happy birthday america!

 The 3rd:

To begin the odd middle of the week holiday, Tison and I tried a new restaurant called Sabores. It is traditional Dominican cuisine. I ordered the Parcha, a passion fruit drink, to start and also ordered one to go. I really I liked it! I could be wrong, but I don't think they serve alcohol here. Our appetizer was the pastelito de pollo that comes with a green sauce. This reminded me of a chicken meat pie. The waitress warned me that the sauce was spicy, but I didn't think so. It was a good dipper.

For our entrees we ordered:

Tison really enjoyed the ox tail and I ate about half of my pepper steak with bell peppers and plantains. We enjoyed the newness, but I wouldn't call it our new favorite restaurant. 

 The 4th:

Well, sometimes you can make a plan, but it doesn't mean said plan will go accordingly. With no alarm set, I slept until 11:00 am, lazily drank coffee on the couch writing a list of museums I wanted to go to. When we finally left the house towards Norton Art Gallery we were in for a surprise.

It was closed! Duh, Lindsey- it's a national holiday. Probably all the museums I wanted to visit were closed. So instead we went to visit Tison's parents and drove Sonic for a hey batter batter blast. yummy! Then we went to see Lauren, David, and Hudson.

Cutest-kid-ever! He just amazes me. Every time I get to see him he has learned something new. I love watching his personality emerge from baby to toddler. After pool and slide time, we went to visit our friends Cory and Shelley for some hot dogs, beer, and fireworks - all American classics.

{see previous year's 4th of July activities here.}

An Ode to Summer...

Step 1: Craving that calm summer feeling? 
watch this video.
 
An Ode to Summer from Kinfolk on Vimeo.

"summer just opens the door and let's you out"

as seen on andrew+carissa

This is a beautiful reminder for me that even without a designated "summer vacation," moments can be taken to appreciate the freedom of summer.

I am in love with Kinfolk Magazine.This video was made in honor of the recently released Vol. 4.  The quality of the paper is incredible with exquisite photography and design capturing the beauty of small gatherings and shared experiences. You should check it out.

Step 2: Plan your day of freedom

 I plan on packing a picnic and seeking out that fresh grass scent, finding a body of water even if it means having to purchase a sprinkler. This is how I will celebrate this middle of the week independence day.

Step 3: Enjoy your 4th of July, dreamers!

recognizing habits...

 Habit- an acquired pattern of behavior that often occurs automatically

Hi. My name is Lindsey and I am creature of habit. I hit my snooze 3x, I take a shower, pick out clothes to wear to work, take my vitamins, then brush my teeth, let the dogs out, then drive to work, I start my computer, then make a cup of coffee...you get the point. These habits are not causing me harm. However, I can think of quite a few that I am doing while in auto-pilot mode that are actually detrimental to my health, weight, attitude, etc.

For example: back when siddathornton and I worked together, one of our favorite things to do was walk to the cafeteria and get a salad; then we'd come back to our office and watch a tv show, look at blogs and whatnot. In our minds, we had justified this eating habit as a healthy choice. Although, this wasn't your "garden variety" salad, mind you. It had buffalo chicken, cheese, southwest dressing, and croutons on it for goodness sakes. We were getting these suckers daily. It wasn't until we noticed our bodies changing that we really thought about it. We began weening ourselves off of it, but as habits go- we still crave them. What was once a daily occurrence eventually - thoughtfully- became a special occasional treat. As I am now preparing myself (and my body) for a wedding, I am taking a more concerted look at my daily choices - could little positive changes make a big impact? I think so and I will begin by reading this.

Charles Duhigg's new book The Power of Habit

{video seen on A Cup of Jo}  

everyone has a story...

...and here is mine!

 Tison's mom and dad took us on a family vacation to Disney World last week. It was such an incredible trip. I was excited about going, but had no idea how magical it would actually be! I haven't been since I was 9 and although I had some memories of the trip with my family, the memories have grown a little fuzzy. Tison and I hit the ground running, spending a full day in each of the four Walt Disney World parks: Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. On Sunday (Father's Day) we had just left Hollywood Studios to go back to the hotel so I could change and get ready for a night out to see fireworks. I am powdering my nose and putting on my new orange tunic when I look over and see Tison has his head buried in a pillow. "Oh no," I think. "He must be getting sick." I push and prod him, saying "We aren't going anywhere if you are feeling bad. You should sleep. We have one more day at Disney and we're not going out if you are sick!" Little did I know he had special places picked out at all the parks and was carrying the ring around in his pocket the whole trip looking for the right moment to propose. He had decided that tonight was the night and it would be under the fireworks. He was so nervous I thought he was sick! I said, "Why are you letting out all this nervous energy, WHAT is the matter?!" The second those words rolled off my tongue, I knew.... He said, " I can't hide anything from you, come here" and right in the hotel room he took my hand and got down on one knee. Looking up at me nervously shaking with love pouring out of his eyes, he said, "I love you so much. Will you marry me?!"

Tison and I have been dating now for a little over 3 years, although we met 8 years ago. It has been a long road for us, dating off and on since I was 21.  I was so terrified of the word marriage- thinking it meant I would have to change not only my name, but who I was to be with someone. When I met Tison he scared me because we were so compatible - that it could get serious. As the years went on I realized that whether we were dating or not, he was the person I wanted to talk to. I missed him and wondered what was happening in his life when we weren't together. I contemplated what this meant. I realized over all this time that I couldn't imagine my life without him in it. I have found someone that doesn't try to change me, in fact he gets my weirdness, he encourages my crazy ideas, he motivates me when I need encouragement, he comforts me when I need to cry, we laugh and sing all the time, he makes me feel good about being me. With Tison I have never been more myself and I have never felt more loved. We have grown to love each other more than I ever knew was possible. He is my best friend. He is my true companion and partner in life. When he asked me to marry him I was in complete shock- stunned even. Those ugly little emotions and insecurities tried to rear their ugly head and Tison could see it on my face. He said, "Are you scared?" and I answered, "Yes." and he said "me too." That's when I knew. I knew that it was all going to be okay. We are going to walk down this path together- scared - but believing in our love for each other.

