last-minute Halloween prep with Walmart!

 This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Halloween is right around the corner and it's time to make sure you have all the trick or treating supplies in order! Now that my kids are older we love staying home on Halloween night to see all the neighbor kids come to the door in their adorable costumes on Halloween night. With the fireplace roaring, a spooky movie and plenty of trick or treat candy and snacks, it makes for the most perfect night in and a night I truly look forward to!

With Walmart's as soon as same-day delivery you can get all the Halloween and trick or treating supplies you need in the knick of time to make Halloween stress free and fun! You don't have to run a million errands and fight the crowds to get the best selection of candy, costumes, decor and more for a super fun night. These paper ghost plates are SO fun for Halloween and Walmart's prices on halloween candy are the best I've seen around. I love that I can count on Walmart at the last minute with early or late delivery times, substitution picks, the same online prices as in-store, easy returns and more! (note: restrictions and delivery fees may apply)

Shop the post: candy buckets (under $3!), ice bucket for drinks, paper napkins, paper ghost plates, velvet pumpkins (only $10!), halloween candy, 3-bowl serving platter, flameless candles

life lately, October!

It's hard to believe that we are a week into October already, but as I sit here munching on some Halloween candy (why does candy taste so good in miniature form?) with a fall candle going after I just baked some pumpkin bread... all signs point to major October vibes. My daughter's senior year is in full swing and my son is settling back into campus life. I'm still in this really strange spot in motherhood where I'm feeling like I just got demoted (or maybe fired?) from a job I really loved... it's such a weird phase of motherhood. I would've relished this type of freedom years ago when I was eyeball deep in crazy sports schedules and memorizing times tables and holding down the fort always with a husband that traveled for work a lot of the time. But it feels like too tight pants and an itchy sweater - uncomfortable, frustrating and like I'm just not myself most days. I'm learning to navigate it and just become one with the discomfort, but yeah, it's weird. Do we ever get used to it? Maybe not. 

On a lighter note, the cool crips mornings and evenings are so delightful lately. I'm loving sweater, jacket and layering weather and really finding a lot of solace in a change of pace in the weather. The fall always feels like fresh start and that's a feeling I'm basking in. 

Let's chat about some good stuff now...

Book I've read recently...

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, while everyone was saying this was the IT book of the summer I have to be honest and it was just okay for me.  It was A LOT of build up for what I would call a so-so ending. I also found almost every character unlikable so it was hard to really root for anyone as the mystery unraveled. Was this a thriller? Drama? I'm not sure exactly but truly this isn't my favorite genre in general so take my review with a grain of salt. I know a lot of people truly enjoyed this book.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, this is the other book that everyone is talking about lately and I liked this one much more than The God of the Woods. To me the story got off to a quicker start (even if the middle was a little slow) and I was really rooting for the main character, Patch. I so wanted his happy ending for him. I highly recommend this book, it's quite dark but not scary.

The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable, this is the second book I've read about Venice this summer and I really enjoyed this one. I felt like this book completely swept me away to the orphanage and the concert halls of Venice.

Real Americans by Rachel Khong, this book was an absolute page turner for me and I just could not put it down. There is a lot to unpack here emotionally and perhaps a storyline that is TOO convenient but I thought it was a fascinating read and if you are in a bookclub this would make for a great group read because there is just so much to discuss here with all the family dynamics.

Five items I've purchased recently...

1. This budget fair isle sweater is SO pretty in person. Once the weather cools I go straight for fair isle and I can't stop myself! Other fair isle sweaters that have caught my eye this one in a gorgeous burgundy and this very splurgy but gorgeous option!

2. Sezane sweaters are always such a slam dunk and this one in stripes is just SO pretty in person. Other Sezane sweaters I have my eyes on right now this white cable knit sweater and this button neck sweater.

3. I can't say it enough but this sweatshirt and sweatshorts set is just TOO GOOD. A rollback sweatshirt? All my preppy dreams come true. I love wearing it around the house on weekends or for a sunny afternoon walk with my dog. (and they are BOTH on sale right now!)

4. These mini Uggs in this PERFECT shade for fall. I just love an Ugg boot and being in Michigan they get A LOT of wear in my closet for winter. This mini pair is easy with leggings and jeans and can be worn with or without socks - and I just LOVE this color.

5. Yes it's the piece of the fall that *everyone* is talking about and everyone loves - but I don't care. I love it too. This jacket.

Five Amazon prime deals we need to talk about...

1. I'm SO obsessed with every scent from this brand but I just purchased this body wash and I can tell you it's SOOO good. Like a little escape in the shower! And it's of course, on sale!

