Help Me, Help You

A few days ago I went down to my local public library to sign up as a volunteer. I've called countless times over the past few months with no response so decided to just march in and demand someone let me help.

The women I met with were thrilled I was there and kept saying "thank you for thinking of the library" which made me feel very special. I filled out my application (E. I listed you as a reference), agreed to perform any and all tasks they needed assistance with and now am just sitting and waiting for my call to start. I do find this to be a bit odd considering I'm ready and willing with my free time and just how utterly challenging it has been to get work as a volunteer. I guess I could have just joined a gym...

Outside Living

Most people spend their holiday weekends relaxing, but we just came back from a vacation so decided to use the time to get some much needed projects done around the house. Sometimes I'm amazed at what John and I can accomplish when we work hard together.

This weekends major project was re-staining our deck. We spent two days changing this outdated red color...

to a more neutral clay look using the Deckscapes product from Sherwin Williams (I'd highly recommend this, it goes on just like a watered down version of paint)

It took FOREVER to get into each crack to eliminate any traces of that barn red but was definitely worth the effort. I love how it makes our house and yard look more fresh. We additionally added extra lighting, perfect for eating outside and summer parties. I'm keeping the same table and chairs from last year but updated the tiles in the table top and plan to get a colorful umbrella and vibrant pillows to help tie everything together. 

Next weekend it will be back to gardening and getting the flower boxes painted and planted. There isn't much rest for these homeowners!

Fun In The Sun

Last night we came home from our Jamaica trip. I now have my first official passport stamp!

The trip as a whole was definitely an experience. We arrived in a torrential downpour unlike anything I'd ever seen and spent hours trying to get through customs at the airport. When we finally arrived at Sandals Royal Caribbean, I was taken aback a bit by the resorts age and the lack of friendliness on the part of the Jamaican people. Let's just say we had a running joke that if you asked for something, even nicely, you have a 40% chance anyone would actually help you. Apparently this is the Jamaican way.

We had never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before. You pay for everything ahead of time and then eat and drink galore without any money exchanging hands. I really like not having to worry about that and the food was very tasty. 

Our group was a lively bunch of close friends and family of the bride and groom who came together to celebrate their wedding.  You could say we celebrated and then some!

The ceremony was held on a private island just off the resort that we all accessed by boat. It was truly one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to. The setting alone was special, just like the couple who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They have been together for 12 years but took their time getting married. Everyone there had no doubt of their love for each other. It was a beautiful site to see. 

Aside from the wedding, we spent the majority of the time relaxing on the beach or by the pool, dining and drinking. John and I also snuck away for a couples massage. It wasn't what we normally would do non-stop on a vacation, as we also like to see the local sites, but all in all I was so happy to get away for a few days and spend some quality time with my husband and our friends.

Below are some more pics from the trip...

John, far left, with all his guy friends and the groom the day of the wedding.

John playing Frisbee in the ocean with friends. Everyone was calling him 'Seal' because of his ability to swim fast and for what seems like hours.

Me relaxing on the beach. This was the day I got a severely blotchy sunburn (that was horrid looking with all my cute sundresses) despite layering on SPF30 every chance I got. The sun is very strong down there.

The sunburn twins. This pic is a bit deceiving, though, because only John's head ever gets red and for a day.

On the boat to the island where the wedding was held.

Me with some of the gals on the trip at cocktail hour.

Yeah Mon

Tomorrow we leave on our Jamaica trip and I can not tell you how excited I am to lay around and do nothing for 5 days. I have been running around like a crazy person today trying to work, shop, pack and get Duke ready for his grandmother's house. I can't wait until we land and feast our eyes upon this...

Razor Sharp

We all know I'm no stranger to the short haircut. It's a normal part of my life every 5-6 weeks. However, today when I got to the salon, my regular hairdresser Renee' had to go home due to a severe stomach flu and since I have so much going on this week before our trip Saturday, I decided to take my chances with another stylist. Her name was Danielle and she was a little odd to say the least. During my detailed explanation on the way I like my hair cut and styled she kept looking at me like I was speaking Mandarin or something. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck. Then a few minutes into the cutting she pulls out this little number...

It was the razor tool that Renee' normally uses at the end of my haircut after it's dried to take some of the bulk out. Danielle used it to cut my hair in it's entirety. I found the whole thing terrifying but it actually turned out to be OK in the end. My curls are a bit more defined and aside from Danielle's ridiculous use of product I am pretty happy with it. Who knew?

My Mom

Not a day goes by when I don't miss my Mom. She is the glue that keeps our family together. She is always there to listen and encourage me and I'm grateful every day for the wonderful bond that we share. No amount of miles could ever change that.

I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day :)

Just As I Suspected

According to this website, the average rainfall in inches for Philadelphia is 44 and in Seattle it's 38. I knew it rained more here! 

I went from growing up in constant AZ sunshine, to a stint in Seattle, back to constant AZ sunshine and now this? I must be out of my mind.

I Hate Rain

Thanks to this crappy PA weather we've been having lately, there is now quite a bit of water in our basement and we have no idea where it's coming from. 

After last night's torrential downpour we suspected it and then saw it this morning- everywhere.  Puddles near my little creative work station, the pile of kitchen stuff I store down there and even my poor washer and dryer. I've never had a basement so this just confuses the hell out of me and makes me mad. Damn you rain!

The Things You Find Online

The other day while exploring Etsy, I came across this...

I have no idea exactly where in our house this will go, but I showed it to John and he also agreed it's a must have piece of art. We are both huge Bill Murray fans.

Come pay day Friday I'm ordering him.

Happy Feet

Speaking of shoes, for the last month I feel like I have been searching for the holy grail in footwear, the perfect black wedge sandal. I have owned a pair every summer since moving here and wear them out. They go with shorts, dresses, jeans, you name it and I love them.

This year, it's been a struggle. Yeah, that style is virtually everywhere but it hasn't been right for me. I don't like a lot of toe showing (for those in between pedicure days), nothing too strappy or dressy (it's either patent leather or nothing out there) and I want the support of a back strap (needed when you are suddenly 3" taller). 

Finally, on Saturday at DSW, I found them and for only $39.99!

It was a dream day.