A peek at everything I loved in August 2024! FOOD My chickpea pasta salad. A repeat, but I can’t even tell you how many times I have made it this summer. Many, many times! It’s a family favorite and always a hit. Also very customizable! Chocolate covered pistachios. I found these at costco and was […]
My chickpea pasta salad. A repeat, but I can’t even tell you how many times I have made it this summer. Many, many times! It’s a family favorite and always a hit. Also very customizable!
Chocolate covered pistachios. I found these at costco and was in heaven. Pistachios AND milk chocolate? Hello, I’m in heaven.
Popcorn bar. This isn’t something specific, but more an idea. My kids have been LOVING this for movie nights. A big bowl of popcorn surroounded by add-ins, like nuts, salty snacks (cheese crackers, snap pea crisps), gummy candy and chocolate. So fun! P.S. mix those pistachios above with popcorn too!
HOME
Hulken bags. I cannot get enough of these bags, but especially this time of year with school supplies! They are the best way to drag everything we need into school. These also make such a great gift! They roll so easily that the kids can take them places too.
E. Frances little notes. I just discovered these and I am OBSESSED. I don’t even want to tell you how many I ordered. If you’re a stationary lover, these are a dream. I ordered a bunch for gifts too. All of the rest of the stuff is incredible too!
Amazon lazy susan. This is the BEST lazy susan I have bought. It’s melamine, the sections are removable (so 2 bowls in 1!), it spins so smoothly and it’s pretty enough for any holiday. Oh, it also HAS A LID!!! Best thing ever. I’ve taken it to parties already and have used it for after school snacks. Love.
Rifle paper Halloween platter. I am in LOVE with this rifle paper melamine halloween line! I know it’s early, but in my experience, this stuff always sells out by September or October! I got this, the bowl, plates and towel at the start of August. They are SO cute. If you love to celebrate these holidays for weeks with your kids, they are a must! Everything melamine is an instant win for me.
BEAUTY
Afternoon delight perfume. I can’t get enough of this perfume. I love it so much. Warm and delicious but not cloyingly sweet.
REFY lip gloss in blush. Loving this gloss almost as much as my laneige. The slight tint is so so pretty and flattering.
Pillow Talk Fair lipstick. I have never been able to get on the pillow talk bandwagon – I’m too cool toned and it looks too brown/warm on me. But!! This pillow talk fair shade is SO GOOD for my skin tone. It reminds me a lot of MAC creme cup which is probably my all-time favorite pink.
Cuyana La Toquillera hat. This has been my savior all summer. I never go in the sun (or basically, outside) without a hat, but I hate regular hats because they make me so hot. I always wear visors, but this find was truly my favorite all summer. The band is so easy and lightweight and it provides more coverage than a visor. It’s really comfortable!
Mini zip pouch. Another cuyana find. In my larger totes, it’s a mess of pouches. I mean, a good mess. I have everything pretty organized and separate in pouches. I grabbed one of these and it’s just as great as you’d thing – that super soft cuyana leather is just so good. I got the deep ocean color. I want all of their items in that gorgeous shade!
MEDIA
The God Of The Woods. Definitely my favorite of the month. I was sucked into this book instantly!
Lainey Wilson Whirlwind album. I love every song on this new album! Have been listening constantly.
Criminal podcast. Okay, still in my true crime era. Loving this one all month!
Kid’s Halloween mug set. Like the rifle paper tray above, I was so excited to find these for the kids. They’ve already been using them (just to even drink water, haha) and I don’t mind, they are so cute!
Animal magnets. I actually got these for the kids for their lockers and they love them – but Jordan adores them too! They are fun magnets to have for kids.
