I’m getting closer to publishing a Friday Favorites on a Friday…this week it’s only Saturday and I’m sitting down to finish them. For the last three years, the stretch between Christmas and spring break has been such a killer because of a fundraiser I work on for the athletics program at our high school. I’m always so grateful for the experience when it’s over, but until then it is a constant test. I hate asking people for money…it literally pains me. But I know this is for a good cause and it’s paying forward to a program that has had a huge impact on my children. I just have to keep telling myself that we are in the last week. A week from today it will all be over and I won’t have any more excuses for being late in getting my Friday Favorites out. (Fingers crossed!) Until then, here is my list for this week.
Sunshine in a jacket: This adorable yellow jacket was haunting me (in a good way!) on all of my social media platforms until I just broke down and bought it. Boden has done it again with this Peter Pan-collared, bow appointed, precious yellow jacket of my dreams. It’s so good and would be wonderful for any Lake Forest High School senior moms who need something adorable to wear for all of the spring fun ahead. (I ordered a size 8.) A little tip: I’ve noticed that if Boden sells out of something I love, I can sometimes find it in stock on Nordstrom’s website. It’s worth a look if you’re on the hunt for something!
Paris through the eyes of a local: For my birthday, my London-living daughter Grace gave me a Eurostar pass from her beautiful city to Paris. My brother and his wife visited there last year and followed Anna Kloots’ guide to Paris when they planned their trip. I’ve been pouring over it the last few days and think I will be doing the same. She covers everything from places to stay, where to eat, things to do–and everything has been vetted by her. You know I will share all, but on the chance you may also be planning a trip in the near future–I thought I would give you a heads up that this resource is out there. I also had to download Anna’s memoir on Libro. It sounds like a modern day Eat, Pray, Love.
Inexpensive florals: Last week, I helped a friend plan a luncheon for her family. With time and budget at a premium, I reached out to Costco to see if they could help me with the flower arrangements for our tables. Because it was very last minute, I didn’t have a ton of say in what I was getting, but they were able to track down nine very pretty spring arrangements–for less than $25 each–that were just perfect for what we needed. I always try to shop local first, but I knew that wouldn’t work for this event. I was super pleased with how it all turned out. The customer service desk connected me to “Native Floral Group” who sources the flowers for Costco. There is also an option on Costco’s website to order flowers, but I think you need at least a two-week lead time for that to work.
DIY Lavender Matcha: I know I recently told you about my love for Tala’s lavender matchas. It is my favorite thing to post up at Tala in Highwood to get some work done and order one of these in a big ceramic mug. But since I can’t do that every day, I was determined to figure out making one at home. Here is my recipe. And if you’re local, I found the Califia Farms lavender creamer at Sunset.
J. McLaughlin’s latest drop: J. McLaughlin is ready for spring and has so many cute things for spring break if you’re heading somewhere warm. This, this, and this are so cute. And I did pick up this brown- and-white stripe blouse with a ruffled collar last week in a medium. I think this will be fun on its own or under a sweater.
Delicious soup recipe: It’s going to be cold again this week and you may need a cozy dinner recipe. This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup recipe was so easy to make and such a treat at the end of a long day. It calls for half and half, but you can substitute nonfat milk for a lighter soup.
Twist on a classic: I love me a navy sweater and snagged this one on major sale from J.Crew. It hits right at the waist, so it’s short but not cropped. And the weight of the knit and white buttons make it very fresh. I ordered a medium.
New TV shows streaming: There is so much good TV out that it’s hard to keep up. Full Swing on Netflix dropped season 3 last week and it’s as good as ever! I have to pace myself with this one because I’m always sad when it’s over. The Gabby Petito documentary, also on Netflix, was excellent (thank you, Bridget for the rec!). There was so much I didn’t know about this case that they covered in this piece. I also started White Lotus on Max. I watch this on the treadmill because it’s a little too steamy for the big television in the family room. I love Parker Posy!! I also find this series is a typically little slow to start, but after two episodes, I already feel like it’s picking up steam.
Okay, that’s all for now. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and an even better week 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!
Photo above by Jenn Marie Edwards
