Thursday, June 26, 2025

It's The Small Things

 Over the past five years it really seems like the world has been in chaos. I feel like it is so easy to get sucked into constantly checking the news and doom scrolling on social media. A few years ago, I came to the conclusion that it is a waste of time and energy to get worked up over things that you really don’t have any control over (unless you are in a position to do so). At the end of the day, the most you can ever do is express your opinion and say a prayer. 

I have always been a believer that if you look on the positive side of life, more positive things seem to happen, and it creates a happier lifestyle. Sometimes the happiest moments in the day really boiling down to small things that add up and can honestly turn one’s whole day around. So, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the recent small things in my life. 

A visit to a bookstore

The sight of fresh flowers

A baby’s laugh

Discovering a new favorite item at an old restaurant 

Fresh sheets

An unexpected compliment

Facetimes

The sound of rain falling right as you’re going to bed

Puppy snuggles

Finding a favorite dress you thought the cleaners may have lost

The smell of fresh cut grass

Having a really good hair day

Bringing a smile to another person’s face

Seeing old friends

The perfect sunny mornings right before it gets hot

Climbing into bed and turning the first page in a new book

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

May Reading List

 I am really trying to make reading a priority this year, even if it is just listening to an audio book, and in case you are wondering, yes, I am in the camp that listening to an audiobook still counts as reading. 

The past year has been crazy in that barely keeping your head above water feeling… I am really trying to make a point to carve out space for myself to do some of the things that spark joy. I am one of those people who feels more fulfilled when they exercise and take part in artistic things – it is like food for the soul. I love how with reading you can get completely lost in a storyline to the point where it feels like a little mental mini vacation. 

 

I usually read books that are currently trending, but this year I have decided to read the books that have been on my list of books to read, forever, as well as taking in trending books, guilty pleasure books, classics, etc. I love how they all have their own vibe and offer different points of views on things.

 

With out further delay, here is a list of the books I read in May! They were all fantastic reads, but Beach House Rules was my personal favorite.


One// The Wedding People, by Alison Espach

I have seen people rave about this book for the longest time… It honestly took me about a hundred pages to really get into it and at times I was holding my breath and praying for a certain outcome. This book is a page turner because it is so easy to become so invested in the lives of the characters (the leap off the pages!). In true transparency, this book is a very good read, but overhyped, 100%.


***Side Note: if you are experiencing depression or having harmful thoughts, I would not recommend this book for you***

 

Two// The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis

This book has been on my list of books to read since 2020, when it was first released. The cover alone is reason enough to invest in this book! If I am being honest, I really, really wanted to love this book, and it was still an excellent book, but another one that was overhyped. The story is so beautiful in a tragic way… this is a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and leave you with a new perspective on some things.

 

Three// Beach House Rules, by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I feel like Kristy Woodson Harvey books always signal the start of summer. Her books are the perfect beach read and are always filled with the most relatable characters and the juiciest storylines. I cannot recommend this book enough! Ife you haven’t read it yet, then you need to pick up a copy ASAP.

 

Friday, June 13, 2025

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Guide

 I know I say this every time I post ‘For Him’ gift guide of some sort, but men really are so hard to shop for, in my opinion. When it comes to women I feel like there is just an endless sea of gift options, but men… it just seems overall pretty basic and repetitive… I was most definitely the child who gave their father neckties multiple years in a row; in my defense, the 90s and early 2000s tie color scheme was on point, and Sharper Image was about as techy as things got. 

Now that I am grown-up, I love venturing to stores Williams-Sonoma for Father’s Day gifts. Barware is so fun to shop for! I tried to think of a few outside the box for this gift guide, and don’t worry, ties are not included in this guide! 

One// Williams Sonoma Classic BBQ Tool Set

What dad doesn’t love a good grilling set? This is such a great set that will last dad for years and years to come

Two//Breville Sear & Press Grill

These Grill presses are fantastic! They can be used for so many items! My personal favorite – would hands down be a panini sandwich

Three// American Flag Cotton Crewneck Sweater

Flag sweaters are such a summer staple. Love the classic navy background of this one and the timeless fit and style. Honestly feel like every family needs a classic flag sweater in their wardrobe and this one is such a great deal!

Four// iPad Air

Men and technology… it is always a win, 99% of the time. The iPad air comes in the perfect size and weight for travel or just for convince 

Five// Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skinny Grill 

I absolutely love this piece! It is so great to place over your burners to grill hamburgers, chicken, sandwiches, whatever you hear desires! Being able to grill burgers inside on a rainy night – that sounds like a dad win to me! 

Six// Ooni Koda 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven

Who doesn’t love pizza?! Honestly feel like this is a treat for everyone in the family. I can’t help but picture a fall night, the leaves gently rustling, and the smell of pizza wafting through the air.

Seven// Sony-Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless Camera with Interchangeable Lens

I know that phones take better quality pictures than a lot of cameras out there. However, I feel like it is important to have a really great camera, especially if you have children. Another gift that would be a treat for dad as well as the whole family!

Eight// Cloud 6 Coast Sneaker

Because every dad needs a really great pair of stylish dad shoes! 

Nine// GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker 

Honestly, this one just looks cool, and Sonic level ice available at anytime of day in the comfort of your own kitchen just sounds like a dream!

