Happy Monday, friends! Whoo, it’s been a productive day so far, and after a fun girls’ weekend in the desert, it’s actually been kind of nice to get back in the swing of things around here. So today I’m kicking off the week here on the blog with this skirt / sneaker / handbag combo that I currently can’t get enough of.
When I first saw this skirt online, I immediately thought it would be the perfect holiday piece, but don’t worry, I’m not trying to go skipping over the fall season on you guys. (I mean, it still technically feels like summer most days here.) And while I still think it has major December potential with a bodysuit and a pair of heels, I’m loving it dressed down for now with sneakers and a tee or in a few weeks with a cropped sweater and booties.
The waistband on this skirt is nice and thick and tight, and if you feel like you’re between sizes, I’d probably go up. (I’m wearing a medium here for reference.) When I posted this look over on Instagram, you guys seemed to be just as into the skirt as I am, and the best part? It’s under $20 🙂
September 1st, and just like that, my brain has made the switch, and I can’t stop thinking about all things fall fashion. (Never mind that our weather isn’t quite there yet – that’s never stopped me before. 🙂 So today I’m kicking things off with some favorite fall finds from Walmart, and their fall fashion options are GOOD.
While sneakers are probably not going anywhere anytime soon in my wardrobe, I’m pretty excited to get back into boots and booties for fall. The pair I’m wearing above is seriously great quality and couldn’t be more comfortable – they actually have a memory foam lining inside that is SO cushy. I’ll definitely be wearing these throughout the season with dresses, faux leather shorts, and skinny jeans, which are still A-OK in my book. Speaking of skinnies, this coated pair above fits SO well and is priced around $10.
And because you know I couldn’t narrow my favorites down to just two outfits, stay tuned this week – I’ll be sharing more fall finds from Walmart that you won’t want to miss.
Happy Tuesday, friends! In case you haven’t heard on social media (over and over again), the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicked off for card-holders this week. (I’ve never been one to have a store credit card, but I did get the Nordstrom debit card years ago to shop the sale – it connects straight to my own bank debit card.) I personally can’t shop the sale until Friday, but I figured I would put together some faves ahead of time for all the gals that can shop the sale right now.
The sale certainly has mixed reviews these days (as opposed to the all-out bonanza that it used to be in the blogger world), and while I don’t think I’ll be buying much, I do think there are some really great finds. Above are some of the things I own and love from years past, and below are some of the pieces I’m digging this year.
Up at the top of my list? I usually snag a new set of these PJ’s every year, am loving these ivory slides, eyeing this perfume set (I already use the Santal 33 scent), and although I do not need another sweater that I’ll never wear in Southern California, this one is just so pretty. There are a couple of dresses I’m loving below, and I think these pants could be so pretty (although I haven’t seen them in person). Turns out maybe I’ve got a few more things in my shopping cart than I thought I would, imagine that, ha!
If you’re shopping the sale, then here’s hoping your faves don’t sell out before you snag ’em!
It’s been a bit, but happy Monday, friends! Is everyone still surviving 2020? Shutdowns, mask mandates, distance learning…and with the recent additions of back-to-back hurricanes coming, hundreds of wildfires burning, and widespread rolling blackouts and power outages, this year just gets wilder and wilder. Anyone else want to just decorate the Christmas tree and pretend the holidays are here?
It’s not all bad though. I really can’t complain about staying home a bunch with the husband and pups, and lately on the weekends, you can find us cruising around on bikes or hanging at the beach instead of hopping around from one obligation to the next. We see friends, take drives, and have been loving all of the outdoor dining options at restaurants around town. (Bring on the parking lot dining!) It’s definitely been a learning time of figuring out OUR own new normal, the things we want to get back to and the things we’ll be leaving in 2020.
