Be honest, how many of you are listening to Folklore on repeat? I know I’m not the only one. What a happy surprise from Taylor! I’ve loved it. My top 5 songs:
1. The Last Great American Dynasty
2. Exile
3. Illicit Affairs
4. Cardigan
5. Epiphany
Also love Peace, Invisible String, The 1, and This is Me Trying but honestly, the whole thing is incredible. Well done, Ms. Swift.
Books
I’ve been rolling through the books lately (audio and paper/ebooks) and these three really stuck out as my favorites.
Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris is the beautiful follow-up to the very popular (and very good) The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Based on real events and a real woman, Cilka’s story takes us through her imprisonment after being rescued from a concentration camp after WWII. The story is incredibly captivating and one of true strength. I recommend both books, but I don’t feel you have to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz to understand Cilka’s Journey.
I’ve waited a long time to read this book. I did want the story to end, so I put off. Louisa Clark came into my life and made a heck of an impression in the first book, Me Before You. You may have read it or even seen the movie (I still get teary eyed watching the trailer). I read After You, the second book, and wasn’t too impressed, though I was happy to see how Louisa was dealing with all the events that happened in the first book. I finally decided to dive in and man oh man. It was a beautiful story that I still didn’t want to end. When it was over, I wanted even more, which is the sign of a good story in my opinion. I imagine Louisa is finally happy and has found her true adventure and place in the world. I highly recommend this series even if the middle one isn’t that great. You must read it to understand the ending, though. It’s worth the time!
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan was such a fun read! I decided to go the audiobook route through the our public library app, and I could not stop listening. It, of course, has many similarities to the current royal family but is also very, very different. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how the relationships played out. I liked it so much that within a minute of finishing this one, I ordered the sequel, The Heir Affair. I’m only on chapter two, but so far so good!
TV
Anyone else not watching as much TV? During the fall, winter, and spring, we usually have a DVR full of shows from the week. Summer is always slower, but we’ve only watched two shows that come on network TV. We’ve also been working on only one Netflix show, and I’ve only watched one random movie- another Hitchcock classic I’ve never seen.
Shopping
In this season of staying home and being comfortable in lounge wear and pjs, I decided to treat myself to a few new dresses. I’ve been seeing this one from Old Navy pop up in my Facebook and Instagram ads, and when it went on sale, I decided to scoop it up. It’s currently out of stock, but check back often as it goes in and out all the time. It’s also available in an adorable navy and white gingham if that’s more your speed. Fits TTS and has sweet criss-crossed straps in the back. Here’s an equally cute blue and white striped dress from Old Navy, and it’s fully stocked.
I took a cue from one of my favorite Instagram fashion influencers, Anna Page, and tried shopping at a new-to-me store, H & M. Of course, this particular print isn’t available anymore (rolls eyes), but the style is, and I just ordered this one because this other one came in but was too big. This style of dress is very comfy and feminine. Can’t wait to dress it up for fall with booties and a leather jacket.
We all should know by now that I love a little sparkle, and True South came through in terms of the sparkle masks. I just saw all the other colors she posted, and I NEED the silver and gold sparkle ones!
Speaking of masks, Paul found a company that makes them from dress shirt material. They came in this past week, and they are very nice. If you know a guy that wants something a little nicer than the standard black mask most men wear, check these out. But honestly, I’d wear these, too. The pack of five is only $21.
Recipes
Truth be told, I haven’t been trying many new recipes lately. We did, however, remember the two slabs of ribs in the freezer and decided to give them a try in the crock pot last week. I posted on Instagram saying that we were more of a dry rub kind of rib eater but that’s because my father-in-law has spoiled us rotten by cooking such delicious ribs that way. This recipe is in the saucy camp, but I have to say they are no less delicious. Just a different kind of delicious. Find the recipe here.
Products
After complaining about the self tanner that I was using being pretty terrible, my former Louisiana neighbor and fellow self-tanner suggested I try Fake Bake. I’ve used it four or five times now and have been very impressed with it. It comes with the mitt and tanner, which is in spray form, not foam. This is different for me, but I haven’t found it to be more difficult.
The longevity of the tan is what has been the most impressive. I really like this formulation. It’s $30 on amazon, and though that’s double the price of the last one I used, it’s well worth it. You get what you pay for.
I feel like I mention it all the time, but I’m living for the nights I use this charcoal mask. I’ve been working more at Wisteria Cottage this summer, and I’m required to wear a face covering while we have customers. The charcoal mask is exactly what my skin needs after a busy day or two at work. It leaves your skin feeling amazing. I think I’ll do one tonight.
Well, that’s way more than 5 things, but it was 5 categories, so technically it all worked out. I hope y’all have a great rest of the week! Paul and I celebrate ten years of marriage on Friday, and I cannot believe it! Seems like such a big milestone. I look forward to celebrating all day! Might even make him watch the wedding video. 🙂 Have a great one, y’all!
