cactus hill

(afternoon coffee breaks, complete with a french toast cupcake, from Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee.) 

(first time light grocery shopping from Natural Grocers.) 

(browsing through Vinyl Renaissance.) 

(everything worn here is either thrifted or vintage) 

   Summer in the city is feeling like early spring. The humidity following rain, still cool enough to drink your coffee without ice, and muddy sidewalks. This Tuesday was quite the springy summer day, which I spent out and around the Volker neighborhood visiting some of my favorite local spots. Any day you get a vegan cupcake is a good day, in my book.

   Speaking of books, if you follow me on instagram you might have already heard my ideas on this, I am gathering ideas to create a book of my own. It's always been my dream to write a coffee table book, and I've been doing research which led me to find that possible. I am in the process of gathering ideas to create a print-based version of my blog (with original content of course) based around columns that are normally found here. I will be making an official announcement within the new weeks, but I was too excited not to chat about it. Much planning is ahead.

stroke by stroke

(morning coffee walks to Broadway Cafe.) 

(lace top/belt/watch: thrifted, dress: h&m, loafers: cole haan) 

   I can always live with the high of 78 degrees weather. I honestly can't think of a more perfect degree for summer weekends. The morning was a cool middle 60's on my walk to grab coffee, and then for my afternoon of mini golfing.  I actually managed to hit a hole-in-one and win a free game at the very end (extremely until me, being coordinated with a type of sport). I can also enjoy some porch time while writing this post... without having any sort of heat bothering me. Yes, I love cool summer weather. 

   I have also been experimenting with pickling some fresh veggies I have received  I needed to find more uses for them! I am not normally a fan of green beans, so I am hoping the sweet brine will make them a good fit for my taste buds.

through the grapevine

(inside Prydes is a pie bakery, but sadly they were not open today when we stopped in.) 

(everything worn here is either vintage or thrifted) 

  I am experiencing summer time at my new apartment, and I couldn't be more joyful about this. The location is so wonderful, and I can finally walk to everywhere I care to again. Yes, I do have the privilege of owning a vehicle, but since living in a more urban area, I always have preferred to travel on foot... a little bit of exercise and always makes the trip a little more special. 

  I spent most of this afternoon walking about town and visiting a few local places... just because I live so close to them now. Nature's Own is one of my favorite health food stores, which I am so happy it's within a small walk for me to grab the little specialty odds and ends I need. Also, taking my boyfriend to Prydes, the cutest kitchen store, which he had never been to before. I love the week days we spend just roaming our town, they never get old. 

beneath the arches

(First tomato from my plant.) 

(everything worn here is either vintage or thrifted) 

   This Monday's been unexpectedly cool. The kind of cool that you expect in the spring, right before the warmth of summertime hits the air. I had my bangs copped earlier in the week, and I swear they grow an inch a week. The debate between growing out my bangs and keeping the trims up every week has been on my mind today. Along with the fact that I am giving up caffeine for a few days, which is rather hard for a daily coffee drinker. 

   I took a little drive in the afternoon to the Rosedale World War I Memorial, which I had never went to before. I try and discover new sites weekly, I being able to go somewhere new without actually leaving (not having the time, nor the extra cash to allow so). So, I am just going to enjoy little big city this summer.