adventure no.95 : colorado road trip {part 2}

{Sorry it has taken so long to post these! School got in the way of blogging and photo editing and sleeping and emails for a while, and then my computer hard drive crashed, taking many of our photos with it! You canfind the first part of this series here.}

{leaving Pagosa Springs, CO}

After we left Pagosa Springs and the ski resort behind, we headed an hour west towards Durango. As soon as we drove into the downtown area, I was enamored. I absolutely adore this city and really can't wait to go back. It's the quintessential little mountain town, rich in history and filled with independent coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and breweries. We loved taking in the local scene. Our favorite stops were the homemade turkey-cranberry sandwiches and strong, flavorful coffee at the Durango Brewing Company coffee house and the Evergreen seasonal brew and chipotle chicken wraps at Steamworks brewery.



We stayed in the historic Strater hotel where the furniture was original from the 1920s. The rooms were small compared to your standard Marriot, but they were so very charming. A trade I would gladly make any day. The hotel lobby was filled with authentic Indian and Western American artifacts, and with it being just before Christmas, the town was brimming with life and full of twinkle lights, Christmas trees, and snow.

After leaving Durgano, we took the long way back to the east coast, stopping in small towns like Silverton and Ouray along our way. We had lunch at the Brown Bear Cafe in Silverton, which was actually the only place open in this three street town.

{The small town of Silverton, CO}

Our stop in Ouray, Colorado allowed us to watch a group of ice climbers traverse the frozen waterfalls that ran along the roadside. It looked incredibly cold, but fun, as the climbers made their way slowly up the frozen water.

{Ice fishing!}

After a few more photo stops, we headed towards Colorado Springs and then onto Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and {finally} to Georgia.

Overall, it was a really great trip, and I look forward to going back when we have more time to spend in each little city.
xoxo

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Black & White and White & Black

There is something so inspiring about black and white photography.
Happy Monday.
xoxo

images via we heart it

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Happy Fourth of July

I love this holiday... sparklers, cook outs, hiking trips, sparklers, fireworks, homemade ice cream, a long weekend.

Wishing you a wonderful fourth and a relaxing long weekend.

xoxo

images via we heart it

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Blue Jean Baby

I took a break from my denim shorts & colorful tank uniform this past weekend to indulge in these high-waisted jeans. Since I still had to brave this unbearable southern heat & humidity, I opted for a loose white tank and a high bun. Not exactly what I had envisioned when I purchased the jeans, but with temps reaching nearly 100 degrees and 70% humidity, it's just. too. hot. I do look forward to pairing them with some really great tops come October.

{Guess jeans, American Apparel tank, Anthropologie necklace, Urban sunnies, vintage rings, Steve Madden platforms, Essie I Need a Vacation polish}

I think these may have to take a back seat until fall, but I do love them. They remind me of something that my mom wore back in her heyday... Everyone tells me I look just like her. <3

xoxo

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Happiness is...

tulle.
I love tulle. It reminds me of being young and carefree and dancing around my mother's kitchen in a ballet tutu....

Happy Monday.

xoxo

images via we heart it

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Fill in the Blanks Friday

One of my favorite bloggers, Trishie, over at Under Lock and Key is doing a fun game each Friday, and I have decided to pass it along! It's a fun way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend, so here is the first fill-in-the-blanks-Friday-game post!

Hello, my name is Ashley but you can call me Ash . Today, I am wearing grey cigarette pants, a loose grey tank, and a pink striped cardigan {to work}. I am looking forward to having a weekend with nothing to do! I am feeling a bit bummed about having to work, but excited about a couple days off. I miss my bestie but I get to see her in the morning! I wish for more time off to read your blogs and shoot some outfit posts!

If you want to pass along the game, feel free! Just make sure to link back to Trishie's post.

Happy Friday my lovelies!

xoxo

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Summer Entertaining

Besides the incredible southern heat, summer also brings us endless opportunities for cookouts and entertaining. I love having people over to our apartment, and bar-b-ques are definitely one of the best ways to spend an evening. Here are some of my recent favorites for your summer entertaining.

1. Helianthus Goblet
2. Charcoal Picnic Grill
3. Leaf Pile Floor Cushion 
4. Seagrass Carafe 
5. Camps Bay Recycled Radio
6. Leap Frog Floor Cushion
7. Summer Flower Coasters 
8. Beast's Feast Bowl
9. Ice Invaders Ice Cube Tray
10. Kitchen Line Up Apron 
11. Sorrento Dinner Plates
12. Citronella Tea Lights




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Blueberry-Blackberry Crisp

One of my favorite things about summer is the vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables that it brings. From berries to zucchini to fragrant herbs, I try to incorporate seasonal produce into everything I make, but especially into desserts. It just doesn't get much better than a seasonal sweet treat.


This past weekend I took advantage of our local blueberries and blackberries and made a crisp. I used this simple recipe, and just substituted whatever berries I had to make a total of 6 cups.


The end result was the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing and paired quite wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.


What are some of your favorite summertime recipes?
xoxo


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Summer Days

dreamcatcher yellow poncho
scuba headband patio kiss


A bit of summery inspiration for your Monday.
xoxo


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Sand, Sun, and Satisfaction

This past weekend husband and I took a trip to Amelia Island, Florida to see two of our favorite friends get married. It was also a great excuse to spend some time on the beach and get away from the hubbub of our daily routines.

Like little children afraid of missing a single moment of adventure, we were up alarmingly early each morning to take in the calm quietness of the ocean sunrise.

Our afternoons consisted of nothing more than swimming in the ocean, lounging in the sun, and watching as many World Cup games as we could find. I spent a vast majority of our vacation lying in the sand while wearing my favorite bikini. So much so that I didn't wear a single "nice" outfit that I had packed.... and it was wonderful.

My long, curly hair stayed wet and slightly tangled from sand, salt, and ocean water, but I honeslty didn't care. As much as I love to dress up and be fancy, I simply thrive at the beach. There is just something about the ocean that soothes my soul.

{F21 earrings, UO sunnies, Essie Mod Squad polish}

Our meals were spent beach side or pool side, totally casual and laid back, which was absolutely perfect. The constant breeze that follows the coastline made the days bearable and the evenings quite lovely.
{H&M scarf, Target earrings, UO sunnies, AA tank}

After dinner each night we took a blanket and camera to the beach and enjoyed the sunset and the vast array of stars that came out as the night grew darker.

I think the best part of our trip was finally having time together without schedules, responsibilities, and social commitments. Our decisions revolved solely around what we wanted to do. It was really nice to just be for a little while... to have time to relax, catch up, and just be silly together.

Here's wishing that you find some time this summer to do exactly the same thing with someone that you love.
xoxo


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