Reading
The Breakaway, about a mid-thirties woman finding her way and herself as she leads an eclectic group of bikers (that includes her mother, her two-years-prior one night stand, and a teen in crisis) on a ride across the state of New York, was a great "break away" from the suspenseful mysteries toward which I usually gravitate. Jennifer Weiner doesn't usually disappoint, and she certainly didn't with this novel - it reminded me how much I enjoy her as an author and that I should pick up her books more often!
Watching
It makes me so sad when the Olympics come to an end. I LOVED the Closing Ceremonies though (Tom Cruise ziplining into the stadium and then Mission Impossible-ing his way to Los Angeles? Yes, please!), and I can't wait for the 2028 Summer Olympics!
As I type this on August 27th, the Paralympics haven't yet started but you can bet I'll be watching these events throughout the end of August and beginning of September!
This month I watched season two of The Lincoln Lawyer (I'm thrilled a third season is in the works) as well as the documentaries Blackfish and American Murder: The Family Next Door. I didn't realize how many interesting documentaries are available on Netflix, so while these two were only average in my opinion, I'm happy they opened my eyes to a whole new world of show options on our streaming services!
Listening To
While I don't think I'll listen to the podcast Acquired on a regular basis, I LOVED the episode on Costco. I will never not shop there after learning the business' origin story and how they care for their customers, employees, and suppliers.
Following
Right before the Olympics started, I stumbled upon the Instagram account belonging to Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher), a member of the United States women's rugby sevens team. She was/continues to be a breath of fresh air in my feed, providing an up close and personal look at what goes/went on in the Olympic Village, supporting other athletes, and introducing and promoting the sport of rugby to her rapidly growing number of followers. Perhaps most importantly to me, however, is her commitment to and focus on content that promotes healthy minds and bodies. Her website reads, "Beast. Beauty. Brains." I love that, and her, for the important work she's doing on behalf of women and girls everywhere.
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| Dear girl with the big shoulders, You are not undesireable. You are not built like a linebacker. You are not manly. You are not unattractive. You are beautiful. You are imposing. You are powerful. You are magnificent. Put your shoulders back, hold your head high, and walk into any room like you own the place. Love, Ilona (her post with this photo) |
Trying/Using
I have a bunch of little - but cool - things things to highlight this month!
These updated hair clips are fantastic. I can't figure out why it took so long for us to create something more functional than what we used back when I was in high school.
I gave in and purchased these bug trappers to help us get a handle on all of the fruit flies that come out this time of year. I won't show you everything the little glue cards have captured so far, but trust me when I tell you they work.
I picked up these Pep Talk Postcards for Hallie and me to send to friends this summer. They're all super sweet and a great way to let someone know you're thinking about and rooting for them. And who doesn't love getting mail!
The outdoor patio chairs at our house in Tulsa had places to hold your cup AND your phone AND your keys AND your sunglasses. I can't find these exact chairs online, but if you're like me and need a safe place to put all of these items while lounging by the pool, just know that a chair that can deliver on all fronts exists out there in the world.
Wearing
We've reached the point in the summer where I hate getting dressed. I'm tired of all of my summer clothes, but I can't start wearing my fall clothes because as tired as I am of them, I'm equally tired of being hot and sweaty and don't want to make it worse by wearing jeans.
But speaking of jeans... I picked up this pair in the light wash and I *think* I like them. I still miss skinny jeans, but I feel ok in these and they've been given Hallie's seal of approval so I guess I can (plan to, when it's finally cooler outside) wear them in public. They're on a great sale right now, so I'm trying to decide if I should buy a second pair in a different wash...
Eating/Drinking
This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef was delicious. I had intended to serve it on rolls or hamburger buns, but we ended up having it alongside potatoes instead and it was a huge hit.
Also quite tasty was this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken. I'd once again intended to serve it on rolls or hamburger buns, but we all opted to put it on top of big salads with french bread on the side.
Last but not least, this pancake recipe was *chef's kiss* - I don't usually eat breakfast, but I LOVE breakfast for dinner and this was a perfect addition to last week's Sunday night menu.
Smiling About - Olympics Themed
Just a few of my favorite moments...
- This show of sportmanship during the women's gymnastics floor routine medal ceremony.
- The first-ever medal won by a member of the Refugee Olympic Team.
- Poolside knitting projects
- Simone Biles overcomes years of physical, mental, and emotional challenges to claim her rightful place atop the podium.
- Katie Ledecky becomes the United States' most decorated female Olympian of all time.
- It took new coach Emma Hayes only 81 days to completely return the USWNT to its former glory.
- His job is Pommel Horse.
- Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez competed while seven months pregnant.
- Perhaps the most relaxed competitor at the Olympics: Turkey's Yusuf Dikec.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's performance in the hurdles was breathtaking. (Like I think I actually held my breath for that entire race.)
- Tara Davis-Woodhall and David Woodhall 😍
- Last but certainly not least, SNOOP DOG.
On to September!
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