Starting our fall to do list

 A few of us love to sit and make a list.  It feels satisficing to cross something off a list.  A list gives focus. Something to work around and on.  We have started our fall list of things we want to check out and do. It might seem early but having the list before September seems like we have things under control. We might not but can think that with list in hand!

So below are some of our items we have started putting on our fall list.  We will be adding it to for sure as time goes on. 

•  After a hot summer and vacations we are ready to get back to book club.  We have a few books on the list already.  Our plan is to have a book a month already set for September - December. Four books.
• Tossing or donating summer clothes that we are so through with.  Or are falling apart.
• Picking a fun fall craft to do for girls night.
• Getting those last few patio dates in - even if the heaters are on.
• Paint spare bedroom/office.  When not humid.
• Clean out linen closet
• Fall hikes in - best weather for hikes!!
• Go through pictures on phone.  Delete. Print. Undecided.
• Book massage
• Back to theater season

Let us know what is on your fall to do list!

Plus book recommendations always welcomed

Where is summer going?

 We are been around just not on the blog.  Flipping the calendar, so to speak, over to a new month was a bit of a shock.  How can it be August? How can it be the August long weekend?  Wasn't it just July 1st?  Summer seems to be flying by - hence the year really.

Gardens are in.  Cottages booked or have been.  Beaches yes have been to a few.  Between us all we have covered we think the basics.  Humid days saps the energy but if off there is always someone cool to go. 

Summer seems to be July and August. Once school is out (end of June) and before heading back in September. It often seems like a lot to squeeze into two months.  I mean winter is what November to April. So seems like it. 

So with summer being half over by this standard what should we do? Or do we have to do anything? I mean really why not let the rest of summer unfold.  We have a month - hopefully some vacation time left. Do we have to book every day of it? Could we take time to do nothing? Be spontaneous?  To actually relax! Not be full throttle to squeeze every minute of something into our day?

Could the rest of summer be relaxing. Go to the beach when we want? Stay home and read? Go for a walk early morning or late evening. Thinking humidity here. Just be and not book anything. To actually feel rested when September hits!  Could this be part of our last month of summer?

 

What we are saying yes to this season

 Summer is fast approaching.  School will be out.  Campgrounds are filling up as are cottage rentals. If you haven't started booking stop reading this and do it NOW! Please come back when you are done. We were talking about summer plans and saying yes or no to things. Making the most out of the summer.

Below are a few things we are definitely saying yes to this summe:

• Heading to the beach.  When a friend says want to go? Don't start thinking of your to do. Most stuff can likely wait.
• Festivals - start checking out when and where. Especially if in your area. Support local music, crafts and people.
• Summer walks in the evening. Never be too busy for that
• BBQs.  If invite go and if not invite.  
• Cottage invites - if a few hours away head for the day.  If more maybe an overnight is exactly what you need.  
• Yes I'm free for a patio lunch downtown this weekend.  Do spur of the moment things with friends.
• Ice cream anyone!  Yes especially at lunch time if out for a walk.
• A day trip to a new place or a place you haven't been in years! Why not. Summer is short make the most of it.
• Camping - there are likely campground close to your place check them out even for a weekend.

Don't focus on what you have to do - things can wait. Memories can't. Toss that load of laundry in when you get home from work. Free up your weekends and evening. Say yes to people and events.

Blogs we follow on a regular basis

This is a fun post. We each got to submit a blog or two we follow.  Here are the links in no particular order. We hope a few resonate with you.

Esme Salon a food blog. If you are looking for any recipe check her out!

Inspired by charm  variety here and blog beautiful to look at. Recipes, décor and art. All worth checking out.

Modpodge rocks lots of craft ideas from kids to adult.  Also some holiday themed ones.

The messiness of living personal take on well the messiness of living!

Apartment therapy for the decorating junkie in us.

Simple and season about creating a life worth living. Also has a good podcast.

A beautifulmess has decorating, book reviews, food and crafts.  Also a fun podcast to listen to. Nothing heavy.

Wheelescapades  is a dose of reality as follows someone living with a disability. Often showcases what I take for granted.

If you have a blog you follow let us know so we can check it out!

Cruising into summer - start booking

 Well it is that time of year to start booking your summer.  From Airbnb, day camps and camp grounds to name a few.  Things full up fast especially those day or week long camps for children. Not many of us can take the summer off.  Great if you can get two weeks in a row.  

Some of us are trying to book a few week camps and not make promises we can't keep.  Also working around our vacations.  If you are interested in booking a cottage - start now. We mean now as in finish reading this post and head over to start looking and booking. 

Also don't forget your public library. They often have children's program all year round. Oh also adult programs. Summer reading program are great as being part of a challenge can spur people on.

So we're off to cruise into summer and start booking. One of us already has a week book by the ocean in August. Sigh. There is always one.  

Pretty spring wreath! Want!!!!

 Saw this pretty spring wreath and had to share.  I love the wooden balls, which I'm seeing in more crafts lately.  I love having different wreaths for different occasions and seasons. 

DIY spring wreath.  

What do you think? Too much? 

A good coffee shop

 Since we spend a good portion in coffee shops.  Some of us more than others. We thought we'd tell you our take on a good coffee shop. Besides good coffee. 

One of the big things is a good table.  One that doesn't shake when you sit down. You know the ones where you are looking for a piece of paper to put under one of the legs. Grabbing your coffee/drink before it spills.  Also a table that is large enough to put a tablet and coffee on. It doesn't have to be a four seater but not so small you're reaching behind tablet for the coffee.

Okay we are seated now coffee in hand.  A selection of pastries and a variety of other choices. We're not talking full meals but bagels, sandwiches, and maybe soup.  Oh also for the coffee we want a good mug. Not a three mouthful and gone mug. One of us judges a good mug by how many fingers she can get into the handle. Comfortable.

We're not talking a chain here for our coffee shop. Local and maybe even know the owner or servers by name.  A chain often has a set look.  If local anything goes decor wise.  We've been in a few coffee shops where they have local art.  Supporting local artists is great and love seeing that. Community supporting community. 

Also opening up the coffee shop to events.  Or showcasing other products.  To have a local coffee shop that supports the community.  Plus good coffee, treats, table and chairs.  We're good to go.