Friday Favorites July 25, 2025: Nespresso Machine, Ulta Eye Palette, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Better With Glasses Podcast

 

Holy smokes Besties, this month is flying by. I cannot believe we are at the end of July but there are some fun things coming up over the next few weeks that I am really looking forward to. 

I have been thinking about Fridays a lot lately. I love that feeling of a later Friday afternoon when I am ready to slam my laptop shut, put on some sweatpants, grab some takeout and slide into the weekend. Since it is Friday I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites. Are you ready? Let's go.

1. Nespresso Virtuo Pop

When everyone and their dog was having sales earlier in the month, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a Nespresso Virtuo Pop. Running Daddy and I are having a lot of fun with it and trying the different types of espresso pods.

So far we are loving the NOLA which we are wondering is a limited edition. Running Daddy likes the Cafecito de Puerto Rico and Double Espresso Chiaro. Since I like milk in a coffee beverage I am enjoying the Bianco Doppio and Rich Chocolate. I will happily take any recommendations you have in the comment section for other Nespresso pods you like. 

2. Ulta Eye Shadow Palette

Over the last few weeks I have looked at several eye shadow palettes and not really finding one that I loved. Most of them seemed like they were either all sparkle or all matte. I wandered into Ulta this weekend and found this really Good option. This palette is a lovely mix of matte and sparkle neutrals. The Best part is the price point is $20.  

3. The Summer I Turned Pretty (contains spoilers) 

 
While it was delayed a bit due to the writers' strike, The Summer I Turned Pretty is back for its third and final season. I feel like everyone if finally catching on to how amazing this series is. This series is so beautifully written, filled with symbolism and you literally have to pay attention to every detail. Jenny Hahn drops Easter eggs throughout the episodes and some I don't think we will need find out about many of them until this season.

Running Daddy and I remain Team Conrad. It's Good to see him doing Better on the West Coast but you can see him retreating back into himself when things get challenging.

I have to say that the Christmas scene in episode two was sweet and intimate in a quiet way. This was true intimacy without even saying a word at times. This is why I love this series. 

A few other takeaways on this series, Susannah is my favorite character. Her spirit runs through this entire series even when she is gone. The line about that Susannah used to say that "anyone you loved or anyone that loved you was family" really struck a cord with me that other night.

My other conclusion over the last few weeks is that everyone should have a friend like Taylor and be a friend like Taylor. IYKYK

4. Better With Glasses Podcast 

If you are as obsessed with The Summer I Turned Pretty you may enjoy the Better With Glasses Podcast. The hosts are a sweet couple who break down each episode and help find a lot of the hidden symbolism that you may miss. Give them a listen to help bridge the gap in between episodes.

Feel free to share all of your The Summer I Turned Pretty thoughts in the comment section below if you are watching too. I know people have very strong feelings about this series. 

I will be back on Monday to share the prompts for the linkup party Holly and I host, Monthly Musings. On Thursday we will discuss How We Summer. Looking forward to getting together on this topic.