It’s been a hot second since I’ve participated in the lovely Amanda’s Thinking Out Loud, but I’m feeling chatty today and thought I would throw it back to an old favorite.
Let’s jump right into it!
1. SUMMMMMER!
Anyone else all caught up in the summer joy? It’s been a beautiful one so far and the sunshine, blue skies, and warm evening breeze make for my own personal heaven. I know that in comparison to most other places, California doesn’t really have seasons, but summer is special and this native can tell a big difference 😉 . Don’t judge!
Along with the weather, I’m also in love with the slow-paced life that summer brings with it. Well, at least for another year since by then I’ll be out of school and working like a real-person. Summer break at UCSB is about 3 months long, so I have plenty of time to concentrate on making up on lost sleep from the exhausting school year and really do what makes my soul happy. Likeeee taking the extra time to fix myself a beautiful + nutritious breakfast in the morning to enjoy with a homemade latte.
For this bowl, I cooked up a serving of oats with vanilla extract, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and a pinch of cinnamon and salt to bring out the sweetness a little. Then, I topped it with a sliced nectarine, pumpkin seeds, frozen blueberries, dried cranberries and golden raisins, and dried coconut. Perfection <3. Here’s the “recipe” in printable form if anyone wants it!
2. Remember Tucker? Yeah, he’s growing up.
Flashback to when Kyle’s family first got the little nugget and him NOW. He’s still the same love bug, just a lot bigger and with endless amounts of energy. His favorite hobbies include anything with food (that dog will eat literally anything you let him have), hanging out in the pool like a true water dog, and eating my shoes. Did I mention he likes food?
3. Technology, man.
A few days ago, I tried to update my Macbook with the latest version and it crashed on me. Cue lots of stress, a long drive to an Apple store to get help from their Genuis Bar, and me ending up leaving with a new Macbook Pro and a really absurd amount poorer 😯 . Given I did buy a 3 year warranty and tax was killer, but WHAT. In the end I can justify it as a business expense since I need it for blogging and my photography and, of course, school/personal use, but man. I’m bitter about it because I was just trying to install one of their updates and ended up paying a pretty hefty price, but this new laptop is crazy fast and I feel ultra productive with it. I just have to let my wounds heal I guess 😉 .
4. Favorite Drink: Moscow Mules
Try it.
5. Book recommendations please!
Yesterday, I drove over to Barnes and Noble’s to try to find some summer reading books, but left feeling uninspired. I used to be an avid reader and would go through at least one book a week (around 3-5 in the summer), but after getting totally drained by my academic workload, I lost my passion. I ended up getting two books written by Philippa Gregory, who wrote The Other Boleyn Girl and a few other novels from that time period that I love. I’ve always had a strange fascination with King Henry VIII, so I thought I would give them a go and hope they help get my reading mojo back. I also left with three new cookbooks, but what else is new.
So suggestions? I’m not too much into romance novels and do like a little action/adventure, but I’m open to anything!
And that’s all that comes to mind today. Stay tuned for a new veggie-filled recipe coming at ya tomorrow!
Hi Christine, as you know I just love visiting your website literally everyday!
I want to ask if you have a PO Box or an address where I could send you a little something you might like? If your address is personal and you don’t want to give it out, I understand.
I just want to give back to you as you always give to so many.,
Thanks
Peggy
I know I already sent you an email, but I just want to comment back and tell you how wonderful you are <3. Thank you!
I’m a sucker for labs–he’s so stinkin’ cute! As for the new Mac Book, I sort of feel you. Mine hasn’t crashed, but I really need a new one and I can already hear my bank account crying. WHYYYYY. But on the other hand, yay for faster laptops!
Ahhh he is the best!
GIRL. Make sure you backup your laptop ASAP. I was lucky in that I had everything backed up on my external hard drive, or else I would have been absolutely torn apart by losing all my photos!
Ohhhh that DOG! I WANT one!!
Man our weather here has been so. much. rain. and. clouds. There are LAKES of standing water in fields around here! ughughghgh.
Okay, I don’t usually read books such as these, but the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans are soooo good! They’re meant for like pre-teen age but man even my mom likes them!! I like a lot of Lynn Austins book too, though.
Eeeeeek he is so cute! HE belongs to Kyle’s family, but we’re planning on getting a golden or white retriever once we move in together after we both graduate :). I love the name Lola for a squirmy pup!
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I’m heading to the library tomorrow so I will check some out :).
Oh my goodness, my husband LOVES moscow mules! Especially the copper mug 😉 I feel your pain on the macbook, Apple is so ridiculously overpriced simply because they can be! And ummmm Tucker needs a play date with Truckee like pronto!! <3
Ahhhh Moscow Mules are simply the best. I love those copper mugs because they just keep the whole drink so refreshingly cool.
YES PLEASE. Not sure if I ever told you this, but I love the name Truckee for a dog!
Your dog is very handsome!
I’ll show you a dog who will eat ANYTHING . . . Chester once ate rat poison & lived to tell the tale. He’s in heart failure, but doing good due to lots if expensive meds, which he eats right out of my hand!
Yup, he’s my $64,000,000 puppy.
Oh no! I have a feeling that Tucker is pretty similar. Hopefully he will be a little less of an expensive pooch ;). Glad to here Chester is doing well, though!
Heck yes to summer and Moscow Mules- the best!!!
I love that power oatmeal bowl! Perfection in breakfast form. And did I mention that my entire family went to UCSB? My parents met there! I was the first one to rebel on the trend (although sometimes I think I was crazy for not going to UCSB!)
Mhmm it was too good! And you’re kidding me! Did they meet there? That is way too cool and you should come stop by and visit sometime
I love historical fiction and also mystery/suspense books. Mary Higgins Clark is an awesome author for mystery books! I used to be such an avid reader and would just fly through books. Like you, though, my time/desire to read definitely decreased as my school workload has piled on. I hope to do some catching up this summer, too!
I’m in the same boat as you when it comes to the type of books! I’ll look into her :).
your pup looks soo friendly and so lovely! what a cutie!
getting the 3 year warranty on your Mac is a MUST – i have had some issues over the years and wished i had it in the past.
He is just the cutest little guy and has such a fun personality. And I totally realized that as well. They give a student discount so the insurance for three years was actually very reasonable!
Moscow mules are my favorite !!!!
They are my favorite drink!
He’s becoming a beautiful dog! I have a new puppy and she is growing up so quickly!
Isn’t he just the cutest? I can’t believe how quickly they grow up!