Summer. I never thought it would get here. Summer in the South had a slow start this year, barely inching into the upper 80's and mid-90's by the middle of June. If you're from the South you'll know that this is practically unheard of since one typically starts sweating immediately upon entering the outdoors come early May. Maybe it was the two weeks of non-stop rain or maybe it was the lingering aftermath of a particularly cold and unshakeable winter, but summer seemed somewhat stalled this year.

Summer is my favorite season. There's just something so familiar and comforting about it that I can't quite place my finger on. Mostly, it reminds me of adolescence and freedom. I remember feeling most like myself among the blades of freshly cut grass and blaring sun. I equally love and detest the suffocating humidity because it reminds me of jumping on hot-topped trampolines and peaking over the quiet wooden fences of suburbia. The whole neighborhood expanded before me between each bounce.

When I think about summer, I feel the days stretch out around me long and proud and I felt sorry for those who couldn't experience the length of the day in the way I could. I felt sorry for those people (people like me now) who were stuffed in cubicles in over air conditioned offices. I remember running and playing with my dog and taking pictures of everything. I remember hot concrete and park swings and day camp. I remember the smell of skin after a fresh tan. I think about the chemical-rich smell of chlorine that ignited something in me and freezing turquoise pool water. I think about sticky hands from melted ice-cream and cherry red tongues, a product of excessive popsicle consumption. I think about the smokey discharge from the grill and the warm smell of hot dogs and burgers wafting through the air. I think about throwing the softball with my Dad day in and day out and the smells of sweat and the leather on my mitt. Summer reminds me of falling in love with my hometown and myself.

Happy Monday!

It's nearing my absolute favorite time of the year (spring/summer) and I'm feeling all sorts of cheerful. We just sprang forward and I'm excited for longer days, more sun, and milder weather. I'm looking forward to shorts and eating ice-cream on the regular. Maybe that's why I've been crushing so hard on pink lately? Perhaps I'm also loving pink because it was just International Women's Day and I just started collecting all the femininity I could? Either way, I love it and couldn't help but share a little pink pinspiration!

I've also been loving flowers. Never in my life have I thought flowers were prettier or more essential than now. I've wanted to fill up my life with fresh flowers. Since I live in an apartment complex, I don't exactly have a place to garden. I also don't want to just buy a beautiful bouquet just to watch it die in a week or two. Instead, I went with something more sustainable - a succulent! I picked out the cutest little succulent and had him potted in a gorgeous gold metallic vase (similar). He sits in a mix of gold glitter, gold pebbles, and soil. I know getting a plant seems like a small thing, but to me it was just one more step into adulthood (however tiny). I have enough faith in my self to care for another living thing consistently and happily? Look out!

1 - Pink Signage
2 - Pink Neon
3 - Pink + Blue
4 - Pink Bedroom
5 - Pink Layout
6 - Pink Background
7 - Pink Flowers
8 - Pink Ice-cream

P.S. - Sorry if the design going on around here looks a little wonky, I'm tweaking and hopefully will have this space looking ship shape soon!


What's been inspiring you lately? What's your favorite thing about spring? Let me know!

Wishing you a happy rest of your weekend!

xoxo