It feels good being outside in the sunshine, getting my hands dirty, reading books on the beach, eating dinner outside with friends, enjoying pink sunsets.

What are your reasons to love summer?

This morning I watched Rita Dove on Bill Moyer’s show on PBS talk about the power of poetry. It made me want to pick up a copy of The Penguin Anthology of 20th Century American Poetry.

Happy Sunday to you.  Will you be watching the Downton Abbey finale tonight?  We plan on having a couple friends over and enjoying the show over some homemade ice-cream and brownies. Yum!

It’s been awhile since I pulled out the juicer. It’s one of those kitchen appliances that I really don’t use that often (that, and the waffle maker) but I saw this recipe in Whole Living magazine last month and decided to give it a go.  Being a huge fan of grapefruit, I was in heaven with the fragrance, and it didn’t taste too bad either. This zesty juice is filled with Vitamin C and fiber. I made a big batch and had it everyday for breakfast for a week. Nothing like getting your day off to a great start.

Are you a fan of Ball jars? Jeff and I are crazy for them. Check out this genius idea from Cuppow. I’ll definitely be placing an order for two of them.

Hi friends,

Happy Sunday to you. I am about to head to a yoga class with a friend but I’ve been thinking about you and wanted to pop in. I have some exciting projects I want to share with you (one from July) but I just haven’t had the time – do you find blogging time consuming too?

I’ve been traveling for work, to some great places like Los Angeles, Houston and Toronto and loved getting out of the office and meeting new people.  I’ve also been busy with the co-op.  We worked with the Art Institute of Philadelphia students and just got a logo approved so as part of the Marketing and Communications team, I’ve been busy writing the newsletter and getting some plans in place for all that is to come with our rebranding efforts.

Sometimes I think about saying goodbye to this space but I go back and forth because I really enjoy it. But then I also think about the reasons why I started blogging and the truth is, I wanted it to get me some where – maybe I considered it an online resume (but I never really put in the time for that) or maybe I was hoping it would take off and I would have sponsors and it would be become a full time job (again, I did not put in the time for that).

In April 2010, a woman knocked on our door and said to my husband, “I heard your wife writes a blog.” I immediately jumped up from the couch and it was a neighbor who was newly involved with the start up of the co-op. She heard about my blog through another neighbor and thought I’d be a great asset to the team.  So here I am in November 2011 and I’m on the Board of Directors and heading up the Marketing and Communications team – writing, taking pictures, talking to people – doing what I love and for a good cause.

Has this blog served its purpose?

This is kind of silly (OK, really silly) but I love the new ice cubes trays I got this weekend.

What little things bring you joy?

I’m sure you’ve seen the Cup of Jo series this week, but wanted to share with you my new favorite blog that Joanna featured yesterday. Jeanna from Sweet Fine Day is so honest and lovely and I could eat her little family with a spoon!

We’re back from our trip and adjusting to everyday life after a fabulous vacation.  After I unpack and such, I’ll update you on all the details - I kept a journal and will relay the play-by-play.  Until then, here is a great picture Jeff took of me in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Hope you are well.

Thank goodness for summer!  Here’s what I’ve been up to for the past few weeks…

Taking Zumba classes
Helping my best friend plan a fun graduation party
Eating and photographing the amazing vegetables from our CSA share
Sewing some summer skirts (this deserves more explanation in the near future)
Picking strawberries for the first time! And making strawberry rhubarb pie and ice cream
Making lemonade with a basil simple syrup
Going on a tour of South Philly with my dad
Wrapping up the details for our amazing trip that we leave for today!

I’ll be back in a couple weeks, take care!

I received the June edition of Everyday Food in the mail yesterday and there are several recipes that I dog-eared for future CSA vegetables.  I really love the shift to seasonal produce recipes in general, I don’t remember it being that way a few years ago.  Yay for progress!  I think I may have to make up a CSA recipe binder in the near future…

We are off to the shore this weekend, looking forward to relaxing! 

More to come on Monday.

Photo by my lovely aunt Rachel Heineman