This week's basics. #5: The essentials

Recent reads, a book club snack, linen shorts and an oldie but a goodie.

Welcome to this week’s basics. This week I’m back with recent reads, some summer must haves and a show the whole family watched. I share these basics so we can further connect, have some fun chatting about things that we enjoy and influence one another. I hope you enjoy!

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Recent Reads

I read Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea on my kindle (thanks to Kensington Books for the advanced e-copy). This is my third time around with the author and firmly landed as a 4 star read. I enjoyed the multiple timelines, short chapters and an ending that surprised me (a little). I think this makes for an enjoyable easy breezy summer read and recommend adding it to your pool/beach bags.

When DNA results reveal a disturbing connection to the mysterious disappearance of a famous baby nearly three decades ago, a forensic scientist is plunged into a dangerous search for answers in this engrossing, propulsive new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.

I listened This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune (thanks to PRH for the listening copy). I read and thoroughly enjoyed the authors debut, Every Summer After. I particularly love her settings, having grown up in Canada. This wasn’t really on my May tbr but I couldn’t resist a Prince Edward Island setting with Anne references. I will warn readers that this is more open door than her previous books and I found it a tad cheesy. If you’re looking for a forbidden romance with a great setting then consider adding this to your tbr.

A glorious and tantalizing new escape from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.

This summer they'll keep their promise. This summer they won't give into temptation. This summer will be different.

Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn't know he's her best friend's younger brother. Lucy and Felix's chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again.

It's easier said than done.

Each year, Lucy escapes to PEI for a big breath of coastal air, fresh oysters and crisp vinho verde with her best friend, Bridget. Every visit begins with a long walk on the beach, beneath soaring red cliffs and a golden sun. And every visit, Lucy promises herself she won't wind up in Felix's bed. Again.

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Things I Tried

A couple of week’s ago

Kuleigh Baker

mentioned the pickle de gallo from Aldi in her “Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.”. I’m a big fan of trying new things so I decided to pick some up for book club. They offer mild and hot so I went with the mild to appease the crowd. I paired it with pretzel crisps and it was a BIG HIT! The perfect summer book club snack.

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What I Watched

My husband and I love reality competition shows (Big Brother is a fave) and our teenage boys are quickly catching the bug. I recently watched both seasons of Traitors with them and we were looking for something new to try. We’ve NEVER watched Survivor, if you can even believe it. Netflix is only streaming two seasons right now so we went with Season 33 - Millennials Vs Gen X. The season has just fourteen episodes so we binged it over a week or so. If you love lots of competition with a side of drama then this is for you.

Are you a long time Survivor watcher?

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What I Bought

I love Costco clothes, almost as much as my husband does. I don’t know if you noticed but they started moving the clothes closer and closer to the entrance. We still have the majority in the middle of the store but the few items on sale are featured as you walk in. How convenient.

I love wearing linen clothing and especially in the Texas summer heat. I spotted these linen shorts on sale for $7.99 and grabbed a pair to try. Normal price is just $9.99 and I can confirm they’re well worth ten dollars. Super comfy and flattering make for an auto add to basket. Give them a try and let me know what you think.

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Life Lately

The boys and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip to Minnesota to visit my sister and her family. A quick trip turned into a week long adventure and we packed a TON in. Bookstore visits, Mall of America, a Giant Candy-store, a local arcade, a winery, a visit to a famous author’s bakery and MUCH more. I have a few things in particular that I’d like to share with you soon. Stay tuned!

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Thanks for taking the time to catch up on the basics. Let me know if you share any similar recent reads, finds or anything else you’ve enjoyed lately.

Until next time.

xoxo Basic B

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