Listening: The Honey Trees~To Be with You

The hidden sisters have been lounging indulgently in summer since a few sunny days have visited us! The {big sister} played in ocean waves this weekend in one of those trips that involved a forgotten camera and so many lovely moments that will live in those sunny, hazy places of the memory. The {little sister} embarked on a long road trip to visit wonderful destinations unknown...while we miss her dearly, we cannot wait to hear about her travels and see here lovely photos...{and the little ones are looking forward to a treasure or two from the trip...} Happy summering!
It's {day 29} of the 99 Days of Summer!

This Moment

This Moment - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment we want to pause, savor and remember. {Inspired by soulemama} Share a link to your moment in the comments!

It's {day 26} of the 99 Days of Summer!

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First Day of Summer

While the Hidden Sisters have been celebrating summer for {23} days now, today marks the first official day of the summer season...and what better way to usher it in than with bubbles?

We love the simple pleasures that come with soapy suds, plastic wands, and delighted giggles with each popping bubble.

This is certainly summer bliss.

Happy summer.

Love,

The Hidden Sisters

Devouring ~ Tuscan-Style Tuna Salad

This summer we are looking forward to lightening up our lunches...as well as lightening up the amount of time spent cooking. This Tuscan-Style Tuna Salad recipe from Eating Well easily meets both of those requirements.

 What you need

2 6-ounce cans chunk light tuna, drained

1 15-ounce can small white beans, such as cannellini or great northern, rinsed

10 cherry tomatoes, quartered

4 scallions, trimmed and sliced {we always omit these and it still has great flavor!}

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

What you do

1. Combine tuna, beans, tomatoes, scallions, oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Stir gently.

3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Store leftovers in the fridge and make a lettuce wrap the next day

{this is our favorite way to enjoy this lunch!}

It doesn't get much better than delicious and no cooking involved.

What are your favorite lightened up lunches for the summer months ahead?

It's day {22} of 99 days of summer!

To our Darling Dads...

To all the special men in our lives...who are dads, will be dads and have dads...we love you. Thank you for all that you do each and everyday. And here's to hoping you get to spend at least a little bit if time today...doing just what you love. Happy Father's Day. We couldn't do it without you.

It's {day 21} of the 99 Days of Summer!

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Summer Dreaming...

All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer~one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going~one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doings, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.

~Lucy Maud Montgomery

The hidden sisters are remembering the sweet days we spent last summer at the lake...and so looking forward to going again in just a few weeks...

It's {day 16} of our 99 Days of Summer! We're counting the days of summer and making them count!

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Treasures from Farm Chicks 2011

The hidden sisters had such a wonderful time at the Farm Chicks show this year! Here's some of the treasures we found...

We had been looking for a baby high chair for the {little chick} since she loves to be such a good mother to her babies. We found just the right one!

We also found this oversized coloring book with beautiful images 'Reminiscent of the Past'...

Just perfect for hanging in her room!

This child sized apron...

With it's matching grown up sized one was a perfect thank you gift to a sweet grandma who spent the morning digging with the {little guy}.

We took home a few other tiny treasures that stayed with our mom...and we're already dreaming about how we'll bring a cart to next year's show...{or possibly a truck...}

It's {day 15} of the 99 Days of Summer!

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Listening: The Band Perry~If I Die Young

The hidden sisters are loving this bittersweet ballad from The Band Perry this summer. {We love the hints 'Anne of Green Gables' with the Tennyson book open to "The Lady of Shalott as she floats down the river...}
It's {day 14} of the 99 Days of Summer!


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Fresh Wave Party! {Day 13}

The hidden sisters recently got together with some of our favorites moms, sisters and girl friends for an afternoon chat, some tasty treats and a our favorite sweet {virgin} sangria!

The best part was getting to share some fun gifts with them all! {Thanks to www.houseparty.com where anyone can sign up and host parties to share new products with friends and family!}

The party package included some lovely hostess gifts, too. 

We enjoyed catching up, sharing gifts and talking each of our plans for our homes this year!

It's {day 13} of our 99 Days of Summer!

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Guest Feature~Madigan Made!

We are so excited to have our children's tool bench project featured on Madigan Made today!

Stop by and see here!

 

Park Days & Small Style

This week was filled bike rides to the tiny park near the little ones' grandparents house. So many of their little outfits are gifts from loving grandmas...and they have favorite things they love to wear already. This little park contains a war memorial and a flag pole with the U.S. and M.I.A. flags. Things that are hard for me to understand and be grateful enough for even as an adult...and so difficult to explain to little ones. But every time we visit, I am reminded, especially as a mom, how incredible difficult that sacrifice is for families. It makes me hug them tighter, speak more lovingly and linger as I watch them play...

pink suit~gift from grammie

tee shirt & jeans~The Children's Place
We're joining Mama Loves Papa for Small Style today!

This was {day 11} of the 99 Days of Summer!

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Party Supplies: Martha Stewart Crafts Modern Festive {10}

The Hidden Sisters both had the chance to attend our newest little niece's 1st birthday party and instantly fell in love with both the sugary confections as well as the pretty party supplies.

Is it just us, or are Martha Stewart Crafts Modern Festive party supplies not the cutest around?

And wouldn't you know it, all Martha Stewart Crafts party supplies are currently 25% off at Joann's.

 Invitations

Decorative Pom Poms

 Pennant Garland

 Beverage Labels

 Pinwheel Kit

{the perfect party favor}

Paper Chain Kit

These party supplies definitely had us making up excuses to throw a little party of our own soon {okay, and maybe eat a cupcake or two while we're at it}.

The Farm Chicks Antique Show 2011

The Farm Chicks show this year was simply bursting with beautiful things to see...

So many excited farm chicks waiting for the fun...

The {big sister} and this little chick enjoyed the sun and fun music in the air {and were grateful to have purchased early admissions tickets...and definitely will next year, too!}

We were met with a sweet welcome at the front gate!

...almost giddy to see what treasures we'd find inside!

What a sweet treat when we came in!

All the vendors and booths were such a delight!

The food and other confections were delectable!

The displays were pure enchantment!

So many beautiful things to enjoy at this show...and we took home some little trinkets, too! We'll share those next week! Simply a splendid show!

This was {Day 9} of our 99 Days of Summer! We're counting the days of summer and making them count! Join us!

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Playing In the Mud {8}

Although sunshine greeted the {little sister} and her husband the entire weekend, recent rains made this the perfect time to go play in the mud.

It all started with the Hidden Sisters' brother, this cute little Jeep of his, and a beautiful drive through the countryside.

A few mud puddles later...

...and this black Jeep quickly turned to the perfect shade of khaki.

There are so few times in life to approach something with such reckless abandon,
don't you think?

We couldn't help but think we need to take this approach more often.

Our little day trip reminded us of what trails lay ahead next for this summer full of adventure.

Have you linked up to join the fun yet?