First of all, thank you SO much for all your kind words with regards to my upcoming novel! I am so excited to share it and never fear, I will be updating everyone, all the time, with regards to all the details once I know them. It was truly fun to write and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I am just squeezing in under the wire, in terms of Favourite Things. IT’S THE END OF JULY, FRIENDS! I love summer and I have some fun things to talk about this month. Here we go!
Nicole’s Favourite Things: The Bye-Bye, July Edition
We Can Do Hard Things, Although Sometimes They Are Not Hard At All
It all started when I casually mentioned that I wanted to get a headscarf for an upcoming trip. My friend Sandi (HI SANDI), who is always thinking of fun things to do, found a silk scarf painting workshop at a local winery. Of course I was in, but I had my doubts as to the final product, my skills in the artistic realm being, shall we say, limited. At the very least, I thought, it will be a fun afternoon with my friend, and so I practiced non-attachment while looking at the variety of colours and designs to choose from. I chose some blues and a heart pattern, all the while thinking that there was no way that my scarf would look anything at all like the example.
No one was more amazed and surprised than I was about the magic that is painting silk scarves. The teacher set us up with a long, shallow trough filled with agar, and showed us how to add the colours and make the patterns. It was so easy even I could do it, and that is saying something.
Once the pattern was ready, the teacher helped us lower a white scarf into the trough, and like magic, the colours transferred to it.
Isn’t that incredible? I’m so thrilled with the results and, frankly, impressed with myself.
It’s going to be perfect for my trip!
Sweaty, But Not Feral
I am not sure who, exactly, is here for perspiration content, but here we are. What better month to discuss it than July? I have talked at length at what a sweaty gal I am whilst working out; whatever sweatiness level you are thinking, quadruple it. After a workout I could literally wring out a puddle of sweat from my clothes; they make a wet thud when they hit the laundry basket, and if I was a person who weighed myself, I would not be surprised to see a significant loss of water weight each morning. Because I am sweaty from my scalp to my ankles, I see absolutely no reason to wear an antiperspirant for exercise, in fact, it seems wrong to me to stifle my underarms. Be free, little sweat glands! Do what nature intended! However, lest you conflate “sweat” with “stink,” let me rush to assure you that I do want to smell good whilst working out, and so I use Routine De-Odorcream.
I’ve talked about Routine before at length, I was into natural deodorant before natural deodorant was cool. I used to buy it in the playground from the founder, Neige, when our kids were in a grade one/two split class together, before she hit it big and had massive success with her products. I love supporting women entrepreneurs, especially when the product is a remarkable one. Routine is a natural deodorant, yes, and I am aware those words probably conjure up a feral hippie image, but it truly works. Listen, if I can smell good while being actually soaked with sweat, you know it’s a good product.
I use Routine every morning before exercise, and I love it, but it has a tendency to show up on clothing, which I don’t love. After my shower I use this new Dove product, which is also a deodorant, rather than an antiperspirant. It is magically invisible and the scent is lovely.
I mean, I’m not giving boardroom presentations or teaching yoga classes, so although I’m a sweaty mess earlier in the day, post-shower I am not. By now I’m sure I’ve given more than enough information about the state of my underarms, so let’s move on.
Living La Dolce Vita, Via Sparkling Drinks
When we were in Italy last fall, my husband and I decided that, after years of work and child rearing and being ships passing in the night, we would set aside a time each week for Cocktail Hour, which is a screen-free, book-free, television-free time for us to reconnect. And to drink cocktails.
Also in Italy, I fell madly in love not only with my husband (again), but also with Aperol spritzes. I could not believe that I went through my entire life without this delicious, refreshing drink in it. I am making up for lost time now, as we regularly have them for Cocktail Hour, on a warm summer day.
And lest you think that it’s all why don’t we get drunk and screw around here, I am also enjoying San Pellegrino sparkling water as a little treat now and then.
