Natalie's Notebook- August Recap
A tiny device I love, my favorite mascara, & a beautiful poem
This monthly newsletter is not just about recommendations, interesting articles, recipes, and fun finds. It's about sharing a part of my life with you. You can find the recaps for the previous two months here: June and July. So, pour yourself a drink, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and let’s get caught up. ☺️
August Chit Chat 🎉
First things first… I want to warmly welcome the new subscribers who joined us this past month. I’m happy you’re here!
Somehow, between my birthday (Aug. 31) and a long weekend full of activities, September arrived. As I enjoy those last ears of sweet corn, summer grilling, and warm days, I’m holding on to the last bits of my favorite season. My summer of travel, family time, beach days, and celebrations was jam-packed in the best way. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Here are my August highlights:
I spent the beginning of the month in WA with my girls, savoring the mother-daughter time. We saw a movie, hiked, shopped, and dined out.
After getting home, my husband and I left for a short getaway to celebrate our 36th(!!!) wedding anniversary. We love spending time together, and I’m so grateful to be married to such a kind, fun, loving man.
My daughter-in-law turned 30, and we hosted a big celebration for her here on our property. Her friends did a lovely job planning it, and everyone had a great time.
My husband and I flew to WA to see our daughters, son-in-law, and their doggies, and we had so much fun. We went on some walks together, attended a baseball game, played games in an arcade, and celebrated my birthday.
At the end of the month, I spent my birthday weekend with family and friends, and I feel blessed to be so loved and celebrated by them.
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Everyday Loves
This tiny white noise machine came in handy for all my summer travel.
I’ve used this luggage for the past three years, and it’s holding up well. Away often has great sales.
Books! I just finished a suspenseful novel my friend, Liz, wrote, The House on Cold Creek Lane, and I couldn’t put it down! Other books I read and liked are Summer at the Saint and The Sin of Certainty, and I’m currently reading It Wasn’t Roaring, It Was Weeping.
My favorite mascara truly lengthens my lashes, is easy to remove, and often goes on sale. Yay!
Noteworthy Links
Does this drive anyone else bananas besides me? Living Out Loud Without Headphones (NYT gift link).
The marriage advice written here is excellent, especially the last tip. The Odds are Not in Our Favor.
I’m saving this link for future reference: Ten Ways to Help When Adult Children Are Struggling.
Beautiful poem: What I Want to Remember About Loving You.
From the Kitchen
Here are three delicious dishes I made in August:
“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” – Elisabeth Elliot
This was such a beautiful post.. sharing your own stories and photos, the essays, and the recipes. Gorgeous!! I want to try the buffalo chicken dish, that sounded good to me. Xx
Happy belated birthday, Natalie! Your photos are beautiful and it looks like you had a wonderful month! Thank you so much for reading The House on Cold Creek Lane and for sharing such kind words about it here!
That poem was breathtaking. I just followed the author on Instagram. You always have the best recommendations! xx