Summer Survival

I just took a step outside to grab something from my car, and (at 11 p.m., mind you) the humidity almost knocked me over.  I thought I was drowning.  Anyway, such is the beginning of summer in Houston - something that can turn this almost-always optimist into quite a grouch.  Especially last summer.  My newly-sodded front yard was in its death march thanks to the drought, and there was nary a hurricane or tropical storm to spice things up.  FALL is my happy time.  If you've read this blog for any number of months, you probably know how much I look forward to the beginning of October.  I am trying to have a better attitude about all this, and these are some things that are helping. :)

On pinterest, I've seen some beautiful succulent terrariums.  I was able to make three for my house for under $20.  Lowes sells a variety of succulents in a 6-pack for about $13.  All I needed were some small rocks (thank you, Hobby Lobby, $2.99) and I used dirt and vases I already had.  This is how they turned out, and I especially love the largest one with the Voluspa Italian Tangelo candle on my kitchen table!


See that one on the bottom left, it used to be in a globe-like vase, but silly me put it within Madeleine's reach.  She let me know that wasn't a good move by bringing it to me and dropping it on my bedroom floor.  Thanks, love.

We certainly like to be outside as long as there is water involved!
Pedicures with your girlfriends - that's always fun!

These...for 98 cents each, I can afford my addiction.



Summer Bible/Book studies...


And of course, inexpensive, yummy smelling summer beauty products!  I don't like to wear much make-up ever, but especially in the summer, so that usually goes by the wayside (save for a little bit of mascara and lip gloss, depending on the occasion.)  This lotion has just enough tropical scent and a ton of moisturizer, and it was maybe $4.  While in summers past I've been a Fiji girl, this year I'm trying Belize! Like a vacation in your armpit. Just kidding.

 I also have been enjoying sleeping in this lovely gift in Hawaii blue.  As I mentioned in 2009, I wish I could just estivate in it allll summer long. ;)

es·ti·vate

   [es-tuh-veyt]  Show IPA

verb (used without object), es·ti·vat·ed, es·ti·vat·ing.

1.

to spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.

2.

Zoology . to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects, and small mammals.

There's hope for summer Scrooges yet. :)