Recently Bijoux (HI BIJOUX) mentioned that when her kids were young she would have a mid-day treat of General Foods International Coffee while watching General Hospital, and I cannot stop thinking about it. Such a lovely ritual! We all need a mid-day treat, don’t you think? I decided I wanted to do something similar, and so a few times a week, in the middle of the afternoon, I take a break to read a book, with a flavoured sparkling water in a pretty glass. One might argue that my entire day is a treat, and it kind of is, but it feels really special to have a very intentional pleasure, a book and a pretty drink, mid-day.
Bye Bye Miss Strawberry Pie
Do you want a no-bake dessert recipe that will refresh and delight you? Of course you do! This is my latest iteration of our family favourite, frozen strawberry daiquiri pie. Make a graham cracker crust with about 1 1/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil (or butter!). Stick that in the freezer, and while it’s setting put 3 cups of thawed frozen strawberries, the cream from a can of coconut milk (chill it for a few hours to separate the cream from the watery liquid), a couple squeezes of lime juice, and maybe 1/3 cup of honey into a food processor and blend until smooth. Add a little more honey if you like it sweeter, and then pour that into the crust, freeze, and voila! Dessert!
I often serve this with homemade Magic Shell, which is created by heating together 1/2 cup chopped chocolate and 1/3 cup coconut oil. I usually squeeze a bit of honey and glug in some vanilla as well. It hardens – magically, like a shell – once it hits the frozen strawberry pie. A perfect dessert and you don’t need to turn on the oven!
Nicole-Coded Merch
I really try to reel in excessive consumption by not buying things I don’t need, but then sometimes I see something and I realize that yes, I do need that thing in my life.
Did I need a coin purse that says Fuck The Patriarchy? Technically no, who needs a coin purse these days? But it’s the perfect size to hold a few lipsticks. Is it weird I have lipsticks in Fuck The Patriarchy merchandise? I LIKE LIPSTICKS AND I CONTAIN MULTITUDES. Anyone having an issue with that can read this shirt:
I saw this on Redbubble and I could not resist. It goes nicely with one of my favourite mugs, and it’s how I feel often these days, particularly when reading the news.
Outfit of the Month
This is my summer uniform: a Lululemon skort and a tank top, generally black. I am of the mindset that when you find something that works, stick with it. I have a number of black tank tops and a number of skorts in a variety of colours and patterns. I very much dislike how I look in shorts and I very much like how I look in skirts, but I don’t want to expose my panties or nether regions to the world, so a skort is where it’s at for me.
I have been enjoying my Alone Time this week – “When the cat’s away, the mouse will play,” I thought as I ate my fourth dinner of Greek salad in a row and turned on another British period drama – but I am over-the-top excited to welcome a houseguest TOMORROW. Some of you may know her, and all who know her love her…it’s Birchie! Updates to come but suffice it to say her visit is definitely going to be one of my Favourite Things. Did you have a beautiful July? Tell me everything. xo
Wow! That scarf turned out so beautiful and you look very fetching in it, Nicole! (I guess I’m trying to make fetching happen!)
A midday treat sounds like a wonderful ritual… Now to decide on what it will be…
LET US WORK TOGETHER ON THIS! Team Fetching! I’m into it!
That scarf workshop sounds fun and it turned out so well…
I have a mid-day break routine that’s similar, except it’s coffee or tea (warm or iced depending on the time of year) and the fun parts of the newspaper. I read the front section with breakfast and then a couple hours later I read Style, Health & Science, Food, Local Living, or Weekend (depending on the day of the week) on the porch in most weather, unless it’s so hot or cold I can’t stand it.
Oooh that sounds really lovely, Steph! Do you get the paper delivered?
Yes, I am old school like that.
Mid-morning, I meant, not mid-day. It’s usually around 10 or 10:30.
I LOVE that scarf and am curious about that upcoming trip you mention where you would need a scarf – might it be Morocco? Egypt? Turkey? I too have been using natural deodorant for years and will check out Routine. And, I have yet to taste an Aperol Spritz, I don’t know why, even when they’re on offer, I usually default to wine. I love skorts but have yet to find one that fits me well. They either look too baggy or too long on me, but I agree that once you find something you love and that works, stick to it.
