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September 16, 2022

Back to School Self-Care Routines

With the kids back in school, sports and activities are in full force and our schedules are full. Before you know it, the holiday season will be here and things will become even more hectic. In the midst of it all, it’s hard to even think about taking time for ourselves but I try to schedule a few things throughout my week that will bring me joy and help me fill my cup. Sometimes it might only be for five minutes but I look forward to any time I can get. Here are some of my favorite ways to integrate self-care into my routine, depending on how much time I have.

If I have 5 minutes…

On hectic days that are jampacked, I try to find five minutes here or there to reset. This might mean sitting in a quiet place, closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths. If the weather is nice, I like to do this outside to feel the sun on my face and listen to nature. Bonus points if I remember to put on a pair of my favorite Wander Beauty eye patches for an extra soothing boost.

If I have 20 minutes…

Some days I’m running around between clients and meetings while other days I’m sitting at my desk for hours on end. On those days, I like to take a 20 minute break to get up and stretch. Not only does it help to step away from my work, but it’s also good for my body. I like to take a few deep breaths while raising my arms overhead, do some side stretches, and touch my toes to stretch my hamstrings. If I’m feeling particularly sluggish, I go up and down the stairs a few times to get my heart rate up. The only problem with this is that I inevitably find some pile of laundry or toys scattered about that I end up getting distracted by.

If I have 45 minutes…

There are so many studies that have proven that spending time outside is good for our mental health. I love to spend time working in the garden, doing some yard work, or planting. It helps keep me grounded when I’m stressed. Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than getting your frustration out than by pulling weeds! For those months when it’s cold, I still try and bundle up and get outside for bit and go for a walk. The crisp, fresh air always perks me up.

If I have an hour or more…

I like to wake up an hour before the kids get up so I can have some quiet time. Sometimes I’ll just enjoy a cup of coffee on the porch or curl up on the sofa with a blanket. Other times I’ll go for a morning run and listen to an uplifting and motivational playlist to get me going for the day. If it’s the afternoon, I like to make myself a nourishing lunch full of greens, veggies, and fruit.

The ultimate luxury for me is having time to take a relaxing bath or shower where I can do a hair mask, exfoliate, etc. without having to rush. Then I like to wrap up in my favorite robe and apply my skincare routine. I try to do this once a week but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always happen. So I make sure and relish it when I can!

Kids self-care…

While our days revolve around our kids, they also need self-care. A lot of the time this might mean unstructured play time or free time. I let each kid pick what they’d like to do the most. This might be playing outside, building with their legos, or video games. These days Finley likes me to paint her nails. I also like for them to have solo time with Adam or I so that they feel special. Other times it means we’re all still in our pjs and snuggled up on the couch in the middle of the day. It’s important for them to rest and recharge as well.

I know at times it can be a challenge to find time for ourselves each day but let’s commit to filling up our own cup any way we can this fall! It’s all about finding what works best for you. If you like to wind down with a good book, check out my Summer Beach Reads and Fall Reads blog posts!

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Style
September 9, 2022

Early Fall Styles

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Tuckernuck Dress (similar here), sunglasses (similar here)

There is something so exciting about the change of seasons.  I love summer but Fall really has my heart.  I love the changing of the leaves, harvest starting, chilly mornings and evenings, and I love a good fall wardrobe.  During early fall when the temps still tend to rise in the afternoon I like to select dresses in fall hues. When the weather starts to chill down a bit I lean toward chunky knit sweaters with a good pair of denim, long sleeve dresses in a fall tones, and add in layers. I am also loving sneakers with my dresses and have my eyes on these.

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Style
August 30, 2022

Tennis Favorites

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Standout by SJ Johnson

Tennis season is still in full swing and in honor of the U.S. Open, I’ve rounded up all of my latest favorites. My family grew up playing tennis and I love the classic aesthetic: from the clothes, cracking open a new can of tennis balls, to that satisfying sound of the ball hitting the racket. I hope to be able to catch a match or two during this year’s Open-especially since it’s the last time we’ll get to see Serena Williams play on the courts. Read on for some of my favorite tennis attire!

