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My grandparents died a couple years ago and I miss them a lot. Sometimes I notice things about myself that I definitely got from both of them - namely not being able to throw things away. You'd think I was the one who lived through the war. I just found some pins that my grandmother brought back from a trip to Russia (maybe circa 1990). She organized all the pins by attaching them to a Russian postcard. There are a few pins missing and next to the spaces are the names of which grandchild took the pin.  I have a lot of things that belonged to my grandparents, but this card was so my grandmother and it really makes me smile.

(Becca, you're name isn't on the card. I think it means you're owed a Russian pin!)

It's Always Blazing Freaking Hot in Philadelphia

Went to Philadelphia this weekend to visit my sister, Ezra and Wesley.  It was too hot to do much, but we didn't have a problem eating, swimming with dogs, lounging in the cool water hot tub, or playing Family Feud on Wii.

Abe and Wes waiting for dinner to commence.

A dinner fit for kings.

Post-dinner trip for ice cream.

Me and Wes raced for the tennis ball and I won!

Huevos Rancheros

Jaime is all business when it comes to brunch.

Brunch dessert:  rhubarb, strawberry & blueberry crumble

Wes wanted a taste of that crumble soooo bad.

Dumbest Family Feud category ever.

I Got Color...and I'm Not Afraid to Use It.

Smoldering Hues Shower Curtain - Anthropologie - $118

Silk Screen Art Print (You, Me, and Everyone Else-2) - Beau Ideal - $35

Destiny Womack Original painting - $179.00

Color Theory T-Shirt - Non Fiction Tees - $15.00

It Was a Scorcher

Abe and I had planned on doing some Hudson Valley activities this weekend, but it was so freaking hot we didn't feel motivated to leave the house/yard. At least we managed to ride our bikes over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge at dusk on Friday and then had burgers at Max's before I passed out on the couch watching Real Housewives of New Jersey.

At least the garden is enjoying the heat!

Siobhan came over Saturday night and we had a decadent meal at Max's on Main while listening to Chowderhead.  They play some serious hits for classic rock lovers like me & Sio.

After Max's we retired to the backyard with Abe and Paws and enjoyed the warm, summer night and s'mores made in the microwave.

Happy 30th, Kim!!

Spent a lovely evening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn last night as we celebrated Kim's 30th birthday at Berry Park. We had a little sprinkling of rain while on the rooftop, but it cleared up and ended with a beautiful sunset over the Manhattan skyline.

Lychee, red bean & green tea ice cream cake from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Allyson's Last Weekend of Freedom!

Allyson and I have been best friends since the 7th grade and now she's getting married!  We've gone through a lot in the last 18 years, but this summer is going to be one that we'll remember and cherish until the day we take our final dirt nap.

For her bachelorette party all 8 of Allyson's bridesmaids traveled from all over the country to meet up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine to celebrate the single life.  We did this by prancing around in our bathing suits, eating everything in sight, drinking all day long, and watching every single episode of The Hills.

Allyson wasn't quite sure what to do with this display, but it doesn't matter the shape or size, a Funfetti cake never disappoints.

On Saturday, if you looked forward, this is what you saw.

But, if you looked behind you, this is what you saw.

Either the world was about to end or it was about to rain.

It rained.

He is a very scary man.

Jill caught Whitney getting scrambled on the Scrambler.

Getting seriously about organizing our koozies.

R.I.P. my little koozie.  You were a casualty of the night.

Love you, Allyson!!!  Happy Bachelorette Party!  "I misss Miiiikeyyyy!"

Throw Pillows - 3 New Colors for Summer!

Throw Pillow - Hot Pink with Honeysuckle print in pink ink - $24

Throw Pillow - Hot Pink with Honeysuckle print in Sea Green ink - $24

Throw Pillow in Purple with Honeysuckle print in white ink - $24

CLICK HERE to view the entire line of pillows, dish towels, bags & pins in the Wicked Mint Etsy shop.

God Bless America & 3-Day Weekends!

Fourth of July weekend 2010 was a good one.  Lots of hanging, eating, drinking, whatevering....

On Friday we went to Dutchess Stadium for the Hudson Valley Renegades game.  Abe and I enjoy a sporting event so we're pretty psyched that there is a minor league baseball stadium in our town (well, technically the next town over, but it's super close).

On Saturday Jaime and Ezra picked up Wes and we said our goodbyes.  I miss him already.

Saturday night we picked up Preeya and Dave and headed to Pennsylvania for Alex & Becca's annual 4th of July celebration.   Those two know how to throw one hell of a party. Tent City quadrupled in size this year.  It's was like summer camp!

8 am Sunday.  Seriously.  It was amazing.

Ella was the star of the show this weekend.  There's nothing like an adorable, funny toddler who likes to talk.

Look at all us completely enchanted as she smashed water balloons on the ground. 

Stefan brought the kitten he just rescued. Her name is Batman and I love her.

Delaware River dip.

Abe observes the new frontier.