C’est La Vie

Hola amigos! I just got back from co-hosting a fiesta-themed 30th bash for my younger sister. Not only was the party a smash hit on the food/drink/decor front (thank you tacos, tequila, and Pinterest), but it was a beautiful example of the importance of pausing to show the people in your life how much they mean to you.

As someone who is easily caught up in her own schedule and routine, seeing the joy on my sister’s face and sharing this special weekend with family reminded me that nothing is more worthwhile than giving your time to the people you love.

Ben recently had fairly serious shoulder surgery, and we’re in the middle of repainting our house, both of which have taken much of our free time over the last few weeks.

As counter-intuitive as it may sound to schedule time for fun, now that Milwaukee has transitioned into full-on summer mode, I’m striving to take advantage of this beautiful, special time of year however we can. My goals include attending as many free outdoor concerts as possible (with a picnic and bottle of vino, of course), eating my body weight in fresh cherries and peaches, and spending every available evening on our back porch.

To start our summer fun (or should I say continue our summer fun since it’s nearly July, WHAT?), here’s a list of a few of my latest faves. Tell me yours too!

Most Popular Recipe on My Site Right Now. Shrimp Tacos.

Upcoming Blog Recipe I’m Most Excited to Share. S’MORES TREATS, ya’ll. Coming tomorrow!

Best New Recipe I’ve Tried Lately. Michelle’s Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting. We baked it for my sister’s birthday, and it is perfect in every way.

Reading. Beartown by Fredrik Backman. I adored his A Man Called Ove, and thus far Beartown is living up to it.

Drinking. This legit Cold Remedy Tea. Because I have a horrific cold. In June.

Hoping to Drink. Jess’ entire list of Summer 2018’s Best Rosés.

Listening to. The podcast Every Little Thing, which explores questions ranging from silly to serious, all tackled with respectable journalistic fervor.

Recipe You Need to Make this Fourth of July. The best Flag Cake. It’s so moist and fluffy. It (and by association, YOU) will be the hit of the party!

Favorite Easy Summer Dresses That You Can Dress Up or Down.

• I own this maxi in two prints. SO COMFY. Also, if like me you freeze in summer indoor AC, the skirt does double duty as a stylish blanket.
• This dress’ pretty back detail steals my heart. So many fun colors to choose from!
• I want to wear this flirty dress on my next date. My sis actually wore it for her 30th bday bash, and it was so fun and flattering.
• I’m glad pantsuits are still in style because I bought this little number last year and L-O-V-E it. I receive compliments every time I wear it, and it’s so comfortable I feel like I’m getting away with wearing PJs in public.

Life Upgrade. Finally replaced my old running socks with this colorful, affordable set. When is the last time you replaced yours? It had been AGES for me, and I was shocked by how much more comfortable my feet are during and after my workouts, thanks to this small change.

The Georgia Grandma Who Strangled a Bobcat right after attaching a bumper sticker to her car that read “well behaved women rarely make history.” Appropriate, no?

My Mini Fridge Taught Me How To Cook. A short, enjoyable read.

Hair Dryer Roast Chicken. I’m not going to say I’ve tried it. I’m also not going to say I wouldn’t try it.

Anything you are loving lately? LEMME KNOW in the comments below! I absolutely love hearing from you.