Friday Favorites - August 25, 2023

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack - An investment to be sure, but GOODNESS do I love this bag! I've had it for 2 years now, and it's still going strong. I use it everyday as my work bag (I have the one with a laptop compartment, which is great), but I also use it anytime I go just about anywhere - it's my carry on bag for flights, my go-to on car trips for stuff I want to get to easily, and also allows me to easily carry everyone's water bottles while we walk around Busch Gardens (don't ask). Super comfortable and supportive (my back never hurts, no matter how much stuff I put in there), and much cuter than any other backpack I've ever had (I have a pink color that it looks like they don't offer anymore, but lots of other great color options available). Highly recommend!

 

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - Whoa. I know this is not a hot take because this book has been a best seller for months, but I devoured this book and really loved it - although I feel a bit strange saying that, to be sure, given the topics. It's fiction but so well-written that it feels like it could be real-life – and probably is a lot of people's real lives. 10/10 recommend. 

 

Tillamook Mudslide Ice Cream - Tillamook is the CREAMIEST ice cream. I really can hardly keep it in the house because it's just SO GOOD. All of their flavors are delicious, but Mudslide is absolutely divine - rich chocolate ice cream, hunks of chocolate, and fudge? Say no more. I also love using it to make homemade ice cream sandwiches. It's still technically summer for like 4 more weeks, so let's enjoy!

 

Barbie - Again, not exactly a sleeper pick since it's been on top of the box office for several weeks now, but I can't recommend this movie enough. It was entertaining and clever and poignant and I loved every minute of it (both times I saw it). We took the kids last weekend to a morning show, and they enjoyed it too; I don't think they understood most of the jokes/themes (which is why it's rated PG-13, I suppose), but they enjoyed it too. And America Ferrera's monologue? Just absolutely perfect. (I was definitely ugly-crying).

 

Maren Morris' Hero album - One of the members of The Highwomen, who recorded the song Crowded Table that gave my company its name, I've been listening to this album from 2017 on repeat this summer while driving. Just a great, fun album!

 

Teema towel - I got a LOT of targeted ads for these on social media, and I finally caved, but boy do I love this! This Turkish towel is lightweight and easy to throw in a beach/pool bag, but it also looks nice enough to use as a throw in the living room (or decor in a candle accessory photo, ha!). I got the navy striped one (no one is surprised by this!) and I've already gotten a lot of use out of it. It has washed well and I've given a couple as gifts already too! 

 

The Lilly Pad - This delightful RVA riverfront spot has yummy food and drinks, and I love that it's casual enough to bring kids without worrying about them ruining anyone else's experience. This awesome spot is on the James River in Varina - it's a bit of a drive, but well worth it for the experience! You can rent boats from the marina and they have live music on the weekends. Definitely a fun summer/fall spot!

 

Succession - I'm usually at least 2 years behind the times on shows that other people have watched (still haven't seen Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, or The Walking Dead, though truthfully those don't exactly appeal to me), but I recently finished watching all 4 seasons of Succession and somehow was hooked even though I found all of the characters absolutely despicable. Still, it hooked me in and I recommend it if you like drama. 

 

Burning candles - Shameless plug, but it's starting to feel more like fall, especially in the mornings and evenings. I love the atmosphere a candle gives on a cozy evening, and I'm currently finishing my Coco de Mer + Cardamom (smells like suntan lotion in the best possible way) with a plan to burn a Spiced Pumpkin + Vanilla Cream next (basic, I know, but just SO GOOD).