Pretty Flowers & A Summer Reading List

The photos above were something I've been waiting for not so patiently. I was finally able to take out my camera and take some photos of pretty flowers!! It seems that they were taking forever to bloom here - probably because our winter was absolutely crazy and lasted forever :).

John & I went to camp (where the above were taken) and I was able to snap so many pretty nature photos and it really helped me climb out of the sour mood I've been in. There's something about that quiet feeling being away from everyday business just spending time reading a good book that is so therapeutic. I was able to read 2 books while out there (We Were Liars & Looking for Alaska - both really, really good!) and it inspired me to create a summer reading list!

Here are the books I'm going to read this summer:

• An Abundance of Katherines
• Orphan Train
• The Cuckoo's Calling
• If I Stay
• Midnight Crossroad
• Wild
• The Husband's Secret
• The Vacationers

I really hope I'm able to get through this whole list! I'm sort of obsessed with researching & finding new books that might peak my interest. If you have any recommendations, just let me know!!! I love finding out about new books :)

I Started a Garden..

It seems that Spring has finally begun in Thunder Bay and I could not be more excited. We've definitely had a late start but it's worth it. It seems as though we've been hit by a major heat wave and it's been scorching outside all week and I'm definitely not complaining. It seems as though this beautiful heat arrived just in time for me to have a few days off! I've been working a ton lately and honestly have been feeling a little bit burnt out so this is exactly what I needed.

In celebration of the beautiful weather, I decided to take advantage of my cute little garden beds that I have outside. There are already some existing perennials that I decided to keep but surrounding them I planted the easiest flower I could find which are Marigold's! I accidentally bought way too many not really knowing how it all worked. Oops! I also bought a tomato plant & a basil plant just to challenge myself. So far, nothing has died yet so I think I'm on the right track. However, I haven't gone outside today yet to check so who knows what could happen?

I hope you're getting nice weather wherever you are! Make sure you go outside and enjoy it :)

First Post of Spring!

Wow! It's been a really long time since I posted (or took a photo for that matter!) Honestly, I found myself getting a serious case of the winter blues. In Thunder Bay, winter seems to be lasting longer & longer which is terrible news for me because I hate winter and find myself craving flowers & green grass by the time February hits every year! It's so frustrating!

These photos were taken just last week and it still looked like winter. However, within the past week, temperatures have been getting warmer & warmer and now you can only see a bit of ice left on Lake Superior.. so at least winter is leaving and hopefully we won't see our usual May snowfall. I'm ready for shorts, the lake & a cold drink in my hand like, yesterday!! Once flowers start blooming, insects start buzzing & grass starts sticking around, you'll be seeing a lot more activity around these parts! Have a great Monday!

Walk in the Park

When I saw that dandelions started sprouting, I almost yelled from the rooftops in joy!
I know, they're just a weed. But a beautiful weed that indicates summer is almost here! My favorite season of all time.
I love all the new life growing around these parts and I love how that life is constantly changing. It's such a great reminder of the beautiful world we live in.

Pink Sprouting Flowers

This pink and green tree plant seriously took my breath away. They were growing absolutely everywhere and I couldn't help but snap a few photos. The wind was blowing pretty hard making it a bit difficult to snap a still photo, but I found the wind surprisingly made for some pretty decent snaps!
How I love Spring!

Around the New Neighborhood

I told you I was going to snap photos soon!
Today I decided to take a walk throughout the new neighborhood and snap some photos. I know, I know.. way overdue.
It was SUCH a beautiful day today so I felt super inspired by all of my surroundings. Even that little dude in the last photo ;). I even saw a butterfly today! But.. it flew away before I could photograph it. Damn!

I joined the "Tone It Up" community recently and started their Bikini Challenge in order to add more structure to my workouts. I really enjoy it but I almost feel frustrated being told when I have to workout and what I have to do.. I usually just really enjoy going for a run or heading to the gym on my own terms.. But I still need that structure? I'm so torn! Does anyone have any recommendations for ways that I can work out when I want (3-4 times a week) but provide me with specific exercises I can do in order to slim down in target areas such as thighs and tummy?

I will say though with Tone it Up, I love their recipe ideas! I'm not a part of the nutrition guide but I tried the salsa chicken the other day and it was so good. I'm definitely interested in cooking only lean foods with lots of protein and vegetables. I've actually been doing super well with that. I used to have a piece of toast every morning when I woke up and usually white or red potatoes with dinner. I've cut out the toast and opt for cereal, a smoothie, or some greek yogurt instead and when I crave potatoes I make sweet potatoes or brown rice!

Hope you all have a great day. Hopefully I'll continue to go and snap photos. I actually have more to show you from this shoot later!

Dear Spring, Where Art Thou?!

Spring seemed to make a quick appearance that lasted about a week.
I was over the moon with excitement when I saw that the snow was melting & the sun was shining! That was until Winter decided to be a big bully and dump a pile of snow on us this weekend. So much for Spring.
Alas, the snow is now gone and the sun is out again but with the icy winds & frigid temperatures, it still feels like Winter is going nowhere fast.
I'm craving an ice old Corona & a lake like you wouldn't believe. Spring and or Summer...please hurry!!