2. My favorite electrolytes are on sale right now and they rarely go on sale! I used to get the worst headaches after working out or playing tennis and voila! This has totally saved me. I like these specifically because they aren't too sweet and have organic ingredients and ALL the flavors are so yum, but this is a particular favorite!

3. The $12 sunglasses I wear pretty much everyday. They are comfortable and classic! (or this pair which is only $20 - I shuffle between those two the most)

4. If you are as obsessed with good sleep like me... then you will find this noise machine to be absolutely life changing! My husband and I did! We love it so much we take it with us when we travel or if my husband travels for work he brings the smaller version with him. Seriously. I can't sleep without this now! And it's on sale right now!

5. Need an easy stocking stuffer idea for college kids and young adults? These shower steamers are GREAT. I got them last Christmas for my son for the dorm and he raved about them - especially during cold season when college kids are perpetually sick. They turn a dorm (or fraternity or sorority or apartment) shower into a mini spa moment! 

home updates for less with Walmart!

 This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

I absolutely love getting back into a routine for fall. School is underway in our house and I'm getting back into making dinners regularly, busy mornings getting out the door and also just enjoying being home more. This time of year I always get the urge to fluff the nest a bit. From a new rug, rearranging the plants in the house or adding some new fresh finds to rooms around the house to make it feel more like home.

With Walmart you can do all that with their amazing everyday prices and even bigger discounts with their price rollbacks. They have amazing deals online to help you fluff your nest for fall too. I've been wanting to update our living room to give it a fresh feel for fall and I found these gorgeous swivel chairs for my living room (and you won't believe the price). I love that the chairs are a perfect balance between modern and casual and everyone loves a swivel chair, seriously! This pair of chairs has really spruced up our living room for fall and will be perfect for bingeing our favorite shows or watching football during the upcoming cozy season.

Plus, with Walmart you get FREE and FAST shipping on orders over $35 and FREE returns if an item doesn't work out. It's a win-win!

Shop: silicon cooking utensils, knife set, pots and pans set, full length mirror, down alternative comforter, area rug, faux olive plant, cashmere & teak candle (we LOVE this scent in our house!)

summer recipes I love!

I'm trying to squeeze every last bit out of summer (even though school has started!) and that includes making some of my favorite "summer" recipes. Really these recipes work all year long, but these are some favorites I have made in the past during summer and they definitely have a summer feel to them. Today I made my favorite potato salad - the full recipe is HERE - but stay tuned as this week I hope to make a few more of our families favorites. I love this potato salad recipe because it's so easy and delicious and is the perfect dish to bring to pass at a bbq or we love to pair it with some grilled meat for an easy dinner combo! You can see the video of me preparing it here!

Some of my favorite kitchen tools I used:

this pot to boil the potatoes, this knife, mixing bowls, my measuring cups are old but these are so cute, similar wood cutting boards

Stay tuned! I'll try to post a few more recipes here this week!

back to campus with Walmart!

 This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the brands that support this blog.

If you have kids heading back to campus this fall you are probably stressing out and making lists like crazy like I am! Whether your student is moving into the dorms, a fraternity or sorority house or an apartment there seems to be so many loose ends to tie up to get them ready to be on campus this year! My son will be transitioning from dorm living last year to moving into his fraternity house this fall. I thought I had the whole thing figured out until I realized I didn't! Haha - I'm sure you know the feeling.

Thank goodness for Walmart delivery which is as soon as same-day to deliver some last minute cleaning supplies for move in day and a few things he needed new that won't work from his previous dorm set up. Whether you are shopping in the app or online at Walmart you can filter your shopping experience by items that are available to deliver "TODAY" to make same-day delivery effortless and quick. Walmart makes it so easy to get exactly what you want and need when you want it - even if that is asap! (please note: restrictions and delivery fees may apply)  

I quickly shopped for some new sheets and a mattress cover to replace last years (you don't want to use dorm sheets two years in a row!) and tons of cleaning supplies like Swiffers and Colorox wipes for move in day. Plus, while I was doing some ordering I stocked him up on tons of laundry supplies and a few back to school supplies like a new (bigger) backpack and headphones for online classes. I love that I can find all the basics for back to school in one place at Walmart and get it delivered as soon as today without having to leave the house for one more erran during this busy time of year (please note: restrictions and delivery fees may apply). 

(I think it's safe to say that every family that is prepping for back to campus right now has a mudroom or hallway or corner of the living room that looks like this!)

Shop the post: his shirt (true to size), my shirt (runs big, I went down a size), storage bins, table fan, grey sheets, wireless headphones, backpack, mattress pad, dryer sheets, oxi clean pods, tide pods, swiffer kit,  Clorox wipes, storage bins

Shop the post: his shirt (true to size), my shirt (runs big, I went down a size), storage bins, table fan, grey sheets, wireless headphones, backpack, mattress pad, dryer sheets, oxi clean pods, tide pods, swiffer kit,  Clorox wipes

summer catch up!

