Speaking of Easy

Happy [Belated] Fourth of July Everyone!

I had this post partially done on Friday, but then left for our quiet celebration and didn’t finish it. So, its coming out a bit late, but it is still the weekend of the Fourth of July, so I will let it go!

I hope you’re celebrating safely and surrounded by loved ones today. My heart goes out to those in Texas, New Jersey, and other areas facing dangerous weather conditions, as well as to the families affected by fireworks-related accidents here in California.

We started the day by marching in the parade with our Girl Scout troop—always a highlight! However, our city made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s fireworks in light of the tragedy in Esparto, California. Honestly, I don’t mind. With dozens of fires in our area just this past week, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.

Now let’s move on to something a little lighter—my Friday Favorites! I’m linking up again with Momfessionals and A Little Bit of Everything this week, so make sure to check out some of the other great posts over there!

Chico Chaihouse

This was my first time visiting this amazing little shop in my hometown, and I’m already looking forward to going back. I’m definitely more of a coffee drinker than a chai person, but the tea here? Absolutely incredible.

And let’s be honest—the ambiance and presentation are just as beautiful as the drinks themselves.

Check out these photos!

I also got to go with two of my favorite people – my daughter and her good friend!

Farmer’s Market Visit

I realized during this trip that it had been quite a while since I last visited our Farmer’s Market. I needed bread and berries, and it seemed like the perfect excuse to get some steps in on a relatively cool summer Saturday morning—so off we went!

Our Farmer’s Market has been held in the same local parking lot every Saturday morning since I was an undergrad in the late ’90s. Chico also hosts a Thursday Night Market from May through September, a Wednesday morning market in a different lot, and a smaller Sunday morning market. But to me, the Saturday morning market is quintessential Chico. It’s where you’ll find local farmers and ranchers, handmade goods from local artisans, fresh bread from local bakeries, and more.

Here’s my haul from the market:

We have a driver in the house!

This is both exciting and terrifying—I’m not sure my nerves will survive the next six months!

My daughter just had her first behind-the-wheel lesson since getting her permit, and now we’ve started practicing together. It really brings into focus just how intense learning to drive can be. Most of us don’t often stop to think about how much responsibility driving entails. But when someone you love is just starting out, it becomes crystal clear.

We’re all moving around in 4,000-pound machines, depending on each other to follow the rules, stay alert, and react in time. It’s astonishing when you really think about it—how much trust and control is involved, and how much we take that for granted.

Having a new driver in the house definitely puts all of that into perspective.

That’s it for this week’s favorites! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my last post, Life as a Heart Mom—it’s a meaningful one for me.

Thanks for spending a bit of your Sunday with me (even if this Friday Favorites is running a little late). I’ll aim to get back on schedule next week—but I’m also reminding myself to extend a little grace during these slow and sunny Summer days. I hope you’re doing the same.

See you soon!