Favorite blogs... photography and more!

If you're like me, you have your favorite blogs that you follow and check in on regularly. When I need inspiration, have some time to myself, over breakfast, late at night... Here are some of MY favorite blogs (some photography, some not):

The SatoriaList - Street photographer Scott Schuman.

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Savvy Photographer - Great buys and articles!

http://thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com/

The Maternal Lens - 5 Mom Photographers.

http://thematernallens.blogspot.com/

Tom & Lorenzo - All things fashion.

http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/

Jasmine Star - Wedding Photographer.

http://jasminestarblog.com/

Living Locurto - Creative Living.

http://www.livinglocurto.com/

The Mouthy Housewives - Oh so funny!

http://www.mouthyhousewives.com/

ad hoc MOM - Another funny read.

http://www.adhocmom.com/

Blue Cricket Design - Great ideas!

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/

*Oh, and for those of you with an ipad, if you don't have the "flipboard" app - you need to get it! It's so easy to flip through your favorite blogs (and news), just like the morning newspaper.

Love of vintage photos.

Today I was going through photo boxes and discovered some old photos of my parents in their younger years. I love the look and feel of vintage photos and getting a little glance into life as it was. Seeing how it is Father's Day on Sunday, I thought it would be fun to post these photos of my dad (and mom) - taken right after they were first married. I can't believe how young they look! (I hope my kids never say that about me!)

Last day of school!

Wow this year went by fast! I can't believe today was the last day of school and summer is here. Does that mean I get to sleep-in tomorrow? Yeah right! I think this is the first year I haven't signed my kids up for any summer camps or have any big vacation plans (and I may totally regret this!). We're just going to be spontaneous and play it day by day. I always feel so overwhelmed by the endless choices of camps and summer happenings. So this year I'm making it easy on us (I think). The kids may be driving me crazy by the end of the month, and I'll be calling around asking if any camps have open spots available. Then you can all shake your heads at me and say "what were you thinking?". OR the summer could turn out to be super amazing since we have so much freedom to do whatever, whenever.

So here's to a great summer AND to the last day of school!

(my kids on their last day of school... I think they were sad because school was out!)

Summer... and swimsuits!

Yesterday we set up the kiddie pool in our back yard. It was 80! In Portland! Got me thinking about summer... and swimsuits. So I did a little browsing and found some very cute little numbers. And now I just need to kick my workout into gear and get ready to try on some swimsuits!

Here's a sampling of what's out there this season. (Some of my favorite places to buy swimsuits)

Summer fun!

I think summer might actually finally be here! And it better well be - after all, it's June. I love the beginning of summer when all the flowers are in bloom, and the sun is shining... and what better place to enjoy the blooms than the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (on SE 28th in Portland).

Flowers, ponds, ducks, and even a couple of small waterfalls! My kids love to explore all the the little trails throughout the garden, and of course I bring along my camera to get some great photos of flowers and kiddos. There is a fee charge Thursday-Monday from 10-6 (so if you go on Tuesday or Wednesday, it's FREE).

What are some of your favorite summer things to do?