 I thought it would be fun to do a little summer catch up. Can you believe it's August already!?!? There is still a little of summer left to enjoy but it seems like the back to school prep has thoroughly infiltrated my life. How do I know? I've woken up with a crack of anxiety at 5am not one, but two mornings in a row recently. Mmmmmkay. I think that's a good enough sign. 

The to-do list is long and getting longer every second and it seems like there are so many logistics to balance along the way. My son will be heading back to campus soon but will be in a frat house instead of the dorms which kind of feels like we are learning the whole college move-in process again from the start. Then my daughter will be a senior this year so this school year will start with a flurry of college prep like essays and taking the SAT one.more.time. 

As much as I'd like to sit back and savor these last days of August (which we will do with a family trip coming up!) my head is absolutely spinning with getting everything prepped for fall. I'm sure if you are a mom reading this right now you are nodding your head... you're spread too thin with an overwhelming to-do list too. I'm hoping we all find some grace and laughs and special moments amidst the chaos that is August. 

So let's catch up!

(a small haul of veggies from our very small veggie garden)

Books I enjoyed this summer, I read more, but this is the highlight reel: 

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins, I don't usually go for this mystery/thrller genre but this was a fast and fun read for me that had some great twists and turns.

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier, Chevalier is such a pro at building a world for you in her books. I could see and smell Venice on the pages of this beautiful story. (side note: she did some weird time traveling type things with her storytelling that I didn't care for, but it was easy to ignore and just get lost in the family saga that was so beautiful).

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson, if you need a little non-fiction palette cleanser (I often do) then I highly recommend this book. All of Larson's books are non-fiction that read like fiction and with this one I learned so much about the months and days leading up to the start of the Civil War.

The Women by Kristin Hannah, this book was the highlight of my summer reading. Wow! It's an incredible story that is hopeful and sad and just so dang good. I didn't know much about the Vietnam War and this was very enlightening. Plus, I still think about these characters all the time.

(when you thought you ordered a personal size pizza but you didn't - haha! The best pizza ever from Antico in Alpharetta)

What we are watching: 

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders on Netflix, wow this is SO good and such a fun look into a world I knew nothing about! 

Palm Royale on AppleTV+, this is such a fun escape with so many amazing outfits and scenes. The beauty vibe was perfect for summer!

Lots and lots of Olympics this week. My favorite is the tennis but my husband has gotten really into the surfing, which I have to say is both very exciting and calming to watch. The surfing all takes place in Tahiti and it looks so incredibly beautiful there. You can sit and watch those rolling waves for hours.

(We tried to go to the beach as much as possible this summer... it somehow never feels like it's enough though!)

What I'm loving lately:

I'm really loving the Gap lately, I mean they are really stepping up with styles that are so chic and price points that are really fantastic. I also love that they use a lot of high quality fabrics at such a great price point. I just ordered this jacket (I love the unique style!) for fall and this sweater (I'm loving this color combo) for fall and both are GORGEOUS in person.

I somehow scratched, broke and lost 3 pairs of sunglasses in the past 3 weeks. Summer fun, much? I'm still holding out hope that one pair will be found but in the meantime I reordered the broken and scratched pairs from Amazon (thank GOODNESS for Amazon sunglasses!). Turns out these under $25 sunnies are my favorite and I just HAD to reorder. Shop them here (only $7!) and here.

I did a not-so-small Sephora haul on my birthday and found some new instant favorites like a brow pencil I adore and a new dry shampoo I'm loving (and this is from someone who has never found a dry shampoo they even remotely like).

So many pre-fall new arrivals: this slouchy lady jacket, all the stripe sweaters please, the cutest pjs, the grommet details on this bucket bag are stunning, I own and love these flats in burgundy and they are now available in some gorgeous suede colors - they are so comfy, I just ordered these sneakers - I'll report back on how I like them, same with these jeans... they were in my cart for a while and I will report back, I love the relaxed vibe.

Summer entertaining on a budget with Walmart!

 This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Summer entertaining is in full swing and on top of that we have a few July birthdays in our family that definitely warrant a special meal! I wanted to host a quintessentially summer dinner party and realized at the last minute that my tableware could really use a summer-y refresh. I used Walmart's delivery which is as soon as same-day to really spruce up my table for a summer dinner. Whether you are shopping in the app or online at Walmart you can filter your shopping experience by items that are available to deliver "TODAY" to make same-day delivery effortless and quick. Walmart makes it so easy to get exactly what you want and need when you want it - even if that is asap! (please note: restrictions and delivery fees may apply)

I quickly and easily shopped from the convenience of my own home for beautiful dishes, new placemats and cloth napkins and a few new gorgeous vases to really make my table shine and embrace the summer season. Then I quickly added a few hydrangeas and lavender accents that I cut from my own yard and voila! It was the perfect balance of casual and elegant for a last minute dinner.

