Summer's Here & The Time is Right: Everything I am Loving Now

Summer is almost halfway over here in the South where I live in Birmingham, Alabama, a point in time that always saddens me but also inspires me to really focus on enjoying the remaining time left before school starts again. My boys are headed to camp this weekend which, as every parent can attest, is a bittersweet experience. On the one hand it feels so lonely and quiet without them in the house and all the responsibilities that come along with parenting. On the other, they’re so excited, it is the best thing for them to be off their screens and learn new things, and on top of that, even though it is hard to admit, every parent needs a minute to catch their breath and reset.

Here’s everything I am enjoying so far this summer, and here’s to making the most of the second half.

TRUE CRIME

Without meaning to, I’ve been on a true crime kick this summer including three Netflix shows and one outstanding book that I’ve been listening to on walks, car rides and airplanes called London Falling, by New York Times bestselling author Patrick Radden Keefe. Keefe is also the author of Say Nothing and Empire of Pain – both incredible books if you have not read them. There are a lot of moving parts in this book; I’ve been listening to it vs reading it which has kept me engaged and entertained but it is somewhat challenging to keep track of all the characters. The author narrates the audio version which I liked. So basically you cannot go wrong either way – it is a fascinating true story.

Should I Marry a Murderer? – I am not going to give these stories away so won’t tell you what they’re about but all I can say is there are a lot of messed up people and situations out there. I almost didn’t believe some of this was real until I googled the stories after I watched them.

Maternal Instincts – this one is so disturbing and unbelievable.

The Crash – also disturbing and shocking true story – on Netflix.

London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth. I loved this book so much that I want to read it again after listening to the audio book.

London Falling is written by Patrick Radden Keefe who also wrote *Say Nothing* about The Troubles in Northern Ireland, centering on the abduction of Jean McConville in 1972 and the stories of Delours and Marianne Price who were key figures in the IRA. It is also a great show on Hulu and I suspect London Falling will be as well.

The Other Bennet Sister: The one exception to my summer of crime is this adorable gem of a show on Britbox. It is such a joy and I was so excited to see that there will be a three-part Christmas special this year. My favorite character is the mother, played by Ruth Jones who also starred as on Gavin and Stacey (IYKYK). She deserves her own show as this character in my opinion.

Other Britbox favorites of mine this summer for my Angophile friends are A Woman of Substance and The Hardacres.

The Other Bennet Sister is also a nice antidote to all the crime and murder.

The Other Bennet Sister follows overlooked Mary Bennet as she journeys from Meryton to Regency London and beyond, in search of love, independence, and the self-worth she’s long been denied.

FRUIT THEMED ACCESSORIES

Some summers I’ve been drawn to stars and hearts and seashells, but for whatever reason this summer it is fruit – namely cherries and strawberries. Why? Who knows but these $9 Amazon Cherry Clips are my new obsession.

$9 Amazon Cherry Clips

Also this Strawberry Opal Pendant from Ariel Gordon. LOVE!!

In love with this little strawberry charm and the length is great too.

Also still loving my Nivea Strawberry lip balm again this summer.

ANIMAL PRINTS

For whatever reason, I am making a lot of animal print purchases this summer.

Birthday celebration dress at Villa Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Nili Lotan animal print one piece swimsuit

I love this French brand, Balzac. I own this shift dress and have worn it a ton this summer, to work with a cardigan and flats, to church, and out and about. I think this is almost sold out but Balzac has a ton of great animal prints options – tops, swimsuits, dresses, etc. The packaging is super cute too.

They had me at blue and white striped packaging.

Loeffler Randall Snake Sandals – so good for summer.

Silk Knot Wedges – Loeffler Randall knows how to do animal print.

I don’t know how she does it but all of her shoes are really comfortable, even wedges and heels.

Not animal print but animal adjacent in the safari category: I have worn this lightweight army green jacket by Baukjen on flights all summer. It is the perfect weight and cut for chilly airplanes and airports and it looks great with white jeans, a dress, etc.

NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER COLUMN

This summer, I’ve discovered this quirkly little newsletter from the New York Times which is basically a lot of information I never knew I needed but now cannot live without. I avoided it for a while (I think because of the name “Wirecutter” which still doesn’t appeal to me) but I have found myself reading it each week. They have a recommendation for everything from the best suitcases to moisturizers to picture frames, kitchen gadgets, white jeans, and on and on.

Here are a few headlines to get a feel for the content:

The Best Makeup for Mature Skin – I bought a ton of stuff that was recommended in this article and it has all been great, especially this eyeshadow pencil.

White Jeans We Love

The Order You Load Your Ingredients Can Make or Break a Smoothie – See what I mean? Do I need this information? Likely not. Am I going to read it? Yes I am.

After Considering 73 Moisturizers, We Found 7 Standouts for Different Skin Types

A Wedgie Proof Swimsuit For Kids – Not relevant to me but someone out there could use this !

EVERYBODY LOVES STRIPES

My stripes obsession continues. For more stripes inspired content — you can find it here.