Happy Summer Solstice!

To celebrate the longest day of the year, I kicked off my Bike Commute Challenge: to see how long I can cycle to work without resorting to other transportation. I've covered my car - it's in Tyvek now - and while I won't be heartbroken if I take the bus, it's going to fun to see how long the streak will be! 

Part 1, Day 1: Success!

It was even a great ride. The Bike Gods must have been smiling upon me! Everyone passed me well on the outside of the 3 feet distance they're legally required to give me, and I even had both sets of doors opened for me when I arrived at work. It might have been to avoid my sweaty tomato-face, but I'm sure it was really just that good ol' Southern hospitality.....Right?!

Enjoying time with family

I don't often get to see my younger brother and his family; time with toddlers is awesome :)

{ DailyDIY } 04.17.12 Beaded Button Down Shirt.

This is a little late for some, but here in Arkansas it's chilly enough in the mornings to appreciate a longer sleeve that can be rolled up in the heat of the day! Or rolled down when you have to be in some absurdly over air conditioned building =)

 
The Beaded Button Down Inspiration

They suggest "any button down shirt" but I would qualify that:

1. It will need a sturdier material to support the weight of the beads without flumping over unattractively. A medium weight Egyptian cotton would be wonderful.
2. It should be tailored to your body shape. Make sure you like the fit of your clothing before you embellish it, else you're wasting your time. Or "practicing" your technique, I suppose...
3. This would be really cute on half-placket shirts, and can be done to any shirt at all! Don't stop here if you like the idea :)
4. Laura comments that it is now hand-wash only. I don't have time for that; if you don't either, I recommend tying a double knot every 1-2 beads, depending on the weight of the beads. Then wash on delicate cycle with your delicates!

Reasons Why I Like Arkansas, Vol. I

Stately Trees

Gorgeous

Sunsets

Everyday

Roses and Birds

The Dichotomy of Nature

Simplicity

Travelling Rose Bushes!

I've been a'travelin..

To Shreveport, LA for New Year's, as you may recall, and recently to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (though I actually missed the Fat Tuesday finale :( ) I took approximately 2 billion pictures in Shreveport and I'll have those posted on my Flickr soon - but here's a taste:

Downtown, New and Old

Macro of the Nation's Largest Public Arts Mural

One of the many murals throughout Shreveport

As for New Orleans, I decided to keep my camera at home for two reasons: 1) didn't want to have to worry about it all the time and 2) miss things because I was busy taking pictures and not taking in the scenery. This doesn't mean there won't be pictures and blog posts coming, however - all the throws (and memories) deserve their own blog post.

On a more somber note, my sympathies to the families affected in the shooting Tuesday. How tragic.