[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]
Do you ever have nights when you just don’t know what to make for dinner? When you run through a mental list of easy dinner ideas, but nothing sounds good? If you do, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find 60 healthy dinner rec…
Do you ever have nights when you just don’t know what to make for dinner? When you run through a mental list of easy dinner ideas, but nothing sounds good? If you do, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find 60 healthy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Each one is quick and easy to make, but it still packs a punch of flavor. Think roasted veggie tacos with a creamy, zesty sauce. Imagine luxurious baked feta and a comforting pasta ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll find all that and more among the easy dinner ideas […]
And just like that, it’s back-to-school time! I’m lining up the fall recipe calendar, getting ready to test, shoot, and share a slew of new ideas. For us, this season will be busy, and I know that it will be for many of you too. Today, I…
And just like that, it’s back-to-school time! I’m lining up the fall recipe calendar, getting ready to test, shoot, and share a slew of new ideas. For us, this season will be busy, and I know that it will be for many of you too. Today, I’m sharing my favorite healthy breakfast ideas to get these jam-packed days off to a great start. You’ll find ones that are perfect for making ahead and taking on the go, ones that are quick and easy to whip up in the morning, and even a few for days when you have a bit […]
A peek at everything I loved in July 2024! FOOD American spoon maple granola. This is not new to me and I always talk about it when coming home from vacation since I stock up. It is SUCH a delicious granola. I’ve made a copycat which is pretty good too but the american spoon version […]
American spoon maple granola. This is not new to me and I always talk about it when coming home from vacation since I stock up. It is SUCH a delicious granola. I’ve made a copycat which is pretty good too but the american spoon version is fabulous.
Esti hummus. This is my new favorite store bought hummus. It’s so creamy and smooth! The flavors are unreal. I love it so much.
My chickpea pasta salad. I have made this almost every single week this summer!!
HOME
Trigger point massage balls. I use these EVERY SINGLE DAY. I’ve always had horrible tension in my upper back and neck – these are incredible at rolling out the tension. I can’t live without them.
Turkish beach towel set. I’ve had Turkish towels for years but always having one of these on hand with the kids is wonderful because it folds up so thinly, and dries so quickly! They barely take up any space but are bigger than a regular beach towel.
Breville touch espresso machine. Okay. This is insane but I ADORE it. I can’t believe I waited so long to get it. It is making my day, everyday. I’ve also got lots of delicious local coffee to use.
Silicone case for airpods max. I love my airpods max so much – it took awhile to get used to them but now I love them. These silicone covers are great, especially if you sweat because it covers the headphones! The silicone also feels so silky smooth. I love it.
BEAUTY
Kopari hydrating body wash. I’ve fallen in love with all things kopari this year. I swear by this oil and now am loving this body wash too. The pump is everything and the container is huge too.
Elan cover up maxi dress. I’ve had a few of these over the years and just love them. They are such great cover ups – so billowy and summery. My favorite of all time remain the 9seed coverups, but these are much more affordable and not as delicate! Best for the beach.
Longchamp cosmetic pouch. I’ve mentioned this a million times now. It’s the perfect size (and I have the largest iphone) + easy to grab!
Spanx air essentials maxi dress. Spanx can do no wrong in my eyes. I am obsessed with this dress!! Def can wear it into fall too.
MEDIA
Jackpot Summer. I loved this book so much this month! It was super cute and heartwarming.
Back of seat car organizer. We can’t live without these when we travel. They are everything! And keep me from being a constant flight attendant.
Baseball sunglasses. Max and Emilia have these and loved for baseball earlier this year and now for running. They stay on their faces so well.
Magnetic alphabet puzzle. All 3 of my kids love these. They are such a great thing to keep in the car or take to a restaurant to entertain little ones!
[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]
Well, that’s a wrap on Prime Day 2024 – how did you do? Did you find anything amazing? I spent way too much time and money shopping the sales – it didn’t help the sale came during Mel’s recovery from hip surgery when I was stuck at home. Below are my favorite purchases (because 99%…
Well, that’s a wrap on Prime Day 2024 – how did you do? Did you find anything amazing? I spent way too much time and money shopping the sales – it didn’t help the sale came during Mel’s recovery from hip surgery when I was stuck at home. Below are my favorite purchases (because 99% have already arrived). See my brand new pantry and closet – they’re both SO ORGANIZED I’m in love! Even though the big sale days are over, I still have my Amazon storefront going – it’s always there whenever you need ideas from my beauty favorites to recent fashion finds, and of course lots of kitchen must-haves. I update it regularly!
This post contains affiliate links.
