Well hello!
Happy Friday! I hope it's been a good week. We are mid-way through June, and I'm trying to squeeze every last ounce out of this summer. We've got a calendar full of fun events, celebrations, and gatherings, but I'm also trying to leave room - both physical and mental - for spontaneity, for relaxation, for quiet. I hope your summer calendar provides you the balance of scheduled activities and space for rest. (Did you miss my summer bucket list for the days when you want to do something but aren't sure exactly what? You can snag it here!)
I wanted to share a few more things I've been loving lately. As always, no affiliate links or anything, just stuff I genuinely love and want to share with you!
Dill and Chickpea Salad - So, SO yummy and so easy! This easy recipe has been my go-to lunch over the past few weeks.
Mare of Easttown - Possibly the last person on the planet to have watched this, but GOODNESS. Sky and I finished this a few weeks ago, and it was riveting. I love a good drama, and this 7-episode series had us on the edge of our seats and so emotionally invested in the characters. We watched it on HBO Max, though there may be other ways to watch too. Kate Winslet is so, so good in this one. Sadly, it sounds like there aren't any plans for a 2nd season, so make sure to savor every episode!
Lessons in Chemistry - I know this one has been popular, but I recently finished it and really, really loved it. Elizabeth Zott was a quirky character that I loved rooting for, and it was a good reminder that even though we're not where we need to be in terms of women's rights/the role of women in society, in a lot of ways we've come a LONG way in the past 60 years!
Cold Brew Coffee - The weather is heating up and that means that I'm swapping my mid-afternoon hot cup of coffee for a glass of cold brew instead! I make my own (so easy and much, much cheaper!) - here's a link to a printable version of the “recipe” I use.
Tides Inn Brunch - A few weeks ago, I had the chance to get away with some of my girlfriends for a weekend at a river house in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Such a lovely, serene spot, and we had a blast sitting out on the dock, kayaking, and just enjoying some time away. On Sunday morning, though, we went to The Tides Inn in Irvington for brunch at their on-site Chesapeake Restaurant. I had the prettiest cocktail and a delicious crab cake sandwich, but the views and atmosphere were second-to-none. Irvington is such a cute town for a getaway - highly recommend!
Cheatham Snail Mail cards - Carrie is a fellow Richmonder who makes beautiful cards for all occasions. She hand-paints each card (!!) and the best part, is that a portion of her sales go to supporting local refugees through ReEstablish Richmond and other organizations. You can shop her website here, or find her amazing work in lots of local RVA (and beyond!) establishments.
Coco de Mer + Cardamom candle - I couldn't forget to include my current favorite candle, could I? This new addition to the Sunshine Collection has me feeling all the summer vibes. Our annual family beach trip isn't until the end of July, but this scent just screams oceanside to me. It's tricky to describe, but it's my take on the classic Tom Ford Soleil Blanc fragrance… It smells like sun tan lotion in all the best ways. I hope you'll try it!
Have a great weekend, friends! xo - Cheryl