JULY RECAP

Color testing! 

We did some color testing on our new black paper for the upcoming calendar cover. It’s always fun to experiment — some ideas stick, and others are definitely better left in your head!

This time, we had a really hard time choosing, but after lots of back and forth (and a good old-fashioned family vote), we finally narrowed it down to our favorite.

COOKING AND ICECREAM

I’ve been really trying to get back into the kitchen and cook as much as I can for Tom and me. It’s something I truly love to do, and I always feel better eating more homemade meals.

Of course, I still make time for ice cream! This one was enjoyed on the beach in Ireland during the heatwave over the weekend! 

Ireland Trip Recap

I had so much fun during my week in Ireland. We saw so many friends and family members that I have deep connections with through my grandparents. Every time I go back, it feels like coming home.

It was so hot — the roads were literally melting! We hit a massive heatwave while we were there, and my sandals were sticking to the road as we walked home from the beach.

My mom’s cousin Nick and his wife Nora invited us to Dublin for a night, and their kids came too. We had a garden party that turned into a 9-hour-long feast full of food, conversation, and laughter. Nora made a beautiful four-course meal: quiche, all kinds of salads, berries and cream, tea cake, and cheese and crackers. It was a perfect day.

We also got to visit one of our dearest friends, Fifi, who lives just across the field from us. We went to trivia with her and came in dead last — but in our defense, a lot of the questions were about the history of Ireland and sports, so you really can’t blame us!

FUN FACT 

My mom’s maiden name is ffrench — yes, with two lowercase f’s! We’re one of the original 14 Tribes of Galway, Ireland, and we even have our own family flag hanging in the town square.

My mom and I took a day trip to Galway to see it — such a special moment to connect with our roots! 

MAKE THIS

We had a lovely dinner with Mags and Mercedes, two of Primm's and John’s dear friends from Ireland. They treated us to an incredible meal — and the most delicious dessert!

They made a lemon merengue cake that we’re still dreaming about. The recipe is from Feast: Food to Celebrate Life by Nigella Lawson — and lucky for us, it’s also available online.

🍋✨ Highly recommend giving it a try:

👉 Lemon Meringue Cake Recipe

SUMMER TIME

This past week, when it was pushing 90 degrees, Tom, my mom, my sister Jamie, and I went paddle boarding! Jamie cracked us up—rather than paddle herself, she tied her floaty to our boards and hitched a ride while we tugged her around the lake. Smart (and slightly lazy!) girl!

MY FAVORITE SHOP IN IRELAND

For years, every summer, my family would go to Ireland. I always begged my parents to visit a little seaside town called Lahinch. There’s a screen printing shop there called Celtic T-Shirt Shop, and they make some of the coolest designs. I’ve always wanted to bring them one of our calendars, but they’re usually not finished in time for my summer trips.

 This year they were—so I finally brought one over! They loved it and spent time flipping through the whole thing with us. It was so nice connecting with other screen printers who make awesome stuff. I highly recommend checking out their website—I think I have almost one of each of their designs!

 LINK HERE!