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.
Happy Friday! I feel like summer is bringing with it so many fun fashion trends, and I’ve gathered some of my favorite finds to inspire your shopping spree! This summer we’re wearing whites and ruffles and dressing it up with big hats and sunglasses while enjoying the upcoming summer months.
If you’re heading to the pool or the beach, add ruffles to your swimwear with a fun plaid french bikini set and, of course, wear a big sun hat and tortoise sunglasses on those hot summer days. I also think this seychelles tunic is perfect for enjoying a cocktail (or two) while relaxing on the beach, and if you need a good book to read while you sit in the sand, check out my Top Ten Summer Beach Reads!
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.
Happy Friday and happy June! We’re so ready for summer and if you’re wanting to refresh your home to liven up your space for the upcoming summer months, I’ll be sharing with you this Friday’s Favorites to help inspire your home refresh ideas.
One of my absolute favorite finds this week is this beautiful hanging daybed. Add this piece to your front porch to comfortably enjoy those cool summer nights, and dress it up with all kinds of pillows in colorful and patterned pillow covers.
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.
June is here! It’s so crazy how fast this year is already going by, and the cool, spring days are officially melting into warm, long, and hopefully fun summer nights. Of course, these days being busy doesn’t feel like it used to, and now that the world is opening back up, it seems like there’s always something to do or somewhere to go.
There’s always work – whether it’s for my job or tasks that need done around the house. And even though the kids are no longer in school, they’ve traded school days for summer sports and other activities. And then there’s those beautiful summer vacations, but even vacations take work.
However, in the midst of it, we can’t forget to continue taking care of ourselves so that we can keep giving and pouring from a full cup.
Thinking about my own self care routine, I try my best to make a little Me Time everyday and do at least one or more things on my list. So, here’s my list of self care routines to help inspire your own self care ideas.
Morning
In the mornings, I like to wake up early, maybe even an hour before I expect the kids to be up, and have some quiet time to myself while enjoying a cup of coffee. Sometimes I sit on the porch and soak in the warmer temps. If it’s a cooler time of year I like to curl up with a blanket on the sofa.
I always start the day with a workout. The best way for me to clear my head is with a morning run. And nothing makes my morning runs better than listening to an uplifting and motivating playlist to set the tone of my day while wearing a good pair of shoes and comfy workout clothes. Sometimes if I am in a hurry I like to grab a coffee or juice from my local coffee shop after.
Mid-morning / Midday / Afternoon
Eating healthy throughout the day always keeps me feeling my best and it’s one of the best things we can do to love and care for ourselves. I make sure to nourish my body not feed it. Lot’s of greens, veggies, and fruit. Sometimes I’ll pull out my juicer for a green juice or make a smoothie.
I also love spending time working in the garden, doing some yard work, or planting and replanting my indoor plants in beautiful pots. I especially love working in the dirt when I’m stressed because it helps keep me grounded.
Night
Having a good bedtime routine that helps you relax and wind down can be another essential self care tool. A relaxing bath is a great option, especially if you weren’t able to get your morning Me Time. Relax in a bubble bath or use a good bath bomb or bath salts to help soothe you.
Then, end your night with a little bit of reading before bed and wind down in a nice, comfy pair of pajamas.
As this summer starts, do me a favor and make a little time for yourself each day. You won’t regret it and you’ll have a better day just by taking time to love and care for YOU.
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.
I’m a huge fan of Serena and Lily, and I use many of their items when redecorating and redesigning my own home or working with clients. So, in honor of this annual sale, I’ll share with you some of my favorite finds to help inspire your shopping and summer redecorating ideas. I’ll mix in some of my Serena and Lily favorites that are on my personal shopping list along with some of my favorites I already own – so, let’s go shopping!
Living Room
I love this Watson Loveseat! A beautiful addition to any room needing a little extra seating, its fringe detail, and traditional lines keep it classic while adding some texture. And you can dress it up with a beautiful throw blanket or a lumbar pillow in a classic print.
Speaking of texture, this round mirror is definitely a favorite of mine and works both inside and outdoors. Use it to dress up a bare wall, or hang it in your entryway over this gorgeous Driftway Console or this simple Beach House Entryway Table.