And while we’re on the subject of the good, I gotta admit I’m ALL about the stay home style and my growing collection of loungewear. Graphic tees, matching sets, roomy linen shorts – I’m 100% here for it. (If you like graphic tees, these are seriously a STEAL, and I can’t recommend these $35 shorts more.) So today I’m sharing a few snaps of some recent looks, and not surprisingly, there are lots of stay-at-home staples and affordable finds in the mix. Here’s hoping you find something that makes you smile today, friends!
Good morning, friends! Over the past few (hundred) weeks of quarantine and our current halfway-out-of-quarantine situation, I’ve been trying out alllll of the beauty things that I’ve been meaning to get to for months. While makeup has been admittedly minimal, I’m clearing out the beauty drawers and slathering on all the lotions and potions and trying out this and that. I discovered that I’m actually REALLY into a daily body oil, found a new favorite holy grail fragrance, and tossed out all of my outdated nail colors to make room for new. So today I’m sharing a couple of new additions to my morning routine.
Dermalogica phyto replenish body oil – I’ve never really been into body oils, but this one completely changed my mind. I started using it after pool days in Palm Springs but quickly added it to my everyday morning routine. It smells amazing, is so moisturizing, and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue.
Le Labo Santal 33 body oil – I recently found and tried a tiny little sample of Le Labo’s Santal 33 fragrance and was instantly hooked, but holy moly the perfume is pricey. I decided to try out the body oil instead since, you know, I’m a body oil believer now. It’s less than a third of the price of the perfume, and while the body oil is still a splurge, a little bit will last all day long. (And most days, I use it in addition to the Dermalogica oil.)
Mented “Yes We Tan” polish – I’m always on the hunt for new nude polishes that I like, so when I discovered this brand last week, I had to give it a shot. I ordered the pretty “Yes We Tan” shade, and lucky for me, it arrived just in time for my very first post-quarantine mani/pedi. (YES – I found a salon here that is open for business right now, and it’s one of my local favorites.) I’ve already done the at-home “paint one hand, only the left hand” test, and the color is so pretty.
Ankole Living accessories – Lastly, how pretty are these Ankole Living vanity accessories? I’ve been a fan of the brand since snagging this woven clutch a couple of summers ago and love that everything they make is ethically-sourced and just so unique. I’m loving these little accent pieces and currently have my eye on a stack of these lightweight bangles for summer.
It’s been a few days since the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale launched for cardholders, and surprisingly, there are still some great pieces in stock to snag. Last week I rounded up some of my favorite first picks from the sale, and today I’m sharing some of the pieces I tried, bought, and am currently loving.
In particular, these jeans are so GOOD – the perfect high rise, a fit that hugs curves, an easy everyday wash, and super comfortable denim. They’re true to size – I snagged a 4 for reference. I’m also super jazzed about this cozy cardigan and this super soft loungewear set for an upcoming trip that will include chilly evenings.
I’ve also ordered these Tory Burch slides which have since sold out (hopefully those get a restock before the sale is open to everyone) and am constantly checking for my size to be restocked in these Ugg slippers. (Since a certain rambunctious puppy ate my last pair of slippers…) Overall I didn’t buy too many things from the sale, but I am pretty pleased with the cozy things I did get. Have you guys shopped the sale?
Earlier this week I shared our backyard transformation and the outdoor furniture that we’re loving from Walmart, and today I’m heading into another section of the store that’s definitely worth shopping for summer: the clothing and accessories. Y’all, if you haven’t taken a shopping stroll over to Walmart lately, it’s time to change that.
I grew up shopping at Walmart. It was literally minutes from my house, and if you wanna know my childhood claim to fame, it’s definitely walking in a Walmart kids’ swimwear fashion show at my local Louisiana store. That’s right, yours truly (along with the competitive dance team I was on at the time) could be found strutting my stuff down the main aisle in a zig-zag striped black one-piece swimsuit. Perhaps that’s where I first caught this whole blogging bug? Maybe not, but it’s a good memory anyway.
