Skipping last week’s post to enjoy some time with family made this week’s Friday Five so much easier! I have plenty to share and missed talking with you guys. Not much has changed besides the fact that I accidentally let some of the plant wall plants fry to a crisp in the sun and have gotten way too invested in The Bachelorette. We’ve gotten tons of family time in since I’ve last posted and for that I’m so grateful.
Here are this week’s five!
1. Finn the Fiddle Leaf Fig
Right before the Fourth of July, the roomie and I were shopping at Costco and noticed all these people with huge trees/plants in their carts. I thought little of it. When we got back to the front of the store to check out, I spotted the few remaining plants in question and ran over to investigate. (Ryan was shaking his head.) THEY WERE FIDDLE LEAF FIGS AND GIANT AND BEAUTIFUL!!!!! As we left, I was reeling about this crazy find—whining that I’d missed a huge opportunity for an amazing plant I’ve dreamt of owning (too far?) … long story short, I dropped Ryan off at work and went right back to Costco to snag one of the last fiddle leafs left. It was $50. A kind stranger helped get him in my car. His name is now Finn and he’s so beautiful. I’m terrified I’ll kill him and am taking any and all advice on how to keep him thriving!
2. My New Facial Brush
I know little to nothing about skincare, but I was influenced by a gal I follow on Instagram to purchase this TAO facial brush that’s self-cleaning. The cleaning part was the ticket for me, obviously. So far, I like it! I’ve always wanted some kind of facial scrubbing brush and this one is fully waterproof so I use it in the shower each night. I should probably do every other night for my sensitive skin, but it’s feeling great to have squeaky clean skin after hot summer days. It’s usually $130 and I snagged it for $60 (!!!) with the blogger’s code. Message me on Insta or FB if you want that code, by the way.
3. Rummikub
I brought this game along to my in-laws’ home last weekend and it was an absolute hit! We even had a foreign exchange student playing with us who said she loved it and my FIL and SIL have already purchased it for themselves since. It was so nice to put my problem-solving skills to work as I played this game that’s a take on Rummy with my newish family (who are very competitive). I wouldn’t know this game existed if not for my sweet grandma who taught me to play, so it’s even more special to remember her while playing such a fun game. You can buy it, here! P.S. I want to learn how to play Mahjong, so let me know if you can teach me.
4. Stranger Things 3 (no spoilers)
Somehow I was unaware that the new season was even coming out for the Fourth, but the roomie and I finished it this week. We were both pleasantly surprised with all the character development and even agreed that we really liked the new characters that were brought in. The only thing that stuck out to us as not ideal was the fact that they were all split up for most of the season, but oh well. Well done, again, Duffer Brothers!
5. Penny’s Bandanas
Our corgi isn’t really the bow-wearing type of gal, but wow does she rock a bandana. We do not have any fancy bandanas for her, but the few we do have were $1 each from Hobby Lobby. Adorable impact for $1?! Great life hack. And for an even better one, shop from what you already own. The bright red one Penny mainly wears in summer is the same one my brother played cowboys with as a kid (I think). It came out of an old dress-up box at my mom’s during college and has since been a neck scarf for me and Penny’s best accessory. ☺️
Stay cool this weekend! ☀️ Thanks for reading, friends!
Love reading your blog Anna! Youndo a great job!
I just knew the new game you mentioned was Rummikub! I have spent many hours throughout the years with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law during our Sunday visits! I miss those visits and playing the game since my mother- in- law passed May 3rd.. You have encouraged me to start a new Rummikub tradition!!!❤️