Things I Love Thursday // 7.25.19

Having the squirrels home from sleep away camp - Although this was the 6th summer they have gone away to camp, this year they went to the 4-week session (which was twice as long as they've ever been away from me) making it feel like the first summer again. One of the very best things about camp is NO electronics. There are also no phone calls, no visiting days, and no email. SO... the only communication is good ol' fashioned snail mail (though, parents can send letters in an email form to be printed and delivered to campers the next day). We do get glimpses into their camp life through the photos posted daily. (I confess to spending FAR too much time combing through the small thumbnail photos multiple times a day looking for their happy faces. #sorrynotsorry) I missed them terribly but they had the time of their lives and can't wait to go back next year. {sigh}

A picture of them AT camp TOGETHER (it's never happened before)!
Camp Illahee - The place where our squirrels explore, love, grow, and thrive when they are away from us. Hiking, climbing, riding, tennis, ceramics, painting, field hockey, soccer, and swimming (to name a few they focused on this year) in addition to archery, riflery, canoeing, kayaking, vaulting, and fiber arts (of which they have participated in the past) are just some of the activities that keep them engaged and entertained over the long days away from home. G rooms with her camp friend from Texas (among other new friends made every year) and P rooms with her camp bestie from Colorado. They come back happy, exhausted, full of stories, and a little taller too.
These rose-gold sandals - I just picked these sandals up from Target a couple weeks ago and I love them. I bought them in the rose gold and black but have found that I wear the gold pair daily, as they "go with" everything. The sole is substantial enough for a fair amount of walking/standing. And the style is simple enough for shorts, jeans, skirts, and dresses. Love them.
Cooler Temps - Finally, Charlotte. Thank you. We are no longer melting and there are even moments during the day when the A/C has a moment to catch its breath.
Houseplants - You guys, the plant purchasing situation at my house has gotten out of control. I can't help it. All of a sudden, my brown thumb has turned green (turns out water + light is a winning formula) and I've become obsessed with filling any slightly sunny corner of our house with greenery. They make me so happy. The only problem is that now I'm stressed about our upcoming travels because I don't know how to succinctly explain how much water each plant needs on what day. I don't really measure or have a schedule... I just look at them and feel the soil. Yikes!
My Caftan - I'm not sure how I stumbled across this long nightgown on Amazon but I'm so so thankful that I did. I'm telling you, I want to LIVE in it. If you're in the Charlotte area and you see me out and about at the grocery store in this, let's agree to behave as though everything is normal. It is so cozy and comfortable. It's the effortless thing that I can throw on in the morning while I sip some coffee, answer emails, water all the plants, etc. It's great for when I'm visiting friends or when we have company here. Every evening in front of the TV (or even on the porch). This is what I want to be in. I'm typically about a size 8. I ordered the navy/blue combo in a Small and it fits great. It is ankle-length and roomy --but the neck and the stripe make it NOT seem like a tent. The fabric is so soft and this color combo is flattering. (I ordered the light grey/black combo too and sent it back. My bootie did not need that.)
Shopping bags - How cute are these reusable fabric grocery bags? I picked them up a couple weeks ago from The Fresh Market. I took a quick peek online for them so I could give you a link but I came up short. Sorry.

They had a third: "We Got the Beet" (I wish I had picked it up too).
Body Cream - I'm really not a lotion person. Of course, I need to put lotion on because I'm a human person. However, as soon as I'm done applying lotions of any kind (but especially sunscreen), I have to wash my hands with soap and water. Anyhoo... my cousin gave me this wonderful body cream from The Body Shop for Christmas last year and I'm addicted. Not only does it moisturize so well, it also smells amazing and doesn't "clash" with other scents I might be wearing. A little goes a long way and it's not at all sticky or greasy! Love.