Emily’s Reading: Small Things Like These

I read this book on my trip to Ireland. I really like reading or listening to music that can further immerse me in a trip.

This is a historical fiction set in a 1980s small Irish town and references the Magdalene Laundries atrocities.

The book was so short that it was PERFECT to bring on a trip. I was able to finish it, and it was small enough to bring along.

Now I need to watch the movie 😁 

Maria’s Reading: The Defining Decade

I plugged (the audio version) of this book last summer, and since I recently picked up a copy at the West Loop Goodwill for $2, it’s time to plug it again. I believe the best “self-help” books stand the test of time — that when you reread them at different points of your life, different content stands out. Dr. Jay does a wonderful job describing how to take control and have agency over your 20s when nothing seems clear.

Emily’s Eating: Friðheimar

Stopped at this family owned farm and restaurant in Iceland that grows tomatoes in their greenhouses year round! The restaurant is in one of their greenhouses, and they have a lovely tomato soup and bread buffet.

I’m not really a huge tomato person but I absolutely loved this experience. The food was fantastic and the venue was truly unique.

Fun fact: the farm supplies 40% of tomatoes in Iceland!

Maria’s Eating: Summer Salads

I had to include 2 pics because that’s how obsessed I’ve been with a good summer salad! I take inspo from TikTok and add my flair to craft the most superior summer salads. Great for lunch, dinner, or hosting your friends! 🙂 

Emily’s Playing: Severance

I am ALMOST finished with season 2. This is one of the best shows I’ve watched in a long time, and I really love this genre of TV.

Maria’s Playing: Addison

Technically, this album comes out in 3 days, but I have the 5 released singles on repeat rn. If you were on TikTok in 2020, odds are you know Addison Rae, if not, that’s probably better. To say I am excited for an Addison summer is an understatement. I think she’s one of the most interesting artists in pop right now, and I can’t wait to see her (inevitably) go viral.

Emily’s Obsessing: Junk Journaling

My craft of choice this summer is junk journaling. I have started collecting little “junk” items from my travels and other random everyday things, and I hope to sit down soon and create some art from it :)

Maria’s Obsessing: Super Long Walks

It’s amazing what a little bit of sun does for the psyche! Now that the weather is slightly better in Chicago, I’ve been taking one crazy long walk on the weekend…like 8+ miles. I love doing a little people watching, listening to some new music, and just thinking in peace. It’s safe to say I’m a super long walk super fan! 🚶🏼‍♀️

Emily’s Recommending: Calpak compression packing cubes

Brought these on my trip and they are SO incredible. These are definitely more on the spendy side, but they are very high quality and such a great item to travel with. I’m excited to get a lot more use out of these!

They also make a GREAT gift idea to any traveler in your life 🎂 

Maria’s Recommending: Pura Air Freshener

I got a Pura for my birthday in March, and I already bought another! She’s a smart diffuser, armed with 2 fragrances and an app you can remotely control. I love having my Puras set to diffuse on a schedule with their calendar feature. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to upgrade your home or a great gift — I couldn’t recommend a Pura enough!

Emily’s Treating: Iceland/Ireland

As I’ve probably mentioned a million times to everyone I know, I went to Iceland and Ireland this month with one of my besties, Caitlin.

Iceland was full of beautiful waterfalls, volcanoes, sheep, and puffins! This is one of the coolest places I have ever been. 🐑🌋 

Ireland gave us culture, history, and Guinness! 🍻 🇮🇪 🍀 

Maria’s Treating: Diet Coke with a Lime

Back in my Diet Coke Era (thanks to my friend Caroline). I can’t think of a better more refreshing little treat than a Diet Coke. Out to lunch and not in the mood for a cocktail - diet coke, want something to pair with a nice glass of water - diet coke, need some caffeine but don’t want a $9 latte - diet coke. Catch me with my DC + a lime all summer long!!