What an emotional roller coaster this summer has been. It looked different from any summer I’ve had since becoming a mom. Our oldest went to sleepaway camp, so we were one man down and had to adjust. We missed her so, so much.
Our younger one was at day camp, so I tried to think of fun activities for her at night and on weekends. Lots of homemade ice cream, bike rides, and trips to the farmers’ market.
Thank God for social media. Adi and I could see what our oldest was up to every day with photos uploaded by the camp. We could see her thrive in the most happy place and learn things she’d never pick up from us. I’m so proud we’re able to give her this experience.
Before she came home, I saved my favorite pictures of her from camp and worked with Shutterfly to create a photo book for her. It took 15 minutes—all I did was select the pictures on my phone, choose a template, and add fun stickers. They made it so easy to create a gift she’ll love. I’m so excited for her to have a souvenir of this summer and have already started more books.
I’m so excited to partner with Shutterfly for a giveaway so you can bring your summer memories home, too!! One grand prize winner will get a $300 Shutterfly credit and two winners will get $100 credits. Use them to build your own photo book or get prints made. I love the quality of the book I made—it feels like a wedding album. (You can also save 40% at Shutterfly on your purchase of $40+ with code MELISSA40.)
To enter: Make sure you’re subscribed to Substack (all US-based subscribers, paid and free, are eligible to win!) and comment your favorite summer activity below. I’ll choose a winner from the comments randomly next Wednesday.*
*Terms & Conditions: No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per person. 50 U.S./DC, 18+. Winner chosen at random. Ends 11:59 p.m. PT 8/26/25. Void where prohibited. Subj. to Rules in link. See Official Rules for details here.
The long days allow for my most favorite thing: 18 holes of golf, followed by an additional “emergency 9” holes more! So fun to have that extra time playing a game outside with my girlfriends.
Relaxing by the lake!