Henry Rowe Manufacturing

These pictures are some of my favorite from all of last summer. It just so happened that both Rob & I had the day off and we both just felt like going for a drive. When we left we really didn't have a plan, it was just one of those that lays itself before you as you go. After driving through farmland and by fish-farms and dreaming of having our own land in the future we somehow ended up near this amazing place. I had been here once before with Rob, but I don't think I fully appreciated it as much the first time.





The ruins behind us are of an old furniture mill.







We took a lot of photos, but really can you blame us? This place was so beautiful and peaceful. There was really no one else around so we were able to explore until our hearts content. We have plans of visiting again this spring/summer. We will be moving this weekend, so I don't think there will be time, but perhaps sometime later this month. It's been hard to squeeze any fun in lately it seems, simply because Rob is so busy with work, I am living in Kalamazoo for school (rotation at Bronson), and we have been packing to get ready for our move (this weekend if all goes well). I just had a break last month, but I sure am ready for another!





I was thinking, this is one of those rare occasions that I am wearing shorts. I really feel like I prefer skirts, especially when its really hot because I hate when your legs stick to chairs!! But I broke down a few summers ago and bought this nice pair, and I am glad I did. They are nice for those times when you want to do some exploring! Here are some other ways I have worn them.





















Photos by Rob & I

chambray shirt: target, shorts: ny&co, shoes: kimchi blue

Pigeon Creek

We snapped these photos somewhat near our old house at Pigeon Creek Park. We visited here once before, when it was snowing & super cold, and we loved it, so we thought we'd come back when the weather was a little nicer. The sunlight was a bit strange to work with so some of these pictures turned out in an interesting way.



This dress has made an appearance here before, but it also has a lot of meaning to me as I was wearing it when Rob proposed! Right after the fact I never wore it, thinking that it was too special to ruin or somehow if I wore it the specialness would wear off. I'm not sure what made me get over it, but I am happy I did.





It's funny, I find that I am the type of person who holds on to things that have sentimental value. I certainly do this all things, but also with clothing or shoes. I can't seem to get myself to get rid of things like the shoes I wore to each prom. There are memories tied to them and I just can't seem to part with things like that. Oh well, everyone collects something and I just collect clothing.



















Photos by Rob

dress: kimchi blue, shoes: seychelles, sunnies: target

Blandford Nature Center Revisited

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, Rob & I loved to visit Blandford while we lived in Grand Rapids. We took these photos on another hot day last summer.



Sometimes all you need in summer is a lightweight floral dress.





Photos by Rob

dress & sunnies: target, flats: f21

When The Wind Blows

When I lived downtown last year I missed being near the water. My parents live on a small, but very deep (& therefore cold) lake. You can simply look out the slider doors or sit on the deck and take in the breeze off the water. I hope that one day I will be able to live near water as well.



This dress is one I have owned for many many years. I don't know why I don't pull it out more often. Honestly, this is the last time I wore it! I hope this year I bring it out more often.



Photos by Ashley

dress: delias, shoes: kimchi blue, belt: target, clutch: vintage

Grand RIver

Looking back at photos like these makes me miss living downtown. When we could jump in the car and quickly drive over to the river to feel the breeze coming from the water and watch people wandering around doing the same.



This clutch is probably my favorite vintage find ever. Honestly it's the sort of thing I'm always searching for, the type of thing that keeps me going back for more.





Sometimes I wish my life required me to wear heels more often, but especially now that we live away from the city I find myself in flats all too often. I also wish I found myself wearing my hair up more often. This was a favorite style for last summer. So simple, yet elegant in a way.





Photos by Rob

shirt: target, skirt: f21, heels: seychelles, earrings: icing, clutch: vintage

Blandford Nature Center

I hope you are ready for a photo heavy post! I guess we got carried away, because I have already narrowed it down from the massive amount of pictures we actually took. Sometime the scenery just makes for really great moments.



When Rob & I lived in Grand Rapids this was one of our favorite places to go. It seemed like there were rarely other people around, so we were able to take in the sights and sounds of this magical place uninterrupted. These pictures of course were taken on a small part of the nature center. I mean, there are 143 acres here to explore. Really though, it's lucky that Blandford is here to explore at all. After ownership being transferred from the Grand Rapids Museum to the Grand Rapids Public School to the non-profit Mixed Greens, Blandford has had a uncertain future for much of the time it has been open. We no longer live nearby, but I hope we can make a few trips out there this summer to enjoy it again.





So this skirt is another long one. I'm telling you, I really went for it last summer. All I could think about were long hemlines paired with heels!












This little fella was too cute to resist snapping a few photos of. We almost didn't see him! He blended into his surroundings so well.





Photos by Rob

shirt & sunnies: target, skirt: pins & needles, shoes: loft, purse: vintage