This navy Prioano wallpaper is one of my favorite additions to my home! I currently have it in my mudroom and it makes the space feel so calm and happy!
This Harbour cane rattan bed frame is a long-time favorite of mine. I love the mix of materials and the timeless cane pops against the white.
I also love this linen-wrapped Driftway Dresser, and if I had more space I would add this beautiful piece to my bedroom. And don’t let me forget this scallop side table. I’m such a sucker for scallops and it would make the perfect nightstand.
Some of my favorite Serena and Lily pieces are perfect weather-friendly additions to your patio, such as this Trestle outdoor coffee table. Made from outdoor-ready wicker, it’s a perfect addition to your patio, but it’s also beautiful enough to use in your living room.
Another outdoor favorite of mine is these rattan Catalina Dining Chairs. I’ve always been a fan of these and they would look great around a patio table. These Outdoor Riviera Dining Chairs are also perfect to place around a patio table, and they’re easy to keep clean.
Replace the bedding in a children’s or guest room with this beautiful twin Suzani quilt, or dress the room up with navy, oxford stripes by adding this twin duvet cover or this striped wallpaper. And you can grab a few yards of this Basketweave Perennials Fabric for any redesign project. I like to keep it classic with white fabrics, and I love this one because it’s stain proof, mildew proof, and resistant to UV rays.
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.
I don’t know about you, but I have been needing more time to read, and – since my days are currently split between working on my business and taking care of my family – I’m hoping to do some light reading this summer.
Summer vacations always seem to be the best time to immerse myself in a good book, especially if I haven’t been able to do it in a long time. So, to prepare for those long car rides and trips to the beach, I’ve gathered together a list of the top ten books I’m looking forward to reading this summer. Whether involving a bit of romance, drama, family feud, self discovery, or travel, these reads seem like perfect additions to your carry ons and beach bags.
This book seems like the perfect romance to read on a summer’s day! The story focuses on Alex and Poppy, two very different people who became unlikely friends while in college; however, during one of their annual vacations their friendship takes a rocky turn and you have to wonder – will they make-up or will this vacation officially be their last?
This novel just might take us on a vacation of our own with the Perkins family as they set sail on a cruise from Athens to Rome to Barcelona and on. But, it’s during this family cruise trip that Charlotte and her four adult children will have to decide whether or not they want to open up and work through the baggage they’ve all been carrying.
“Such a Fun Age” seems like a breezy read with a big heart. Touching on issues of race and privilege, the main characters Alix and Emira are taken on a path where they both must work through the difficulties of adulthood and learn a fuller meaning of the word “family.”
This contemporary fairy tale is the story of Izzy Tanaka, a Japanese American girl who finds out that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. Unsure of which path to take, Izzy is stuck wondering if she’s good enough to be the princess of Japan or if she’s better off going back to California. This book reminds me of “The Princess Diaries,” so it’s bound to be a fun read!
Perfect for the beach or a summer book club, “The Chicken Sisters” is about two different families, their restaurants, and which family deserves to have their chicken named “The Best in Kansas.” A book that focuses on the importance of family and heritage by adding a little bit of fun and competition is sure to keep the reader hooked.
When The Post family goes on a two-week trip with their extended family and friends, nothing goes according to plan as secrets start to come to the surface, old wounds are opened, and forgotten rivalries pick up where they left off. I’m not sure I’d want to be on that trip, but who doesn’t love a good-hearted story with a bit of drama?
Another great romance to grab before heading to the beach, “Evvie Drake Starts Over” focuses on love, loss, forgiveness, and starting over – even when it’s hard.
I love a good book that brings with it all of the nostalgia of the past, and this one sounds especially fun! Filled with so many pop culture and historical references from 1969, this coming-of-age story seems like the perfect summer read.
Of course when talking about beach reads, this book had to be added to the list! In this story, two authors – Augustus and January – are both suffering from writer’s block. So, to try and help encourage their creativity, they challenge each other to write a book like they’ve never written before…while doing their best to not fall in love.
“Rebecca” is one of those classic books that seems perfect to take on any trip. More of a mystery than a love story, it begins in Monte Carlo where the main character (whose name is never mentioned), is quickly swept off her feet by widower Maxim de Winter. When she moves in with her new husband, she feels the weight of his late wife’s legacy and she wonders if she’ll be able to find a release from Rebecca’s hold.
