We’re doing less home projects because summer abounds in opportunities to just enjoy and be in our home. I love that (and shared more about it here). This past week was no different. We were coming off last weekend, when we visited Mike’s family for a few days and then came home to host a birthday party for him at our place. We started the week with a Reds game and dinner at a friends house.
On Wednesday, we hosted our annual 4th of July party in the evening, only after the most exciting part of our week: meeting our newest nephew! I’m so proud of my sister, brother-in-law, and two other nephews. I love each of them so much and love watching them grow into young men (but please stay little boys for a little while longer)!
Enjoying Our Hobbies
This weekend I got to play 36 holes in our golf club’s 4th of July tournament! Not only was it absolutely gorgeous weather, but it was a great time. I started playing golf around middle school and went on to play on the high school team. It’s a hobby I’ve picked back up in the past few years and I’ve got to say, I really enjoy it! There’s something about the challenge, being outside, time to hang out with friends, and meet new people. It was glorious. While I was golfing, Mike was working on his own hobby: his new racing simulator!
Finding a hobby is a great way to meet people in our communities, whether that be a sports league, fitness center, farmers market, or playing music. What’s your favorite hobby?
Farm-to-Vase Workshop
One word to describe my Saturday night? Dreamy. A few friends and I spent the evening on Two Little Buds‘ flower farm: Morning Sun. My sweet friend, McKenzie, asked us to go to their summer Farm-to-Vase Workshop and five of us bought tickets, because how fun does that sound? (Sidenote: We purchased our tickets so long ago that by the time the event arrived, we didn’t even feel the kick in our budget – such a nice treat!) Let me tell you friends, it was absolutely amazing.
We had the perfect evening for it, as it cooled off from the scorching temperatures earlier in the week. We enjoyed the scenic drive out around Oxford, OH. From the moment we were greeted by their dogs (which they rescued from Hueston Woods) and Mindy’s father-in-law, we knew this evening was going to be something special.
We walked down the path that overlooked their land, with the flower garden and tent in the distance. As we approached the first table, we were checked in and then proceeded to the bar. Filled with refreshing and unique cocktails and mocktails, it was hard to pick just one! CAVU Coffee served a few unique blends of cool teas and spritzers, perfect for the summer heat. We were encouraged to explore as we waited for the others to arrive.
We walked to the tent first, serenaded by lovely music – sang by another family member, her brother. The tables were covered with the most adorable tablecloths and flower arrangements that Mindy and her mom arranged themselves. At each place setting was an apron just for us, wrapped in a bow and sealed with a little card which included the itinerary for the evening.
We walked out to the field of flowers – oh my, how lovely!
When all 30 guests had arrived, dinner was served! We feasted on the most delicious dishes, catered from Andy’s Mediterranean Grille. The hospitality in this place was abounding – I was probably asked if I needed something or if I would like another drink at least 5 times in 20 minutes. It was a kindness explosion in every good way.
After our meal, Mindy brought up everyone who made the evening (and really her business) happen. She lavished praise on everyone from her mom – the other bud in Two Little Buds – and the rest of her family to her dear friends who were there to help. It was most definitely a family affair! I’m not going to lie, there were not many dry eyes under the tent when Mindy shared about her love and passion for what she does. They work really hard to provide local flowers to our area and they love what they do.
What I was struck by the most was how beautiful it was to see her focusing on one area she’s really good at, or at least wants to dive head first into. In a world where we can feel pressured to be experts at everything, it’s really refreshing to see someone do something and do that really well. Mindy, thank you for sharing your story! You are a beautiful soul.
After she shared her story, she showed us how she arranges her flowers in vases. We all got one of our own, already taped in a grid to make it easier to style. Brilliant!
Then we walked out to the field, where she shared each one of the flowers and a little bit about their growing seasons.
We were turned loose in the field! We cut the flowers that spoke to us and there was a table full of already cut flowers we integrated into our designs as well.
While none of us will be “quitting our day job,” we loved the opportunity to learn something new, get creative, and really just spend time together.
Friends, drinks, food, music, hospitality, learning, arranging, and beautiful flowers. If you’re in the Cincinnati or Dayton area, I would encourage you to go sign up for the next workshop! You won’t regret it. Get out there and support your local industries!
Favorite Things
A lot of my friends have been asking me about my new phone case, so I thought I’d better share the scoop with you too! I just got a Loopy Case for my iPhone 7 Plus in white marble, but they have cases for many different sizes and brands. I went with the Loopy MAX because I drop my phone often and it provides maximum protection. The loop that’s built into the case makes it so much easier to hold my phone – love it!
This cute plant mister is currently on the way to my house. With the increasing number of plants in my home, I needed something a little more functional than just dumping water in the vases (we’ve been overwatering). I also finally found a dry shampoo that I actually like: Batiste. I tried the travel size of the Beautiful Brunette from Target first, but it’s harder to find, so I’ll be going with the Original Clean & Classic next. There are options based on your hair color or scent preference!
Have a great rest of your day!