Hearts Are Floating For...Summer Skies

Last night's sunset was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. These pictures don't do it justice but the sky was a rainbow of shades of orange into pink, blue, gray, and black.

And now the obligatory quote from Catching Fire just because it's my favorite book.

"So what's wrong?" he asks.

I can't tell him. I pick at the clump of weeds.

"Let's start with something more basic. Isn't it strange that I know you'd risk your life to save mine...but I don't know what your favorite color is?" he says.

A smile creeps onto my lips. "Green. What's yours?"

"Orange," he says.

"Orange? Like Effie's hair?" I say.

"A bit more muted," he says. "More like...sunset."

Sunset. I can see it immediately, the rim of the descending sun, the sky streaked with soft shades of orange. Beautiful.

~ Katniss and Peeta, Catching Fire, Chapter 4, Page 52

Hearts Are Floating For...Westport

It's been ridiculously hot here for as long as I can remember. I'm talking over 100 degrees for weeks and weeks on end...and there's no sign of relief. Usually I'm all about getting outdoors and enjoying the summer but I'd much rather hibernate in the comfort of my air conditioned apartment. However, that just seems sad so I've had to make an effort to force myself out into the world. This weekend, Bill and I spent some time in Westport, conveniently jumping from one cool indoor place to the next.

Lunch at Jerusalem Cafe - They have a food truck too!

My hummus and pita wrap.

A new favorite store - Pryde's of Old Westport

Pretty dishware in fun colors lined the wall.

Vintage glass sparkled in the sun.

Tucked away inside of Pryde's - The Upper Crust. We split a mini blueberry pie.

Iced lattes from The Broadway Cafe.

Hearts Are Floating For...The Farmer's Market at City Market

It's become a bit of a weekend tradition to head over to our local farmer's market on Sunday mornings. It also happens to be the biggest in the area and only a few blocks from home. The City Market hosts all sorts of vendors from farmers to pasta makers to artisans. I've developed quite a love for a few places in particular such as Bloom Baking, the middle-eastern market Habashi House, and the City Market Coffeehouse where I always get my latte. 

Fresh baked bread from Bloom Baking Co.

Fruits and veggies...yumm!

Hearts Are Floating For...Birchbox June 2012

Sometimes I'm a bit late to the game and/or a procrastinator. Yesterday, I received my July Birchbox and it occurred to me that I never shared June's box. The theme of the month was summertime travel which was quite handy since I was heading back to Boston for my sister-in-law's wedding. Having seasonally appropriate samples to throw in my suitcase is always much appreciated.

* beautyblender blendercleanser

* Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive

* Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect

* theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen

* tili Bags

* John Varvatos Star USA

Hearts Are Floating For...Lake of the Ozarks

I'm back after a bit of a blogging hiatus. I have lots to share starting with our weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our friends, Jeff and Kristin, have a beautiful house right on the lake. We spent two days cooling off from the 100 degree plus weather by swimming and boating. Kristin also kept us well fed with endless delicious food including homemade pulled-pork sandwiches.

Our visit started out with some bad news...the green Sea Doo had gone missing. It became a bit of a mystery over the weekend and we were all on the lookout - binoculars and all - for anyone dumb enough to ride by in it. But by Sunday morning, the neighbors called and found it, badly beaten but alive, floating near their dock. It was a joyous reunion!

The house with tiny American flags lining the walkway.

My view for two days.

A new friend: Petunia

Poor Sea Doo