This week’s wish list is a spotlight on the summer staples that I find myself reaching for without thought. There are some foundational wardrobe pieces that I would have a really hard time living without.

Let’s get into it – to shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

 

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I recently shared in this video that my “mom uniform” is a white tank or tee, classic jeans, and slides. It’s the no-brainer outfit I can throw on quickly and feel both put-together and ready for anything the day (or my kids) throw at me. I love this staples tank from Amazon, so classic. I’d pair it with these jeans and these slides (I own both!).

I have this $49 dress in three colors. I love it, and it’s a great travel dress!

I have a pair of earrings like this and they go with everything. And I mean everything. Best investment in some ear baubles.

These are my favorite denim shorts because they’re a little bit longer than your standard cutoff shorts which makes them feel better on my thirties self.

Thanks so much for checking in and reading! Talk soon  –

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easy dinner ideas

We have made these shawarma bowls a few times now, and they are so delicious and colorful that I wanted to share the details here!

I had seen Trader Joe’s marinated shawarma chicken thighs a few times but didn’t necessarily know what I would do with them. Then I realized they could be baked, shredded and used for rice bowl. SO EASY.

Ingredients:

Trader Joe’s marinated shawarma chicken thighs (baked according to directions and shredded)

grape tomatoes

mini cucumbers

bell pepper

red onion (pickled onion would also be delicious)

parsley

hummus

tzaziki (optional)

lemon juice, olive oil

white rice or brown rice

Directions:

Bake the chicken according to the package directions and then shred it.

Cook your rice – I use Trader Joe’s frozen bags of rice. We love them. Top the rice with your shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and hummus. Top with a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of some lemon juice.

So much flavor, so colorful and easy.

trader joes shawarma bowl

Thanks so much for reading. For more meal ideas check out the “food & drink” category of this site. Talk soon – xo –

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I wanted to round up some beach and swim picks this week because I think (or hope) that we are all starting to enjoy the highlights of summer and trying to stay cool.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

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I have this swimsuit in the strawberry fields pattern and it always receives compliments. The cut is so elegant for a swimsuit, and for my long-torso girls – it’s comfortable! I love chic one-pieces, but my torso is longer than most which makes many uncomfortable.

I love this beautiful sarong, but couldn’t make the splurge. I bought two patterns of this one from Amazon instead and have really liked them. You can see one on here.

I bought this crochet coverup in white and black for our anniversary trip in the fall and have loved wearing them again this summer. You can see it worn here. They are so comfortable and breathable. Always makes me feel put together!

I wore these rubber, waterproof bracelets all week at the beach. And these earrings go with every summer outfit. Try me – denim, tees, dresses, you name it. They are so fun and lightweight!

Thanks so much for checking in and reading. Talk soon! xo –

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30A family photo

We recently went on our annual summer visit to Florida, and while this trip was probably our most challenging (14-month-old Theo is very, very busy and quite literally a hazard to himself), there were certainly still some sweet moments along the way.

I wanted to share some photos and link sources here, as well as answer some of the most common questions I got about our trip! A lot of the outfit photos are screenshots from short videos I took, but you’ll see the actual video content and outfit details in the link below.

beach bonfire 30Abtb la dressbeach family photobeach sunsetwhite amazon cardigan

dress –  BTB Los Angeles | the rest of the outfit linked here

How did you organize the beach bonfire?

I found 30A Blaze via TripAdvisor/Google reviews, and they were awesome. They were very reliable and showed up with everything they said they would. I added on the s’mores package and we ordered and brought down pizzas on our own!

Where are your boys personalized towel robes from?

We have these and these. Hudson loves them, especially when getting out of a chilly pool.

Where did you stay? 

My Dad rented this house through 360Blue. He continually rents from them and we have loved some of their houses. This particular house had some challenges (and is currently for sale so I don’t anticipate it being on the rental market much longer) and I don’t feel comfortable recommending it.

Where is your white crochet coverup from?

You can find it here for less than $30.

