Today

Outside my window… it’s another beautiful summer day. The weather this weekend was glorious, perfect for celebrating the 4th of July and spending lots of time outside.

This weekend we had a cookout with friends on Saturday where I served fruit in pretty much every capacity that I could think of from flavored water using lemons, limes and cucumber; these mini cheesecakes topped with fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries and a honey-lime fruit salad. Summertime typically makes me crave fruit, fruit and more fruit so I indulged and it was delicious.

We also took the kids to the beach yesterday to celebrate 4th of July. We decided to try a new beach I’d read about near an ice cream place I’d read about. The verdict is in: the beach was a bit of a let down and by let down I mean it smelled like sewage.

So we skipped the water, brutal choice in the hot weather, and played in the sand for a bit. The kids really didn’t mind at all, both had really only come for sand castles anyway. After we’d smelled enough sewage for our choice we went off in search of ice cream at a small little hole in the wall that boasts awesome reviews. It alone was definitely worth the trip!

I am reading Second Wind by Cami Ostman and I’m nearly halfway through. Cami has now run 3 of 7 marathons and finally starting to like running!

Meanwhile reading about all her healthy choices has convinced Dan and I to start counting calories again and maybe even exercising. Okay, definitely exercising. I’m playing a bit of a sick card today but I do plan to start taking a morning walk with the kids nearly daily. Wish me luck!

A few links you should click:

• I’m planning to make these paper plate frisbees at Make and Takes with MM this week.
• Also loving these fruity cheerios activities at No Time For Flashcards.
• Have you ever made sidewalk chalk paint? This is yet another project calling out to me lately (recipe found at WhiMSy love)
• Craftily cool off on a hot day with ice cube paint at Share and Remember! This is so clever!
• I found this parenting dad blog of sorts by Jason Good via Facebook and have been cracking up regularly ever since.
• We’re on a smoothie kick lately and I’m dying to try this pineapple, banana and coconut smoothie at Make and Takes.

One picture I gotta show you: another picture from our cookout on Saturday that shows of BB’s pretty 4th of July dress that I found at H&M for $6! They have the cutest little kid clothing and always seem to have some awesome bargain.