Petite Pause no. 1
Lovin’ Lately got a little upgrade, welcome to Petite Pause No. 1
Your end-of-week scroll break. A cozy little catch-up full of links, loves, and things I can’t stop talking about. A spark of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
This week felt like a string of soft moments stitched together. Early morning coffee sipped outside while the kids still slept, their summer routines slowly taking shape in the form of cereal-in-pajamas and barefoot outside mornings. I got an unexpected text from a friend that made me smile. And date night? A good one. We found a fun little venue downtown that had a jazz band playing for a few hours, I forgot about everything else except the music and the way the lights danced through my half-melted tequila cocktail.
My tan lines are already a little wonky, proof of sunscreen slapped on in a rush, poolside hours, and running out the door in sandals that probably shouldn’t leave the house anymore. But there’s something lovely about it all. Like the season’s unfolding just as it should: slowly, sweetly, imperfectly.
Weekend Itinerary
What to Read: “My Friend, Boundaries” by Rob Ross - A personal, reflective essay on reclaiming your time and space. Ross weaves together insights from Nedra Glover Tawwab and Drs. Cloud & Townsend with his own boundary journey. Expect clarity, self-compassion, and an accessible tone that lingers after folding laundry or sipping coffee on your porch.
What to Watch/Listen To: The Table Manners podcast episode with Stanley Tucci. It’s charming, a little chaotic, and unexpectedly moving in parts. Also: justice for martinis.
What to Make: Stone fruit and burrata on pan-seared sourdough (aka my current hyper-fixation). Drizzle with hot honey, add fresh basil, and eat it standing over the counter with your fingers because summer.
What to try: A modern French twist. Equal parts “Emily in Paris” and “I’m just trying to keep my neck cool int he blistering heat.” This style feels fancy but takes under five minutes with a claw clip or a hair pin. I followed this tutorial and actually pulled it off on the first try.
What to Do: Check out Gazebo Garden for their Friday night live music by Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans. Grab a drink and sample your way through the food truck lineup from Gator Smash Burgers to DeRice Sushi to Udderly Delicious Ice Cream (because yes, you do need dessert). Family-friendly, dog-friendly, summer-evening perfection, glittered under the string lights. It’s low-key magic.
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I don’t know who first coined “tomato girl summer,” but the internet (especially TikTok and Instagram) ran with it, and I totally get why. It’s got that dreamy, sun-drenched vibe, like you accidentally wandered into an old European film where nothing urgent ever happens.
It’s all about Italian coastal charm with a splash of Mediterranean nostalgia: bowls of tomatoes ripening on the counter, slow lunches eaten outside, sauce bubbling on the stove while you’re barefoot in the kitchen with a messy bun and a linen dress. Basically, heaven.
It’s warm, rustic, and beautifully undone, the kind of aesthetic that makes imperfection feel like the whole point. And honestly? That’s my favorite kind of summer.
Sezane Palmira Dress, Novelty String Lights, Straw Packable Tote Handbag, Double Buckle Sandals, Cotton Flour Sack Kitchen Towel, Garden Stoneware Serving Dish, Tomato Garden Gloves, Tomato Stoneware Side Plate, Tomato Tomahto Puzzle, Flamingo Estate Candle, Flamingo Estate Tomato Dish Soap, Rattan Beverage Tray, Midi A-Line Linen Dress, Antique White Eyelet Tablecloth, Gingham Napkins
Currently in my cart
The Aquarium-Inspired, Silicone AirPods Case I didn’t know I needed. Thought this was so cretive and just too silly to not have.
This Coucou Suzette hair claw I impulse-bought. It makes me feel like a cutie French girl, and honestly, isn’t that the mood?
Statement necklaces are making a comeback? girl, I see you. Especially eyeing this, this and this one too.
A Summer wardrobe staple (and part of my Summer capsule wardrobe) these $18 shorts are awesome! And come in lots of colors.
Open tabs
For my gardening gals, there are lots of cute and quirky finds over at Plant Material.
A powerful reminder: saying no carves out the space you deserve. “What 2024 Taught Me: Lessons on Boundaries, Belonging and Freedom” by Amélie Quilichini—raw, reflective, and so named for good reason.
“How to Read a Wine List” by Sara Keene. Set in a cozy Marais wine bar, this essay starts with a chance encounter over Cabernet Franc and blossoms into a gentle guide on navigating wine menus, leaning into the communal joy of choosing something together. It’s equal parts Paris-evening nostalgia and practical wine wisdom.
A charming and vibrant farmers market pasta salad from Jen Eats Good. It’s a bright, seasonal mash-up of crisp market veggies, zesty herbs, and creamy dressing—perfect for summer picnics or light weekend lunches. Bonus: it scales beautifully and showcases the best of peak produce.
This playful little idea from Feeling the Magazine. Printable punch cards to appreciate tiny joys and gentle routines throughout the month.
1st Rodeo just dropped a summer reading vibe check & inspiration! Marking the halfway point of 2025. It’s equal parts light and thoughtful, a gentle nudge to slow down, notice the small wins, and maybe raise a glass (sparkling water counts) to how far we’ve come.
Here’s to a soft, sparkly weekend ahead ✨
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