The Top Purchases
Shoe Boxes
My top purchase were clear shoe boxes for my closet! The dust in my house is a killer, and when you have cute shoes you want to protect them, obvi. PLUS – I can see everything and they hold 2 pairs of some shoes (BTW I wear size 10 so these boxes are a great size – they even fit folded boots)!
Pantry & Closet Organization
If you were watching along my Instastories, then you heard about the great ant invasion. I HAD to do something about it. I cleaned my normal pantry and my baking pantry (yes, when you run a blog like this one you need both). Here are some versatile organizational bins that I used for my closet AND pantries!
Clear Trays for my Disney backpacks and for the pantry – great for things like cake mix, applesauce, or single serve items.
Large bins for things like flour and dog food – airtight
Smaller bins for things like pasta and chocolate chips – and this bin kit too for similar items.
These bins come in all sizes and are great for cereal, crackers, etc.
Pajamas
Yes, you read that right! PAJAMAS. I bought both the short sleeve set and the long sleeve set – I buy the same color in both and mix and match all year long. They are SUPER comfortable and stylish too and come in lots of colors. I wear an XL (I’m a size 14ish). I also bought the light robe from the same brand for the warmer months.
Treat Yo’ Self
Needless to say, these are only a few of my purchases. I bought way more but these are my favorites so far. I bought some clothes that I still need to try on – so I’ll share them soon if I don’t return them!
Oh how I love this day!! Every year I share my favorites from the Nordstrom anniversary sale and after asking if you wanted to see them this year, I was super excited to share them again! I don’t worry about trendy or crazy new items in the sale – I love it for classic basics and there are […]
Every year I share my favorites from the Nordstrom anniversary sale and after asking if you wanted to see them this year, I was super excited to share them again! I don’t worry about trendy or crazy new items in the sale – I love it for classic basics and there are things I’ve had forever that are at a great price. You’ve probably read about many of these below in my favorites post each month! That’s one of the reasons I like to post this… to share some of those things I’ve used and loved over the last year. I linked some of the things over on LTK if you’re a frequent user of the app too.
This year, the sale has SO many good things. I think it’s the best it has been in years. Multiple pieces I love (spanx air essentials, varley, longchamp, etc). Things I’ve had for years and use daily or weekly.
I usually have a love/hate relationship with this sale because it’s a lot of the same things every year. The only reason that’s good, is because I have had some of these things for years, gift many of them and can successfully review them! This year, I’m mostly sharing below the things that I have and adore, a few things I’m getting and others I’ve seen in person. There are many things in the sale that I’ve had for five plus years and they are my go-to items. There are only a handful of things below that I don’t have and want to purchase myself- I think 5 or 6 items this year. I go into detail about each item below.
P.S. this is in no way sponsored and I’m not affiliated with Nordstrom at all, but there are general affiliate links below! It’s just like my monthly favorites posts… I don’t accept any free fashion/beauty products nor do I ever do sponsored posts for fashion and beauty. This is just something I love to share every year because it’s fun for me, and I want to hear from you. Below I’m sharing my favorite clothing items, shoes, bags, things for babies and kids in general, some home products and all the beauty things I think are worth it. Once Eddie shops it (he always gets some denim + work clothes!) I may add in some of his favorites if you want. I’ll also come back and update this post as the weeks go on! And I’ll give a few details about some of my favorite things.
CLOTHING
Moonlight pants pajamas. I have worn these for years and they are by far the best. I get every iteration of them.
Doona car seat. This is my #1 baby purchase. It was absolutely wonderful and we used it until Jordan turned two!
Veer wagon bundle. We’ve had the Veer for four years now and it’s fabulous. Definitely an investment and we get so much use out of it.
Baby Bjorn bouncer. Couldn’t live without this for all of my kids! I’ve also gifted many of these.
Uppa Baby Vista stroller. This is the stroller I used as a double with Max and Emilia. It also works as a single – I gave it to my brother and SIL for their baby and it’s excellent. We all adore this one.
A peek at everything I loved in June 2024! FOOD Salt and vinegar pistachios snack packs. Okay so this has been one of my favorites forever – but I didn’t know it came in the snack packs! Love them for grab-and-go snacks. The Federalist Sauvignon Blanc. I rarely recommend a specific wine, but this is […]
Salt and vinegar pistachios snack packs. Okay so this has been one of my favorites forever – but I didn’t know it came in the snack packs! Love them for grab-and-go snacks.