Dresses

Is there anything better than throwing on a dress and being ready to go? While I love a good set, sometimes it’s great not to have to think about matching anything and only having one clothing item to think about.  You can’t go wrong with this classic white dress from JCrew. If you’re looking for a little something extra, this white piped performance dress has a great silhouette with flattering black trim and this one has the look of a two-piece set. I love this dress that has the classic green and white combo. If you’re wanting something with a sleeve, this sport dress has short sleeves and a cute piped outline. If you’re wanting something that’s a little less traditional, I adore the colors of this sleeveless polo dress. It’s advertised as a golf dress but I think it would be just as perfect on the tennis courts-especially if you want a looser fit.

Tops

I love the looser but still flattering fit of a cropped boyfriend performance tee and this knotted performance tee. If you want more of a classic look, you can’t go wrong with a sleeveless polo. There are lots of color options out there to suit your style but I’m partial to this plaid version and this light blue version. Similar to the piped dress above, I love this racerback tank that has chic black piping. For those cool morning sessions, I’d throw on this cute pullover or this quarter zip pullover that it’s a bit oversized but can be cinched in at the waist. With all of the running back and forth on the court, we can’t forget the most important element-a supportive bra! Even though it’s mostly hidden, I love the various colors and patterns of Tuckernuck’s sports bras-especially this toile version.

Bottoms

The best part about a skirt and top combo is all of the possibilities to mix and match! There are five different colors to this CloudStretch flared skirt that can be matched with many different tops. This Americana 15 inch skirt gives off all of classic tennis vibes (also comes in three other colors). You can easily pair it with white, navy, or red. This 14 inch piped tennis skirt has a classic green trim to it. How cute would these shorts be underneath it? This black pleated skirt with built-in shorts is also a great choice. It even comes with a ball pocket on the shorts! I think my two favorite skirts are this pleated front skirt and this rainbow one. I love the sneaky pops of color!

Accessories & Gear

You can’t have a good day on the court without the proper gear! These are my favorite no-show socks to wear with my running shoes or these Nylite canvas sneakers.  I also like to protect my face from the sun with this Nike featherlight running cap or this Gaiam fitness hat. I make sure to load up on the Supergoop! PLAY sunscreen for my body and the Unseen sunscreen for my face before heading out. One other item I can’t leave the house without is a hydro flask full of water. If I have an extra minute or two, I like to throw in a few slices of lemon and cucumber with some fresh mint from the garden for an extra refreshing sip. Last but not least, I make sure I’ve got a fresh can of tennis balls and my racket. I’m still getting back into the game so while some people might like to use a more professional racket, I love this recreational racket which comes in several different colors.

 

You can’t go wrong with any of these items to look your best on the court!

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entertaining
August 30, 2022

Build Your Bar with Mark & Graham

This post is sponsored by Mark and Graham and may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Build Your Own Bar Cart

I love the versatility of a bar cart. I’ve used them to set up a bar for parties and holidays, outside for entertaining, and even set one up with jars of candy for trick-or-treaters at Halloween! So I was thrilled to partner with one of my favorite brands Mark and Graham to showcase how you can create your own bar cart using some of my most-loved products. Mark and Graham recently launched their Build Your Bar Collection. There is a beautiful bamboo brass stand that can hold interchangeable trays so you can swap them out depending on the season or your mood! This Build Your Bar Collection is classic, chic, and versatile. I love that it can easily be transported around your home but also be taken with you. It’s basically a traveling bar cart!

Bar Cart Ideas

There are so many different ways to use this bar cart around your home. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use a bar cart!

Entryway

Who doesn’t love an organized entry! This bar cart works perfectly as a drop zone for keys, a phone, mail, or other daily essentials when you enter. I enjoy using this lacquer serving tray as a station to keep my items organized and close by to get out the door quickly. When I take our dog for his walk along the beach at our home in Michigan, I use my leather tassel zipper pouch to hold small belongings and I keep the Italian plaid throw blanket on the cart so I can throw it around my shoulders for when it’s chilly. And of course, a pretty vase (or this beautiful Trophy Ice Bucket) full of gorgeous hydrangeas brings an added element of prettiness to this setting. This entry zone makes me feel stylishly organized and using this Build Your Bar Cart here creates an elegantly functional home base for my everyday items.

Porch bar

For laid back evenings on the porch I like to keep a bar cart stocked with all the mixology essentials. Whether it’s just my family or we have friends over for sunset drinks I find entertaining to be more fun when everything is organized and ready. I love the pop of white on this bamboo enamel ice bucket and use it to keep ice cold or chill a bottle of wine or champagne. This classic cocktail shaker feels elegant and perfect for mixing up our favorite drinks. I keep my Italian plaid throw on the tray to wrap up when it gets chilly. I love how easily I can fold up the stand and move the items from one corner of my home to another.

