FROM: STELLA

TO: LAURA

1. We are both in New England this week visiting family for the 4th of July. And we are also celebrating Laura getting married with a huge group of east coast friends and family. As Laura mentioned in last week’s It’s a Thing – she got her west coast party photos back, I’m including one of my favs here.
2. I really loved this episode of Katie Couric’s podcast where she interviews the Barefoot Contessa. I love the way that you get pulled into each of her episodes and feel like you are right there with them having a conversation with them over delicious slow cooked scrambled eggs with truffle butter on brioche toast.
3. I was very moved by this article about a Thai Football team that became stranded in a cave and are in the process of being rescued a week later. It is moving to see so many people working together to bring them home safety.
4. I am working on trip planning for a quick trip to Santa Fe next month for a wedding. We’re flying into Albuquerque and are going to have a bit of time to kill before the next train to Santa Fe. I found a few cool breweries within walking distance of the train station that I am excited to check out: Sidetrack, Monks’ Corner and Marble.

FROM: LAURA

TO: STELLA

1. Immediately started drooling over this idea of “beer can burgers!” Pretty different than beer can chicken [1], [2] if you’ve ever made it, but I’m so on board for a “stuffed” burger of sorts!
2. I was also pretty intrigued this week by Into The Gloss‘ article on, what they’ve deemed, the “Swiss Kriss Face Steam.” I’m all for trying any new all-natural face-cleansing method, so I’ll let you know if my review differs!
3. Very appreciated some of the reminders in The Finanical Diet‘s ‘6 Money Items You Should Definitely Include On Your Mid-Year Checklist‘ article. One more I would throw on? Request a credit line increase! Most major finance institutions will grant an increase every 6 months with a soft check on your credit. I have calendar reminders to do this on January 2nd and July 2nd every year because it lowers your utilization percentage, a major part of your credit score!
4. Also including another snap of June’s wedding celebration. I SO loved our photographer (who I actually found for Stella’s wedding, way back when!) if anyone is looking: Carly at Captured and Created.