Showing posts with label outdoors. Show all posts

22 April 2012

When Your Bank Account is Empty, Cache Out.

As my first semester of grad school winds down, the second is only one step behind.
I have about a two week break before summer school starts, and I intend to use this time to catch up on life.
I'm going to read as many books as possible, spend as much time outdoors as Mother Nature will allow, mail my friends letters and treasures, eat lots of ice cream, get this blog back up and running and whatever else I can cram into this short window of time.
Happy Earth Day, by the way!
The mister and I celebrated yesterday with our new hobby...
Geocaching!
I guess you could describe it as treasure hunting for adults, although I'm sure kids enjoy it as well.
While not all caches contain treasure, it's more fun to think of it this way (at least for me), and our first cache did have a few little treasures!
It's a great adventure that gets you up and out of the house, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
I know we're hooked.
To learn more, check here or here.

P.S. I must give props to the movie that sparked my interest in geocaching- Splinterheads. It's on Netflix in case you're interested.

1 comment
05 January 2012

Down By the Water

While I was home over the holidays I had the pleasure of hanging with a family friend who also happens to be an amazing photographer.
(He took our engagement pictures way back when)
Turns out he had just recently purchased a new camera and wanted to take it out for a test run.
Can you believe these pictures were taken in the middle of December?! No snow. No coat. Perfection.
I am pretty thrilled with how the pictures turned out. Other than my doofy expressions and slightly awkward poses, they look fantastic. I'd say that camera's a keeper ;)
Now if only I could get him to take all the pictures for my blog. A girl can dream, right?
You can check out more of this work here and here.
Thanks again Niall!

P.S. Back in high school when the mister and I were first dating we used to take pictures down by this river. It's a special place always near and dear to my heart.
<3

P.P.S. It was tough picking my favorite shots, so I'm sure I'll be sharing a few more soon.

16 comments
09 November 2011

Such a Pretty House, Such a Pretty Garden

Sorry for the silence around here.
I've been fighting a nasty cold/sinus infection thing for the past week or so.
Ehh, I guess it's that time of year.

On to the failed outfit attempt...
I thrifted this velvet leopard print dress a few weeks ago for a mere three dollars.
Exciting, no?
Then, a couple weeks ago, I wore it for the first time.
It wasn't as exciting anymore.
Maybe velvet isn't my thing. Or maybe I don't know how to style it. Who knows.
I wanted to share these photos anyways because of the gorgeous gardens and fall foliage also pictured.
Enjoy!

P.S. Is anyone else trying super hard to get pre-sale Radiohead tickets today?! We are, so wish us luck :)
P.P.S. Etsy shop is progressing. Hoping to have my first items listed by this weekend!!!

6 comments
24 October 2011

Girl in a Red Dress

Good morning!
I wore this outfit on Saturday while practicing my self timing skills, but never really left the house in it.
I hate wasted outfits, so here ya go.
<3

P.S. Sorry for the lack of creativity in the post title. It's Monday...
Be back soon with a recent thrift finds post!

8 comments
22 October 2011

Saturday In The Park

I think it was the Fourth of July...
Sorry, couldn't resist :)
Today was gorgeous, so of course, we spent most of the day inside. Dummies!
We did manage to get out for a bit, and to the park we went.
As evidenced in the pictures above, Maggie is a great tennis player. Hah.
It was really more like a game of 'Monkey in the Middle,' but fun for all nonetheless.
Also! I learned that the mister can juggle- who knew?! (See pic 5)
I'm thinking of entering him in a contest. Any ideas?
Alright, well I hope everyone is having a happy weekend.
<3

4 comments
18 October 2011

Ocean Breathes Salty

Is this what 'they' refer to as color blocking?!
Well, either way...it may be my new favorite outfit.
This is what I wore flea market rummaging on Sunday.
A couple weeks ago Urban Outfitters was having a huge 50% off clearance sale, and I took serious advantage.
I hardly ever shop there due to their ridiculously high prices, but who can pass up a great sale!?! Obviously not me.
This dress was one of my many purchases that week.
Ok, just wanting to check in for a quick second.
Hope everyone is having a great week!

9 comments
14 September 2011

The Farm

I know, major photo overload, but can you blame me?!
I wanted to post a few pictures of our Labor Day/Birthday weekend trip to southern Illinois.
Affectionately known as 'the farm' to family and friends, this little corner of the world is presently home to Aaron's parents, aunt and their many furry friends.
The mister grew up spending weekends, summers and holidays here, and not surprisingly it's always held a special place in his heart.
Ever since we first starting dating eight years ago (whoa!) he's been more than ecstatic to 'drag' me down south every chance he gets.
It didn't take too long for this place to grow on me (ok, maybe a few trips), and to this day I couldn't be more in love.
Every second spent at the farm feels like vacation. It's truly amazing.
From lounging on the deck & watching the herons on the lake to late night card games and wine tastings, it's always an adventure.
It makes me so happy to think that one day we'll be able to share this place with our children as Aaron's parents were able to share with him and his sister.
<3

1 comment
30 August 2011

Sunday Sailing


This past weekend the mister, my brother and I were invited to go sailing.
None of us had ever been before, so we were definitely up for the adventure.
Luckily, the weather was absolutely perfect on Sunday! Just gorgeous. Optimal sailing conditions as well we were told.
The boat belongs to my good friend and coworker Stephanie's dad, and these pictures can't even begin to show the boat's beauty.
If I remember correctly it was built in Taiwan in 1979, all teak wood (yeah Steph?).
I don't really know anything about sailboats, or any boats for that matter, but it was such an amazing, serene experience being on the water that day.
The mister, now nicknamed Captain Collie, learned the ropes so to speak from Steph's dad.
He was basically a sailing pro by the end of the day :)
I'm now looking forward to owning a sailboat in our future. Maybe after a few raises.
<3

3 comments