Fast forward a few years, and I’m now rediscovering my love for the Walmart clothing department. There are new brands to love at the same amazing prices I remember. Time and Tru is definitely a favorite of mine, and the shorts, striped tee, and wedges above as well as the t-shirt dress below are all from the brand. These linen shorts seriously could not be better – I love the relaxed fit, the pockets, and of course, the under $10 price tag. I’m definitely thinking I need one of the striped pairs as well.
And when it comes to accessories, you can’t go wrong with ALL of the straw things from Eliza May Rose. How cute is the striped beach tote above? You can find similar bags out there, but I’ve never seen them at this price point. (And the quality is amazing.) Here are a few other straw bags I’m loving right now.
The best part? Walmart.com also offers free 2-day shipping on most orders over $35 with no membership fees. See something you like today? Get it by the weekend, easy as that. Happy shopping, friends!
Well, guys, we recently did a little thing. If you read this post from a couple of weeks ago, then you already know that Eric and I recently bought a new house. I realize that I spilled the news and then promptly left you guys completely in the dark, but today I’m so excited to finally give you guys a full peek into what I’m lovingly referring to as The Balboa Cottage.
If you’ve been following along for a while, then you might remember that Eric and I closed on our first home on our wedding day. (How’s that for timing?) It was a mess of a house that needed a full overhaul and so much TLC, but after months and months of gutting and rebuilding, it became our home sweet home. We love our home and have genuinely loved being in Huntington Beach (where Eric grew up), but I think that Newport Beach, and more specifically Balboa Island, has been a dream in the back of our minds for some time. We just didn’t really think it would happen this quickly.
A few months ago, we started putting our feelers out and looking around at listings on Balboa Island. We checked out a couple of “no’s” and then saw this little gem. The location is a total dream. If Balboa Island was the home run, then Little Balboa Island for us is the grand slam, and we love that it’s right on Grand Canal. Our spot on the Little Island is a bit quieter, less crowded for the most part, but still a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and attractions on Marine Avenue on Balboa. It’s also a couple minutes to plopping down on the sand.
The house is small and sweet, currently consisting of two separate two-bedroom units. While the cottage isn’t really a good fit for us (and our two crazy Vizsla pups) right now, we just couldn’t unsee the potential. We knew that if we passed it up, we’d probably end up kicking ourselves, and so, we went for it. And things got rolling QUICKLY. We closed on the cottage a month or so ago and already can’t stop thinking about the forever home we’d like to create there. That’s right, more construction in my future. (Didn’t I say we were done with construction for a while?)
For now though, we’re figuring out our plans for the cottage (staying put in Huntington Beach), and in the meantime, we’re renting her out to folks looking to spend a little time on Balboa Island. (Maybe that’s you? Ha, can you tell I’m taking my new roll as Airbnb host very seriously?) After several thousand trips to this store and that and more online ordering than I even care to think about, the front unit is fully stocked with vacation essentials and ready to rent. (We’ve actually hosted our first four bookings already, too!) The upper unit needed a bit more work, but it’s coming THIS WEEK – and wait until you see the huge rooftop deck. It’s incredible, and I’ll be sharing it soon!
It’s been a wild couple of weeks, but sharing The Balboa Cottage and our love of all things Balboa Island with vacationers from all around has been so much fun. If you’re planning on heading to Newport Beach this spring or summer, I hope you’ll check it out. We’d love to host you!
Happy Tuesday, friends! Last week I rejoined the blogging world after a little hiatus, and today I’m sharing some current skincare favorites that I’ve been meaning to share for a few weeks now. It’s been WAY too long since I rounded up a slew of skin goodies, but lately, I’m really loving what I’m using. Somewhere around the start of the new year, my skin was in (what I’d consider) pretty bad shape. I love the holiday treats, parties, and Go-Go-Go mentality as much as the next gal, but at the end of December, my skin was suffering. Yikes! Bumps, breakouts, and SO much dryness – I had to do something.
