Notes From The Week / Vol. 20
Camp mom, a big project, and recent purchases including an unexpected dress and the cutest summer pants I couldn't resist.
Week one of our no-camp summer is in the books. It was so nice not having to rush the girls out the door in the morning.
There were crafts, way too many playdates, and late nights at friends' houses. I also paid the deposit on a big upcoming project that I am equal parts excited and anxious about. This was probably our most social week all year. Three nights out, a pool day with friends, three playdates at our house, and I’m getting together with Jackie tonight.
We’re also having a lemonade stand this weekend, and if you’re not local, my kids (mainly my survivor who is very excited about this) would be beyond excited if a bunch of you made a donation for a virtual cup to benefit pediatric cancer research.
Earlier this week, I wrote about why we skipped camps entirely this summer and next week I’m sharing what it’s actually costing us.
Camp Estelle starts Wednesday when our au pair comes back for seven weeks. The kids still have no idea and I cannot wait to see their faces! Estelle was with us for a few weeks last summer and we all absolutely adore her. I’m already so sad she has to leave in August.
What’s New This Week
We packed a lot into this week and it turns out you can get a lot done when you stay up until 1AM. I am surprisingly not tired, which I attribute to some recent HRT changes.
Summer Salad Recipes — updated with some really good ones for the season, including my La Scala chopped salad copycat which I make on repeat.
Father’s Day Gift Guide — if you still need a gift, there are some really good options in here at every price point.
The Best Family Games for Kids and Adults — everything we actually play plus some new additions we’re adding this summer.
The Best Outdoor Toys and Gear — perfect timing if you’re doing a no-camp summer and need to keep kids busy outside.
How Much Money I Make as a Content Creator — the post I’ve been sitting on for a year. Real numbers, no vagueness. 🔒
We Skipped Every Single Camp This Summer — why we did it and what we’re doing instead.
A Health Follow-Up
Speaking of not being tired I had a recent follow-up with my Midi Health clinician since my night sweats returned, and I was feeling extremely depleted. My clinician increased my HRT dosage and reminded me to take my iron supplement. I feel less tired and my night sweats have subsided.
Next month will be exactly one year since I started seeing my Midi clinician after breaking up with a $$$ concierge practice. I finally feel listened to, and like I have someone helping me navigate all the hormonal shifts that seem to change every few months. If you’re in your 30s or 40s, you get it. If you’ve been feeling off and wondering if hormones might be part of it, book your first visit with Midi Health here.
This Week's Finds
Linen Tank — ordered this in navy and it was so good I immediately ordered it in white too. Size down.
Linen Dress — I don't own anything in this color but it's the exact color of my summer polish so it had to happen.
Beach Pants — These are so fun! I couldn’t resist.
Hill House Tunic and Shorts — I bought this in blue before it sold out, but it’s still available in black and white.
Strawberry Terry Set — my daughter got so many compliments on this one.
Geo Swimsuit — my friend wore this to the pool yesterday and I absolutely loved the cut and print.
New Skincare — I’ve been loving this new foaming cleanser and cream. One thing I really love about this brand is that you can purchase a travel size of almost any product which is a great way to try something new without investing in the full-size product.
Under $8 Body Wash for Kids — speaking of skincare, this clean brand is so good! We love the scents, and you cannot beat the price. My kids have loved the bubble bath, too.
Kids Play Couch — House of Noa just sent us two of these, and I am so excited to have them in the kids’ new playroom. Thinking I need to pair it with one of these.
New Summer Candle — the strawberry is dreamy, but I’ve yet to try a Hotel Lobby candle I didn’t love. And if you haven’t tried their hand wash, it’s the best and makes such a great gift.
The Softest Pajamas — I didn’t need these in my Lake collection, but I love them.
What I Watched
TSITP — I finally finished it! It was a little cheesy but honestly the perfect thing to have on in the background while working late at night. No complaints.
Your Friends and Neighbors — I don’t know what to say about this one. The finale of season one killed me, but I had to see it through because Jon Hamm. 😍 The storyline was weak, the finale (and honestly the entire season) was completely unhinged and kind of terrible, but also so insane that I couldn’t stop watching. I had no idea it was even the finale until a new episode just didn’t air this week.
Enough of you convinced me to give Off Campus another shot, so I’m going to do that this coming week.
My oldest and I have been on an Is It Cake? kick. She stays up for another 60-90 min after her siblings go to bed, and it’s been so fun to watch.
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Today for paid subscribers: The thing I’ve been feeling this summer that I don’t want to forget, what I’m talking about with my friends, the best moments from our first week of summer, and the big project I've been hinting at. Let's go.