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 –
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?
– 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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
Over the past few years I’ve started listening more and more to classical music. We now play it often with Hudson, and I’ve also found it to be really calming while I work. Because it’s instrumental only, I can still focus on what I’m doing while enjoying the melody.
I love making and sharing playlists, and if you search “playlist” on this site you’ll find many posts including my most frequently listened to, 90’s and Christmas. And because I usually add classical music to any Instagram Story of Hudson, many of you have been requesting a classical playlist. So I finally put one together here!
Some of these songs are top 40 covers but presented in a more calming way.
Let me know if you have classical favorites! My favorites are usually Mozart and Strauss. Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
What. A. Week. First off, my heart goes out to any of you caught in this wild winter weather right now. I’ve seen some devastating news about Texas, and it is not lost on me that we are so lucky in Georgia not to have experienced extreme temperatures this week. I hope everyone is safe and warm and if you are using your fireplace to stay warm, please remember fireplace safety.
In our house, Hudson was not himself this week with final molars coming in and winter sniffles, we spent a lot of time together and I was really, really fortunate not to have a packed work week. There is no one on earth who will test your patience as much as a toddler who isn’t feeling great. Top that with a partner who has little to no job flexibility, and I wouldn’t say it’s an ideal recipe. I often think about couples with two non-flexible careers and I straight up do not understand how they make it work. #Respect.
I did use the time to organize all of his toys and remove the ones we no longer play with. We bought our first pair of rain boots (they’re adorable) and some spring/summer shoes for playtime outside. And I’m in the middle of assembling his new table and chairs that is so cute I nearly can’t handle it. I recently moved this chair of his from his bedroom to the main den and he absolutely loves having it there. But I mean… do I also need this one? ADORABLE.
After reading this article and this article with so many kid-friendly decorating tips, it reminded me that toddlers love low-to-the-ground seating. And outside of his room and the basement, I didn’t really have anything. So I wanted to change that. I really believe your home doesn’t have to look like a playroom, it just requires a little creativity. How cute is this shag pouf that I don’t need but definitely want?
And I must ask, who is watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey this year? That first episode? Yowza.
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful and I’m hoping we can get outside more. We’ve taken a few short strolls this week, but I know we are really all happier when we are getting fresh air. I’m ready to be able to get outside again! Is it snowing where you are?
Something I’ve learned about myself is when I need a little mental boost, organizing a drawer or closet can really help me feel productive and satisfied. Maybe it’s a control element, but it makes me feel like I’m spending my time wisely to do something that sets me up for more efficient days ahead.
I also actually have an entire post dedicated to pantry and refrigerator organization here if that interests you!
Today we’re rounding up some home organization items that help me stay neat and tidy… and in control (sensing a theme here?). Drawer inserts are a huge win. These are great too from Amazon. I had always waited to splurge on something like this until we were in a more permanent home, and boy was it worth the splurge.
I recently bought a few laundry bags like this one and this one to hold Hudson’s toys. And I love using these in our pantry. It may sound crazy, but I actually enjoy looking into my pantry and seeing everything so prettily displayed.
I don’t have anything like these stackable basket bins but I love them. I also love these. Mental note!
If you have any little things like this that help you stay organized, I would love to hear. I’m always looking for ideas! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
It’s been a long time since I shared my usual go-to’s from Trader Joe’s here, so I wanted to revisit some of the items that consistently make it into my cart lately. Let’s break it down –
1 ) Flowers, specifically hydrangeas. I almost always grab the white or green hydrangeas from the floral section. At $6 for three large flowers, I can often get them to last over two weeks using these tips.
2 & 3 ) Bars – lots of bars. I love these bars not only for Hudson, but also for myself. Some of the ones I always purchase are the ABC bars, peanuts & date, coconut chocolate & date and the pb&j bars. I usually keep a few in Hudson’s diaper bag and some in my car.
4 ) Applesauce pouches. We don’t do a lot of pouches, but these are so great for a little power snack. If Hudson is grumpy because he’s hungry and it’s almost meal time, these will hold him over for another 20-30 minutes.
5 ) String cheese. I don’t know who eats more string cheese – myself or the child. A string cheese is my power snack. Easy to grab, not messy and not bad for you.
6 ) Jumbo cinnamon rolls. Speaking of healthy, these are not. Ha! BUT they are delicious, and I’ve made them for guests before and been asked numerous times if they were homemade. Similarly, we always have a few boxes of their frozen almond and chocolate croissants on hand. We make them every Saturday morning!
7 ) Pre-packaged pulled pork. I actually read about this from an article about Trader Joe’s toddler snacks. I don’t buy a lot of pre-made food like this, but I can sneak English peas, green beans or steamed carrots into this and Hudson will woof it down. We also use it to make bbq nachos that are so easy and SO good!
8 ) Lightly salted edamame. I usually keep at least two bags in my freezer because it’s a great snack, can be warmed in the microwave or air fryer quickly and it’s a healthy snack grab.
9 ) Southwestern chopped salad. I will have this for lunch at least once a week and will add chopped cucumber, bell peppers, fresh lime or lemon juice, almonds – anything I have. Adding some fresh chopped veggies and citrus to it makes it taste like the entire salad is super fresh. An easy “semi-homemade” hack.
10 ) Cheese tortellini. One of Christian’s favorite meals is tortellini with pesto and shredded chicken. If I have time, I will add fresh parmesan, pine nuts and basil. It’s hearty, easy to eat and something that I’ve usually managed to get toddlers to eat also.
If you have some classic items that always end up in your cart, I would love to hear! You can find more food & drink recipes and picks in the “food & drink” category under “home” at the top of this site.
