By the time this email gets to floating across your screen, I will be floating down The Lazy River at the Rumbling Bald Resort in Lake Lure, NC. I'm excited to have some down time to soak in these last moments of summer. Seriously - it's already August?

Do you remember when you were a kid, summers seemed to be endless?  Now I hate to admit that often it doesn't even seem to matter what season it is (although I am much happier when it's NOT snowing and when it's NOT 100+ degrees with 100% humidity). As adults, our summers get shorter and shorter. So many things get in the way. 

As I'm packing for our week long retreat at the lake with grandparents, aunties, cousins and doggies galore, I'm conjuring up memories of summer sleepaway camp, when I used to throw fits about jumping into the murky, ice cold lake for swim lessons first thing in the am. (Yep, I was that girl). And although I never fully got used to the bugle blasting into our bunk as our alarm clock, I'd give anything to go back to that rush of the first time you get up on waterskis, followed by zooming around the lake in the Boston Whaler with the camp golden retriever.

For real, there was a golden retriever that rode around in the boat with the campers. I crave the thrill of that time you almost captured the flag, got your first kiss behind the rec hall during the camp social or found candy hidden inside that big hardcover book your mom sent in your care package.

Although this lake is in North Carolina v. Maine, and circumstances are just a little different now, I'm hoping being at the lake will bring back just a touch of that spirited, youthful excitement, coupled with some easygoing relaxation. Of course, the upgrade in accommodations won't hurt! 

I can't wait to watch Avery dip her little toes into the water and feel the difference of lake sand v. beach sand. I can't wait to see her watch the boats go by, and to be completely engrossed in play with her gaggle of older cousins who can't wait to see her.

Maybe while the cousins are entertaining Avery, Eric and I can sneak off and work on our dance moves. 

Besides having the time of our lives, what I am really most excited about is Shutting. Down. Yes, that's right. I'm signing off completely from all social media and email for the entire week. Word is there isn't great service down there anyway, so I'm just cutting the cord and powering off. It's going to be so refreshing to experience and feel everything like a human pre-internet and smart phone. I will see everything through my own filter (although if I had to choose one, it would be Valencia- makes me look tan). 

As a momtrepreneur working on my growing business, I spend my LIFE on the computer/smartphone. Seriously - when I'm not with Avery (and honestly, sometimes when I am) - I'm either tapping, typing or clicking away. It's my source of connection to the world on the average weekday when most folk are at the office. It's where I can come to vent to you about #mommyproblems or tell you about my latest adventures in decorating. It's my source of communication and livelihood. It's where I go to grow - there's a pressure to keep up with everything and stay relevant on the scene. I'm not complaining - I actually really like it! But I know it's not healthy, mentally or physically, to be so screen obsessed. It's time to hit the refresh button and be lured by the lake. 

But, before I go... since I find design everywhere, I couldn't leave you without the below round up of lakeside inspo. 

So, how do you power down?

~L.S.