I haven’t done a big round-up of my favorite things for a while so today I’m going to share a few of the things that have been making me happy this summer. Check it out:
Saltwater Sandals
Apparently Saltwater Sandals are a classic summer shoe for little girls, but I was completely oblivious to that fact when I bought this red pair at the beginning of the summer. I love these sandals! LOVE THEM! they are cute and inexpensive and I’ve worn them almost every day since I got them. I want 20 more pairs in 20 more colors.
eShakti Dresses
Dude! Have you heard about eShakti?? They sell tons of classically-styled dresses in lots of colors and every flippin’ one of them can be custom made to your measurements. You can even raise and lower the hems, change the neck-line, add sleeves and perform other customizations to the clothes to get exactly what you want.
I am eternally frustrated when I try to buy clothes because the styles of clothes available in the plus-size sections of stores is so limited. If I find something I like, it never fits quite right and if it does fit, I’m usually not thrilled about the fabric, color or style. I stumbled on a few eShakti dresses at the end of June and when I visited the site I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I had Zach help me take my measurements right then and ordered two dresses (for under $100!). They arrived 2 weeks later and both of them fit perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with them!
Blue Iced Tea Jar
I found this blue, half-gallon sized mason jar at a garage sale for $3 a few weeks ago and I love using it for my iced tea. Every morning I make a full pot of tea and when I’ve finished drinking it hot (with lots of milk and sugar) I pour whatever’s left in the teapot into this jar and stick it in the fridge. Then I drink iced tea for the rest of the day. I can’t ever fall asleep at night because of all the caffeine, but at least I’m refreshed throughout the day.
Garage Sales
Speaking of garage sales, Zach has got me newly hooked on them. Most Saturday mornings this summer we’ve loaded our reluctant kids into the car and set out looking for bargains. Zach is generally looking for stuff to re-sell on eBay but I like to get craft supplies, things we need for the house and treats for the kids. I’ve always thought I was bad at thrifting and second hand shopping, but I suddenly feel like a total bad ass at it now. The photo above is all the stuff I got at the sales for a mere $16. I’m particularly proud of the huge cutting mat which doesn’t appear to have been used and cost me only $1! I credit Maker Mama and the excellent thrifting lessons she’s been giving on her blog lately!
I had this cucumber jalapeno margarita at the California avocado dinner at the EVO 12 conference a couple of weeks ago and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since. I’m not a big drinker, but when I do drink I prefer a good cocktail. This one was terrific contrast of cool cucumber, a little bit of sweet and a slightly spicy finish. Super yummy!
Zip-lining Down the Side of a Mountain
Another thing I did when I was at the EVO conference was zip-line down the side of a mountain with my friend, Whitney. I’m afraid of heights so doing this was very challenging for me, but when someone offers you a free ride on a zip-line you take it! I screamed my head off most of the way down but it was still an incredible thrill.
What have you been loving — big or little — this summer?
