Happy weekend! I usually consider myself a positive person, but I have been struggling a little this week. You know that place between trying to stay positive and worrying about circumstances that pop up?
Luckily, the universe made sure that we had fun plans on Thursday night so I couldn’t watch the debate which definitely helped. My mental health did not need that this week 🙈
Instead, we went to go see Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil at The Goodman Theatre! It’s a brand new musical written by Jason Robert Brown, directed by Rob Ashford, and starring J. Harrison Ghee. If you aren’t familiar with the musical theater world, those are 3 very big names!
The show is currently in previews, officially opens on July 8th, and runs through August 11th. I definitely recommend checking it out and you can also use code LAKESHORE for 25% off weekday tickets! (I also loved my outfit 🥰)
What I’m Reading: I started Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan this week and while I haven’t had as much time to read as I’d like, I can already tell that this is going to be a good one. Ali is going through a divorce, grieving her mom’s passing 2 years ago, and struggling to keep up as a newly single mom. But on the day she finally takes her wedding ring off… she meets someone 👀
What’s In My Cart: My friend Kate told me about this cute sandal and now I want them! Not only are they adorable and versatile, but they’re 59% off this weekend!! Do we ALL need them?!
What I’m Watching: I finally caught up on season 2 of House of Dragon! I was just not in the mood the past 2 Sundays, so I had Adam watch them without me… which was honestly really great because when we watched it together, he was able to answer all of my questions and warn me if gruesome parts were coming. This might be the way I watch the rest of the season 😂
Also… we started Love Island USA because everyone is saying it’s better than UK this season, and WOW. We’re only a few episodes in and there is already drama. Count us IN.
What I’m Eating: My fave Ambitious Kitchen collaborated with Oat Haus on a Cherry Pie flavored Granola Butter - and OMG it is SO GOOD. If you’ve never tried granola butter it’s basically like peanut or almond butter, but nut free because it’s made from oats! So delicious.
What I Can’t Get Enough Of: One of my favorite skincare brands is offering 25% OFF for 4th of July! I've been a huge fan of Dermelect's Sleep Serum ever since an esthetician asked me about my skincare routine last year because she was impressed with how little came off my skin during the facial. Proud moment alert!!
I also HIGHLY recommend their Bounceback Forehead Line Treatment. As someone who hasn't ventured into the world of injectables yet, I really like having a product that targets my expression lines in a more natural way. It obviously doesn't work the same way at Botox, but I have definitely noticed a difference since I started using it and I LOVE having this option. Use code SPARKS for 25% off both of them through July 5th!
Weekend Links:
Athleta’s Semi Annual Sale started this week and they have markdowns up to 70% off! I am currently considering this romper, these bike shorts and this tee.
I needed to hear this this week ❤️
This new Sezane dress is so adorable. It makes me want to go on a breezy vacation, but I also think I could easily wear it around Chicago all summer.
Hotel Lobby makes my favorite candles, but they’re definitely pricey - which is why 20% off sitewide is a big deal! While I support treating yourself, I think these make the BEST gifts because they smell amazing, come in cute packaging, and feel fancier and more elevated than any old candle. My favorite summer scent is Positano and my favorite year round scent is New York!
This piece about recognizing/judging yourself in photos is so incredibly relatable.
You know I’m a sucker for an Italian inspired print - and this aperitivo dress is SO CUTE. (Check out my roundup lemon print dresses here too!)
Quick reminder that “after birth abortions” aren’t real and the realities of abortions late in pregnancy are due to devastating circumstances. It’s really upsetting that this topic often holds more judgement than empathy.
If you’ve wished you could get a nap dress for less, now is the time to buy one! Hill House is offering an extra 20% off select styles including the Ellie Dress, the Elizabeth Dress (mini!), and Ribbon Ellie are all on sale along with more styles.
I haven’t shopped at Aritzia in a long time, but they have markdowns up to 50% off right now!
Spring rolls are such a pain to make but these spring roll bowls have my attention!
I’ve ever been tempted to try Rhode, but these new pocket blushes look goooood. Have any of you tried them yet?
If you buy one thing from the Abercrombie sale, it should be this black and white dress! So comfortable and versatile, and you know I’m a sucker for built in shorts.
You can shop more of my sale picks here - and don’t sleep on these active shorts either. They’re so comfy, I’m wearing them right now :)