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Next to the bathtub

As a mom of four, sometimes there’s nothing more I look forward to than a quiet hour in the bathtub. I like to keep my bar cart from Mark & Graham next to the bathtub with all of my self-care essentials on the tray. It makes the perfect storage solution. This bamboo lacquer serving tray is the perfect size to hold my book, glass of wine, and favorite candle. I like to add a jar of my favorite bath salts to feel extra luxurious. The best part is that I can keep everything on the tray and not have to hunt things down for my next bath.

Tailgate

What I love so much about this bar cart is that it can be packed up and taken with you. With my green Mark and Graham X Steele waterproof tote, I can put everything I need for a tailgate or picnic in the bag, take off the lacquered tray, fold up the stand, and be on my way! It’s so easy to then set up everything on the tray. I love using this classic tortoise shell ice bucket and the matching tortoise stemless wine glasses to really elevate the look. This tortoise set is stunning and beautiful any season.

There are so many ways to Build Your Bar with Mark & Graham.  It’s such a great option for any space and would make a great wedding or housewarming gift as well! I love this versatile Bar Cart Collection and can’t wait to find more ways to use it!

 

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entertaining
August 17, 2022

Outdoor Dining with Yardbird

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Our family has a summer cottage in Michigan and we desperately needed a new outdoor furniture set where we could gather and have meals together. I was so excited to be able to partner with Yardbird to create an inviting, yet comfortable setting for family dinners on our back porch. As a family of six sharing this home with extended family we needed a bit extra space for seating. With that in mind, I chose the Winnie 9-piece rectangular dining set– a rectangular dining table and 8 chairs. This classic teak material is responsibly sourced so you can feel good about purchasing without harming the environment. Teak left untreated will weather beautifully over time. If that isn’t your style, you can easily keep the original color by oiling it annually or choose the maintenance free Eden Collection.  Both are great options-it all depends on your preference.

The timeless style of the Winnie chairs comes with Sunbrella fabric cushions that are so comfortable. Other outdoor dining chairs we’ve used aren’t as comfortable but we can spend hours in these chairs. The set is so elegant but also made with family-friendly materials which is so important to me because I want everyone to be comfortable without worry of ruining these beautiful white cushions.  The fabric on the chairs is easy to clean and stain-resistant which is a must with our big family! Yardbird also offers a beautiful assortment of throw pillows if you want to add a pop of color/comfort to your set!

With the days of summer winding down, I want to cherish the last moments of our time here. This will be our new gathering spot, perfect for dinners after a long day at the beach. If you love the timeless look of my Winnie set but don’t need as large a set, they offer a 5 piece set as well. They also offer covers for your set so you can protect them from the elements of weather. You can’t go wrong with any of the Yardbird selections. They have such beautiful, classic outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time. I adore our new dining set and look forward to the memories we will make here.

 

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entertaining
August 14, 2022

Summer Simplicity

Summer is my season of simplicity. One of my favorite parts about living on a farm is the abundance of fresh produce in the summertime. We have a peach tree in our backyard and we have been including fresh peaches in almost every meal. One of my favorite ways to serve fresh peaches is over a bed of arugula with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and burrata or fresh mozzarella. I love to throw meals together with fresh seasonal ingredients straight from the garden or farmers market making dinners seem effortless yet fresh. When the temperatures are warm I gravitate toward effortless style. I love the simplicity of slipping on a dress and a pair of sandals and slipping into the back yard to pick fresh produce.  Summer is my favorite kind of living.

Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad

for the dressing:
1/2 c white balsamic vinegar
3 T olive oil
3 T brown sugar
1 garlic clove minced
sea salt to taste

Toss fresh sliced peaches, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil with the dressing over a bed of arugula.

Add in slices of fresh mozzarella (or pieces of burrata) and add sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Easy, simple, and fresh!

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home projects
July 30, 2022

Serena & Lily Tent Sale

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

It’s that time of year again! The Serena & Lily tent sale offers up to 60% off hundreds of products! You know how much I love using Serena & Lily in my own home and in my clients’ homes. In celebration of the sale, I’m rounding up my favorite products that are in my home or on my wishlist.

