Overall we had a pretty good week over here. Of course there were some really hard moments related to missing Sadie (washing her noseprints off our windows yesterday really got me and I think her dog bed may remain in my office foreverrr) but we are getting through it even if sometimes I feel like I’ve had the wind knocked out of me when something small catches me off guard and reminds me of her. It’s hard but I am already feeling my tears turn into smiles when I think about Sadie and am believing you guys when you say this will continue to happen more and more.
As far as this past week is concerned, we had a few fun pool play dates and seeing the boys splash around with their friends brings a lot of joy into my days. Is anyone else out there just really feeling summer more than usual this year? Give me all the sunshine, hot weather and water fun, please!
I’m sure we’ll be making the most of this upcoming warm summer weekend because we have visitors arriving in town today! My mother-in-law, Les and Les’ grandson Dominic will be staying with us for a few days and we are so excited! I’m hoping to find a moment to type up a recap of our weekend to share here on Monday so stay tuned for that next week. For now, let’s dive right into my roundup of favorites, shall we?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and, as always, thank you for making PBF a part of your week!
Things I’m Loving Friday
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Remembering Sadie + Helpful Resources
(Just one more Sadie mention today, I promise.)
I cannot tell you how much the kindness we received from you guys and our friends and family helped us after we lost Sadie. I struggled initially with the concept of comparative suffering and found myself wanting to hold back my grief both on the blog and in real life because Sadie is a dog and I am fully aware that people are hurting and struggling with what anyone, by comparison, would consider harder losses. It wasn’t until my friend Sunny sent me a blog post about comparative suffering that I felt myself exhale and realize it was okay — and very necessary — for me to grieve the loss of a beloved pet we truly considered a member of our family. A few more resources that were sent my way that I found particularly helpful include 5 Things My Dog Taught Me About Grief (from the Fun Therapy podcast) and this Ted Talk by Nora McInerny.
When I say that your words and the support we received from our friends and family who expressed such sincere sympathy over losing Sadie made a big difference to me, I mean it from my bottom of my heart. So many of you have been through the loss of a pet you loved and, in a weird way, it made me really thankful to know that there are so many animals out there who are loved so fiercely. I guess this is my long-winded way of saying thank you for helping me through this time and for only meeting me with kindness. I appreciate it more than you can possibly know.
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Summer Finds for the Boys
I’ve had a few recent summertime swimsuit and sandal successes for our boys this year that I wanted to share here because I’m always on the lookout for decent seasonal kid stuff and figured some of you might be the same way. This is a little long-winded because I’ve had a handful of good finds recently so if this doesn’t interest you, please scroll on down!
Find #1: Neon Rash Guard Tees. I am a sucker for plain neon rash guards for the boys because the bright color makes it easy to spot them when they’re running around at the pool or beach or around water. I found these rash guard tees on Amazon and love them! (Our ISR instructor actually praised me for them yesterday from a water safety standpoint, too!) The material is soft and the quality is great. Considering the fact that the boys live in swimsuits and rash guards all summer, I should probably order another pair of these shirts.
Find #2: Slip-On Velcro Sandal Slides. Aside from Natives which hold up shockingly well, most of Chase’s shoes are not able to be saved as hand-me-downs for Ryder because they wear out from so much use. I was in the market for new sandals for Ryder that he could easily slip on and when I found these slip-on slides that velcro on and off and have an ankle strap to keep them in place, I was sold. Ryder loves them, easily puts them on himself and can even run in them (important for a 3-year-old)!
Find #3: Banana-Print Swim Trunks. Another big-time Amazon win was these maamgic swim trunks. I am forever on the lookout for swim trunks for the boys that hit above the knee and don’t look like little capris and these are a slam dunk!
I ordered the banana print for Chase and love the way they fit. The quality is great as well (there’s a reason they have 4,000+ positive reviews) and they seriously have so many cute patterns and colors available that I’m trying to resist ordering a few more pairs for the boys.
