Nerd Status: Up 10 Points

I spent a good part of my Sunday scouring Books a Million for a few books I could take along to Boca - cause lets face it, one of the best parts of beaching it up is getting lost in a really good book. My problem is that I only found one book that really caught my eye, The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff ... and cover drew me in so much that I read the back four times on the way home. Then I let myself read the first chapter when I got home - but only the first chapter I promised. Well, if you know anything about me, know this - I don't really "do" patience nor do I "do" self-restraint. The first chapter turned into me reading all 500+ pages in one sitting.

I'm Boca-bound in 3 days and book-less...

So please, dear lusty ones....

(That's your new name, I've decided... Try it on. Feels nice, doesn't it?)

Tell me you've got some great summer reads to recommend???

Please no Nicholas Sparks-y type cryfests though,... I enjoy having my SPF 70 not dribble down my face in a tidal wave of tears and snot.

Tiki? Yes Please.

((via))
I stumbled upon the above on WeHeartIt.com and they have me completely craving a long Saturday out on the river - rope swings, inner tubes, turkey sandwiches, and sunblock.
Tubing and canoe trips have got to be one of my favorite things about Summer. I'd love to squeeze in a day of Tiki Tubing one day soon...



How much fun does Tiki Tubing look?!


Do y'all have any fun day trips planned for the summer? Any favorite Saturday activities that are a must come summertime?

This is the End...

Like it or not, the kids are back in school, the weathers changing, and summer is soon coming to an end.

So tell me dear lovelies, what was your favorite moment this summer?

Did y'all go any where exciting, see old friends, play in the water all day?

Tell me. Tell me. Tell me.

A Love Letter of Sorts

I ♥ Camp Laurel

I can't believe its been almost 4 whole summer since I've worked at Camp Laurel. And it's even more unbelievable how much I miss it. I mean... spending 8 whole weeks with 21 thirteen year old girls in what seems to be the worlds smallest (and filthiest) cabin - who wants to do that? I do. I spent most of my lunch hour on Facebook flipping through this summer's camp pictures. And while I don't know a majority of this summer's counselors , it makes me smile to recognize some of the younger campers all grown up and some of the most memorable co-counselors still rocking it out "Mainer Style."

Today, I'm missing everything about camp - the Hobbies on Lake Echo, Blue Rock in my shoe, Camp Cook Outs, the Birthday Song, talking with my campers about who they're in love with, Nights out by the docks, Camp Gossip, Socials, and sooo much more.

If anyone wants to hold my j-o-b and supplement my income for 2 & 1/2 months next summer, I'm all yours, Laurel.

Miss you like whoa.

For anyone looking for a Summer Job, this is the place to do it. Click here to learn more about being a Camp Laurel Staff Member.

Click here to see a video of what Camp Laurel is all about

Big Red(s)

Time for me to brag a little.

Okay, maybe a lot.

This past weekend Cypremort Point held it's 56th annual Iberia Rod & Gun Club Saltwater Fishing Rodeo and once again my brother, Michael, and his friend, Tim Sandoz, entered hoping to top last years performance. While mum and I were busy taking care of the shopping for Daddy's Super Sixty Surprise Party (just made that one up) on Friday, here's what the boys came up with....

Mike ended up catching a 38 lb. redfish, bringing him into 1st place on the Leader Board.

He also placed third with a sheepshead.

Tim brought in a 32 lb redfish which put him in 3rd place

The local newspaper, The Daily Iberian, did a feature on the rodeo. They used some great quotes from Tim and even ran this photo of the guys weighing in their fish. (Please note the awesome matching fishing hats my mum bought them!)
You can read the whole article here.

While Michael finished the weekend in second place in the redfish category, Tim walked away with the Inside Division’s Boat Captain’s Award.

Congrats to both Mike and Tim!
Love Love Love

Intervention

Look, I'm not normally one to interfere with people and their decisions, but when I got in the car on Friday and I saw what Mother Nature was trying to pull...

I had to pull her aside and have one of those awkward talks with her:

Me: Look, I really didn't want it to come to this, but I see that it has. I mean ... what is this all about? Is there something you need to tell me?

Mother Nature: .::silence::.

Me: When you started out in the 90's, I said to myself "Eh,... She's just getting back into her old habits. No worries." But then you went ahead and pulled a 103. I thought "Hey, maybe its one time thing." But today, you whip out the big guns with a 108? Is this totally necessary?

Mother Nature: .::silence::.

