Our deck space

I finally grew a green thumb, turns out you just need to water plants everyday to keep them alive, who knew?! Its been life-changing for me and such a joy to see something grow and thrive, I'm fully addicted! Here's our deck space!

Scallops and risotto

 I can't begin to express how delicious this cheesy risotto was topped with wilted spinach and seared scallops! It certainly made us feel less guilty when we scarfed down triple berry crumble pie with vanilla ice cream! Recipe here.

Our 4th

Our fourth was full of all things American-pie, fireworks, grilling, and even the pool! We thought the baby might make his appearance with some consistent contractions then got shy!

The it list

I'm in good company with the "it list" for the next month, please check out the links and say hello to my friends!! Happy Fourth of July everyone!

The IT list is back!  And just in time for the long weekend...Take a minute to check out these awesome links today!

• maria of johns journal is the most gorgeous pregnant gal... go check out her awesome maternity style! (find maria of johns journal on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations recreates this gorgeous Olivia Palermo look for less.  It's such a fun and bold look!
• alisha of alisha & brandon brings us one of my personal favorite summertime desserts. And it's the perfect treat this time of year where strawberries are totally in season! (find alisha & brandon on twitter!)
• good tots highlights adorable personalized nursery art that you won't want to miss. Any little miss or mister would love these in their room.
• verbal melange gets crafty and wears a dress as a skirt. I love to see bloggers mix up their wardrobe like this, it gives me good ideas for getting the most out of my own wardrobe! (find verbal melange on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style just updated her vintage goods shop on etsy with this fun retro Pepsi tray! It is perfect for serving summer drinks on! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy features one of the youngest of the Draper family.  If you are a Mad Men fan you will have to check out Miss Draper's sartorial finesse. (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• simply stylish mom is loving these tribal inspired looks from Anthropologie... and I am too! 
• gs lillian daily looks fab wearing bright, bright pink. It's one of my favorite colors this fall! (find gs lillian daily on twitter!)
• good life for less pairs white jeans with a bold striped top for a simple summer look! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life for less... for information on how to be involved... click here!

Summer essentials

Head over to Jill's good life for less to catch a glimpse of my summer essentials!

Gideon's birthday shirt

This tutorial comes from this amazing blog and the minute I saw it, I wanted to try it. Gideon loved doing the whole thing and it was quite simple. Get plain shirt, iron on number, skirt a water gun mixed with a little bleach at it and bam-instant rad t-shirt!

Use an iron on number or letter, whichever you'd like. Iron to plain t-shirt then hang t-shirt outside for the water-gun skirting part! Make sure your kiddo follows directions well for this part because they are handling bleach in their squirt gun.

Let them squirt their shirt however they'd like then wash shirt shortly after.

 The following poses come naturally from our crazy kiddo also known as freckles who loves his shirt!

p.s he turns five august 16!

Our french date, oh la la

So we've had these gift certificates to a great french restaurant in Old town Fredericksburg and finally put them to use! All the more feeding into my desire to visit France someday soon! The food was so good and I ate it so fast I forgot to take a picture!

 Oh my he is handsome!

One hot mama

Check out Chelsea a dear nurse friend who rocked her maternity session at the vineyard! Go here for more of her!

Favorites Friday: outdoors

This weekend husband is home and they are letting me keep him around in case baby makes an appearance, yippee! So we'll be doing some yardwork (last finishing touches on our deckspace) and perhaps catch movie and dinner! I've also got a maternity photo shoot for a dear friend, can't wait to share!

Some outdoor inspirations:

via pinterest

Linky love:

These pillows are pretty

Another pleated skirt

Ahh, such truth

Blue girls bedroom

Happy summery weekend!

9 month bump plus a sunhat

We made it to the end, well almost...I"m due anywhere from July 4-11! I'm feeling quite ready and round, that tree is holding me up!

When pregnant just throw on a bunch of accessories and its all good!

Can't wait to see his sweet face, thank you again for all your prayers and well wishes!

Color crushing on sienna

I love how colors evoke moods and even memories. This sienna brown reminds me of a worn-in leather chair with its richness, but also the desert sun; perfect for summer! It seems to work just like a neutral pairing and working with any color, sky's the limit with this one!

images anntaylor, jcrew, and hm

Bruschetta pizza

Meet my new favorite summer pizza, so easy, healthy, and fast! 

I use the already-made bruschetta from Wegmans grocery store (best store ever)

 Bake at 400 for 12-14 minutes, give it a try you won't be sorry!