{spring shoes}

Dress | Denim Jacket (on sale) | Clogs (on sale) | Sunglasses | Bracelet (on sale) | Necklace

I got 99 problems, but shoes aint one! In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve added a couple new pairs of kicks to the family. First, I pulled the trigger on the Free People Mont Blanc Sandals. Which I scored for $50. It was one of those good ol meant to be moments. They were the ONLY pair left. And just so happened to be in my exact size. Meant to be, right? Then last week the Strappy Clog Sandal that I’ve had my eye on, went on maj sale. I’m talking more than 60% off. It was love at first sight.

To be 100% honest though, shoes are not my weakness. I’m rather picky when it comes to shoes.

1 – because they are typically an investment

2 – when I find a pair of shoes I LOVE, it’s all I will wear

3 – they have to be comfy AF…I don’t mess around

Now fun, cute tops + jeans…..they are for sure the thing I can’t say no to.

With these two new recent additions, I’d say my shoe game is on point for the summer. I will run these puppies into the ground.

Dress | Denim Jacket (on sale) | Clogs (on sale) | Sunglasses | Bracelet (on sale) | Necklace

And just to set the record straight……having my photo taken while in public will NEVER, ever not feel super awkward. Like, what did I have my eye on in that bush? And this one here. Doesn’t it look like I’m about to knock someone out with my fist?

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{photo editing tips + tricks}

Dress | Heels | Sunnies | Earrings (on sale)| Clutch (similar)

One question I get asked all the time? What I use to take my photos and how I edit my photos. I’ve been meaning to write this post for sometime…decided today is the day! Ha! Here are some tips + tricks that I’ve picked up from other bloggers along with lots of trial and error.

Before we get started……I strictly use my iPhone 8 Plus. I go back and forth from portrait mode to regular photo mode. Back in December, I purchased a preset and I’ve been using it ever since.

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{spring to-do’s}

My top: Abercrombie | Bay’s top (50% off): J.Crew Factory |
My denim (40% off): J.Crew // but I’m saving my pennies for these (they’re on sale too): Madewell | Bay’s denim (ONLY $21): J.Crew |
My heels: Nordstrom | Bay’s sandals: Target (similar) |
My earrings: Madewell | Sunnies: Nordstrom | Bay’s earrings: Madewell

Spring is here (beating a dead horse, I know) and so is our seasonal Bucket List. All the things we hope + wish + plan on exploring + creating + making + doing!

Keeping a running list is a great way to remember all seasonal things you enjoy doing or look forward to do.  When we have a free weekend, I like to refer to our To-Do’s and check items off as we go

Spring To-Do’s

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{gimme all the white tops}

Tomorrow is the first official day of SPRING! I could cry….I’m that excited. Well, except there is rain in the forecast.

We’ve been all over the place today. Bay had an ortho appointment where they scheduled her braces removal. I cannot believe it’s been 2 years. And they also warned me that she’s going to look 10 years older than she already does. Noooo! She’s so excited and I’m so excited for her.

And I FINALLY got my car back today. I was driving a Dodge Journey for the last week. It’s wayyy newer then the ol Pilote. Has all the bells and whistles. And I was so excited to sit in the drivers seat of my 6 year old Honda.

I was also today years old when I learned that you can sign over a check to someone else. Where have I been? You just endorse it and anyone can deposit it? Doesn’t seem legit to me. I guess you learn something new everyday!

I had something else planned for today. Then I got a notification that my tunic, that I fell head over heels for, is on sale. 30% off! And it’s a newer arrival. So, this basically NEVER happens.

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{casual + edgy + dressy}

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Blazer // Denim // Grateful Dead Tee ($16)// Heels // Earrings // Sunnies // iPhone case

 

I’m all about an eclectic look.  Putting some of my favorite classic pieces together.  Mixing and matching different styles to come up with something new + unexpected.  I like to call this one casual with a touch of dressy and a side of edge.  Ha.  A little business mixed with a little casual.  Kinda reminds me of my {the mullet} #ootd from November 2016!

During my {spending freeze} (aka the worst 30-days ever) I was challenged to create new outfits with things I already had.  So, I pulled out all the classic, timeless pieces that I wear over and over.  J.Crew Blazer.  Levis.  Heels.  Then find a way to jazz it up into something new + fun without spending money.

Ladies, grab all your tanks + graphic tee’s!  Mix and match them with cardigans + blazers.  It’s such a great way to incorporate summery items while transitioning to fall.

Would you rock something like this?

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Blazer // Denim // Grateful Dead Tee ($16)// Heels // Earrings // Sunnies // iPhone case

All the images below are “clickable”  Click on item and it will direct you to the website to view + purchase.  I’m still learning so much.  So, let me know if this is helpful!

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{morning routine + 1st day of school #ootd’s}

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denim // top // kimono // heels // earrings 

 

The beginning of a new school year is kinda like a fresh start.  New Goals.  New routines to help us put our best foot forward as we head out the door.  Which all make me happy…..once we work out all the kinks.  HA!  The begging always tends to have a rocky start, let’s be real!

That’s where planning comes into place.  I’m always looking for was to prepare either the night before or first thing in the morning to make our mornings a run little smoother.