Living Room

The sale is a great time to stock up on accent pieces for your living, family, or mud room. I love this beachhouse entryway table to be used behind a couch or in an entryway. This would also be great to use in a mudroom to keep you organized. The Blake side table and clifton side table are excellent options that easily fit whatever style fits your living spaces and can easily be tucked in between couches and chairs. They’re the perfect size to hold a lamp, vase of flowers, or coffee table book. I love to place one next to my favorite chair to curl up with a good book and cup of coffee in the morning before the kids wake up.

One of my favorite ways to refresh a space is with new pillow covers. I just love the coastal vibes from the Costa Nova square pillow cover and lumbar pillow. This Deauville pillow cover is the same pattern as the wallpaper I used in my bedroom so you know how much I love this print. And how adorable is this Saltspring pillow cover with the palm trees and tassels!? It’s such a fun print to add to a collection of pillows on your couch or loveseat.

If you’re like me, your living space is also your office space. I love this Bar Island partner desk to elevate the office portion of our living room. It keeps me organized and has plenty of space for me to be able to spread out all my swatches and samples for clients. I’ve considered hanging the Riverwalk mirror or Bristol mirror on the opposite wall so I can easily keep an eye out on the kids when they’re home.

Bedroom

For the bedroom, I love this beachy Costa bed for a guest bedroom. The rattan really grounds the space in calm, coastal vibes. The Blake nightstand is a perfect addition to any room-you could easily use it as a side table and storage in a living room or bathroom. I love the simple, clean lines and ring drawer pulls.This sunwashed riviera hamper ties in with the navy color of the nightstand.  We used the Montara mirror and Balboa nightstand for our son Henry’s room refresh. The rattan  of the nightstand adds texture and dimension to the space.

Outdoor

One of the things I love most about where we live is having the space for outdoor furniture. It’s so soothing to be able to sit outside in the mornings or evenings and relax while listening to the birds chirp and the windchimes blowing in the breeze. This Costa lounge chair would be the perfect spot to sit for awhile and watch the day go by. My favorite pacifica planter and pacifica bar and fluted planter are also included in the sale. You all know how much I love a bar cart and the gorgeous pacifica bar is one of my top picks for our covered porch. I also like to use these dip-dyed stools to set potted plants on outside. I love the pop of navy against the light blue floor of the patio. For the beach or pool, you can’t beat the lake strip fringe umbrella and teak sling chair.

Lighting-separate lighting sale

Serena & Lily is also having a lighting sale with all lighting up to 30% off. These are some of my favorite ones.

Santa Barbara taper pendant

Malibu chandelier

Kentfield chandelier

Rosecliff chandelier

Larkspur table lamp

Brighton table lamp

Hattie table lamp

Tinsley table lamp

Waverly sconce

Breton flushmount

I hope you find some new favorites from the Serena and Lily tent sale to add to your home!

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Travel
July 4, 2022

30A With Kids

Several years ago my husband and I decided we wanted to find a new vacation spot for our family. I had spent some time researching online and came across a blog post on Seaside, Florida and the surrounding areas. On a whim, we booked a townhouse on the beach in a neighboring town and arrived there two weeks later. We fell in love instantly. We have been vacationing here for the last 10 years now and love how family friendly the area is for our crew!

30A is a highway that runs between Destin and Panama City Beach. It is filled with darling little beach towns, no commercial businesses, and even better no high rises. Little beach cottages with picket fences, visitors and locals both on bicycles, farmers markets, cute little coffee shops, and of course the beach. It is magical and you instantly want to pick up and transplant yourself there permanently. We have now been staying on 30A each winter for the past 10 years and we love the fact that we can pack up and get there in a day or catch a quick direct flight.

Where to stay

Book our newly listed vacation rental here!

In the past we often chose to stay on the beach in Seagrove, especially with small children. It was a nice option have the beach in front of you while the little ones were napping. It is just a short walk or bike ride from the heart of Seaside. With young kids staying on the beach always worked well for us because of nap time and it also is great for to have private beach access so the kids can play in the sand while we have a cup of coffee or a cocktail. And of course the sunsets! When staying on the beach I recommend paying a little extra for beach chair set up daily!

More recently we have found ourselves staying in Watercolor because it is so family friendly and the amenities are fabulous. There are many pools to choose form including the Camp Watercolor which has slides, a lazy river, and two pools. You can order lunch or dinner here as well as a margarita or my kids personal favorite: a virgin strawberry daiquiri. We love riding our bikes here and floating in the lazy river. The beach club is also a favorite spot in Watercolor for swimming or catching the sunset. It is right on the water so there is easy beach access and is close to the heart of seaside square.

