progress

Thank you all for taking the time and sharing your excellent ideas for my garden.  A little progress was made in the last few days.  I planted these little white vinca flowers in hopes that they will fill in this planter so that eventually no dirt will show.  Underneath them are the mums that were planted for the wedding 2 years ago so that will be cool if they can come up in between the vinca.

This is the the area that is under scrutiny.  It get hotter than blazes here in the late afternoon.  I want to remove the rock border and put a small hedge and then fill with iceberg roses and maybe herbs too?  Not sure.  But as you can see it looks awful as is.  It kills me each time I pull into the driveway.

Also, some of you are interested in A and B's store here in Redlands.  It's called Redlands Country Mart and the address is 1915 E. Citrus Avenue Redlands CA 92373.  I help out there when I can and I can't tell you how much fun it is.  Their prices are reasonable and they both have a great eye for amazing pieces.  This is one of the tee shirts they make, $28.  They make all the sweaters and tee's themselves right here in Redlands.  They ship worldwide too!  Also, these sunglasses are from the 1950's.  They have a few brand new (deadstock) pairs for $38 ea.  Please stop by if you are in the area for a great cup of coffee and a lookaround.  See their Instagram HERE xo

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fall garden goals

The last 2 summers have just been brutal on the garden.  Last summer we were in Utah so it didn't get the attention it demands. It's a hard garden to handle without any sprinklers in the intense summer heat, so I'm grateful it survived at all.  Then this summer we've had record breaking heat for big blocks of time which really took a toll on everything - including me.  The forecast for the next 3 weeks is more manageable with temps only in the 90s, so I plan to give it some much needed attention.  Weather permitting we can have Thanksgiving outside as opposed to last year because it actually rained here.  So now is the time to start preparing for that.

Garden Goals

1.  Remove things that are not performing (lots of plants in the garden have just seen their day)

2.  Add more white drought tolerant plants

3.  Grow more herbs!

4.  Improve the soil - this actually will be first on my list

5.  Re-seed and fertilize the lawn

6.  Figure out what to do with that little section of dirt next to the front entry.  It has always been a hard spot to figure out because it gets intense afternoon sun/heat and everything fries there

7.  Try to control the ferns

8.  Refresh the painted stripes on the porch

9.  Do all of the above without spending much. :)

Do you have any garden plans for fall?

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summer fashion vibes

Before I start talking about the fashion vibes around here I want to let you know that I'm not giving up on this blog.  It's been a long, hot summer and I've been incredibly busy but I really really want to keep this thing going.  I actually feel guilty when I post on INSTAGRAM instead of here because the blog was first and now it seems secondary.  I don't like that.  IG is fun, fast and easy and this is more work so I'm thinking it has just been the summer heat that made cheat on you. I promise to be better.

See that beautiful woman in the above photo?  I spotted her while shopping the other day and she mesmerized me.  We almost ran into each other while I was exiting a store and she was entering.  She looked to be in her 70's.  I loved her hair right off the bat and then I noticed how lithe and stylish she was.  To get this photo I was literally running to keep up with her, she was so fast.  She darted in and out of all the right stores, Neimans, Ferragamo, etc.  She didn't buy anything (either did I) and let me tell you it was hot that day, like 105. She was bare legged in loafers (love that!) but had a long sleeve tee on and yet was so chill.  Anyway, wanted to share that because you don't see women like that every day.  

My hair is getting long again and I'm going to try and not cut it.  I love being able to put it back and up and it's easier than styling it in a bob every single day.  My hair is really thick and a pain to style. I've joined Larry's gym this summer to swim and this is just easier.  So wish me luck.

Here I am looking rather stiff and unhappy but I wanted to show you this outfit I've been wearing. The tee is from Alex and B's store that they opened here in Redlands.  They make the Tee's and sweaters themselves and lots of other things too.  I got the vintage linen cropped trousers there also. I've been wearing this everywhere because it's so comfortable and surprisingly stylish.

I was minding the store for them in a vintage dress and loafers.  There is also a coffee shop in the store and will soon have a barber too.  It's a cool little store that was once a dairy in the middle of an orange grove.  It's chock full of amazing vintage finds and is quite reasonable. Come visit me there!

Hope you summer has been far more exciting than mine.  xoxo

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everlane luxe drape muscle tank dress review - summer classic

Thanks to you readers I was able to purchase this Everlane Muscle Tank Dress.  It couldn't have come at a more perfect time because the temperatures this summer have been off the charts.  Pair those temps with menopause and honestly, I've been miserable.  I can't remember ever being this hot.

When I saw this dress on their site I knew I had to give it a chance and I'm so glad I did.  Let's go over the pluses first.  Super lightweight yet not cheapy lightweight.  The fabric is 100% lycocell which really does have a luxury drape to it.  Just roll it up and it would pack like a dream - the perfect weekend getaway dress.  I love the cut, as it skims rather than clings, so important in this heat.  Love the neckline and the fact that you can really dress this up or down with jewelry or scarves.  It really is a summer classic.

My only negative about the dress is that it's a tad short.  I'm much more comfortable with my knees covered but in this heat I'm not complaining too much about it.  So if you are looking for a super lightweight easy to wear, classic style I'd say this is a winner.  The price is not bad at $45.  Sizes range from xxs to large.  If you use HERE code I will get credit and it will sign you up so if your friends or family purchase something from Everlane, you will get credit too.  It's a good program from a good company that is very transparent in their manufacturing practices.  They have an oxford shirt coming out soon that I can't wait to get my hands on and will do a review on that too.

Wherever you are I truly hope that you are much cooler than I am.  No, seriously, I hope you are having a wonderful summer and for those who wish summer would never end, I'm thinking it's never going to...x

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