I am always looking for fresh, healthy and easy-to-prep recipes for the week. When Christian, Hudson and I are together at 5PM, it always feels like 6PM rolls around so fast! So anything that can be marinating ahead of time is amazing because it allows us to just pull it out, toss or throw on the grill and dinner is served.
We made this Greek salad recipe with this Greek chicken marinade and truly, it was better than takeout. Blew my skirt up. Christian and I both thought it was one of the most flavorful meals we have had in a long time.
Next time I would serve it with some warm pita bread and hummus for a seriously delicious Greek spread. I’m bookmarking this as a great recipe combination when hosting guests as well!
Bon appétit! Thanks so much for reading and you can find more easy recipes in the “food” category of this site. XO –
This week’s wish list is themed around classic pieces that I consider closet staples. That usually means solid colors (maybe a stripe thrown in), cotton, linen, clean lines and lots versatility. If you look at this collage cohesively, you’ll see that almost everything goes with everything. That’s the major perk of focusing on elevated basics.
I have this midi dress in a few colors and it is so cute on its own or layered with a cardigan. I bought this linen blazer and shorts last year and can’t wait to pull them out again this year. This cozy set looks like a major win and this cashmere cardigan has a matching jogger that I have and love.
I can’t have enough tees and this one and this one are so chic with a pair of jeans and fancy flats. I have these sandals in a cognac and have loved them for years. Love the suede version. I just got these ballet flats and these, and they are just as comfortable as they are beautiful. And I recently pulled out these eggshell wide leg jeans and remembered why they are so fab.
Do you have any solid closet staples that you swear by? Because you know I want to know about it. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
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I love a midi dress, and I am always very into the coming of spring, the return of exposing a little flesh and less static-inducing layering.
When I saw this white lace tiered midi dress, I thought it would be the sweetest dress for a bride or a great Easter weekend dress. Bonus points that it’s comfortable with the ruffles allowing as many french fries as one desires.
I paired it with neutral accessories and a pop of color in this bag, but you could also add colorful sandals, bracelets, earrings, etc. for a more vibrant look. I’m linking more white lace options at the bottom of this post!
similar sweater here (on sale) and here (on sale and under $30!) | similar cardigan here and here | leather pants – old, similar style here and here, look for less here and I just bought these | similar loafers | similar sunglasses, also have and love these | bag
This past weekend we went to Highlands, North Carolina for the first time to spend some time away and celebrate Christian’s birthday weekend. So many of the friends we’ve made in Georgia love traveling here as a weekend getaway as it’s only two hours from where we live. It was time to check it out for ourselves!
We haven’t traveled out of state since fall of 2019, outside of visiting family. Not only because of covid and trying to limit hotel stays, but also because if I’m going to invest in travel, I don’t want to be restricted. Restaurants are at half capacity and nearly all require reservations, masks are required both indoors and outdoors and you’re paying the same price whether there are restrictions or not. That combined with having a busy and often unpredictable toddler… it has just been significantly easier to stay home and save for when we can vacation without as many restrictions.
I also didn’t realize that so much in Highlands is “closed for winter.” For some stores and restaurants that means mid-March and for others it means April and onwards. We were there in early March and the weather in the morning was in the 30’s (and windy which made it feel colder!), so it makes sense that a lot of the outdoor activities were on temporary hold. That is something to consider when/if planning your trip!
Where We Stayed
Lofts on Main | Christian did some research before booking a little loft right on Main Street, and he really couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setup. If we are able to visit without a little one, I would love to stay at Old Edwards. But if you have a family, the Lofts have small kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, balconies and is right in between Wolfgang’s restaurant and Bardo. It’s also a stone’s throw from Mountain Fresh Grocery. Extremely convenient!
Where We Ate
Four65 | We got takeout here and the pizzas are to die for. So delicious and would eat there again!
Mountain Fresh Grocery | So many recommend this stop as an easy, quick and family friendly spot. It’s a higher end grocery in town (artisan cheeses, wine shop, coffee bar, it has a very “California” feel) that also has small and casual order-at-the-counter style restaurants. A pizza shop, lunch/breakfast counter, coffee/espresso bar, takeaway items, etc.
We popped in to get some snacks for the weekend and one day I hopped in here to get a chicken tender meal for Hudson and I to share for lunch. They were probably the best chicken tenders I’ve had in a long time. I even saved one for Christian to have when he got back from his fishing trip and he agreed!
Madison’s | I wanted to have at least one really nice meal to celebrate Christian’s birthday weekend, and I called ahead of time to make a lunch reservation here. I also wanted to see the inside of Old Edwards and didn’t really feel comfortable snooping otherwise as so much is limited due to covid restrictions.