We always book vacation rentals through 360blue and you will find that there are options for everyone! They have taken great care of us through the years and even have a concierge service if you want to get out and try something new!

Hotels

Watercolor Inn: Beautiful rooms right in Watercolor and right on the beach! You will enjoy all of the Watercolor amenities and this is perfect for a quick weekend getaway!

The Pearl (adults only vacation) . I am dying to do a trip sans kids and stay here! The rooftop bar is also pretty awesome

Watersound Inn: The rooms here are amazing with a living space and kitchen and the price is lower than Watercolor Inn. I had family stay here and they loved it!

The Court: Located in the heart of Seaside, better for an adult weekend away! Beautifully decorated!

Groceries

During our travel down I always set up an Instacart and shop through the local Publix.  I like to get enough to get us through the first night and morning.  Nobody wants to go to the store right when they arrive and this allows me more time to get everyone unpacked and settled in.  There is a Publix in Watercolor that we go to often.  It is a great store and love that I don’t have to travel far to get groceries.  They also sell beach toys, sports balls, and floaties.  They will even blow up any pool toys that you purchase while you are in the store!  They also have a wonderful bakery and we order cakes there for any birthdays we may be celebrating while there.

Where to eat with kids

Bud and Alleys in Seaside is one of our favorite spots for lunch or dinner with a view. The outdoor patio has a casual vibe. I always get the crab cakes on a bed of arugula. This is not on the menu but they will make it for you.  So good!

Fish Out of Water in Watercolor This is a go to spot for dinner for our family. We typically stay in Watercolor so we either walk or drive the golf cart.  We love to sit on the front deck because it overlooks the beach and they often have music in the evenings inside. This is definitely one of our favorites.

The Bay  Off of 30a but worth the short drive if you don’t mind getting in the car! I love the sushi here and there is plenty of space for the kids to play on the beach.  One of our favorite spots!

The Wine Bar in Watercolor We love to lunch here or grab a casual dinner. The margherita pizza and house salad are my favorites but we also love to order a big charcuterie board for a crowd. During happy hour 11-6 you can get a carafe of wine for the price of one glass.  The kids pizza is also full size but half the price! We venture here often!

The Pizza Bar in Seaside: This is such an easy spot to grab dinner on the fly.  Their wood fired pizza is great and the atmosphere is laid back.  It is counter service only and there are tables outdoor all around.  We love to come here and divide and conquer.  Some get food from the food trucks, some order pizza, or tacos from The Taco Bar. The pizza is amazing and the brussell sprouts are incredible!

Great Southern Cafe in Seaside Consistently good and we usually visit twice for that reason.  The seafood is great with southern flair. You can put your name in and walk around the area while you wait.

Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove We love this spot and the outdoor environment. There are twinkle lights and outdoor games for the kids. There is plenty of seating but reservations are usually needed here and over a certain number they require a credit card down. This is my favorite spot for sushi and there are plenty of other options for everyone else!

George’s in Alys Beach We love to lunch here on the front porch and order an iced tea and the sesame crab avocado salad. For dinner the salt and pepper shrimp is amazing!

Pizza by the Sea great for takeout on arrival day or when you need a quiet night in. Thursday nights they offer a discount!

Black Bear in Seaside is our favorite spot from breakfast. The avocado toast and iced latte or cappuccino  is usually what I order.  The kids love the french toast! Helpings are large so you can share!

Private Chef, Taco Bar, or Shrimp Boil: Some nights dinner in just hits the spot.  Especially after a long day at the beach. Enjoy a beautiful meal in the comfort of your rental with a private chef experience.  You can choose based off the number of people and there is also a taco bar set up offered as well as a shrimp boil!

Date night spots

If you can sneak away for a dinner without the kiddos here are some of my suggestions:

The Red Bar in Grayton Beach A classic 30A spot.  Great food and music. Get here early to get a table.  It’s a limited menu but everything is great! Love their crab cakes!

Citizen in Alys Beach

La Crema in Rosemary Beach for drinks and dessert

Paradis in Rosemary Beach

Pescado in Rosemary Beach the rooftop bar

The Pearl for cocktails

What to do with kids

Go to Duckies! Your kids will love it, you may hate me. We actually plan ahead for our February visit and give the kids gift cards here for Christmas!

