Long weekends are the best for obvious reasons, but I’m here today to make a case for the work week leading up to them. Monday and Tuesday are mostly business as usual, but by Wednesday, the don’t-givah-fugggg starts settling in and everything starts looking like a Tuesday problem. Thursday feels like Friday, and on Friday, everyone is fully checked out. A few spam emails will trickle in and good enough because I’m not actually replying to anyone anyway, and while I watch the clock tick-tock down to 5pm, the whole office gets a case of the delirious sillies.
This is especially true when it’s a long weekend celebrating what is unofficially heralded a the last weekend of summer. We’re ready to call it a freaking day in all the ways.
So what are you doing this weekend? School starts on Tuesday after the holiday, so I have a little bit of running around left to do in preparation, but other than that, I’m going to be outside, staying up late, sleeping in, and leaning hard into the final dregs of summer. If Tom Lake taught us anything about northern Michigan, there will be bowls of cherries.
But first, some housekeeping: there’s some affiliate links in here. But aren't they everywhere? Anyway, if you click on something and buy it, I might earn a commission at no cost to you.
Recently Enjoyed
Reading
Some books about politics, but please rest assured that all of these are more historical than political, so even if you’re already exhausted by the noise of an election year, these will not really add to the cacophony. That’s my favorite SAT vocab word btw, and I still try to use it as often as possible.
First in Line: Presidents, Vice Presidents and the Pursuit of Power by Kate Andersen Brower | KAB writes very engaging non-fiction and this feels particularly timely as this election season seems to put a brighter than usual spotlight on our VP noms. This is an interesting historical read on the relationship between Presidents and their VPs. What exactly does a VP do? Historically? Not much.
If you enjoy political history, some related reading from KAB that I strongly recommend: The Residence, regarding the history of the White House and First Women, detailing the lives of the women married to our presidents.
Shopping
Still sweltering. Still not in the mood to think fall things. Still mostly just spending my money at food trucks and buying ice cream cones. But the internet loves to turn random holidays into shopping extravaganzas, so there will be sales this weekend.
⭐ Kitsch Necklaces - I’m into the necklace stacking thing right now. I ordered this bubble initial and a four leaf clover earlier this month, and now I’ve got my eye on these Etsy gem: a melting smiley face + smiley star that reminds me of the little weirdo in the Super Mario movie.
INN BEAUTY - has a pretty decent 25% off sale going on. I tried the Extreme Cream last spring and it’s a heavy-lifter in terms of moisturizer. With dry air on its way…might be a good time to grab another bottle.
Glossier Sunset Sale - lots of goodies on sale. I’m particularly interested in the new Glossier Creme de You . I wear the You rollerball every day and really love the scent so much.
J Crew Factory - Do I need new pajamas just because Q4 is right around the corner? Probably. Is white after Labor Day acceptable if it’s corduroy? I vote yes. It’s a short window, but warm enough for a mini, but deep enough into September for long sleeves does happen, and this is the only thing to wear.
Recent Saves
Apropo for the aforementioned work week -
sunday.scaries gets the vibe everytime.
This + Dirty Dancing are my favorite end of summer movies to watch. Can you just hear LL say “in your honor” when you see this picture?
Sending You on Your Way
(Interesting things I found on the internet this week)
⭐ America’s family tree. ⭐ Somehow startlingly accurate.
In Australia, employees have a protected right to ignore work calls and emails after hours. Kids, pack your stuff! We’re going to Australia!
Funny! On parenting solo temporarily. I am deeply cosigned on all the appropriate dinner options.
Last Week - In case you missed it:
The human experience. 10 I love you. Riding the tilt-a-whirl a hundred times.
PS -
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Just found your Substack and I love it!! The “America’s Family Tree” article had me cackling and I promptly sent to the family group text!
Love your non-fiction recs! I'm so adding that White House book to my TBR list (“It’s Downton Abbey for the White House staff" says The Today Show? Yes please.). Also really into that melting smiley face necklace. Actually, that entire Etsy store is cute. Did you see the custom map coordinates necklaces? Need to bookmark that for Christmas gifts (too soon...?)