Current Favorites! Summer Edition ♥

Good Monday morning Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I don't know about you, but those blessed two days at the end of the week are what I live for.

On Saturday John and I saw Inside Out 2 at the movies and I LOVED it.  It was the best Pixar movie I've seen in a long time.  My heart was in my throat the entire time and that's what I want from a Pixar movie.  They really know how to do that to you, don't they? My eyes welled up so much that at the end of the movie my contact lens popped out of my right eye! Thankfully I was able to put it back in once I dried my tears. LOL

On Sunday we made an impromptu visit to my mother in-laws.  She put out coffee and cookies and we chatted a bit on her cozy 3 season porch.  Here is her tray.  It's it lovely.  So simple and elegant.  From the 25+ years I've known her, I've always admired her knack for presentation.

The candle is lemon to match the napkins.  See what I mean.  It's the little things. 

Always ♥

Anywhoo, this morning I've got my coffee and laptop out on the back deck.  What a relief to finally be outside. The temps have dropped and there is a beautiful breeze out here today.  Last week we had a heatwave.  It was over 100 degrees for 3 days in a row. It wasn't pretty! At least not for me it wasn't.  Even inside in the air conditioning it still felt hot and I was sluggish (i.e. cranky) all week.  This girl is not a hot weather gal.  I've been dreaming about the "ber" months obsessively lately, but I won't get into that right now.  I understand some of you may not be ready yet : ) 

John just brought me breakfast and coffee.  The perks of having a teenager home for the summer.  School is OUT and we couldn't be happier! 

Happy Summer! ♥

                                                

For today's post I wanted to share with you some of my current favorite things.  I guess you could call this the summer edition.  

First up is a beauty item.  I wear Supergood Glow Screen under my makeup 365 days a year.  Because it's summer and sunscreen is on everyone's mind I wanted to mention it.  It's lightweight, not pilly like some sunscreens, is odorless, and if you get the tinted one, it gives you a nice pearly glow.  

I love it.  I never leave home without it ♥

Speaking of makeup here's another beauty item.  I just started using this foundation a few weeks ago and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  Maybelline skin tint (comes under the heading "TikTok made me buy it") is wonderful!  I wanted to try a lighter foundation for summertime and this one had rave reviews online. It's light coverage and I feel like my skin can actually breathe under it.  I think it's perfect for everyday wear, even on hot days.  It's definitely as good as high-end brands. 10/10 

Philosophy body wash is a favorite of mine. It's so creamy and lux.  I never go a Fall/Winter without a big bottle of Cinnamon Buns in the shower (IYKYK).  I saw this one at Marshalls a few weeks ago and had to scoop it up.  Coconut Frosting! It smells like a day at the beach. Let's say it's part body wash, part aromatherapy. 

So my friend BJ will laugh at this next one because she heard me go on and on about this one day!  New PJs are my favorite thing in the entire world!  I purchased these two pairs recently from Kohls.  So soft, light, and cozy.  Why get dressed at all?!  

The reason it's funny is because I ordered a shopping cart full of summer clothes online and returned just about everything except the PJs.  I despise shopping because I can never find anything to fit me properly or that I even like.  But PJs, well that's a different story.  I'm pretty certain I own more pajama sets than actual clothing and at this stage of life that's quite alright with me ♥

On to podcasts...I understand this one may not be for everyone, but this discovery to me felt like Christmas day!  Did you know that in 1964 Lucy had a radio program? Neither did I! And I thought I knew everything about Lucy.  Apparently not.  Lucy had a daily 10 minute radio segment where she interviewed some of her famous Hollywood friends.  The best part about it is they talk about normal everyday things, like raising teenagers, fashion, home life, hobbies, vacations, ect.  Sometimes she broadcasts from Desilu Studios in Hollywood and sometimes it's right in her backyard in Beverly Hills. Lucy talks honestly about family which is a side of her that I've never heard before.  Some guests include Debbie Reynolds, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Jane Powell, Ann Southern, Vivian Vance, and Hal King, who was her makeup artist and friend.  He worked for Max Factor and gave "makeup application" tips which I thought was so funny as so many things have changed since 1964!  For example, he suggests that a housewife/mother applies light makeup in the morning before breakfast, so she'll look pretty for her husband as she sends him off to work.  He then suggests that she wash her face and reapply everything (a bit darker) for an afternoon of shopping and lunching with girlfriends.  And yes....we are cleansing and reapply again before hubby comes home for dinner. This time we apply even darker lipstick and eye makeup. Three times a day! Who has that kind of time?  I find this all hysterical and I love it with my whole entire heart! ♥

This podcast is a joy and feels like an actual time capsule.  Lucy is kind, funny, honest, and endearing. I didn't think I could love Lucy anymore that I already do, but you know what....I do! 