The restaurant is gorgeous, they were incredibly welcoming and kind to Hudson, the food was beautiful and outstanding and it was the perfect spot to end the trip. Currently they are only allowing guests to dine for lunch and breakfast and dinner is limited to hotel guests only. I hope to visit again!
The Ugly Dog Pub | We popped in here for a quick dinner and it was easy pub food. They are one of the few places that don’t require reservations, we felt like Hudson could appropriately sit with us and it was easy. I wouldn’t call it our most memorable meal but a great spot for a quick meal in a pinch! I didn’t want to make a ton of reservations as I didn’t know what Hudson’s behavior would be based on naps, etc., so I appreciated the easy come-and-go.
Also if you bring a framed photo of your dog, it might get hung it on the wall!
Other | Additional restaurants that were recommended that we would like to hit next time: Wolfgang’s, Blue Bike Cafe for breakfast, Kilwins for sweet treats, Wild Thyme (temporarily closed for winter), Paoletti’s (also temporarily closed), the Bridge at Mill Creek, the Wine Garden at Old Edward’s (closed for winter)
Downtown Playground | The Methodist Church has a sweet little gated playground we visited twice to blow off some energy for Hudson as he was mostly strapped to the stroller. It’s easy to walk to and right at the end of Main Street.
Spa | Everyone rave about the Spa at Old Edwards. If we visit after covid life, I would love to try!
Hikes | Sunset Rock, Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Whiteside Mountain
Ice Rink | There is an ice skating rink downtown that is open for winter until early March that would be really fun with older kids.
We intended to go on a short hike, but with Christian taking a half day to fish, the colder-than-anticipated weather and nap schedules, we didn’t make it this time. But it’s on the list next time! I also would have loved to check out Cashiers but we ran out of time. I hear summer is a poppin’ time in Highlands, and I hope one day we will make it back up during the warmer months.
If you have any favorite spots I didn’t list here, I would love to hear about them in the comments! Thank you so much to everyone who offered their tips and recommendations. I hope we will get to visit to try some more places soon!
Thank you so much for reading – XO –
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I’ve had my eye on a few spring picks from Amazon recently, so I wanted to dive into what I’ve ordered and what I have my eye on so far. To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I have owned this dress in pink and black and it’s the most amazing layering piece (styled here). I know once the weather is warm enough, I will definitely be pulling it back out. Along with this dress that is so comfortable and easy, I think I need it in more colors. I’ve ordered this dress in two colors and I think it’s going to be so versatile. How cute would it be belted!?
I ordered this dress and so badly wanted it to work for me! Sadly it was too short on my 5’7″ body. But if you’re a little bit shorter than me I think it’s the cutest dress.
I have these heels in two colors, and you’re not going to find a designer dupe better than these slides or this bag. Yesterday I ordered this lounge set and this cardigan looks SO cozy and perfect for a spring layering piece!
Have you snagged any Amazon Fashion finds lately? Do share! I also have all of my favorite Amazon finds in my Amazon Storefront that you can also find underneath the “Shop” page at the top of this site. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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Body conscious dresses. I love the way they look – celebrating curves – but I don’t love that I have to be so aware or self conscious of my posture, not overeating so I don’t feel uncomfortable, etc.
I absolutely love this top and skirt set (and think they would be great as separates also) and wanted to show how you can easily layer over your form-fitting outfit for a more approachable look that still shows some curves. There is no point in wearing anything you don’t feel confident in, and sometimes layering helps me take something that I might initially question to a place where I feel en fuego.
Did I technically layer with a robe kimono that can be worn as a house robe? Yes. But I mean, versatility is everything! If you think it works, I say go for it.
What’s your stance on body conscious dresses? Are you up for them or not so much? If your answer is not so much, would you reconsider with layering or no?
Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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– the cutest MZ Wallace bag that I’ve already used multiple times –
A happy Friday to you!! We are finally all healthy and energized after being hit with a winter cold, and I am so grateful. I’m definitely a mover and a “do-er,” but like clockwork, once a year I get hit with a cold that wipes me out. No one likes feeling tired all of the time, so I always find that return to health so uniquely wonderful. There’s nothing like being happy simply because you are well. If only we always had that kind of gratitude!
We are heading on our first 2021 adventure today, and I am so excited. After doing so little last year, this year we have been intentional to make more plans. When I feel like I’m living in groundhog day, repeating the same motions over and over again, breaking that monotony really brings excitement and inspiration. We are still adjusting to traveling with a child… so that part brings some new-to-us struggles. But you gotta live to learn!
I did a little spring shopping for other upcoming adventures this week. I thought this skirt would be so great with flats and a simple top. Bought this breezy dress for a beach trip, along with this swimsuit I’m crossing my fingers fit. On that note, I also bough this bikini top and bottom and this one-piece that are made of some miracle stretchy fabric allowing them to be one size fits all. Will it be too good to be true? Time will tell! And I saw these heels were recently released in new colors, and I have loved them so much I snagged the Toffee color.
