It is truly the best time of year to live in Phoenix. Temperatures range in the 70’s ~ 80’s right now. I try to get outside as much as I can before the fierce heat arrives. We are lucky to have a pretty park that is just three walking minutes from our front door. I made the trip wearing my new Charlotte Russe sandals.
I packed a little lunch in a basket that is probably older than some of my readers. Does anyone remember the Longaberger basket parties held in the early 90’s? One of Grandma Jingles vintage hankies makes for a perfect liner. The jean capri’s were found on clearance at Target last summer.
A close up of the Anthropologie blouse purchased on clearance two summers ago and the polka dotted sweater was found at last fall’s clearance from Old Navy. A treasured necklace designed by Susan Rifkin. It was a birthday gift from Cousin T a few years ago.
The Fashionista and I each brought along a book to read on the dock.
Surprise, I am very much old school. No kindles for me. I love the smell, touch and weight of a real book. Weekly trips to our local library are such fun for me. “The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette” is recommended for anyone who is crazy about the Queen and French history.
Where and what are you reading?
Laura
Linking to:
The Pleated Poppy
Special thanks to the darling daughter for her mad photo skills and letting mom borrow her Lilly Barrack bracelet.
What a lovely day for a picnic! I love your springy outfit and all of the little touches. I love a good book as well. My son has made the leap to a Kindle, but like you I prefer the real thing. I am reading a Mary Higgins Clark mystery right now; “I'll Walk Alone”. It's been nice here as well, so I have enjoyed my moments outside reading in the afternoon.
Happy Spring,
Jennifer
Laura,you look so beautiful and so relaxed. What a lovely outfit and what a lovely day you must have had.
No Kindles for me either. Nothing like holding a real book.
xx jeanetteann
Your outfit is darling. Love those sales huh?! I covet your weather!! But you already knew that. I'll try to stop whining now.
I'm with you on the books – I wouldn't mind having a kindle just for the sake of having the option but I love the feel and smell of books too. And it seems so much more fun to curl up with a real book than an electronic gadget!
I love the photos, you're so pretty and your outfit is adorable. 🙂
I'm old school too – only real books for me and Sarah thus far is the same way.
Unfortunately, I'm not reading anything at the moment, but soon I'll pick up a book again. Sarah wants me to read the Hunger Game series.
Love, Linda
You are so BEAUTIFUL Laura! I loveeeeeee the photos your daughter took! And I remember those baskets!
Good Morning Pretty Lady,
Since I live in the same state as you, I'll have to agree about the weather. I'm a native, but I feel safe saying that we have just about the most perfect weather out here. Yes, it gets hot, but it's never too cold, and just perfect in the spring and fall. Your outfit is so springy, and you look adorable in it. I agree about books being better than Kindle. My older sister got our mom a kindle thinking it might be easier for her, but my mom still uses regular books. Give me a call when you're able to hook up.
Hugs,
Meri
It's these little things that make a life. Note to self – get back to going on picnics!
At the urging of my daughter, I just finished “The Hunger Games”. I thought it was going to be silly but I loved it! We listened to the audio book on the San Diego drive last weekend and I am now completely sucked in.
Good morning Laura,
You know what? I'm pretty sure I used to live in your neighborhood! My dad designed and built our house in the 70's. Your darling outfit and beautiful day are a bright and sunny sight for this Ky girl this morning!
Think of you often and kuddos to your photographer!
xo Lisa
Love your ensemble! You have an eye for style!
Laura, you look totally adorable as usual. You are so right, the weather is fabulous right now, so fun to get outside and enjoy it all. Great pics and your outfit is perfect. Hugs, Marty
I love every inch of that outfit and ADORE the hanky/basket liner. Lilies of the valley are my favorite. I also have a friend who has a HUGE collection of Longerberger baskets. You are so darn cute!!!!!! Thanks so much for the sweet comment on my wreath. Your daughter DOES take great pictures!!! XO, Pinky
oh my…loving the basket, it is fabulous! Glad I stopped by, loving your blog!! And thanks for the suggestion on the book, have been looking for another 😉
Would love to have you over at my Friday 365 Challenge Link up 😉
http://twothirtyfivedesigns.blogspot.com/
You are so pretty!!! Your new shoes are uber cute, too! :))
Cute outfit!!!
I am not a fan of Kindles or Ipads for reading. I have been reading cookbooks lately. “Reading” books make me too relaxed lately and I fall asleep. 🙁
Cute outfit, love the accessories. I wish I had a pretty water spot to read by in my neighborhood, but… I read in my stitching chair or out back on the patio. We did break down and buy a NOOK last year to take on a trip. But we are book addicts and much prefer holding the real deal in our hands. I must say though, that I'm liking the NOOK as well.
HI Laura! Oh, it all sounds heavenly. First of all, you're as pretty as a picture and I love your outfit and sandals! That's a darling little basket and perfect for your picnic!
Be a sweetie,
shelia 😉
You look so pretty and Springy, Laura! I love your top. I recently found an arboretum about 10 minutes from my house by car and I'm looking forward to going back there. They have picnic tables and a lovely pond. I'm planning on bringing a lunch the next trip and, if I go on my own, a book. I'm with you ~ I love my books! I am currently reading The Help and have Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy waiting on my bedside table.
