Jillian Mele and Kristen Casey, Co-founders of LemonRose Golf at a branding shoot with Pel Productions photographer Dylan Eddinger.
Each month, we’re sharing the little things that are making a big impact in our lives—on the course and off. From golf finds to lifestyle favorites, this is our August monthly roundup of what we’re loving right now.
I finally did it—I upgraded to a big-girl golf bag this summer.
I went with the all-black, leather-look Vessel Player V Pro Stand, and honestly? I don’t see another bag stealing my heart anytime soon. It strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and functional, and I genuinely get excited every time I take it out of the trunk.
At around $469, it’s definitely an investment—but from my perspective, a worthwhile one if you’re ready to splurge. You can choose between a 7-way or 14-way top for club organization. I went with the 7-way and it feels like plenty. My last bag only had five (I think??), so going straight to 14 felt like a bit much!
Now, about that old bag—I did love it. It was a gray Callaway with black trim and just the slightest hint of pink. The pink was subtle, which I appreciated, since I’m not into overly pink gear on the course. That look always feels a little cliché to me. But eventually, one of the pockets tore through, and I knew it was time.
Here’s the link if you want to check out the full specs on the Vessel bag—but honestly, here’s what matters most: it gives me a small confidence boost. And that might sound silly, but there’s something about having gear you love that makes you feel a little sharper, a little more excited to play.
Sure, it’s just a golf bag.
But it’s a bag I like, and one I feel great pulling out of my trunk— that counts for something.
I originally had a product in mind for this category—and I’ll still share that with you at some point! But if I’m being honest, what I’m truly loving this August is quiet mornings on my covered patio with a cup of coffee and my dog, Levi.
I live in a wooded area, and there’s something incredibly peaceful about listening to the birds chirp as the sun peeks through the trees—before the rest of the neighborhood wakes up. It’s my moment of zen in what has been an exceptionally busy summer (and really, a busy year overall) as we work to get this business off the ground.
It’s funny—after working overnight shifts for 15 years during my career in journalism, I never had the chance to enjoy mornings like I do now. I realize now just how much I was missing during those years of climbing the ladder to New York City. I’m sure many of you reading this can understand exactly what that means—and how it feels. Read the blog titled "Confidence in the Chaos: I Quit a Dream Job - And Found Myself."
So if you have a special place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, like I do on my patio, I hope you take an extra moment to breathe it in. Hold onto that peaceful pause before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.
I have plenty of great things I love and can’t wait to share each and every one with you—but sometimes, it’s the little moments that make the biggest impact.
I’ve been playing golf on and off for many years and I never really thought I played consistently enough or was good enough for new, expensive clubs. I always bought the full “beginner set.” My first set was Wilson and my second set was TopFlite, which, don't get me wrong, is a GREAT option especially for beginners. It took the guess work out of what I needed, I learned with them and they hold a near and dear place in my heart. I probably should have gotten new clubs sooner than I did. But if ‘m being honest, I was a little intimidated by the process of talking to people who knew more about golf than me and trying to figure out what was best for me. I was nervous that I would sound illiterate in terms of golf. So I just kept to what I knew.
It wasn't until this Spring, when Jillian and I played in our first LPGA Pro-Am (yes, that's correct, I played in an LPGA Pro-AM, more about that another day) that I really had the itch to get new clubs so I decided to start with a new driver. My game has definitely improved with a club that better suits my needs. In addition to that, I felt a level of confidence that I hadn't felt before. It was a moment that I realized I had grown in this game that I had been playing for so long. And I had stepped out of my comfort zone to learn about different drivers.
Kristen Casey Co- founder of LemonRose Golf showing off her new Callaway driver.
A little side note- I picked up the driver on my way to play a round of golf. I was paired up with two strangers, and let's just say the first hole was far…FAR from my tee shot and best hole. The two men I played with were less than amused. Thankfully I parred the second hole but let that be a lesson- you have to laugh off the bad shots and celebrate the good ones.
Alright, I was going to pick something else, too. But it's summer and like Jillian- if I'm being completely honest, being a Jersey Girl and growing up minutes from the beach, I CANNOT pick anything other than my most favorite place right now (sorry golf courses everywhere!) I love the beach!
I grew up spending every single day at the beach. I’d say between about June 20th and Labor Day weekend I woke up and my toughest decision of the day would be: which bathing suit am I going to wear and which beach am I going to Manasquan with my friends, Avon-By-The-Sea with my parents or Spring Lake with my sister ( and at the time, babysitter turned best friend- Rachel.) Spring Lake did have the best pork roll and cheese sandwich and cheese fries. Tough decisions, I know but someone had to make them. I can still smell the frier and feel the zinc oxide on my nose.
Fast forward, I now have an eight year old who loves the beach as much as I do. And while I haven't gotten there as much as I would have liked this summer (LemonRose is time consuming- in all the best ways!) I love nothing more than the days that I do get to spend with her splashing in the waves, playing in the sand, digging up sand crabs and finishing the day sharing lobsters and clams (she has a very refined palate). The days feel like mini little vacations and they make me so happy.
These are the moments I have to remind myself to take a step back and be present. Time is a thief but the beach has always been my happy place. From baby oil and gold glitter in my teens to 30 SPF in my 40s - and everything in between- the beach has shaped me into who I am today. And nothing makes me happier than sharing those days with Lilliana and letting my inner child show.