Yesterday was Christian’s birthday, so we will be celebrating him all weekend, and I’m loving it. Who would have thought that we would all be experiencing not one, but two Covid birthdays. Although he is vaccinated this time around, so that’s a bonus.
I hope all of you have a beautiful weekend. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
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We’re not necessarily centered on a “theme” today, but I have had a little extra time on my hands lately and have been perusing online. Blame it on the warmer weather, the sunshine, finally shaking a cold or planning our first few adventures of 2021… but I have my eye on some pretty cute stuff.
To shop simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
Let’s talk about these Hunza G swimsuits. They are one size fits all, super stretchy and flattering on so many different body types that it makes me super curious to try one out. It’s hard for me to want to splurge on swimsuits, but this one might be an exception.
I’m seeing sandals like this and this everywhere for spring and summer. I’ve already splurged on these and these and can’t wait to wear them, but I might need a trendy pair for fun!
I find vases and bowls hard to resist. I love the sleek style of this one, these are such a great deal and this ginger jar is so beautiful with its gold detailing.
I don’t quite know why, but I’m really gravitating towards this bag and I love that this is just a small “phone tote.” I mean… adorable. These slippers are a $24 dupe that come in so many colors… I think I’m going to have to snag the green.
We all know I can’t resist a midi dress. This one looks super chic and classic (on sale for $33!), and I am so into camel right now that this one under $80 is in my cart.
What’s speaking to you right now? I would love to hear what you have your eye on! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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It’s been a little while since I shared the month’s top 10, so I wanted to share a few of the items you guys loved most in February. At the bottom of the post I’m sharing a few of my favorite new items I grabbed this month as well!
A few of the items that I really love from this month are these custom Amazon Roman shades that I love so much I bought two sets for different bedrooms. I used this planter to repot $12 Trader Joe’s orchids and cover the empty parts with moss, and it makes me happy. We moved this adorable kids chair downstairs to our den and Hudson loves it so much, I’m so glad we thought to bring it down.
I just got my second Hobo wallet/clutch after having one in college that I loved to shreds, quite literally. It turns out this concealer is as amazing as everyone says it is, and this glow-y setting powder is so brightening, I love it. Christian installed two of these $60 plug-in sconces in one of our guest bedrooms, and I really love how they turned out – I hope to share it with you guys soon.
And on the note of our guest bedroom, these x benches can be customized with over 120+ fabrics, I think they are such a great custom-looking grab. Adding this gorgeous table lamp to my desk has really been a surprising dose of happy to have some extra light while I work. This red striped collared shirt feels like such a throwback, I love it. I’ve worn these slippers all month long, all winter long actually, and they are as amazing as they look.
This facial steamer has been so nice since Hudson and I have spent the past two weeks sharing a cold. I’ve also been loving this rich, velvety triple lipid cream from SkinCeuticals.
That’s about it – if you have anything you tested out this month and loved a little extra, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading, and for more top sellers and weekly top picks, check out the “Top Sellers” and “Top Picks” saved stories on Instagram. XO –
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Our last February Friday… that came pretty fast. I secretly do enjoy the quiet calmness of January and February. Cold cozy dark nights at home feel like such a reward after the holiday rush. But with March comes spring weather, and it’s pretty hard to have a problem with that.
We had a few days this week with incredibly beautiful sunshine, and it got me really excited. I love working in the yard in the spring, pulling weeds, freshening up flower beds and watering plants to see what might bloom again in the coming months. Last year Hudson wasn’t even sitting up yet so he would only be so entertained outside with me for long periods of time. However this year he can walk and explore, so I know he’s going to love being able to spend so much more time outside. I’m really excited about it!
I saw a friend talking about this $20 oversized three-wick candle, I snagged one at Target. She was right. It smells so good and I think the jar is so pretty that even after the candle has burned down it will be beautiful on a shelf. Or even a small bowl to hold bracelets and other jewelry.
Next week is Christian’s birthday, so we have some fun plans up our sleeve. Can’t wait to share more! Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –
I’m always looking to “tinker” and subtly rearrange spaces in our house, and when it comes to adding an accessory or two I’ll usually reach to H&M Home, CB2, Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn and even Amazon.
So I wanted to round up some things that I’ve either had my eye on or that I’ve actually purchased over the past six months or so. First up, I’ve had my eye on this little kids table and chairs since before Hudson was born. I knew he would love it, and I have loved seeing how much he loves to sit and have his snack or color. The chairs are still a little tall for him at 15 months, but I will help him up to the chair and he can hop off easily by himself. I know he will use it for so many years to come… and I also love that it’s not an eye sore.