3marthas robe30a house for salesiblings pictoccin black dress

outfit details here

sunhouse swim trunksmatching boys swim

swim outfit details here

green summer dress

dress is from Coco Shop a few years ago | remainder of outfit details here

brothers on the beachfollow suit swimwear

swimsuit is Follow Suit, more details here

raffia earrings

earring details here

florida beachesmom and baby boybeach sand selfielavender sleeveless sweater

sweater – Pearl by Lela Rose | denim | similar bag | scarf – Hermés | earrings | bangles | similar flats

thumbs upsushi

Old Florida Fish House – the only meal we ate out other than Bruno’s Pizza (yum!)

santa rosa beach FLtimeless summer style

outfit details here

Do you think 30A would be good for a bachelorette party?

Absolutely! Transparently, I don’t have personal recommendations for what to do there if you’re in that mindset. When I’m in 30A I’m either in family mode or spending quality time with my extended family, so I don’t have the bar recommendations although I’m sure they are excellent.

Did you rent any baby gear on your trip?

We had a baby gate at the house and I rented a crib from Beach Baby Cribs. They were great!

Did hire any chefs or private dinners?

Not this year, but last year we used Swiftly Catered and they were great.

I think those were the majority of the most commonly asked questions! Thank you again for all of the love and camaraderie about beach travel with kids who are 0-2. We have taken both boys with us on many travel adventures, but the water/sand/stairs of the beach were uniquely challenging for Theo at this particular age.

We have another, more intimate, beach trip in a few months and now I definitely feel more mentally prepared for what we need in order for it to be a success. Noted! Thanks so much for checking in and reading – xo –

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This week is one of my personal favorites..a mix of all the pretty things I’ve seen online and am loving. Along with my own personal summer bucket list at the bottom!

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

 

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I can’t get over these slingbacks. I love them and keep *almost* purchasing them. The mini-heeled version is fabulous too!

If I had any travel planned with Christian, I’d be wearing this dress to dinner.

I am loving the shape and size of this cooler. I feel like we never need a big cooler, but just something compact and functional. Add it to my wish list along with this cup.

I ordered these sandals after seeing how wildly similar they are to these designer versions. Fingers crossed they show up as beautiful as they look!

As for my own summer bucket list, it’s looking a little something like…

1) More Mexican Train Dominoes with coffee or cocktails.

2) Meals on the patio – I even rearranged the entire covered patio area to accommodate a table this week!

3) Staying at the pool so late we have dinner in swimsuits.

4) Lots of summer movie nights – maybe some with the projector.

What’s on your bucket list? Let’s make it realistic. There’s no point in setting ourselves up for failure, right? I have to remind myself that Christian and I both continue to work throughout the summer, so the schedule isn’t going to be flipped upside down if you feel me.

Thank you so much for checking in and reading – xo –

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black lamp shade sconce

– finding another spot for all the books that are usually here –

dining room books

– in the dining room, which I’ve taken over lately (more on that below) –

white waterfall orchid

– receiving this beautiful Mother’s Day orchid and finding a sunny spot for her –

white leather bag

– pulling this bag out which happens to be my perfect size handbag –

basket mini bag

– taking this little basket crossbody for a spin –

1.  I even squeezed in some time to get a Hydrafacial, which was a very relaxing treat. I haven’t had a facial in a really long time.

2.  After considering moving my office from an extra upstairs bedroom downstairs to the dining room, I gave it a try this week.

We don’t use our formal dining room often, and it feels like wasted space. My thought is that I could keep the dining room as is but set up the table more like a desk. If we needed it for dining, I could just move my computers into our bedroom.

Turns out, it’s been so convenient to be downstairs. I love the view of the windows from the dining room, and I think this might need to be a more permanent change.

3.  This has made me have the wild hair to change up the wallpaper. Whoops. I have the nature-inspired mural coming that I’m really excited about! I will share more details once the installation begins.

4.  I binge-watched Selling Sunset‘s new season over the weekend, I think I’m over this series. The framing of the constant chase of ego and money is starting to feel a little sad to me. Does anyone else feel that way? I know many shows are like this, but the “reality TV” element of this one makes it feel extra depressing.

But I did watch RHONJ wedding special and part 1 of the VPR finale and that was a great time.

5.  The pool has started a soft open and I’m gearing up for one on two under 3.5 years old at the pool. Prayers are appreciated!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and stays safe and cozy. Thank you so much for stopping by and checking in. Talk soon xo –

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I couldn’t think of a great theme for this week, so instead I decided to share what I’ve been perusing myself in the LTK app. Man… when I start scrolling over there I’m in trouble.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

 

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So many beautiful crisp white dresses that I’m loving like this maxi dress and this shirt dress. Lots of solid, colorful dresses too that can be dressed up and down like this orange dress and this blue one-shoulder number.

