Backyarding

Nothing of note to report from our weekend.  We spent the entire day at the pool on Saturday.  I actually dropped Tagg off back at home midday because he was spent and Wells was still having a blast swimming with a little buddy from school.  She pretty much swam non-stop from 10-4.  It was probably a good thing that it was cloudy and rainy the rest of the weekend so she could rest.  But rain again today?  And no school?  Seriously?  Let's all just pretend that it's sunny and 80's and 5:00.

chambray off the shoulder dress //  I posted about this dress a few weeks ago in my vacation roundup because it caught my eye online and then yesterday I spotted it on a friend in her vacation pictures on facebook and fell even more in love. It looks amazing on you Jaime!  She is in Greece yet she was getting compliments on the dress more than the stunning view!  Decent length, lightweight chambray, pretty shape.  Done.
52mm Oversized Mirrored Sunglasses // I know lots of you are in the cheap sunglasses camp because they're constantly getting lost or broken.  A steal at $12 these are a must-have!
Tea Collection Smocked Dress // Another one I just can't get out of my head.  Wells is pretty tall for her age so I'll probably order the size 7 instead of the 5 or 6.  I feel like this is one of those dresses we're both going to love and it's currently 25% off!
Maltese Fringe Sandal // a good safe way to get in on the fringe trend although I would totally recommend these sandals for the more daring ladies who want to bring the party on their feet!
Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody Bag // such a great little bag to hold the essentials
6' Pink & White Stripe Patio Umbrella // this is another one that looks even better in person.  I purchased this umbrella last summer and it still looks great! Such a fun punch of personality to our back deck.
Mercury Row 3-piece Conversation Set // another fun porch addition at a great price.

And because what's a fabulous night backyarding with friends and family without good eats and drinks?  These three are absolute must-try recipes for this week.  Tacos, corn, frozen booze, oh my!

Frozen Coconut Mojito // this sounds amazing and looks really easy to make!  I love a good frozen cocktail when it's hot and sunny.  If it ever gets hot and sunny.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Jalapeno Aoli // zero description needed just get in my mouth.
Jalapeno Lime Corn Salad // inspired by chipotle, this recipe looks amazing.

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Memorial Day Sales

via

MEMORIAL DAY SALES

So many amazing deals to be had today!  And with day two of rain around here it's making it really hard to stay off the computer and shop!  I know the clouds are here to stay but I'm hoping for at least a small break from the rain so we can grill out later.  At least it's washing away the pollen, right?

NORDSTROM // up to 40% off with the Half Yearly Sale

J.CREW // EXTRA 40% off SALE STYLES and 30% off REGULAR PRICED STYLES with CODE:WEEKEND

J.CREW FACTORY // extra 40% off CLEARANCE + FREE SHIPPING with CODE:SOSOSWEET

LOFT // 60% off SUMMER FAVORITES + SALE STYLES and 40% off REGULAR PRICED STYLES

ANTHROPOLOGIE // extra 30% off ends today

SHOPBOP // the official sale is over but there is still lots of good stuff in the Under $200 section

SERENA & LILY // 20% off with CODE:HEREWEGO

HAYDEN REIS // 20% off with CODE:MEMORIAL16 + free shipping over $200

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Don't forget to check out my top picks for summer clothes HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

Work Clothes

Several of you mentioned that it was really helpful to see some work clothes options on the blog. Probably because it appears that the majority of bloggers are professional weekenders who's idea of a meeting look includes a crop-top.  So on trend but so not my life.  Anyway, absolutely not knocking the ladies who keep it casual, I spend more than half of my life in yoga pants, but for those times where I need to put on my business hat it's nice to have some inspiration to draw from.  I know it will be helpful for some of y'all too!

