I hope everyone has a beautiful day today with friends, family, loved ones, your pets – whatever you choose! It’s about fellowship, gratitude and good food.
“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.” – Jefferson Bethke
I’m thankful for you guys and thank you for supporting this site and my business. You are a blessing to me and to our family. Lots and lots of love to you and yours – XO –
Shopbop‘s Cyber Week sale starts today (!!!), and you can get 15-30% off sitewide with the code HOLIDAY. So I thought I would get ahead and share some of my picks of what’s marked down.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –
Some of my favorite things to buy at Shopbop are quality denim, shoes and accessories (especially these bags, I have two!).
I bought these boots last year and wore them so much that I bought them in another color this year. I’ve had these boots for several years now and I think they always make my legs look longer. They also look great with jeans! And these heels are my GO-TO favorites. I want the gold as well.
I’ve seen this fringe coat a few times online and it’s so beautiful, I think it would also look super chic belted. I’ve also seen this sweater (comes in a few colors) on other gals and it always makes me want it. A piece you’ll wear every fall and winter for sure.
I have these denim shorts and I love them because they’re a little bit longer than your usual shorts (run TTS). I also have these eggshell jeans and these classic Levi’s and really love both.
Don’t forget, the discount code is HOLIDAY and the markdowns will be good until Monday, but inventory will fly. So better to snag what you have your eye on now. Free shipping and returns, my favorite! Thanks so much for reading, check out more gift guides under “gift guides” at the top of this site, and stay tuned for more Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and picks. XO –
brought to you by Shopbop
I have found some really cute and comfortable finds at Amazon the past few weeks and wanted to share them all in one post. They’re all under $50 and super versatile (you know I love some solids for that reason). You can wear them many different ways, and I think they are perfect for the cold coming months.
I do want to share that I bought all of these while almost six months pregnant, so I sized up in most of them. But if I wasn’t pregnant, I most likely would have ordered my usual size.
$41 turtleneck sweater dress | headband | boots
$31 waffle knit sweater dress – I sized up one size for length | boots
$50 t-shirt midi dress (I have both colors and sized up one size) | boots | similar plaid blazer here and here | necklace
$21 overalls – I sized up one size | boots | similar bag | similar turtleneck
$41 turtleneck sweater – I ordered my usual size
$42 Free People Dupe Sweater – I ordered my usual size (loose fit) | similar legging, non-maternity version here | boots, also have and love this color
For more Amazon-specific finds, you can look under “Fashion –> Amazon Finds” at the top of this site. You can also find all of my categorized Amazon picks under “Shop Instagram –> Amazon Storefront.”
Thank you for reading and happy Thanksgiving week! LOTS of markdown posts coming this week and throughout the weekend, so please check back if you’re interested in that! XO –
A few gifting ideas for the babies and toddlers in your life – your own, nieces and nephews – whatever ya got.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage!
I recently bought two pairs of Keds for Hudson and they’re just so classic and cute. I love the bright red!
I think this dollhouse and theater tent are pretty much as cute as they come. We also have and love this suction plate and keep it in Hudson’s diaper bag when we travel or go to restaurants. I bought this Yeti tumbler for him after seeing a friend’s kids use them all of the time. We also have and love this snack cup.
Found this cute little vest for Hudson recently and bought it. He LOVES a vest. We also love these pants – they’re super soft on the inside. Two of these little wiggle bikes will be waiting for Hudson on his birthday, and this (working!) Dyson mini vacuum is waiting for him for Christmas.
We have these jenga blocks and use them for jenga, building things, stacking, making long domino-style lines, you name it. My nephews loved them so much they had to get their own set after visiting us. A hit for a wide range of ages!
You can see all gift guides from this year and years past at the top of this site under “gift guides,” as well as holiday-related content under “gift guides –> holiday-related.” Thanks so much for reading – XO –
We all have a handful of people who are hard to buy for. It’s often because they already have everything and we love them dearly, so we want to give them something they will really love!
