Are you a thrifter? Grab my free tips! Click Here!

Is It Over Already?

August 31, 2016

This post may contain affiliate links.


Summer Vacation At The Beach

While summer isn't officially over (trust me, I am hanging on to the very last drop), my summer vacation is drawing to a very rapid close. Fresh folders and new pencils are gathered in a corner, the first day of classes is on the horizon, and I don't like it. I am not a fan of routines, making lunches or early mornings, but like it or not, it's coming and I will make the best of it.

Fall is my second favorite season, after all. Well, third if you count Christmas.

Which I do believe should be its own official season, by the way. How awesome would that be?? Snow and cold look and feel so much better when they are dressed for the holidays...

Anyway.

Like I said earlier this month, I have been gathering summer in all its glory, tastes, sights, sounds and smells, storing them up for when supplies are low, deep in the depths of winter.

Or next week, when the school buses emerge.

Boo.

Want a peek at what will be floating around my winter brain? It's all right here, it's how I spent my summer vacation! Well, some of it anyway...the best parts and even a few of the tough parts...and not necessarily in chronological order.

First and foremost, I was honored with another Amara Award nomination! Total shock!! It was a lovely surprise and I am thrilled to be included. The voting is still open until September 9th and if you would like to cast yours, you can click on over to Amara.

Amara Blog Awards

I did the family vacation thing last week. I love my home and travel usually isn't my thing, but sometimes it's nice to escape for a bit. The ocean is my favorite place in the world. It's where I feel the most comfortable and thrive. So, where did I go to get away from it all since I live at the beach? 

Why, a bigger beach of course!

Ocean Beach

It truly was bliss with the most gorgeous views from our room and an even better view at the shore. To my pleasant surprise, I met an Exquisitely Unremarkable fan and friend on the beach! Completely unexpected and so much fun. 

Fabulous!! 

Earlier in the month, I went back to my kindergarten roots to decorate a glass plate...

How to stencil a glass plate

...because summer really is my favorite time to get crafty.

I painted rocks.

How to paint rocks

I fixed a chair.

How to repair a rush seat


Organizing with desk grommets

And I sewed. A lot.

I made a new lace valance for my kitchen.

Sewing A Lace Valance

Which led to new linen valances in the kitchen and family rooms.

How to make linen valances


Thrift Store Print

I also found some great tubs at the curb and contemplated all the wonderful things I could do with them. 

Galvanized Tubs

I took my first selfies (gasp!) and decided that I would never, ever be a fashion blogger!

Fashion Blogger

I don't have the nerve or the patience. I did get a good laugh out of it though!

Of course, summer wasn't all fun and games. Real life crept in a bit too

Taking Care of Kids and Elderly Parents


Dealing With A Parent In A Nursing Home

However, all in all, it was a wonderful season and I am holding on tight to all of the colorful memories for those days when the sun decides to hide. 

Silly sun. 

How about you? How did you spend your summer vacation??






Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 59 Comments

Hey~ before you go, let me know what you think!

I love comments and respond to them all.

*Please refer to our privacy policy if you have questions regarding your profile and note that comments with links will not be published.



  1. You had a very productive Summer Kim! A fabulous melding of a variety of moments and creativity.
    I explored as well-with new plants in the garden, hiked a mountain or two. Played with grands and truthfully suffered with the heat.
    Looking out my window now and thinking Fall thoughts...
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like you had a wonderful summer as well, Jemma!! I know that the word heat is relative. Hot summer to me is 90 degrees...hot to you is HOT...100+. I can only imagine that if I lived in that climate, I would be eager to wave goodbye to the summer myself! Enjoy the fall...it's coming!! :)

      Delete
  2. Kim you have been very productive with all your creativity. I am a summer girl too and hate to be saying goodbye to summer. I am looking forward to the cooler nights and days of fall. Have a great rest of the week.
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YOU have been very productive this summer, Kris!! You should be in the summer productivity hall of fame with your whole house reno! And I still think you should have your own show... :)

      Delete
  3. I remember each and every one of those posts! All wonderful and such a nice glimpse into your life and who you are. That's why I voted for you for the Amara Awards because your blog is the kind I love to read. Real, funny, relevant, interesting. I'd love to run into you at the beach sometime! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your words are overwhelmingly sweet, AnnMarie, thank you. I am truly touched. I really do enjoy writing and I am so happy that you enjoy reading what I have to share. And I would love to meet you on a beach somewhere!! We could meet in the middle and hit a lake!! :)

      Delete
  4. Sounds like you made the most of your summer vacation, Kim. Gorgeous beach views! I honestly cannot believe it is the last day of August--also my oldest daughter's birthday :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope your daughter had a wonderful birthday, Cecilia and I cannot believe the summer is mostly behind us either...boy it flies!

      Delete
  5. We had family visit from California, we went swimming, we worked, we played. We do vacation usually in the autumn or early spring when it's off season everywhere!

