Simply

Cardigan: Inherited from grandfather

T shirt: Borrowed from sister

Jeans: Hand-me-downs from sister

Socks: J. Crew (gift from Colin's mom)

Sneakers: Borrowed from sister

Leather belt: Borrowed from sister

My brother-in-law cooked a delicious dinner for us on the grill this evening as my sister and I watched while sipping on cold rum drinks.  We had the backdoor open and the fresh breeze swept through the kitchen while the pups played in the backyard.  There's something about a warm summer's day after a series of cold spells that makes everything all the more magical.

Afterwards, we went to play a dominoes-ish game at the neighbors' house, with whom  I am completely smitten!!  They consist of an older husband and wife, and the wife can usually be found either cooking on her outdoor stove or tending to her vegetable garden while the husband is out working in his shed.  We played dominoes in their living room for a couple of hours using homemade wooden game piece holders while jovial country music played in the background.  I can only hope that I'll be as happy and upbeat when I'm their age.

I should mention that I plan to integrate myself into their family so that I can reap the benefits that come with having grandparents as wonderful as they (ie, perfectly buttered and salted popcorn at my disposal).

Jess had to be included in the blog today; her outfit went much too well with the decor of her house that I couldn't possibly not take a photograph of her in it and not post it for all to appreciate.

Capris: Borrowed from me

Shoes: keds.com

Gingham blouse: thrifted

Undershirt: J. Crew

Her new house is adorable, by the way.  Here's a little preview of what it looks like... (More photos to follow soon, hopefully!) 

Contents may have shifted during flight.

Blouse:  Secondhand clothing store in Phoenix

Pants:  American Apparel

Shoes:  Target

Belt:  H&M

Sunglasses:  Betsy Johnson

Scarf:  Antique store in Phoenix

Jess's flight attendant-inspired outfit today (think Southwest Airlines) was too cute to not be featured in today's post.  I love how she paired the round framed sunglasses with the patterned scarf; it's so 60s chic.  

We looked at more houses today with Jess and her husband, and I can't wait until I can afford to buy my first home!  I've been researching retro houses online and They. Are. Adorable.  The kitchens are the best part.  Below are some of my favorites.

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Tonight my family and I are going to view some slides taken of my parents when they were teenagers.  (My mom was such a fox!)  I'm obsessed with things of the past so I'm extremely excited to revisit them.  

Tomorrow I fly back to San Diego where I'll return to Colin and my little Z.  I so wish my family lived near me!

The Splendors of Life

Jess and I outside of a retro house for sale in Scottsdale.

On Me:

Shorts:  Rose Bowl Flea Market

Shirt:  Urban Outfitters

Head scarf:  Thrift store in Hilton Head

Shoes:  keds.com

On Jess:

Overalls:  Blueberry Deluxe

Blouse:  Nordstrom Rack

Shoes:  vans.com

Dooney & Burke purse:  Antique store in Phoenix

Friday after my interview (which went... "eh"), my family and I went to a swanky bar in Old Town Scottsdale where we indulged ourselves in all of the classic cocktails our hipster bartender had to offer.  A couple of drinks (and more than a few appetizers) later my dear friend of 13+ years named Taylor joined in on the festivities, after which we paraded the streets of Old Town snapping photographs of my sister, Jess, as she posed next to sculptures of cowboys riding horses (Taylor graciously assuming the horse's stance) and nude Grecian women draped in fabric.  It was an evening full of warm conversation and entertaining diversions, to say the least.

Afterwards, Jess, Taylor, and I went to a wine bar where Taylor's sister works where we perpetuated the good conversation with, yet again, more alcohol.  It was a much needed evening of heart-to-hearts with two women I truly admire and respect. 

...We ended the night passing out on Taylor's gigantic California King bed.

Today was spent driving around the Scottsdale/Phoenix area looking at potential future homes for Jess and her husband.  And the houses were to die for!  My favorite one had the same exact layout (and a lot of the same appliances) of the home my dad grew up in when he was a kid.  He showed us the air duct that his dog had traveled through in an effort to wire an intercom system, and the route that he and his sister had taken through the house when they were trying to evade punishment from their father.  All the while I couldn't help but imagine the memories my sister would make if she were to make that her home, and the stories that her kids would relay to theirs in the future.  Isn't it funny how cyclical life is?

**Please click on the image above if you'd like to see a closer view of our outfits!  I didn't want to endure the awkwardness of requesting multiple photographs of us with our realtor present.