This is the (Joy)Cap, where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
Happy Saturday!
This week was spent prepping — cleaning, cooking, and shopping — for my sister and her family to come town. As I was preparing and thinking about upcoming family and friend stays, I had a wonderful thought of having ChatGPT create me a coastal hosting kit that I can use to start collecting dishes, towels, decor, and other things that will make future hosting simpler. I’ve also used the tool to create other helpful lists, such as a hurricane preparedness/ emergency kit, low-budget summer activities, crafts, and sensory bins for the kids. I highly recommend using ChatGPT to find ways to simplify your systems and everyday rhythms.
The Joy List ✨
Reading and lounging in the hammock.
An early Father’s Day dinner for hubby. My husband had to work on actual Father’s Day, so we celebrated a day early with a dinner of ribeye steak, red mashed potatoes, asparagus, and corn on the cob. Our orgininal plan was to throw most of everything on the grill, but nevertheless, we got rained out again. Nothing turned out the way we wanted it to (not with the pressure of crying, screaming kids running around the kids while we cooked 🤪), but it was more so the joy of the intention and celebrating with each other.
Hanging out at the splash pad with the kids. We had attempted the splash pad a few weeks ago, but it was closed, so we were so excited to return again and find that it was up and running.
4. Family visits. My sister and her family are here! It’s rare when we get together, so I’m soaking up as much sissy time as possible.
Weekly Faves 🫶🏾💕
Books
The Correspondent1 by Virginia Evans — I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this one! It follows Sybil, a septagenarian woman, whose main form of communication is letter writing. The story consists of letters written from and to her over several years and is one of reflection, grief, and life lessons. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it has a full-cast narration.
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan. I tried this author for the first time last year when I read Summer Romance, and I was not a fan. However, Miss Ma'am redeemed herself with this unlikely romance.
Links 🔗
These kids water bottles are perfect for days at the beach, similarly to the Owala featuring a covered spout but not the hefty price tag.
Kinetic sand for sensory bin beaches with minimal mess.
This week reminded me that preparing a space—whether it’s a home, a table, or just a moment—for others is sacred work. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether I’m making dinner with crying toddlers underfoot or brainstorming future hosting kits in between folding laundry, I’m learning that God meets us in the middle of it all—the chaos, the planning, and the offering.
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” – 1 Peter 4:9–10 (NIV)
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We had a wonderful week. Thank you so much for having us. We miss you already. 🥰
Awww, thanks for the shoutout. It looks like you're having an awesome summer so far.
No worries on not loving Monaghan's last book--I don't get Emily Henry. I continue to read her books and think "maybe this time I'll love it."