 Thank you for a wonderful, magical, and most memorable trip Mrs. Chris and Mr. Tim, Ali and Matt. 

We love y'all.

A little romantic music to go along with the post:

currently...

inspired by siddathornton to write a "currents" list because I haven't had time to finish editing the Sunday photos from Riverfest last weekend...

reading Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Charles Lindbergh's wife) Fr. Gallagher recommended it on the silent retreat I went to over the weekend with my mom and it is so beautiful. This year marks its 50th anniversary. It is a true classic.

writing a list of things I need to pick up for my trip next week to Disney World! It is filled with summer must-haves such as a graphic button down, mint skinny jeans, a jean jacket, crossbody bag, high waisted bathing suit bottoms, and wedges inspired by Tory Burch's lookbook and Shop Ruche's wardrobe basics.

listening to the Summer Picnic Playlist from this months Matchbook magazine on pg. 51. I made a little Spotify playlist so I can keep it on repeat while I'm at work wishing I was on a picnic in the park or at the pool with my book.

thinking about how good it was to see Miss Lauren last night for a good heart to heart in a 4 hour chat that felt like an hour. I sure do miss that girl.

smelling my wrist that I sprayed with the Bond No. 9 perfume Tison gave me for Christmas.

wishing that Tison wasn't on a work trip until Wednesday night. I have had enough silence! I am ready for some company. I miss him.

hoping that this week goes by quickly and efficiently. I am so ready for the weekend already.

wearing pearl earrings. I haven't been in the mood to change my earrings lately. These pearl studs go with everything.

loving everything from these online shops: ModCloth, Anthropology, Urban Outfitters, Ruche, and Madewell. Also, loving this link, #whatshouldwecallme, that makes me chuckle.

wanting a money tree so that I can buy all the little pretty pieces I want from the places listed above...

needing to feel my feet in the sand. I am so excited that we are stopping for a night/day in Destin, FL next week! and Butter Beer at Harry Potter World is soooooo happening. A blogger I follow, Story of My Life, recently got back from her trip there. Check it out here.

feeling inspired by pretty youtube videos like thegirlswithglasses, katespadenewyork, and kincommunity .

::  xoxo dreamers  ::

Riverfest: day 2

Day two of Riverfest began with the duck parade in the lobby. There was a Duck Master and everything. I had been excited about this since Tison told me we were going to the Peabody! My mom took me and my sisters to the Memphis Peabody when we were younger and I swear I had the same level excitement this time around.The ducks were escorted down the elevator to the red carpet directing the ducks to their fountain. My favorite part was seeing their little heads poke up from the glass in the elevator.

 After a looooong wait for a taxi, we met up with Nick and his sister Jess for breakfast at B-Side.

Since Russell was literally ridiculed by the owner for ordering the frittata, it is not featured here. Jeez, Russ. Make better decisions! haha

The afternoon was spent on the patio at The Faded Rose meeting Nick's girlfriend and drinking Dirty Shirleys. After a message from President Clinton in the shuttle, we headed to the river.

{fresh lemonade stands, pretty hats with umbrellas, kids on leashes, and fish in a trailer}

{chainsaws making bears out of wood logs, babies with balloons, pretty views, beer stands as far as the eye can see, mustard brush on corn dogs, and chicken on a stick}

We listened to Mute Math while napping in the shade on the long lawn away from the stage. The weather could NOT have been better. Thanks for bringing a blanket, Jess!

I took a walk across the bridge at sunset. This is where I took most of my pictures. I am a sucker for sunsets on water.

{William Clinton Presidential Library}

 After deciding not to pay $25 a head cover to sit on the patio at Bosco's, we went to Gusano's. For some reason we had it out to eat calzones Saturday night. I am sure the waitress was all but amused when we kept asking for it. The man playing the steel drums rocked it!

I am off to a silent retreat in Metairie, LA tomorrow morning. That means NO TALKING to anyone at all for days. This is going to be interesting. When I get back I will have the final Riverfest installment up. How does, say, Monday sound to you?

xo dreamers.

Riverfest: day 1

Riverfest: day 1

Leaving town by midday on Friday to begin the Memorial Day road trip was brilliant. This is true not only because we made it to Little Rock before dark, but also because we got to lunch at Burge's in Lewisville- my favorite BBQ restaurant!

...aaaand now my mouth is watering for more. Burge's was just the beginning of my weekend of overeating.When we arrived at The Peabody, a plan for the evening was mapped out.

That plan was to head to the Mallard Bar inside The Peabody!

The house cab was gross. I mean unfinishable-gross. So, we went on....

 The Flying Saucer became our home away from home for the weekend. We're a bunch of beerknurds. So many beers to try, so little time ;) Plus, it was right down the road from Riverfest.

I'm pretty sure these two bought out this t-shirt shop. Boyz2Men sounded just like I remembered them in middle school when I was crushing on ______. I can't tell you! What if he reads the blog! haha

 Tison was a really good sport. Poor thing had a fever through most of the evenings activities and skipped out on Ernie Biggs Piano Bar. I hate it for him because we had a blast! That guy played some sexy sax!

This piano duel included Kiss the Girl (which we requested), into Hello Darling, into You Never Even Called Me by My Name. As Russell described it on twitter, " scrumtrulescent;" enough said.

I'll have a Riverfest: day 2 post tomorrow evening! See y'all then.