Here’s what we’ve implemented to make an EARLIER than ever start-time work in our house:

 

The Weekend Before:

  • meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner for the following week)
  • grocery shop (I do this on Thursday’s or Friday’s for the following week) 
  • make a list of lunch main dish options (sandwich, quesadilla, lunchable or leftovers)
  • fill snack bins see ours on {slow cooker salsa chicken // and back to school hacks}
  • meal prep (wash, slice, chop and roast veggies.  bake muffins – for Bay’s breakfast.  prep anything that can make your life easier) 
  • outfit plan.  Have everything for each day: top, bottoms, chonies, bra, socks, shoes.  EVERYTHING! (I even did this for myself this week and it’s such a time-saver) 

 

The Night Before:

  • fill Hydro Flask or water bottle
  • make lunch main dish
  • fill lunch bags and leave in the fridge
  • don’t forget a lunch box love note 🙂
  • pack + clean out backpack/bags for the next day
  • lay out gym clothes for the morning
  • Bay showers at night
  • this year we did 1st day pictures the night before!  #lifehack

 

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The Morning:

  • up bright and early for GTL (gym, tan, laundry) minus the T & L…lol.
  • time batch.  Set a timer and get as much shit as possible done (anything that needs to be cleaned, folded, loaded etc)  You’d me amazed at how much can be accomplished when a timer is set!
  • ACV shot + shower + get ready
  • Bay wakes up and gets in my way…lol.
  • grab #ootd
  • throw lunches in our bags
  • Bay grabs a muffin, I grab a shake (going to miss my morning eggs) and out the door.

 

Are you still there?

Boring, I know.  But, I get asked ALL THE TIME, so there you have it.  Our “new” morning routine.

Now on to the good stuff….#ootd’s

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dress // top // shoes // backpack // letter board

 

Bay’s #ootd details:

 

Dress –  Corduroy Mini Overall Dress Thanks for voting on my instagram stories last night.  We went to Forever 21 yesterday to pick up a couple of things and I spotted this dress.  I begged Bay to try it on.  She wasn’t too sure about it.  I put it on a poll and asked if she’d wear it, if she got 30 “YES” votes and she agreed!  By the time we went to check out at F21 there were already 40 “YES” votes.  Thanks friends.  It brings me back to the Clueless days.  Totally something Cher would have rocked!  But, Bay didn’t get that reference.

Top – Just a basic Target Tee shirt.  Nothing fancy.

Shoes – Someone told me that in middle school you have to own a pair of Checkered Classic Slip-On Sneaker.  Thanks Kissey + Tio for making sure she was fitted:)  I also own a pair of these and they are one of my faves too!

Backpack – I scored this HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Retreat Backpack during the Nordstrom sale last month.  More than I’ve ever spent on a backpack.  Bay claims this will last her whole middle school carer.  Maybe we should do a poll on that one too?  Hmmm!

Letter Board – This Amazon Letter Board was a gift and I can’t tell you how often I pull it out.  No printables needed this year.  The 10 x 10 board that Bay’s holding is only $13!

 

And yes, I do buy myself a back to school outfit too!  I think all Mama’s should get a new #ootd for the special day…Ha!

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{the perfect white denim}

IMG_1223You guys, I FINALLY found “the” perfect white denim.  I’ve been on the hunt for months.  Since Spring.  I even added it to my {summer to-do’s}

The struggle is real when it comes to white jeans.

Ordered + tried on + returned more pairs than imaginable.  I was beginning to think my white denim criteria was impossible to meet?

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{third piece rule}

Have you ever heard of the third piece rule?  It’s totally new to me too.  I’ve been reading more and more about it and decided I need to put this rule in effect!  It’s basically a way to encourage more stylish outfits.

Your top + pants are your first + second pieces.  Shoes not included.  Your third piece must be an extra element.  For example: blazer + belt + hat + scarf + statement jewelry.

Does that make sense?

Basically the third piece promotes a more stylish outfit.  Making your run of the mill look more put together.  Polished.  Interesting.  Like you put a little extra effort into your look!

I’m going to incorporate the third piece rule this summer working with pieces I already have.  What do you think?  Are you down for the challenge?

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Tank // Denim // Heels // Earrings

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{june in review}

It’s Thursday, but man, it sure feels like a Monday.  Right?  Grateful AF tomorrow is Friday though.  Mid-week Holidays can really screw things up.  I’m all out of sorts today.

But I wanted to pop in and share a June review.  In case you missed it, June was another busy month.  Twenty one blog posts.  With a mixture of a little of this + a little of that.  Recipes.  Cute tops.  Weekend highlights.  Intentions.

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Top // Denim // Heels // Clutch // Sunnies 

 

In case you missed it….here’s what went down in June!

 

 

Before I die…..{friday 5}

6th grade dance + lots of pool time…that was a good one {weekend notes}

{may in review} THE dress + 23 blog posts 🙂

I was overwhelmed with all the love on my pesto recipe{caprese egg cups}

Did anyone attempt the {money + candy lei diy}

The highest viewed post of the month goes to: {friday 5}

That epic fruit platter + the quote I have on my fridge from {weekend notes}

My two loves combined {chicken caesar salad pizza}

The debate continues, but I’m still standing by my NO social media rule {tweens + phones…let’s chat about it}

Hope you found this one helpful {gift guide: father’s day}

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