Today I’m spending the day with four of my best girl friends — having lunch, laying by a pool, and most of all, just catching up on life. In our early twenties, the five of us (plus a couple more) were thick as thieves, but since half of our group has moved away from Austin, it’s a rare occurrence for us to get uninterrupted time together sans husbands and kids, and I couldn’t be more excited. Here on the blog, we’ve celebrated friendship quite a bit over the last few of months (from kicking off our besties series, to parties like this bachelorette brunch), and it’s made me so thankful for the women in my life who are always there for me… and who always manage to make things a whole lot more fun. Since it can be hard to keep in touch with close friends as people get jobs, get married, and move to different parts of the country, I’d love to hear: how do you guys make sure that you don’t lose touch with the friends who are important to you? Leave a comment with any great ideas or traditions, and as usual, enjoy my favorite links from the past week!
This Farmer’s Market Cornbread looks so delish – a true celebration of summer!
A dreamy behind-the-scenes video that’ll make any Downton Abbey lover swoon.
Love this initiative by West Elm to support independent artists and makers. (Head over to see if you might be the perfect candidate for their grant!)
How to be more creative, just by taking a walk.
Love how this bridal shower is so beautiful without being too overdone.
The prettiest party-ready drinks topped with flowers.
*and a few fun things you may have missed!
A peek at how one super talented textile designer entertains at home.
The 10 best tomato recipes of summer.
*image via here (anyone know original source?)
