Natalie's Notebook- May Recap
A cute skirt, great cocktail napkins, & a summer wine guide
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Welcome! 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. When I write these, I like to imagine we are meeting in person for coffee, lunch, or a glass of wine to chat. So, pour yourself a drink, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and let’s get caught up. ☺️
May Chit Chat 🦋
How in the world is it June already? Is it just me, or does it feel like 2025 is flying by? The beginning of May brought the 5th anniversary of my mom’s death, so that was a bit rough. I still miss her all the time and pick up the phone to call her before remembering she won’t be on the other end of the line. Mother’s Day is always bittersweet since it follows that anniversary, but also lovely because my husband, kids, and their spouses always find the best ways to make me feel loved and appreciated. ❤️
Here are some of my May highlights:
My husband and I enjoyed a lunch date with an ocean view.
We went on a breakfast date with our son and daughter-in-law.
We ran into old friends at a concert - so much fun!
We attended an incredible Philharmonic concert which featured Mozart.
We hosted a small retirement party for a dear friend.
My book club met at a local winery to discuss this tender spiritual memoir.
Landscaping work continued.
Everyday Loves
These cotton cocktail napkins! They come on a roll, and the quality is excellent!
My daughter sent me this much-needed sweater drying rack.
This cute cotton eyelet skirt and a crinkle gauze top I’m taking with me on an upcoming vacation.
A jar of hot honey that two friends made for me. 🍯
All my other recent favorites are linked here: What I’m Loving Lately
Noteworthy Links
Magnolia’s Ways to Welcome Summer into Your Home
U.S. News Travel 26 Underrated Travel Destinations in the U.S.
The Complete Summer Wine Guide by Bri McKoy
From the Kitchen
Here are some delicious things I made last month:
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki- I skipped the pita and served this over cauliflower rice.
Some friends came over for dinner, and I served these amazing potatoes as one of the side dishes: Crispy Roasted Potatoes with All the Herbs.
This meatless meal was so yummy: Crispy Halloumi with Tomatoes and White Beans (NYT gift link)
I whipped up a batch of this cocktail when our friends were over: Bees Knees Batch Cocktail. It’s so refreshing and perfect for a warm day.
I hope your June is joyful!
With love, Natalie xx
P.S. Thanks for reading and hitting the ❤️ at the bottom of my posts. This helps others find Everyday Natalie 🌸
"June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy." - L.M. Montgomery
Tell me, what were your May highlights?
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Oh my gosh, how do you always make me hungry when I read your newsletter!? Those crispy garlic roasted potatoes sound delicious!! I’ve never tried cauliflower rice, but I need to branch out. You definitely make the best chocolate chip cookies, I love the look of that recipe!! So your list of places to visit caught my attention. I had never thought of seeing Chattanooga before but as a big aquarium and zoo lover, it looked interesting to me. Your clothes are darling!! You have such great taste! And as always, I loved the photos of your month. A wonderful read!! Xx
Loved this, Natalie! First of all, that halloumi – squeaky cheese as we affectionately call it in our house! – dish is going straight onto my To Make list! And that white eyelet skirt looks beautiful for summer – so versatile for vacations! I’m sorry that the beginning of the month was so hard for you as you remembered your beloved mom. I entirely understand, my mother‘s birthday falls the week before Mother’s Day here in the UK, back in March, and five years must’ve felt very poignant, and I get the telephone thing – I really do. So much love. 💗