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

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

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

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

– 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 –

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

– 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) –

– framing portraits of my babies in our bedroom –

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

– 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 –

– putting together some florals for a ladies luncheon –

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

– the most amazing smelling fragrance from Brochu Walker –

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

– 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 –

– upgrading Christian’s closets with Modular Closets pre-designed closet kits –

– making Baked By Melissa’s cucumber and cottage cheese toast (I skip the nutritional yeast) –

– working on a fun project with MacKenzie-Childs –

– loving this little mouse superhero matchbox –

– loving when the fruit bowl is full –

The first Friday’s Five in a while! I’ve been working on some fun website content that I’m excited to share with you guys in the next week.

We have finally completely finished Christian’s closet organization install with Modular Closets (KATHLEENBARNES for 10% off!), and I can’t say enough how pleased we are. We chose the gray closet kits because it made the most sense for his two closets, and the end result is so sophisticated and sleek. He absolutely loves them, and we finished the look with six LED rechargeable motion light strips, wooden hangers and updated pull chains. Check out a before and after reel here.

A few good things I’ve cooked lately:

Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Chicken Sausage – I replace pesto with chimichurri sauce and serve on top of rice)

Arugula Salad with Feta, Olives and Dill – I’ve also made it with romaine and still so good!

Spicy Feta Dip – great on sandwiches

Next Level Corn Dip – great for a party because you can make the night before

Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

We have a full agenda for the weekend but full of lots of fun things. Excited for the week ahead! Thanks so much for reading and stopping by. Don’t forget about the big Shopbop Spring Sale! xo –