Summer Photos.....

In looking back at some older photos, I realized that as a family, we really like the summer and we especially love spending time at the beach.  These are a few of my favorite photos.

It's a bird, it's a Christmas tree...No, it's feathered, tinsel hair !!

I am the first to admit that I grew up in the 80's and loved the bangles, mini skirts, leggings, clogs, and very high bangs.  I also admit that I have never been very good with hair.  I am sure my Mom still has a photo of me from Glamor shots circa 1980-something which is a clear example of how not to style your hair and makeup in any era.  Hairstyles and clothing styles definitely come in quickly and go out just as fast.  That is why I did not pay much attention to the latest hair trend, hair tinsel, nor did  I have a clue about feather hair extensions.  Not to mention I am at an age where I should not entertain wearing tinsel or feathers. If you haven't seen it before, here is a picture of the hair feathers: 

 and the tinsel 

Nevertheless, I have 3 daughters who keep me up to date on these things. Brooke had mentioned it to me as something she was wanting to do in the summer and when Ally's birthday came around, she decided to buy it for her as a gift. Before I knew it, we were on the way to one of the only salons in town that had any in stock (they are a hot commodity in these parts). We were lucky that the salon we went to had just received a shipment the day before and they had a whole display of feather bundles and individual feathers. Paige picked her set first which were hot pink feathers with a pink tinsel (which combines the two crazes) and Ally picked the same type of set in purple. Brooke opted for two individual feathers which she combined. It took less than 2 minutes to have them attached and after watching it in person, I wish I had come up with the idea myself. I also think it would be very easy to do on your own if you bought the feathers and had the rubbery clips to attach to the hair. Who knew that a fortune was lurking in unused Christmas tree tinsel? Did you know that fly fishermen have been experiencing a shortage of flies as a result of this craze? Maybe I will dig through my craft box to see what I can come up with as the next hot hair craze. Just kidding. (sort of ) Happy Tuesday!

A Birthday Celebration

Yesterday we celebrated Ally's 11th birthday.  It is very hard for me to believe that my baby is now 11.  Really hard.  Add that to the fact that my eldest daughter left today for camp and I am certain that if anything like a helpless kitten or puppy, a newborn baby or a sappy television commercial crosses my path today, I will be a heap of emotions.  It seems hard to believe how quickly time flies and it seems like only yesterday when I was helping them each tie their shoes or do their hair.  Not that 11 is completely grown but I realize as we have recently with Brooke, that time moves too quickly and as they become more independent (and driving) you see less and less of them each day and before you know it, you are looking at colleges and talking about when they were young. 

So we are going to enjoy the simple things this summer; blowing bubbles, catching fire flies, swimming, sipping lemonade and remembering to celebrate!  Have a Happy Monday!

Cheer Big Sis Gift - Flip Flps

Night two of cheer camp, the big sis and little sis' give one another flip flops that they have decorated.  Brooke used the same ribbons that she used on the bulletin board to make the ribbon flip flops.  Each of the ribbon (6 different kinds) was cut to the same length and then tied onto the top of the flip flop.  It is hard to tell in the photo but they are very sparkly from the sparkle ribbon but they turned out really cute. 

Paige's Dance Recital

I will add more pictures once they are uploaded by the company on Monday but I wanted to show a picture of Paige that was taken after her dance recital on Sunday afternoon.  She was in beginning Modern dance and they did a wonderful job.  It was our first experience with dance costumes, hair and makeup but we made it through.  I was backstage so I wasn't able to take any pictures and they don't allow cameras during the performance so this is a picture from Don's phone taken in the lobby after the show. 

Yesterday was the last day of school for the girls for the summer so this weekend will be one of rest and relaxation.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Lil Sis Cheer Project

Tonight we started working on one of the cheer big sis gifts that Brooke (the lil sis) will give while she is at cheer camp this summer. The first night the girls exchange bulletin boards. We wanted to do something that involved her big sis' favorite colors, purple and silver. She also wanted to incorporate ribbons. We were pleased with the final product and we only need to finish hot gluing the letters down to the board. We are still trying to determine whether to place them on the board or on the upper edge.

We are also working on flip flops with ribbon for the second night gift.  I will be posting that craft later this week.

I hope everyone is having a great Thursday!

A Recipe: Spa Water

Image from Things-we-heart.blogspot.com

It's June!  That means it's already hot here in Texas and there will be many more sweltering summery days to come in the next 3 or 4 months.  It's also the time of year when drinking water is not only a good idea, it's essential.  I have never been a big water drinker but I am trying to really make an effort to get 8 - 10 glasses of water in each day this summer.  In order to do that, I have really enjoyed making and drinking my version of Spa Water.  Who doesn't enjoy a trip to the spa?  The fancy water that they have while you are waiting for your treatment is delicious and very easy to replicate at home. It also ensures that you can enjoy a little piece of the spa even on a Wednesday afternoon while you are working.  So drink up and Enjoy!

Spa Water
1 cucumber shredded with a grater
1/2 cup of mint either crushed or chopped
1 limes -sliced
1 lemon - squeezed
Water

Soak the shredded cucumber and mint in 3 cups of water overnight in the fridge.  Strain the mixture into a glass pitcher.  Add the  juice of one lemon, 1 lime (sliced thinly) and fill the rest of the pitcher with ice cold water.  Serve and enjoy.

For a twist, add a sprig or two of rosemary.

Spa Water