Mexico Trip: Day 1

So excited to finally share some pictures from my recent vacation in Mexico! The first day was pretty jam packed and I was running between flights and planes between 3 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon. I was so exhausted that I managed to snap only a few pics before I finally got to the hotel. The difference in weather is quite shocking; when I stepped on the plane in Dallas it was cloudy and cool and when I stepped off it was hot and humid with no breeze. Definitely tropical!

xoxo, Nat

Snow Trip Snapshots

It's so nice to be back here at the blog again! I'd like to thank my four awesome guest posters: Maria, Chelsea, Lou, and Ciera! You guys rock!

I had a lovely time up in the mountains and I must say, 4 days without internet and wifi really forces you to relax. Since this was a family trip, I guess you could say that was a good thing!

Checking out my boots before taking a small trek in the snow.

 Enjoying some warm (but just a wee bit toasted) waffles for breakfast.

A peek into one of the quaint little bedrooms in the cabin...

A little warm raspberry-honey tea takes you a long way after a cold day in the snow! Enjoying a nice cup of it near a fireplace while it's snowing is picture-perfect.

 I took this pretty scenic snapshot as we headed home, and I must say, I think I'll really miss being in the midst of a heavy snowfall in a nice warm cabin. It was nice to unplug for a bit, and I finally finished my current book read, The Secret Life of Bees (which was really good by the way). This little vacation was a great way to "pause" things for a bit and really brainstorm what's up next here at Modern Buttercup. I'm thrilled for the changes ahead!

xoxo, Nat

a day through photographs: Universal Studios

I'm back from my last vacation of the summer and have some photos to share with you all! I had a blast down in L.A. , and made sure to take lots of pics of Universal. I selected the very best to share with you:

After a long car ride (as in, 6 hours long) I arrived at Universal Studios in the late afternoons excited with the possibilities that laid ahead on this glorious trip!

About an hour after I entered the park, I took the ever so famous Studio Tour and I wasn't disappointed a bit! I got to see a few special effects and how they worked. The photo above shows a set that's flooding and raining. Who knew so much work went into the setting of a movie?

A few rides later, I decided to keep my energy up and went to the candy store. While I'm not a big fan of Jelly beans, I couldn't resist taking a photo of those brightly colored candies and snapped a photo! So far, I'd visited on these attractions:

1. the Studio Tour
2. Special Effects show
3. Shrek 4-D

Around 7 in the evening, the sun went down in L.A. and the weather started getting colder. I planned the last few rides we'd go on the day before we left Universal for the day and joined the long lines before the park closed.

Towards the end of the day, we went to City Walk and enjoyed looking at the beautiful lights and shops.  I had done so much in one day and so glad you could take a peek of my trip!

3 ways how to enjoy your summer

Summer is upon on us, and there is beautiful weather along with lots of free time! I've put together a little how-to on how to enjoy your summer...

Make a to do list

Each month, write down 15 things you'd like to get done that month: 12 little tasks and 3 bigger projects (organizing a craft area, canning peaches, eating a lemon a day, etc.) Trust me, if you write it down, you're much more likely to actually do it.

Get out of the house!
What makes summer so favorable? The thrill of adventure, the beach, eating ice cream. Make sure to take some trips out, and even plan a vacation sometime. It doesn't have to be a big thing, even if you just go to a local cafe with a few friends, you'll create lots of memories!


Chill
One of the best parts of summer is the excuse to just do nothing. Just make sure not to be a couch potato! It's okay just to relax a bit -- go to the spa, paint your nails, or just take a nap on the hammock. You'll feel refreshed and energized.