Rent bikes from Big Fish Bike Rentals We ride our bikes everywhere! You can visit the state park and set up a picnic, ride around Seaside, or one of the many trails!

Go to The Big Chill!  There is a big screen, area for kids to run and play, ice cream, a bar, and lots of shopping!

Sunset or Bonfire experience Catch a coastal sunset or beach bonfire with a beautifully organized luxury experience. Book ahead and enjoy!

Rent beach set up for a day or week and enjoy a day at the beach!

Seaside farmers market is one of our favorite things to do on the weekend.  The kids play in the grass and we get to shop all kinds of local goodies.

Watercolor Boat House has paddle boards (old school and electric) that you can rent as well as kayaks!

Take the kids to The Candy Bar in Watercolor!

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organization
June 23, 2022

Girls Trip Packing Essentials

photo credit: Kristy Cadwallader

I recently got home from the most amazing girls trip to Palm Beach! I went with friends Kate Hammer and Kristy Cadwallader to the luxurious Eau Palm Resort and Spa for a week getaway at the beach! It was the perfect resort to kick back and relax poolside or on the beach.  The hotel amenities were incredible and the views were perfection. We had the best time lounging by the pool, walking the beach, and indulging in champagne and fresh seafood.  We even spent an afternoon at the spa getting massages and facials.  We felt truly pampered! What an experience!

If you are planning a girls trip and don’t know what to pack I am here to help! I was prepared for this trip with the help of Mark and Graham.  I have been a fan of their beautiful handbags, luggage, and home accessories for years. (see my latest post on styling with Mark and Graham’s Dana Gibson collection) They have the most amazing packing essentials as well as fun beach towels, beach bags, and the perfect beach hat! Sometimes packing can feel daunting but these essentials really made me feel organized and super stylish!

Packing Essentials:

I love traveling with my Mark and Graham luggage.  It is both beautiful and functional and glides with ease throughout the airport.  The terminal 1 carry on  is the perfect carry on size for a short trip but I really prefer the terminal 1 checked luggage for a longer stay! These pieces also come in a set! The concourse 2 in 1 cosmetic case matches my luggage beautifully and is perfect for all of my larger toiletries. I use it daily to keep my beauty products organized.

Packing cubes are really a must! They make such a huge difference when it comes to creating more space in your suitcase! I used this darling blue and white striped packing cube set for my clothing and shoes and I swear I had more room in my suitcase for other items I wanted to take!

Packing Jewelry was a breeze with these beautiful raffia travel jewelry cases.  I found the small and medium to be the perfect sizes for my jewelry. When these are not in use for packing purposes I have them displayed on my dresser.  They are so beautiful!

I love these clear cosmetic cases and use them for makeup and keep one for my purse.  It makes getting through TSA a breeze with any liquid or travel size toiletries and I also found it to be the perfect zipper pouch for my phone at the beach! They are multi functional and adorable! I also love using a small zipper pouch for cards or cash because they are small and easy to throw in a bag or small clutch. Speaking of a clutch, this fringed cutie was perfect for dinners out! I love this hot pink fringe!  Perfect for Palm Beach!

I used the palm leaf tote as my purse because it is more structured and worked well on the airplane to hold magazines, my wallet, a bottle of water, and one of my clear toiletry cases. It fit perfectly under the seat in front of me and was easy to get through security and light on my shoulder. There was even room for my jacket and clutch inside!

photo credit: Erin Brown

Beach Essentials:

If you are going to the beach you will want to be prepared with the necessary items! I always pack a hat for the beach because you gotta protect that skin and scalp!  I adore this monogrammed beach hat from Mark and Graham and think it is adorable with any outfit even post beach! I also packed my own beach towel, the striped turkish lightweight towel.  It also doubles perfectly as a beach wrap post swim! I also packed the oversized ribbon straw beach tote because it is easy to fold up for packing purposes, it holds a ton, and is super lightweight! It really is the perfect beach bag. I used this cabana striped zipper pouch to hold my sunscreen, lip balm, and any other toiletries I needed to take to the beach or pool. I always like to throw a portable charger in there as well just in case my battery gets low on my phone.

photo credit: Kristy Cadwallader

Whether you are planning a fun girls trip or just need help with packing, these essentials will get you organized and feeling stylish for your trip! Packing and unpacking never felt so good! I had such a wonderful time with these girls and hope for more fun girls trips with them in the future!

