My Month in Rewind: July

Another month in the books. The older I get, the quicker time seems to pass me by. I think the perpetual work week has something to do with this phenomenon. I know I'm not alone when I say "I live for the weekend." There's truly nothing better than the feeling you get on Thursday night, knowing you only have to put in one more day until freedom at last. And the older I get, and the more routine my job gets, I've realized you have to make those two days count. So call your friends, make plans, get out of the house, cook a complicated recipe, share it with your family, wear all of your clothes that your sticky-fingers-nanny-job won't allow for (even if you're just walking around Target in them). Do something, because there's nothing worse than the Sunday night feeling (right Cait?), especially when you have nothing to show for the last two days.

So here it is. The month of July boiled down to a blog post. And wouldn't you know, weddings seemed to take over this four week period just as they did June. I'm not exaggerating when I say I might be the real life version of Katherine Heigl's "27 Dresses" character. The school vacation of my youth has turned into a three month wedding ceremony, and not that I'm complaining, weddings are a blast, but I think I'd be set with one per summer. I like my me time.

I also like the Fourth of July. Maybe more than Christmas. The amount of dips at a summer BBQ is pretty outstanding. Ending your night under a blanket of fireworks is real story book stuff. And the red, white, and blue color scheme is just the cherry on top of a perfect, American holiday.

I spent the 3rd on Whitehorse Beach in Plymouth, MA next to this HUGE bonfire.

My Fourth of July weekend was spent on these picnic tables, celebrating one of my oldest friend's, Ali, upcoming nuptials. It's the only picture I managed to take during our bachelorette party gone camping - Solo cups of sangria. We stayed in cabins on Martha's Vineyard, and while I did get to check something off of my Summer Bucket List, I think it's safe to say I'm past my camping days. Hotels just get me. 

While sleeping in the wilderness may not be my thing, taking in the island definitely is. We didn't do much besides relaxing on a beach and gorging on food and drinks, but it was exactly what we needed. I was in charge of our Saturday night dinner plans, and after a little research, I went with The Red Cat Kitchen in Oaks Bluff. It. was. incredible. Local, seasonal dishes, while Jaws played in the background was quintessential Martha's Vineyard. Creative vegetarian options are hard to come by on the island, but the chefs here blew me away. I went with the "vegetarian showdown," which was a combination of various plant based appetizers and sides the restaurant was serving up for the night, my favorite being the tomato, basil, and corn soup. I loved not knowing exactly what I would be eating until it was right in front of me. To wash it all down, The Red Cat has some pretty tasty cocktails on the menu - order the Sazerac, trust me. 

This is Ali. She's nuts. Ali and Chris got married at the Jones River Trading Post in Kingston, MA on the hottest day of the year. And although outdoor pictures were a no go for the sweaty face factor, at least it didn't rain. The venue was gorgeous, the band was a blast, and dancing all night with some great friends is always a good thing. 

A couple of my favorite couples. 

Between weddings, my weekends were spent on the beach with my closest friends and family, who all happen to live within 100 feet of me. Have I told you how great my neighborhood is? Here's a few shots on Saquish Beach. We piled ourselves between two boats and ten coolers, and spent the day eating, drinking, and thoroughly enjoying each other's company. 

My work week also vacationed on the beach. In Chatham. Not a bad gig. 

Especially when you get to look at these cute faces on the daily.

Outdoor eating. A must. And another check off the old bucket list.

Farmers markets are the sole reason I'll tolerate relentless weeks of humidity. My wallet thanks you.

Fancy hummus spreads are another market perk.

I'm just crossing things off of my bucket list left and right here. My brother's fire pit, which he built himself, is my favorite way to end a summer night. It's the best part of camping combined with a comfortable bed to go home to. I hear s'mores are a thing too. 

What? More weddings? A longtime family friend tied the knot here at this gorgeous church.

Obviously we had to take pictures of ourselves while we waited for the "I do's." Are photo sessions in churches frowned upon? These two beauties are my best friend, Britt, and my sister, Sydney. They're my people. 

Here come's the bride!

Time to party!!

Trav and Kritsy's wedding made all those summer vows worth it. The food was delicious, the company was even better, and the party never seemed to end. And even though my health nut self was trying to reject too many cocktails, all that dancing is sure to negate some of the over indulgence, right?

Me and my girls!!

Bedtime! 

Out with a BANG! And on to August...