It is Morocco! I cannot wait! Well, yes I can, because I love summer and don’t want to wish it away.
Wine has always been my default too but now I cannot resist the spritz!
I really feel like you and I would, once we started talking, last long into the night.
Your scarf is incredible! Did you get really excited when it was finished? I’d have been hugging myself and beyond thrilled.
My favourite cocktail this summer has been the French 75 with Hendrick’s gin. So refreshing.
Oh I agree, Nance! I’m so glad we found each other!
I was SO excited when the scarf was finished, I just couldn’t believe it!
I love Hendrick’s, but have never tried it that way – I’m going to!
That headscarf is BEAUTIFUL! I am so impressed! Also, yay for the adventures of Nicole and Birchie – I can’t wait to hear about what you get us to!! I love the idea of a midday treat of a cocktail hour like moment. I feel like in this chaotic season of life, finding those little beats to take a break and just be really would be refreshing (or resetting). Happy end of July!
Thank you so much! I will definitely let you know what capers we get into (lol, margaritas on the deck?)
Beautiful scarf! To too love a skort and I think I need a lululemon one 🤔
If you are looking for more natural deodorant options that don’t show on clothing, I have been using the Rocky Mountain soap company roll on deodorant for years and love it. You can order online and it’s a Canadian small business which is always nice!
I’m definitely going to try that dessert looks delicious!
Oh I love Rocky Mountain Soap! I buy their body butter, and use it on my feet – then I don’t get foot cream on my hands! I have never tried their deodorant, so maybe I’ll add one to my next order. Do you have a preferred scent?
That scarf is DARLING, and I love your OOTM. I need to start planning a midday treat, especially when Minnie is in school… Good call.
Thank you so much! Let me know what your treat will be!
Also– buying natural deodorant on the playground– this is a great image.
It was a covert operation!
Well, this favorite things post is one of my favorite things. I love the fun summer drinks, and your adorable skort/tank combo, and the contradictory but super real combo of peace-love-happiness/go-fuck-yourself energy, and the sweat talk (I am also a sweaty, sweaty person), and your SCARF. It is gorgeous! And also YOU AND BIRCHIE, TOGETHER!!!! That is so exciting!!!!!!
I only wish you were here too!!! Thank you!!!
Have the best time with Birchie! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting up with her twice! She’s a delight so I know you two will have the absolute best time.
I’m a convert to skorts as well! They are especially perfect for this stage of life when I’m crouching to do something for the kids all dang day. I love the full coverage and they are much more flattering than shorts IMO.
I have become a sparkling water convert as well!
I also like to sit with my legs crossed (like, criss cross applesauce) and really, that is a bad idea in a skirt. But in a skort? Perfectly acceptable!
I love Aperol Spritz too! 🍹 That vibrant orange glow instantly makes everything feel a bit more festive, doesn’t it? And I really like your no-screens Cocktail Hour – what a great way to reconnect. I might have to borrow that idea.
Have you ever had a Hugo? It’s made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, and mint. It’s just as summery, and I think I prefer the taste. But Aperol wins for looks!
And yes to mid-day treats! I’m all for carving out a small, intentional pause. Mine is a hot cup of tea with milk (no matter the season) and 10 quiet minutes with a book.
Catrina, I have never had a Hugo but I must make one soon. It sounds amazing. Absolutely amazing! What a lovely summer drink!
Nicole, your scarf is so beautiful – and you made it! YOU MADE IT! I’m in awe! It looks so good on you! Your cocktail hour is such a nice idea. That San Pellegrino juice looks amazing. The strawberry pie also looks amazing. I love an afternoon treat – lately it’s been some Cabaret butter crackers and cheese slices with plain sparkling water. Ahhhhh! Birchie is visiting you! I can’t wait to read all about it.
I MADE IT I REALLY DID!!!
