garden update.

So far the garden is off to a great start with only a few challenges. The major problem has been a mole! Cleo has killed moles in the past but I guess she is just over being the garden keeper these days.
Here are how things are going in our garden lately: (Sometimes what I like most about blogging is looking back on posts and garden posts are especially helpful for me to see in the future.)

What's new! Jon planted hops. These little suckers are actually 5-6 feet tall and grow like weeds. Those strings attach to the eves on our house! Who knew he'd be so into it? He has already brewed about 10 batches of beer and hopes to harvest the hops and use them eventually.

The new & the classic: crooked neck yellow squash and zucchini. Both have been the fastest and earliest producers. I even made flourless zucchini brownies with some zukes already.

I spy a cute little butternut squash!

I predict a pretty awesome tomato season for us. Last year was not so great, so this already looks promising. We planted 6 different ones in the plot.  And on the far side where we have our zucchini, butternut squash and cucumbers two rogue tomatoes popped up! You can see them in the 2nd photo. We aren't the cleanest gardeners, oops! It will be interesting to see what variety from last year stuck around. So I think with 8 tomato plants this year we should be rolling in them come July and August.

My basil is not doing so hot. I planted the kind on the right in April and when they didn't take off, I planted the bunch on the left. Both haven't done much. They flower and I pick them off and that's just it. Very frustrating. 

Cleo says "come again!"

How does everyone's garden's look so far?

Lately via Instagram

Some Blabla friends for baby // Pete resting on a tree stump in the backyard // Outside Carrot and Stick Press-at their studio sale // Baby's first hat // Jon and I at the Giants game // A cozy romper for baby //

Follow me on Instagram: Hollyconda

Weekend Scenes

The backyard is full of ladybugs. And weeds.

A rainy day soup and salad at Lettuce. 

Pete is wicked spoiled. 

A pin from The Games. What did everyone think of the movie?

I have found the best (blue undertones) red, Fishnet Stockings. 

You cannot help but feel like a woman wearing this color.

(Picture does not do it justice)

Lately

I am obsessed with my Native Union Pop phone that plugs into my cell phone. I got this for Christmas but haven't really remembered to plug it in or get the hang of it until recently. I sort of hate talking on the phone and this has made it so much more enjoyable. Also, reducing cell phone radiation is uber important. They come in a ton of fun colors, too.

{a pile of happiness}

I am really working on staying happy and positive. Work can be such a bummer and let down that I am trying so hard to not let it dip into any of my precious non-work hours. The change in seasons, even if we are expected another solid week of rain, has helped. Any tips on how to leave work stress at the door? I'm all ears. 

{My mom and dad on their wedding day}

I have been helping my parents with some little details for their 40th wedding anniversary party they are having this summer. Makes me so happy I am done planning my wedding. Even though it's just a party, there are still conversations of envelopes, talks of save the dates, DJs, booze, etc. I wasn't happy it was in the past until just now.

{May the odds be ever in your favor}

Girls night at the movies on Friday. I cannot wait!

Good Things

Happy Friday! We made it. Here are some things that made me smile this week when the rain was getting me down.

We got another wrapped canvas photo from our wedding. There was a great deal through One Kings Lane that I couldn't pass up. If you are in the market for one, keep an eye out for sites like OKL, Gilt and HauteLook. They always have canvas deals. (Photo by Kate Harrison.)

A new succulent to tide me over until we can plant our garden in a couple weeks.

Fresh squeezed orange juice. Citrus is so cheap right now they are practically giving away bags at the farmer's market. A great way to use them up is fresh juice. 

Remembering a great dinner with friends over fried chicken and mac n cheese at Farmer Brown.

Pete lays in the strangest places. That can't be comfortable, lil guy.

Weekend Scenes: Down to the wire

Here I am a few hours after my wedding makeup trial. So happy with it. Our garden this year looks nothing like last year at this time. It's been a relatively cold summer here in the Bay Area. Crossing my fingers for warm weather in a couple weeks.

Pretty kitty, Cleo.

Margaritas with some of my favorite people. 

Sea salt + butter.

Nephew + Kayaks.

We celebrated my dad's birthday with everyone at Briones Reservoir. 

A little food, family, kayaks makes for a great time!

Catnip: A Love Story

Poor Cleo hasn't had a healthy potted catnip in many months. 

While we were out buying plants this weekend, I thought of her. 

This smells funny...

...a little bit can't hurt. Everyone's doing it.

It feels so, so good but I think I should lay off this stuff.

OK, one last hit.

Sober as a judge. What happened???

Weeds.

The weeds in the backyard have gotten out of control. It appears Cleo doesn't mind one bit. I will leave her a small patch to hide in. Brb. Must mow weeds...

Weekend Scenes

It is sad sitting down to do a weekend scenes post when you are suddenly very sick and coughing like crazy. Thank goodness for this kitty in my lap. Cats that sit in your lap are the best. It's like they know when you need a pal. Growing up we always had 2-3 cats and none of them were lap cats! Or a couple of them just preferred my brother and dad. I would stick em on my back, in bassinets, they would always hop away. Pete=the cat I always wanted. OK, side tracked a bit. Here's the weekend:

Enjoying my cute new watch, care of RumbaTime. Now I want more colors!

Creating new bathroom vignettes. Behold the best candle ever.

I have a feeling a lot of you have already made this discovery. 

If not, include it in your future purchases.

Bloody mary + darts. 

I find I get bored at bars unless there is some sort of activity {besides drinking}.

Wearing my mom's wedding dress! She made this herself in 1972, so I naturally 

had to use the 70's filter on Flickr to edit it. Crazy enough, I don't remember ever 

seeing it or trying it on all these years. It fit really well. How sweet and simple is it? 

The plan is to alter it above the knee for my rehearsal. 

This is all with her blessing, I think the words were

"Do whatever you want! It is just going to end up thrown away one day". 

It also comes complete with a champagne stain, which I love.

I wish...

...it was taco night again.

...that my shirt always perfectly matched the couch.

...my cat would stop growing.

...some birds would find this suitable for their new home.

...I knew how to decorate a sideyard garden area.

...I had an upcoming party where I could make these,

while wearing these.

P.S. Random? Yes, I know. That's how I roll.

Weekend Scenes

Pizzette lunch.

Quiet time. 

Babysitting Landon.

Hope your weekends' were killer.