so long, summer

I just had to get in this summery-feeling sailboat cake before it was seasonally inappropriate. With my little G starting school today, I suppose it signals that summer has officially sailed (try saying that three times!)...

via graceful cake creations

summer co-op party

Rebecca shared this super summer-y party thrown by the co-op board of her building. What a wonderful (and beautiful) way to bring neighbors together! Check out all the details right here. Rebecca also attended Sunday Suppers (styled by Amy Atlas) last week that has had the blog world abuzz...see her write-up of the event on her blog.

bike parade

A children's bike parade is a perfect way to capture the joy of summer! More cuteness here (via Pumpkin Petunia).

dog days of summer

The hottest and muggiest part of the summer season is almost upon us! It's a perfect time of year to throw a dog days of summer party. A couple of years ago, I threw one for my yellow and black labs' birthdays. Really, it was just a good excuse for a party, but it was fun to make bone-shaped cookies, have their 'friends' over, and take some cute pictures of them.

Webster defines 'dog days' as:

1) the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere

2) a period of stagnation or inactivity

What a perfect time of year to jazz things up and have some friends over! 

This year, my dear friend Amy is throwing a dog days of summer birthday party for her soon-to-be 1-year old, Jack. She is busy getting ready for this August event, and looking for some inspiration. I plan on dedicating this week, or at least part of it, to Jack's big day. Feel free to throw in your ideas as well! (And to my reader throwing a 'flea' birthday party...you must send in pictures soon).

For the story behind how 'dog days' came about, go to http://wilstar.com/dogdays.htm

I love finding out the meaning behind names, but if you're not interested, I won't bore you on this blog. More to come tomorrow...

Dog toy from Three Potato Four.

summer paper goodies

Being that I am a self-proclaimed paper junkie, I am always looking for seasonally appropriate paper goodies. A couple of my favorites for summer to send you off for the weekend!

 From top: Blue Dot gift wrap from Jack and Lulu, Creamsicles from Pie Bird Press, On the Town/Beach invitation from Hicks Paper Goods, stripe gift wrap from Peculiar Pair, and Oriental Silhouette note paper from Whitney English.