FROM: STELLA

TO: LAURA

1. 

   I am finally en route back to the United States! After the last two weeks in Africa, my husband and I are headed for a quick stop in NYC to celebrate my birthday and see a few friends. Then he’s headed to Maine to see his family and I am back to LA for a week or so to work a bit before getting back on a plane to join him for 4th of July. Yep, we are travel crazy.

2. Just listened to this episode of Katie Couric’s podcast where she interviews President Obama’s photographer and one of my favorite Instagramers, Pete Souza. He has a lot of great candid photos of the Obama family and it’s a fun inside look at their time in the white house. He also just released a book that includes a photo history of President Obama’s 8 years in office.
3. After all the crazy travel I’ve been on and am looking forward to… I am newly obsessed with “Round the World Flights”, they always seemed so unattainable for some reason but I’ve had a change of heart after reading these other blogger’s posts about how to do it [1], [2], [3] and these about how to stay on budget [1], [2], [3]!
4. I am super thrilled that we decided to pack these fold-able duffel bags for the return trip. I think we bought too many souvenirs…

FROM: LAURA

TO: STELLA

1. My husband and I planted up a storm in our backyard garden boxes a few weeks ago, and things are starting to produce! We have had a handful of tomatoes and will soon be inundated with onions, radishes, and hot peppers! We also have a rosemary plant that has prospered beyond my wildest dreams, so now (inspired by this Lemon Rosemary Tea Cookie recipe) I’m bookmarking any and all things rosemary! [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9].
2. Allie’s update on their kitchen remodel came at the perfect time for me! Jacob and I have been “paused” in our kitchen renovations because we haven’t found a backsplash option we’ve liked yet, and Allie has no introduced me to Fireclay Tile! I can’t wait to look around and hopefully find something perfect for our home! I’ve also been having way too much fun with their “Paint your own tiles” tool!
3. Love this article by Chris Peach on ‘8 Daily “Rich Habits” Anyone Can Adopt.’ I’ve unknowingly been practicing a few of these already and can’t wait to add the rest to my routine!
4. She Picks Up Pennies has an incredible rundown on manufactured spending at the grocery store! Has definitely inspired me to wheel and deal a little more on my food spending!