1. Halogen Stripe Pencil Skirt // Absolutely love a good pencil skirt.  The stripes make this a fun choice but still pretty easy to pair with what's already in your closet.  Everyone should have at least two of these already.  Comes in two other patterns but I love this stripe and the orange raised the best.  33% off!
2. Halogen Blue & White tweed Skirt // 40% off and so perfect for Summer!
3. Halogen Grey Textured A-Line Skirt // also 40% off and could be worn year round.
4. Pleated Crepe Dress //  such a flattering cut and comes in several colors.  A steal at 33% off!
5. Pink Seam Dress // also comes in white and black. 40% off but sizes are limited.
6. Vince Camuto Ankle Strap Sandals // under $80 and 16 colors to choose from.  I love the beige, the snakeskin and pink orchid.  So pretty!
7. Charles David Pumps // 30-40% lot of fun patterns and colors you know my top pick is the nude!
8. Sam Edelman Yardley Lace Up Sandal // so fun and that thick heal looks comfortable!
9. Sole Society D'Orsay pumps // I have these in black suede and love the slim lines and low kitten heel.
10. Kate Spade Lydia Heel // a total splurge but dang these are lovely! Check out a more budget friendly pair here or here-this one is 40% off.
11. BP Colorblock Faux Leather Tote // perfect for holding folders and files and an iPad.
12. J.Crew Ruffle Sleeve Top // 30% off with code:WEEKEND. Would be seriously awesome with a pencil skirt or slim cigarette pants for work or for play.  So Audrey Hepburn!
13. Sleeveless Tweed Dress // 30% off with code: WEEKEND
14. Kate Spade Card Holder // so cute and only $45!
15. Kate Spade Glass & silicone Water Bottle // I may or may not carry around my St. Mary's Hospital water cup.  It's incredible and holds so.much.water.  But it's not exactly appropriate for all occasions so it's time to upgrade to something a bit more sophisticated.
16. RayBan High Street 49mm Sunglasses  // can't go wrong with an updated pair of RayBan's.

WEEKEND SALES 

I'll try to keep this updated  for you because there are some great deals you won't want to miss! 

NORDSTROM // half yearly sale up to 40% off [ends June 5th]
J.CREW // extra 40% off SALE STYLES and 30% REGULAR PRICED STYLES with CODE:WEEKEND
J.CREW FACTORY // extra 40% off CLEARANCE + FREE SHIPPING with CODE:SOSWEET
SHOPBOP // the sale is over but there is lots of good stuff in the Under $200 section
ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Full-Price styles with CODE: SUMMER50

MINTED // 15% Off All Wedding and Kids’ Essentials with CODE:MEMORIAL16

OLD NAVY // Extra 50% Off Select Styles

HAYDEN REIS // 20% off with CODE:MEMORIAL16

SERENA AND LILY // 20% off with CODE:HEREWEGO

ANTHROPOLOGIE // EXTRA 30% off sale ENDS TODAY

ONE KINGS LANE // OUTDOOR BLOWOUT SALE ENDS TODAY
WAYFAIR // up to 70% off blowout sale
LOFT // 60% off Summer Faves + Sale Styles and 40% off Regular Priced Styles

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Don't forget to check out my round-up for KIDS HERE.
And my top picks for summer clothes HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

Memorial Day | American Heroes

While it's easy to keep it light and breezy this weekend celebrating the start of summer with margaritas and shopping and boat parades and backyard grilling and precious children in blue and white gingham with smocked american flags we also need to take the time to remember all of our American Heroes who have and still are fighting and sacrificing their lives for our ability to peacefully gather with friends and dress our children how we please.

Virginia War Memorial

It's easy to think of Memorial Day as a time to roll out the black and white pictures of our grandfathers looking young and dapper in their WWII uniforms or maybe the yellowed Kodachrome of an uncle laughing shirtless in the jungle of Vietnam and smile as we post them to social media doing our part to remember veterans.  It's much easier to forget about the outstanding men and women over the past 10 or 15 or 20 years who have died in a sacrificing their lives for our freedom.  Our current freedom.  My brother graduated from West Point 10 years ago last weekend and the number of emails I get from my Mom saying that he lost another classmate or a friend from the Cross Country Team or someone from his brigade still shocks me.

