One sure sign of summer is the customary changing of the guard, so to speak, as I put away the flats, sneakers and closed-toe shoes in favor of flip-flops and summer sandals. I almost never wear “real shoes” in the summer, always choosing instead to grab something from my (admittedly large [for the region in which I live]) collection of light, airy footwear. I would like to introduce to you three of my favorite pairs of summer shoes, because shoes are always worth talking about, right ladies?

the comfy flip-flop :: Alright, first up we have my all-time favorite summer shoe. These are the Mush flip-flops by Teva. Over time, they form to your feet, resulting in the most comfortable sandal you’ll ever know. They come in many fun colors and prints, but I always buy black, because they they go with just about everything. Oh, and I go through a pair a year—as in, wear through to the bottom. These were purchased at the end of last season (on clearance!) and I’ve just begun to break to them in. They are actually on my Summer 2010 Bucket List, because wearing out a pair of these sandals is par for the course during any blockbuster summer season!

the durable-do-all  :: This is the shoe that I wear when going for a casual hike, a camp-out on the lake, or even a full day at State Fair. They are durable and provide plenty of support, but best of all, they are totally waterproof and perfect for wading in on rocky shorelines. They maybe aren’t the best looking things on the planet, but they do serve their purpose. Because of the tough build and traction, they sort of become my “summer sneakers”.

the stylish slip-on :: I purchased these years ago at Aldo, and they remain one of my favorite pairs of sandals. The criss-cross of the strap, and the paisley detail on the sole give them a nice dose of style, while still remaining casual. I slip these on with bermuda shorts and a t-shirt for a slightly more dressy alternative to the Teva’s. I am also known to wear them with a casual skirt and cute tank for church or dinner out. Sadly, Aldo no longer makes them, or I think I would also buy a pair in black.

So friends, those are my top three. I have several more pairs of flip-flop, some Chacos as an alternative to the Keens, and of course some more dressy summer wedges and heals and such. But these three, they my besties, getting the most love and use. How ’bout you? When summer rolls around, do you immediately reach for the nearest pair of sandals, or do you stick with flats or a more sensible and supportive option?

hello. I meant to write up a post last night, but time slipped away from me. I had another planned for tonight. I even had the title picked out, and the photos planned. One thing led to another and one project to another email to another email to another project. The sun went down. No pictures were taken. And here I am. I’ve got nothin’.

Tomorrow, I promise to be back with a proper post. About shoes. Summer shoes, specifically. Because the shoes of summer are the best shoes ever. Much better than fur lined boots. They are worth talking about. Which I will do in detail, tomorrow my dears.

I’ve never considered myself a homebody. I love going and doing and traveling and finding new places to eat and explore. Lately, however, my heart has been at home. It’s been a hectic few weeks, with nearly every day scheduled and booked to the max. At the end of the day (or, admittedly, in the middle of a meeting), I’ve found myself thinking of and longing for one simple thing… time at home. Upon walking in the door after work today, I was filled with such a sense of comfort and calm. Familiar smells surrounded me, and I just wanted to lay down on the carpet in the sun and bask in the warmth and security of being home. I find that when I am over-extending myself and busy-beyond-belief, being at home, focusing on simple tasks re-centers and balances my perspective. I am able to let the stresses go as I dig into my garden, or scrub my sink, organize a closet, or take some time to read my Bible while sitting on the patio. Little things like afternoon sun streaming in the window or the smell of fresh laundry bring me joy, in an inexplicable way.

