Weekend Stuff: Vacation Edition

Hello & Happy Friday!

Are you lighting the good candle this morning?

As you are reading this, I am sitting on the beach, sipping something with a tiny umbrella, and soaking in every ounce of sun and sand and (what’s an “s” word that means reading in a lounge chair with a giant hat on because I burn easily?).

The Laake’s are in Mexico! Please consider this my out of office.

But before I go, here’s some vacation-themed Weekend Stuff to help celebrate the sunshine wherever you are today. You didn’t think I’d leave without saying goodbye, did you?

I’m so thankful for this little getaway. But am grateful too that wherever we go, whatever we do, however glamorous or grimy our plans may be, there is mercy to be seen and felt and tasted and touched. What a gift it is to enjoy this life.

May your weekend be filled with the good stuff.

— Bailey

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I’m taking two books to the beach this week. This was an easy choice – it’s been recommended to me at least 5 times and with glowing reviews. I’m only two chapters in, but it’s witty and quirky and the endearingly written protagonist seems like an excellent beach companion.

Paris By The Book

This is the second beach book I’m packing (I have a problem) so I can’t speak to the specifics yet, but it’s a novel about a novelist, based in Paris, with lead female characters. Not to mention it’s a national best seller. (One day I’ll do an entire post about the Paris-based books I’ve written. I’m a sucker for anything French.)

Asos Beach Skirt

I’m notorious for using Steven’s t-shirts or my had-since-college denim shorts as a swimsuit cover up, so in anticipation of this trip I thought I’d try to step up my game a bit. This black sarong is so fun and so chic and will probably appear in every picture I take on this trip.

& Other Stories Slingbacks

I do this thing with sandals where I find one pair and I love them and I wear them until they fall apart. This usually equates to one pair per season. And this season, this is that pair. A tiny heel, nothing between my toes, and black to match my self-chosen New York uniform. They’re perfect.

Mineral Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the worst offenders when it comes to both health and environmental issues. And NYC is one of the worst offenders at not letting its inhabitants see the sun for 8 months at a time. So I stocked. up. on this mineral sunscreen for both my skin and the ocean’s sakes.

Dew Skin Moisturizer

I have a strict no-makeup-on-vacation policy because I just can’t be bothered. But again, NYC=no sun and my face is a fierce collector of freckles if I’m not careful. So as an extra step in my pursuit of sun safety, I’m brining this dew skin tinted moisturizer for its built-in SPF and just a touch of coverage. This stuff is gold for your sweaty / summer outings.

Grapefruit Lime Refresher

What says beach vacation more than citrus-y cocktails? I love everything grapefruit and this drink is no exception. Just missing the tiny umbrella and fun paper straw!

Rose Lemonade Elderflower Sangria

Want something a little fancier for your summer soiree? These rose cocktails include fresh mint, elderflower, and real strawberries and are so beautiful. Do they have elderflower in Mexico? Asking for a friend.