    Your summer was a good one! Enjoy these last days of summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Off season vacations are the best and we used to do that, too. I told my family (while we were wrestling for a dinner reservation a week before our intended stay) that next year, we are going back to that!! :)

      Delete
  6. Looks like you've had a lovely summer Kim...gotten lots done! Had time to relax! Me, I'm just glad it's almost over. It will be hot here for a few more weeks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hot here too Florence, and I am soaking it up before the first snow showers pop into the forecast. Enjoy your cooler days!

      Delete
  7. Looks and sounds like many memories created. The beach vacation looks like it was beautiful! I am missing the beach, but for now must look at the cornfields. Have a wonderful rest of summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cornfields are pretty too, Lynn!! Although, not nearly as much fun to swim in. ;-)

      Delete
  8. Hi Kim, from looking and reading this posts it looks like you had a nice summer. I bet your vacation at the beach was nice! It was nice that you were able to find time to get crafty too.

    I love summer and I hate to see it go. I am going to enjoy September and hopefully the cooler days and nights.

    I took it easy this summer by taking a break from knitting and crocheting, which is a first for me. I loved going with my family to visit my moms beautiful house and pool. I loved our family vacation to Hawaii and miss it so much. I am trying to get back into a routine of things and finding it difficult, but I will be back into it in no time.

    Enjoy the weekend.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hawaii sounds fabulous, Julie. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from a hobby, gives you time to miss it and rekindle the love a bit!!

      Delete
  9. I love summer but I autumn so much too!♥ Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos♥ Hugs

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful summer you created for yourself and your family, Kim. The beach, the pool, all your crafty projects!
    Part of me hates to see summer come to an end, but I love autumn - the colors, cool temperatures, baking - all of it!
    Wishing you an easy transition into your back-to-school season. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Susan! Enjoy the autumn. I know that it's beautiful in your part of the world!

      Delete
  11. Oh I like this recap idea ! What a fun post. While I remember most of these if not all it was interesting to see them lined up as what happened over a season :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was great to recap, Deb. I felt so productive when I viewed it this way!! :)

      Delete
  12. A fun Summer indeed.
    I am meeting up with a Blog Buddy on Saturday. :-) She lives in Southeast Wisconsin. About a 4 hour drive for us. My boys best friends also moved over this way, so we will spend the rest of Labor Day weekend with them.
    Enjoy the weekend,
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a lucky lady, I wish I lived closer to some of my blogging buddies for a visit…like you!! :) Maybe someday...

      Delete
  13. Looks like you have had a very busy summer but filled with good things. We too went to the beach and stayed at a little beach cottage that was so lovely. I miss it! And yes, there is indeed tears at the nursing home. For me, I just have to wait until I leave there after my visits. Visiting from Thoughts of Home today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindy, those visits are tough, aren't they? I am thankful for the moments in my day when I can smile...for me summer is a big smile!!

      Delete
  14. Your summer sounds creative and real. You are living life on life's terms.
    I had some tears this summer too-as well as laughter and good times.
    I was so glad to hear someone say they aren't huge fans of traveling.
    We are kindred spirits Kim.
    Congratulations on your nomination!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Laura, makes me happy to hear the same about traveling. That is usually how people define their summer vacations, but for us, home is the happiest place on earth!! Glad to hear I am not alone!! :)

      Delete
  15. It sure looks like you had a great summer! I bet you really enjoyed your beach vacation! Now it's time for everything pumpkin spice. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha!! Yes, but I told my family they cannot bring it into the house until the 21st! ;) They think I’m nuts!!

      Delete
  16. The summer has seemed to fly by. I'm not ready to see it go either. In fact, it's only in the 60's here in IL today and that cool breeze actually feels downright cold, lol! Fall is beautiful - don't get me wrong - but I also find it depressing. You see, my oldest son passed away at the end of September and both my father and mother-in-law in October. Not to mention, it only reminds me that winter is right around the corner and I loathe winter! Well, I am leaving to go take a walk now before it gets dark. We have to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible now, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie, I am not a fan of the fall either. The cool temps and the early darkness is not my favorite either. I am so sorry about your son and father and mother-in—law. Of course it is a hard time for you. I can only imagine the pain you endure during this time of the year. My thoughts are with you my friend. xo

      Delete
  17. You have had a fun and blessed filled summer....I feel like I've never had a summer since we been in remodel hell. I also feel that it was just too hot but know you enjoy the weather. Have a nice Labor day weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remodeling is hell, Cathy, been there. I have told all of my friends that I hope they like the house the way it is, because I am never changing anything again. ;) Here’s hoping for a quick finish and cooler weather for you!!