If I didn’t have a similar pair of brown sandals I would save for this sandal splurge. I keep seeing so many gals wearing sneakers like this with classic denim and even though I don’t think the look will serve my body… I still keep thinking about them. What do you guys think about these retro chunkier-style sneakers? I tend to stick with classic chucks when I feel like having a throwback moment.

I ordered two of these black diamond sisal rugs for our front and back doors because I couldn’t help myself. Do I need them? No. But I can’t wait to get them in. Love this one too.

I might be putting this diamond wrap ring on my birthday wish list. I really don’t need it but I really love it.

Thanks so much for checking in and reading! Talk soon xo –

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blair eadie

– excited to have a piece from the new Tuckernuck + Blair Eadie collection

monkey display

– receiving a “Mother’s Day monkey” from my mom to all her girls (when your mom is an artist, these kinds of gifts just feel right) –

black and white portraits

– framing portraits of my babies in our bedroom –

the sweetest grace

– our new, beautiful spring/summer wreaths from The Sweetest Grace

brochu walker linen dress

– and so excited to wear this Brochu Walker dress this weekend –

1)  I watched BEEF this week on Netflix. I often watch stuff with around 65% attention while I’m working on my computer. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s so original and layered. It’s funny, intense, suspenseful, and more. And definitely hard to stop watching once you start.

2)  I made this shawarma bowl for Christian and myself and it was SO good. I don’t think Trader Joe’s carries cauliflower tabbouleh anymore, but I instead used chopped red onion/cucumber/bell pepper and squeezed some lemon juice. After I baked the chicken thighs, I shredded the chicken. The marinade provides liquid and flavor that doesn’t really require an additional sauce other than hummus and lemon juice.

I served it on brown rice with pita bread. Lots of flavor – we will make it again. I’m sure you could add to it and make it even better!

3)  I spent an afternoon working on my computer on a breakfast tray in bed. Honestly felt so luxurious. Highly recommend.

4) Hudson and I are featured in a commercial for StitchFix that some of you may see on TV! I am hoping it will get added to YouTube so I can share it with you guys. It was challenging but rewarding working with a 3-year-old. Hudson has frequently asked me, “hey mom – remember when we worked together? I liked that.”

It would be cuter if he hadn’t been so *challenging* to work with on said shoot day. Toddlers!

5)  Christian and I watched A Man Called Otto, and it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting. It was a little more depressing than I felt the trailer led on. But it was definitely a great reminder of the importance of relationships. Not just romantic, but friendships with people within your community of all ages. It only enriches life.

In one scene, Tom Hanks’s character said, “Our friends said we were like night and day. My life was black and white before I met Sonja. She was the color.” And Christian rested his hand on my arm with a sweet look. I hope that memory locks in.

Thanks so much for reading and checking in. I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend! xo –

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This week’s wish list is a roundup of April’s most-loved items that you guys gravitated toward most last month!

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

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I bought these heels and this dress from The Nat Note x Dillards collaboration and love both. The dress especially looks so cheerful and luxe in person, and I know the heels will go with everything this spring and summer.

We have this sofa in our living room and absolutely love it. It’s beautiful and comfortable and we opted for Sunbrella fabric, making it extra durable.

I know design pros say these egg chairs are no longer cool because they’ve been a bit overdone, but man, we love them. We also have a three-seat sofa outside and so rarely sit on it. Usually, at least two of us are cozied up in this big egg chair. It’s SO comfortable.

I have these $50 heels in three colors. They’re the best bang for your buck.

I can’t believe how comfortable this wireless bra is. This bra is SO GOOD. Trust me.

My favorite blue light glasses I’ve been wearing for years. And these have been my most-worn sunglasses this year. Love the retro shape.

I have this dress in the toile pattern and love the different print variations. The silhouette is so chic and feels tailored in all the right places.

These workout pants and crop top are so fun and different than what I have. Highly recommend and honestly can’t believe they’re from Amazon.

I love so many of Spanx’s pieces, but you guys are especially loving these wide-leg pants and this crazy comfortable jumpsuit. I love both! KATHLEENXSPANX for 10% off + free shipping.

