When Dad Comes to Town

Rob's 1st weekend away was especially tough on me back at the ranch. My dad just so happened to be alone for an extended period as well so he came up and kept me company. We mostly chilled. He brought his grill and made us a delicious lunch on Saturday afternoon. He blogged his recipe you can see it here.

Besides lugging his grill all this way, Dad also gifted us with a portable air conditioner/dehumidifier. It's awesome. The animals are especially grateful. We also did lots of talking, some movie-watching & some more eating. It was great.

Heavenly...

the cutest car I have ever seen; Midget.

strawberry ice cream + chocolate sauce. yes.

apple+ walnut quinoa cakes at Pizza Luce.

Daddy-o.

photos by Me.

Oh, Blogger, Where Art Thou?

I've been basking in every moment of alone time I've been able to steal with my dear husband who is venturing out for a big adventure and very soon. The blog has taken on some inevitable neglect in the wake of this. Naturally.

I wore this dress recently when we attended my stepsister's wedding at a vineyard & winery {photos to follow}. It was $20 at a little vendor stand during Sidewalk Days. Her tent had no name. She was just a quiet woman with lovely, affordable dresses. Magical.

The wedding color was purple, so it was fun to have something breezy to match. I did do quite a bit of surveying about the questionable tact of wearing white to a wedding. It's a a largely outdated notion, according to my sources. So, I wore it happily. What do you all think about dress rules for wedding attendees? Is this a polarizing issue?

I got to have him with me on this pretty day.

ps: I colored my hair red{ish-goldish}.

dress: the mysterious vendor, cardigan: Merona, belt: Charlotte Russe, earrings: Forever21, sandal wedges: Attention, nail polish: Sally Hansen Salon Series ~ Thinking of Blue.

photos by Peanut.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

It's Wednesday. Which means I am reflecting on my Smiles. You should too. Join in here.

Looking back on my fabulous week/end, all of my smile moments {at their root} are due to beautiful moments with family + friends. Lucky me...

Two-part fireworks this year. Chapter 1 was a shockingly enormous quantity of super close country 'works on the lake.

Chapter 2 was giant, far-away city 'works with an amazing view {+ gorgeous weather} from our friend's rooftop.

{our fair city}

This lovely sprite is Ms. Kate. And you can read about her fashion adventures over at her blog, Carry On Dancing. She is as talented as she is adorable. Visit her.

{smiley face}

photos by Peanut.

Forfa Jewel-eye.

Things I Learned This 4th of July; babies are the best addition to any weekend • doritos taste even better than I remember them • I am not good at bean bag toss • SPF 50 is not a guarantee • sparklers don't burn every person who holds them • I like sleeping in tents • I like coming home.

I'm rekindling my love affair with our window AC. It's hot in herr.

earrings: The Electric Fetus {gift}, flower pin: Vintage Duluth {gift}, everything else: Target, nail polish {toes}: Sally Hanson Salon Series ~ Thinking of Blue, {fingies}: SH Salon Series ~ Gilty Pleasure.

photos by Peanut.