Sunday 1 September 2013

The Summer in Review

It's true what they say.  All good things must come to an end.  It's the eve of Back to school Monday!  This means summer is officially over!

It's been a great break - probably my best summer on record.  Would I change anything?  Probably not.  Just to remind myself that it really did happen, here's my summer in Review!

1)  TRAVEL
Cornwall was brilliant - just the feeling of packing a bag and going away makes everything seem a bit more exotic.  I loved returning to our old haunts as there's so much history and tradition there - in spite of our short history.

Next year?  We defiantly need to go away - but perhaps somewhere new?  I like the sound of our holiday away with the Guyatts!

2) NESPRESSO LOVE
I think my body is going to go into shock without my mid day iced coffee and reading in the garden.  I will need to bring one into work and refrigerate it until required!  Not really the same though...with that said - I heard a little rumour that Starbucks will be coming out with Pumpkin Spice Latte within the next few weeks.  Oh. My. Word.

Next year? ALWAYS This would go without saying.  However - there has been talk about adding a little McBerry to our family....so....no coffee next summer?  I think I'm willing to make that trade.

3)  BERRY PICKING
The Berrys love berry picking.  Strawberry, Raspberry or Blueberry.  The prices are ridiculous around here - it's foolish to by your own when you can pick your own for a fraction of the price!  Freshly picked berries  mean freshly baked berry pie!

Next year?  Of COURSE!  Cheap and tasty.  Sign me up.  We are expecting an email soon so we can go for a twilight blueberry pick to clean the place out.  Frozen berries?  Yes, please.

4)  PINSPIRATION IN THE KITCHEN
Having the time to actually think my way through dinners has meant B is eating VERY well.  I've been creative and actually made all of those recipes I've pinned.  It's been fun and it's been a nice change from the usual!

Next Year?   Carry on!  I think this could be a permanent commitment.  Back to work means back on the healthy eating and exercise!  I think variety is the spice of life.  Check out my recipe collection.

5) Starbucks Work Dates
I haven't really written about this as it's been the unexciting side of our lives.  B is revising for the USMLE - like - hardcore revising.  Every day.  We have gone to Starbucks (my favourite work hangout) most weeks this summer to get work done.  I've planned and resourced while B was revising. Good coffee and good company.

Next year?  No.  I'm going to put my foot down and say no to this one.  USMLE will be done by next summer and I want to go to Starbucks and enjoy it.  I work hard enough during the academic year (don't get me started on the time it takes for English teachers to mark while teaching a nearly full timetable while half running the department).  Dates.  No work dates.

6) Zoku making
I love my Zoku. B knows me so well - it was the best birthday present a girl could ask for!  We have experimented with loads of different recipes - and when I say recipe what I really mean is we throw stuff in the blender and see what happens!

Next year? Defiantly.  This was the easiest way to eat healthy, have a snack without really having a snack and it's a great way to entertain children.  Hopefully I can come up with seasonal uses and break this bad boy out all the time!

Looking back, it's been a great summer.  All of the BBQs and Smores making and treat baking and laughing....I could do it all again!  I loved spending time resting and relaxing.  I'm going to miss morning coffee, Pinterest and Made in Chelsea though.

A lot went on last academic year and an awful lot went on back home in Ohio.  I'm standing by my goal - being positive and looking at the good things in life.

xx

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