Things That Helped Me Beat The Boredom in July 2022

July was a great month! My son moved to NYC! I’ve been waiting for this and it finally happened. My oldest daughter visited us for long weekend so for a few days all four of my kids were in one city and it was wonderful! We also celebrated my mom’s 89th birthday with the extended family at Walls Wharf with a table on the beach. Delicious food, great company, and a beautiful view! 

Plaza Suite on Broadway: I’d wanted to see this play and we almost missed it, but two nights before the last show I told my husband I really wanted to see it and he came through! And I’m so glad he did! Plaza Suite was so much fun and the acting was fantastic. I never realized how funny Sarah Jessica Parker is and of course the chemistry between her and Matthew Broderick was incredible. When I leave a show, be it a play or musical, I want to feel happy, and that’s exactly how we felt when we left Plaza Suite. So, what should we see next?

Rockaway Beach: I went to Rockaway Beach with two of my daughters and it was such a wonderful surprise. Having grown up on Long Island and going to Tobay or Smiths Point or out east to Montauk or the Hamptons, I’d been spoiled by these beautiful beaches. Well, Rockaway Beach was just as beautiful and it was free! For the beaches I grew up on I needed a pass or had to pay for the day, so it was a nice surprise to just be able to walk onto this beautiful beach. We went on a week day so, while there were other beach goers, it wasn’t crowded. It truly was a delightful day!

What I’m Reading: When I read a book I like I try to find other books by the same author. This month I read The Third Victim by Phillip Margolin. I enjoyed it so much I then read A Matter of Life and Death and The Darkest Place. I really enjoyed these legal thrillers and can’t wait to read more of his books. 

Olive Lou Bracelet Hair Ties: When my girls were little they always had a black hair tie around their wrist, ya know just in case! It drove me crazy lol. Enter Olive Lou Bracelet Hair Ties. Each bracelet has an inspirational saying that radiates kindness and love. These bracelet hair ties are cute, functional, and spread incredible positivity. I also love the story behind the name of this business. Ilene, the owner, shared that her mom is ill, yet still says “I love you” every day to Ilene. Say the business name-Olive Lou. Genius right?! And so sweet. In honor of Ilene’s mom, Olive Lou will donate  proceeds from the “Always remember that you are loved” collection to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. This is what I love about Olive Lou-cute and meaningful products and kindness all around.

Sewing Class: My daughter wanted to learn to sew and asked me to take a class with her. Prior to the class we went to Mood Fabrics to select our pattern and fabric. So, I’m old school and thought I’d see a display of patterns from which to choose. What was I thinking??!! Of course everything is online nowadays! Luckily my daughter is savvy and quickly found a pattern for us. We decided to make slip skirts as we thought that would be easy enough and something we would wear. The class was held at The New York Sewing Center and it was a lot of fun. We learned everything from how to layout the pattern (this pattern was cut on the bias so that was new to me!), cut the fabric, thread the sewing machine, and we each made a really cute slip skirt, all in a two hour class! The only thing we didn’t get to do was hem the skirt, so we will go back during their studio time to finish it. I was very proud of us and want to go back and learn more. It really was a fun way to spend the day!

July was so hot and tbh I did miss my pool from my house in Cleveland, but I guess life is full of trade offs. 😊And living in NYC is worth it!