Hi friends! And happy Friday! It has been quite the week back. Re-entry, post-vacation is never fun, but when you pile on Election Day, Easter plans, work deadlines, and 30-degree rainy weather on top of it–you have yourself a week! I haven’t even had the chance yet to recap our week in Cabo, which was, the absolute best. There is something so magical about sunshine and no schedule!
Last night, I picked up our middle guy from college for Easter break (side note: our oldest son who would normally have driven his brother home but he’s coming home tomorrow because he’s meeting his girlfriend’s family today–gah!). On the ride home from South Bend, Leo had lots of questions about spring break because he was with us last year when we took the same trip to Cabo. He was so curious about what the four of us would talk about. This struck me as so funny because just as I wonder how the family dynamics will be as our crew at home keeps getting smaller and smaller, the kids who are away are thinking the same thing, too. While I told Leo Cabo wasn’t the same without him, we still managed to enjoy our vacation. I have started a post about where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did in Cabo that I will post next week if you ever plan to travel to Cabo. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a very special place!
We’ll have four of our kids home for Easter, which just makes me so happy. My brother and his wife are hosting brunch for all of us who live locally and then I’m going to have my crew plus my parents for dinner Sunday night. I’m actually looking forward to some time in the kitchen this weekend and a full house. In case you’re still looking for some menu inspiration for Sunday, here’s everything we’ll be making.
Before I head out to the grocery store, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things from the last week.
- Juicer: We had fresh green juice everyday we were in Mexico. Last year when we got home, I wanted to buy a juicer but talked myself out of it. But with my family behind the idea this year, I bit the bullet and bought this one. It’s super fast and pretty easy to clean. From start to finish, it probably takes me 20 minutes to make our juice with this machine–5 minutes making it and 10-15 minutes cleaning up. But one week in, I’ve used it every day and my family seems to be really enjoying it.
- GOOPGLOW Vita-C Brightening Eye Cream: I have been on the hunt for a really great eye cream, one that totally hydrates under my eyes that wears well under my concealer and I think I finally found it! Love or hate Gwyneth Paltrow, her company make some great products. Two thumbs up from me for this well-priced eye cream.
- Cute white blouse: Every season, I buy myself a new white blouse to freshen up my closet. I tend to live in jeans and a white top, and this one I snagged from J. Crew is just the cutest (and it’s also on super sale). I also did a quick round up on my blog of a handful of other white blouses I have my eye on–especially this puff sleeve from Tuckernuck.
- A new take on a classic flat: Sam Edelman is quickly becoming my go-to for a pretty and comfortable shoes. My favorite slides in Cabo were Sam Edelman and my now-favorite everyday flat is Sam Edelman, too. This shoe is a great dupe for the pricier Mansur Gavriel shoes I’ve had my eye on. Love them!
- Great reads: I read three books in Cabo and two of them are in my top 5 favorite books I’ve read in the last few year. First, the Marvelous Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Patakki was just outstanding. This book is historical fiction but is quite biographical of Post, the woman who founded General Foods and built Mar-a-Lago to name just two of her amazing accomplishments. I was so incredibly sad when I finished it. Second, Lessons in Chemistry had been so hyped up that I had to read it and it was another one that I was crushed when I came to the end. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a character as much as I did Elizabeth Zott, as well as all of the supporting characters, including her dog. I laughed out loud, I cried–it was unforgettable. If you need a book to sink your teeth into, either one of these will do the trick!
Okay friends, I think that’s all I have for this Friday. Next week will be full of adventures as my daughter Annie and I head off to do some last minute college visits. You can be sure I’ll be sharing everything as we go.
Happy Easter and happy Passover to all who are celebrating!
xo,