I’m looking forward to grabbing a good book or two and relaxing by the water with my family this summer. And I hope you’re able to grab one of these books and make more time to read, too!
Friday Favorites | Five Summer Clothing Essentials to Find on Amazon Fashion
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.
Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but summer is one of my favorite times of the year! I get to spend more time with my family as well as taking some extra time on the beach in Michigan relaxing and being inspired. I especially love it when I get to take it all in while feeling comfy in my clothes during those warm summer days.
Often when I’m looking for simple summer clothing items to add to my wardrobe or if I’m doing some last-minute prepping for a vacation, I’ll do a little bit of shopping on Amazon to look for those summer wardrobe staples. So, this Friday I’ll be sharing with you my five favorite basic summer clothing essentials to find on Amazon Fashion.
Tee shirts are a basic item that we often need more of than what we actually have on hand. Grabbing a couple of these basic tees – in white or grey – will give you a simple and easy top option for a busy morning or a walk on the beach. But! The best part about a basic tee is that you can dress it up by adding a kimono, cardigan, or jean jacket into the mix.
A comfy, casual blouse is another one of my favorite summer clothing essentials to search for on Amazon. As another multifunctional top option, all different types and colors of blouses are great to dress up and use to play with your outfits. And! They’re not only great for summer, but they can be worn all year round!
You can find so many cute and stylish dresses on Amazon that won’t break the bank, and I especially love it when I find a comfy and classy maxi-dress that I might need for a last-minute event or to take with me on a trip.
Skirts are another good, fashionable item that you can find on Amazon to get your wardrobe ready for summer. There are so many styles to choose from, and you can pretty much dress any skirt up with a pretty blouse or down with a basic tee.
Sandals are a summer must-have! They’re so easy to add to any summer outfit, whether you’re wearing shorts and a tee shirt, a comfy dress, or just your bathing suit, you can find a variety of sandals on Amazon to search and pick through for any occasion!
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.
One of my favorite ways to elevate a space is by adding a beautiful bar cart – and the bathroom is no exception! Having a bar cart in your bathroom is such a great way to organize and stylishly store those items that you’d normally keep in a cabinet or on a crowded shelf. But, deciding what and how to place those items on your cart might not be so easy, so here are some basic tips to help you purposefully place and style a few of your favorite things on your bathroom bar cart.
Top Shelf
The best way to use the top shelf is to make it the place where you put your prettiest items! I love to lay out my favorite perfumes, hair care and skin care products. You can even help keep things organized by placing them on a pretty tray. Add a jar of your favorite bath salts with a scoop for easy use or a basket of your favorite bath bombs.
The top shelf can also be a place for a good smelling candle or oil diffuser, as well as a box of tissue (dressed up with a pretty cover, of course). A classic, gold dish filled with some of your favorite pieces of jewelry or a piece of art will help to dress up your cart.
It’s always a must to add a flower or two to your bathroom – whether real or fake – just make sure to place them in a beautiful vase to help polish off your top shelf styling.
Bottom Shelf
The bottom shelf is where you can store your less decorative items. Use this space to keep extra towels and washcloths for guests, or to stock other bath accoutrements such as extra hand soap and body wash, toilet paper, or shampoo and conditioner. Placing these items in separate small baskets can help better organize your bottom shelf storage.
Lastly, Instead of art you can add a mirror over your bathroom bar cart and then make use of the handle by hanging an extra hand towel on it, and your bar cart styling is complete!
When styling your bar cart for any room or any occasion, remember to keep it simple and have fun! Change out your items often to refresh your bar cart style and don’t forget to let it inspire your own design.
Friday Favorites | Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
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.
This Friday, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite finds in fashion to help you refresh your spring wardrobe! I’ve found so many different kinds of cute clothing, shoes, and accessories that are perfect to help elevate and liven up your closet.
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.
In need of a kitchen refresh? I’ve got you covered! One of my favorite things to do is to cook for my family and spend time in the kitchen, so when I feel the need to give my kitchen space a mini-facial I’ll shop around to find new items to implement whether it’s for practical use, decoration, or both! Here are some of my favorites to help give you some kitchen refresh ideas.
