Writing challenge and getting to know us

 Saw this writing challenge and decided yeah let's check it out.  First challenge is 10 things that make us happy!  Here goes.  Please add yours in the comments.

1. Beautiful day at the beach
2. Hiking
3. Curling up with a good book
4. Day at home with no agenda
5. Delicious meal at a restaurant
6. Hanging out with family/friends
7. Day shopping with girlfriend
8. Planning a trip
9. Going on a trip - somewhere have never been before
10. A clean house

It was interesting when we were discussing what to put on list that it was experiences that made us happy more than purchasing a specific item.  What about you?

Summer is a happening

 Well the second weekend in August.  Hard to wrap head around but summer is happening. We are taking advantage of places being open.  Have done a winery tour - love.  Sat out on patios, cottage at the lake. All normal summer routines where for a little while we can forget we are still in a pandemic.

Staying close to home is having advantages. We are supporting our local economy and being tourists in our own area.  We plan another winery tour this month. Of course patio season is in full swing. We have been to local farmers' markets.  A few of us are supporting local artists so that of course means shopping!!

The one thing we have alll agreed upon is that we are spending less in others areas. Like clothes and shoes.  The mall is not a destination we frequent. Or even really think about now. Since not shopping for three months we realize we have enough. It is using what we have in our closets and making due.

Reports are saying people have spent less during the pandemic. With the highest debt load every, certain reports are saying, that is a good thing. Hoping people are puting the extra money on high interest debt and making a difference in the long run.

The pandemic has changed priorities. It is no longer about new summer sandals, summer color trends and oh of course new swim suit. Summer this year is staying and spending local. Heading to the local coffee shop not the big chain.  Looking at that pretty pottery by local potter and yeah finally picking up a piece.  Heading to the local craft beer shop.  

This summer is local and we are kinda loving it.  Doing out local thing!  So much to see, do, experience and we still have rest of August.

 

Summer cocktails

We thought we'd bring together in one spot a few summer cocktail ideas.  If you have a favorite please share!!

A beautiful mess  has a whole post on cocktails! Check it out.

Another inspiring blogger Inspired by Charm showcases his summer cocktails.

Have you tried cantaloupe and ginger cocktail? Visit Style at Home.

Apartment Therapy  shows us 13 easy to mix cocktails that could become our signature one!

Hope you found something you'd like to try this summer to sit and enjoy on the patio.  We deserve it.

Summer talks on well everything!!!

With lifting of restrictions we have finally had a few chances of getting together.  Loving it.  We know we were and are fortunate to have access to Skype and other social media platforms to get together, share and make sure we are connecting.  But seriously face-to-face can't be beat.

Our latest discussion resolved around summer trends from clothes to make-up to decor.  With being home for extended length of time home became a focal point.  Reading articles on what COVID-19 has told us, home design wise, we are in agreement (majority of us). Open concept is great but we need more define areas if we are working and living at home for longer periods of time. Maybe not go back to a formal dining room but an alcove or working in a desk in the kitchen or living room.

Outdoor space was also highlighted and much needed.  Part of our self-isolation was still winter but still we need natural light.  Consider adding plants to your home if you are not a plant person. Nothing major but we found having something green to look at during the winter or anytime is nice.

Introverts know they need their own space. So consider reworking your bedroom. If you don't have a large home with living room and family room - everyone needs a place to escape. Rework your (kids) bedroom. What do they really need in there?  If you moved furniture around, did a good purging of old toys, clothes, even furniture could you make space for a small chair for reading? A space for yoga? One of us has a chair and table in the corner of their bedroom and it was much used during pandemic.  A place to curl up with coffee in the mornings. Reading in the evening. Just a space to get away.  Another person moved a bed from the centre of the room to a wall and free up floor space.  Think outside the box. Who uses the room?  How do you want it to function?

Since the stores have opened up we have been shopping for home decor items. Pillows and/or pillow covers.  Pretty summer dishes.  Small rugs for splashes of color.  It has been fun to add new items to our decor.  You don't have to spend big money.  IKEA and other places have pillows forms. Buy a few and then purchase pillow covers for different seasons.  Easy way to switch up your decor. Plus pillow cases are easy to store if they all fit the same pillow form! Win / Win.

Clothes and make-up wise we have been purchasing just fun clothes. Nothing expensive and if they last this summer great. Not an investment. It is about making the most of time and money. This is summer people for some of us it will only last a few months so get out there and enjoy.

Celebrating with the new normal

Canada Day July 1st.   Different places have different celebrations.  They can include parades, breakfast, activities for the kids, concerts and of course fireworks.  This year, well not so much.  People offered virtual concerts and fireworks but not the same feeling.

We miss being with a crowd, Excited and gathering energy from each other.  Sharing an exciting event together. Taking to strangers.  We are trying to adjust to the new normal and in cases embrase it. Working from home making better flex hours of our days. Less travel so less gas emissions.  Connecting more with families and friends away via Zoom, Houseparty and Skype.  All good.

But yesterday so lacked celebration. A few of us discussed it and felt off all day.  We know the reasons behind decisions and support them. It is just maybe we as a family/friends have to get more creative at home.  BBQ? Breakfast? Flags? Activities for the kids.  Yeah we can do this as summer is here.  Take a special day and blow it out of the water. Yes it might take more planning but start early and pick up a few fun things for kids and adults.

If this is the new normal for the forseeable future we have to work with it not against it.

Get out and shop!

If you are reading this June 2020 you know we are in a global pandemic. Some of us are coming through the first wave and things are slowly opening up.  A few weeks ago restaurants here opened up 50% capacity.  Physical distancing in place.  Summer so patios are open which helps with more seating availability.

So many small businesses had to close for almost three months. That is a quarter of the year! Yes to government help but they need more than that. Some of these businesses support schools and local fundraisers now it is payback time.

We have been purchasing groceries and liquor through all this. Liquor sales are up over 20% here! So they are okay - likely more than okay.  We need to head out to small local shops and buy. It doesn't have to be a large purchase and don't buy stuff you don't need. Local shops often sell local products, like candles and soap.

Search local shops in your area. Make a point to visit, purchase and snap a shot when you are there and post. We are part of a community and being part mean supporting. I am purchasing at a minmum one local item a month at a local shop. This does not include coffee shops but retail shops.

Buy local. Support local. Be part of the community and know you can make a difference.

Escape capsule challenge

Over at you can always start now she is having creative leaps. This month it was what would you take if you had 12 hours to pack and leave your home.  Interesting.  We decided to take up the challenge so below are what would be in our capsule. 

Family pictures
Cozy blanket
Eye mask (for sleeping)
Phone & accessories
Clothes of course - comfortable and layers as not sure where we are going!
Water bottle (reusable) 
Medications
Bowl and spoon (this is from backpacker)
Book
Sunscreen, soap, skin care
Can opener
Granola bar, beans - few items you can eat without cooking

what would be on your list?