And right now until July 18, 2024 you can get 50% off your Walmart+ yearly membership - making it only $49! With Walmart+ benefits you can enjoy FREE same-day delivery from your local store on orders over $35 including grocery orders and always FREE shipping on orders over $35 from the Walmart website. You can find all the benefits and sign up for Walmart+ here. (please note that This offer is available only to new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members. Members through Walmart+ Assist, or with InHome or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME are not eligible. After your promotional term, your plan will auto-renew for $98/year plus any applicable taxes. If you are a trial member, your promotional term will start immediately, and the remainder of your free trial will be forfeited. Offer begins 7/5/24, 12 p.m. ET and expires 7/18/24, 12 p.m. ET)

Shop the post: candlesticks, blue glasses, wood tray, striped dress (runs big, I went down a size to XS), iridescent vases, gold flatware, blue & white dishes, wood napkin rings, gold candle stick holders, fringe cloth napkins, round placemats

Shop the post: candlesticks, blue glasses, wood tray, striped dress (runs big, I went down a size to XS), iridescent vases, gold flatware, blue & white dishes, wood napkin rings, gold candle stick holders, fringe cloth napkins, round placemats

budget friendly small patio decor!

 This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

There is nothing better than spending time on the patio during the summer. It is my husband and I's favorite way to end the day and I love hanging out there mid-day with the dog for a little vitamin D break. Our outside living area is small and our patio is as well, quite small. We've tried a few variations of furniture or set ups out there to maximize the space, but they never felt right or really worked. Making a small patio work can be a challenge. When I discovered these patio chairs at Walmart I knew they were the perfect pieces for the spot! They are great quality, so beautiful in person and so comfortable for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon of reading in the fresh air. Since buying them we have already doubled the amount of time we spend out here and I love that they are such a great price too!

Of course we had to add more plants - I am definitely in my plant era - and Walmart has tons of amazing outdoor planter pots to add to your own patio too. And with Walmart you can take advantage of their FREE and fast shipping to shop all their patio sets and furniture finds and your patio will be like new in a just a few days so you can enjoy your summer outdoor space right away! (seriously, the chairs arrived in just 2 days!)

Shop the post: linen blend dress (true to size, I'm in a small), sunglasses, sandals, set of outdoor chairs, wood-look planter pot, stand planter pot

Shop the post: linen blend dress (true to size, I'm in a small), sunglasses, sandals, set of outdoor chairs, wood-look planter pot, stand planter pot, striped umbrella (under $50!), striped outdoor pillow, outdoor glassware, dinnerware set, gingham cloth napkins

INSERT WIDGET

 

packing list: Hawaii!

Aloha, friends! By request today we are traveling to the islands of Hawaii for relaxation, adventure and lots of time in the sun. Today's packing list is all about effortlessly chic essentials for the trip that have you looking and feeling your best the entire trip and most importantly, not overthinking the packing list!  

Here’s my easy tips for packing for Hawaii:

 Breezy and Versatile Dresses

Think light, flowy, and neutral. A simple yet elegant maxi dress in airy fabrics is perfect for transitioning effortlessly from a relaxed beach day to a casual dinner. Plus, I added a a simple drawstring dress for an effortless, ready-to-go look.

Island Ready Swimwear & Coverups

Pack a classic one-piece swimsuit or two that you can easily pair with a beautiful swim cover up for the beach or pair with shorts for a day of adventures. This summer neutral and earthy tones are super popular and they are so easy to wear too!

Easy Tops & Bottoms

I chose a couple of versatile tops that can mix and match easily for coffee runs or the farmers market. This finely knit tank and a classic linen top will keep you cool and stylish.  And you know I love neutral colors because they mix and match seamlessly while traveling. I included a few pairs of utility style shorts for waterfall visits, zip lining or brunch.

Easy and Laidback Shoes

Comfort meets style with a pair of chic sneakers for island adventures and some elegant sandals for laid-back beach days. Practical, yet polished!

 Mom Friendly Accessories

A woven handbag for carrying your essentials like sunscreen and sunglasses and a sleek satchel for hands-free adventures are the only two bags you need to keep your packing list minimalist!

I hope you enjoy every moment of island paradise! Mahalo and safe travels! Plus, stay tuned for more packing lists coming this summer and you can check out all past packing lists here!

Shop the packing list!

Shop the look above!

Shop the look above!

Shop the look above!

Shop the look!

Shop the look!

Shop the look!

Shop the look!

Shop the look!

Shop the look!