Friday Finds || Vol. 4, Week 25

Top Chicago blogger Jessica Sturdy wearing a striped tank top with a bow-tie on the shoulder in front of Mario's Italian Lemonade in Chicago.

Happy Friday, friends! We entered Phase 3 two or three weeks ago here in Chicago, and this was the first week that I felt comfortable taking advantage of that. I grabbed lunch with a friend on the Big Star patio on Tuesday, and while it felt strange at first, I did feel safe and it felt SO NICE to have a little sense of normalcy for an hour or so. I don’t know how often I’ll be doing that this summer, but it was such a nice little treat and a weekday lunch felt like a good way to test the waters.

I’ve got to say — I’ve really enjoyed the small alfresco get togethers with friends, so I’m actually looking forward to more dinner parties on my friends’ patios over these next few months. I’ve learned to make some of my favorite cocktails at home, I’ve gotten takeout from my favorite restaurants once or twice a week, and I have friends that are phenomenal cooks and love to entertain, so I have to admit that I’m not missing restaurants as much as I thought I would be by now!

For me, getting to see my friends in small doses has really done wonders for my state of mind. While I’m not trying to make light of the pandemic by any means, I have to say that I’m ALL FOR this time with more lengthy conversation and deeper connection since the groups are more intimate. And I don’t miss bars AT ALL! Not a single bit. Who knows, maybe I’m actually more of a homebody than I thought. 🤷🏼‍♀️

As for the movement that’s happening alongside COVID, I have another blog post set to publish later this afternoon for Juneteenth and my commitment to Black Lives Matter, so be sure to check that out, too.

Have a great weekend! x Jess

Here are this week’s finds…

Keep an eye on my Poshmark page this weekend… I’ve been cleaning out my closet before my move next week and have been listing a few things at a time the past few days. Things have been going quick, but I’ll continue to list items over the weekend. I’m not going to move with anything that’s listed, so I’ll be donating whatever’s not sold by the end of the month. So feel free to make an offer! I WILL BE DONATING 50% OF MY POSHMARK EARNINGS FROM ALL SALES MADE FRIDAY (6/19) THROUGH SUNDAY (6/21). I’ll be donating to My Block My Hood My City here in Chicago!

Here’s a list of Black-owned wineries to check out! They’re divided by location, so hopefully you can find one near you to visit this summer, or ship to your home!

OBSESSED with the new gingham collection from Summersalt!

Loved this podcast episode about Purpose and incorporating it into your work.

If you know of any Black-owned brands or fashion designers, spread the word about this NEXT UP Incubator!

LoveShackFancy just did their final restock for their Superga sneaker collection, so get them before they’re gone! The matching kiddo ones are so cute, too.

2 Refreshing Summer Cocktails

This Pimiento Cheese Dip looks DELISH!

An eye-opening read about the racial wealth gap in the US.

How cute are these Draper James swimsuits? Lots of great options for 4th of July!

This rainbow stripe collection is JUST TOO GOOD!! One of each, please.

If you’re into astrology, you might like this podcast episode with Dani Beinstein.

I can’t imagine how hard this decision was for Julia!

How dreamy is Gray Malin’s lake house in Michigan?! I want a full home tour.

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