You guys, it’s been a minute. I know, I’m sorry. There has been so much life going on and honestly showing up here hasn’t been a priority. What I have been prioritizing is my mental health and that has meant taking a step back from life online for a good portion of the summer and re-evaluating what direction I want to go from here on out. It meant deleting my Instagram account in June (I’ve felt at least 50 pounds lighter ever since) and focusing on the good when there seems to be so much bad swirling around.
In any case, I’m really glad to be here today with something other than a photo diaries post, even though those have been more popular than I anticipated, to share what I’ve been loving lately. I apologize in advance, because there are a few more than 5 things…
5 Things I Love Friday
Gaby’s Basil Vinaigrette – I have a love for all things Gaby, but this dressing might be one of my all-time favorites. I’ve been using it on salads all summer and dipping vegetables in it for snacks. It’s SO good and I usually make a jar on Sunday and it lasts throughout the week. Dane is a big fan, too!
Haircuts – Halfway through July, I realized I hadn’t had my hair cut in a really, really long time. Things were looking…not great…so when Oahu partially opened, I decided it was time to get a fresh cut. And I really love how it turned out. Lighter and slightly brighter (ya know, to cover all the grey…) and feeling good!
Leopard Rothy’s – I treated myself to a pair of Rothy’s after looking at them for nearly two years and I have zero regrets. I knew I wanted something that would hold up and I really love that they’re machine washable and made from recycled plastic bottles.
Vegetarian Pot Pie – I made this recipe after having it bookmarked for over a year. What took me so long? I have no clue! But wow – we were so impressed! I will definitely be making it again + that biscuit topping is out. of. this. world!
New Cookware – I’ve been slowly trying to replace cookware in our kitchen as it gets older, as well as invest in pieces I know will last. Earlier this summer, Wayfair was have a big Le Creuset sale and since I had a gift card, I stocked up. I got a new cast iron skillet and baking dish with a lid. So far, they’re the cookware I’ve been reaching for most often while cooking and I know that I’ll get a ton of use out of them as the years go on. What is it about cooking in cast iron that tastes so good?!
Netflix – Netflix has been on fire during quaran-times. We’ve loved Selling Sunset, The Baby Sitter’s Club, Queer Eye (all seasons!), Self Made, Love Is Blind, Outer Banks, Unsolved Mysteries, Miss Americana, Becoming, and and Money Heist.
A couple posts I’ve truly loved/sparked my interest/made me think this summer…
Pride Month Book List | Chocolate Dipped Fruit Bars | Why Did YouTubers Give Away Their Son?
Care Packages – 2020 has felt overwhelming in so many ways and missing my parents is pretty high on the list of “things that suck right now”. For a variety of reasons, they’re not able to visit and I’m unable to go there, so we’ve made the best of keeping in touch via snail mail. My mom has (twice now!) managed to get homemade sauce and pickles into my packages without anything breaking. Such a sweet taste of home!
I hope everyone has a truly wonderful weekend!