Friday Favorites – August Week 4

Well, friends…August is almost officially in the rearview mirror! How does summer manage to go from “we have ALL the time in the world” to “wait, where did the month go?!” in about five minutes? 😂

We’re hanging on to these last golden days of summer while sneaking in a few cozy touches here and there. The farmers markets are overflowing, the evenings are getting a little sweeter, and we’re starting to get excited about everything September has in store.

So grab your favorite cold drink, put your feet up, and let’s talk about the things we’re loving this week!

🛒 Favorite Trader Joe’s Find

Trader Joe’s Patio Potato Chips

These chips are basically summer in a bag! They’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to poolside snacking.

Put them next to your favorite dip and watch them disappear.

Lou Lou Tip: Crush a handful over a salad or use them as a crunchy topping for your favorite casserole. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

🍽️ Favorite Lou Lou Girls Recipe

Churro Cheesecake Bars

We’re ending August with a little cinnamon-sugar magic! ✨ These Churro Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crescent-roll crust with creamy cheesecake filling and a generous blanket of cinnamon sugar. Basically, two of our favorite desserts decided to get together and make something ridiculously delicious.

They’re incredibly easy to make, which makes them perfect for a last-minute family dinner, backyard BBQ, potluck, or Labor Day weekend gathering. And let’s be honest—anything that gives us an excuse to eat cheesecake with our fingers is a winner in our book! 😂

Lou Lou Tip: Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That melty, creamy, cinnamon-sugar combination is pure dessert heaven!

Why we’re loving them this week: They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and the perfect way to transition from summer into all those cozy fall flavors we’re starting to crave. ❤️

🥤 Favorite Summer Drink

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Fresh strawberries, bright lemon, fragrant basil, and ice come together for one seriously refreshing summer drink.

It’s pretty enough for entertaining but easy enough to make just because it’s Tuesday.

Lou Lou Tip: Freeze sliced strawberries and use them as ice cubes. Your drink stays cold and gets even more delicious as they thaw!

📺 Favorite TV Show

Shrinking

If you’re looking for a show that’s funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of messy, Shrinking deserves a spot on your watch list! With Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, it’s filled with hilarious moments, unexpected friendships, and plenty of those “oh my gosh, did they really just say that?” moments. 😂

It’s one of those shows that manages to make you laugh one minute and get a little emotional the next. The characters feel real, imperfect, and completely lovable—which makes it very easy to get hooked.

Lou Lou Tip: This is a great one for a cozy night at home when you want something entertaining but still has a little heart. ❤️

🎵 Favorite Song This Week

“Ordinary” — Alex Warren

This sweet pop hit has been making us smile lately. It’s catchy without being over-the-top and has that feel-good quality that makes you want to turn it up every time it comes on.

It’s perfect for a late-summer drive, cooking dinner, or just hanging out at home.

Lou Lou Tip: Add it to your weekend playlist and prepare for it to get stuck in your head—in the best way!

🎙️ Favorite Podcast

The Moth

If you love a really good story, this podcast is such a gem! The Moth features real people telling true, personal stories about their lives—and some will have you laughing while others might have you reaching for a tissue. ❤️

The stories are honest, funny, surprising, and sometimes wonderfully unexpected. It’s the kind of podcast that reminds you that everyone has a story worth telling.

Lou Lou Tip: Put this one on during a road trip! It’s perfect when you want something interesting to listen to without having to keep up with a complicated series. 🚗💕

📖 Favorite Book

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

If you’re ready for a mystery that pulls you in and keeps you guessing, add this one to your reading list.

It’s atmospheric, suspenseful, and filled with family secrets that slowly unravel. Perfect for those final lazy summer afternoons when you can curl up with a good book.

Lou Lou Tip: Don’t peek at the ending. We mean it!

🛍️ Favorite Amazon Buys

We’re back with five more finds that caught our attention this week!

Okay, Amazon has been showing off lately! 😂 We rounded up a few cool, trending Amazon finds that are having a serious moment right now. These are the kinds of things that make you stop scrolling and think, “Wait…where has this been all my life?”

