Hello, Swap friends!

This past weekend, I visited some dear friends deep in the farmlands of Pennsylvania. Like, dirt road deep. It was so peaceful. I’ve never slept more soundly in my life.

The town was having its annual carnival to raise money for the volunteer firehouse. And it was everything I didn’t know I needed. I played Bingo, perused handmade quilts, ate slow-roasted chicken, and crushed the ring toss (winning none other than a pocket knife!!!).

But my favorite game was called the Dime Pitch, which I think you will LOVE. Here’s how it works: there’s a tiered table in the middle filled with thrift-store glasses, plates, mugs, dishes, and vases. You break a dollar for a handful of dimes and, well, pitch them in hopes of landing one in an item you like.

I don’t know if it was the sunset in the valley or the quintessential vibes of hanging around a town full of people who’ve known each other all their lives, but I was on a roll. I randomly one an Oak Creek Canyon mug (on my first shot, no less).

Then one of the Dime Pitch workers placed the coolest giraffe mug right in front of me. My favorite animal! One try. Two tries. Third one? IN. I walked away feeling like a carnival queen! My heart was full.

What do you think? Should we set up a Dime Pitch at the next swap? Reply to this email and let us know. :)

In today’s newsletter, you’ll find:

• A classic weekend flea market on my radar

• The most talented esthetician in NJ

• An astrology podcast I can’t stop listening to

• My new butter dish (yes, people, it happened)

• Fun summer trend to try

Your weekend plans

Back in the day, my family would pack up and head to Raceway Park Englishtown for a day of drag racing. Black tops and quarter miles? I was bored out of my mind. So I beaded, colored, and ate too many snacks from the cooler.

On rare but thrilling Sundays, my mom and aunt would take my cousin and me to the Englishtown Flea Market right next door.

We walked rows and rows of outdoor tables filled with secondhand clothes, home goods, and toys. Remember the Chinese Slipper craze? Found ‘em in every color back then.

A few weeks ago, my cousin texted me a photo of the market! “Remember this,” she said. She was visiting with her kids. And it’s been on my summer agenda ever since.

Free parking and admission btw. Maybe I’ll see you there?

Skincare for the queenz

Call me lux, but I love a facial. I started getting them back when I had cystic acne, and the habit stuck around (twist my arm:).

Somewhere along the line, a friend recommended trying Cloud La Med Spa in Fair Lawn. I was kind of skeptical about the med spa situation. I’ve only gone to traditional spas. And, like, I’m not a botox girlie.

But I booked a free consultation. They were so sweet! I told them all about my skin hopes and dreams. They were incredibly friendly, smart, and confident about skin care.

I started with a traditional facial, and it was literally a dream. She was experienced, warm, and super knowledgeable. So attuned to my skin and what would work for me.

If you’re looking for a personalized facial and want that glow glow, head to Cloud La Med. And ask for Idania Vargas.

The BEST astrology podcast

What can I say? I’m a sucker for astrology.

Sag sun, Virgo rising, Leo moon thankyouverymuch. And Kelli?

Virgo sun, Sag rising, Taurus moon. Can you even believe?!?!

We are constantly sending horoscope memes back and forth and squealing about the universe. So I couldn’t wait to introduce her to my new favorite astrology podcast, Horoscope Weekly with Aliza Kelly.

Aliza’s readings are so specific, grounded, and intellectual. Yet still whimsical, smart, and empowering. She’s one of those true made-for-this astrologers. You can just tell this is her calling in life. My boyfriend even gets chills about how specific her insights are.

Listening to her weekly readings has become a ritual. On Monday mornings, I go for a long walk and listen to my rising and sun signs for the week. It makes me feel so grounded, in-tune, validated, and just excited to be alive?

She also has AstroloTEA episodes on Wednesdays, where she dives deep into a concept in astrology. I highly recommend the Rising Sign episode. It’ll change you.

After my walks, I send Kelli the time stamps so she can listen too. :)

SHE FOUND A BUTTER DISH

I have been on the hunt for a butter dish since CHRISTMAS. I was about to put a class butter dish on my list when I saw Amazon selling them for $40+. LOL.

Not this girl.

So I set out to thrift one. Easy, right?

Not even.

Time and time again, I came up short. For eight months, I searched. The community searched. We were all on the hunt for a simple butter dish.

Kelli and I found one once, but it was mismatched?

Then this past weekend, thrifting in PA, my friend was determined to find one.

The first one was cute! But square-shaped for block butter. Close.

The next had a script saying on it, which isn’t my aesthetic.

The third? $65. I kid you not, my friends. Apparently, it was some collector’s item. Idk.

Just as I was complaining that my faith in the thrift Gods was waning…

Try this summer trend

God, I live for an androgenous fashion trend. This summer? It’s all about polos. Full nostalgia. Popped collar optional, it’s giving NYC boujee baggy.

And honestly, Polos are super easy to come by in thrift stores. I personally favor the long-sleeved shirts. And I usually get them a few sizes larger, then cut them to a long crop.

If you give it a try, tag us on @jerseygirlthrift!

That’s all for now, friends. Kelli and I are deep in strategy mode about the next season of swaps, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!

In the meantime, I leave you with this first look at Andy’s wardrobe in the new The Devil Wears Prada.

I’m just realizing we’re getting two incredible 2000s sequels? Freaky Friday and TDWP We deserve it.

Ta ta!

xoxo L