it's my girls' world

Happy Friday, loves! 

Summer's here (once June is here, I call it summer, something my five y.o. taught me!) and the reading has begin. Here are a few of the books I've been reading recently and some that are on my list.

After I Do- Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

A book about a couple and how they seemingly fall 'out of love' and how they navigate a year apart, this one was an interesting read. Though I can't 100% identify with everything in the book, I loved the truth about having to work on a marriage and the protagonist was very relatable.  The ending was very sweet though I don't know in real life if it would pan out the same way!

After You- JoJo Moyes

After I read Me before You (loved the love story but didn't enjoy how it all panned out since I don't believe in euthanasia), I was curious to see Louisa and her life and journey. I enjoyed reading Louisa and how she dealt with her grief and eventually moves on with so many possibilities in her future! 

The Things We Keep- Sally Hepworth

Oh... this was a riveting and poignant read about early onset dimentia in the two protagonists in their late thirties brought together in a group home. I found myself deeply moved and very touched by their story and the challenges they face. Not an easy read, but a wonderful one, nonetheless that made me very grateful for my strong, alert mind.

The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness- Maddie Dawson

Nina Popkin is looking for her birth mother, newly orphaned and divorced but semi adrift, we go through an unlikely situation with her as she discovers her mom, a sister, a potential new family and subsequently herself.

And here are a few I plan to read in the upcoming summer.

You know I'm getting the new Elin Hilderbrand book- The Perfect Couple... next week!!

Emily Giffin comes out with a new book every other year- All We Ever Wanted is going to be out just in time for my summer travels!

Another one of my faves is Lauren Weisburger and When Life Gives You Lululemons is in my kindle right now waiting to be downloaded. 

From my library, I just got Class Moms by Laurie Gelman- I loved her on The Mom Show in Canada- a now defunct show that came out just around that time that I had my firstborn. I think it will be a fun read!

What's on your bookshelf/nightstand/iPad/Kindle these days

Linking up with

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Here we go, June! The sunshine is out and so are the smiles! Here's a bit of what's happening currently around here:

nowhere this month as we wrap up a very hectic school year but next month we have some wonderful plans to visit Greece. To say we are excited is an understatement!

Everything! Skewers, sausages, wings, burgers and loads of different veggies. We grill at least a few times a week! My fave has been this grilled squid I posted about and I can't wait to make it again! 

Sugar free desserts. Trying to cut the sugar and carbs and explore alternative sources of sweet.... like a spoon of peanut butter some days-- #desperatetimes

All the herbs! This year we have basil, thai basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley and the tiny cilantro and mint that sprung back up from last year.

Well my kids are playing soccer and lacrosse and swimming and skating until the end of June! Me on the other hand, I'm trying to play around with blogger to find out why no more comments get sent to my inbox so that I can respond to them directly. Instead, I have to check my blog or go onto blogger to see the comments on my posts....grrrrr... any ideas, friends!?

What summer fun do you have planned for this month?

Linking up with Anne In Residence

Happy first Monday in June, friends? Summer and sun are on the mind for sure and it's only apropos that The Blended Blog's questions are totally focused on my most favourite season of the year!

1- Walk or Bike ride?

Walk for sure!

I have a walking partner these days and I love it. 

2- Favourite Picnic Food

Fried chicken like the south LOL. Because I am all about balance, I also like a ton of veggies and fruit at a picnic too ;-)... oh and cookies and brownies!

3- Lake or Pool

Pool for sure since you can rinse off after.

4- Fave' Ice Cream Flavour

Macadamia Brittle by Haagen Daas--- only to be found VERY rarely and never in North America anymore.

This one from last summer was pretty epic though.

5- Cone or Cup

I love a cone... and now I want a cone... like the one above!

6- Flip Flops or Slides

Flip flops all the way. I feel like my feet would literally slide with slides!

7- Jeans shorts or capris

Definitely shorts

8-Favourite summer fruit

Definitely watermelon. The more chilled, the better.

9- Corn- on or cut off the cob

 On the cob. This Caribbean corn recipe is one of my favourite ways to prepare it.

10- Favourite summer song:

Hmmmm-- I don't think I have a favourite one.

11- Favourite summer time activity

I like getting together with lots of friends and family in the summer and enjoying the fresh air and fun times

12- Favourite Berry

Strawberry for sho'. We go strawberry picking all the time and we've made jam for the last few years!

13- Bikini's, tankini's or one pieces?

One pieces these days.... sigh!

14- Dresses or skirts.

Dresses for sure. 

15- One Word to describe Summer?

Delicious! Not with just food, but also the good times, memories created, lazy days and so much fun. And waaay too short!

Happy Monday, friends and family :-)

Yay for Pool Season! So much sunshiny fun! Here are my must haves for lots of summer goodness at the pool!

1- Pretty Floats

My kiddos love a good float! I've gotten a few for the kiddos so far, averaging around one per season as we do make use of them. We usually use one main one and pull the others out when friends and family come. I managed to plan A's birthday party around a couple.

First we had our flamingo

Then the donut

We got a mermaid tail this year as well which the kiddos love.

Oh and for younger kids, puddle jumpers are a MUST HAVE. We have two and keep them handy for any visitors and sometimes for A if she is venturing in the deep end without an adult in the pool.

2- Sunscreen is another must have for us this year. Supergoop has to be my new favourite like lots of blogland. I love the non greasy feel it and that it's non aerosol too! 

3- Some good music is a must have. A portable bluetooth speaker is so useful for both inside and outside the house.This is the one we have and love. It's also splash proof which makes it even more wonderful for outside.

4- I'll probably have to do another post on outdoor entertaining and all my favourites but these glasses are so practical and can go right in the dishwasher after. These stainless steel ones though (double walled and insulated) might be good for just D and I when we are outside on those very hot days so that our drinks don't get too warm.

5- There are SO many cute hat options on Amazon. A sun hat is a must for me when I'm not sitting under an umbrella. So many fun options out there. Here are just a few of my faves.

Panama Hat

Rose all Day

I think this one will be great for our summer travels! Not to sure about the print on the bottom though.

What are your very favourites for outdoors/pool/beach season?

Happy first Friday in June, lovelies!

Linking up with

(This post contains some affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog).