Tag: New England

July 2019: In a Nutshell

by Ashley DeLarge1 Comment on July 2019: In a Nutshell

Good Afternoon and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

While posting this late in the day always makes me feel a bit unproductive- I’ve actually been anything but. I’ve been working from home since 7:30 this morning after a super fun (but super late) night out last night. I’ve been running on fumes but getting SO much done today!

Not bad for someone who hasn’t even had coffee or a shower yet, right? Gross, I know- but that’s next on my “To Do” list for today.

Speaking of “To Do” lists- my Summer 2019 Bucket List is still chock full of things I want to accomplish in these final hazy, humid August weeks ahead before September and Fall creep up on us as they always do. Autumn may be my favorite season, but that’s not to say I don’t love the Summertime, too!

With tomorrow marking the first day of a new month, it’s that time where I look back on the last few weeks and recap the highs and lows of the month that was- and July was full of them.

I started the month by meeting my neighbors and making new friends at a community potluck for the 4th of July– and cooling off at what has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the Valley after I was introduced to it by a friend last Summer while I was visiting the area. I’ve returned to Ashfield Lake multiple times this month- especially when New England was being gripped day after day by heatwaves and scorching temperatures.

I also began to further plant some roots in my community as I embraced and attended the Green River Festival– which takes place a short walking distance (and drive) away from my apartment. Although I had only gone for the day- I had a wonderful time in the sunshine listening to music, eating fun food and buying cute clothes.

Of course, July isn’t without sad memories and reflection. This past month marked seven long years since my father passed away, and I opened up to pen a tell-all about the aftermath, the trauma, and the recovery with losing someone you’re close with so abruptly.

Additionally, work was difficult this month- both at my full-time job where tensions are running higher than the temperatures outside between co-workers, supervisors and at times- myself- but also within the Pioneer Valley theater community where I am preparing to ride out the last few shows of my contracted season while simultaneously juggling a plethora of other responsibilities.

And to top it all off- I got an insane flu during what have been the hottest days of the year to date. I was miserable- but thankfully was able to bounce back without a trip to the ER.

All in all? July left me TIRED, y’all!

But August is just a few hours away, and I’ve edited/re-tweaked my Summer Bucket List to better balance with my still hectic schedule. There’s a lot of fun things I’m determined to do/see and I’m excited to finally get around to it- starting this coming weekend- and of course I’ll take plenty of pictures along the way!

So although July was an emotional, physical, and mental roller coaster at times- it wasn’t all bad. It had it’s wonderful moments between sticky days, sweaty nights, sunburns and sneezing fits. I’ll cheers to the good times, for sure!

But I’m also going to toast to August- a new month filled with new possibilities that I hope is good to us all and doesn’t require nearly as much air conditioning to feel comfortable as July did.

And If you’re in need of some late Summer assistance- don’t forget to:

GIVE MY SUMMER 2019 PLAYLIST A LISTEN!

TRY SOME OF MY RECENT SUMMER-INSPIRED RECIPES!

And also go see a movie because there’s so many good things playing right now. Popcorn AND A/C? Yes please!

I’ll be back on Friday with a look at last night’s shenanigans. Enjoy your “Hump Day”, everyone!

xx

– Ashley –

On The Mend…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on On The Mend…

Good Evening and Happy Friday, everyone!

Earlier this week, I talked about working and fighting through a pretty aggressive Summertime flu that struck me over this past weekend and essentially kept me down for the count until about Tuesday night/Wednesday morning when I tried to return to my normal blogging schedule amid coughing fits, sneezing episodes- and much-needed power naps.

I am thankfully nearly 100% better again- with the occasional cough here and there- but I have my energy and motivation back and I’m excited to return to work and my projects without interruption.

I’ve been recovering with the help of lots of rest, plenty of water- and embracing the opportunity to indulge in a few guilt-free “cheat days” with delicious dining out and about in the Pioneer Valley. Wednesday night saw me trying Antonio’s Pizza for the very first time (and I can’t believe I slept on it for so long!) My tortellini and pesto slice, and the chicken nacho slice I pretty much inhaled are pictured above.

Last night, I went a little more upscale with a dear friend during dinner and drinks at Spoleto. Another place I’d only ever driven by but never stopped in- and it was phenomenal. I could have eaten seconds or thirds if I knew I wouldn’t have been in a food coma afterwards.

It’s definitely a perk to living in the Valley now- there’s no shortage of fantastic places to try new dishes!

With July wrapping up next week (already?!) I’ll be sharing some of my favorite things from these past few weeks- and then going through the ups and downs of my Midsummer in my monthly “In a Nutshell” post next Wednesday before we launch into August and the final days of Summer.

Until then- here’s wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead. Get out there and enjoy yourselves!

xx

– Ashley –

A Day at Green River Festival…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on A Day at Green River Festival…

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

I’ve taken a personal day from work today. Originally, I had plans with some friends to head down to the Cape for the morning/afternoon- however our schedules and respective obligations caused a delay and the trip is now postponed until further notice.

Today also happens to be the anniversary of my dad’s passing- which is always a pretty difficult day to get through- so I’m opting to keep busy and spend the day with my mom so we don’t have to be alone in our memories and grief. We’re going to do some shopping and dining out in my neighborhood- which I’m excited for.

