Happy Memorial Day! With the lovely (happily hot) long weekend behind us, it is officially summer according to my watch! I love the celebration of all things American on this special holiday. Foremost, it is heart-warming to observe all of the messages of thanks to our United States troops of the past, present, and future: the grandfathers who served in WW II, the parents who generously share their daughters and sons currently serving abroad, the Vietnam Veterans, the current members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Reserves. Regardless of the degree to which the associated cause is supported, these everyday heroes risk their lives to protect and fight for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. As I walk through our neighborhood, it is fun to observe the American flags, vintage car rallies, backyard BBQs, parades, etc. So many of us have family and friends we know personally, who have served in our military, and it is an honor to give thanks to them on this day.
For fun, I did a google search and found some old photos of my Dad, Carl Bossert, with his class of 1955 West Point graduates. I have had the privilege of meeting these honorable men at various reunions over the years as they shared tales of their military experiences, from their service during wartime, including as POWs (prisoners of war) to their thrilling space expeditions as astronauts. I have heard endless tales of selfless acts performed by my father's peers while serving in both the Army and Air Force.
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| My father, Carl Bossert, back row, 3rd from top left |
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| Here he is again, 1st row, 2nd from left |
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| And again, 1st row, 2nd from left |
On a lighter note, we enjoyed a fun-filled weekend of swimming, boat rides, sprinkler frolicking, sidewalk chalk, concerts in the park, and walks to our favorite local ice cream store, Mitchell's. This time of year always conjures images of brightly colored outdoor pillows, lemonade stands, watering cans, American flags, margarita pitchers, and wet grassy toddler toes. As such, I have attached a few summer-inspired photos of colorful decor items from sources including Serena and Lily, One Kings Lane, Joss and Main, William Sonoma, West Elm and Z Gallerie. Enjoy!
From Serena and Lily...
From One Kings Lane...
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| Outdoor reversible sling chair |
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| Vintage "art deco" children's bike |
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| Chevron bamboo frame |
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| Moroccan inlay game board |
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| Vintage 1960's ring toss game |
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| Vintage fretwork wood and glass place mats |
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| Bright orange ikat circles pillow |
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| Mediterranean tile-inspired linen pillows |
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| Ikat on burlap pillow |
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| Silk velvet ikat pillow |
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| Love the nautical feel of this 1890's steamer trunk |
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| Katie Ridder is known for her use of bold, energetic color |
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| Central Park, An American Masterpiece |
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| A Passion for Parties by Carolyne Roehm |
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| Design book by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a favorite designer from Bravo's show Million Dollar Decorators |
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| Local Flavors by Deborah Madison |
I love the bold graphic design of these fun indoor/outdoor rugs...
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| Love the bold stripes in coral-red and white |
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| Fun bold colors and graphic punch in this vintage "birds" Dhurrie rug |
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| Love the bright summery hues in this Hans Hofman Lithograph |
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| 1920's Ericsson Desk Phone in bold red |
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| Vintage David Hicks design book |
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| Sunny yellow cheerful watering can from Crate and Barrel |
From William Sonoma...
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| Love the pretty display of summer citrus in these glass jars |
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| Fun American flag themed tablecloths, napkins and runners |
From West Elm...
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| Love summer these summer striped dish towels! |
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| These would be so cute for an outdoor porch party |
From Z Gallerie, cobalt blue decor...
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| I am a lover for all things ikat! |
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| Moroccan tile rug |
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| Graphic punch of navy and chocolate tile-inspired print |
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| 'Masala' blue ikat pillow |
From Joss and Main...
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| Such a cute nautical theme seagrass lamp |
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| Love the contrast of the cream stitching on the beautiful cognac brown pouf |
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| Fun navy and white fretwork throw blanket |
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| Love the color combo of this coral and turquoise trellis throw blanket |
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| Graphic 'tribal' inspired yellow (ochre) throw blanket |
From Vineyard Vines, a few cute items in one of my favorite light-red shades...packs a preppy punch!
Nothing screams summer as much as these breezy linen, straw, or seagrass totes. I love the simplicity and lightness of their design....A few cute ones are attached below...
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| MZ Wallace |
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| Zappos.com |
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| Athleta.com |
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| Amazon.com |
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| Tory Burch |
