Things to look forward to this summer!

So excited that this week is behind me! Seems like every work week has its own big hurdle to jump, and this one was no exception. I keep telling myself that if I can just make it the week of July 4th, I'll have smooth sailing for awhile! (By the way, this is the time of year I always question my decision not to be a teacher. Anyone else??)

The main reason that I'm pumped for the week of July 4th is that we have 3 mini-vacays (see below) that we're squeezing into our week off! That, plus a few other fun things and this summer is looking so bright, I'll have to wear shades. Nope, not even sorry for that lame attempt at a funny.

Besides the fact that we are on our way to Florida right this minute for a very fun family reunion weekend at the beach, the following things are helping me get through the next few weeks at work:

ONE. A weekend at the cabin with two other couples. And these are some of my all-time favorite couples, and friends we never get to see. Pretty scenery + pretty cool people = a really fun weekend.

Mountain views melt away stress

TWO. The day after we get back from the mountains, we'll head down to Edisto Beach, SC to spend a few days at the beach. The girls LOVE Edisto, and it's such a great place to unwind.

Two summers ago at Edisto

THREE. After spending a few days at the beach the week of July 4th, we've planned to take a trip to what is probably my all-time favorite city: Chicago! Alex has never been, and I haven't been back since the year I lived there in between undergrad and grad school, so it's bound to be a fun trip! Can't WAIT to be back in that city!

Chi Town

FOUR. At some point, we have to come back to reality...and the reality of our backyard. It's in need of a facelift. This week, we had 1,575 POUNDS of pea gravel delivered, plus 5 landscaping posts and 15 pavers. We've got a little project planned and although I know it will be a lot of work, I can't wait to see the final product!

That's a lot of landscaping product.

FIVE. Snowcones. Or, more accurately, "snowballs." This new snowball place just opened in town, and I had my first experience Thursday. Let me tell you, it's the stuff addictions are made of. And there are over 100 flavors to choose from, and you get two flavors on each snowball, and the shaved ice is so amazingly soft, and the whole experience is just so...summer. Definitely looking forward to trying a few more flavors this summer!

This could be dangerous. 

Happy Friday!
xo
KH

Linking up with

 April, Christina, Natasha and Darci! 

5 outfits for summer

I'm not sure about where you are, but here in Columbia, SC, the summer heat is full-on. No stopping summer now - nope, she's here and she's hot.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I did some shopping to update my summer apparel, but there are still a few pieces that I'd like to add. Last summer, I didn't buy hardly any summer pieces since we were moving. I was more in a "If I don't love it, get rid of it" mode. So maybe that's why I'm craving some new additions to ye olde summer wardrobe this year.

Here's what I'm lusting after (if only that dang A/C unit hadn't busted - I'd have a lot more money in my clothing fund right now!)

One. I am obsessed with these Lilly Pulitzer beach pants! They look so comfy and anything Lilly is up my alley. I just need to figure out which print I want...which is, of course, the hard part.

Lilly Lazy Summer Day by klhamilton 

Two. I need some neon! Neon takes me back to first-ish grade (circa 1991), so for the nostalgia alone, I dig it. 

Neon Summer Work Casual by klhamilton 

Three. I want a new maxi, and this one is gorgeous. It's classy and fun and summery and nautical all rolled into one (so, basically perfect). 

Striped Summer Day into Night by klhamilton

Four. What summer wardrobe is complete without a bathing suit? I haven't bought a new suit in nearly 3 years (since buying for my Honeymoon!), so it's time to refresh the swimsuit drawer. 

Monogrammed Beach Day by klhamilton

Five. I love tunics - I can't get enough. They're flattering, comfortable, and easy to wear to work, to dinner, to the beach, to Target, etc. What's not to love?

Summer Tunic Dressy Day by klhamilton 

And there you have it: the missing pieces to my perfect summer closet! 

Have one wonderful weekend!

xo

KH

Linking up with

 April, Christina, Natasha and Darci! 

Happy 10th birthday, Penny! {pupcakes recipe}

My little darling strawberry blond baby turned 10 yesterday! It feels like yesterday that I was 19 (she was an early 20th birthday gift) and moving into my first apartment before sophomore year of college. She was so small that I put her in the bathtub while we were moving things in, and she couldn't jump out - only scream at the top of her lungs!

This little girl has been at my side for most of life's big moments so far: college and grad school; living in multiple places in Florida, Chicago, and South Carolina; meeting, dating, and marrying Alex; a handful of job changes; building a house, selling that house, and buying another one; numerous vacations (at one point, she was a frequent flier); and putting up with her crazy sister Ellie when we decided to add a golden to the family. Through it all, she's been my little sidekick and my constant. She makes me smile every single day! 

To celebrate Penny turning double digits, I (obviously) had to throw a pawty for her. The guest list was short - just us Hamiltons, since most of her doggie friends don't live here - but the cupcakes, pupcakes, and gifts did not disappoint!

Mama's girl/Family Photo/Daddy's princess

A tower of pupcakes made Penny and Ellie two pleased pups!

Alex and I couldn't be left out, so I made cupcakes for us (with princess pink frosting, of course)

I considered ordering Penny a little cake from a local barkery, but opted instead to make her some pupcakes: nothing says "I love you" like homemade, right? 

I found a recipe online but tweaked it a little due to what I had on hand. These were super easy to make and the girls devoured them. Luckily, we have ample leftovers so they will be enjoying them all week! 

Pawty Pupcakes Recipe

1 egg

1/4 c. peanut butter (I used regular 'ole peanut butter)

1/5 c. vegetable oil

1/3 c. carrots, finely chopped or sliced

1/2 c. flour (I used regular white flour, not wheat)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini-muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and scoop into muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes. Yields a baker's dozen mini pupcakes! (And yes, I did garnish with a faux candle made from a paper straw and tissue paper. Safety first!)

Amaze your dog with your pupcakes skillz

I've always had dogs, but Penny has blessed me like no other pup so far. She is truly my little puppy love and I'm so, so glad she was placed in my life nearly ten years ago!

Praying for many more years of Penny making me smile! Happy birthday, pumpkin!

xo
KH