What I’m Loving Lately: It’s summer, so everything?

Well I think that title says it all.  Because what DON’T I love in summer?  Going on early morning runs, drinking all the iced coffee, eating dinner in the backyard, reading on my porch swing.  Life is just all around better when accompanied by sunny skies, warm weather and that carefree summer spirit.  But because “everything” probably doesn’t make for an interesting post, I’ll give you the specifics of what I’m loving lately.

IMG_2819

A/B by Kaleo

Wait, are you still not listening to Kaleo, even after all the times I’ve talked them up??  Guys, get on board NOW.  They just released their first album and even though I knew/owned 90% of the songs already, I’m still listening to it on repeat because it’s serious gold.  “Way Down We Go” is all over right now, but just you wait till “All the Pretty Girls” hits the radio.  I think mass hysteria will ensue.  For me, it’s all about “Save Yourself” though ♥

IMG_2742

Evening Freedom

I won’t subject you to yet another ode to morning running, but I will say moving my workout to the morning means completely freeing up my post-work schedule.  If the Rockies are out of town and I don’t have any other weeknight commitments, I get home and am like “wait what do I do now?!”  But a better question would be, “what can’t I do,” because the sky’s the limit when you have five hours of daylight to do WHATEVER your heart desires.  Lately, my heart has been desiring reading on my porch swing and leisurely cooking dinner.

IMG_2915

Iced Coffee

K, that’s not really anything new but I’d been using this recipe that called for 12 oz. of ground coffee and 20 cups of water before seeing this Bon Appétit recipe that called for 12 oz. of ground coffee and seven cups of water.  I figured the stronger, the better so I tried this new method and WHOA!  It packs a punch, flavor AND caffeine-wise.  I’m in love!

IMG_2908

Gose

It’s pronounced “go-zuh” and it’s my new summer beer.  It’s a wheat beer so it’s got that light refreshing thing going on but it’s brewed with lactic acid and salt so it’s got a sour beer taste with a savory back note and it’s just all around complex and delicious.  If I see one, I feel compelled to order/buy it RIGHT NOW.  Just so so good, so you should do the same.

IMG_2867

Totally ditched out of a seminar last week and walked to Cheesman instead.

Walking

Everywhere and anywhere!  You know how when you’re on vacation, it’s no big deal to walk ALL OVER THE PLACE?  But then you get home and go straight back to driving literally four blocks up the street to get coffee?  Maybe it’s that “I’m in no rush” summer mentality or just general enjoyment of being outside when it’s warm, but I have been wanting to walk everywhere we can.  To the Rockies game, to get a manicure, to grab an ice cream cone.  IT IS THE BEST.

Watermelon Nails

Summer Mani Inspiration

Totally getting this one for my birthday, but how amazing would it be to have watermelon/polka dot nails??

IMG_2975

Pink Lipstick

I was so into that dark red during the winter but summer has come and this pretty pink color has been on my lips day in and day out.  Up next, actual red.  Do you think I can pull it off??

IMG_2947

Sister Dates

Dates with Joey are great and all, but ain’t no one get you — on a “remember when we used to go to Dairy Queen EVERY DAY after school??,” stream of movie quotes, mutual complainants about mom and dad level — like your sister.  Last Thursday, we had a pedicure-followed-by-dinner date and my heart was so full afterwards.  When most social interactions can leave me feeling a little drained, bonding with my sister always leaves me feeling energized and inspired.  Also, we ate at Vital Root and it was total vegetarian bliss.

IMG_2970

 Tulo

Always and forever ♥♥♥

*************************************

What are you loving lately?

Weekend Things

Right now, I am doing my best to get some work done with a whiny dog sitting on my lap.  My mom, my sister and her boyfriend are all headed to New Orleans tomorrow so I’m dog-sitting right now and so far it’s fun in that “but I get to give her back next week” way that grandparents probably feel when they babysit their grandkids.  I’ve always wanted to rent a dog for the week! 🙂

In other news, this weekend felt full in the fun, go-go-go way that summer is all about.  There were things we wanted to do, but didn’t get to and things we didn’t want to do, but had to anyway (hello, food prep at 9:30 on Sunday night) and then all the things we DID wanna do and actually got to and those were obviously the best!

IMG_2949

Friday

Breakfast on the patio at Stowaway // I got the muesli (that little poached pear, though!) but I was jealous of Joey’s Colorful Colorado.

Family dinner at Leña // We totally planned on going to movie night at Little Man but then my sister wanted to celebrate her last day of school and I was all about that.  Margaritas, tacos, empanadas and yuca bread.  My heart and stomach were so happy.

Ice cream and a neighborhood stroll // Sweet Action Ice Cream was a few shops down from Leña so Joey and I shared a scoop and it was meh.  But the houses we strolled past were the cutest!

IMG_2952

Saturday

Bridal shower games // I don’t know how Lori and I didn’t win with this toilet paper dress but I think it was a great look for Joey’s grandma 🙂

Afternoon cookie baking // It’s actually insane to turn our oven on in the summer, but a freezer empty from cookies calls for desperate measures.

Grocery store trip // I kindly waited for Joey to return from our company picnic so that I could drag him along.  I bought a bunch a mangos?  Who knows!

IMG_2957

Park picnic-ing // Our friends DJ and Alyssa had a BBQ/housewarming thang, so Joey and I packed up a bomber and headed out.

I love Jenn! // Even though I had to scold her for getting a 2nd/3rd sunburn when she was in San Diego last week…

Salad dinner back at home // Grilled some corn and ate it with this salad and OMG, it was so good!  Katie Lee is my spirit animal and also the creator of some really amazing recipes.  I can’t wait to make this one again.

IMG_2962

Sunday morning run // It was already hot (wahhh) but I don’t even care because running through Denver parks gives my heart such happiness.

GARDENING!!!! // Oh sorry, just a little bit excited.  We finally got our garden boxes finished and filled with dirt, so we bought and planted a bunch of veggies in them on Sunday.  I’m trying not to get my hopes up about anything actually growing (especially since we planted so late!) but it’s hard to not be excited about the possibility of strawberries and kale growing in my own backyard.

Rockies Game // We biked for the first time this year, found seats in the shade AND it was a walk-off win.  I mean what more can you possibly ask for??

IMG_2964

Grilled wing dinner // Getting so into (and good at!) grilling this summer!  We made these wings with shishito peppers, mint/basil/cilantro and a lime vinaigrette and they were so so good.

Game of Thrones finale! // Still processing and probably will be for the rest of the week.

Work week food prep // Yeah, not ideal timing (because I totally would’ve rather been watching Big Brother) but we got our salads for the week prepped and that’s all that matters.

Here’s to another perfect summery week and a holiday weekend at the end!