midsummer night swing & a weekend at the beach

before the festivities began

The Lincoln Center puts on a dancing extravaganza called Midsummer Night Swing (26 years and counting to be exact!) for three and a half weeks. Each night has a designated theme (think Cuban, swing, jazz, blues, etc), a coordinating band, and dancers for tourists, locals, young, old, and everyone in between. Macy's is sponsoring this year and myself and co-workers have had the pleasure in volunteering a few nights. The first night I volunteered it was Cuban themed with dance instructors teaching salsa. The second time was last Friday and I was so looking forward to the band. The Hot Sardines - a New Orleans jazz band that was spectacular! It was full of energy, people filled the dance floor dressed the part, and the dancing was so so good! I mean I knew people of New York were talented, but whoa!

 

Lynn and I checking people in

 

 

 

This past weekend I took a train to Long Island and got to experience the Atlantic Ocean. It turned out to be a beautiful weekend and I am officially a baked lobster (fingers crossed it turns into a tan)! Reading by the waves, exploring by boat, eating fig bread and cheese, and relaxing summed up my summer weekend.

an art gallery, a 5K, & a girls night out

Hollis, Lynn, Rachel, Frankie, and I in front of Rachel's work.

 Friday night I went to the student exhibition opening at the International Center of Photography. Some friends and I went to support the talented Rachel. I'm no art critic, but I do appreciate a good photograph.  Most of the photos were of people and places in Manhattan. I loved the rawness each student captured and the story that went along with it.

 

Oh hey lady liberty in the back.

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and met my petites team at Wagner Park for Macy's 5K supporting Ronald McDonald House and New Yorkers for Children. We had a great turn out, beautiful weather, and it was a wonderful start to the day. Later that night, I met up with some friends for a girls night out. It was full of good food, good company, and a whole lot of laughter.

 

s u r p r i s e

A cancelled flight, 3 trains, and an hour delay to Birmingham was well worth the surprise I had in store for my family this past weekend. I just couldn't stand to miss another fun weekend with both my siblings in town. Plus it was Joshua's birthday, his last weekend in Alabama before going away to Italy (for two years!) and celebrating Dad on Father's Day. My sister and cousin Alicia were the only two in cahoots and knew I was coming in for the short visit. It was a miracle that we held this little secret to ourselves all week and didn't burst with excitement. Dad's recovering from surgery and is being such a super star. Josh left yesterday for his 2 year journey with the Navy in Italy (I can't wait to vacation in Naples!) It was a short, but sweet and much needed family weekend.

Family photo right after I walked in. I think the puffy eyes explains their reaction.

Siblings.
And Joshua's prized possession from his time in San Antonio.

You can't go to Birmingham without stopping by Steel City Pops.

Other weekend shenanigans . . .

 

* home cooked meals and a southern breakfast

* visits from our neighbors and church family

* movie nights where I didn't fall asleep (score!)

* porch sitting and firefly catching

* late nights and pillow talk



Happy Weekend!

 

I'm so happy the weekend is here! Better yet - summer Fridays (where one gets the opportunity to leave work mid-day). It's the best thing that's come to the work place in my opinion. I love spending the afternoon grabbing lunch with work friends or coming home to freshen up the place for the weekend. What are your plans for the holiday weekend? I'm sending a giant hug back home to Dad. It's been a while since I've seen the family, but FaceTime will have to suffice until the winter holidays roll around. Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy these fun links from around the web . . .

 

A song for your weekend

Crazy eyes is crazy pretty. She shares her beauty secrets here

Insanely delicious looking blueberry waffle cookies

All of these Shoshanna dresses belong in my closet

Let the next challenge begin

7 things you didn't know about Burt from Burt's Bees

6 things highly productive people do

DIY pom pom  throw

Joanna recommends 5 great documentaries

In need of a fun blog to read  this weekend? Love Taza is one of my favorites!

Strawberry cream scones, yes please! 

mid-week musings

a little mid-week inspiration to get the juices flowing again.

because I say "y'all" too often, my love for pretty summer dresses, printed blouses & striped décor are intangible, I like to dance, picnics have become a weekend ritual, lobster rolls are delicious, & because really good things take a lot of time

weekend snaps

 

volunteers, painting, & tired eyes

Cosmo's & dirty martini's at The Roosevelt Hotel

walking the pier

Battery City Park, you sure are pretty

This weekend was a good one. I started it off by participating in a volunteer event with Macy's who partnered with Publicolor (they teach at-risk students how to think critically about their future and prepare for college and career) at a local high school. Each volunteer was partnered with a couple students to paint the hallways of the school. It was so neat to interactive with the students, hear their stories, and discuss their ambitions and future. Because we were at a fashion and art school and the students and I shared a similar passion, it was especially fun to share my education and career path. Hopefully one day we'll have some of these kids joining Macy's! Later that evening we kicked off Hollis' birthday festivities. We ate lots of fresh cheese, pasta, and nutella pizza. It was delicious! Sunday ended up being gorgeous. We spent the afternoon strolling the piers in Battery City Park. It's a definite must-see if you come to the city!