Plus the golden age of Hollywood fascinates me, and I wish it was still like that.  There was an elegance about it. Times have certainly changed.  

♥

Susan Branch once said that the best part of spring and summer is getting to be your own florist.  

She's right!  I've been taking advantage of the blooming flowers to cheer up the house.  

It's been making me happy all week.  At least the flowers don't mind the weather.  

I'd also like to offer a tip I read in a book once.  On super hot days put your moisturizers, body lotions, eye creams, and body mists in the fridge. It's the best feeling after a hot shower or just being hot in general to be able to put cold cream on your face and body.  If you hate the heat like I do, this is a live saver. You're welcome! ♥

What are some of your current summer favorites? I'd love to know! 

I hope you are staying cool.  The summer is only just starting.  We've got a long way to go!

Have a wonderful day, friends!  I'm making a yummy cake tonight that I can't wait to share with you later this week. It has berries and marcapone cheese in it.  You're going to love it.

Talk soon! ♥

Also this.... it doesn't happen very often but when it does....bliss!!!

Can you relate? 

XOXO ♥

No-Churn Vanilla Buttermilk Ice Cream ♥

 Good Morning Friends! Hapy Monday! I have missed you! ♥

I have been in the middle of a huge work project that has been taking up most of my time the past few weeks.  Thankfully, I do see light at end of the tunnel and soon I'll be back to my regular schedule. Whew!

 It's been quite busy, but I am proud of myself for getting what I need to get done, done. I've spent most of the past two weeks at my desk with my head down or on zoom meetings.  I don't usually do well under pressure.  Where some people thrive on it, it's not my thing.  Unfortunately, sometimes in life we just have to go with what's thrown at us. And that's what I'm doing.  For now ♥

Anyway, aside from all that business, it's an exciting time around here.  The school year is winding down. John has a week and a half to go and it's jam packed with activities.  Last week he had his year end band concert.  It's was a wonderful show! Later that week there was an ice cream social for all the members of band.  On Saturday he preformed at the High School Graduation and then he was off to a fellow band member/friend's house for a "jam session".  Music is everything these days.  Tonight is the band awards night, which Rob and I are looking forward to attending.  Later this week there is an after school event to celebrate the juniors entering senior year (I know, I can't believe it either!!), he's volunteered to help the Junior high band at 2 shows during the week at the junior high school for community service, and finals start Friday! Are you tired yet? I sure am!!  Meanwhile he's trying to put the final touches on his summer work situation which looks like will be two part time jobs.  He's busting with energy and excitement! This is the one place John and I differ.  He loves to be busy.  I absolutely hate it.  Give me slow and boring any day. But this isn't about me :)

♥

This Saturday we have a date to see Inside Out 2 and I can't wait.  

I'm bringing tissues! 

♥

As for Rob, he's been busy working hard and on the weekends, he's doing lots of yard work around here making our yard look pretty.  When I step outside, I love to smell the fresh grass and mulch.  He likes to putter outside and that's ok with me.  Yesterday he hosed down the deck and cleaned it all off.  There was so much pollen!  Now I can bring my laptop out there and work if I want to.  I'll take advantage of that before it gets too hot.  It was a bit humid last weekend and I did catch my October loving heart complaining.... I'll try not to do that....too much. 

Lately I like to sit outside and watch the birds, bunnies, and chipmunks.  It's very peaceful and calming.  Especially on busy days.  

Despite being so busy with work last week I was determined to try this summer recipe I saw in Valerie Bertinelli's new cookbook Endulge (which was kindly gifted to me by my bestie BJ).  It's a no-churn vanilla buttermilk ice cream.  YUM!  It only took a few minutes to put together and no ice cream machine was needed! The only downside is you have to let it freeze overnight before you can try it.

That was hard! ♥

No Churn Vanilla Buttermilk Ice Cream, pg 296

So easy and delicious!  I decided this will be the summer of homemade ice cream!  Last night I made a quick blueberry cobbler and we had the rest of it with that.  

My Dad really loved it! ♥

 And there you have it! Summer is here! : ) 

I hope you all having a nice Monday! I've got to work now, but I'll be back soon.

Byeeee!!! ♥