Guilt Trip: A Case for More Girls Weekends

I have the worst case of FOMO – particularly if it involves a trip. If you invite me somewhere (anywhere), I want to go and I am basically going to move heaven and earth to try to be there.

Because of this, I often find myself overcommitted, stressed and most of all: filled with guilt. Guilt for missing work, leaving my kids, my husband, errands piling up, and basically just all the types of guilt that have me thinking HOW CAN THEY POSSIBLY MANAGE WITHOUT ME. (Spoiler alert: they can.)

What I know in my heart and what I always realize is that once I arrive on this trip I’ve committed to, I never regret it and always realize that I really, really needed it.

My recent trip with some of my oldest and dearest friends was no exception. We covered so much ground in three short days…some of which (not all!), I am sharing with you here. My friend hosted us in her beautiful home on DeBordieu in South Carolina which was the perfect place to kick back on her porch (images below) and on the beach with no distractions. (Thank you, Britton!)

On Clothes & Accessories…everyone loved my blue Loeffler Randall Sandals and Julia Amory jacket. I am also on my second pair of these espadrilles, also by Loeffler Randall; will wear them all summer. We bonded over a shared love of STAUD clothes and accessories (my friend wore this amazing yellow one on Friday night), Dorsey necklaces, new-to-me jewelry from Charleston based designer Theodosia, this chic Frank & Eileen button down worn as a cover up, and the White Lotus crystal sunglasses.

A few others on my list lately are this white camisole dress (such a pretty scalloped style), this colorful new Clare V. crossbody (and very best bag to travel with – holds all your passports, wallet and other travel essentials), summery lip gloss from GOOP, a much needed new rain jacket and cute denim shorts with lace detail for weekend errands and lacrosse fields.

On Shows & Podcasts & Books…apparently I am the only person on planet earth not watching A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read but not to worry I am all caught up now and very invested in the outcome. Other shows my friends are loving: Love on the Spectrum (“restores your faith in humanity”), Billy Bush’s podcast, Hot Mics with Billy Bush (apparently he has a lot of good scoop on the Blake Lively/Just Baldoni drama), 1000 pound sisters (haven’t watched this one yet but my friends are big fans), and The Life List on Netflix.

On Our Summer Plans…this group of friends is a travel loving bunch so everyone has big summer plans. One friend is headed to Paris and Normandy, another is headed to Cabo. One friend is a big National parks aficianado and is planning a trip through a company called Under Canvas, a “glamping” company that operates in multiple national parks including The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yosemite, the Great Smoky Mountains, and more. One friend is undecided and was looking for suggestions – I encouraged her to consider Villa Dubrovnik, one of the neatest hotels I’ve ever been to, currently closed and set to re-open after a $50M renovation in June. Others we discussed as great options to consider: St. Barth’s and Tuscany.

“What experience can be more magical than sleeping outdoors and under the stars? Enjoy waking up to the sights, sounds, and smells of nature in one of Under Canvas’ incredible outdoor destinations. After spending the day discovering the beauty and adventure of the surrounding area, return to your safari-inspired tent and relax in comfort and style. Our camps boast secluded locations, exceptional views, a host of activities, and of course, extraordinary natural wonders right outside your tent.”

Under Canvas

Beauty, Health & Life…I am so late to the steamer party, but my friends insist on its benefits so this one went immediately into my Amazon cart. Other beauty finds include this shampoo and conditioner duo, Sarah Creal Broad Spectrum Face Mineral Sunscreen Serum, Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days 5-in-1 tinted moisturizer, NOW Multi Collagen Protein Supplements, and Creatine Monodydrate gummies (read why you need these here).

I am also loving this Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda and and this NYT recipe for Spaghetti al Limone (note – pay attention to part of the recipe that calls for a non reactive pan. I had to learn that the hard way.)

On Good Clean Fun…get yourself a Karaoke Machine. At the beginning of the weekend we laughed at the thought of any of us using it and fast forward to the second night when they couldn’t get the microphone out of my hands. Try as I might, some things never change.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Always ends with a dance party.

Lots of fun was had at this table.

Hi Liz!

The hand painted “wallpaper” in my friend’s powder room. So beautiful.

I love a pretty table.

Can you believe this view.

View from the back of the house.

On the lookout for gators.

Breakfast treats.

Beach time.

Blue Chunky Woven Raffia Sandals

Loeffler Randall Sandals

The Loeffler Randall espadrilles at the most beautiful new shop in Birmingham according to Veranda and, me!

The Most Beautiful New Shop in Birmingham & the espadrilles paired with shorts and a cardigan.

Under Canvas

Villa Dubrovnik

Loeffler Randall denim shorts with lace detail

STAUD

Dorsey necklaces

Julia Amory jacket – my go to airplane outfit.

Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days 5-in-1 tinted moisturizer

Much needed new rain jacket – but please quit raining in Birmingham!

Spaghetti al Limone

NYT recipe for Spaghetti al Limone – summer in a bowl.

By the way, when I ask myself why I am how I am (still singing karaoke and carrying on at this age), I remind myself that it really can’t be helped – here’s my dad at almost 80, still at it. May we all be so fortunate to be singing and dancing as long as we can.

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