Back to School

It's hard to believe it is already time to go back to school. We have had an amazing summer. We played outside, went camping, visited my in-laws' lake house, went swimming and made great memories with friends and family. As sad as I am to see it coming to a close, there is a sense of relief that comes with the start of school. The biggest reason...childcare ;) The structure that comes with school is good for our household. We are also at that point where the boys need a little break from spending every minute together and I need a little break from being referee :)

One thing I am not looking forward to with the start of school...increased morning traffic. If you commute, you may want to start leaving a bit earlier around mid-August.

Whether you dread or welcome the start of the school, we at Pelosi team wish you the best year yet.

Learning to Garden

I am so excited! My sunflowers have finally made an appearance in my yard. They are absolutely beautiful and make me so happy. It has taken some time to get them going. Those bees have really been working hard this summer :) Different things have flourished in our garden over the years. It seems this heat has made it the year of the sunflower!! The tallest sunflower on record was over 30 feet tall. I don't think I will break that record this year, but maybe someday ;)

 Did you know?

The French word for sunflower is "tournesol," which means "turns with the sun."

In their bud phase, sunflowers will literally seek out and face the sun. This trait is called heliotropism.

Credit: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a32638/sunflower-fun-facts/

The Veranda Shopping Center

The Veranda Shopping Center in Concord (next to the Willows) is amazing. I followed it closely when it was first being built, but had recently lost track of the new stores that were opening. I went by to check it out the other day and discovered they have a Gap Factory Store and a Banana Republic Factory Store. I am so excited to have Outlet stores so close!! There is also a Cost Plus, Old Navy, Sephora and TJ Maxx. They are also opening a Residual Sugar Wine Bar (there is another location in Walnut Creek). So fun! They also have a fountain that is so beautiful at night. Go check it out!

Recipe of the Month

Looking to kick back and relax with a Popsicle? Take the fun to the next level by making it a Boozy Popsicle. So fun for summer!

Bahama Mama Ice Pops - ADULTS ONLY

Prep Time

Makes: 4-6 popsicles

Prep: 20 minutes

Freeze: 6 hours

Ingredients

Directions

Recipe Notes

Amazon.com is an easy place to find popsicle molds or bags.

Credit: https://www.bhg.com/recipe/bahama-mama-ice-pops/

Real Estate News

She Shed

I have decided that I would like a She Shed! My house is full of boys. I would love a place that I can make super girly that is quiet and just for me. I saw an article about this in House Beautiful and I felt so inspired. If I had an extra room in my house, I would just use that as my space, but all the rooms are currently occupied so the backyard it is! It looks like you can buy a shed kit and then dress it up to look however you like. I saw one that was even painted mint. How fun!! One woman hung a chandelier in her She Shed. It had a couch and lovely flowers. I could picture myself sitting in there with a good book and coffee or maybe a glass of wine! I'm still trying to convince the hubby...I'll keep you updated!!

Check out these awesome photos on House Beautiful: https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/outdoor-ideas/g2614/she-sheds-ideas/

Be Careful!

'Tis the season for grilling and fire pits. Per Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, please place hot fireplace, stove, bbq or fire pit ashes in a metal container 10 ft away from your home or any combustibles. Once cold, ashes must be placed in a bag tightly closed and knotted, and deposited into your brown garbage cart.

Credit: Mt Diablo Resource Recovery, Summer 2018 Newsletter for Concord Customers

California Wildfires

There are fires raging all over California. It is so scary and there are so many people that need our help. Below is a link to a list of organizations that are helping in the effort.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-to-help-the-victims-of-the-california-wildfires

I am sure there are more, but this is a good starter list. So thankful for all of the brave men and women who are out there fighting these fires. We pray for their safe return home.