We've made it to Friday! I hope yours has been a good week. Signs of spring are starting to emerge here in Richmond (along with seasonal allergies!), and I'm looking forward to a mostly unscheduled weekend to relax and recharge.
I thought it might be fun for me to share a few of the things I've been loving lately! Call it Friday Favorites, perhaps? All of these are things I genuinely love - no affiliate links, but I hope you enjoy!
Nisolo Chelsea Boots - I asked for (and received) these amazing boots for Christmas this year. I love this company's commitment to ethical practices and sustainability, including ensuring that their workers earn a living wage. I'm trying to lean into slow clothing more these days, being more mindful of how what I purchase affects both people and the planet. I've pretty much been wearing them nonstop since I got them (super comfy!), and I think they'll last a LONG time. BONUS: These are currently on mega sale so it's a great time to snag them!
Crescent Simples Grapefruit Rosemary Simple Syrup - Local to RVA, I recently tried a cocktail made with this delicious syrup and I'm obsessed! My go-to drink of late has been 1.5 oz of vodka, 1.5 oz of this simple syrup, and 5 oz of tonic water - light and delicious! I love that they include so many cocktail recipes on their website, and they have a store locator on their site to help you find where they're stocked.locally. I recently picked up the Peach Hibiscus on my bar cart to try next!
I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet, by Shauna Niequist - I've been a big fan of Shauna Niequist's writing for a long time. She is thoughtful and real, and so many of the values she espouses are those that resonate with me too - family, community, and being intentional. I've read and loved all of her other books but somehow it escaped me that she'd written another one last year. I'm about halfway through (truly trying to savor it and not read it all in one sitting), but it's a great read so far. Also, she has a Substack! I've linked to bookshop.org - if you purchase, please support your local bookstore instead of one of the big giants. )
W & P Porter Insulated Bottle - I'm ashamed to admit how many times I bought takeaway coffee simply because I didn't have a travel mug I liked. I don't like the taste of coffee from a metal-lined travel mug, and I wanted a bottle/mug I could toss in my work bag after I finished my coffee or tea. This has been a game changer. Smooth silicone on the outside (I got the pretty pink one), ceramic on the inside, and TRULY leakproof, I use this bottle daily and highly recommend!
Lindsey Martin Photography Lightroom Presets - For the longest time, I had no idea that presets existed. These are basically a tool to edit the photos you take on your phone to make them look near-professional. Lindsey is a master photographer (she's done our last 2 rounds of family photos and my catalog photos), and I use her presets in the free Lightroom app to touch up and edit my product photos and personal photos! There's a bit of a learning curve to getting them installed, but it's well worth the trouble and she has a detailed guide to walk you through the process. I own the Signature Preset Pack, Autumn Preset Pack, and the Light Lift Preset Pack - all highly recommended! Also, if you're looking for a family photographer local to RVA, Lindsey's the best!
Crowded Table Black Currant + Bergamot 10 oz. Soy Wax Candle - I can't do a favorite things round up without including one of my candles, right? Thanks for understanding :) This is one of my newest fragrances, and I was so thrilled when I got this one right. With subtle citrus scents, including bergamot - the flavor behind Earl Grey tea - and orange, plus a soothing oceanside feel, this new scent really sets a calming tone in my home, which I certainly need right now! It's hard to appreciate without smelling it, perhaps, but I think those who are fans of Aspenglow, Sea Salt + Jasmine, and Grapefruit + Clementine will be especially drawn to this new and fresh scent! Plus, I'm giving you $5 off this scent this weekend - so give it a try! Use code TRYIT for $5 off your 10 ounce Black Currant + Bergamot candle through Sunday, March 5th!
As always, thanks for your support, friends. Let me know if you check out any of these options OR if you have an idea for something I should try!
Cheers to the weekend!
Cheryl
PS - If you're not already following along on Instagram, make sure you check it out - I have something fun up my sleeve for March Madness that you won't want to miss!