Thanks so much for checking in and reading – xo –

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blue and white hydrangea arrangement

– putting together some florals for a ladies luncheon –

white ruffled baker

– baking a cake with my big boy just for fun (pie plate) –

morning light fragrance

– the most amazing smelling fragrance from Brochu Walker –

cabinet tassel

– loving these $8 tassels from Amazon I bought a few sets of –

rhinestone headbands

– pretty chocolate-hued rhinestoned headbands

I’m trying a little bit different of a format for Friday’s, let me know if you have an objection! Let’s get into this week’s five things –

1)  Firefly Lane came back with seven extra episodes to season two, and I’m loving it. I love Tully.

2)  Ashley Robertson recommended this $33 maxi dress, so I bought two and can’t wait to get them in. I think they’re the kind of dress you can live in during months of Southern heat.

3)  I found this Gwyneth Paltrow interview highly fascinating. I loved hearing Brad Pitt sounds as dreamy as we all envision him to be! It also made me really respect how Gwyneth really sounds like someone who is able able to embrace change and new life chapters with gratitude and positivity. I admire that.

4)  Yesterday I had a glass of wine with lunch and worked outside on my patio. It was low-key magical. Highly recommend.

5)  I ordered these shoes and they’re every bit as wonderful as I thought they would be. When I first saw them, I thought they were designer. Turns out they’re not but they definitely look it.

And a little extra:

I ordered personalized versions of this towel wrap, this hair towel, and these makeup towels for our favorite babysitter. I think Weezie makes such an awesome senior gift!

I made this white bean chicken chili (I sub the black beans for white beans), cornbread and this arugula salad for a friend this week. I made the same thing for our family and man – it is so good. And incredibly easy.

Thank you so much for checking in and reading! xo –

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I placed a BIG order from H&M yesterday because I wanted to get some fresh linen casual pieces for Christian. I saw they had an awesome collection of linen right now which inspired this post!

This is the kind of stuff I live in during the summer months in Georgia. Southern humidity is not a joke! To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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Another linen set that I have two of and love are these pants on Etsy and this top. I size up one size for a looser fit.

I ordered two of these long, oversized linen shirts for the pool and beach. I also snagged these pants that I hope will look good with the shirt. Chic!

For Christian I got these pants in two colors, these shorts and this long-sleeved shirt.

I have to mention these high-waisted linen pants that I have in two colors. They run true to size and I love them. You can see them styled in motion here!

Thank you for checking in and reading – xo –

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mackenzie child photo frame

I have been a longtime fan of MacKenzie-Childs. I’ve shared pieces we have and love before in this post as well as their headquarters in this post, but I grew up admiring the creative designs and unique pieces. There’s no one else like them. They stand out for being original and the opposite of blending in.

And you know I love that.

I have always gravitated toward the classic courtly check collection pieces. Not only is it a little bit more natural than the other collections, but as a fan of the brand, it is so classically MacKenzie-Childs.

Below are some of my favorite courtly check pieces in our home. Links to the exact pieces are at the bottom of the post!

espresso cup and saucercourtly check espresso cup and saucerruffled bowlblack knit dressruffled platebasil and goat cheese crostinicourtly check tea kettlemackenzie childs rugmackenzie childs mugpatio egg chairpatio egg chairannie selke patio rugbamboo plant stand

Photo Frame | Dinner Plate | Espresso Cup and Saucer | Coffee Mug | Medium Fluted Serving Bowl | Chair Cushions | Enamel Herb Pots | Jumbo Garden Pot | 8″ Garden Pot | Whale Basket | Sisal Rug | Small Sugar Bowls | Whistling Tea Kettle

What I love most is that I didn’t even take all of these photos on the same day. I took them slowly over the span of a week because I love how easily we incorporate these pieces into the daily come-and-go. I once saw a CBL girl comment “she actually uses her courtly check kettle!” and it made me laugh. But you should try to use all the beautiful things in your home! If you wait for the “special occasion,” you won’t get to enjoy it nearly as much.

I’ll be sharing some video content tomorrow of a few favorite pieces, so check that out on Instagram! Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. If you have a MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle or a favorite piece or collection yourself, please share! xo –

brought to you by MacKenzie-Childs

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