When you’re in love with your home and nowhere near ready to leave it, it’s nice to be able to make an old space feel new again. Updating your everyday kitchen tools and supplies can often help guide you to working through your mini-home makeover!
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 Friday and we’re working our way through our home refresh! Last week we started our home refresh journey with the living room and bedroom, and this weekend we’ll be continuing our work in the bathroom! Here are some of my favorites to help inspire your own bathroom refresh ideas.
Lastly, it’s ALWAYS a must to treat yourself after taking care of your home and family, and you can’t go wrong with this luxurious bathrobe. You deserve it!
When you’re in love with your home and nowhere near ready to leave it, it’s nice to be able to make an old space feel new again. Updating your shower curtain, switching out your mirror, or replacing your hand soap are small changes that can help guide you to working through your mini-home makeover!
In need of more inspiration for your Bathroom refresher? Check out my Bath & Beauty finds!
The entertaining season is in full swing and we entertain in our home quite often around the holidays. There is nothing I love more than sitting around a beautifully decorated table with family and friends and enjoying a meal together. I really believe a beautifully set table will set the tone for your meal and it also makes your guests feel extra special! I knew this season I wanted to use some of the beautiful tabletop items from Serena and Lily on my holiday table.
It’s crazy to think that the Holidays are just around the corner! But I’m really looking forward to having family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. So, as I prepare for the holidays, I’m getting ready to host my own holiday dinners for the people in my life by gathering decor, linens, and my favorite dinnerware and utensils to set the table.
Our son Henry’s bedroom was ready for an update! As he enters into his pre-teen years, I felt like he needed a more grown-up space that he can grow into and that would reflect his personality. Since I love classic and traditional interiors with a fresh approach, I worked with Serena and Lily to create the perfect room for him!
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.
The entertaining season is in full swing and we entertain in our home quite often around the holidays. There is nothing I love more than sitting around a beautifully decorated table with family and friends and enjoying a meal together. I really believe a beautifully set table will set the tone for your meal and it also makes your guests feel extra special! I knew this season I wanted to use some of the beautiful tabletop items from Serena and Lily on my holiday table.
It’s crazy to think that the Holidays are just around the corner! But I’m really looking forward to having family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. So, as I prepare for the holidays, I’m getting ready to host my own holiday dinners for the people in my life by gathering decor, linens, and my favorite dinnerware and utensils to set the table.
Our son Henry’s bedroom was ready for an update! As he enters into his pre-teen years, I felt like he needed a more grown-up space that he can grow into and that would reflect his personality. Since I love classic and traditional interiors with a fresh approach, I worked with Serena and Lily to create the perfect room for him!
Friday Favorites | Living Room and Bedroom Refresh
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.
Does your home need a little refresher? If so, let me be the first to say that I completely understand! Even if you’re happy with your home, sometimes it’s nice to give it a little update by switching out old accessories for new accents, and knowing where to start can be half of the battle. For my next three Friday Favorites, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite items to help guide your home refresh.
This Friday we’ll start by refreshing the living room and bedroom!
When you’re in love with your home and nowhere near ready to leave it, it’s nice to be able to make an old space feel new again. Adding a new chair or throw pillow or a new painting above a new bookshelf is the best way to find what feels good to freshen up your space, and can often help guide you to working through your mini-home makeover!
In need of more inspiration for your Living Room and Bedroom refresher? Check out my favorite spring home decor finds and next week I’ll be giving you ideas on ways to refresh your kitchen!
The entertaining season is in full swing and we entertain in our home quite often around the holidays. There is nothing I love more than sitting around a beautifully decorated table with family and friends and enjoying a meal together. I really believe a beautifully set table will set the tone for your meal and it also makes your guests feel extra special! I knew this season I wanted to use some of the beautiful tabletop items from Serena and Lily on my holiday table.
It’s crazy to think that the Holidays are just around the corner! But I’m really looking forward to having family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. So, as I prepare for the holidays, I’m getting ready to host my own holiday dinners for the people in my life by gathering decor, linens, and my favorite dinnerware and utensils to set the table.
Our son Henry’s bedroom was ready for an update! As he enters into his pre-teen years, I felt like he needed a more grown-up space that he can grow into and that would reflect his personality. Since I love classic and traditional interiors with a fresh approach, I worked with Serena and Lily to create the perfect room for him!