Find #4: Sunshine Play Clothes Set. I can’t resist highlighting this adorable matching set I bought for Rhett here, too. He’s worn it a bunch of times since it first arrived in the mail and I find myself reaching for it every time it’s clean. I love the sunshine pattern and the orange color feels bright and fun for summer!
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library was recommended to me by more than a few of you and the reviews are all so incredibly positive so my hopes for this novel were high. I immediately loved the premise of the book and thought it was incredibly creative.
The book follows Nora Seed, a young woman who decides she doesn’t want to live anymore. Soon after she makes this decision, she finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place where she can open up any one of thousands of books to see how her life would have changed based on every decision she’s ever made, both large and small. She lives out different careers, relationships, family dynamics and breakups and, in the process, discovers what could have been and what really makes life worth living.
The premise of this book was so incredibly intriguing to me and I loved reading about Nora’s various lives. It was interesting and kept me engaged but there was just something that fell flat with me as I read. I realize I’m likely in the minority with this opinion but I felt like this book was a good book that just missed its potential to be a truly great book. I kept finding myself wanting more from the storyline — more emotion, more depth, more character development. Thankfully the ending redeemed this book for me and I enjoyed the fact that The Midnight Library is the kind of thought-provoking book that left me thinking about it for several days after I read the last page.
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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
I am 95 percent sure I read this book before. It’s not in my Kindle library or home book collection so perhaps it was a library read? Or maybe I’m crazy and didn’t actually read this book before but it all felt so incredibly familiar. And GOOD. (I read a lot and always joke to Ryan that I forget everything about a book within a month of reading it. I’m the same way with movies and have to see a movie like 5 times before I remember anything about it.)
I loved this book like I’m assuming I did the first time I read it but thankfully I forgot everything that happened and was just met with a vague sense of familiarity that nagged at my brain the whole time I read it. Anyway, I say all of this to say it’s a great book and one I’d absolutely recommend you read once if not twice. Ha!
The book follows the life of A. J. Fikry, the grumpy owner of a small-town bookstore, in the wake of personal tragedy and the worst sales he’s seen in his store’s history. It’s not until A.J. discovers something special and life-changing in his store one night that things begin to turn around for him thanks, in large part, to this surprise and the unexpected people who support him and refuse to let him sink into despair.
The book is charming, beautifully written, captivating and, to put it simply, special.
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Friday Flashbacks
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Overnight Oats (One of my most popular recipes for a good reason. Simple, filling and a great way to start your day!)
Mini Band Booty Workout (Glutes on fiiiire!)
Question of the Day
What is one thing making you smile today?
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I’m often really hard on myself, and I struggle with knowing that doing thing that are best for me or my family are ok despite criticism from others. I’m constantly trying to not get hooked on other’s opinions and let even the slightest passive aggressiveness roll off my back. I value kindness and generosity and bringing others up.
I say all this because it is clear to me you are a super kind person with all the right intentions. Many posts make that clear but this one really displayed that. I think it’s honorable and I think you should never change!! 🙂
this was so kind of you to say, kate. thank you. <3 <3
Hi Julie – sending lots of love from Ireland your way on the loss of Sadie xoxo
I actually created a Zoom book club for my work colleagues while we are all working from home and our most recent pick was The Midnight Library. I totally agree with your review – I was disappointed in how it progressed and it fell flat for me also. We have our Zoom chat tonight so I’m interested to see what my book club pals think!
yes, exactly! i feel like i’m in the minority with my opinion based on the amazing reviews and i’m sure you discussion with your book club will be very interesting!
According to my Goodreads review, I also loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, but I have absolutely no memory of reading it. I read the description and a few reviews, but it doesn’t ring any bells.
haha!! glad i’m not the only one who forgets books fairly soon after reading them.