Yesterday afternoon, after the weekend activies were behind us, the hubby and I had a few hours to spend together. We debated going out to dinner or exploring a new park. In the end, however, we grabbed Emmy and went for a walk in the neighborhood, stopping at the lake to throw the stick for her. Then we stopped at the grocery store and finally headed home to grill on the patio. A few years ago, I would have been vaguely dissatisfied with such an ordinary “date”, but last night, it was perfect. Beyond perfect, actually. As we walked, we talked about our college years, living smack dab in between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis. There were dates to fancy restaurants, as we explored every nook and cranny of the city and soaked in these experiences with vigor. Time slips by, and now we are almost four years into marriage, and two years into home-ownership. We live on the very, very edge of the city in a small town, just beyond which lies true farm country. The pace out here is a little different. The things we do for fun are simpler. This is the very reason we moved out here. We longed for the charm of small-town living, with the convenience of being a stone’s throw from the city. Lately, however, I’ve been all over the place with engagements and projects and meetings and events. Time at the cottage soaking in the pleasures of life out here has been rare. And there’s been that tug at my heart. The one I mentioned earlier. The pressing need to be at home. The longing to settle into an uncluttered and peaceful routine.

With all that being said, I am going to take a couple days to step back and reassess my calendar for the next few weeks and months, with the intention of making space for the quiet and comfort of being home, where my heart longs to be.

Hello lovelies. How art thou? It is Friday evening, and I am blogging. Who blogs on Friday evenings?? Me! I do! I know, I know. I should be running off to a concert or some fabulous place for dinner or doing something somewhat more social and interesting. But, alas, here I am at my computer, writing a blog post. Ahem.

Before you judge, I will admit that I went to a concert on Wednesday evening. I was out past my bedtime. In downtown. At the ever-beautiful Orpheum Theater. To see the Goo Goo Dolls, if you must know. Surprised? I know, me too! I am not usually the concert-going type (besides seeing Mat Kearney because he is unlike any other, and his concerts are like drinking fizzy soda pop from a straw. Not sure what that means, exactly. But he is good. And I love him. I mean, his music. Ahem.), but best friends usually have a way of getting their way. So I went to the Goo Goo Dolls, and it was great! Besides the fact that I couldn’t hear very well afterward. On the much brighter side, we discovered a new band to love! The opening act was actually quite amazing. I came home and downloaded their entire album from iTunes. It’s been on heavy rotation around here.

When I love something, I do that. Repeat, re-wear, use, over and over. Until I’m tired of it and then must not look/eat/wear/listen for several months, or maybe a year or maybe ever. It’s a bad habit. Somewhat obsessive. Love it and then leave it.

Ok, I am going off on a tangent. This post is actually supposed to be another issue of eat, wear, listen. Yes, here are the things I have been loving lately.

Here’s the lineup.

Wear :: This tank. It’s supposed to be for sleeping, I think. It’s from Gap Body, and they have it categorized under “lounge”. Do you think anyone will care if I wear it for everyday? Like, out and about? I hope not. I have two of them and find them to fit well and go perfectly with shorts and flip-flops (my summer uniform). I love the white edging, and the smudgy stripes. I have one in driftwood and one in larkspur.

Eat :: I found these little wonders today at the grocery store. They must be terribly new, because Laughing Cow doesn’t even have them on their site yet. So this horrible, unedited picture will have to do (remember, it’s Friday evening and I am not about to color correct and properly clip a photo of cheese bites for my blog). Anyways, they are tiny and creamy and light! Only 35 calories for 5 of them. And you probably burn at least 5 or 10 calories unwrapping each individual cube. But it’s worth it! The insides of the wrappers have fun, quirky facts on them! Yes, you should try to find these at your local grocer, because they make a great snack.

Listen :: As previously mentioned, I have a new band to love. They are called Vedera, and the simple fact that they opened for Mat Kearney during part of his 2009 tour gives them stars in my book. The voice of their lead-singer-chick is amazing. I can’t believe they aren’t hugely popular!? Some of their songs can start to sound a little melancholoy, but for the most part, they are soaring, upbeat, beautiful melodies that make me wanna dance (Or clean my house! Good music gives me that urge. Strange, I know).

My apologies for the randomness of this post. It’s Friday, what can I say? I have a busy weekend ahead, with family in town, a wedding to attend, and a big old photoshoot for the project Maddy and I have been working on for Nonpareil Mag. Yes, Monday will be here before I know it. Tonight, though, I will be dining on the world’s best sweet potato fries and spending time with my three favorite people on the planet (hubby, mom and dad).

love,
your fidgety-but-ever-faithful-friday-evening-blogger