The Federalist Sauvignon Blanc. I rarely recommend a specific wine, but this is the epitome of summer. It is delicious and has so many hints of melon, grapefruit and berry. It’s been a huge party favorite!
Canada Dry fruit splash cherry ginger ale. Repeat offender because THIS IS SO GOOD. I don’t even love carbonation and soda but this is out of this world. Everyone who has it at our house loves it.
Lavender syrup. I have made my own lavender syrup for years but finally bit the bullet and grabbed this one with the pump. Not only have we been using it for coffee – we’ve been putting it in lemonade! Emilia loves it too.
HOME
Zero gravity chair set. Okay I’m cheating because I’ve only had this for three days. But they surpass my love for most things this month! We literally set them up in the living room to try and fell in love. I didn’t want to move them!! We have them outside now and I can’t get enough.
Boll and Branch waffle blanket. I bought new bedding and have been trying to make our bedroom more “zen” since we moved. I found this on amazon because this brand makes our favorite sheets. Wow – I am blown away by this blanket. It feels amazing. This is going to be one of my go-to house warming gifts for family from now on. It’s awesome.
BEAUTY
YSE Beauty Skin Glow. I’ve been using this for a few months and I adore it. I don’t use it as a primer, and it doesn’t have enough coverage to be my real makeup if I want a full face (or even half a face). But for everyday use, or when I’m just doing skin/lashes/lips, this is perfect. It still shows my skin but adds a very pretty glow. Doesn’t migrate into my eyes either.
Olive and June The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk polish. I am obsessed with this. It is the BEST neutral shade for my skin tone. It’s like nail concealer. I love it so much and it’s the shade I’ve been looking for my entire life.
Beauty of Joseon relief sun SPF 50+. This is a repeat fave because I LOVE IT. I’ve never been so consistent with my sunscreen. This is the best I’ve ever used on my face and under makeup.
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Lilac. My favorite balm in this lilac shade is everything I’ve ever wanted. A little cool toned, but still pink. Gorgeous, easy to apply and looks like nothing, but better.
FASHION
Amazon sleeveless tank. I’ve raved about this for weeks in my summer fridays post, so it’s only natural it’s a favorite. It’s like a bodysuit, but it’s a tank top.
Larroude Milan Jelly Sandal. This is my new go to flip flop that can be fancy or casual. Perfect for traveling. I love it and want it in every color now! I currently have nude and black.
Athleta Elation Dress. This is my current dress of summer! I’ve loved the athleta presidio dress for years. This is different and so good – almost more like a tennis dress, but can also look slightly dresses up. Super comfortable too.
La Blanca one piece swimsuit. I’ve had this suit for a decade but bought a new blue version. It’s so pretty and comfortable.
Cropped zip up hoody. I didn’t want to buy the lulu version of this, so I tried this amazon one and I love it. I leave one in my car to grab it when going inside cold AC.
MEDIA
Swan Song! How could I not choose Elin’s last Nantucket book for my favorite of the month?! It was always meant to be.
Blue Lizard spray sport sunscreen. This has been my go-to for the kids this summer and even they can put it on. Doesn’t get in their eyes and doesn’t sting!
Aquaplay waterbox playset. Jordan and Emilia have been loving this. Think of it as a travel water table! It folds up into this briefcase-like box and we have been taking it to the pool – they will sit for an hour and play with this! We also have the non-travel version and they love that too.
Uno Attack. This is another repeat. One of you suggested this after I mentioned how much we are loving playing Uno every night as a family. We play 10 or 20 games some evenings! This version is not the classic, but it’s super fun!
Ponycycle. We got this for Jordan for his birthday. It is definitely a splurge, but hello #thirdkid and we have every toy. I love that it isn’t motorized – it’s a push bike! He LOVES it. My old kids even love it. It’s a gigantic hit!
[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]
Julia Child’s Coq au Vin, a classic French dish, is within your reach! This recipe, based on Julia Child’s original,…
The post Julia Child’s Coq au Vin appeared first on Southern Food and Fun.
