This past month seems somehow incredibly short (HOW is it mid August?!) and also like it’s been YEARS since I wrote last month’s post. It’s been busy, but not in a way that shows up well in pictures and sharing here – lots of deadlines and time spent at my laptop. But I did have some fun in the past month, so lets get into that.

First – I have still been spending lots of time on my patio, and Lily has, too! I can’t get over how cute she looks perched on this chair, but honestly, she definitely spends more time running around the patio and the backyard than she does sitting quietly.

My Elizabeth Holmes Instagram takeover also happened in the last month! I still can’t believe that happened – it feels so, so surreal. It was so much fun, and truly, the absolute best part of it was the incredible people that I met and have connected with through it. It’s been an experience that keeps on giving – I’ve gotten some really, really cool opportunities because of it. I’m just so grateful!

I’ve gone out to eat more this past month than I have in the last 16 months combined! I really missed restaurant dining so much – it’s one of my favorite things to do. I already have a list of restaurants I want to go to for my birthday in September! Senti is, in my opinion, one of the city’s best restaurants – I’ve never had a meal there that disappoints. And also, their little outdoor patio is so cute. I also finally made it to eat in person at Mola, a sushi restaurant that I’ve been getting takeout from for months. It was so, so delicious – and coveniently located a few doors down from a Milkshake Factory! A chocolate peanut butter shake with no whipped cream is my go-to order.

I also made it to the zoo! I always have the most fun at the zoo – I really just love walking around and getting to look at all of the animals. The Pittsburgh zoo recently re-did the area where the giraffes/elephants/zebras are, and it’s so nice – lots of room to roam, but also a nice up-close view of the animals. When I visited, they had started to set up for the Asian Lantern Festival (happening right now through October!), and it looked so beautiful – I’m definitely going to have to make another trip back to check it out.

A small pleasure that I really missed – I made it back to Drybar for a blowout! I had a few (virtual) presentations and wanted the extra boost of confidence that a fresh blowout brings! My hair just looks so good every time I go – I’ve gotten better at knowing how to replicate it at home, but it’s never quite the same.

And finally – we had a few of my aunts and uncles over for a little cookout (and to show them the new patio). It’s so nice to be able to see family – it’s been a few months since I’ve seen any of them, and even then, it was only for a few minutes. We hadn’t gotten to spend any real time together since before the pandemic. It was a great way to spend a Sunday.