it all works out well.

* I've been rubbing lavender oil on her feet at night before bed, she loves this because she can now say Lab-en-dah and loves smelling it in the garden... not only is it a fun activity but it helps to rehydrate her dry summer sandal toes, while also taking away some of the summer sandal foot funk. PLUS it's a great promise to help ease her into wrapping up bath time "Let's let the water out of the tub and go get our pjs on and put lavender oil on your feet!"

* I've been doing more Love and Logic with her lately- giving her choices (my choices) like- would you like to feed yourself your rice, or would you like Mommy to help?  OR, You can stay here and play with us quietly or you can go in the other room and think about being quiet. (said in response to random screaming)

* Taking extra time at bedtime to reconnect is always a joy, full of unexpected fun and touching moments.

* I've been using her toy bunny to help get some things done... when she resists having her diaper changed, we change bunny's diaper first. We wipe bunny, fasten the diaper and then it's the toddler's turn for a diaper change.  We also use bunny at bedtime- Bunny turns off the light by the rocking chair after we are finished reading books. Sometimes Bunny misbehaves and will turn off the light and then immediately turns it right back on. We roll our eyes at bunny and giggle and then ask nicely with a please and a thank you if bunny will turn the light off again. He responds in his raspy New Yorker voice and the light is turned off and we thank him.

A Love Letter to Spring: Family Edition, the last of the year

For this season's last Love Letter to Spring, I thought I would look back on our own spring... take stock, give thanks, and document our daughter's only spring as a one year old. (Most of these pictures were taken with my cellphone.)

Above: The Husband began beekeeping with my twin brother and sister in law.

The hives at the beginning of spring as seen at my brother's house. They are taller now with more boxes placed on top. (hope to share some updated pics soon)

Easter weekend: My sister and my daughter together on the hammock in my parent's backyard.

The lilac's get a visit from a butterfly. (After this spring the babe can say Lilac, mint, lavender.)

More garden backyard beauties...

The Husband showing and teaching our daughter about acorns and how they grow into trees.

Playing on the driveway one night after dinner.

Chatting with Dad on the hammock

Harvested these peonies from my mom's garden.

being cheeky after nap time

troublemaker the bubble maker

Smothering my daughter on the hammock

little wet footprint.

passing through the neighbor's yard....

Yesterday's memorial day parade with Aunt Hannah in Kennett Sq PA.

running through the grass...

I hope you all had a lovely spring! This past weekend really felt like summer is officially here... thus my weekly Monday Love Letter to Summer will start next week. Have a good one!

Crumble Recipe

I've posted this recipe before, but it's such a classic, easy go to summer dessert, that it bears repeating! Last night we had some friends over for dinner. The husband made the Barefoot Contessa's Shrimp scampi recipe, as well as her cucumber salad and I made this peach and blackberry crumble for dessert.

Here's how to make the Crumble:

preheat oven for 350

crack 1 egg in a bowl

add 1 cup of sugar

& 1 cup of flour, then MIX - sometimes I add a touch of milk or vegetable oil if it doesn't seem to be binding and is too dry. But ultimately by drizzling the butter on top your doughy topping will become more dough-like and wet.

melt a stick of butter 

put the fruit in a bake safe dish

evenly sprinkle the crumble mix over top of the fruit then drizzle the butter, or butter like substitute over the whole thing. 

Bake at 350 for 30+ minutes until golden brown! (will take longer if using frozen fruit, sometimes I kick on broil for a few minutes to finish cooking the top.)

Serve with ice cream or pouring cream and Enjoy!

Hiking About

Last Sunday we went on a little hike and expedition with the wee babe and my sister. I wanted to share the great pictures my sister took. It was a lovely day, perhaps one of the last of its kind since the humidity seems to be here to stay!? I hope you all have a great Holiday weekend! (ps my awesome linen hat is by Worthygoods on etsy!)