I’m also low-key recovering from stopping by the Green River Festival yesterday and roasting under the sun for a few hours. The festival, a 3-day music/art/cultural celebration- is only a couple of miles away from my new apartment- so parking and reaching the festival on foot were no problem at all. It was a beautiful and sunny Sunday afternoon- and while I’d heard of the festival in the past- I’ve never had to opportunity to go and enjoy it for myself until now.

I saw some fantastic performances, ate some great food, and shopped some local vendors in-between ducking into the shade and snapping some photos.

If you’d like to see bigger versions, simply click!

My favorite find of the day came courtesy of Taproot Threads, based out of my town. All of the artwork featured on their pieces is hand-drawn, and printed on fair-trade garments with water-based ink. The material is soft, lightweight and cozy- and I’m wearing this t-shirt today when I go to spend time with my mom!

Look at how lovely the illustration is up-close!

It was such a great day, and next year I may try to go for all three days (Friday-Sunday. With my work schedule this year, yesterday was the only day I could pull off!)

With many local businesses now going into post-festival “recovery mode”- I anticipate it will be quiet day around the neighborhood. The perfect opportunity to rest and relax.

But I need coffee and I need it now- so I’m off! Here’s wishing you all a good start to your work-week. I’ll be back on Wednesday!

xx

– Ashley –

The Waters Fine…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on The Waters Fine…

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

It’s back to work bright and early for me this morning, unfortunately. Always a daunting and difficult thing to face after a long weekend that was filled with sunshine (and only one or two freak thunderstorms in passing.) I hope those of you who also had an extended holiday weekend for the Fourth of July enjoyed it- and those who didn’t get a break really soon!

My Fourth of July was not spent on a beach or at a park watching fireworks and eating hot dogs and hamburgers (not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course)– but at a community potluck thrown in my neighborhood. I was invited by a new friend-of-a-friend, Kat- and met a bunch of new faces and some additional newcomers to the Pioneer Valley while eating fresh salads, pasta, grilled vegetables and different types of pies. I also got to wave a sparkler around for the first time in about twelve years- which was very, very exciting for me!

I had a really, really good time and I’m looking forward to seeing new friends at upcoming events this Summer.

In the days after the 4th, I made sure to spend some time with my mom and Oliver- including lots of couch snuggles and binge-watching TV in front of the air conditioner in-between errands and ordering pizza. With the heat and the humidity at an all-time high on Friday and Saturday- there was no way I was turning the oven on.

Yesterday, knowing it was my last day of freedom before I returned to the office- I made sure to stay cool and go off the grid for a while- opting out of driving two hours to the beach and instead traveling about thirty minutes away to Ashfield Lake (where my phone has no service at all) for a quick dip.

I had my camera with me- and stored it somewhere dry- but I managed to get a couple of photos while I was lounging.

It was a beautiful afternoon/evening. I’m still very much an ocean girl- but I’ll never say no to a quiet, clean, peaceful lake.

A little later on this week I’m sharing one of my favorite “comeback” pieces from my Summer wardrobe (I love when old trends turn up again!) and whipping up a really delicious- and icy- dessert recipe to cool you all down before this coming weekend!

But before that- I gotta’ get to work. I don’t want to- but I have to.

Hang in there, everybody. Let’s push through to Friday. We can make it if we try!

xx

– Ashley –

Lazy Sundays…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Lazy Sundays…

Good Morning, Happy Monday- and Happy July, everyone!

To call my Sundays “lazy” isn’t entirely accurate. My Sunday mornings are typically pretty busy, filled with errands- like grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning or paying bills- before I launch into plans throughout the afternoon and evening to try and have a little fun before I head back to work each Monday morning (like I’m getting ready to do right now… Ugh.)

Yesterday, though? Absolutely a “Lazy Sunday.” After laundry and grocery shopping- it was all about eating junk food, laying in bed, napping, and doing absolutely nothing except count down the minutes for June (and my subsequent “June Gloom Curse” to end. See my last post for more information on that.)

Granted, in-between errands and prior to my laying down for the count in the late afternoon/evening- I did manage to visit two wonderful local places: one new and one familiar.

The first, en route to Northampton- was this adorable little roadside farm/flower shop called Sunset Acres Farm in Whately (which I snapped a photo of above since it looks like a secret garden!) It was lovely- and I really would have stayed longer of a rather nefarious looking thunderstorm with cloud-to-ground lightning hadn’t rolled through the area while I was perusing tomato plants to purchase.

I’m absolutely going to head back when the weather isn’t so unpredictable!

The second, the place I’m familiar with- was Local Burger. I was starving and craving a cheeseburger (and buffalo/blue cheese fries.) I haven’t been to Local in a long time, but it never changes. The decor and the food is always the same and it’s always really, really good.

With a food coma brewing- I wrapped up my errands before heading home where my last task of a on/off rainy Sunday was finishing the changes to “Blondie Birdie’s” layout! Yes, if you look now- I’ve gone teal and a bit less cluttered with my site. An appropriate way to begin July and the peak of Summer, if I do say so myself.

Obviously, I’m keeping an eye out for any glitches or issues- so if any of you happen to see anything pop up or look out of place- please let me know so I can fix it!

But that just about does it for me today. It’s going to be a busy day at the office- what with the upcoming holiday weekend- so I’ve got to try and get a handle on things before they inevitably go off the rails.

Have a great start to your week, everybody!

xx

– Ashley –