Even as the sister to someone who served in the military (he's currently studying to be a Priest at The Vatican.  I know, I know, Army Ranger to Catholic Priest is quite the swing.  All I can say is that when he sets his mind to something he goes in 100%) I still forget that veterans aren't just the friendly old men selling paper roses outside of the grocery store this weekend.  They are those men but they are also the men and women you see waiting in line behind you at the checkout.  They are our peers and they've chosen to serve us and our country in the biggest way possible.  So thank them.  Thank their families.  Fly your American Flag.

WEEKEND SALES 

I'll try to keep this updated  for you because there are some great deals you won't want to miss! 

NORDSTROM // half yearly sale up to 40% off [ends June 5th]
J.CREW // extra 40% off SALE STYLES and 30% REGULAR PRICED STYLES with CODE:WEEKEND
J.CREW FACTORY // extra 40% off CLEARANCE + FREE SHIPPING with CODE:SOSWEET
SHOPBOP // the sale is over but there is lots of good stuff in the Under $200 section
ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Full-Price styles with CODE: SUMMER50

MINTED // 15% Off All Wedding and Kids’ Essentials with CODE:MEMORIAL16

OLD NAVY // Extra 50% Off Select Styles

HAYDEN REIS // 20% off with CODE:MEMORIAL16

SERENA AND LILY // 20% off with CODE:HEREWEGO

ANTHROPOLOGIE // EXTRA 30% off sale ENDS TODAY

ONE KINGS LANE // OUTDOOR BLOWOUT SALE ENDS TODAY
WAYFAIR // up to 70% off blowout sale
LOFT // 60% off Summer Faves + Sale Styles and 40% off Regular Priced Styles

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Don't forget to check out my round-up for KIDS HERE.
And my top picks for summer clothes HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

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My Favorite Podcasts

I mentioned a few months ago that I love podcasts and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you today.  It's a pretty random mix of topics, but, overall they're interesting and engaging and leave me questioning things.  I love that.  I've found the world of podcasts hard to navigate but so rewarding when you hit a jackpot.  I've rounded up my top 10 subscribed feeds.   I'd love for you to comment with any I'm missing out on.  It's so refreshing to sit and listen sometimes.

1.  Stuff Mom Never Told You // Kristen + Kristen are my virtual BFF's.  Although I must confess that when I finally looked up their website for this post they looked nothing like I'd imagined.  Kind of like when a book is turned into a movie and the characters are never quite casted like you'd pictured.  But anyway, they're super fun and peppy and informative.  I love that they divulge into important topics and are very pro-women.

2.  SERIAL by This American Life // Okay, I'll admit I'm still completely obsessed with Season One.  I have my own theories about who killed Hae Min Lee.  It involves the middle Easter Drug Mafia, of course.  Season Two was really interesting to me as well, maybe because my brother was in the army and served in Afghanistan around the same time that Beau created the DUSTWUN.  I can't help but think of all the ways he and his friends were affected by Beau.  But it left me hanging and not really eager for more like Season One.

3. The Lively Show // Jess Lively is a favorite of mine on instagram for her inspirational devotion to living your best life.  I love her show because she's all about positivity and authenticity and she celebrates women entrepreneurs.  She's a get up and go kind of gal and we could all use one in our lives.

4. The Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo // Y'all know I've been working with a lifecoach here in Richmond and I can't even tell you how helpful it's been.  I'm so thankful to have found this podcast as well.  Brooke makes me think.  She makes me flip things around and grow as a person.  I love that crap.  She's helping me so much and I hope she has something to offer you as well.

5.  The Anxiety Guru.  If you're new here you might want to read this post first.  But the short version is that I've spent the past 6.5 months trying to overcome severe anxiety and depression.  I've been proactively finding new ways to get myself to a better place and Paul Dooley has been instrumental. he's been there and he gets it.  Sometimes that's help enough.

6. Gilmore Guys // Wells and I just started Gilmore Girls this Spring on Netflix and I'm hooked.  I love these two guys' take on the show.  So funny.

7.  Happier with Gretchen Ruben // I'm all about living better these days and I love the practical advice this smart lady dishes out.

8. #GirlBoss Radio // Sophia Amoruso the founder of Nasty Gal and author of the bestselling book by the same name takes on the male dominated world of business one interview at a time.