So in January I started a new routine and refocused on my skincare. I’m lucky enough to receive so many beauty goodies from companies, so I might as well put them to good use, right? My current routine includes a whole lot of Dermalogica with some other favorites mixed in, and so far, so food. My skin has, for the most part, cleared up, minus a few random breakouts here and there, and I’ve started to once again see my skincare ritual as a sort of spa time instead of a nightly chore. (That part really is so key.) So here are a few of my tried and true current skincare gems. Hope you guys enjoy!
Cleansing – The cleansing part is where things can get really lazy for me, and I’ll fully admit that some nights I still use the old makeup remover towelette standby. (These from Neutrogena have always been my favorites.) . But for the days when I get my act together, I’m loving this 3-step cleansing routine from Dermalogica.
Precleanse Balm – This is, not maybe, but DEFINITELY the best product I’ve found for removing makeup and all the gunk at the end of the day. It’s a super thick, oily balm – think Chap-Stick or Vaseline consistency – and I rub it all over my face, over makeup, when my skin is completely dry. That may sound crazy, and trust me it FEELS crazy at first, but it immediately starts breaking up and melting off makeup. I usually apply it before getting into the shower and then rinse it once I step in.
Special Cleansing Gel – I wouldn’t say this cleanser moves mountains, but I think it’s a pretty good everyday go-to. And, I do love it as a second step after the Precleanse Balm. It’s a pretty gentle cleanser and removes all the makeup and gunk that the Precleanse Balm breaks up. I keep it in the shower and use it daily.
Daily Microfoliant – The third step is definitely my favorite, and this product is SO good. When my face is still soaking wet from step two, I pour some of the Microfoliant into my hands. It’s in powder form, so when it hits wet hands, it starts to form a sort of paste that’s super gentle, like a really soft, wet sand. I scrub my face with it like a normal exfoliator, and I swear my skin is always instantly softer.
Masks – There’s pretty much nothing I love more than relaxing with a mask on, so a couple of times a week, I’ll do the whole cleansing ritual, put on a mask, and hop in the tub for a bath. I use a ton of different masks actually, but my favorite is hands-down the Exfoliating Treatment Mask from Tula. I also go for masks by Georgette Klinger and Pixi and love a good sheet mask like the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask before bed.
Happy Sunday, babes! Today I’m sharing a little Sunday post with my favorite Sunday activity: a bath! It may be a Southern thing, but holy moly sometimes there’s nothing I love more than a long, hot bath and a little at-home spa time. When we first bought our house, sweet Jesus was this bathroom gross. The whole thing had to be gutted and reworked from scratch. My one request was a good tub, and Eric so pulled through and created my favorite bathroom (or room maybe) in the house while I was out of town for a week. I never take this space for granted and try to use it as much as possible, and with Eric out of town this weekend, I’ve been a bathing queen.
As every bath lover knows, good products are so key. Besides a glass of wine and a good magazine, I’m absolutely loving the four products above, and if I had to pick a favorite, I’d probably go with the Seaweed Detox Bath. The smell is probably not for everyone, but I love that it isn’t girly, floral or sweet. It’s more natural and strong enough to open up my sinuses like my favorite essential oils. (If you’re an oil lover, then this one is probably for you.) . The Coconut Milk Bath and Shampure Composition Oil make my skin feel SO soft, and the Cleansing Sponge with built-in cleansers is so great for exfoliating. Also, I recently ordered the bamboo bath tray and had NO idea how much I would love this thing. It is just so convenient for holding ALL the things. (Perfect for keeping my hands free to shoo away the munchkin below who’s just dying to hop in the tub too.)
Time & Tru skirt; Scoop tee (similar here); Dolce Vita sneakers; Rebecca Minkoff handbag; Amazon bangles; Ray-Ban sunglasses
Bedding and pillow via HomeGoods; 