      Delete
  18. You've been busy girl! Now tell me, how did one of your readers even recognize you? You're not exactly in front of the camera that much though you should be. How about fashion posts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! She is actually a friend from the neighborhood and we were staying at adjacent properties. We spotted each other on the beach. I featured her house about a year ago. The funny thing is that she was a reader of my blog (I don’t know how she found me) and then someone told her I was the author and she emailed me, “YOU’RE Exquisitely Unremarkable???” It was early in my blogging game and it fun to find out that someone I hadn’t forced (my sister and husband) was reading my site! I am still nervous about those fashion posts! You and Jemma look great! I don’t think I’m brave enough for that or video. ;)

      Delete
  19. You've had a very productive and wonderful summer Kim! I have too... which is why I've been rather absent from blogland scene lately, lol! The days have sped by it seemed, and it is hard to believe we are now in September! I hear you about the routines being no fun... my life has entered a different period where both my kids are now in college this year, and this is strange for me to not have to wake up to an alarm clock, not that I mind that part, lol! The other part, getting used to them not being here... well, I am adjusting! {smiles} Life has its seasons!

    I'm glad you have such a wonderful summer :) So good to catch up with you today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life certainly does have its seasons. Enjoying time away from the computer and virtual world is a wonderful use of summer days! I have missed you, but glad to hear that you are well and adjusting. Be well!

      Delete
  20. I had a busy summer and it looks like you did too. Glad you enjoyed your vacay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The vacation was the best part of summer!! Thanks!!

      Delete
  21. Kim, you don't know how sad I am to see summer end. Although this summer has been kind of a disaster for us with all the repairs, we have also found little ways to enjoy it. School already started here so everyone is back to their routines. I am glad you got to take a little time off with your family and congratulations on your nomination! Take care, Maria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You deserve a summer do-over Maria Elena. I hope fall is more enjoyable and construction free!!

      Delete
  22. Looks and sounds as if your summer has been a good mix.
    Have a happy September, and enjoy the season

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  23. When we look back it's amazing to discover how much we actually accomplished! It usually seems like a blur to me. lol

    I clicked over and saw your friends home, which is adorable!

    So what beach did you escape to? The Hamptons?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a blur, Doreen. Seriously, if it wasn’t for the blog, I wouldn’t recall a thing! ;) And yes…isn’t Kelly’s house darling? She is a talented lady!

      Delete
  24. My little one is still at home with me so still have the freedom from schedules. However the weather has changed and it is definitely fall. Lots of fond memories of summer and looks like you have made plenty for yourself too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I loved the little days before school. We played and read and sang and picnicked. Enjoy every second! :)

      Delete
  25. I couldn't agree more...summer is now over in my city...What a productive summer you had. I truly love your DIY activities. Have a lovely September Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Here's hoping we both get a little more summer weather before the snow shows up!! :)

      Delete
  26. I am completely out of the loop, my friend, and have a lot of catching up to do on your posts. Your "selfie" is stunning. What a beautiful woman you are! I'm glad you enjoyed your summer vacay. :) The beach scene is lovely; we hope to get to the coast sometime this month. Miss you so much. I WILL be back! Hugs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Out of the loop is a good thing, Nancy! It means you have not been chained to the computer. You have been unplugged and living in the real world. I have missed you terribly and I think about you often!! Sending hugs to you and hope that you enjoy the coast! It is beautiful out there, I am sure! Ps...your selfie comment made me blush! xo

      Delete
  27. You write the most interesting posts, Kim. Congratulations on the Amara nomination....you'll get my vote! Living in AZ, Summer is my least favorite season, and I'm trying to hustle it on down the road by bringing in some Fall things and burning a pumpkin-flavored candle! The kiddos in our area, as well as quite a few other AZ areas, have year-round school. They started school during the first week of August....it's way too hot to be outside (you can only spend just so many hours in the pool), and too much time playing video games, so they might as well be in school. A lot of Arizonans head to CA to cool off, so much so that Californians have given them the nickname of "Zonies!" We will be headed in that direction later this month to see our son and family who moved in early August from the D.C. area. I'm anxious to see our youngest grands, but I'm just not sure how I will do with traveling. I guess we will find out!

    I do agree with you that Christmas should be its own season, what a great idea!

    Okay, chin up. Some day soon those kiddos of yours will have left the nest, and you will miss those routines, early mornings & packing lunches! Or not!

    Have a great week!
    Carol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol, thanks for weighing in and for the Amara vote!! Very appreciated!! Funny you mention “Zonies”…several of my kids’ friends just left for a few schools in AZ and they mentioned that term. They said that everyone in CA comes to the AZ universities so it’s an even swap. Who knew!? I think that once winter comes I would be happy in either one of those climates. Snow is getting old! ;) Enjoy the trip to visit the kids!! And yes, with one off to college, that routine is already culled and I miss it…

      Delete
  28. Ahhh, my little beach friend - you and I are polar opposites when it comes to the summer - my white, Irish skin hates the sun, and I have to cover up constantly, which means I am not so sorry to see it go! Glad you had some time to relax, and now it's time for back to school - I envy you that, I miss it with my girls! Enjoy it while you can. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One off to college this year, Deb, I can see what you mean by missing the routine a bit…it’s awfully quiet around here. ; (

      Delete
  29. Thanks for popping by to check it out, Teri! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am glad to know that your summer is just time so well spent, for YOU and your family Kim! I guess I did a lot of similar things too (which I hope to share soon), except for the sewing, and it is definitely the best kind of summer!

    ReplyDelete