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