Friday Favorites (8)

A blog series devoted to all my favorites – books, home decor, food, style, and more!

You may remember that I started this series to feature a few of my favorite things from clothes, to paints, to food, and things to do with the kids. If you missed any you can see them here.

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Well, we’re still doing everything from home here in Scituate. The Massachusetts governor has relaxed the orders and we’re slowly reopening. The advisory is now Safer at Home. Shops will be open for curbside pick up June 8th and restaurant openings will be later. As you can imagine, we’re taking many walks to the beach, relaxing by the pool, lots of gardening, reading lots of books, and watching LOTS of TV. Want to know what some of our favorites are?

Favorite Views

We’ve been taking lots of scenic drives around our town and the towns immediately neighboring us. We pat a picnic open the sunroof and enjoy the view together. I took this photo from the car at the very end of Hull – on Pebberton Point. UPDATE – I actually turned this photo into a note card and it will be wall art soon. Click here to shop.

Favorite Swimsuits

We opened the pool early this year – May 2nd and it’s FREEZING but Conor really enjoys it. I actually have my toes in the water as I type this. I ordered a bunch of new swimsuits for the boys because they outgrew last year’s ones. I can’t believe how quickly they grow. I got a bunch of cute ones in the boys department here for Conor and in the men’s department here for John. The suits are currently 50% off. I’m actually on the hunt for some comfy (and not too short) shorts and swimsuits for myself. Let me know if you guys have any recommendations.

Favorite Trays

My mom just gifted me these gorgeous nesting trays, just saw that they’re currently on sale. I love the galvanized finish and the handles are so comfy to carry. This is the smaller of the two trays. Perfect for carrying drinks and snacks out to our back deck and pool area. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing them in many of my summer posts.

Favorite Trees

We’ve been spending lots of time in the garden with the kids. Conor has taken on the task of mowing and John’s been great helping Luke trim hedges and cut plants back. We’re also tending our garden which is thriving. If you missed it you can see our garden tips here.

For many years we’ve wanted to add flowering trees to our front yard. We planted two trees over the weekend from Bower and Branch. This isn’t a sponsored or affiliate link we’ve just had wonderful luck with the cherry tree in our back yard.

We planted a Seven Son (a gift from my mom for our 18th wedding anniversary).

This tree is originally from China and will flower in the summer. It has little white flowers that smell like jasmine. The flowers turn to a vibrant pink the fall and, in the winter, the bark falls off the tree. I’ve never seen this tree planted in our area and look forward to enjoying it in all seasons.

In our side yard, next to the playroom, we planted a weeping flowering cherry. I’ve always loved this tree and my dad was a big fan of them so I thought I’ll always think of him when I see it out our bedroom window.

Favorite Books

I just finished Carly Simon’s new book – Touched by the Sun. It’s about Carly Simon’s friendship with Jacqueline Kennedy. I’m a big fan of both Carly and Jackie and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I’m still reading that gardening book I already told you about – Digging Deep – it’s a gardening book but also discusses creativity. I’m reading it slowly over coffee each morning. I really love it.

Oh, and on Conor’s recommendation, I just started reading The One and Only Ivan so far I’m loving it.

Favorite Films

We love watching movies on Friday and Saturday nights with our boys. We just read The Kid Who Would be King and all loved it.

If you’re needing a laugh, you might enjoy Isn’t it Romantic? I watched it on the plane to California last year but rewatched it with the entire family.

Oh, and yesterday afternoon, while folding laundry, I watched Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind. A documentary on Natalie Wood from the perspective of her daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner. Wow. This was an unbelievable documentary. To see all that Natalie Wood did in her life as an actress, but also as a mother. It is evident she’s greatly missed by her children, Robert Wagner, and the many friends who were interviewed. A must watch for Natalie Wood fans.

Favorite TV

Most weeks we watch Death in Paradise and also some of After Life.

Favorite Necklace

We celebrated my birthday in May and my mom gave me the most beautiful “D” necklace. It’s by Roberto Coin and has two settings on the chain so you can wear it long or short. I absolutely love it. It sparkles so much!

Favorite Beach Bag

It feels like summer is here! If you’re looking for the perfect beach bag then you should check out this beautiful one by my friend Becky O’Toole of The Pink Frame. They’re available at Kjeld Mahoney Photography. I love the painting on the outside of the bag, but I also love the size (you can fit lots of towels in here) and there are two pockets inside perfect for wallet, keys, phone, sunscreen etc. If you’d love to read more about Becky and Kjeld – you can read their Creativity Over Coffee interviews here and here.

Well, I think that’s it for this Friday, what are you guys loving lately?