Seven Quick Summery Takes

Linking up with Jen.

These Shoes

Went online casually browsing for sandals, since my only pair without heels is a pair of Old Navy flip-flops (and I don't even like wearing flip-flops). Fell for these. Hard.

Now I just need to convince my husband that these are an investment piece. Or, you know, actually bill some clients.

Anthro has them, too. Look how cute they are on the model!

Sunglasses

I think it might be time to retire this pair. I bought them at Mervyn's, to give you an idea of how old they are. I still love them, but they're getting pretty scratched and bent (maybe I'll invest in a case this time around, too?). I'm seeing a ton of aviators and wayfarers out there, though, which don't really work on a small face. Any suggestions?

Pistachio Ice Cream

Even though I bought a half-gallon of whipping cream on my last Costco excursion, the near-infinity of good recipes has prevented me from actually making the summer's first batch of ice cream. But then I looked in the freezer and found a bag of Trader Joe's shelled pistachios. I think we have a winner.

Summary Bug

Okay, not summery (pun totally intended), but this will help you pass the time if you're still riding out spring showers. The Netflix app recently experienced a glitch that replaced the final line of their movie summaries with the line from a different movie. Set down your coffee before you click through to read some of the best.

My new favorite tonic water

It's officially gin season here, and I discovered Hansen's tonic water at TJ's just in time. Now I won't be drowning this excellent gin (a gift from my BIL) in HCFS-laden stuff that's flat by the end of the too-big bottle.

Pioneer Woman's Iced Coffee

Also black and creamy and good for you.

This is always in my fridge. I made the first batch yesterday. Except that she makes two gallons, and I just make a quart at a time. Two ounces of coffee is exactly the size most sample packets come in (if you're into sending away for free samples like I am). A splash of the aforementioned whipping cream (hey, I'm a nursing mom! I must need that milkfat for ... something...) makes this way better than Starbucks. Sun tea, on the other hand, I make by the gallon.

Our First Vacation of the Summer

Some friends were going to come to visit us this weekend, but then my travel-loving husband realized that he could use rewards points to get rooms for both families in Holland, MI, so we're going up there to catch the last of the tulips (apparently they didn't have any for the actual tulip festival this year!) Bean's excited to see the windmill and the lighthouse, of course.