Top • Similar here and here | Culottes (Nordstrom Exclusive) • Vince Camuto | Shoes • Steve Madden other options here and here | Scarf • Nordstrom | Sunglasses • Similar Nordstrom | Bag, old • Similar Rebecca Minkoff and this super cute one from Michael Kors

When I think of summer, I immediately think of green: green grass, green trees, green plants.  I think it stems back to the years I spent on the East Coast as a kid.  The grey skies and brown grass of winter slowly gave way to spring growth and then the full-blown explosion of summer green.  Our previously exposed tree forts were hidden behind canopies of foliage, kept thick by the regularly-occurring summer rains.  Everything smelled fresh and clean and summer vacation spread in front of us with endless possibility.

Here in the Southwest we don’t see that much green in the summer unless we bring water to it.  We joke that our annual rainfall happens in one or two rain showers during the year; when we get ten inches of rain, it’s ten inches between drops.  Amid all of that, Andy and I decided to create a tropically-themed courtyard.  It was gorgeous and lush in May, but it’s struggling a bit in late July.  Fortunately, the courtyard is mostly shaded, giving both plants and humans some respite from the scorching sun and triple-digit temps.  And not just triple digits, consecutive 110+ temps.  Yikes!

When the temperatures return to reasonable levels, we’ll resume work on the courtyard.  We’re designing and building all of the furniture (we’re the ultimate do-it-yourself-ers).  When we finish it, hopefully this fall, I look forward to sharing it all with you.  I’m looking forward to cooler temps, the sound of our fountains, and a glass of wine enjoyed in the secluded comfort of our little leafy paradise.

All of this may explain why I love this color so much.  But when you see such a fresh hue, don’t you agree?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and thanks so much for stopping by.