Summer Faves

Even though technically there's still a month left of summer, I have inservice today at the college so it is beginning to feel like the end is near. We still have the State Fair to look forward to, and the weather hasn't completely turned dismal (although it's been so pathetic this summer, with record rain fall), but I thought I'd round up some of my favorite things from the Summer of 2007.

: Favorite Summer Event :

• Earlier this summer I came across the Trash the Dress website, and I was instantly smitten. My mom thinks it's crazy, but I wanted to do. The plan was to do it a few weeks ago when we were staying up at the family farm because my fabulous SIL Sarah would be right next door, making it convenient for the photo session. But then we went to IKEA. And, um, instead of taking pictures we ate meatballs. What can I say? Those Swedish meatballs are delish. It's been a bit tricky to get back up to Washington, but sooner or later we'll get our schedules synced up. SO, all this to say that I am still planning on trashing the dress, and when I do I promise to show pictures. If you're thinking this is the craziest and most bizarre thing you've ever heard of, here's one explanation. The rest I'll share post-TTD.
• The Harry Potter book frenzy. If only every summer there was a book to look forward to. Even a couple weeks after finishing the book, I still have a warm feeling about HP.
• The opening of IKEA. I know it sounds lame and so commercialized that a store opening is a favorite event, but I've visited twice and it's just so much fun.

: Favorite Summer Post (of mine) :

• This one still cracks me up. Especially the picture at the bottom.
• I had it in mind to write something profound for our ten-year anniversary but it's tied to the TTD event. So perhaps you can get your warm, lovely feelings from the anniversary post I wrote two years ago.

: Favorite Summer Products :

• The girls and I made it through the entire summer without any sunburns. This is a major achievement for us fair-skinned Scandinavian girls. (Jason got burned, but I am not responsible for making sure he wears sunscreen.) My nose--that never once started peeling--would like to thank Mary Kay Timewise Moisturizer with SPF 15. I wear it daily and tell myself I don't look a day over 30 (feel free to agree with me). The girls were able to avoid sunburns thanks to Parent Bloggers Network hooking us up with KINeSYS SPF 30 Spray-On Sunscreen for Kids. It's oil-free, alcohol-free, scent-free, and PABA-free. The spray worked fabulously when Sydney was outside in her swimsuit, and all I would have to do was spritz her up and down and she was good to go. The Kids SPF 30 Cream worked wonders too (no itchy rashes), and Sydney was delighted to be able to apply the Sun Protection Stick on her nose. "Like lipstick for my nose!" Exactly.
• Now this is a somewhat embarrassing admission, but *ahem* I sweat. A lot. I'm a sweater. My mom told me back when I was a teenager that I would outgrow my sweat issues, but turns out she was wrong. My sister and I (yes, I'm outing her sweat problems too) can sweat through probably three or four layers of clothing. It's gross. And embarrassing. And depressing sometimes too. I've tried everything. The crystal. The extra strength. Sticks, roll ons, sprays. It all fails. But! There is hope! My grandma bought Certain Dri for my sister, yet I managed to snag it before she got home from China (that's what happens when you live overseas). Even though the directions and warnings are a mile long, let me tell you that Certain Dri has brought me out of the, um, pit of despair. I didn't even know a person could get prescription strength deodorant, but now that I do know I don't think I'll have to go get one because Certain Dri has worked like a charm. I can wear tanktops! I can wear white shirts! Rayon! Sheers! Don't tell me about the potential health hazards of Certain Dri. I don't want to know. I just want to be able to wear my clothes and be blissfully stink-free.

: Favorite Gear :

• I know people swear by their Baby Bjorns and wrappy wraps, but I'm telling you, the Ergo baby carrier is the way to go. We've had ours since Sydney was seven-months old, and now I use it all the time with Jules. I actually could still use it with Syd if I wanted to because she still fits in it, but she's not too keen on it now that it has Jules' slobber all over it. Wear the kid in front; wear them in back. Fabulous padded shoulder straps and lumbar support that makes my body happy.
• Crocs for kids. No shoelaces and they float in the water. Need I say more?

: Favorite Food :

• Our Magic Bullet has become a constant fixture in our kitchen because we have been drinking smoothies like there's no tomorrow. Plus, since Jason spent a week working at his dad's coffee shop he has now become very fond of mocha freezes. I think I could actually move to a totally liquid diet, except that I'm too in love with steak and potatoes. Liquid steak? Not even the Magic Bullet could make that tasty.
• When we were in Kauai this summer we fell in love with an ice cream pie that the Hilton served. We discovered it on the second day we were there, and then had it every. single. night. It was a vanilla and chocolate ice cream concoction on a macadamian nut pie crust. Such goodness.
• However, since making ice cream pie sounds too time consuming for me, we have had to settle for our second favorite dessert: key lime pie. I have an easy and delicious recipe (albeit mostly inauthentic if you're looking for something with that's similar to cheesecake) that I have memorized since I've made it so often. I'm making it tonight, and will post the recipe with a picture.

: Favorite Vacation We Didn't Pay For :

• Absolutely.

Comments

[Inkling]

Remember, we have a date with you for the state fair, so we can watch our husbands plummet through the air on bungee cords.

[Margaret]

State fairs are fun, and I too am still on a HP high. Who wouldn't adore Hawaii? P.S. I'm not a sweaty type, I'm glad to say. I didn't realize there were all those issues with sweating.

[kimberly]

1. Oh Certain Dri! How I miss it! I sweat a lot too. And oh it was fabulous...but I think I'm allergic to it. It made my armpits itch like nobody's business. I looked like a monkey walking around scratching them all day long. It wasn't so bad if I didn't shave my armpits. But hairy armpits might be worse than sweaty ones. Sorry that was probably tmi!
2. Still very jealous of ikea.
3. LOVE magic bullet! I use it all the time. It is indeed magic.

[Alida]

Are you 30? Huh? Well it must be the Mary Kay. They have a wonderful sunblock that's infused with vitamins and antioxidants...I love it!

I haven't been to Ikea yet...although my list is getting longer and longer.

I'm holding on to summer. I hold my breath every time a leaf falls in my yard. They're starting to change...bummer...so soon!