It is that time of year that I am itching for the shore. We have our family beach trip coming up at the end of this month, and I’m counting down the days! Until then, you can find me on the ACAC rooftop pretending I’m at a resort. A few weeks ago, we had a baby shower for our gym friend up there on the most perfect early summer evening. I am so lucky for the friendships I have made through “the club” (as those who work there call it.) PS. This photo was taken with an iPhone Plus in portrait mode. WHY does the regular size phone not have this feature!? I do not want to carry around a tablet, but this photo looks like it came from a DSLR!
Our patio has not gotten used yet this year. We need to plan something! I was listening to a Young House Love podcast recently when the duo shared how they always talk themselves out of hosting parties because they are either so expensive, so much cleanup, or both. I feel the same – the thought of making (or buying/catering) all the food and doing the clean up (inside and out) intimidates me into organizing something. But we have this great patio, and as John and Sherry said, you don’t have to go all out every time with a full buffet and full bar. Provide some snacks, drinks, yard games, and space and 99% of people are happy!
Patio peeking out from a yogurt bowl breakfast with berries, yogurt, granola, and almond butter.
As promised, I took lunch up to the ACAC roof after a workout. I walked over to Citizen Bowl and tried something new: the Harvest Bowl with greens, sweet potatoes, beets, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and apples with Arctic char on top. It was fabulous! Salads out of the home are super appealing to me, but salads at home and still on my “ehhhh” list.
We’ve been keeping dinners simple due to Mazen’s camp and swim team schedule. This was green chili cheese grits (reheated) and green beans with a quesadilla made with arugula, leftover rotisserie chicken, and cheese!
Are any of you traveling anywhere exciting anytime soon? Thomas and I had hoped to get to Europe before having a baby, but that never happened, for good reason : )
I can’t wait for our two (possibly three) coastal trips this year!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Wow, the iPhone photo looks incredible! I need to upgrade my iPhone pronto… still using an old iPhone 6!
Simple dinners are the best! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
heather r says
Your pictures always look great. We just returned from a trip to Germany and Paris. We stopped in Germany first to visit our nephew who is stationed there. Then we took the train to Paris. You will go someday, and it will be wonderful!
KathEats says
Sounds amazing!
SarahMLSsbb says
The coast is the best. I’d be counting down the days too! My husband and I are going to Paris in September! I’ve never been to Europe, so it’ll be quite the adventure!
KathEats says
Paris will be amazing!! I haven’t been in 20 years.
Chelsea says
My iPhone X has portrait mode. Do you have the 8?
KathEats says
Yeah
Emily says
You can get the X – same size as the old iphones pretty much and not a tablet size. Love mine! 🙂
KathEats says
I might next year. I just didn’t want to spend the extra! Do you miss the home button?
Emily says
I was SO against the X – but tested it out, and you would never know you had a home button! Don’t miss it a bit. I was due for an upgrade which is the only reason I got it but I love it!
KathEats says
Awesome. I think I’m on the “trade it in every year” plan so maybe I’ll swing for the X next time. The camera alone seems like a reason to splurge!
Kaci says
I do feel fancy with my portrait mode on my iPhone 8+! 9 times out of 10 I’m taking portraits of my dog and cats, but ya know, it’s worth it. ha
So jealous of your upcoming beach vacay! Normally we go to Pawleys Island the last week of May but couldn’t this year, and I’m sad to not have been able to go.
Chelsea says
I got the 8 Plus and I know what you mean about how much larger they are but you’d be surprised how quickly you adapt! Now when I see the other phones they seem like toys and way too small.
Zima says
We just returned from Cabo. Spent a week with our 2 and 5 year old laying by the pool and eating/drinking under the HOT sun. Can’t wait to see your travels with two kiddos soon!
KathEats says
Sounds amazing!! I loved Cabo on our honeymoon and mostly only saw it from the water since we were only there half a day. Would love to go back!
Kate says
I’ve found that hosting something that is not a main dinner event is really easy and cheap. I’ve done a lot of “ice cream socials” – you provide ice cream and some toppings. Get your guests to bring other toppings/ice cream, and their own ice cream scoop from home so you don’t have to buy extra.
Or, if you have a fire pit, have a s’mores party. It’s themed, and super cheap even if you spring for nice ingredients.
KathEats says
Good ideas!
Amanda says
I’ll be going to France with my sister in September for my 40th birthday! I am sooooo excited. This will be the first time I go to Europe. Can’t wait!
KathEats says
Yay! Happy early birthday!
Claire says
We’re in England and hopping over to France is top of our list right now. From crumpets to croissants! Looking at Brittany or nearby.
Renee says
I love that you listen to the YHL podcast! When you mention things from it, I feel very in the loop. 🙂
KathEats says
Haha they are the best!
Grace says
We’re taking our boys to Italy, for the first time! They’re super excited. I have lots of family in Sicily & grew up spending every summer there. It’s going to be so fun, to introduce my boys to so many family members & show them where their mom spent her summers, growing up & beyond.
KathEats says
Sounds amazing!!
Julie says
I agree on the portrait mode–great picture! And I have a friend who looks EXACTLY like your friend on the far right, which is wild. As for the phone, it would have been worth getting the plus for. I like to keep mine awhile, but maybe not this time 🙂