Happy Friday, friends! What a week! Even though it was a busy one, the fact that we saw the sun shining through most of it made it very manageable.
I love that we’re in the homestretch to summer. My college kids are counting down the days until they are home on break. I move them home May 9! Until then, there is lots of end-of-year fun. This weekend, we have Notre Dame’s spring football game. On Monday, Annie has her bridging ceremony from Holy Cross to Notre Dame (I am so proud of her!). And then on Wednesday, Eddie receives his letterman’s jacket from Notre Dame’s Monogram Club. It always feels like we have lots of big transitions going on, but that’s what keeps life exciting, right?
In other news, for those of you following my bird saga this week, I have an update. As some of you know, I had this giant robin who ended up building a nest in the wreath of my front door. This bird made a HUGE mess on my front porch, so after making sure there were no eggs in the nest, I moved the wreath to a trellis behind my house. Those of you who have had similar experiences were very supportive of my decision to do this. However, the bird did not take to the nest after I moved it. I’ve seen it flying by and I know it’s the same bird because it almost always has a piece of toilet paper in its beak. (The toilet paper comes from high in the trees from when the Lake Forest cheerleaders decorated our yard last fall for homecoming–ha!). During the wind storm this week, the nest was knocked loose from the wreath and I took that as my sign that I could put my wreath back on my front door. But before I did, I stuck some dryer sheets between the leaves because I heard this would serve as a deterrent. So far that seems to be working. (Fingers crossed!) But I do have a peace offering in mind for this menace bird and it’s one of my favorites for this week. Let’s get to those, shall we?
A new bird house: I just ordered this bird house and am planning to hang it outside my kitchen window. My parents gave me one years ago that I just loved, but I had to retire it last year. This was the perfect time to replace it and I hope the birds will accept the good wishes it comes with. I promise to let you know how it goes.
J.Crew’s spring sale: I’m just loving what J.Crew is showing for spring. And since they seem to be leaning very European, it makes me so happy because I appear to be in my European era! Here is a round up of some of my favorite pieces from J.Crew, including this Chanel-inspired Emilie jacket (I bought the medium) and this khaki dress that is perfection. I actually wore this dress to an out-of-town funeral last weekend and it didn’t wrinkle at all. Dress fits true to size.
Eye brightener: Last week, my friend Katherine from Trish McEvoy showed me “the clean girl” makeup look for spring. She always has new tricks up her sleeve and this time she showed me how to use the Correct & Brighten Shadow Eraser that is usually applied under your eyes, on my smile lines around my mouth. It’s amazing how this works. I wear Shade 1.5. I’ll film a tutorial next week to show you this, but it’s crazy how this softens those pesky lines. Also, Katherine is at Lake Forest’s Bluemercury most weekends and loves to help a girl out! Stop in and see her!
Dinner for a friend: I had to bring dinner for some neighbors this week and this menu is no fail. It’s good summer or winter and transports well. I thought I’d share the lineup in case you’re in the same boat.
lululemon’s spring colors: Show me all the pink and green! lululemon has such fun colors in store now, including these Align leggings in the Cascade green. My Notre Dame moms will love these!
Meghan Markle book: OMG! My mom told me about this book—Revenge by Tom Bower–and I couldn’t stop listening to it. Even though the author clearly has an anti-Harry and Meghan agenda, this book is very entertaining if you need a royal fix. It’s great on audio–I walked lots more steps trying to finish it! If you need something a little more literary, I just started The Women by Kristin Hannah. My mom also raved about this one!
All right, friends, that’s all I have for today. I hope you have a great weekend!
xo,
Disclaimer: If you purchase an item through a link in this post, I do make a small commission–almost as if I were your personal shopper. I only share what I love and I promise to let you know if I’m specifically working with a brand to help promote their products.