September 2, 2013

Summer lovin'.

 This summer has definitely been less busy than last summer. I have been able to spend a lot more time at home which I am super thankful for. It's hard to believe that we moved into our new place only three months ago, so I have really been enjoying settling in and nesting. Usually I am the first person to suggest getting out of town and going on a trip, but this summer I have been more than happy to stay put. Here is a peek at what my summer has looked like:

Several years ago my father-in-law got a beat-up vintage boat from 1957 from his friend for free, however it wasn't nearly as pretty as it looks today. For the past three years he has been working on restoring it back to it's original glory and finally this summer it was ready for the water! Woo hoo! I absolutely love the turquoise color he painted the sides... obviously the love of turquoise runs in the family! ;) We have already taken the boat out on the river a few times and we always have a total blast. It's great to be able to see your city from a different perspective like that.

 
 Also on the topic of water, we have really been enjoying spending lots of time in our backyard in our new hot tub. It's the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day with a glass of wine and also a great way to start the day with a fresh cup of coffee.

 
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing Paul McCartney perform live! Gah! Someone pinch me! I went with my mama and my brother and his lovely girlfriend and needless to say the show was nothing short of incredible. It was such an unbelievable feeling see one of the members of The Beatles in person. That is something that I never thought would happen... but I am certainly glad that it did!

I have also been trying out a few new things in the kitchen lately and been having a lot of fun doing it! Last week I spent the day with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law making homemade ravioli, and let me tell you they were delicious! This was my first time making pasta and once I got the hang of it, I discovered that it wasn't as intimidating as I originally thought! We made four different kinds: portobello mushroom and Parmesan, spinach and ricotta, butternut squash, and a Mediterranean mushroom. Mmm... I am getting hungry just thinking about this. (Oh, and of course I have also been enjoying trying plenty of new cheeses and wines. That's what sitting on a patio is for, right?!)

 I have also been making it a priority to spend as much time as possible with my friends, even though it can be tricky to line up all of our busy schedules. Long chats, barbecues, and bonfires are some of my favorite summer moments. 

Oh, and of course I have also spent plenty of time relaxing in my hammock. I had picked this hammock up last time we were in Thailand and now that we built our deck I finally found the perfect spot to hang it. Nothing beats reading a good book in a hammock on a warm summer afternoon.

 What about you, how has your summer been? What are some of your highlights? Hope it has been wonderful!
XO, Stef

12 comments:

  1. Looks like your summer was plain darn awesome. I love all of your photos- they tell a story! I was lucky to be spending the beginning half of my summer in Texas and the latter half in Chicago, my new home. It honestly felt like the best of both worlds, and I am glad to be planting new roots! Happy Labor Day to ya!

    Cheers!
    Akshara
    Simply Akshara

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  2. lovely pictures :)! Looks like you had a great summer!

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  3. That first photo of you is my favorite. You're such a brunette beauty (the best kind!) and that outfit is the best casual day look. That vintage boat is a foxy little number too. Your dad-in-law did an amazing restoration of it.

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  4. I love your blog.
    And you guys inspire me.




    ~ i s a b e l l e

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  5. wow stef, such wonderful photos! looks like an amazing summer you've had :D my summer highlight was my 21st birthday where I spent it at disney magic kindgom and had dinner in the castle :D xx

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  6. So how was that concert?! Loved all the photos, but that last one was the best of all. Perfect shot!

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  7. Wow looks like you have had a busy summer! Beautiful photos, I can't wait for the weather to heat up down under in Australia!

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  8. Looks like a ton of fun! Free boat? Count me in! You all look lovely. And I love how he snuck that Bruce Willis record in to the picture...haha!

    - April
    mylifeasapril.com

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  9. That hammock looks divine! Not to mention the hot tub! I'm envious of your summer duds :)

    applewood road

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  10. Definitely looks like you had an entertaining summer! I love looking back at a season that has flown by, and seeing how wonderful little moments can be :)

    <3 dani
    http://blog.shopdisowned.com
    www.shopdisowned.com

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  11. I love your photos !
    I really love the shoes on the first photo and your green skirt on the other photo !
    Enjoy

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  12. wow, what great summer memories! It's nice when you have the chance to enjoy life's good moments (especially when you make them happen). Love the boat and the picture with your shoes, the wooden floor and the wine glasses. And you had the chance to be at such a concert?? very jealous! :)~Evi xxx

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