Last Days of Summer: 10 Faves Looking Back

1. Relaxing in the Park

Me this chair and that Book "Fifty Shades of Grey".  Oh yeah and the geese of course!

Summer time has so much beauty and really gets you to appreciate doing things in the outdoors.  Although Summer time doesn't officially end until September 21st it always feels  finished right after Labor Day, probably b/c thats when kids go back to school and Summer Fridays at work come to an end.    I wanted to Soak in all the fun I had this Summer so I decided to post a smidgen of some of my favorite things over the past few months.  Hope you all had a Fabulous Summer full of favorites as well :)

2. Outdoor Cafe Seating

Never underestimate the joy of outside cafe eating.  I would love to set up a seating arrangement complete with pillows just like this one below.  I've tried it out several times, Its super comfy.

3.  Playing Softball

My Softball Team - Fun Times!

4. Trying a Pickle Martini for the First Time

It definitely tasted a little strange with the first few sips but before I knew it I ordered another. New Fave

 5. Taking Pictures of Nature

There is something so peaceful about bees when they have no idea they are being watched.

6. Finding the BEST Lobster Roll yet 

I would have had one of these everyday of the summer if not in fear of Lobster overdose.

7. Discovering that there is in fact a beach just a short walk away from my apartment

It may be small but hey it's still a beach.  

8.  Making Watermelon Lemonade

By far my favorite drink recipe of the summer.

Love these polka dot straws.  I bought them in several colors.

9. Zoku Pop Maker

Strawberry Lemonade Flavor.  Just use Simply Lemonade and sliced strawberries - Delicious!

10. Berry Bowls 

I love these bowls.  Besides being so cute they are just so convenient.  Wash and eat.

Anthropologie

BrookFarm

Fishs Eddy

Doors & Stoops

I have long been intrigued by doors and stoops.  Perhaps it's simply because the door is the first thing you see when approaching a house.  I love the array of colors and the intricate wood-work of the frames.  I even appreciate those doors that are chippity-chipped & in ramshackle condition yet giving off a shabby chic aura.   Living in a city area always makes for a good showing of doors and stoops with character at every door-step.  Each house is so different and longs to stand out on its own. 

There definitely seemed to be an infinite amount of doors in different shades of blue.  I discovered this while out photographing randomly over the summer.  I found these particular blue doors to be so charming.  While I love them all for their uniqueness I happen to adore the shiny black-oil paint doors for their simplicity but boldness against a bright red-brick wall.  I hope you find these pictures inspiring for the next time you decide to paint or replace your front Door.

Mini Grilled Cheez & Tomato Soup

There are so many ways to present a mini style grilled cheese paired with its perfect compliment "tomato soup."  I just couldn't help myself from trying my own version of this perfect pair when I came across these adorable mini style glass mugs from Fishs Eddy.  They are perfect for soup or even a mini cup of cocoa or beer.  This was a quick, easy and quirky way to throw together a last minute yummy snack for me and some girl friends before our night out.  I am obsessed with labeling everything with these mini chalkboards.

I used a combination of cheddar cheese and cilantro jalapeno cheese.  It was delicious and I highly recommend it for those of you who like a little bit of a kick in your grilled cheese.