CRAZY OVERDUE UPDATE

Since it's been forever since my last post, an Instagram review of the last three months is in order. 

So it's obvious that the majority of my time was spent around dogs, Trill, and succulents.
But there were a few stand out moments.

+ We took a long awaited trip to Rockport, Massachusetts. I couldn't believe how comfortable we were from the moment we stepped out of the car. It was home, with the exception of the ocean and the reminder that we were somewhere special.
+ Mike and I also got engaged! ::enter tween squeal here:: 

-

In Shop News

Starting Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, I am having a 30% off sale in my ETSY SHOP
And SOCIETY6 is offering free shipping on all items now through Cyber Monday
It's a good time to be shopping for yourself, and your loved ones that's for sure!

AUGUST BREAK THE END

So long, August. Thank you.

AUGUST BREAK WK FOUR

AUGUST BREAK WK THREE

AUGUST BREAK WK TWO

AUGUST BREAK WK ONE

AUGUST BREAK

I did something totally out of my comfort zone, and I'm all giddy inside because I really freaking love the result. I'm taking a cue from Susannah Conway this month and doing the shit that I want to do. Regardless of what others think, or whatever the manifested fear driven devil on my shoulder may whisper into my ear. It's going to be really uncomfortable, and I can already feel myself compelled to run away, but I have to push through.

It's fitting that today starts the annual August Break that Susannah Conway started to give photographers and bloggers an opportunity to break away from the pressures of our hypersocial-sensitive minds. Every day she encourages us to take photographs of what we love and blog about it. No pressure, no judgement. And if you're stuck one day, there's a helpful photo prompt list to jumpstart your creativity. I'll be sharing my photographs at the end of every week, and I would love to see what any of you may be sharing.

Below is a free, printable calendar that I created to get you through this last Summer month. Click the image to download!

CATURDAY

Technically, it's Sunday. 

I love this little monster so much, I could eat her. 

It's good to be home.

+ note: I completely didn't know that Lillies were toxic to cats! They have since been taken outside, and no kitties were harmed.

FLORIDA + HEAT + NEW THINGS

The heat wave you all keep hearing about on the East Coast is real and we are all super cranky about it. I can't emphasis how much I loathe humid, sticky, thick air. I'm guaranteed to get migraines (in this case, every single day for the past five days), and it seems that I've picked up nice little jawn of food poisoning along the way. While I'm slowly making my way out of the darken rooms I've spent the majority of my week in, let's enjoy some (non-migraine) snippets from my recent vacation in Florida. Plus succulents. Succulents make everything better.

If you've noticed the blog has it's own little makeover, if you will. I am enjoying the minimalism that is the base of this template, mixed with simple links and golden social media icons. Plus super effing big photos! It doesn't hurt to mention that this template was purchased at PinkandLola on Etsy. She has other great items and all you have to do is download the file. Easy, I like that. What do you think?

I've been granted a VSCO Grid so that link is now available, too! If you have a grid of your own, leave the link in the comments I'd love to visit!

SUMMER OF SALSA

My thoughts on food this Summer is easy. Keep it simple, light, and refreshing. I don't want to spend any more time melting in the kitchen than I have to.

But before all that, it's great to have a go-to recipe that works with just about anything, can easily be put together, and is ridiculously tasty. Four ingredients. That's all you need.

Summer Salsa with Mango 
1 ripe mango, cut into bite size chunks
Juice from 1 lime + the zest
1 small white onion diced
A handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Each ingredient can be added in the amount that suits your taste. Simply toss all together in a bowl and chill until ready to use. It is addicting. I don't think I'll ever go back to a jar salsa again. If you like a little extra heat, add some Chalula sauce.

Also - having a problem chopping up that mango? You are not alone, I have destroyed many mangos in my time. Until I found this great video showing you how to cut a mango properly.