Ask Amy! Summer Thoughts & News for Subscribers

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I'm back with another Ask Amy! post. I feel like I have a lot to talk about this month!  It's been so busy around here with the end of the school year approaching.  I feel like it's a little bittersweet because my baby will be graduating from KN.  I can hardly believe how quick it's flown by!  Cue the tears.

We've definitely got some fun things planned this summer.  The largest is a bucket list vacation and I've been keeping it from you all!  I have been totally absorbed in our crazy life over here with school and home renos that I've hardly had time to think about it, but our family is going to South Africa!  We leave on June 13th!  This trip has been two years in the making and I can hardly believe that it's right around the corner.  Our plans entail a 6-day safari and then a side trip to Capetown for 4 days.  I'm trying to wrap my head around it and all that we need to do to get ready.  It's going to be a once in a lifetime!  I'll be quiet around here while we are gone, but will definitely do a follow-up post when we return at the end of June.

In the meantime…

Random Thoughts…..

Favorite show right now: I am on This is Us and I am totally enthralled in this drama.  I had heard so many good things about the show but missed out on the beginning, so I never jumped in.  It is now On Demand on my local cable station and I am binge watching it like crazy. Though, someone should have told me to have a tissue box handy when watching!

Favorite books I'm reading:  My current reads are the Lake House by Kate Morton and also, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann.  Killers is a true murder mystery story that took place within the Osage Indian Tribe in the 1920's.  It's a very interesting look back at a disturbing event in American History.  

What I'm buying: I love the casual vibe of summer and have picked out some fun Boho items to get for the season.

Hello?! This dress from Forever 21 is only $22!  How cute would this be for a summer party or even over a swimsuit?  Speaking of swimsuits, I'm always hunting for them.  Isn't that the worst thing to shop for?  I'm not sure how I feel about the sleeve on this palm leaf one, but the print is fantastic and I love the ruffle!  My inner flower child always comes out in summer and this cute embroidered blouse would be darling with cut-off shorts for a summer evening.  Lastly, these Birkenstocks are my go-to shoe for summer.  They go with everything and will be great packed for our trip!

 Going Places?  Greg and I took a long weekend together to the Jazz Festival in New Orleans the last weekend of April.  We had so much fun!  I love New Orleans.  We did several tours including a cemetery tour which I would highly recommend if you ever visit.  It was fascinating!

 We are also going to go boating Memorial Day weekend with friends down to Norris Lake.  Several friends recently bought boats which is awesome for us non-boaters! 🙂  

Can't Wait For:  Swiming pools and summer sun!  We have a swimming pool across the street, so my kids and I walk over to enjoy the pool at least 4-5 times a week in the summer.  It's especially relaxing for me now that they all can swim on their own! 

We are always looking for new towels, bags and swim gear every summer. 

 

I love this pink and green towel from H&M.  It reminds me of a tropical oasis!  This Panama hat from Target is a perfect fit for my small head.  A lot of hats sit up too high or just look funky on me.  When I finally found this one, I was so happy!  Another cute beach towel which would work for boys or girls.  The lobsters are cute and I love the striped edge.  Travel season means packing and these Stella and Dot totes are amazing for traveling.  The middle of the getaway tote zips open so you can add more stuff if you need too!

Did You See That? 

The One Room Challenge spaces were amazing this season!  I am still going through them and pouring over the pictures.  Since we just redid our bathroom, I was particularly keen on what others did to renovated their baths.  I fell completely in love with Bre's bathroom makeover from Bre Purposed. It is swoon worthy for sure!

Isn't it amazing!!

What's New?  I am so excited to announce that I now have a free printables library for subscribers!  I finally had the time to compile all the printables I've done and get them in order to give to those in the community who subscribe to my newsletter!  A little extra love for those that follow along each day/ week.  Soooo if you aren't a subscriber, I urge you to get on board.  When you do, you will receive a password to input to receive all the free printable love I have to offer!  I will continue to add to this stash monthly also, so always check back for new ones!!

 

Here is a brand new one for summer just added to the library today!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Let me know in the comments if you have any specific questions I can answer for you next time!  Thanks, you all!

To life feeling like home!

XO,