9. Stuff You Should Know // while not as best friend gabbing as SMTY, these guys fill you in on an array of topics you never knew you wanted to know about.

10.  The Nerdist // fun pop culture and celeb interviews.  Keeps your mind extra fresh.

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WEEKEND SALES 

I'll try to update this for you as the weekend progresses because I know there will be tons of deals this weekend you don't want to miss!

NORDSTROM // half yearly sale up to 40% off [ends June 5th]
J.CREW // extra discount with CODE: SALESTYLES the top says 50% but the pop up says 30%
J.CREW FACTORY // extra 40% off clearance with CODE:EXTRA40
SHOPBOP // biggest sale of the season so now is the time to add a few fun summer pieces to your closet!
ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Full-Price Purchase & Extra 40% Off  with CODE: SUMMER50

MINTED // 15% Off All Wedding and Kids’ Essentials with CODE:MEMORIAL16
OLD NAVY // Extra 50% Off Select Styles

SERENA AND LILY // Save 20% Off Serena and Lily’s Memorial Day Sale with CODE:HEREWEGO
ANTHROPOLOGIE // Additional 30% off all sale items, in stores and online
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Don't forget to check out the full round up of my summer wish list HERE.  A round-up for KIDS HERE.  Top picks for updating your summer wardrobe HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

Kids Sale Picks

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND TIME!  Get ready to ignore your children and shop from your phone!  I've rounded up all of my favorite picks for kids from the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale.  Lots of good stuff but it goes fast so grab your size while you still can!

Personally I plan to booze it up to make up for my missed trip with my husband last weekend.  Just kidding, Tagg is all better but now Matthew is sick so I'll be on full time entertain and keep the kids alive duty.  The first part calls for wine but the second part requires sobriety.  The true motherhood conundrum.  I guess I'll just have to celebrate our American Heroes with grilled hotdogs.

BLUSH STRIPED DRESS // also comes in a pink stripe but I love this color combo so much!  It reminds me of a lemonade stand, in a good way.  Happy thoughts, these are kids' clothes :)
MINI BODEN SHORTS // I can't say enough good things about this brand.  It's all cute and colorful and play appropriate and holds up in the wash.  Yes, ma'am.  And I don't know about you, but, I think all kids shorts should be elastic waist pull ups.  Also comes in other colors.  We have these pants as well.
FRESHLY PICKED MOCCASINS // every baby's favorite Mocc's on sale.  Perfect time to stock up for baby shower gifts!
KEEN WATERPROOF SANDALS // These are our outdoorsy shoes.  Practically a requirement for us in the warmer months because they are just so dang awesome.  They support the feet and don't cause blisters.  And the kids can run, climb, bike, scooter, splash through creeks, climb river rocks, take neighborhood walks, and get hosed off.   Comes in boy and girl colors.
JEM VACATION T-SHIRT // We're not there yet but from what I hear, I should really be ordering this tee in the XL for myself.  I seriously might do that.
MINI BODEN COTTEN SPORT SHIRT // Don't miss adding at least one of these to your cart right now.  The sale price will make these go fast.
TRUMPETTE LIAM SOCKS // I have to admit, we had the Mary Jane's, the Ballet slippers, the All-Stars, and the Loafers.  They were all my all time favorite baby sock.  Another perfect gift option to stock up on for when your hipster friends have babies.
MARA HOFFMAN RASH GUARD // I love that the popularity of rashguards has brought out so many great options.  And the money you can save on sunscreen can clearly be applied towards enabling your little mini fashionista.  So now this rashguard is paying you to put it on your child.  Nice.
TUCKER + TATE ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT // Oh my gosh.  While a two-piece may save time in the bathroom the back alone is worth the wet leg struggle.  This one is another winner if you're in the two-piece potty easy only camp.
SCALLOP PRINT TIGHTS // too cute!  I love a little girl in thick patterned tights.
HATLEY ANCHORS ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT // Sorry Wells, this one is for the itty bitty's.  This is another precious baby girl only swimsuit on sale.
ANCHOR BOW TIE // also comes with a pocket square.  I swoon.
REPORT COLLECTION CHECK DRESS SHIRT // Big fan of this one for the big boys.
TEA COLLECTION TILE CHECK SMOCKED DRESS // Oh man, smocking, flutter sleeves, blue and grey color scheme.  I can practically see Wells wearing this on the beach collecting shark's teeth with Matthew and Tagg (who are appropriately coordinated, of course) while I nonchalantly snap pictures of my favorite trio.  And I really need her to wear this one too.
MINI BODEN GIRLS SKINNY JEANS // great price and they come in five different colors.

