patriotic walk to the lake

I hope there's nice weather wherever you are on Independence Day. Dan and I are learning to love walks and jogs together, usually in the early mornings since it's so hot. 

This outfit is entirely hand me down and yet another red, white, and blue ensemble to celebrate Independence Day. I am thankful that we have religious freedom in our country; I can gather with friends and pray and read my Bible. I can keep as many copies of the Bible as I want to, give them to anyone, and tell anyone about it. I am even more thankful that my true freedom is in Jesus. The Bible says, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians), and I grasp hold of that freedom whether or not my country gives me permission. 

hand me down scarf from Mom // HMD Brooks Brothers shirt from brother's closet // HMD Anne Cole bathing suit from Mom

washing, flying, cooking, dressing

I failed to take photos of most of what I did this weekend, but it was still great.  B and I washed both of our cars, and my dad and I washed his airplane.   Then, we flew in his airplane, and I finally got to fly my uncle's airplane for the first time.  The wind was completely calm, and I flew like it was my tenth hour in the plane instead of my first.  Maybe my license is within reach after all.

On Sunday, I went to church and then spent some time in the kitchen.  Again, I failed at taking photos.  I had a long time friend over to eat and made one of my favorite recipes - Martha Stewart's lighter sesame chicken with rice and broccoli.  I got really into Martha Stewart's website a couple of years ago and found some no-fail recipes that I go to again and again.  I can see and hear her in my mind saying, "it's a good thing."  Anyone else grow up with a mother who watched Martha?

I also mixed up a (huge) batch of Pioneer Woman's restaurant salsa.  It doesn't go with sesame chicken at all, but it is SO good.  Between Martha and PW, I could almost live without Pinterest.  Almost.  Please come over if you want some salsa.  I'll be eating it with crock pot chicken taco chili.

We already had a couple of desserts around the house: a blueberry pie made by a friend who even picked the blueberries herself and lunch lady brownies that my mom made.  But I couldn't forget to make some tea!  One day I will post about my mom's tea.

HMD earrings from mom // HMD necklace from mom // HMD scarf from mom // HMD Brooks Brothers shirt // HMD bracelet from mom // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Joe's jeans // Sam Edelman Alvin flats // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from B's mom

white button down and Lilly skirt: part two

Moon and Lola Compton earrings // hand me down Brooks Brothers shirt // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Nordstrom bracelet (old) // Lilly Pulitzer skirt // hand me down shoes

white button down and Lilly skirt: part one

I found this Brooks Brothers oxford in my brother's old closet.  I'm not sure whose it is, but it looks like it's never been worn.  I strategically chose a too-short-for-work skirt while enjoying my last few days off.  I usually wear this old (high school days!) reversible wrap skirt on the other side, but the larger floral print appealed to me this time.

earrings made by my mom // hand me down Brooks Brothers shirt // Lilly Pulitzer skirt // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Jenni K bracelet (similar) // hand me down bracelets // Kate Spade sandals

Check back on Monday for part two--the same button down, dressed up a little more.