Seriously, how adorable are these cookies? Tis the season!
Happy Holidays from The Parker Five
Moment
Back to School
Last weekend, I came across this very large, very old chalkboard and naturally, I dreamed up the perfect photo shoot for back to school with my girls. My friend/coworker Colby hand-lettered the alphabet for me (thanks Colby!) and the girls styled themselves in some of their favorite colors for Fall. Although all the kids are heading back to school virtually, I think the twins will definitely be in the running for best-dressed for third grade, don’t you?
Film Edit
I don’t shoot on film anymore. And although it will probably be my favorite medium forever, I’m not sure it has a place in my busy life right now. There are times, though, when I take a photo that would feel so good on film—filled with grain and soft bokeh and those silvery greens that only a great film can express. And thanks to Caroline Tran’s Lightroom Presets, I can get close to the feel of film without the time or expense.
July Favorites
I’ve decided to try something new! A monthly recap of my favorite things I’ve encountered in July. Let’s get started, shall we?
The Babysitter’s Club
Images: Paramount Pictures and Netflix
The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix has been my favorite, favorite show adaptation I’ve come across in a while. I adored the books growing up and begged my grandmother to buy me new ones every weekend at the used bookstore in town. And the styling and costume design is A+++, with plenty of homages to my beloved nineties (Alicia Silverstone!!!) The twins and I flew through all ten episodes and I’m so excited to see what comes next.
Image: Netflix
And did I immediately go on Etsy and order the twins’ Claudia’s watermelon earrings? Most definitely. And if you want the full experience, The Bookshelf, a sweet bookshop in Thomasville, Georgia, is offering a The Babysitter’s Club online book club experience. I missed out on the first round but I’m seriously considering joining the second round starting in September!
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series
Thanks to the awesome ladies at Read It or List It Podcast, I am now an avowed Peter Kavinsky-stan. Yes, I know, I JUST now read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. It’s about time, right? I inhaled all three of the Lara Jean books within a week and I’ve promised myself time out to finally catch the movies on Netflix. In the meantime, I had to have chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting with Reese’s Pieces, just like Lara Jean’s recipe in P.S. I Still Love You.
Jenny Colgan’s Newest Release
Speaking of things I love like cake, Jenny Colgan is one of my fave British authors for closed door romance. My husband and I adore Scotland after visiting in our early twenties, and especially Loch Ness in the Highlands. Most of Jenny Colgan’s romances center on this gorgeous village that is near the Loch and her imagery is spot-on—I always feel like I’m right back there alongside the protagonists. Her newest novel 500 Miles From You is my favorite of hers yet. She’s really grown into herself as an author and I’m so enjoying the journey!
DIY Cupcakes from The Chocolate Moose Bakery
The decorate your own cupcake kit from The Chocolate Moose Bakery was the PERFECT way to spend a hot afternoon. Highly recommend!
Lightning Round
Just quick fire links to lovely things.
She-Ra is fabulous and fabulously gay and it makes me so happy!
Tula Sunscreen is my go-to this summer.
I made Chrissy Teigen’s spicy miso spaghetti every single week of July.
I don’t think there’s been a Jeni’s Ice Cream collection I’ve wanted more than this one!
So what do you think? I really, really want to share here more and I would love for anyone to let me know what you’d like to see!