✨ 1. Stanley Quencher Tumbler

Yes, we’re still talking about it! The Stanley Quencher continues to be a favorite for keeping drinks cold while you’re running errands, traveling, working, or spending the day outside.

With all the colors and sizes, it’s almost impossible not to find one you love.

Lou Lou Tip: Pick a color that makes you happy. If you’re going to carry it everywhere, it might as well be cute!

✨ 2. BAGSMART Travel Organizer

If your suitcase usually looks like a tornado went through it, this is for you! 😂 These clever travel organizers keep clothing, shoes, toiletries, and accessories separated so you can actually find what you’re looking for.

Lou Lou Tip: Use one packing cube just for outfits. It makes getting dressed on vacation ridiculously easy!

✨ 3. Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This little kitchen gadget continues to be a social-media favorite—and we completely understand why!

It’s tiny, adorable, and perfect for making individual waffles, hash browns, grilled cheese, or fun little desserts.

Lou Lou Tip: Make mini waffles and turn them into ice cream sandwiches. You’re welcome.

✨ 4. Caraway-Style Silicone Utensil Rest

We’re loving those little kitchen upgrades that make life prettier AND easier. A silicone utensil rest keeps your counters cleaner while you’re cooking and looks much better than balancing a spoon on the edge of a pan.

Lou Lou Tip: Keep one next to the stove and you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy one years ago!

✨ 5. Portable Mini Projector

Movie night just got an upgrade! 🎬 A compact projector can turn a blank wall, bedroom, patio, or backyard screen into your own little theater.

It’s perfect for family movie nights, girls’ nights, sleepovers, vacations, or watching your favorite shows somewhere other than the living room.

Lou Lou Tip: Add popcorn, candy, blankets, and a few pillows and you’ve got yourself a five-star movie night without leaving home!

💕 Why We’re Loving These

We love a good Amazon find, but we especially love the ones that are trending, useful, fun, and just a little bit extra. 😂

These are the kinds of things you’ll see online and immediately think:

“Okay, I need that.”

And honestly? We get it.

Lou Lou Tip: Save your favorites to your Amazon list so you can watch for price drops before you hit that Add to Cart button!

💄 Favorite Beauty Find

Body Oil

We’re loving a good body oil for that soft, glowy summer skin. Apply it after a shower while your skin is still slightly damp and let it soak in.

It leaves your skin feeling moisturized and gives your arms and legs a beautiful glow.

Lou Lou Tip: Keep a small bottle in your travel bag for vacations and weekends away.

🏡 Favorite Home Find

🍂 Fall Throw Blanket

Okay, we’re not saying summer is over…BUT we’re definitely getting excited about cozy fall nights! 😂

A soft, chunky fall throw blanket is one of our favorite ways to start transitioning the house for the new season without completely redecorating.

Drape one over the sofa, toss it over the end of your bed, or keep it in a basket for those chilly evenings when you want to curl up with a good book or your favorite TV show.

Look for warm colors like rust, caramel, cream, olive, or muted plaid for that cozy fall feeling without going overboard on the pumpkins.

Lou Lou Tip: Buy your fall blankets early! The cutest ones tend to disappear quickly once everyone starts getting into the fall decorating mood. 🍁❤️

🍰 Favorite Sweet Treat

Mini Dessert Cups

We’re obsessed with anything served in individual little cups!

Layer cheesecake filling, pudding, berries, crushed cookies, brownie pieces, or whatever sweet ingredients you have on hand.

They’re adorable for entertaining and eliminate the whole “Who gets the biggest piece?” situation.

Everybody wins.

🍎 Favorite August Activity

Make Homemade Applesauce

Okay, hear us out—this is the perfect transition from summer into fall!

Pick up some fresh apples and make a big batch of homemade applesauce. Add cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and let the kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

It’s cozy, delicious, and makes your house smell like you’re already halfway into fall.

Lou Lou Tip: Make extra and freeze it in small portions for an easy snack later.