Thank you to Mark and Graham for sponsoring this post. I adore all of their products and love sharing them with you! All opinions are my own!

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home projects
June 21, 2022

Styling bookshelves with Mark and Graham’s Dana Gibson collection

This post has been sponsored by Mark and Graham and contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Rearranging your bookshelf or a large set of shelves can be intimidating. But once you get started, you just might find yourself having a lot of fun and enjoying the time you take to place your most beautiful items in the best places. I partnered with Mark and Graham and made selections from their beautiful new line with designer Dana Gibson to fill these shelves in our family room. This collection is full of beautiful blue and white traditional pieces that would look beautiful in any space. The block print ginger jars are a favorite of mine with their blue and white eye catching pattern! I also adore the Palm Leaf Tote with the interior lining repeating this playful design! There are so many beautiful pieces in this collection it was hard to choose favorites so I included many of the items in my bookshelf decor!

Getting Started

When I take on the task of tackling a bookshelf, my main goal is to keep it cohesive, collected, and timeless! Choosing the items you display on your shelves is an important step and you want to choose a unified set of items that make sense together. You also want to make sure you fill your bookshelf with items you love – balancing your color palette as well as the texture and size of your pieces as they sit next to each other. It’s even better when you can decorate your shelves for display as well as use them for storage — especially for items you want to keep hidden like toys, paperwork, etc…

Filling your shelves with items you love

Some of my favorite items to decorate my bookshelves with include ginger or temple jars, coffee table books to stack and layer and beautiful mongrammed trays for corralling items. Picture frames, decorative objects, and textured vases (like this set) are also beautiful additions to any shelf! For a sense of warmth I love to add a folded blanket like this Italian Herringbone Throw to the bottom shelf so they are easy to grab and use as needed. This block print catchall would make a beautiful addition to your shelves.

This is a great opportunity to display special collections, vintage books, or small antiques. Mixing in older pieces with new gives a collected feel and keeps it from feeling too stale. Each pocket of your shelf should have a sense of good balance and symmetry. Don’t overcrowd your shelves, rather play with the space and see which items pair the best together. And make sure to keep the messy stuff you don’t want seen in your baskets below. A bookshelf looks best when it’s well organized!

You can have a basic color palette (like naturals and whites with an accent or two of blue) or you can have a playful one (like every color in the rainbow), just make sure to pick colors that speak to you and give character to your new shelf display as well as the space it’s in. One of the best ways to show off how cohesive and collected your shelves are is to pick colors that work together. I am a huge fan of blue and white with natural touches so I have selected items for my shelves from this beautiful new collection in that color way.

Take a step back and observe

When you step back to take a look at your work, fix anything that seems off. Finding the right balance is key, and it can take some trial and error to get it to the point where everything feels good. And, if you still feel like it’s missing something, you can always add a few more items to make it feel visually balanced! Use these tips to get started and you will be mastering the art of bookshelf styling in no time!

Special Bonus: I have also found that styling a coffee table can be just as easy with some of the same items!  For coffee table styling my go to items include beautiful coffee table books, a tray, decorative objects like this block print ginger jar, and fresh flowers in a beautiful vase like this one! If your home is cohesive you can move items from one space to another with ease! I love how this coffee table styling turned out using some of the same items! Head over to Mark and Graham to check out the rest of this beautiful collection!

Thank you to Mark and Graham for partnering on this fun project! All opinions are my own.

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entertaining
May 25, 2022

Outdoor entertaining with Mark and Graham

This post has been sponsored by Mark and Graham and contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.

Outdoor Entertaining with Mark and Graham

School is out and the summer season is in full swing!  This is the season for making lasting memories.  We welcome every opportunity to host gatherings on our patio. There is something so special about moving your meal outside when the weather is just right. I partnered with Mark and Graham to kick off the summer entertaining season with some of my favorite entertaining essentials! Marble cheese boards, lacquered trays, and personalized wine glasses are a few of the beautiful pieces that I love to use from Mark and Graham. Entertaining can be overwhelming, but I am here to help you keep it simple, beautiful, and make it an evening you and your guests won’t soon forget!

