I know this is a long one to read each week. I also know you’re busy on your own journey, juggling, and joy-seeking. Please know how thankful I am to see you here today! We’ve packed this Scroll with all the good stuff – a new thriller series to binge (based on a true story!), the best smoothie to try on a hot summer day, and some beautiful finds for the whole family:

Making.

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie.

• 3 oranges peeled (and if you don’t have oranges on hand – sub a cup of organic OJ. We tried both and the taste was the same!)
• 1 cup of frozen mango
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop of clean, vegan protein powder
• 1 cup of coconut milk

Ooooh this one is good! It’s refreshing, filled with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and just wildly flavorful. Have you ever had one of those Orange Julius drinks? Here she is, only well-blended for well-being, because you deserve it. I wish I could make one for you right now!

Reading.

I’m late to the party on this one, I know ?. We watched them for years, made the pilgrimage to Magnolia when we moved to Texas…and I still hadn’t read the story until now. My friend Fred was going through his bookshelves and kindly thought to send me The Magnolia Story as well as Chip’s book Capital Gaines. Have you read either? While the trip to Magnolia felt like a wee bit of a let-down for me, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their work ethic, dedication to family, and vision for the empire they have built. Reading their words only solidified how I felt about them, and left me feeling even more inspired to work to build something of our own.

Something that particularly struck me, was how authentic this felt. I don’t know about you, but as we watched season after season of Fixer Upper, everything felt more shiny and staged. It happens with all Reality TV, doesn’t it? But The Magnolia Story brought it back to the beginning and the reason why we fell in love with them in the first place. 9.5/10⭐️

Watching.

I started watching because I am a big time Connie Britton fan. But I stayed for the true story. This is such a reminder that people are not always as they seem ?, and when we feel that whisper that something is amiss, it’s for a reason. I have a feeling you’re going to get sucked into this one like we did. A fantastic limited series that feels like a good thriller you lose yourself in.

Listening.

This podcast popped up in my feed as something I might be interested in, and they were right ?. Clearly, the cookies follow my every step down the rabbit hole of happiness research. I love studying the power of habits, mental health, joy-seeking, and overall well-being. Not just for my personal happiness, but so I can be a good teacher for Grey as he navigates all the feelings in this crazy world. In any event, Dr. Tal Ben Shahar was a wealth of knowledge and I particularly enjoyed his thoughts on the trajectory of joy. Are you happier than you were 5 years ago? A month ago? Will you be happier in a decade than you are now? That’s the goal.

Feeling.

Trying.

If you’ve been making smoothies alongside us – this is the new clean, vegan, gluten-free protein I found at Costco. Same price on amazon. I could cry I love it so! The problem with a lot of the protein powders is that they’re loaded with synthetic ingredients. Not this one – and it tastes delicious!!

Please take a minute to read this one. An outstanding round-up of the eight secrets to a (fairly) fulfilled life.

I was asked about these several times this week when I shared a snap of our dining room. FAQ – yes, they are comfortable, easier to clean than they look, and the quality is even better in person. 10/10 recommend!

Jon had a single pair of non-basketball shorts so I ordered these for Father’s Day. I love the material – sporty, yet still looks put-together.

And if you need a cozy pair or are headed to the beach – how lovely do these look?

Interesting! Why Vitamin C is more important than collagen for healthy skin.

I buy this face oil again and again. If you’re looking for something to add to your routine to brighten, glow, and help fine lines – here’s your gal. The thing I like most, especially in the summer, is that it’s lightweight and layers your sunscreen + makeup on top without clogging pores.

It is an impossibility to hop on a pool float with a great book and relax when you have a five year old ?. So since I’m getting splashed in the face anyway, I might as well make the most of my time in the water. I snagged these pool weights and they are fantastic!

Love Christian Siriano! Here’s his #1 tip to transform any space this summer.

This set is so effortlessly chic, and better quality than the price suggests. I love the tan!

A helpful guide to seasonal eating.

The Top 10 Most Popular Cities for Summer Beach House Rentals – I’m dreaming of Hawaii, but the last one on the list is a more viable option for now ?.

The beauty of going grey, naturally. I quite literally stop silver sirens on the street and tell them how glamorous I think they are ?. It drives Jon nuts when I abruptly compliment strangers, but they need to know!

That quote about everyone fighting battles you know nothing about...you know the one? I think about that all the time. No matter what battle you're going through this week, please know we're rooting for you and sending love your way. Thank you for being a part of this cozy corner with us!