first sun

Although you wouldn't know it if you were looking out my window this minute, Summer is on it's way. Being back in Auckland I now realise how much the seasons blur together here, and I guess that's why we're having a huge downpour despite me taking these photos above only last weekend - it's Spring, only I hadn't really noticed.

We're only a week out from school holidays (just a two week-er), and then it will only be a short seven week term before Summer break and we can all catch our breath a bit. I'm planning on embracing Summer a bit early though, with beach trips and more of that incredible ice cream (Richard had the lemon curd yogurt  and for the first time in my life I regretted choosing chocolate). This transition time is one of my favourite parts of the year, warm enough for bare feet and shoulders, putting in the veggie garden and evening walks, but still with days like today where I can watch the mist and rain roll over the harbour perched up here on the couch.

Road Trip

I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know Kenzie of Secret Pocket, and living vicariously through her road trips, summer drinks and candy making adventures. Her blog is full of such colour and inspiration, and her wee magnets are such a favourite of mine. Thanks for stopping in, Kenzie!

This summer I've been enjoying the classic American road trip. We already live in a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania, so our trips mean driving through mountains, farms and tiny towns. We love to stop old diners and ice cream parlors to take a break. The custard at The Meadows, in Duncansville was my favorite, I got a mix of chocolate and coconut. We got vanilla soft serve mixed with "reesie cup" at Mini Freeze in Orbisonia, and potato donuts at Spudnuts in Charlottesville. We add hours to our trips stopping at yard sales, thrift stores, and scenic pull-offs.

I think I was so used to driving as fast as you can on freeways to get to a destination, that this way of traveling is so much more enjoyable. I find that I enjoy road trips infinitely more, it's an adventure! Have you had any expeditions this summer?

Summer with Evie

Please join me in welcoming my very first guest poster, Evie of Handmade Romance. Be sure to check out her blog as she always manages to find the cutest things to share, along with her own adorable work in her store over here. Thanks, Evie!

Hello Bliss in a Teacup readers! Its so nice to be guest blogging over here today. I was pretty chuffed when Becka asked if I'd like to help out and with such a fun subject like Summer, how could I resist?!

For those new to me, my name is Evie and my blog is Handmade Romance, I currently live in Melbourne, Australia. Thinking about Summer at this time of the year, in these parts is a little cruel but thinking of all the good things about Summer has been lots of fun.



For this post I've decided to combine my favourite things/memories about Summer along with another fave of mine - Etsy. So here is a little Summer Etsy Lovin' from me to you. Enjoy!



Sundresses I UV Protection

(in the form of a cute floppy hat!)

Mojitos I Melting Icecream

(I love this fun alternative to the real thing!)

Eating Outdoors I Really Cold Beer

S U M M E R!

Five Senses Friday

photos from a camping trip in the Tararua's, via tschick

This week has flown by! I'm sure the weekend is going to be no different, especially as I've somehow only just realised that Got Craft? is next weekend. In my head it was at least 3 weeks away! I see a huge amount of crafting happening over this weekend! On grey days like today, I like staying inside and working but as soon as the sun comes out all my mind seems to be able to focus on is sipping some kind of alcoholic beverage on a patio somewhere. So, depending on the weather we shall see if I in fact have any wares to hawk next Sunday!

:Feeling:

A little sore, but also accomplished after starting a new fitness regime with Jeannette early this morning.

:Seeing:


This book arriving in the mail today. I'm quite excited.  

:Smelling: 

Lawns being mowed. 

:Hearing:

Rehearsals For Retirement on a rainy Friday afternoon. I can never get enough of that sad voice.

:Tasting:

Vanilla (soy) ice cream with blackberry syrup and roasted pecans. Let me tell you, this was one of the most delicious things I've tasted in a long while. I was craving something sweet but was all out of sugar for baking, all out of chocolate and all out of being bothered-ness, but then Richard found this syrup we'd bought when we were on Salt Spring and I remembered we had pecans somewhere in the depths of the pantry. It was amazing. 
 
I hope your weeks went well!