I lost my dog, Annie in February. I still struggle sometimes, but it has gotten so much easier. It took me a long time to put her stuff away. Her toys and water bowl sat out for a few months because I couldn’t bare to put it away and make it seem so final. I listen to Nora McInerny’s podcast Terrible Thanks for Asking a lot and in one of the episodes, one of the things she said was to try not make it into a big deal. One day, you’ll find that you’re ready to put her stuff away and don’t feel the need to force yourself until you’re ready. It was 100% easier that way, rather than forcing myself like “tomorrow, I’m going to put her dog bed away,” which would just leave me in tears. Instead, I just did it one random day when I felt ready without thinking too much about it. Losing a dog is so hard. You see them and spend more time with them than most people in your life. I struggled with comparative grief as well. I also think that if people don’t have pets, they don’t always understand what a huge loss this is. I am so sorry for the loss of Sadie. You gave her the best life she could have possibly had.
i absolutely love this. thank you for sharing, megan. and i’m so sorry you’ve been through this before — it sounds like annie was an incredibly loved dog.
Capri swim trunks 😂😂 yes! Why do swim trunks always seem to hit my son’s legs at mid-calf?! Ordering these!
right!!? it drives me crazyyy!
My in-laws lost their dog of 13 years this past year and they still have his dog bed and toys in his toy basket. I don’t think there is anything wrong with leaving their stuff out until you are ready, and you may never put it away and that’s ok too! My mother in-law is Korean and its traditional to have a sort of shrine for family members who have passed and they have a console table with Buddy’s pictures, ashes and other mementos to keep him there in spirit. It’s really sweet.
Also read The Midnight Library and felt the same way. Very interesting concept but wordy at some points and almost too many alternate lives. I found myself wishing it would move along a bit faster but the end life wrapped it up nicely! I always love your book recommendations and always feel the same as you when you tell us what you thought of the book.
Julie, I’ve been thinking about you and your family and your precious Sadie!
I wanted to share this because I remember on your stories on Instagram you talked about trying to find a good tanning lotion. I randomly discovered someone new to follow and she said her favorite is the Jergens mousse from Target. I tried it and I am absolutely in love! It is seriously life-changing! Here is the link…
https://www.target.com/p/jergens-natural-glow-instant-sun-self-tanner-mousse/-/A-82811728
I am so beyond excited for the women’s gymnastics Olympic trials tonight. Simone Biles is unbelievable and there is such a talented group competing this year. I have been a huge gymnastics fan since the 1992 Olympics, when Kim Zmeskal and Shannon Miller were competing. I still have a million VHS tapes of gymnastics competitions, despite never having been a gymnast myself! I love watching swimming, diving, and track at the Olympics too, but gymnastics has always been my favorite!
I feel like I could have written this lol 🙂 I became a huge gymnastics fan since the ’92 Barcelona olympics with Kim Zmeskal…and I have so many VHS tapes of gymnastics. I havent watched them in ages but somehow can’t part with them! 🙂
Aww, I love that! I am absolutely loving Golden right now and gymnastics.com! I am counting down to the Olympics!!
I meant gymcastic.com!!
One of the things making me smile this fine Saturday is my almost two year old grandson. He makes me very happy and I feel blessed beyond measure when we spend time with him.
Love the Ted Talk. I think I’ve listened to it before, but it’s still great.
One of the things I did when I lost Tanner (Vizsla) recently was to paint rocks. It may be something that you could do with Ryan and the boys. My husband even started doing it with me. We started putting them in his favorite hiking spots, campgrounds and swimming holes. (even an ice cream shop where he would always get a cone). I have found it very therapeutic.
This is such a sweet idea. I love that — thank you for sharing ❤️
Hi Julie, I am a long time reader and your “Things I’m Loving” posts are my favorite. I have purchased so many items based on your recommendations.
I had to put my 17.5 year old dog down on May 30. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and one that I had been dreading for the past few months, when her health and quality of life started to deteriorate. Shadow was the dog I never knew I needed. She was my very first pet (aside from goldfish won at carnivals). She was with me when I lived on my own, when I got married and moved from Ohio to Texas, when I brought home my daughters from the hospital, when we moved back to Ohio, everything. I have her leash and collar just laying on her bed. I can’t get myself to get rid of it. I know in good time I will, but it is so much harder than I thought.
Continued prayers for you and your family as you go through the grieving process of losing your sweet Sadie.
Thank you for always being so real and honest in your posts.