1. The Statement Sports Bra
I saw this bra (above) in American Eagle and had to have it. (I read it as "fear less." When Tom saw it though, he read it as "fearless.") I feel like a boss when I work out in it 💪🏼 and I think we could all use the reminder, however you interpret it, to fear a little less. (P.S. It's on sale for $10!)
2. The Wildly Entertaining Book I Couldn't Put Down
I love comparing the differences between a show or movie and the book it's based on. So after being totally blown away by HBO's Big Little Lies, I couldn't wait to read the book, written by Liane Moriarty. (The mini-series follows her story pretty closely, with a few exceptions.) I can't remember the last time I was this wrapped up in a novel (as I mentioned on my Insta last week). You could say it's beach-read-ish in that it's fast-paced, easy to read and it completely draws you in, but it's also really well written, and because of that it's so much more than your everyday, run-of-the-mill beach read. I can't recommend it enough: as a vacation read, as a before-bed read, as a just-escape-life read that makes you think. The women in the story aren't perfect by any means—and, of course, that only makes them more relatable. I became invested in the characters' stories and was rooting for all the women at the end (protagonists and "antagonists"). And the last few chapters? They gave me all the female-empowerment feels. 🤗
3. The Site That'll Organize Your Shopping Wishlist In Seconds
Before Parcel, I had endless random shopping wishlists in the drafts folder of my Gmail account. (What?!) I know. So I downloaded the little blue-crystal Parcel extension to my browser and now, when I find an item I like, I choose a size and color option (if necessary), click the crystal icon and save it automatically to one of my Parcel categories, almost like you would save an image to your Pinterest account. (I have categories like "summer style," "home" and "just for fun.") It's addicting, beautifully designed and overall, just really fun to use. Oh, and duh: It makes keeping track of my wishlist so, so, much easier. (No more searching through drafts or emails, trying to remember how I labeled something.) Bonus: Sign up for Parcel's "The Smartest Thing" emails. Each week the Parcel team interviews a cool girl about the smartest thing she's ever bought. It's a quick, fun read and I always learn something new.
4. The Can't-Miss Bachelorette Recap
When I first started watching the Bachelor franchise with my roommates earlier this year, it was with a bit of hesitation. (I never quite got why people loved the show so much.) But now, I'm pretty much devoted to watching, especially this season of The Bachelorette, because Rachel, obvi. (I haven't watched this week's episode yet, but besides Copper—the man who truly has my heart on the show—I am so googly-eyed over Dean.) Almost more fun that the episodes themselves though are R. Eric Thomas' recaps on Man Repeller. I can't read them at work because I LOL like a crazy person. He gets the vibe of the show so well and says all the things you might be thinking but don't actually say out loud. He's simply hilarious. If you're a fan of the show, his recaps are a must!
5. The Genius Travel Item
Ever since reading this article on my favoritest blog, I've been meaning to add a mini clothes steamer to my suitcase when I travel. I finally bought one on Amazon a few months ago and it's pretty much been life-changing(!). Not only does it keep me from looking like a wrinkly mess on vacations (my clothing always gets wrinkled, no matter how carefully I roll or fold it!), but it's also great for home use. I break it out in the morning whenever I want to straighten out a button-down or dress I'm going to wear to work. It's life-changing, people, life-changing! 😉
What's the latest book you couldn't put down? And, if you're watching, what are your thoughts on this season of Bachelorette (i.e. can we discuss Dean)?! Wishing you all the best week.
xoxo, Heather
Photographs by Tom Schelling