Below are some of my top picks for the person who has everything. To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I think this Echo Show Smart Display is such a great gift idea for parents or grandparents. You can make video calls, watch shows, use it to control smart-home devices, etc. This sterilizer is great for phones, keys, credit/debit cards, you name it. I also have and love this back and shoulder massager. Amazing to go along with a little TV-watching!
I LOVE games and recently bought these Mexican Train Dominoes to learn how to play. I think a beautiful game like this one would be such a great gift.
For the candle-lover, a glass dome that amplifies the ambiance is a great gift. I have this one and love it too.
If I had space for it, I would buy this towel warmer. How amazing to have a warm towel after every shower. That is LIVING.
You can see all gift guides from this year and years past at the top of this site under “gift guides,” as well as holiday-related content under “gift guides –> holiday-related.” Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I recently snapped these photos quite quickly (it was super windy and cold!) for this Instagram post, but I loved the look and photos so much I wanted to share them here in a mini post.
When in doubt of an outfit, especially if you’re looking in your closet for something that will fit, a trench coat can be easily transformed into a dress. You can layer a turtleneck or bodysuit underneath, a skirt or slip dress you don’t necessarily want to be seen, and just keep it buttoned or wrapped the entire time.
When I saw how this look turned out I just thought, “why am I not doing this more!?” I added a neckerchief, suede pumps and some dangly earrings to complete the outfit. And I think I’ll be whipping this ensemble out again.
heels | dress (sold out), also love this one, this one and this one | bag | neckerchief | earrings
Thanks so much for reading – more gift guides coming this week! XO –
A gift guide with suggestions for those stocking stuffers that if you’re like me, you forget about until the week of Christmas. Oops (it literally happens every single year)!
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –
I have this moisturizer and have really enjoyed it (the eye cream is great too), and I know I would be very happy to see it in my stocking. Along with a great lip balm like this one or this one.
Everyone should have a face roller in their bathroom drawer, I have needed this on many mornings – do what you gotta do! I’ve also shared many-a-times how in love with this deoderant I am. I am addicted. It does have aluminum in it, so I try to use this natural deoderant in winter months, but in spring/summer, I need the strength!
I have and love these $14 sunglasses. Sometimes you can’t beat a big, glam sunglasses moment! I also have and love these clips and these pearl clips – both are such a great deal for the price.
If you had something you extra loved in your stocking last year – I would love to hear about it! You can see all gift guides from this year and years past at the top of this site under “gift guides,” as well as holiday-related content under “gift guides –> holiday-related.” Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
This week I’m sharing some holiday gifts for those who love seasonal decor. They might make better gifts for those hosting Thanksgiving, white elephant parties or office coworkers and those you would gift before the holidays!
To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I have two of these wreaths this year, this nutcracker mini rug to layer over an entry door rug, and I really wanted to order these velvet stockings. But then I remembered I almost ordered these gorgeous ones last year so I went ahead and snagged four.
It’s not Christmas without a little mistletoe hidden somewhere. Even better if you can reuse it each year. I also got 8 of these gorgeous wreath chargers this year that are faux. They look so pretty under a salad or dinner plate.
I also spent a lot more on this star tree topper last year and now see this one for under $30. Gorgeous!
We don’t have a cookie plate for Santa
To shop all of this year’s gift guides as well as get inspiration from those in years past, click “gift guides” at the top of this site. From there you can also see all holiday-related content as well!
When I shared we were expecting, I asked if you guys would be interested in hearing some of the things I tried to do why trying to get pregnant to help me stay in a positive headspace.
It took us twice as long to get pregnant this time as it did with Hudson, and I wasn’t expecting that. I know that everyone’s journey to becoming (or choosing not to become) a parent is unique, and this is only my experience. I know someone always has it harder, and that quite frankly… stinks. I hate that. But whatever you’re going through feels hard to you, and that is worth acknowledging.
