Sunday Saves 5.28.23

toddler travel and a tenth anniversary

It’s been awhile! I hope you’re all well. We spent part of the weekend celebrating my Grandma Pat, a strong spitfire of a gal who loved fishing, bowling, baking, and gathering her family for cookouts. That’s just what we did—the cookout, not the various other activities, though my dad and his siblings did fill the dessert table with her famous recipes. I can’t give away any family secrets, but this recipe for pistachio torte is pretty darn close to the one my dad makes, and it’s perfect for summer gatherings.

I’ll be listening to Patsy Cline in Grandma’s honor over the next few days, plus letting her laugh ring in my ears whenever I hear my dad cracking up at his own jokes. Here are some other moments and memos from the last few weeks:

• We took Theo to Florida to visit family, and dubbed his new personality “Vacation Theo.” He LOVED the beach, the pool, the warm rain, the golf course, the golf cart—basically, he’s ready to move to a retirement community.

  • Exhibit A: And yes, he actually keeps his sunglasses on. I have no tricks and tips to offer my fellow sun protecting moms—that’s just Theo.

• In terms of traveling with a toddler, I do have a few tips—or rather, a few product recommendations that worked amazingly well for Theo. Your mileage may vary because every kid is so different! He spent a significant portion of our plane rides drawing on his LED sketch pad (no internet access, more like an upgraded Etch a Sketch), focusing intently on his Bluey sticker set, and enjoying a new board book. The snacklebox also made an appearance. I’ve linked all of these items in my Amazon storefront in case you need a few things for summer road trips or air travel.

• Shortly after our Florida trip, Curtis and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. With the help of my parents, we were able to tackle house projects and go out on a few dates. We’re entering the next decade of our marriage feeling accomplished and refreshed!

• In the midst of family trips, family mourning, and family projects, I read some fantastic romance novels. I can’t wait to share them with you! If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you’ll receive Recipe for a Summer Romance (a free, curated list of delicious romance novels) in your inbox on June 7th.

• I love reading romance, but I’m eagerly anticipating my return to literary fiction, nonfiction, and other buzzy summer books in various genres. There are so many lovely guides to new releases and backlist titles out there: I’m stunned by the gorgeous design of Anne Bogel’s 2023 Summer Reading Guide and poring over Sara’s Paperback selections to create my ideal summer TBR.

I’ll leave you with a classic song from Patsy Cline, in remembrance of my country music loving grandma. She would be well pleased for anyone to spin a record or tune in to Spotify with Patsy, Elvis, or Johnny Cash this weekend—especially if they’re in the company of loved ones, making each other laugh (at one another’s expense).

Chelsey

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