SLC Summer 2011 - The summer of {mostly} free fun

A peony this large fresh my garden this morning can mean only one thing: 

Summer is officially here!!

And while this is my kind of summer afternoon weather {Wednesday's storm}, I'm looking forward to all kinds of sunny summer good times right here in my neighborhood.

Outdoor fun {most within walking/biking distance} going on the next few months:

MOVIES

Friday Nights Movies Under the Stars - State Capital

Gallivan Center Monday Night Movies {All four Indiana Jones Movies this summer}

Friday Night Flicks - {rotates from park to park in the SLC area}

ART

Utah Art Fest - June 23rd - 26th {Ride your bike & buy your ticket in advance for discounts}

Free & year round - Third Friday Gallery Stroll

CONCERTS

Twilight Series Free at Pioneer Park - Thursdays at 5 {Excited especially She and Him in August!!}

Brigham Young Historical Park Concert Series

The Farmers Market

Avenues Street Fair

Visit Downtown Alliance or SLC Arts Counsel for more fun.

This is just the beginning!  I won't even start listing the rodeos, parades, and out of town Strawberry/Peach/ etc Days.  I'll add to the list as things come up and if you know of anything local going on be sure to let me know!

the reluctant runner

I am your ultimate reluctant runner.  I've had plenty of excuses why I didn't want to become one in the first place: the time commitment, my busted up knees from too much skiing, pure laziness and my love of sleep, to name a few of my best.

I was surprised when I ran my first 10 k a few weekends ago and actually really enjoyed myself. The picture on the left is from that day.  I had paper cutouts of Mia and Jess with me because I was supposed to be in St. George running a race with them.  I had work conflicts and ran at home instead.  {they had a paper cut out of me with them on their race too}

I was even more surprised when I ran 10 miles on Saturday.  Refreshing scattered raindrops most of the run turned into a pelting, freezing cold down pour rain the last mile and when I got home I realized I was locked out and soaked to the bone.  Long story short, Mia and RC1 came to the rescue and it turned out to be just another fun adventure to add to the many others. {sincerest thnx dear friends}

Next up?  I'm still reluctant to say, but why not shoot for the moon?  There is a marathon the morning our float makes its big debut in SLC at the Pioneer Parade.  That might just be the end goal.

Blogging Social at Alice Lane

 Kirsten {6th Street Design}had a fantastic idea to have a party for the design bloggers in Utah.  Along with Alice Lane she hosted a fabulous event last Friday night.  To me it felt like rubbing shoulders with some of my favorite celebrities.  Some people may go crazy for movie stars, I go crazy for great designers, and these talented ladies are making waves for sure.

Wonderful people, yummy treats, and a beautiful store made for a really great time.

Sometimes this creative outlet of mine {the blog} feels like a silly thing for me to do with my time, but chatting with these talented women I realized again that it is so much more than that.  It's my way of staying current and connecting with other people who share my passion.

Amanda {recycled consign and design}, Autumn {design*dump} and me {yes, I'm a giant}

{images from Meikel}

Thank you Kirsten and Alice Lane!