Another great outfit! Florida has also been experiencing truly spectacular weather the last few weeks (same temps, MUCH more humidity).
I had to giggle at the Longaberger reference – I have actually laid eyes on the Largest Longaberger Basket in the World in Dresden, OH.
Another great outfit! Florida has also been experiencing truly spectacular weather the last few weeks (same temps, MUCH more humidity).
I had to giggle at the Longaberger reference – I have actually laid eyes on the Largest Longaberger Basket in the World in Dresden, OH.
It looks like it was such a beautiful day out, there! I love the picnic basket and the vintage hankie is so very pretty. I love lilies of the valley!
I, too, love the feel and smell of real books. It's just not the same to have them electronically!
Love your outfit!! and the little picnic basket–so nifty and homey and splendid. HOWEVER , I do love using my kindle and especially outdoors. I never have to worry about the wind blowing my pages and I can increase the print size so I take it and read it when pace walking!! There are lots of advantages!! I still love and use “real” books—but a kindle is a big love with me. The other day we went for a picnic and I read—It was nice because I had a big library on my kindle and I read from different books. Plus I keep Bibles on the kindles which are handy for discussions with hubby!
You look great in your outfit and I do love those those sandals.
I have tons of those expensive baskets! They were all the rage weren't they!? But, they are nice to pass down and probably will last forever.
I don't have a reader….I'm still wanting to read from a real book. 🙂
You have some great stuff here on your blog….I need to read more!
You are just too stinking cute!! I remember Longenberger…don't own a one…they were and still are over my budget…but I love them…Glad you had a fun day!!!
Looks like a perfect way to spend some time enjoying what you love! Thanks too for stopping by my blog. I almost forgot…LOVE the T-Strap sandals!!!
those sandals-love them! what a lovely day. and i'm old school, too, and a library lover.
That is my kind of perfect day! Picnic baskets are a weakness of mine. I'm far too much in love with the feel and smell of books to switch to a Kindle and what would I hoard if not books? I've just finished the second book in A Game Of Thrones and I always have a Jane Austen on the go. ~ Maureen
Laura, I went into the Kindle world this last Christmas kicking and screaming. Now….. I love it. I can take multiple books with me. Play Words with Friends with my people all over the country, check the blogs, download and watch shows I missed or when I travel. Best of all???? I can read at night in bed and not hear a word of complaint about light bothering someone's “sensitive” eyes. 🙂 I am currently reading “An Unquiet Mind”. Need some insight. Your afternoon looked delightful. Ann
I just discovered your blog. I so love the header! Your colors are so pretty. I'm wondering if the green cottage is yours? Absolutely lovely. I'm a big fan of the LIW books, and I'm wondering if you're related to her?
Amen to holding a REAL book! And next to a lake! Sigh!
Cutie cute cute! Those sandals are darling. I'll have to keep my eye out for them. The weather here in Oklahoma is gorgeous, too! Happy spring!
Cute outfit, looks like a lovely day, and I love that necklace!
Laura,
I love the pose of you reading the book on the dock, frame worthy and perfect for your new beautiful office. You look so serene against the soothing backdrop.
I have been sitting outside in a little garden area of our yard where a trickling water falls splashes in a small pond.
I am reading If These Walls Could Talk: Thoughts of Home, a series of House Beautiful Essays edited by Elaine Greene
These essays are literary explorations of the emotional impact our homes and surroundings have on our everyday lives. Rather than focusing on decorating, architecture, and gardening, they explore the essence of shelter, family, and homeland. The writing is quite wonderful.
I am also just starting One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Anne Voskamp
Book Description:
Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our everyday lives for exotic experiences. 'How,' Ann wondered, 'do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long–and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?' In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted…a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved–by God. Let Ann's beautiful, heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy, and a way of living that is finally fully alive. Come live the best dare of all!
Will have to check out that read you have, sounds like something I would enjoy too.
It all looks wonderful to me, and frankly YOU do too! Yes, I remember the longaberger bastkets. I had one that I loved, and for the life of me I can't find it. I must have taken it some place and left it. Sigh.
I'm in between books right now. (And don't have a kindle either.) My daughter wants me to read The Hunger Games. She says I can read it in a day.
You look wonderful, and so relaxed. What a beautiful spot for a picnic!
Danielle xo
looove the color and ruffles
Not only did you look gorgeous (and I imagine the Fashionista did as well) but how lovely for the two of you to have such a lovely place to share some time together and recharge your batteries. Some perfect together time! 🙂
Laura,
I too adore these pictures. You are so photogenic. They remind me when I was working in Manhattan and would escape to Central Park for some lunch and solitude.
Love,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
You look sweet!
I loooovvvveeee actual books!!! Love 'em.
Happy days a head,
d
Love the look, love the book. I've added it to my list to look for. And reading beside a lake – how wonderful. We'll have to wait for a few more months around here.
Currently I'm reading a biography of Katherine Swynford, one of the ancestors of many English monarchs.