summer essentials

<W scrutinizing the honest sunscreen before taking a bite>

Growing up in Florida, I have always loved going to the beach. It's even better now that we have a mini to tote with us. I keep expecting him to go crazy for the sand, but he's still pretty fascinated by the sunscreen bottle! Since summer basically started in April down here, my beach bag has stayed packed for the past few weeks, and probably will be through September.

ten dreamy black rooms

After our nursery fiasco (to be detailed in full at a later date), I learned never paint a room without a paint sample on every wall. For the past month(s), we've had four different paint splotches on each wall of our dining room. Yesterday, we finally had the room painted. I anxiously watched our nanny cams for glimpses of the work in progress, and was beyond excited to get home.

Happy Mother's Day

Something inside you changes on the day you become a mother. 

the lob

I'm off to freshen up my cut today, and think I'll be going a bit blonder for summer. Those pesky platinum hairs growing along my part lines are multiplying, and I've decided blonde will blend better. I'm slowly growing my lob out, but plan to keep the angles around for a few more months.

beach weekend

A couple weekends ago my parents invited us to stay at their place for the weekend while they were out of town. We jumped at the chance for a staycation down the street in the Pass-a-grille area. Wyatt was a little under the weather, but if you didn't know him, you would never know.

book club // one

Have you read The Girl on the Train yet? I started it on Monday and finished it by Wednesday... all during the dreaded 11pm pump sesh. It was so good I was practically looking forward to that 45 minute window. There were a few moments I thought the girl had pulled a 'Gone Girl' stunt and wondered how an identical book was published, but as it turned out, I was way off.

36 hours

In January, I needed to go to Manhattan for work, and since Wyatt wasn't sleeping through the night yet, we made a trip out of it. I had a Friday morning deposition, which left us with a little bit of time to explore. It snowed just enough to blanket the ground, but was still warm enough that touring the city on foot was tolerable.

28 weeks

It's been 28 weeks since W was evicted. 

It has been the most rewarding, exhausting, and fun-filled 28 weeks to date. 

one.year.later.

I realized the other day it had been a year since I hopped over here and updated this little blog. Just after I finished the relaunch, I found out I was pregnant. I was in a fair amount of denial (and took four pregnancy tests, plus a blood test) because I felt completely asymptomatic.

all white everything

Although you'll usually find me wearing black, there's just something about wearing all white. Even though it's just as easy as all black, somehow it feels fresh, new.

Herbivore Botanicals

A couple of years ago I became a stickler about reading labels on food before I purchased it. However, it was only until recently that I became more aware of all of the crazy ingredients in beauty products. Have you ever noticed how many bath products simply list "fragrance" as one of the ingredients? I've decided to start using products that aren't hiding all of their ingredients.

breaking the denim rut

Lately, I've been trying to break out of my usual weekend go to's - denim or leather leggings. When I found these scarf print pants at MisRed Outfitters, I seriously had to have them. They're even more comfy than leggings (if possible) but can easily be dressed up or down.

break

Sometimes you reach a point where you have too much going on, and a break is exactly what the doctor ordered. I've been exhausted to a point where I needed to take more time for myself lately. So I did just that. Feeling a bit better, if not 100%, I'm hoping to get back on schedule.

printed pencil

Confession: I have a serious weakness for black pencil skirts. I own more than three. But when I saw printed pencil skirts popping up, I knew I needed one to switch things up a bit.

classic

Years ago, while shopping with my mom, a connoisseur of St. John's blazers, we stumbled upon this one on the sale rack at Nordstrom's. I was still too young {and jobless} to appreciate it, but acquiesced to my mother's proposal that she purchase it for me {I've never been one to turn down a good thing}. Now, it's a staple in my wardrobe and one of the best finds of which I've been a part {it was marked down a good 70%, at least}.

miami-vice

If you like piña coladas (and strawberry daiquiris), then you will love this healthy, protein smoothie. I love this as a quick breakfast for those days I'm running behind (most of them).

pattern play

The annual Gasparilla Parade was this Saturday in Tampa. We had a great time people watching from a friend's pool, and the style had to have been my favorite part. Have you noticed how a good theme will have all adults throwing their usual caution to the wind and embracing the requisite ensemble without a care in the world?

anti-inflammatory citrus juice

When I was 10, I slipped a vertebrae in my back. Ever since, I've struggled with back pain practically every day. I avoid taking any medication as much as possible, and try to find natural remedies to alleviate the pain (krill oil, herbal remedies, etc.). Pineapple cores are anti-inflammatory, so lately I've been incorporating them into juices.

butternut squash hash

I used to be a total sucker for sweet breakfasts, so I really started skipping them in general as I got older (and had to stop eating frosted mini wheats for breakfast every morning). Oh, and Pop-Tarts? Don't even get me started. Now that we're living a healthier lifestyle (at least as much as possible), I've embraced the savory breakfast with open arms. 

need right now: gladiator sandals

I am loving the new gladiator sandal and I'm dying to get my hands on a pair {or two}. I have a pair from a few years ago, but these updated versions are so chic. And the Zara ones? So cute for such a great price.

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