Go HERE for an updated list of all the sales you don't want to miss this weekend.

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Preschool Graduation Day

Don't worry, this post isn't going to go all deep and sappy on you.  Probably because I'm too tired to form a real thought at the moment.  A certain little someone around here doesn't do so well on the eve of big days.   And today is a big freaking day.

In a few hours, Wells will graduate from Junior Kindergarten.  I've realized that I'm not the Mom who's going to make a tremendous deal out of "graduating" each grade.  I'm more of a SCHOOOOOOOOOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER! kind of lady.  When I went to grab a little something sentimental for Wells yesterday to mark the occasion I came home with pool noodles, diving toys, and silly string.  Clearly I'm a still a child.

But the truth is, this is a really big deal for her.  A year ago her age qualified her for Kindergarten but our parental intuition told us she just wasn't ready.  It could have also been her dramatic pleading to be homeschooled or inability to deal with anything new.  Poor baby was terrified to leave the nest and it affected many aspects of our life.  I can't blame her, I'm pretty fabulous to be around all day for days on end.

But now?  Oh man, she is ready for the world!  The past twelve months have been magical.  With the love and support of the most amazing school and team of teachers our little girl has transformed into a thoughtful and confident achiever.  She believes in herself fully.  She is the leader of her class and rally's around them to encourage. She has the ability to take charge and organize a group.  Girlfriend likes to be first, but she wants everyone to finish with her.

Hands down, my favorite project from this year is the self-portraits.  The side by side comparison of September to May is striking. It's like I'm literally seeing her blossom.  I can't wait to see where this girl will go next.

Happy JK Graduation Day, my sweets.

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Don't forget to check out my round-up of the Memorial Day Weekend Sales HERE.
And my top picks for summer clothes HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

The Long Weekend

Okay, it's Wednesday and tomorrow is the last day of school.  But the weather forecast is sunny, Matthew will be home, and the pool opens.  Lots of fun to be had!  We're going to be sticking around Richmond this year doing yard work and backyarding.  It's kind of nice to know that I don't actually have to do enough laundry to get us through for several days by tomorrow.  Oh, but I still daydream about what fun Memorial Day weekend traveling used to be pre-kids.  Coolers full of beer and sand on my toes.  Can all stop for a minute to reminisce about the post sun nap?  Ahhh, it was always so good you weren't even sure what day it was when you woke up.

Vacation Weekender Tote // I can't get enough of the pretty lilac color and in-your-face-ness of being on vacation.
White smocked dress // It looks like it's a bit see through so this might be best used as a cover-up or pool or beach dress unless your weekend plans are a bit rowdier than mine ;)
Sam Edelman Flip Flops // on sale for $28 and there are 10 colors to choose from.
One shoulder one piece nautical swimsuit // this one is back several sizes but I know it will go fast so don't hesitate or you'll miss out again!
Denim Shorts // my very first j.crew purchase was a pair of denim cut-off shorts.  I was in 8th grade and I felt like such an adult.  They've been a staple in my summer wardrobe ever since.
Ray-Ban Erika Classic sunglasses // love the rounded style of these lenses, very on trend!
Off the Shoulder Blouse // this looks perfect for cooler nights on the water!
Socialite High Neck Dress // can't beat the price point on this number.  If you want the navy it's on sale for $20!
Sole Society Chambray Wedge Espadrille // would seriously be so cute with shorts or a dress!
Bose Portable Speaker // om, this one needs no explanation because tunes.  Everything is better with a good playlist.
Scalloped Cross body bag // this is seriously so cute and the color would make any simple outfit a stand out.

