#6: The Weekly Rundown
Post-wedding blues and a slow summer ahead
This weekend was just indescribably filled with joy! Seeing my best friend marry her perfect partner — who is also one of our best friends — was just over-the-top happy. It was a beautiful weekend, and I can’t stop scrolling through the photos, trying to relive it all. The best part was the beaming bride from the ceremony on. The joy was palpable.
Reality set in quickly with a seriously delayed flight and the post-wedding blues. I swear there is a seratonin drop when something you’ve looked forward to and planned (helped plan, in this case) for so long passes — Monday was rough! I’m motivated to create a little happiness this week in the form of bringing back morning walks, spending time in Nashville’s glorious 70 degree weather, picking back up my needlepoint and cooking simple and delicious meals. Homemade salmon Caesar salads last night and caprese with corn and grilled fish tonight.
In that same vein, I’m welcoming in the slowness of summer. Aside from a handful of weekend trips, we plan to stay put this season. Hoping that looks like lots of pickleball with friends, impromptu live music, walks and runs around the neighborhood, finally getting out of my reading rut and Tuesday night dinners on our patio. As that picks up, I hope to reach for my camera to share those things here.
The Weekly Rundown
COOKING
A few things on my radar right now:
Spicy tuna rice bowls — a quick and easy rec from Bon Appetit
Sheet pan gnocchi with asparagus, leeks and peas — one of my favorites for summer entertaining
Zucchini salad with basil, mint and feta — a fresh side dish
The best olive oil cake — another entertaining favorite
Grilled steak caprese — once we get our grill up and running again
SHOPPING
Not the most exciting recommendation, but I recently bought the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant, and it’s amazing. It’s been around for ages, but I never thought it was a justifiable price. I’m extremely picky about deodorant smells, and this one is light and fresh and not overpowering at all. I say it’s worth it!
I wore these Schutz heels in the wedding, and I’m looking forward to wearing them all summer long. A little kitten heel and pretty natural linen fabric, they can easily dress up or down.
In keeping with a slow, easy summer, I’m looking for simple more dresses that are cool but polished. My nap dresses feel really dated to me now (still love their comfort and ease!), but I have had my eye on this Hill House style in the red stripe as an upgrade. This Doen Emmaretta dress is beautiful, too.
Eternally on the lookout for the perfect button down, I’m eyeing this oversized one from J.Crew.
TRAVEL THINGS
My L.L. Bean canvas tote goes on every flight with me. I have the large zip-top in natural with natural monogram. I only wish I’d gone with the long straps instead of short. I can fit everything I need and more in it, and it fits under the seat in front of me.
But, I couldn’t take it without plenty of pouches inside. I use these ($12 for 18!) for separating needlepoint projects, essentials (Burt’s Bee’s chapstick in Pomegranate, cardholder, cell phone, a pen, Airpods), or even a change of clothes. They aren’t fancy (or really that cute) but they’re functional and affordable.
Something so silly that brings me so much joy is this puffy Kindle sleeve that my mom gave me earlier this year.
Now that I have tried a hanging toiletry bag, I don’t think I could ever go back! I have this one from Amazon, but I actually think the large is just a little bit too big. I am thinking about trying this one where the pockets make more sense to me.
That’s all for this week. Hope yours is filled with happy!
xx, Annie
Have been debating those mesh pouches and finally ordered!!