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Make it memorable and magical

Moving your meal outside creates a fun new experience. I love to enhance the 5 senses to create an unforgettable moment for my guests.  Whether it is the smell of a charcoal grill, dimly lit candles, or the setting sun in the background, you are instantly creating a memorable experience with your loved ones. One they will look back on and hope to recreate themselves.

When it comes to entertaining, even just for my family, I like to elevate the moment and create a visual feast.  An easy way to do this includes putting fresh flowers on the table.  Whether you visit your local florist for a bundle of hydrangeas or gather them in your yard, your guests will appreciate the special touch! Using beautiful serving pieces, even just for summer staples like hamburgers off the grill, elevates any outdoor meal. Layer your tablecloth, placemats, and personalized linens to add texture and warmth. This creates a memorable and magical atmosphere for your guest.

Keep it simple and in season.

The simpler the menu the better. Visit your local farmers market to find beautiful fresh produce to add to your menu. Serving a seasonal menu of grilled vegetables, fresh fruits, charcuterie, and crudité create a visually beautiful feast. Mark and Graham’s marble and wood cheese boards are the perfect serving pieces for any event. Utilize the day before to prep any food to make it easier the day of.

I cut or purchase my flowers a day ahead and put them in a beautiful vessel such as this handcrafted cane vase (comes in a set of 2). I often use hydrangeas because they set the scene for summer so effortlessly and, I adore them. Another option is to cut flowering branches from the yard to fill vases for a bold centerpiece.

I load my favorite bamboo lacquer serving tray with sparkling water, sodas, and seltzers as well as a variety of wines and beer so there is something for everyone. Bowls of sliced citrus for garnish add the finishing touch.  I prepare a playlist in advance to set the tone for the evening. Here is one of my favorite playlists for outdoor entertaining right now! (Maggie’s outdoor entertaining playlist)

Find balance between beauty and comfort.

Making sure your guests are comfortable and relaxed is key! It is important to me that everyone feel relaxed, welcome, and happy. I keep these Mark and Graham Italian herringbone throws scattered around for chilly evenings when the sun goes down. Comfortable seating allows everyone to unwind and settle in. Cheers to the summer season and creating magical moments with your loved ones. Mark and Graham’s beautiful products make summer entertaining effortless and beautiful!

 

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home projects
April 29, 2022

Our front porch in the Spring

Happy Friday, Friends! I don’t know about you, but many of my favorite moments are spent resting and relaxing on my front porch. Your front porch should always be a beautiful, peaceful spot where you can spend your mornings with a good cup of coffee or your evenings unwinding with family. There was a time that we didn’t use this porch but after putting some elbow grease into it we have found a spot that the whole family enjoys.  We have the most spectacular sunset views from here too. To help inspire your outdoor decorating, I wanted to share my front porch favorites with you.

We recently gave the ceilings and floor a fresh coat of paint.  I decided to match our shutters and painted them both Blue Porcelain by Benjamin Moore.  My favorite shade of blue! I love when porch ceilings are painted blue and think it adds a beautiful touch of color. Our front porch is the only spot on our home where the original shingles are exposed and I love it so much.  Someday I would love to remove the siding and expose the rest of the house.

I love this french bistro folding table and it’s become a definite staple on my porch.  Perfect for morning coffee, breakfast, a laptop with lunch, or an evening glass of wine. I paired it with these weather-friendly grey outdoor riviera dining chairs which also come in a pretty natural dune and bright atlantic blue. I love that they are so easy to care for and wipe down if needed.  I found this outdoor rug that adds an extra layer of comfort to the porch.  It is soft to the touch and easy to vacuum when necessary.  Adding in layers creates so much warmth and this rug really helped achieve that feeling in this outdoor space.

To add extra greenery to my porch, I took this set of white planter boxes and filled them with beautiful flowers.  Along with these classic, white planters, I use these pretty blue and white planters to help brighten my porch with more of my favorite blues. And, I find it important to keep exterior lighting classic, especially on a traditional farmhouse like ours so I’ve placed this outdoor wall lamp by our front door. This outdoor brass lantern would also be a great addition to place on a side table, on your porch steps, or by your front door.

You can always add a little bit of peace and beauty to your front porch just by picking the right items to decorate it with.  Our front porch is one of my favorite spots to sit and relax with my family. The items I’ve curated on my porch are a mix of all of the things I find charming and beautiful, and those are aspects I make sure to use in every space of my home. So, if you loved seeing my front porch decor, check out My Living Room Decor.

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