While I chose to keep our second journey to expanding our family private until I was 18 weeks pregnant, I was secretly keeping notes of the things I did that helped me, in hopes to eventually share it with other girls who may need that same spirit boost that I certainly needed during those months.
Let’s dive into the 10 things that helped me stay patient and positive while trying to get pregnant –
Music. I had days when listening to this song while driving with tears running down my cheeks was like a quick therapy session. Find the tunes that motivate you, bring you peace. And when your cycle starts… blast that song. I also loved Father Stretch.
A sweet reader struggling to conceive emailed me that she listens to Million Little Miracles. Whew! I had grateful tears running down my cheeks with this one.
Sitting with quotes and motivational words. I’m going to share some here, including a collage that I used as the background of my phone (and it’s still there!). And do yourself a favor and follow Morgan Harper Nichols.
Devotionals, time with scripture and kneeling at the bench in our bedroom daily to pray out loud. I don’t think I ever did this without needing a tissue, but boy did it bring me peace.
Find a few friends you can be honest with. And it will likely be other women in your life who also weren’t able to get pregnant in a snap. They get it, they’ve been there, and they’ll know how to support you in the ways you need to be supported.
Be truthful with your MD. After a period of time of trying on our own, I made an appointment with my OBGYN to request some bloodwork. Thankfully everything looked normal, but she knew my concerns and desired family plan and we were able to work together on that shared goal. Shortly thereafter I did become pregnant and I think being open and honest with your doctor is incredibly important. If you don’t feel like they’re hearing you, it might be time to research another doctor who will really listen and connect with you.
Give yourself 1-2 days to be sad and then carry on and come up with your next plan. One thing I’ve learned through my time in therapy (more about that here) is that is healthy and good for you to feel your feelings. To feel the sadness, the disappointment, the grief. Allowing yourself to sit in those feelings is not shameful and you should not feel guilty for being a human being with emotions and dreams. Feel it. Cry, feel sad for yourself, take a nap, sleep in if you can, do what you need to do.
And then, put your chin up and look forward to trying again. You have a few weeks until you get to try again and focus on staying healthy, positive and hopeful to a new cycle and opportunity.
Focus on the benefits of NOT being pregnant! Because girl… they are there. You have energy, you can fit into all of your clothes (and bras!), cocktails, wine, sushi, an Italian sub sandwich, using any skincare or retinol you want, getting Botox, being able to button your jeans. Trust, these are all things pregnant women are envious of.
Limit social media. If it wasn’t my job, I would have temporarily stayed off of social media. That part really, really sucked. I am on my phone a lot because of the nature of my career, so I had to utilize the mute feature to hide content of other pregnant gals or those with newborns just to protect my own mental space.
Don’t be afraid to delete the apps or mute people that stir up hard feelings (even if it’s me – I understand!). It’s important to recognize what helps you be your best self, and sometimes these boundaries are truly necessary for our hearts and heads.
Each month I realized it was a no go, I would just tell myself that wasn’t my baby. This is a little easier to do if you already have a child, but Hudson is so… uniquely himself and meant to be in our family. When I look at him, I have no doubts that it had to be him. And because of that, I told myself it was worth it to wait for our baby. There’s one sperm meeting one egg to create your baby. And trust me, that little person is worth the wait.
Humor and comedy. When I was down, I would get on Tik Tok for an hour. I would get in stitches laughing so hard, often to tears. For you, this may mean a stand up show, comedy movie, watching people fall at ice skate rinks (or is that just me?), whatever makes you laugh. But there’s a reason people say “laughter is the best medicine.” Because it does have some power to heal sadness, however small… it still helps!
And lastly, for those of you this resonates with, try to remember that there are so many women who are walking in your shoes right now. And many with healthy, happy children who went through the same struggles and feelings to get to them.
You are not alone.
Someone out there has felt the exact same feelings, shed the same tears, seen the same negative tests, had the same conversations with their partner and doctor. They got through it and you will too, and you will be stronger, more sensitive to others and ultimately more grateful for your baby because of it.
