Tag Archives: Amazon

The Purchase that Saved the Summer (+ a cocktail recipe)

When we moved to Alabama, I was so excited that we’d have a backyard. Coming from a big city, where it was starting to feel like we were living on top of our neighbors, I was excited for the extra space. Our first summer here, we hung out in the backyard a bit. Did some grilling, sat outside chatting with friends, even planted a few things. But the mosquitoes were pretty horrendous. In a true case of “the grass is always greener,” I started to miss our screened-in balcony in Miami.

But this summer we showed up with an action plan! We splurged on a pop-up tent (more like a pop-up gazebo…this thing is pretty huge) that offers a bit of protection from all the bugs. It’s proven to be the perfect place for eating dinner, reading a book on a lazy afternoon, and just CHILLING. We’ve even run an extension cord from our kitchen on a few occasions so we could hook up a box fan. Hello, GLAMPING!

Do you hang out outside in the summer? Do you have a porch, a stoop, or do you just head to the park? Let me know in the comments below.

Wherever you’re chilling, this drink would be the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing summer’s evening. Enjoy!

Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients –
– 1 bottle of Prosecco 
– 1 cup Limoncello
– 1 cup raspberries, muddled & for garnish
– 2 lemons, for garnish

Instructions – 

At the bottom of a wine glass, muddle approximately 4-5 raspberries.

Fill each glass half way with Prosecco, then fill the remainder of the way with Limoncello.

Garnish with fresh sliced lemon and raspberries before serving.

P.S. Other summer faves are linked HERE.

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List 10: On My Wishlist

I started a LIST SERIES in Summer 2018 and decided to keep adding to it here and there. These posts are kinda like an introduction (or a reintroduction for those who’ve been with me since the jump!). A nice to meet ya, so glad you stopped by, now STAY AWHILE! Why lists? Because I love making ’em! Enjoy…

A few things I’m coveting…

Household –

A stash of fabric gift bags
Essential oils
Collapsible bucket
Memory foam bed pillows
Air purifier
Textured throw blanket 

Organization –

Expandable file folders
A habit calendar
Weekly to-do list notepad
Medicine cabinet organizer
Fair Trade baskets
Weck .5 liter jars 

Books –

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Fade Into You by Nikki Darling
The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
Life-Changing Foods by Anthony William
Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs
The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath 

Beauty –

Scalp massaging shampoo brush
Mario Bedescu facial spray
Makeup remover cloths
3D fiber mascara
Wake Up Beautiful mask
Purifying shampoo 

Pack-along –

A fast drying camp towel
Cotton napkins in a cactus print
A personal water filter
Odor absorbers
Long johns
A calming scent 

Treat yourself –

A candle from the hygge collection
A year’s supply of Ghiradelli brownies
Girls Trip on DVD
ChocZero chocolates
Camomile, honey, & vanilla tea
A toilet upgrade 

Fashion –

Simple t-shirts
A cheeky slogan tee
No show socks
Light pink running shoes
Swimsuit coverup
A dress with pockets

Tell me what things you’ve been eyeing in the comments below! xoxo

P.S. I’m thinking of setting up a permanent page on this site with wishlist-y type items I’ve scouted online. Would you guys be interested in that? Maybe updated once a quarter or so? Let me know!

[And in case you’re curious…

LIST 1
LIST 2 
LIST 3
LIST 4
LIST 5
LIST 6

LIST 7
LIST 8
LIST 9]

Entryway Wish List

Where do you focus your design-energy in your home? There are the obvious spaces — like creating a zen-like bathroom or a kitchen that feels cozy enough for guests to gather around the table. But lately, I’ve been feeling inspired to add a little of my aesthetic to our new entryway. As I mentioned in this post, it’s the first design project I’d like to tackle in our new abode. After all, it’s the first thing folks see when they walk in your house!

So far, I’ve got these hooks hung and a runner rug laid out. (Shout out to my mom for choosing the rug!) I took to Amazon to track down some other pieces that are now wish listed for the project …

This shelf, sitting long-ways, can display my bits and bobs, but also offers a storage solution by tucking a basket or two in the bottom cubbies.

A director floor lamp to cast an inviting glow.

I could add texture by sticking an oversized plant in the mix and housing it in one of these mid-century modern planters.

Ya gotta have a mirror so you can check your look before leaving.

And maybe a large print in a gold frame for the DRAMA.

Finally, I’d like to add this piece to my bar cart (which is what you see as you walk down my self-created entryway) because I’ve considered tons of small wine racks and I always land back at this one.

For little touches – I’m all about a giant candle with sweet matches at the ready, succulents nestled in terra cotta pots, and maybe a thrifted crate to house muddy shoes.

How have you decorated your entryway? Tell me in the comments! 

P.S. Since we’re renting this home, I’m following these tips.

mid-week round-up

How have you been, guys? We had a fantastic time in Savannah celebrating the wedding of our friends Katie & Marc! It was so much fun getting to spend time with them, along with other friends and my family, and experiencing a bit of such a great Southern city. (I’m thinking of writing a post about some of the restaurants we enjoyed while there, if y’all are interested!) They had a beautiful garden ceremony in historic downtown and the reception was at a restaurant overlooking the river. So, so magical! Now that we’re back to reality, I’m slowly but surely getting unpacked and slogging my way through a very full inbox. Beam me back to champagne toasts and Spanish moss, plz!

Links for you…

A horchata-inspired protein shake perfect for summertime breakfasts.

How water affects people attempting to cross the Mexico – U.S. border.
It’s expected that anyone crossing the border will lose access to clean water. Bonds compares the journey to the Hunger Games — and the audience is everyone who watches, especially during this administration, without doing a thing. “You’re hunted,” she says. “Maybe water falls from the sky if you’re lucky on that day. You’re going to die or almost die trying to get here.”

Related: Border Angels leaves dozens of gallon jugs of water in the desert along high-traffic migrant paths. DONATE HERE.

Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel lays bare the horrors of collusion with the patriarchy.

So many cute things in the new Cupcakes and Cashmere online store. (Especially these earrings, this candle, and this pillow.)

An open letter to the creators of S-Town.

Books Through Bars distributes free books and educational materials to prisoners. (I love that they have an Amazon Wishlist so it is super easy to donate!)

Related: I’m near the end of Season One of Prison Break and if those dudes don’t bust out soon I SWEAR TO GOD.

Gorgeous copper flatware would certainly elevate your next dinner party (or weeknight meal).

A day in the life of a food vendor.

What began as an attempt at a simpler life quickly became a lifestyle brand. #vanlife
Scroll through the images tagged #vanlife on Instagram and you’ll see plenty of photos that don’t have much to do with vehicles: starry skies, campfires, women in leggings doing yoga by the ocean. Like the best marketing terms, “vanlife” is both highly specific and expansive. It’s a one-word life-style signifier that has come to evoke a number of contemporary trends: a renewed interest in the American road trip, a culture of hippie-inflected outdoorsiness, and a life free from the tyranny of a nine-to-five office job.

Love the idea behind this craft project subscription box!

Buckets of opportunity in Rural America.

Crime, addiction, and religion meet at the greyhound race track.

P.S. Here are a couple Finding Delight posts you may enjoy — Meal Planning for Beginners in 7 Easy Steps and It’s All an Illusion.