Slowly saying goodbye to summer

I walked out the door this morning and was hit with an instant feeling that summer is slowly leaving making room for fall. The chill in the air and the cool breeze got me thinking about all the things I need to do to get ready for fall. Prepare the house for back to school, switch out clothes to allow for more layering and all the fun things I can't wait to do!

 

Here is collection of my goodbye summer hello fall musings...

 

 

 

 

1. Thinking of doing a big hair transformation, cut and color 2. celebrating my 30th birthday with fun festivities  3. candles, candles, candles
4. preserving the flavors of summer

5. dark and plumy nails 6. busting out the boots 6. healing soaks in the bath

 

I'm sad to see summer pass bye but I know she will return.

 

xoxo,

Ronita

 

Our Neighborhood Community Garden

This year we decided not to do our CSA box like we normally to in the spring. Instead we decided to invest our money and time into our neighborhood community garden. I really love the thought of being able to join as a community to plant and grow our own organic food which we will split evenly at harvest time.  This was our garden's first year so there was a lot of setting up the space and beds.

We are growing all heirloom lettuce, kale, collards, bush beans, turtle beans, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and yellow, various varieties of tomatoes, cucumber, herbs and peppers.

I'm looking forward to harvest time and sharing in the joy of
 all our hard work!!

Here is a peek into the garden.

xoxo,

Ronita

{Seattle Take 1: Sight Seeing and The Duck Tour}

For four nights and 3 days I spent some much needed quality time with my two line sisters. After getting through my flying anxiety and landing safely in surprisingly sunny Seattle we spent a relaxed day touring the city!

Take 1: Duck Tour

Our boat

{The Super Car Wash est 1951} 

{entering  the water}

{our absolutely hilarious captain}

{there were so many beautiful boats}

{ocean view of the famous Space Needle}

{the Sleepless in Seattle house}

{Seattle Art Museum}

We had so much fun on the Duck Tour. If you are ever visiting a city that has one I highly recommend it! It's the perfect way to see many sites at once. I will say it was worth the $30 price tag.

Stay Tuned for more Seattle pics!

xoxo,

Ronita

{Hidden Treasures Cincinnati: The Glass Barn}

Calling all brides, dinner hostess, party planners and hoarders alike..this is a place you don't want to miss.

Last week I had the afternoon off and went to a couple places in Reading, Ohio. One of the places I visited I consider a hidden gem and reminds me of my fun and frugal childhood with my lovely mother. We would wake up on Saturdays, get all our housework done and hit the road for a day of shopping.  The Glass Barn is one of the places I will never forget.

The Glass Barn.

 It's like a glass warehouse with super discounted glassware, stoneware, dishware, planters and other knick knacks. If you visit, don't forget to take your allergy pill- there is a ton of dust...

I came across these very fun kitschy strawberry juice glasses.

...and these fun and nostalgic milk glasses which were only $.99 each.

I bought four of the milk glasses and four of these beauties.

perfect for a cold beer, lemonade, iced tea, water, or for my CSA flowers...

(via)

There are 3 buildings that make up this treasure trove, the glass building, annex- which houses tons of knick knacks, I like getting my tissue paper (which I made the below 4th of July tissue paper flowers out of) and gift bags from here and then a hardware store that's fully stocked.

Does your city have hidden gems?

xoxo,

Ronita

{garden updates and my fav summer treat}

This weekend we went to our community garden box and every time I go I am amazed at how fast our stuff grows.

A peek at some of our new crop.

{freshly picked peas}

{our broccoli is starting to poke through}

We planted some okra seedlings that are really starting to grow and harvested (and cooked last night) a big bunch of mustard greens.

It is so rewarding having this garden and so much fun sharing it with the boys.

By the way...

If you have a Trader Joe's near you...get there and get this...(provided you like coconut). They are coconut water/cream popsicles that come 4/$1.99. They are so refreshing and tame my sweet tooth.

Perfect summer treat with half the calories of ice cream!

HAPPY MONDAY

xoxo,

Ronita

{a white bed }

This weekend I will be changing over our bedding from bright springtime linen to a white summer bed. I came across the perfect bedding set a couple years ago (on super sale of course) and look forward to using it every year.

Some Pinterest inspiration...

Source: potterybarn.com via Lesley on Pinterest

Source: pinterestschunt597.blogspot.com via Meggan on Pinterest

Take a look at this beautiful How To video from One Kings Lane

Do you all change over your bedding with the seasons?

xoxo,

Ronita

bring on summer snapshots

Summer Fun Checklist

(via)

I'm dreaming of a fun filled summer with my family.

Here is a great checklist to make the most of summer.

xoxo,

Ronita

Just Sinful

Last week, Walgreens had their Sinful Professional Nail Colors on sale for $.99 and I stocked up.

These will add a punch of color to my spring and summer wardrobe.

These polishes are budget friendly and with the addition of a base coat and top coat will make for perfect manis and pedis!!

I can't wait for warmer weather.

Are you going to try anything new to spice up your beauty routine this spring?

xoxo,

Ronita

  

Weekend Fun

Friday, the hubby and I went to the Lil' Wayne concert and had such a ball together!

My niece turned 4 and her party was so much fun!!!

Going down that gigantic slide made me feel like a kid again!

Saturday night drinks and food with my Sorors

and Sunday...

We relaxed with the windows open and a cool breeze blowing with the smells of a huge pot of New Orleans red beans and rice brewing in the kitchen!

How was your weekend?

xoxo,

Ronita

Boxing Kitten Obsessed

I am totally crushing on Boxing Kitten Fashion. They have some very unique pieces and their designs are so sophisticated in a everyday wearable kind of way! I love their use of African prints!

Again.... I may just pull out my sewing machine to make something for the fall.

So inspired....

SPRING/SUMMER 2011

LOOKS FOR FALL 2011

Take a look at all their collections, here! It looks like they have been around since 2009.

Awesome!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

xoxo,

Ronita