easy summer; easy weekend

Sometimes the hustle&bustle of Atlanta excites me. I love the way there's always something going on - a new restaurant opening, a fun event and constant entertainment. I love how there are always new people to meet and access to everything you could imagine.

But every now and then, especially when I'm feeling homesick, I yearn for a small town. I yearn for the way we didn't lock our doors growing up. The way we walked a few blocks to Main Street for a milkshake and put it on an expense account. No keys needed, no money needed. Just easy, carefree pleasure. Yes, I yearn for the slower; the more innocent. 

And this weekend, although I didn't get to go home to Indiana, I did have the pleasure of heading to Newnan, Georgia to visit my friends, Katie and Austen. Chris and I drove down for dinner and a sleepover Friday night and it was so lovely to be in that little town with great friends.

They made an absolute feast, which we enjoyed alongside Moscow Mules, good conversation and lots of porch sitting. We stayed the night Friday and got up Saturday to go for a walk around town, get coffee and eat more food :) I loved swinging on their porch swing, sipping coffee and talking about life with that crew.

After that, Chris and I headed back to Atlanta where we basked in the rare and lovely glory that is a Saturday afternoon without commitments. We went to the grocery and relaxed and got iced coffees (again. I know!) and it was perfect. 

Sunday, Mel and I got up early to go for a walk and try out a new coffee shop in the Highlands, Henry & June. After that, we headed to church, then met up with a whole crew of friends at Victory in Decatur for the World Cup. 

Sunday night, Chris and I capped off the weekend with a swim, grilling and some wine. 

And I woke up Monday, happy, refreshed and grateful for my time both in and outside the Perimeter this weekend. 

I hope your weekend was wonderful!

my kind of atlanta weekend

I went into this weekend with high hopes and a pretty set itinerary. But, as a good Atlanta weekend always does, it surprised me with just enough impromptu activities to leave me happily refreshed. I do love adventuring in this city!

Friday, Chris made me an awesome dinner. He cooked bison burgers, which I've been wanting to try for a while. Paired with a kale salad and avocado & mango salsa - and we feasted! I sipped wine&OJ on the deck while he grilled and couldn't have been happier about it. I.love.summer.

Saturday, Duke and I got up early early to bike the Silver Comet Trail. I'd done it once, but that was just weeks before I did my triathlon and was, admittedly, in better cardio shape. Let's just say it was a good workout. For me. Duke just cruised along. :)

After that, I met up with friends to Shoot the Hooch. Last summer, my Hooch plans were rained out (not once, but twice), which means I hadn't done it since summer 2012. I was itching to get out there. 

We floated for about an hour before a thunderstorm set in - so for the last two hours we were floating amid lighting and mega raindrops. Decidedly, though, if our biggest problem on Saturday was that we got wet while floating the river in our swimsuits, then it's still a pretty dang good day. 

Sunday, Chris and I went to what is easily Atlanta's best kept coffee secret: Chattahoochee Coffee Company. It sits on the river the couldn't be more peaceful. I'm adding it to my Atlanta Bucket List because I think it's going to be a weekend game changer for me. I don't go OTP for a lot, but for a good coffee shop, I will. 

After that, Sunday included church with friends, a nice long walk and meeting up with friends before the World Cup at Cypress Street. 

I wrapped up Sunday night babysitting - fully recharged, relaxed and grateful for two whole days in this wonderful city. Summer life is good life. 

I hope your weekend was lovely! 

--

PS: I strongly prefer not to give negative reviews on my blog, but after our experience dealing with Urban Currents, it would be a disservice not to share my recommendation that you should not rent from them in you float the river this year. I'll spare you the details, aside from that they are incredibly disorganized and increased the price so it's now $27.50 to float. If you're going to shoot this year, definitely BYOTube and drop your car off at the end. It's worth the extra effort to avoid the headache.

{summer}

Did you know that Saturday is the longest day of the year? Which is one of my all time favorite days of the year because it has more sunlight than any other day and officially marks the start of summer.

If you didn't know, you should surely act accordingly. Meaning: makes plans to be outside for as much of the day as is humanly possible. 

In honor of the fact that it's really, officially summer, this week I:

1) Went to a Braves game with Chris (Summer Bucket List #8).

2) Worked out before work, instead of at lunch, with Duke. I loved starting the day that way. It just felt summer-right to workout in that fresh AM humidity. 

3) Am biking the Silver Comet trail with Duke this weekend (Bucket List #60). And then having just a huge breakfast at Highland Bakery (Bucket List #131). 

4) Am Shooting the Hooch with some friends Saturday afternoon (Summer Bucket List #1!). 

5) Am wearing my jorts and hoops all the time because even if hoops aren't in style in real life, they're always in style in my summer lyfe.

I hope you have a great start to summer!

and i'm back!

 I'm back from a beautiful weekend in the Bahamas! 

We couldn't have had more perfect weather to celebrate our girl Abby. I'm dreaming of that clear blue water today from my cube. Is it too soon to head back? 

Thank you, Abby, for letting us celebrate you! Next stop: the wedding!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!