WEEKEND SALES 

I'll try to update this for you as the weekend progresses because I know there will be tons of deals this weekend you don't want to miss!

NORDSTROM // half yearly sale up to 40% off [ends June 5th]
J.CREW // extra discount with CODE: SALESTYLES the top says 50% but the pop up says 30%
J.CREW FACTORY // extra 40% off clearance with CODE:EXTRA40
SHOPBOP // biggest sale of the season so now is the time to add a few fun summer pieces to your closet!
ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Full-Price Purchase & Extra 40% Off  with CODE: SUMMER50

MINTED // 15% Off All Wedding and Kids’ Essentials with CODE:MEMORIAL16
OLD NAVY // Extra 50% Off Select Styles

SERENA AND LILY // Save 20% Off Serena and Lily’s Memorial Day Sale with CODE:HEREWEGO
ANTHROPOLOGIE // Additional 30% off all sale items, in stores and online

______________________________________________________________

Don't forget to check out my round-up for KIDS HERE.
And my top picks for summer clothes HERE.  And getting your backyard ready to entertain HERE.

Summer Checklist

SUMMER CHECKLIST.  Just a quick list of some things I need this summer for work, play, backyarding, and date nights.  Everything but the heels are under $100 (they're just slightly over) and the dress is on sale for $20.  Done.  There is also a full priced version of this easy tank dress (still only $34!) that comes in tons of colors and a cute cap sleep version with a fancy back.  Double Done.

the FLAT FRINGE SANDAL || the EASY DRESS || the VERSATILE TOTE || the BEACH TOTE || the Heels

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Pool House Design Board One

Happy Monday.  Another effing rainy day.  Let's all pretend is warm and sunshiny outside and talk beach inspired pool house design.  Because that's more fun than yet another day with the kids inside.

I mentioned last week that my neighbor asked me to help transform her pool house from concrete box to beachy-vibed oasis.  You can check out the pinterest board I started here.  My idea of a good time Friday night :)  I love that she's asked me to help her.  My friend is so vibrant and her family of all boys is a lot of fun so I knew I needed to push things past my typical neutral scheme. This space is going to be used year round for client meetings, hanging out with friends, her yoga and meditation, and as a quiet place to get away from all the testosterone filling up her house!

Sofa || Pillow Covers: one/two/three || Maritime fabric (we're going to make a pull back curtain closure for the changing room like this or this) || Teil Duncan beach print (they also have the print I have as well and two size options) || rug || coffee table (under $150 and comes in 6 colors!) || Good Vibes Only desk sign || yoga mat || side table & lamp || wall color: Sea Salt

She wants to use a sofa that's been in storage out here because it's in perfect condition and it holds tremendous sentimental value.  (It belonged to her Mom who passed away a few years ago).  It's solid pale yellow so we're going to try to make it work if we can.  Her sweet husband already sent some guys out to create a wall of hidden storage and box out the changing room.  They're also painting the walls Sea Salt and sealing the concrete floors.

I'm sure there will be at least 10 different versions of this seating area plus the kitchenette area.  I thought y'all might like to follow along as it evolves so I'll share with you how she likes this board and what gets changed.

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Friday Links

Well, it's Friday, thank the lawd.  Link List Time.

I hope everyone has a fun weekend planned.  I did but I'm not sure that I still do.  We're postponing our trip to Charleston by a day because Tagg is sick again.  Of course.  Right now it's just a cold but his asthma complicates everything and he can go from eh to eek fast.  We're going to wait and leave in the morning instead of in 20 minutes to give him one more day at home doing breathing treatments.  If he's not making much improvement by tonight then Matthew will just go to the wedding without me.  Solo parenting with a sick kid on a rainy weekend is pretty much the opposite of how I thought these next three days would play out.

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* I really like the entire design Alice Lane Home did for Emily Jackson's new build kitchen but I especially love the shelf styling in the butler's pantry.  I need to add some brass and wood tones to my navy built-ins.

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* This kitchen before and after from Marcus Design is so pretty as well.  I'm not entirely over all white kitchens just yet!

