trans•atlantic petals: i amsterdam

First of the 4 amazing stops we made on our summer adventure was to amsterdam. I had to seriously rearrange my idea of day {and night} wear when I met Rob at our inaugural destination. Further detail to follow.

Here I am, enjoy a generously proportioned Italian coffee in The Dam Square. In my experience, European coffee seems to have a sort of robust flavor, accompanied by a cloud-like texture.

It's foamtastic.

Mama Bear + Baby Bear

My 2nd weekend as a bachelorette, my mom came to visit. She is such a calming, comforting influence to have around. We also did a lot of eating. Does everyone else eat a lot when they are with their families?

I love my mom. We had a great time.

The drink we named Let Them Drink Cake; cake flavored vodka, orange soda + alcohol infused whip cream. Tastes a lot like orange dreamsicle. I preferred it without the whip {more fruity}.

Our lupper {lunch + supper} feast. We watched movies, did our nails, drank our fancy new invention & grazed on all of this fresh, yummy grub. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of our red velvet cake!

Any weekend with my family ends with a proper Sunday morning breakfast; scrambled eggs {2 whites/1 yoke}, whole wheat toast, steamed asparagus, pineapple orange juice + coffee.

photos by Me.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

You should smile too. Wanna? Go here.

With my favorite person out of the country, it has been a bit more challenging for me to find those smiley moments. But sure enough, they are always waiting behind the everyday beauty of my life.

This week I smile at...

...our garden that has gone a-wild and is a constant explosion of surprise blooms...

...tiger lilies. among my top favs...

...my gorgeous lake view apartment...

...the sweet indulgence of a mocha coconut frappuccino...

photos by Me.

When Dad Comes to Town

Rob's 1st weekend away was especially tough on me back at the ranch. My dad just so happened to be alone for an extended period as well so he came up and kept me company. We mostly chilled. He brought his grill and made us a delicious lunch on Saturday afternoon. He blogged his recipe you can see it here.

Besides lugging his grill all this way, Dad also gifted us with a portable air conditioner/dehumidifier. It's awesome. The animals are especially grateful. We also did lots of talking, some movie-watching & some more eating. It was great.

Heavenly...

the cutest car I have ever seen; Midget.

strawberry ice cream + chocolate sauce. yes.

apple+ walnut quinoa cakes at Pizza Luce.

Daddy-o.

photos by Me.