Happy Friday, friends! Oh what a difference a week makes. Last Friday, I was knee deep with a daughter in quarantine. And today, she’s back in the wild and her university is resuming in-person classes next week. Hooray! To celebrate this great news, I have a few favorites I want to share with you.
Taste Buds Kitchen: With the school year officially underway for locals, some parents may still be looking for activities to fill in the gaps that clubs and sports used to take. Lake Forest’s Amanda Marijanovic has just the answer with Taste Buds Kitchen in Bannockburn, a kitchen space that hosts creative cooking events for kids, families, and adults. Amanda’s September calendar at Taste Buds Kitchen is full of different opportunities–from learning how to make pretzels with your children to mastering the art of paella with a BYOB date and/or group of friends. To learn more, click here.
Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayon in Honeycrisp: The question I’ve been most asked this summer has been what color lipstick I’m wearing. I’ve worn this Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayon in Honeycrisp (wearing in my picture at the top of this post!) on repeat this summer and I’m wondering how far into fall I can push this color. Even though it’s a “matte” crayon, it goes on creamy and lasts nearly all day. And did I mention that Bite is a clean beauty brand, too? I’ve linked it here if you’d like to give it a try for yourself.
Bissell Power Fresh Lift Off Steam Mop: I hate to admit it, but this Bissell Steam Mop is probably my favorite, most-used purchase from quarantine. I was completely influenced to buy it after I saw like-minded daily moppers using this when their houses were full of people. I use mine every day–it’s incredibly therapeutic and I swear my floors are that much cleaner. Bissell recommends only using water or one of their products when cleaning your floors, but I use a couple of drops of Murphy Soap in mine and it makes my house smell like my Mom’s. Love it! I’ve linked it here if you need to satisfy your inner housekeeper.
One last tidbit before I leave you for the weekend is a recipe for banana bread I made this week. It was so easy (didn’t even need an electric mixer) and it takes banana bread to the next level with the addition of some mini Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups. If you have some mushy bananas, you’re welcome! Click here for the recipe.
Thank you again to all of you who reached out about my daughter Grace. Happy weekend!
xo,
Photo of me by Jenn Marie Photography
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