Sending love and the biggest hugs. For more family-related content, you can find it filed under “lifestyle –> marriage & family” at the top of this site. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
As promised, sharing some gifting picks for the dudes today. Including some of Christian’s favorite things and why!
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
A few products I can vouch for – I have this mug in white and use it multiple times a week. I LOVE IT. It’s better for an office than car as it’s not going to fit in a cup holder – something to note! And while we’re talking about coffee, some people really love these ember mugs. I think one of these nice mugs with a fancy bag of coffee or a subscription to Trade Coffee would be a great gift.
I included a lot of shoes because I know Christian doesn’t buy new pairs as often as he probably should. I love these classic Chelsea boots and this welly version is pretty great too. These Veja sneakers are also classic and go with everything.
These low ball glasses are very cool and I keep telling myself I need to buy one of these. I just bought this set of Mexican Train Dominoes and plan to play by the fireplace very soon!
This foot massager is a splurge but for someone like Christian who is on his feet on day… seems pretty amazing. Kiehl’s is the only “fancy” face products I can force him to use that he genuinely likes and he lives in these joggers. I have the female version and they are that good.
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend and more gift guides coming next week! You can find all of the gift guides and holiday-related content at the top of this site under “gift guides” and “holiday-related.” XO –
This week’s first gift guide is all about gifts under $50 and some of my favorite picks for the ladies. Things for the guys is coming Friday, I promise!
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
You guys know how much I love Necessaire, and this little introductory set would be great for someone who likes clean skincare and essential oils.
I have this big tumbler and love it so much, along with this tissue box cover. I use them regularly and I think they would be such great, practical gifts!
A cool candle or candle accessories, while a little generic, is usually a crowd pleaser. And I know it’s a gift I’m always happy to receive.
I have and love these fuzzy house shoes that can also be worn outside the house. I’ve heard from friends that this pajama set is where it’s at (they say to size up a size!) and this is my all-time favorite bra. I have multiple.
For more gift guides, check out the “gift guides” tab at the top of this site, including last week’s gift guide under $100. And more to come… as early as Friday. Thank you so much for reading and if you have a particular gift guide you’d like to see, please let me know in the comments! XO –
When we first moved into this house, I was super lucky to receive certain pieces and home accents that put me in a fast turnaround to share content. I am so grateful for the generosity of many brands and designers, so I happily obliged, but it means that I rushed into a few pieces that I hadn’t quite sorted through yet.
Like the original desk (seen here). I couldn’t find a desk I loved, so I bought an inexpensive one a a placeholder so I could at least get my office functional. And I don’t regret it because I used it for well over a year, and I was thankful to be able to be able to feel comfortable and focused in this space!
BUT, I kept rearranging things and trying new layouts and finally was like… this is still off. So I moved my black boomerang chairs downstairs, brought these safari chairs upstairs and sold the pink desk chair and placeholder desk. I splurged on a fancy lamp when I saw one randomly on sale, I invested in a huge, dreamy desk and added these delicious cashmere throw pillows. I also found this super cool African stool at a furniture market, and it fit right in.
I also sold the Ikea Vittsjo shelving unit that I’ve been able to use for so many years (the best $80 spent ever!) and replaced it with a heavier duty iron shelving piece from my childhood bedroom. And I love that it reminds me of the home I grew up in.
You can see all of the room reveals shared thus far under “home –> house tour” at the top of this site. Linkable items are at the bottom of this post!
desk | lamp | chandelier | rug | leather safari chair | cashmere lumbar pillows | similar cabinet here and here | two baskets | spotted ottoman | similar African stool | desk chair | kelly wearstler lumbar pillow | planter
This setup feels much more like “me,” and I really love how much of a difference these subtle changes made, while still keeping the contrast and neutral energy I find calming and not distracting.
Thanks so much for reading! And more of our space under “home –> house tour” at the top of this site. XO –