Oooh your treat sounds so nice! I love that! Your own little cheese plate!
I’m commenting from my phone, so who knows what’s going to happen? Your scarf is amazing! I’m so jealous and now want to find a scarf dying class near me.
You’re going to have so much fun with Birchie! She’s amazing and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures together.
Yes, you NEED to find a scarf painting place – it’s so fun AND you love scarves!
Wow that scarf is beautiful!!! I love the colors you picked. What a fun activity!
It was so fun, Jackie! Thank you!
I did have a beautiful July, even when it was #hottawa. Family stuff, friend stuff, swimming and cottaging stuff and there is still most of a month left before Eve moves back and I think about work again.
How amazing is the scarf thing – something that sounds hard and turns out beautiful is so great, although at this age I am willing to try nearly anything even if I know the results might be bad (see: curling).
You can absolutely wear lipstick while fucking the patriarchy. Wait, that does not look right. You get me.
Allison, it sounded SO hard and I was sure that my scarf would just be a total mess. I could not believe how easy it was and how well it turned out! R and J both stared at it when I brought it home and said in the same tone “You did that?” I KNOW YES I DID!
LOLOLOL fucking the patriarchy!
The scarf looks fabulous, wow, who would have known it was so easy? I’m intrigued now, where’s your trip? I am also a sweaty body, but at all times, which would probably be improved by using an anti-antiperspirant, but I switched to a natural deodorant we have here (called No Pong), which literally does what it says for 24 hours at a time, working better than anti-antiperspirant in the smell department. I make sure I select the right kinds of clothes to minimise obvious sweat patches. Patterns, white and black, are my friends, and also natural fibres.
I have had a wonderful July, as we have been enjoying our change of scenery all month. I am working as normal, but we have been in Noosa while it’s been cold and rainy in Melbourne. Although this week, I have had a cold that G brought home from somewhere.
Melissa, I’m going to Morocco! I wanted to have something for the mosque visits especially.
Sweaty girls unite! No Pong is a very descriptive name!
Bummer about the cold, hope you feel better soon!
In 24 hours we will be together!!! It doesn’t get more “favorite thing” than that. Oh wait, I’m in your country so I need to write the language – let’s make that “favourite thing”
I love how the scarf turned out!
We can compare sweat rates over the weekend, but I can already tell you that we have much in common. I’m still on the “whatever happens during the workout happens” approach, followed by a post workout shower and deodorant.
Last summer was my skort summer, and this year I finally found a pair of hiking shorts that have the coverage I need and are so light and comfy that my skort has kind of fallen by the wayside. We’ll get to compare notes on that tomorrow as well! Squeeeeeee!!!!
The hiking shorts are great! I feel very meta replying to this when you are IN MY HOUSE!
the silk scarf is sooo perfect and pretty! I agree that doing things that we don’t think we can do is liberating and invigorating! I tried cartoon drawing in Disney and felt the thrill. now I want to learn to draw!
I would enjoy solo home more than I could admit to my family. Live without a clock or to do list for others would be nice. I’m sure I’ll have it one day and miss the chaos of midlife with kids at home.
When the kids were young I really loved having some alone time – but now I get it a lot so it’s not quite the same!
That scarf is beautiful, and I love the idea of making one—what a fun day with a friend.
Just a few weeks ago, I suggested to Mike that we try setting aside an hour each day with no phones or social media. I can’t have alcohol, but I could definitely schedule my coffee time then—so it would be both of your ideas combined! Sometimes I wish you two lived on the same street as me. Wouldn’t that be fun? We’d get nothing done.
I need a “fuck the patriarchy” pouch! I’ve got lots of fun little sayings on t-shirts like you do, too. I can be peace and love and a little fuck off. I love that about us! xoxo
OMG that would be so fun and no, we would not get anything done! We’d have a great time not getting things done though!
Isn’t an Aperol Spritz so refreshing on a hot summer day? I made an Aperol Spritz cake for an Italian themed dinner I had with friends last week. I am making the cake again tomorrow for a night on the deck with our neighbours. So good!
