Rest

Resting seems to be something that I struggle with. Something I am definitely not good at, but is it something you can practice?

This weekend I planned on trying. I don't know what it is, but I am constantly going, from work, to yoga, to blogging, to spending time with those I love, to going somewhere, doing new things, I must stay busy. Always. I have found this to be both a blessing and a curse. I don't know where it comes from, maybe my mother, but I just enjoy life more being busy. I do enjoy watching tv in the evenings or just hanging out, but I need to learn to be quiet in my own stillness, to take a break or a nap instead of cramming in just one more thing.

Because here is the thing about being busy, you eventually get tired. Studies all over are always saying how good rest is for you, how much you need your sleep, and I completely agree. I guess when we just get down to it, I like to be awake more than I like to sleep. I like to do, to go, to be active, both in my mind and with my body.

I am learning that in order to be more productive, I need good rest, not necessarily a nap, but go to bed at a decent time. I just have so much that I want to do and see when I get off work that it doesn't always end up as I had planned. Once I hit the pillow I am always out though, it is on the rare occasion that I don't sleep soundly. That is definitely a blessing. So that is where I am now, working on resting, being more productive with the time that I have and gearing up for warmer weather, later nights outdoors, and really busy weekends.

Eating: Simple Pasta Salad

I have been making this easy dish up for the past two weeks. It is good both hot and cold, doesn't take long to make, uses fresh herbs from my garden, and can easily be added to based on what you have in the fridge.

You Need:
pasta ( I mixed veggie penne with regular bowties)
herbs (basil, thyme, lemon leaves)
feta cheese
tomatoes
chicken broth (or bullion cube)
extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
Bring half chicken broth half water to a boil. Add pasta, cook according to the pasta box. Drain. While still hot drizzle with a couple teaspoons olive oil, add herbs and mix well. Cut cherry tomatoes in half along with any other veggies you want to add. After the pasta has cooled slightly add the veggies and feta. You can then serve immediately or put into refrigerator to chill. 

I eat this during the work day at my desk, and add another fruit in too. It is great right after my yoga workout that I get in during my lunch break and can easily be added to or taken away from based on the ingredients you have in you kitchen. It was inspired by a visit with my DeeDee recently and the veggie penne gets in some of my nutrients for the day. The fresh herbs make this salad so flavorful. 

What is your go-to salad recipe?

<3 
Montana

and a big congrats to Lindsey for being the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway!!

Summer Adventures in your own town!

While I am off sitting on a sandy beach somewhere I asked someone to stand in for me... I am so excited to introduce Jess, she has the cutest blog, great style, and is planning the wedding of her dreams! Make sure to stop by and say hello. See y'all back next week and I will drink one (or two) for you!!

Hey ya'll...I'm Jess and I blog over at City Sequins!  I am really excited to be blogging for Montana today while she's off on vacation!!!

Since it is now officially summer, I love filling my time off with some exciting adventures...but I am planning my wedding this year so I have had to be more creative with things to do on a budget.  Here are some of the things that I do to keep me busy!

BBQ Game Night

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Recruit a few friends and come up with some fun game ideas for a Game Night.  If everyone brings a different dish and outdoor game over then it keeps costs down for the whole group.  Then break up into teams and let the games begin!!  Make sure to have a fun prize - like new beer mugs or beach towels!!

Beach Picnic

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This may seem like a simple idea, but it is a great way to have some inexpensive fun!  If you aren't near the beach the check out your local lake.  A lot of beaches also have grills that you can use to cook up some burgers and hot dogs!  Don't forget the yummy drinks and the sunscreen :) 

Explore your own Town

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The town I live in has a ton of different groups and activities to get involved in.  Do some research to see what is around you that you didn't even know about! 

- Intramural Sports Leagues:   You can join a team or put together your own and participate in weekly games against other people in your area.  Here in Greenville, SC there is kickball, basketball, cornhole, volleyball and a ton of other teams to join! 

- MeetUp.com:  This website is for people to meet new friends and get involved n new activities.  There are groups all over the country and have activities that range from wine drinking, hiking, bar crawls, running and probably anything else you can think of.  It might seem weird to meet with people that you find online...but who am I kidding...we're bloggers! 

-  Facebook & Event Pages:  My town has a Facebook page that lists all of the events and deals that are going on every single day of the week.  I bet some of your towns do too!  There are a ton of things happening that you probably don't even know about.

Plan a Weekend Stay-cation

This will cost a bit more but can be saved for one special weekend of the summer.  Get on Groupon or LivingSocial and find out what hotels in your area or within a few hours are running deals.  Then have a "weekend away" either with some friends or your significant other.  Have a night out and splurge!  It will keep you from going crazy all summer without taking an expensive vacation!



What things do you guys like to do at home during the hot summer months??  Stop over and say hi to me at City Sequins!

#saltinmyhair

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And that's just what I am getting... tomorrow my friends... tomorrow. 

I am off for the next few days for a little vacation. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a super fun guest post from my good friend Jess from City Sequins. She has been kind enough to step in for me, so please take a second to say hello.

I will miss this little space but hope to come back fully refreshed and my hair full of salt. 

Want to follow along as I get #saltinmyhair ?
 Follow me on Instagram!


<3
Montana

dirt road hippie

shoes: Kohls // dress and sunnies: Walmart // bandana and bracelets: gifted 

Outfits like this make me smile, they make me want to jump up and down and feel dirt between my toes. They make me want to dance outside at night (or just anytime really). They are comfortable and cute. A little hippie dippie and a little country girl. 

As you know from before, this dirt road is my most favorite place in the world I think. I have to take a few pictures here every time I venture home. It represents so much to me. It's where we used to ride horses when I was younger, laughing and yelling, getting lessons on the perfect sliding stop. It's where I ran as fast as I could, when my younger sister fell and broke her arm. It's where Mama and I walked many mornings, determined to get in better shape but laughing and learning so much about each other along the way. It has our favorite Y tree, or used to. It's where I got to drive the tractor with my Papa, it's where we used to draw in the dirt with sticks. It's where we used to drive when it was just to early to go in, it has heard happy times and sad times, fighting and loving. It's as far as I got the first time I ever "ran" away.  It's where my sisters and I grew up, the place that will always lead to what we call home.

<3

Montana

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

Yep, its that time of year again... time to get into a bathing suit. I am going to yoga, eating healthy, and working on my tan all to prepare for our upcoming vacation in about a month. On top of this I have started to think about swimsuits, cover ups and flip flops. Getting into a swimsuit isn't something that I always look forward to, but the beach is my all time favorite and I cannot wait until next month. Above I have found some  cover-ups and swim suits that are in my small budget but also get the award for being super cute. I mean check out that toucan. I have to have. How are you feeling about swim suit season?
Later Gators,
Montana

Oh yes! Be sure to check out my Keaton Row Stylist page and let me create a LOOKBOOK just for YOU!!