* I bought this pink & white striped umbrella last summer and get so many compliments I want to order a second one.  Or maybe one in black and white to switch it up.

* A few of you have asked me about my life coach after reading my latest posts on taking action, self-doubt, and sending Wells off to kindergarten. I'd be happy to pass along her contact information.  You can do it all via phone calls or facetime if you're not local to Richmond.  It's a pretty awesome experience!

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* You know my love of black + white and pink.  I'm obsessed with Jennifer's black & white buffalo check powder room with bright pink accents.  I'm not sure if I could commit to something so bold but, dang, it's fun.

* J.Crew Card members can take 30% off regular priced or sale items and everyone else gets 25% off

* J.Crew Factory EXTRA 40% OFF with code: TIMETOSHOP

* Father's Day is June 19th, less than a month away.  Check out some gift ideas here.

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* On the other end of the spectrum, this bathroom makeover is much more in line with what I'd actually do in my own home.  Plus the before showcased the same 1970's pinkish tile we have in our hall bathroom so it gives me hope that one day ours can look this good.

* Wells has gotten really into putting lately which makes Matthew so happy.  Watching the two of them together makes my heart grow and it makes me want to create something cool like this in our backyard.

* Matthew is building me a picket fence to separate the back yard from the driveway.  Seeing pictures like this has me so giddy for what it could look like in a few years!

* We had a variation on this appetizer at the family wedding we recently attended and I can't stop thinking about getting Matthew to recreate it for me at home.

Work Clothes

Some of y'all may have noticed from clicking around the new tabs at the top of the blog that I'm now a Realtor with the Tuckahoe Office of Long & Foster Christie's International.  I have lots more to share about my decision to sell real estate again but before I delve into yet another post where I mention work I thought I should at least make a soft announcement.

I'm loving a lot of the options for work clothes so really my only problem is wanting to buy them all! Because I'm starting from scratch over here I'm trying to add in some pretty summer pieces and also some basics that will work year round.  Like this $65 dress   It looks like the perfect work dress and is still available several colors and sizes. I just ordered the navy because it feels more office and less cocktail party than the black.  Reviews say true to size so I ordered my normal size.  I'll let you know how it fits!

white dress || non-iron poplin shirt dress || yellow fit & flare dress (it comes in other colors but I think the yellow is so fun for summer!) || lace accented seersucker fit & flare dress

affiliates used

Hurry up and slow down.

I'm not really sure what I've got for you today.  I'm feeling unmotivated and uninspired which usually means I need to talk it out.  Too much rain.  I'm tired.  Lots on my to-do list.  Change is coming.  I slept in a little bit this morning and it left me feeling a bit rushed and it's not even 6am.  I've been feeling rushed a lot lately.  I found myself telling Tagg to hurry up four times in the last two days.  Are we really always running late?  No.  So what's the deal?

I think it's because school is letting out next week.  Last year it was worry over how to entertain them for so many hours for weeks on end without a break.  This time? It's acknowledging that this summer will in fact be the most time I will get consecutively with my girl.  Probably ever.  Next summer we'll have swim team and sports and camps and friend time competing for our attention.  This is the peak of my girl wanting to spend so many hours for weeks on end without a break.

This year it's worry over how I can gobble up my little girl and keep her in my pocket before she heads out to kindergarten next year.  She's so ready and I'm not worried one bit for how she'll do.  She's smart and independent and creative. She's thrived and excelled in this extra year of JK.  She's a confident achiever.  I'm excited to watch her spread her wings and I get the first row view of who she'll become.  Only I won't.  She'll be gone too long.  The bus comes at 7am and gets home at 4pm. Door to door delivery isn't quick.  How will she be during those 10 hours?  Amazing.  She's going to be this incredible kid and I won't get to be there.  I get the sleepy girl with tangled bed head from her Frosty Blanket and I'll feed her and hand her clean clothes and help her find her shoes and hug her and send her off.  Off into a world without me.  Where she'll laugh and make friends and fall down and cry and learn and push and expand herself and navigate cafeterias and mean kids and find out who her friends are and explore solar systems and world maps and who she wants to be.  And I won't get to be there.