Have you tried a Negroni? That’s another Italian favourite of mine. Cocktails with your husband – what a great way to spend some one-on-one time together.
I have not tried a Negroni and now I want to!! I also want to try an Aperol spritz cake, how amazing that sounds!
I’m so excited that you and Birchie are likely hanging out RIGHT NOW, maybe having an Aperol Spritz! YAY! I have never had an Aperol Spritz, but they appear to be quite the rage, I see them on a lot of menus. Maybe they always have been but I’ve just never tried them?
I feel like you are the perfect hostess, and I wish all the bloggers could come to your house and have a cocktail party, with French 75s and Aperol Spritzes and all of the things. It might have to be a 3 day party though, because we’d all be having so much fun no one would want to leave. The introverts could take breaks in your library.
Awww thank you! We are having a great time so far!!
My jaw dropped at seeing your scarf; it’s is perfection!! Now I need to know where you are going, where you will need a head scarf! (I kept trying to type Skarft. WTH?)
I have been using the Dove 0% and I love it. No aluminum! I too am a sweaty girl, but sweaty doesn’t mean we have to stink.
I love your t-shirt!
I need to try that flavor of Sanpellegrino, because it does, indeed look like a treat.
Enjoy your visit. XOXO
Suz, I’m going to Morocco! How exciting!
I think you’d love the San Pellegrino, it’s just a light refreshing drink!
We are similar in so many ways, and now I can add Dove 0% to the list!
I’m SO excited for you—that will be an epic trip!
I love the scarf! And besides wearing it for your trip, you should check-out this fashion Youtube channel. I love the host and she’s a wizard with ways to wear scarves! (She also has beauty tips-I know you love that!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ1oY45Xvj0
Oh awesome! Thank you!
That scarf turned out beautiful! I love that there was just a random silk scarf painting workshop – that sounds like something my book club would LOVE to do. I need to see if there’s something like that around me!
A mid-day treat is exactly what I need these days. Sometimes the treat is a 30-minute siesta, but I love the idea of making a fancy latte to perk me up.
Oh Stephany, your book club would love it! It was so much fun!
Wow Nicole, that scarf is beautiful! And, I read through the comments and saw that you’re going to Morocco- how exciting.
Ha- I love the coin purse, shirt and mug. And yes- if you have to read the news, best to do it with that mug in hand.
Thanks Jenny! I can’t believe I actually made something that looks good!
I’m so excited that I inspired your mid-day beverage routine!! That’s awesome and maybe I need to re-start mine with something like that. I drink so much plain water that it would be a nice change up. The scarf is totally amazing!!!!
I also drink exclusively plain water – except for morning coffee of course – so it’s a real treat to have a sparkling water a few times a week!
As you know, I am a fellow heavy sweater… there’s always a dripping puddle under my Peloton and it drips from my ponytail when I walk around the house. I frequenty see “beads of sweat” on my arms and legs LOL (I am using a natural deodorant, too. I love Native).
Oh, and Aperol Spritz is the best. I usually don’t drink but when I am in Germany, I’ll make an exception.
I think of you often, San, as my sister in sweat! Yes to the “beads of sweat” and the Peloton puddle!
I love that scarf and am very impressed! You are a closeted artiste! Yes, that is ar-TISTE, like the French say it. Ooh la la. I once did a corks and canvas and was happy by the way mine turned out. It turns out, I am good at following directions, even when it comes to art! I am behind, and am headed to read your next post, which may have a review of your time with Birchie, which I am looking forward to!
I was also impressed with myself! I am also good at following directions, so that helps.
Nicole, you are radiant in that scarf! It’s gorgeous! I googled scarf painting workshops near me and, alas, there was one this summer (a month ago!) with none on the current calendar. Your experience gives me hope that my complete lack of artistic ability (really, a complete and total lack) would not be a barrier. 🙂
Oh Anne, I seriously have very poor hand-eye coordination and ability to do anything artistic and I could do it! So you can too!