Hi Everyone!

Holy cow, it can't be June already?!  I decided to take some time from blogging to figure out what I wanted to do with the blog either deleting it and starting a new one, focusing on one specific topic, etc.  I didn't mean to take so long from it but it gave me the chance to focus on some other things going on that I felt needed my attention.  However, I'm back and ready to start sharing.  We only have 9 more days left until our summer vacation starts so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite summer essentials. The tote bag below I saw at Target yesterday and it's much more vibrant than this picture even shows.   I love elastic hair ties and the ones from Sephora are fantastic and much cheaper than other similar ones.  I also love anything that you can fold up and easily clean and the roll out beach blanket from Target with an attached pillow is just genius and comes it in more colors.  You can't go wrong with a classic pair of Tory Burch sunnies or a white cover up tunic either.  I haven't owned a pair of Tkees before but I like that you can pair them with a casual or more dressy look and they seem to be made well.  Lastly, we all know my love for Burt's Bees and the need for bug repellent here in NC.  What are your favorite things for summer?

Summer by thedulynoted

Hooded tunic / Tkees flip flops / Mossimo / Tory Burch optical / Burt's Bees burts bee, $18 / Beach Mat With Pillow Coral / SEPHORA COLLECTION Ribbon Hair Ties

Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a safe and happy night ringing in the new year!  We went to a ball game and to dinner with friends, then stayed in the comfort of our home the rest of the night (and did stay awake until after midnight!).

I don't have a resolution for this year.  I do however, have a list of "goals".  These are my 13 for 2013.  I've seen on several other blogs where people have created their 101 in 1001 lists, but I don't think I'm ready for that list yet.  All of these goals reflect different areas in my life that I want to focus on.

1. Try a new restaurant once a month

We love food and trying new things.  We tried quite a few new restaurants during 2012 here in the Raleigh area and during traveling but sometimes we get stuck in the routine with going to the same few.  Any suggestions on places to try?

2. Finish guest bedroom/bathroom and now downstairs living area

I'm actually working on this right now.  

3. Start and keep an organized recipe book

 I've been eyeing this binder from Sugar Paper for a while and decided to get it so I can start my goal!

4. Go on a long walk at least once a week (at least 1x a month must be at a different place)

As long as it's not snowing (which rarely happens here) or some other type of natural disaster happens, I will do everything in my power to keep this goal!  I love to go on walks but it can get boring sometimes when walking the same route.

5. Visit a new city and/or state

I love to travel and have a long list of places I would like to visit, but I'm going to keep this goal fairly small at one for now.

6. Keep all credit cards paid off

Well this one is just necessary

7. Visit new churches

8. Find a class to attend (at least once)

I'm thinking of golf, fitness, painting or perhaps guitar lessons...

9. Attend a concert/show I've never seen before

10. Grow at least one vegetable

I definitely do not have a green thumb but I still try because I love plants and see the benefits in growing your own herbs/veggies.  I'll probably choose a tomato plant or pepper plant since we use those frequently with our cooking.  I'm also open to tips to help with this! :)

11. Volunteer

Looking into places for this, any suggestions?

12. Keep better correspondence with people in all areas of life

13. Create a bucket list and 30 during 30 list

I've already started creating it and I'm sure it'll be an ongoing list but I'd like to finish the first draft.

Do you have new resolutions or goals for the year?

Happy 2013!