Does anyone else want to come to my pity party?  I'll be serving lots of cheese and prosecco with the whine.  And feel free to bring your younger kids, poor Tagg will probably be velcroed to my side in a constant snug until next year when I'll send him off too.  Then comes the bigger question, who will I be all day while they're busy being themselves?  Oh man, I'll tackle that another time.

I'm just going to have to find ways to balance that big thought with the necessity of doing actual life.  It's fun to read a Scary Mommy article about letting them be little or how the laundry and dishes can wait or how we'll always regret not playing one more game of Sorry or letting them stay up late.  But the truth of the matter is that I can't be a martyr and a good mother at the same time.  I tried and it didn't work.

I need to sip coffee or wine with my friends and bitch about Nashville getting cancelled and Tagg's refusal to eat a vegetable in weeks.  I need to take nights off to be with my husband.  I need to go to work meetings.  I need to clean our house and fix dinner and grocery shop and not get caught up in making every moment feel magical.  I need to teach my children what it means to be a mother and a wife and a woman. And that it's not just about sitting on the floor eating popsicles and playing legos.

But the biggest thing I need to do is to remember that living in the moment doesn't just mean making every moment extraordinary.   It means giving your focus and attention to the ordinary and everyday.

Colorful Patio Accesories

Here goes summer!  We're headed into our last few weeks of school and the weather is getting better and better.  I can't wait to hang out on our deck this year and sip cocktails with friends.  The kids are finally old enough to play with their friends without us needing to hover.  God bless.  This time of year I'm all about the color!

Harbour Island Floor Cushion || Lattice outdoor pillow || Buoys outdoor pillow || Pink and white striped outdoor patio umbrella (I got this one last summer and got so many compliments on it.  It also comes in 10 other colors including black & white striped) || Outdoor garden stool || illume citronella candle || beach paddles || Riviera Bar || Scalloped edge patio umbrella || Outdoor string curtain lights || Nantucket striped fouta towel || turquoise striped turkish towel || tassel placemats || wooden monogram || inflatable flamingo

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The Weekend

The Weekend.  We finally got a break from the rain this weekend and saw the sun!  Friday afternoon our neighbors opened up their pool and while the kids swam my friends and I dreamed up plans for a pool house makeover.

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You can daydream with us here.  I've already got almost 200 files pinned and a very serious case of pool house envy.  Would it be weird to convert the downstairs of the garage into a pool house if our pool is technically an inflatable intex?

On Saturday we went to a birthday party at the pool for one of the little girls in Wells' class.  Her little brother is in Tagg's class so he got to come too.  I love when that works out.  It's so much fun watching Wells swim around and dive under the water and Tagg is already so much braver than last year.  He only wanted his floaties at the end when he was probably exhausted and he didn't seem afraid of the water at all.  When it splashed in his eyes he didn't get out and whine or cry.  Hallelujah.  Plus they sleep so well after swimming that it makes me want to get a shovel and dig a giant hole right now in the back yard just to wear them out!

Wells' dress is Kayce Hughes from last year but there is a red version this year in a slightly different cut that's currently on sale || Her shoes || My dress is Nordstrom from two summers ago but this one is really similar and this one is fun and I love this one too.

My cousin and my grandmother share a Birthday and yesterday they turned 21 and 89 so we celebrated at the Jefferson for brunch.  Matthew stayed home with Tagg and honestly it would have been awful to take him.  They're super accommodating with food allergies but it's hard to explain to a 4 year old why they can't feast like the rest of us.  And a buffet brunch with no contact to dairy, egg, or peanut just doesn't exist.  Wells, however, nailed it.

I've actually taken an active interest in yard work this year.  I guess hell has frozen over.  I actually like getting out there recently.  A little manual labor is good for the soul.  Matthew is building me the prettiest garden complete with a fancy pergola entrance.  Of course I haven't planted anything yet this year.  Is it too late?  I really want basil, mint, cilantro, lettuce, green beans, peppers, and tomatoes.  Some kind of fruit would be fun too!  What do you grow?