View from the condo

Hello, hello! Today is my first day back from my summer vacation so I thought I’d share a few highlights from our trip. It was our first time to the island of Kauai and it was as stunning as they say: lush green plants everywhere and beautiful ocean views. My favorite things we did were the ZipLine tour over the Kipu Ranch with Outfitters Kauai, swimming with sea turtles at Poiou Beach, and the hike at the top of the Waimea Canyon.

ZipLine Tour

Waimea Canyon

We rented a condo at the Kiahuna Plantation on Poipu Beach and the views were just spectacular. If anyone is looking for a great place to stay I highly recommend it. It’s nice to be able to eat in a few meals or cook on the BBQ out front. The only down side to the whole vacay were the 71 (and counting) mosquito bites I got during the ZipLine tour. So much for bug spray! My husband tells me it’s cause I’m so sweet but my legs sure don’t look “sweet” anymore. Hahaha! I’m calling the giant dots my “sexy souvenir” to make me feel better

My hubby and I before all the bites

The last day of our trip and a rainbow came out in the morning to wish us farewell!

The trip was perfectly beautiful and relaxing but I am glad to be back and out of mosquito territory. I’ve got a fun contest and giveaway next week so stay tuned! Have a lovely weekend everyone!

I get so much joy from reading all of your comments and it gives me an opportunity to discover new blogs each and everyday. I find myself so enthrawred and litterally unable to keep up! It’s so exciting to know that there is so much to be discovered each time I sit down to my computer.

My latest find is the delightful Grate Full Day blog. Lindsey stole my heart with her recent post about Anthropologie’s summer Dip Dyed Windows. As most of you know by now I have a thing for Anthropologie, a crush as it were. Their collective genius is endless and this seasons merchandising is no exception. From the Anthropologie’s Facebook Page:

“ Each is a joyful tribute to summer color—from pineapple gold and purple basil to crustacean red and saltwater teal. Each, too, is a testament to the passion and drive of our visual team—from scouring thrift stores for fabric scraps to dip-dying and drying, it was quite a process.”

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a project with all of you and the coming holiday seemed like the perfect opportunity to get crafty. Hopefully this set will make your 4th of July just a bit more festive! This downloadable PDF includes sparkler cards, matchbook wrappers and straw tags. Simply print, cut, tape and voila – instant party!

What You’ll Need:

8.5 x 11″ 80lb white card stock (like this from Paper-Source)
8.5 x 11″ 80lb white text paper (like this from Paper-Source)
Color Printer
Paper Cutter
Double Sided Tape
Ruler
Standard Hole Punch
Sparklers
Straws
Matchbooks (found at my local grocery store)

Instructions:

1. Download the Matchbook and Straw Tags Template and print onto white text paper. Download the Sparkler Card Template and print onto white card stock. Print using the highest quality settings on your color printer to ensure that the patterns and text are clear.

2. Trim out all the shapes using scissors or a sharp blade and making sure to trim off all the black edges. Use a standard hole punch and punch where indicated to allow the straws to be thread through. Carefully trim out the small rectangles in the Sparkler Holders to weave the sparklers through.

3. Secure the wrap around the matchbooks with double sided tape, making sure not to cover up the striker strip. Crease the edges with your fingers or using a bone folder so that they are crisp. Thread the straw through the holes and position towards the top of the straw. Thread the sparklers through the slots.

I hope you all have a fantastic and joyful holiday! Cheers!

*For personal use only (non-commercial use). Thank you.

I don’t often mention fashion here at T&T but I found myself just drooling over this collection and coming back again and again just to get a glimpse. Maybe it’s the designer in me, but I’m a sucker for details and structure. This collection by Mona & Holly is based on vintage women’s service uniforms and who doesn’t love a girl in uniform! I adore the simple, classic shapes and the nostalgic quality to each of the pieces. You can see the full collection here and read more about it on Cool Hunting.

Click here to visit NotCot to learn more about this amazing collection and see more products and patterns. Have a lovely Friday and long holiday weekend everyone! xoxo

(Thanks Javas!)