This rattan tray is so chic and I wish I had need for it. And I’ve almost bought this candle so many times because I know the glass jar would be so beautiful to repurpose once the candle is burned.
Have you bought any home items from H&M Home or Amazon yet? You know I wanna know. Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –
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A few weeks ago I posted this post about “happiness hacks,” and the responses I got from you guys sent me over the moon. So many simple yet thoughtful actions that can boost a mood or funk.
The first two are mine (hence the lengthy explanations), and the rest are all you guys. And in case you needed to hear it today, you guys are freaking brilliant. These posts are truly some of my favorite that I’ve written in a long time. So thank you so much for blessing me with these submissions!
I know they will bless thousands of women all over the world. Let’s go –
1 ) His/Her Cooking Nights. After Hudson was born, my desire to cook plummeted. It felt like I had enough on my plate managing my new roles of being a mother and home owner to my already fairly full plate. So spending the time to research recipes, meal prep, cook and clean? It’s gonna be a no for me dawg.
So I told Christian he is in charge of one weekday dinner. That includes finding the recipe, putting the ingredients on our shared grocery list, cooking, cleaning, the works. And sometimes that could mean calling in a pizza. If you call it in, pick it up and clean up the aftermath!? It totally counts.
And I’ve been unsurprised to find that the meal I’m not in charge of is hands down the one I enjoy the most.
2 ) Listening to classical music while I work. I’ve been working on my classical favorites playlist and I was excited to share it yesterday! Christian has always loved classical music, but our visit to Vienna a few years ago is what really got me into it. I love it, and something about it being instrumental only I find very therapeutic while I’m at my desk.
And if you’re new to classical music, I think a great introduction is the Vitamin String Quartet. They cover top 40 hits in a string quartet and it is a VIBE. Example here, which was actually featured on Bridgerton. This cover is a favorite of mine!
3 ) Special lunch or after-lunch drink. For many it was a Diet Coke with lunch and for one girlfriend it was a Diet Dr. Pepper after lunch.
4 ) Friday night takeout or comfort food. It signals slowing down for the weekend and gives the end of the work week more of an “end.”
5 ) Manicures make me feel like I have it all together (read: I never have it all together).
6 ) I say daily affirmations to myself during my morning routine.
7 ) I have one day a week that I treat myself to lunch no matter what!
8 ) As a teacher and mom of two I treasure weekend morning walks to myself.
9 ) I keep a note on my phone of happiness hacks. When I need a mood boost, I pick one to try!
10 ) Taking a drive by myself, rap music turned all the way up!
11 ) Stepping outside no matter the weather and taking a BIG, deep breath of fresh air.
12 ) Go on a walk without my phone or headphones. Similarly, another gal said she does this and it’s amazing how many more people she connects with on her walk. I love that!
13 ) I pick a day on the weekend for breakfast in bed!
14 ) Using my china for everyday meals.
15 ) Nespresso on the weekends and drip coffee during the week.
16 ) Throwing my blanket in the dryer on cold days.
17 ) Gua Sha session and dessert while watching my favorite shows.
19 ) I light a candle at the beginning of the work day and blow it out when I’m done for the day. And for another gal it was the opposite, lighting a candle to symbolize the end of the work day.
20 ) A face mist at my office desk for a spritz mid-day!
21 ) Fancy cocktail napkins… just cause.
22 ) Two words: frothed milk.
23 ) Putting the baby to bed and a long hot shower while watching Real Housewives of any city. And yes, in the shower.
24 ) Catching the sunrise or sunset.
25 ) Eucalyptus tied around my shower head for spa vibes every day!
26 ) Saving my favorite podcasts for a Saturday morning long walk with my dog.
27 ) “Alexa, play 90’s R&B.”
28 ) Going one full day without using the Internet.
29 ) I started having tea time right when I finish work and it’s delightful.
30 ) Staying up an extra hour after the husband and baby go to sleep to… watch Housewives.
And a few extra submissions that got me good:
I walk and talk to my grandmother on the phone every day. I feel SO much better after those 30 minutes.
I make a latte in the morning and sit in bed while I drink it before I get started with my day.
Happy hour with my partner at home every Friday after work – I alway send a calendar invite!
Zoom get togethers with my girls! We make cocktails or new recipes and just chat.
Taking a walk until whatever was on my mind is no longer the loudest thought.
I ask Alexa what the weather is in Fayetteville, AR each morning. Moving there in 17 months!
There were a lot about waking up early to enjoy coffee or tea alone before the rest of the house wakes up. As well as making the bed. I think there is a lot of truth that how you start and end your day can be really impactful.
If you have anything to add, please share in the comments! If I get enough to do a third happiness hacks post, you know I’m gonna do it. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
