Your first beach read of the summer
and a rule to keep your house neater
Hello, Friends!
As I write this post, I’m between cleaning and packing projects. Tomorrow morning my family will catch a boat and drive to the airport for a two-week trip to Ireland to visit my husband’s family. While we’re away, we’ll rent our house, so at the moment I’m knee deep in boxes, cleaning products, and bags of clothes to stow away or donate. I’m ready for the moving out process to be over and the vacation part to start and looking forward to the traditions, routines, foods and restaurants that come with vacationing in the same place for many years.
Above is a picture of The Flying Poet, one of my favorite cafes that doubles as a used bookstore. It’s located in the heart of Kinsale (in County Cork), which is where we stay. I’ll share more about the trip, including some pics, in my next post.
Here are a few recommendations for your summer or to enjoy pool or oceanside if you happen to be on vacation.
Read this!
Last summer I had the pleasure of reading an early draft of Sheepish by T Elizabeth Bell and giving feedback on the manuscript. Just a few weeks ago, the book was published, and it is the perfect beach read to start your summer. The novel follows Ally Bennett who comes to Martha’s Vineyard after losing her tech job in San Francisco. On the island, she meets Whit (and some sheep!) and is forced to reconsider the life she’s built for herself. Filled with romance and so many Island details, Bell’s books are the perfect way to enjoy a Vineyard vacation vicariously or to get you excited for your own beach getaway. For local friends, T Elizabeth Bell has several events this summer. More info here.
Eat this!
In the winter I crave a warm and hearty breakfast, but in the summer, I want something lighter. These yogurt parfaits are simple and satisfying. Use berries or swap out with your favorite seasonal fruit like peaches and nectarines.
Try this!
All my life have had a tendency to be rather…messy. I am now, unfortunately, passing my bad habits onto my children, who are known to leave a trail of debris in their wake. Shoes in the middle of the floor, crumbs on the counter, unwashed dishes cluttering the coffee table, we drive my neat-freak husband crazy. So I was excited when a friend shared this 1-minute tidying rule, attributed to Gretchen Rubin. The basic idea is this: when you see a cleaning job that can be tackled in a minute or less, do it. Simple, but effective. I have yet to enact this rule, but I declare that I WILL, starting this summer! My husband can hold me to it.
That’s all for this week. Bon voyage until next time!
Emily
Wow, Emily - thank you so much for featuring “Sheepish” in your post 🥰🥰🥰 Have an amazing trip to Ireland!
Have a great trip and bring on the Ireland photos!