Ten// Billy Reid x Williams Sonoma 3-Piece Cocktail Shaker & Strainer Set

Cocktail shakers are always a must. I feel like this one is so perfect for the dad that loves to have a nightcap.

Eleven// Faherty Shirt

Faherty is such a great go-to for men’s casual shirts. Any of them would make a really great Father’s Day gift! 

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Book Review :: Beach House Rules

 One of my favorite ways to kick off the summer season is by enjoying a little downtime, appreciate a slower pace of life, and take some time to read a few books by some of my favorite authors. Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books always seem to be released at the most perfect time – the beginning off summer; beach reads are always the perfect way to kick off the summer. 

I have read pretty much every book Kristy Woodson Harvey has written, and I have to say, her newest book, Beach House Rules, is easily one of my favorites. I love how she paints such a vivid picture of a North Carolina beach town that pulls the reader into the world of her oh so relatable and enchanting characters.

Beach House Rules is packed full of drama, romance, an air of mystery, small town gossip, twist and turns, and a storyline and characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. 

 

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested and accused of taking money from his clients, Charlotte and her daughter, Iris, find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation. Frustrated and unable to get a job because of the circumstances surrounding her husband, Alice, rumored to be the town’s black widow, takes Charlotte and Iris under wing and offers them a room at the mommune. Charlotte and Iris are presently surprised how much the enjoy living with Alice and two other mothers, Julie and Grace, their children and Alice. The find solace in a community of best friends they didn’t realize how desperately they needed. 

 

 Things start to get interesting when romantic prospects enter the picture, skeletons start to come out of the closet, and invisible strings of connection are revealed. 

 

Could not recommend this book more. Kristy Woodson Harvey is the queen of beach reads, and this is one that will only leave you wanting more. Honestly read Beach House Rules in three days. So incredibly good!

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

April Reading List

 This year I am making an effort to read more… I feel like the past eighteen months have just been crazy, and honestly hard to carve out time to savor all the unnecessary things in life that at the end of the day actually really matter in the sense of filling yourself with things that bring you joy. 

I’ve been obsessed with audible this year. In my opinion, nothing replaces a physical book, but audible is such a great way to read on the days you are a little short on time and have an opportunity to multitask. And in case you are wondering, I am team listening to a book is still reading… at the end of the day you absorb someone world they created and sometimes even walk away with a little insight gained on a new or old perspective.

One// The Art Thief, by Michael Finkel

The Art Thief was such a great read, and what makes it even more interesting is that this story is actually true. I vaguely remember the real life art thief being a hot new story when I was in high school. Such an interesting read and a really well told story. If you are into true crime, then I highly recommend this book for you!

Two// The Love We Found, by Jill Santopolo

I read The Light We Lost a few years ago, and this story is the perfect follow-up. I love Santopolo’s captivating style of writing, how she makes the characters leap off the page and makes you run the emotional course of each one. If you read The Light We Lost, this one is obviously a must-read! If you are new to this series, reading the first book isn’t necessary, but recommend reading them in order.

Three// The Cuban Heiress, by Chanel Cleeton

Over the pandemic I became obsessed with Chanel Cleeton books; I would go for ridiculously long walks and listen to her stories. Her books are such a page turner, and I personally really appreciate the obvious effort she puts into her historical research… she paints such a vivid picture of the time – you almost feel like her main character takes your hand and transports you to another point in time. This fast-paced book is full of twist and turns and the character development is just next level. 

Four// Swan Song, by Elin Hilderbrand

This book has been sitting on my nightstand since the summer… I have to say it was well worth the wait! Elin Hilderbrand is one of the queens of Summer Beach reads. If you love the beach and some drama, then you need to read this book ASAP. It is Ed Kapenash last summer as Chief of Police, but the newest residents of Nantucket fill the community with gossip, envy, and an entangled web to be solved. 



Sunday, May 18, 2025

Sunday Night Thought

 

Links I'm Loving

It has obviously been a hot second since I have posted on here. I love this little space I have been able to create and the community I have built over the years. I am always active on Instagram and plan to be more consistent on this platform. You never know what’s around the corner or the extent that one might be involved in something… The past five months feel like they have flown by, and at times everything just felt really overwhelming. However, things are starting to calm down, so keep an eye out for blog posts being posted at a more consistent rate. 

One// Happiest Cities in the World 2025

I always think it is so interesting to read lists like this. This is such a fun read if you are looking to move or on the search for your next great adventure.

 

Two// Sarah Flint Stella Flats

I have worked with Sarah Flint since 2020 and have become such a fan of her shoes. The craftmanship that goes into producing a single pair of these beautifully constructed handmade shoes really is amazing! Stella is a newer style and I am completely in love with this white satin pair for summer. Use code: SARAHFLINT-LAUREN-15 for 15% off

 

Three// Clair Saffitz Homemade Australian Tim Tams

I have been a fan of Clair Saffitz since her Bon Appetit days and her recreates videos are some of my favorites! 

 

Four// Walt Disney’s House for Rent

If you are a Disney fan you have to check this link out. The house that Walt Disney designed for his family in Los Angeles, CA. is for rent. The designs and details that are in this house are just so stunning! 

 

Five// Hill House Home New Arrivals 

Hill House is my favorite place for summer dresses. I have been so taken with the new designs and prints that have recently come out with. And… they have a new hydrangea collection!