Nine Favorite Things.

I mentioned this yesterday, but I’m really in shock that Memorial Day is in a week. It’s so crazy that summer is already here. I’m very, very ready for summer, but at the same time, I’m not ready. This year has gone by so fast. I blinked, and now it’s already summer! Do you feel the same way?

Regardless of my mixed emotions, I’m so excited for the next couple of months. First and foremost is the sunlight. As I was photographing earlier this evening I noticed just how long the sun is staying up. Today was our first full-on sunny day in over ten days, and it was glorious. It finally felt kind of like spring, which was so GREAT, seeing as next weekend is Memorial Day. In my head, Memorial Day is the true start to summer.

The streaks of sunlight at 7 p.m. are just stunning. I love them so much. This might sound weird, but they bring me a sense of calmness. Something about that time and the way the light is setting is so peaceful, it’s my favorite. I feel the same about the morning light, I never use shades. I love allowing the sun to come into my bedroom each morning. it’s up so early now!

Aside from the summer light, I’m looking forward to so many new things this summer. This will be the first summer in 17 years that I am not going to be in Colorado. As to where exactly I’ll be, that is a little up in the air, but I think I’m going to spend at least a little time in Cleveland. I miss Ohio summers!

Aside from that, I hope to be all over this summer. I definitely want to spend a little time in Miami and maybe head up to Palm Beach. I really miss South Florida. Then, who knows? I’m sure I will have some trips to LA and NY for work, but my summer plans are very much up in the air. Which is kind of exciting, but also gives me so much anxiety. I’m plotting something beautiful but keeping it quiet for now, I want to see it through and then share more!

I definitely want to spend time with Asher. I really missed her! She’s finally home after over a month of traveling with my parents, and I can’t wait to chit-chat with her all summer long.

Do you have summer plans? Any fun trips?

That’s all for today, not a ton to report, but I have some fun favorites below! Hope everyone has a very nice Sunday!

1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

summer reading…Things You Save in a Fire and The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel. McKenzie on our team sent these to me. She said both books were both INCREDIBLE!! These will be fun summer reads!

ordering…reel paper towels and toilet paper. This brand is new to me, but I am going to order the toilet paper to start. The brand is biodegradable and sustainable, plastic-Free, BPA-Free, fragrance-free, chlorine free, and has no inks or dyes.

everything in my cart (low)…from Zara I love their mixed velvet semi-sheer shirt. This would be a cute pool day cover-up shirt. And this printed t-shirt is perfect for a beach day. So fun for summer!

Also, love the new asymmetric top for a night out.

From H&M, the perfect linen pant and summer activewear jacket.

listening to…Natasha Oakley, Co-founder of Monday Swimwear & TPC: Starting a Business With Your Best Friend, How to Know if You Should Start a Business, Protecting Against Burnout, & More.

burning…the new Camille Styles – Day Break Candle. Camille just launched clean burning candles on her Casa Zuma website and I am so excited! The Day Break candle sounds like the perfect summer candle with notes of California citrus, jasmine, and cypress. Very California, which is very Camille!

dreaming of going to…Passalacqua in Lake Como. It was named the World’s Best Hotel for 2023. And from the looks of it, I can understand why. This is my dream hotel. Someday I will stay here!

ordering…this Stackable Round Ice Cube Tray Set for fun summer drinks!

shopping…the Half Baked Harvest Every Day and Super Simple cookbooks. Both are currently 50% off on Amazon! Also, every time I pull up the Amazon page for Super Simple and actually read what’s written, I feel so happy that the books bring people so much joy. And how cool to be named one of the best cookbooks of the year!

listening to…How To Swap In Non-Toxic Products For Better Health & Results Ft. Bethany McDaniel, Founder Of Primally Pure. I wasn’t sure I would be interested in this conversation, but learned so much!

everything in my cart (beauty)…I think the new Slip silk sleep masks (scroll down) are the cutest. The 12 new prints are the Zodiac signs. I don’t usually get into Zodiac signs, but I think the masks are cute! I am a Virgo, but my favorite is the Leo mask – love the yellow lion!

For a summer glow, I want to try the Tanning Foam from SALTYFACE. I love that this product isn’t filled with toxic chemicals.

And from YSE beauty, the Xtremely Rich moisturizer and Brightening Treatment and The Problem Solver. I love the YSE products.

This venus sculpting tool from Beauty Shamans is the prettiest gua sha.

Lastly, this is an investment purchase for sure, but after reading so many good reviews, I want to order the LYMA Laser Starter Kit. This is an infrared laser that focuses on wrinkles, firmness, and beautiful, radiant, healthy-looking skin at home.

wanting…to watch Challengers on Amazon. Is this worth renting for $12? Did anyone watch it? It looks and sounds really good + I love Zendaya (don’t we all?).

watching…The Idea Of You with Ann Hathaway. Asher told me about this, she said it’s cute.

everything in my cart (high)…this Saint Laurent canvas backpack is the beach bag for summer. I’m in love with it. I’m not usually a logo girl, but this bag is so cute!

The Miu Miu Lace-Up Leather Boat Shoes. Never have I wanted a pair of boat shoes, but if I make any plans to spend time on a luxury yacht, I’m ordering these!

2. My Favorite Strawberry Recipes.

The Best Strawberry Shortcakes

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Double Strawberry Cupcakes

Double Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Baked Strawberry Glazed Doughnut

Easy Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

3. Everything from Shopbops 15% off Beauty Sale.

so many good deals; stock up on my favorites 

4. Just a Note.

I shared this message on Instagram this week and wanted to share it here, too!

5. My Favorite Vases.

6. Summer Essentials.

summer styles 

summer accessories 

other summer essentials 

7. Favorite Links i’m Loving.

These Are the 10 Best Sunscreens of 2024

I Tried Creatine as a Pre-Workout for 30 Days

Your Cheat Sheet for the Best Memorial Day Sales That Have Already Started

This Netflix Documentary Will Change Your Perspective on Gut Health

8. My Favorite Tennis Looks.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Honey Lime Chili Chicken Bowls

Tuesday: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes

Thursday: Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Tzatziki

Friday: 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

Saturday: Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese

Sunday: Strawberries and Cream Cookies