I don’t usually post on the weekend, but a few fun things are on my mind that I thought you might enjoy…
Need something to watch on television?
Netflix
Try Derry Girls on Netflix. It takes place in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. I went to an all-girls Catholic High School and can relate to so many things. It’s cute and funny. My husband liked it, too and we can’t wait for Season Two. Erin, the girl in the middle reminds me of me in high school.
Motherhood
Speaking of high school… When we moved from Paris, France to Newport Beach, California we enrolled our daughter, Alie in a new school where she didn’t know anyone. She decided to try out for the Freshman cheerleading team (with no previous training). You know how you worry about your kids…
A Laker cheerleader was working out at my gym and I asked her if I could pay her to give Alie a lesson (I explained the whole story). She said yes and was not even expensive! Tommy and his friend, Todd (in third grade at the time and big Laker fans) watched them practice from afar. Alie made the team and even took gymnastics lessons and eventually became a varsity cheerleader.
Latest Reads on Kindle/Books
Some recent books I enjoyed:
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Currently reading based on a lot of your recommendations:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
And this just came highly recommended and I’ve purchased it. But it’s about Auschwitz again and I may need something lighter (please leave any recommendations in the comments).
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger
Summer Pillows
I put away the heavier pillow covers in favor of just lighter ones and this new Walter G linen pillow in the color “guava.”
Soapy Scrub Brush
This little scrub brush stays in soapy water so that it’s always ready to wash things like good knives that don’t go in the dishwasher. I sent one to my mom, daughter, and son (for a little surprise in the mail).
Fresh Lavender Bundles
Trader Joe’s has inexpensive, lavender right now that’s making our dining room smell lovely.
Have a happy weekend and give the ones you love a big hug.
Mary Ann
Mary Ann,
I love the Lakers story! Fresh lavender season, the best.
Stay cool, although that’s probably not such a problem in Northern California. Today was a scorcher in So Cal, with more humidity than we’re used to.
xo,
Karen
Always love the 5 things your loving now! We know you’re the best mom, your new pillows are gorgeous, I just started Where The Crawdad’s Sing but always on the hunt for great books. Thanks for sharing the little things too, like lavender and that soap brush!
xoxo
The tattooist… keeps popping up in blogs and reviews. Guess I’ll have to read it now. Enjoyed your post of fun things.
Thanks! The book is disturbing but good.
I’m not sure what I love more…knowing that you hired a Lakers Cheerleader to give Alie private lessons or the text from Alie reminding you and then adding the part about Tommy and his friend (3rd graders) got to watch. Only in Newport Beach! You really are the best mom ever with the greatest kids too! And of course you remember the lesson learned…end with a big smile. This is why I love you Mary Ann!
OMG, Mary Anne, the Laker Girl Story!!! I’ve heard Park Avenue Summer is good … I just ordered.
Have you discovered Martin Walker’s Bruno series? Set in a mythical but amazing French village, Bruno is a modern man who cooks, loves wine and understands strong, competent women. There is always a murder to be solved and, of course, the greatest mystery: finding the woman who wants to live in the small village and raise children has been a bit of a problem.
Sounds great! Thanks so much!
Thank you for the tv and book ideas.
Love the lavender.
Oh I love this. Love your daughter taking lessons from a Laker Girl. I was Head cheer leader. I don’t even know if there were Lakers then. I barely knew football. When you put lavender in a vase, do you add water of let them dry? i’ve got tons of lavender and don’t know what to do. Books, A Man Named Ove, Educated, Elenore Oliphant is Fine Where the Crawdads Sing, Loved them all. Love your pillows. Everything is so light and summery.
I love it when you post something about pillows. I’m on a pillow hunt right now so your timing is perfect. Thank you! Will check out Derry Girls. We just finished Mad Men (a little late to the party) and need something new to binge. Happy Weekend!
Book suggestion! Oldie, but goodie, Crossing To Safety, by Wallace Stegner.
I second this! Wallace Stegner is wonderful!
Oh GREAT~ We will start it tonight. Thanks!