Welcome to Volume 6 of The Light List: a monthly, running list of things making life feel a little lighter lately.
Reading
Let’s start with a reading and book update (always a great place to start)!
I’m loving summer reading this year. I’m always happy when I take the time to do a little research and put together a summer reading list. It eliminates the question of What do I read next? I simply pick the next book from my list.
+ Lately, I’ve loved The Flatshare, Annie Knows Everything and Dolly All the Time – all romances (but also all refreshing takes on the genre) and just fun to read. These would make excellent vacation books!
+ Then, I have absolutely fallen for The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. If I had to describe these books in one word, it would be delightful! (Said in a British accent, of course.)
They’re short books, set in London in 1883. It takes a minute to orient yourself, but once you do, I think you’ll fall for Emma and all the quirky residents of St. Crispian’s just like I did. Since each book is only about 200 pages, I’ve been loving reading one in between longer novels. It’s also a nice way to savor the series rather than race through it too quickly. There are eight books so far, with another one on the way. Love, love, love.
+ And then finally… Whistler by Ann Patchett. I finished this book last week and am still sad that it’s over. My favorite Ann Patchett books are The Dutch House and Tom Lake, and if you loved those too, I think you’ll love Whistler. Quietly profound but moving, I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I feel like I know the characters and I already miss them.
+ Now for a book that was a miss for me: June Baby. I saw it everywhere and was excited to read it. While the writing was beautiful – especially the descriptions of Block Island! – it ultimately fell flat for me. It was just a bit too sad for me and I had a hard time connecting with the characters.
+ Next up, I’m reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Volume 3 as my palate cleanser after Whistler, and then I’m starting Carley Fortune’s Our Perfect Storm.
+ After finishing Whistler, I was distraught that the book was over, so I started Googling anything I could about it. I came across a podcast interview with Ann Patchett that was fun to listen to! But separate from Whistler, it also reminded me that Elin Hilderbrand’s The Five-Star Weekend premieres as a miniseries so soon – July 9! I can’t wait. And love to hear that Elin (the author) loves how it turns out.
Shopping
I’m having a no-shop summer (which I’m loving), but before it started, I did stock up on a few things that I’ve been reaching for over and over again this season.
+ Target’s workout clothes have been so cute lately! Looks like Addison Bayto me, but for a better price point. I’ve been especially loving this top paired with this skirt. Such a cute look.
+ I’ve also been into wearing shorts – like these or these – and skirts – like this one – with a simple white top. It feels like such an easy outfit formula while still looking pulled together.
+ I’ve also been using this body lotion lately, and I love the scent. When my mom was in town recently, she asked what smelled so good, which honestly felt like the highest possible endorsement (it was me!).
Holiday Recipes
And lastly, happy Fourth of July week! I love the Fourth of July. To me, it always feels like we’ve officially arrived in summer.
I have such fond memories of spending it at my grandma’s house in Pennsylvania growing up, and since then, what I’ve done to celebrate has varied from year to year. But like every holiday this year with Ben, it already feels extra special because it’s his first (And America’s 250th – how cool is that?). We’re still figuring out our plans, but I’m excited that my mom is coming into town and that we’ll get to celebrate with Matt’s family!
A couple of recipes I’m looking forward to making:
+ These cocktails – how cute! (I bet they would be great with sparkling water too!)
+ This baked hot honey chicken (the cornflake crust is so good)
+ Ina’s corn salad – a Fourth of July must for me
As always, I’d love to know: what’s on your light list lately?
Wishing you a week full of little joys – and a happy Fourth of July. 🇺🇸☀️
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