The Mondays: May 13, 2024

This morning, I woke with the realization that my birthday is just over two weeks away. This year has snuck up on me. I feel like I blinked in February and magically transported myself to May like Samantha on Bewitched. So let’s recap my weekend.

When the hot weather appeared last week, we had to make an emergency mall run to pick up clothes for Sloane — her wardrobe of floral sweatshirts and denim would not cut it on a 84-degree day. The toddler-sized Ugg boots she’s been wearing all winter also proved ill-suited for the park in spring.

On our shopping trip, I found the most wonderful pair of jelly sandals for her; I have such fond memories of wearing my own purple jellies as a child, so I scooped them up instantly. Which got me thinking…do they make jellies for grown ups? Yes, yes they do.

These Jelly Ballet Flats come from Ancient Greek Sandals, which stocks several styles of jelly flats and sandals, some fun and youthful, others practical and subtle. Then, of course, there is the queen of the jelly shoe, Melissa, who makes every color and style you could want. And just to prove jellies are hot this summer, even Tory Burch got in on the act.

One of my dinner hacks is to buy a rotisserie chicken at the store and use it for other things — enchiladas, salads, and sandwiches.  This onion jam, goat cheese, arugula sandwich is one of the best.  Always filling, delicious, and a light option for summer.  It’s fantastic with a fizzy beverage for a picnic lunch.

Want to make your own focaccia?  This recipe is a great place to start.  

This summer, I have to attend a number of work events where I will need my phone handy but I don’t want to hold it in my hand.   (Mostly because I’ve become a little forgetful and keep setting it down without remembering where I put it.  Thanks, perimenopause.) This oversize bracelet phone hanger from Casemate caught my eye as a possible solution.  I like the simple look of the marble beads with simple metal accents.  I also like that it goes with almost any outfit.

I’m also considering a Bandolier.  I had this item on my Christmas list, but couldn’t decide on a style.  It’s also a great solution for Moms who need their hands free.

Beyond that, my weekend consisted of yard work, catching up on real work and brunch.  I had a lovely Mother’s Day watching Moana with Sloane, who spontaneously rested her head on my shoulder, as she whispered “hug.”  For a kiddo who has never been particularly lovey, it was a nice moment.  Here are some other things that snagged my attention this weekend:

• I devoured this article on the parents who hire TikTok influencers to choose name’s for their babies.  The pressure of naming a child is real.  I finally grew so tired of going back and forth with Kyle about our daughter’s name, I just let him pick.  Sloane is a fine name, and it suits her, but as the article discusses it lacks “good nickname potential.”  
• My new bathroom rugs feel like I am walking on clouds.
• My next podcast listen is Fallen Angels.  The pod discusses the curious case of a medical school dean whose relationship with a barely-of-age woman unraveled his entire career and exposed just how far the school was willing to go to keep the story quiet.  I first hear about this incident on the Killed podcast, so if you don’t have time for a whole podcast, listen to this episode.
• I was floored when I opened my Mother’s Day gift to find these.  I had been talking about buying them for years, but had never pulled the trigger.  They’re even more fun in person, and Kyle snagged them on StockX for less, so he was very excited to get a “deal.”
• Need a cookie recipe that is sure to please?  These caramel cone cookies are sublime.  They would also make the perfect ice cream sandwiches, a task made easier with this kitchen tool.

As for this week, stay tuned for the long awaited non-gifted, unsponsored, uncompensated Factor meals review in Saw It On Social and a fantastic post on three more great spring-summer outfits.

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