Last Summer Hurrah

Hello everyone!

I'd like to honor a woman of strength and courage, Queen Elizabeth II:

via CNN

I'm not British and I never saw her in person, but I feel a sense of loss. She's the only monarch I grew up to know, I always paused when I saw her on TV, I watched several documentaries and even "The Crown" to learn about her life story. And what a story it was -- a 70 year reign! Thank you for your service, Ma'am. I can only echo what one British man said when he paid his respects to the Queen: "Rest in peace and rise in glory."

*****

This Thursday, September 22, is the first day of Autumn. How has summer flown by so quickly? Sharing with you some photos that turned my summer from "blah to TADA!"

1. The taste of summer:

Eating lobster rolls and clam chowder

Homemade Caprese Salad with Proscuitto

Checking out new pastry shops like
Machine Shop in Philadelphia, 
Tatte Bakery in Boston, and
Kingston Bread & Bar in New York.

Trying new ice cream flavors at Jeni's,
Il Laboratorio del Gelato,
Matcha Cafe' Maiko, and Dairy Queen.

2. Going on new adventures:

Weekends at our favorite beach

Visiting the Presidential Libraries of John F. Kennedy and 
Franklin D. Roosevelt. There's a special passport that gets
a stamp for every new one I visit.
Can't wait to see the rest!

Bounty at the many farm stands & farmer's markets!

3. Getting lost in fun summer reads:

Cooking from a variety of cookbooks like
Korean American, Snackable Bakes,
A Table, and Colombiana.

Riveting novels including those by Lucy Foley
(she creates characters that one can get so invested in!)

I also read newly released picture books like
"Holding On" by Sophia N. Lee & Isabel Roxas.
It's about memories made between
a grandmother and her granddaughter.
I wrote a book review on Positively Filipino.

4. Doing something creative everyday:

Filling my sketchbooks with watercolor drawings.

Designing my own stationery & sending snail mail...TADA!

I hope you had an exciting summer, too. Here's to the new season and what's ahead!

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Souvenirs from the Shore

I hope you are all doing well!

At this time of year, we always hit the beach. The sun, ocean breezes, and the sound of the waves are energizing and relaxing at the same time. If I could, I would live at the beach all summer long.

Let me show you a few scenes from Spring Lake, New Jersey:

These photos really turn my day from "blah to TADA!"

A trip to the beach is never complete without some souvenirs. I collect them as I walk the shore. 

Here are the shells up close. I love the different textures and colors of each one. These will be part of my craft stash and I'll use them when inspiration strikes.

But for now, here are some simple pieces of jewelry that I made: 

A bracelet made of elastic string, vintage beads, and a seashell attached like a pendant using a jump ring.

I was deliberate in choosing these bead colors that remind me of the sky and the puffy clouds...TADA!

Similar to these earrings, I made another set using these ready made jewelry findings, seed beads, and a pair of sea shells...TADA! I'll be sending this to a friend who now lives in California (to remind her of the Jersey Shore).

 

A summer souvenir that's handmade using materials that I already had on hand...TADA!

I hope you'll find some time to relax this month. It's always helpful to take care of ourselves. 

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"Tada!" in Atlanta

Today, another page from my summer album:

An airplane ride is a promise of
adventure...even if it's just a
brief trip.

Welcome to Atlanta, Georgia!

It was more of a food trip, really.
Lunches composed of sweet tea,
fried green tomatoes...

...and scrambled eggs with grits & a biscuit
on the side. A satisfying meal from
The Flying Biscuit Cafe.

Pickled vegetables and mini biscuits to
whet the appetite at Southern Art,
Chef Art Smith's restaurant.

Followed by scrumptious fried chicken
and waffles.

A visit to the farmer's market is
definitely on the agenda.

Fruit tarts for two, please.

And on another day, the Food Truck Park...

...for some lunch and a sigh-inducing
gelato.

After all that eating, it's time to gather inspiration!

New and vintage finds at Paris on Ponce.

It's a warehouse-like space with dreamy rooms
and delightful details.

I loved the the Westside Provisions District,
a relatively new development with unique shops
that meet anyone's needs, whether it's food,
fashion, crafts, exercise or interior design.

Atlanta is also associated with Coca-Cola. Didn't join the tour, but popped into the gift shop and found these:

T-shirts made out of plastic bottles

Bags and clutches made of soda tabs

Pouches with wrist handles made of recycled plastic

Pens made from recycled car parts and
sunglasses made from plastic bottles.
Aren't these TADA!?

A cosmopolitan city that hasn't lost its Southern charm -- that's how I would describe Atlanta. I can't wait to return!

Farmer's Bounty

For the past few days, I've been reliving my summer through a collection of photos. I hope you're having fun taking the trip with me. Today, how about a getaway to Upstate New York? 

Hyde Park is where we're at

I've told you about the awesome antique finds 

Had to stop by the craft stores, too.

We mustn't forget the farmer's market!

All locally grown

Vibrant summer colors

Free samples await

A craving for Southern pies fulfilled

A visit to one of the many farms in the area

In good working condition

The grazers

Stopped by for some ice cream and cheese

Made on the premises

Take-away treats from the market and the farm.
Another item crossed out from my list.

Have a delightful day, everyone!