Julia Child’s Coq au Vin, a classic French dish, is within your reach! This recipe, based on Julia Child’s original,…
These old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits are a Southern staple, and for good reason! Soft, buttery, flaky, and full of flavor, they’re…
The post Old-fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits appeared first on Southern Food and Fun.
These old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits are a Southern staple, and for good reason! Soft, buttery, flaky, and full of flavor, they’re…
A peek at everything I loved in May 2024! FOOD Toom garlic dip. Ohhh my goodness. This is heaven. Use it as a spread, a dip, right off the spoon. I get mine at Costco! Canada Dry fruit splash cherry ginger ale. This is our new obsession. Eddie and I both love it. We get […]
Toom garlic dip. Ohhh my goodness. This is heaven. Use it as a spread, a dip, right off the spoon. I get mine at Costco!
Canada Dry fruit splash cherry ginger ale. This is our new obsession. Eddie and I both love it. We get the zero sugar version and it’s such a fun and delicious warm weather drink! I don’t love soda and carbonation, but every once in a while I crave something like this. And this one hits the spot.
Grillos pickles sandwich makers. Obsessed with pickles. The end.
HOME
Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze vaccuum. Meet the new love of my life! This has changed my life, truly. It cleans my floors like NOTHING else. It is so worth it – I bought a second one – theONE S5 PRO. I love both equally, the latter’s battery just lasts a little longer for my main floor. I think 4 or 5 of my friends have bought one since seeing it being used on my floors. It’s incredible.
Scout crossbody cooler. This has been my spring activity cooler this year. Not only are the colors amazing, but it’s crossbody! I’m always carrying a million things into baseball and wearing this crossbody is a huge help. It’s lightweight too. Holds a ton!
Firevibe s’mores kit. I bought this for a our patio and everyone is loving it. It fits the best s’mores ingredients and a lot of them. Also comes with s’mores sticks! It’s so pretty too.
Dash mandoline. Best purchase ever. I’ve been using a very old and unsafe mandoline for years! This one has a foolproof safety feature and the slices are paper thin.
Holographic cups. These are super sturdy plastic cups and excellent for a party if you need them. Much much thicker and sturdier than a regular old solo cup. And they are so pretty too.
BEAUTY
Beauty of Joseon relief sun SPF 50+. Current daily sunscreen that I am LOVING. Wow, this is excellent. I use it on its own and also under makeup. The consistency is great, it doesn’t migrate in to my eyes and it doesn’t pill under makeup.
Ouai St Bart’s body mist. I am SO excited this exists. I love this scent so much and have looked for the last few years to see if they had a perfume in this scent. It is fabulous for summer! Smells delicious.
Kopari KP scrub. The texture of this scrub is incredible. It’s so thick and creamy but the exfoliation is like sand – the best feeling ever. I use it multiple times a week in the shower and love it. Also love that it’s a squeeze tube and not a tub.
Elemis Resurfacing Facial pads. I am also loving these. I actually use them in the morning before moisturizer and sunscreen – I swear they are helping my skin so much.
FASHION
Cushionair sandals. Designer inspired, and SO comfortable. I have the faux uggs in this brand so I knew they’d be comfortable. They are memory foam! I actually wore them all day to cook last weekend during a party. Perfect.
Cuyana La Toquillera Hat. Oh my gosh, I LOVE this. The sun protextion is incredible. I love that the top is open like a visor (my head gets so hot and I need a visor over a full cap). It’s so comfortable, it stays on. I have been wearing the heck out of this. So much so, that I’m considering getting a second one.
lululemon pack light pullover. Another thing I’m loving! This is such a lightweight pullover – the fabric is incredible. I also love the banding at the bottom.
Palm Royale. This cast cracked me up. I loved watching this every week!
KIDS
Step 2 Waterfall Wall. Jordan (and even the older two!) live for a water table. We have a regular water table but this wall is such a fun new discovery this year. I put it out on our deck and Jordan is entertained forever!
Plus Plus big blocks. These are another thing that has kept all the kids entertained this season, especially during evening activities. We’re all obsessed with legos and this is a fun twist on them.
UNO attack. The kids are obsessed with uno right now and this is SO fun. We have been having a blast!
[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]
