Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! While I’m desperately trying to hold on to summer, all of the fall activity is definitely heating up. Lots of to-dos for back-to-school, football, and of course my new love–concessions! Every now and then I just have to remind myself that once we get into a good routine when school starts, it’s so much easier than all of the anxious anticipating that happens beforehand!

Since it’s been a Friday or two since I’ve done one of these posts, I feel like we have a little catching up to do. Let’s go!

Camp Hope: Last week, my son Jimmy was a buddy up at Camp Hope. For those who don’t know, Camp Hope is a five-day, sleep away camp in Ingleside, IL for teenagers and young adults with developmental differences. My mom was on the board that helped launch Camp Hope 20 years ago, so it was extra special to have Jimmy be a part of it in this anniversary year. Jimmy was one of the 30 or so teens that is partnered with a camper to help them navigate the week. And when I tell you that Jimmy blew me away in how committed he was to the whole Camp Hope experience, I wouldn’t be saying enough! This is true of all of the local teens, young adults, and loads of volunteers that come together every year to make camp happen. The Camp Hope community often talks about the magic that happens there and I saw it through Jimmy last week. One night, I went to help in the kitchen, and of course had to check in with Jimmy to see how he was doing. At one point, he asked me to look over at his friend’s camper who had some pretty severe differences, and he said “Doesn’t he have the sweetest face?” I mean, what 16-year-old boy says that? Jimmy’s heart and mind was opened in the best way last week and he has already said he will definitely try to be a buddy again next year. Later this fall, I will be sharing more about the celebrations around Camp Hope’s 20th anniversary. It would be a great way to become involved if you would like to be.

New podcast: I’m so excited for two of my friends–Martha Zeeman and Nina Vallone–on launching their podcast “Hiya Gorgeous!” They are touching on so many subjects important to women in their late forties and beyond…I just love it! I recently listened to an episode on having conversations with your adult children that I thought was so insightful. Definitely worth a listen! I know there are many more amazing episodes to come from these two!

Pinerary: Speaking of talented friends, I shared in stories yesterday how my amazing friend Annie Pezza has built an online platform where travelers can share their itineraries. The idea is that Pinerary will become a wealth of information you can trust when planning your next trip. Until the end of August, if you register on Pinerary and set up a travel profile for yourself, you will be entered into a drawing for a free trip! Be sure to check this out!

Newport recap: We had the best little trip out to Newport, RI late last month and I recapped where we stayed, what we ate, and everything we did while we were there in this post. I’m a big believer in taking the trip!

My favorite looks from Boden: Boden is having a real moment! I received their catalog this week and literally loved every single item. Here is a roundup of my favorites.

First Quince purchase: After some hesitation, I bought my first dress from Quince. It’s almost identical to the Anthropologie Somerset Maxi at a third of the price. I think it’s an incredible dress for what it costs. If you’re hunting for a good staple, this is for you.

Energy bites: This is a new favorite in our refrigerator and my whole crew seems to like them. Super easy to make!

Have you watched Presumed Innocent? I binge-watched this while I was cooking and ironing last week and OMG!! It was so good, but I’m not so sure about the ending. I really need to talk about this but probably need to wait until more people have watched. Have you seen it?

My first colonoscopy: What a thing to share, right? But I was three years overdue in getting my first screening and I want to tell others who might be afraid to do it, it’s not that big of a deal! They’ve really perfected the medicine you take before the test–so while it’s not the most fun you’ll ever have, it’s not terrible. While I know this isn’t the case for everyone, I literally had no downtime afterwards. I was able to help out at Camp Hope for dinner later that night. My only tip: don’t wear a dress to your colonoscopy! A two-piece ensemble would have been a much better choice! Ha! If you’re local and need a GI doctor, I’m a big fan of the one I went to. Email me and I can send you the contact information.

All right! That’s all I have for you this week. Enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead!

xo,

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through one of my links, I will make a small commission–almost as if I were your personal shopper. I appreciate your support!