Take Note .02

Our favorite snack, best new makeup buy, what I'm meditating on and I'm not a DIVA but I like the smell for my laundry.

Jun 19, 2026

Hello Observers,

What’s shaking over your way? It’s been a busy week on our end. We had family in town for a long weekend—which was lovely. I went a little chicken with my head cut off, getting the house ready. Nothing like guests coming (especially when said guests own a cleaning business) to give you that ~~push~~ shove you need to get things in order, that you’ve been putting off for ~~years~~ a very long time. I’m happy to report that my boys now have (a limited count) of new towels, different colors for different bathroom (will this new system work? Its best not to have expectations), our fridge got a scrub down, and I had a good experiment with a new detergent (a rec below) and room fresheners (I have four men living in a tight-ish space) among others. Stephen has requested his sister visit more often and I am not opposed. We had fun at the lake and at Lainey Wilsons.

Now for among others….the day after our company took flight, I had a root canal. I’d like to turn that page, but it appears to be a long chapter titled, “The summer Saga of Teeth.” Now, I am a person who has no qualms about going to the dentist, thanks to my childhood dentist, Dr. Austin. I did not think two crowns would be a fuss. Well, I was wrong. I’ll spare you any further discomfort (I’ve been in constant discomfort for over a month now), except to say, should you need two crowns right next to each other, I recommend doing one at a time. But enough of that—I’m so over it.

Summer is my favorite, and I’m ready to fully immerse in it. I haven’t even been to the pool yet. Tsk. But I have been soaking up my bright flowers and aromatic herbs, early morning, and late night walks, boating on the lake, sitting on the back porch reading, and all of my kids home (as ever trying—and likely failing—at embracing the chaos).

Do tell, how is your summer coming along? What do you enjoy most about this season?

WATCH: Sheep Detectives

English countryside. Check. Hugh Jackman. Check. Emma Thompson. Check. A mystery. Check check. Talking sheep. Check check check. I knew I wanted to see this movie the first time I saw the preview and it did not disappoint. It was cute and clever and so endearing. Reader, I liked it so much I saw it twice . . . in the theater. And it was just as good the second time.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series seems to be all the buzz, right now. I slowly read volume one on my kindle and by the end I was certain I needed to read more of Ms. Lion’s journals and here more about the characters in St. Crispian’s (her London neighborhood). As a person who has journaled their entire life, I adore the journal format—it’s familiar, the pace is lovely, and it has inspired me to continue in the direction of not only emoting in my journals, but chronicling the matters and characters of my days and life. I think you’ll love these. I’ve just ordered book number two in paperback, because these are too cute to not have as a collection.

What are you reading this summer? I need more recs!

How to reset a hypersensitive nervous system

Ahh the nervous system. Probably everyone has somewhat of a disregulated nervous system in this day in age. I’ve been trying to “regulate” my nervous system after a decade of crisis and crazy. I stumbled on this video on YouTube last week (after I had listened to this fascinating podcast, on chronic pain, that also resinated with me) and was like … OH! There is a sensitized nervous system…not just disregulated. If you are constantly “working” on yourself (wrote a little about that here), and super sensitive to every ache and twinge (perimenopause makes this a perfect storm) than you might find this little video helpful, as I did. It was a lovely confirmation that I’m headed in the right direction . . .

Mineral Tinted SPF

A good face SPF is hard to find. My daughter came across this Mineral Tinted SPF and we got a bottle to share and try and we both love it (especially combined with this high beam moisturizer (you can expect compliments on your glow). It layers really well, which is a great bonus.

DIVA Laundry Detergent

I saw this awhile ago and it popped up in my feed last week as I was preparing for company. I have to say that I don’t have a laundry detergent that I love (send me your recs!). I always opt for natural and then everyone complains that their clothes don’t smell good and then I grab one of the Method bottles and Target and cycle back around. Anyhow, I saw this brand had a sample kit of a few of their scents. The reviews did not lie! The DIVA scent is amazing. It reminds me of a lovely high end perfume that is not strong, but noticeable. Now, I will say I probably didn’t use the recommended amount because I had a small sample. In fact, this morning I used a natural detergent and then just boosted it with a capful of the Diva Detergent and ….. perfect! I’m ordering the big bottle for sure!

Protein Peanut Butter Snack Bites

I had planned to take a picture of these, but everyone gobbled them up. I used to make a different variation, but my friend Melissa made these on a girls trip and they are elevated, with protein and in flavor.

1 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup chocolate chips (I like the minis)
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 scoop protein powder (I recommend Ancient Grains Bone Broth Protein Vanilla)
dash of salt
(optional: 1-2 Tablespoons of chia seeds)

mix, roll into balls, keep in fridge

I wish you all a beautiful weekend! Do tell me what you are loving!

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