Me: I don't want to tell you what to do, but if I were you I'd cool it off for a bit. People are starting to talk. My boss is complaining about the color of her lawn. The people of Blogger are starting to list off ways to beat you, and me.... poor little ole' me. I'm a pasty one. And while I've been diligent about applying my SPF 70, I fear there's only so much it can do. Please Mother, if you don't change for anyone else, do it for me...

Mother Nature: .::silence::.

Me: Really? I'm glad we had this talk.

A couple hours later, I got this - and it lasted all of 3 minutes.

People of Pinhook, you can thank me for your rain later.

For now, just call me the Weather Whisperer.

Vacation State of Mind

So, I've officially re-entered the real world - turned on my mobile, checked my e-mail, back at work, etc. But I can't help but feeling that gooey-relaxed-no worries vacation state of mind. I've yet to unpack from my 2 day weekend getaway at Cajun Palms and quite frankly don't plan on doing it any time soon. I plan on reveling in my post-vacation joy as long as possible, and nothing is going to drag me out of it... not even a silly to-do list. I had such a blast this weekend and it was sooo nice to spend some quality time with the family. If you guys haven't already heard about this place, you must check it out. I'll post soon(ish) with photos and a play by play.

(Image via WeHeartIt)

Beside Myself...

1 day until "relaxation to the max-ation"

(Image via WeHeartIt)

Countdown...

T minus 2 days until my highly anticipated Stay-cation Weekend. I absolutely can't wait to layout and relax and I'm even more excited to share all the details with you guys come Monday.

25 Summery Things to Do on a Weekday Afternoon

1. Paint a picture, quote, or anything really on a small canvas. Make it something small enough to finish in one afternoon.
2. Blast beach music while doing housework.
3. Lay out in a beach chair and read a magazine or book, even if just for an hour.
4. Make a summery dinner. Try making something similar to what you'd order at a restaurant on the beach.
5. Bake something easy and fun. Only make one dish and make sure it doesn't take hours of prep or hard work.
6. Mix up a pitcher of your favorite warm weather drink (Margaritas, Sangria, Iced Tea, etc.)
7. Give yourself a pedicure in a bright cheery color.
8. Take your dogs for a long leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
9. Treat yourself to a bubble bath complete with tropical scented candles.
10. Unplug for an hour. Turn off all your and hand-held devices and take to the backyard. Layout on a beach towel and block out all distractions and nagging thoughts.
11. Take a nap. Try putting your pillowcase in the freezer beforehand for a little something extra.
12.Rent a fun, summer movie - Mamma Mia, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Dirty Dancing
13. Be a kid. Have ice cream for dinner.
14. Eat dinner outside at home. Have a picnic complete with sandwiches, chips & dip, cookies, and lemonade.
15. Don't feel like cooking? Have dinner at a restaurant that has an outdoor dining space. Take your time. Pretend you're on vacation.
16. Blow bubbles.
17. Go see a band play at the Blue Moon Saloon . At the bar, order your favorite Abita Beer.
18. Grab a snowball from the local snowball stand and enjoy eating it outside.
19. Don't have an outdoor spa? Fill a baby pool with warm water and relax in your "hot tub."
20. Have a small group (2-3 people) over for dinner. Have each person bring one of their favorite summer side dishes or beverage.
21. Set up a sprinkler system in your yard for watering flowerbeds, lawns, or trees. Just so happen to have your swimsuit on under your clothes.
22. Have a "Make Your Own Pizza" Night. Get toppings you love, roll out canned pizza dough, and have a blast.
23. Redecorate with summer in mind. Switch out your usual pillows, change curtains to light sheers in bright colors, and replace a few framed photos with photos from a fun vacation.
24. Designate one day a week for vacation-wear. Break out your favorite tourist-y clothes that you'd normally save for vacation - a bright colored skirt, beaded sandals, flower in your hair, whatever makes you feel sassy.
25. Have a dog wash outdoors. Gather your dogs and bathe them without caring how wet or dirty you get.

Coming Soon...

The past few weeks at work have got me feeling like I've come down with a nasty case of senioritis... But as "grown-ups"( I use that term very loosely) we know that this is the school that never lets out. The weekends are flying by, the weeks are dragging on, and all I want to do is experience summmmer. I keep day dreaming about all the magical summery things I'd be doing if I didn't have an 8-5.

So today LyLa came up with the genius idea of compiling a list of things we could we do to get the most out of the season. It's a list of 25 or so things that can be done on a weekday afternoon (no more wishing & waiting for the weekend!). And all of the ideas are simple and practical enough to actually do - not just in theory.

Hopefully we'll have the list ready by tomorrow!

Cant wait to share it with y'all.