Weekend Dispatch

Tuesday, June 8, 2021


After a looooong 15 months, things are slowly starting to feel normal again. That's not to say that it all hasn't been slightly anxiety-inducing for me. The thought of crowded restaurants where people are standing shoulder to shoulder while they wait for a table is not my idea of an enjoyable night out. While I'm happy that we can finally pony up to the bar and order a drink, I'm not thrilled about being barstool to barstool with an overly enthusiastic patron who's had just a few too many. For me, moderation is key to re-entry. So, I'm taking things slowly and trying to re-incorporate the things I've missed most about my pre-COVID life with the things I enjoyed doing during COVID life. I spent the weekend focusing on my own mental health by taking a long 6-mile walk on Saturday morning and catching up on reading and preparing for the week ahead on Sunday.


Here are a few other ways I recharged this weekend:

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Playing Favorites

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.



1. Libby App

After COVID lockdown went into place last March, I found myself feverishly reading to distract myself from the pandemic. I was reading two to three books per week some weeks, and quickly found that the cost of buying books was mounting. Even with discounted books from BookBub, I was still spending too much on books that I whipped through in 2 days. That's when I read about Libby, the app that is basically your local library but in e-book form. Once you download the app, you connect your local library membership to it. You can browse all the e-books and audiobooks that your local branch carries and "borrow" them directly from the app. Libby has been a money-saver for me. Not only can I download books at no cost to me, but I can also read new releases for free! There is often a wait time to borrow new releases. I recommend hopping on the app the day the book is released to put it on hold. While you wait for it to become available, read other books that are available. Libby is so convenient, and I love that I can enjoy my favorite hobby without spending a ton of money.

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The Best Memorial Day Sales

Friday, May 28, 2021


Happy Friday, friends! Today started out as beautiful and sunny, albeit a bit chilly for the end of May. By late afternoon, it was cold, gray, and drizzly. More of the same tomorrow, I hear. But I'm bringing the sun in the form of some fantastic Memorial Day sales. Lots and lots of good deals happening this weekend, and all my favorites are outlined below. Let's get shopping!

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The Benefits of Homeschooling

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
photo via

Last year when COVID shut down most schools, many kids had their first experience of being educated at home. While the situation that prompted this was by no means normal, it did open many parents' minds to the possibility of homeschooling. Statistics show in 2019 2.5 million children were being homeschooled in the United States, but during 2020, interest in home education has risen significantly, and this number is expected to increase.


While online learning via your child’s school is not the same as homeschooling your child yourself, it did demonstrate that it was perfectly possible to educate kids at home. If you like the concept of teaching your child at home but would prefer to do it in your own way, then homeschooling could be ideal for you. When you homeschool, you need to comply with local home-learning requirements for your state, but you will still enjoy a greater level of flexibility and freedom. This flexibility can enable you to put greater emphasis on learning outside the classroom and to spend more time enjoying the other benefits with your child.


There are many positive aspects to homeschooling. I recently had a discussion with a friend about her experience with home schooling her children and what a few of the benefits to it are.

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Fab Finds Under $50

Monday, May 24, 2021

featured:

bracelet | straw tote | maxi dress | beach towel | sneakers


Happy Monday, friends! Today I'm coming at you with fun, fab finds to add to your summer wardrobe. OK, so maybe the beach towel can't be worn, but you will use it over and over again. Doesn't it feel great to actually get dressed and go somewhere again? It feels even better when you're wearing (or carrying) something cute. So, let's get shopping!

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My 5 Favorite Mocktails

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

A little more than a year ago when we were tossed into COVID quarantine, my alcohol consumption pretty much ground to a halt. To be fair, I really only drank when I went out (either to dinner or a party or to a friend's house). I stopped drinking at home a while ago, and when it finally dawned on me that the after-effects of drinking weren't doing me any favors, I stopped drinking altogether. Every once in a while I will have a very short glass of wine or some prosecco to celebrate a special occasion, and sometimes if a new flavor is introduced, I'll try a spiked seltzer. Otherwise, I stick to non-alcoholic versions of my favorite cocktails.


I don't miss the taste of alcohol or the way it made me feel the next day, but I do miss some of the rituals around alcohol. Pouring a glass of wine signaled that my workday was over, and what a great feeling that always is. I can still enjoy those rituals, but now it's with a mocktail.


Here are 5 of my favorite mocktails that show that all the fun isn't just for cocktails.

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5 Ways To Ready Your Home For Summer

Monday, May 17, 2021

The unofficial start of summer is just two weeks away. You may be preparing for longer days, shorter work weeks, and quite possibly, a much-needed getaway. But have you thought about preparing your home for the summer months? The warm summer months present a different set of challenges than the cold winter ones, but it's still important to be prepared.


Here are 5 steps to take to get your home summer-ready:

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5 Tips For Work From Home Moms

Friday, May 14, 2021
photo via


Working from home has plenty of pros and cons. Sometimes navigating the bad days can be pretty stressful. You might have been working from home for a long while, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Sometimes we all need a few pointers to help us to improve our routine. To boost your productivity and stay calm, consider these five simple tips.


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My Empties

Tuesday, May 11, 2021


 featured:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid | Mario Badescu Facial Mist | The Ordinary Caffeine Solution | Peace Out Dullness Pads | Clinique cleansing balm


Happy Tuesday, friends! Over the weekend I finished up a few products so I thought I'd share them with you before I recycle the containers. Speaking of recycling, have you heard about Nordstrom's Beautycycle program? Nordstrom now accepts a variety of empty beauty containers that are often difficult or impossible to recycle through your local municipal recycling program. Look for containers in Nordstrom stores, and simply drop your empties in the boxes. Nordstrom works with a third-party vendor who cleans and recycles the containers, turning them into park benches, watering cans, and more.


So, now let's see what I used and loved recently.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

Thursday, May 6, 2021

featured:

 

Summer is just around the corner. It's time to switch to lighter, cooler pajamas, trade in the joggers for a pair of drawstring shorts, and toss the bulky shoes in favor of cute sneakers. Today, I have 5 fab finds to help you prepare for summer's imminent return (yay!)

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3 Reasons To Get the Help of an Expert Rather Than Go It Alone

Monday, April 5, 2021
photo via


Being independent is a wonderful thing, and being able to do certain things by yourself without the help of others is a great way to live your life. It gives you a sense of accomplishment when you are able to do something on your own, especially those things that others may need help with. There are times in life, though, when you may require outside support and help. Certain situations arise where you need a professional standpoint and some expertise. Here are a few times in life where this may happen.

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Best Online Reads

Thursday, April 1, 2021


 

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:


1. What to eat before you a workout via The Thirty.


2. Vintage photos of cities around the world via Redbook.


3. Six ways to breathe new life into your home office via Refinery29.


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Tips For Moving With Kids

Wednesday, March 31, 2021
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When we moved into our current home, we had a three-year-old and a three-month-old. That was years ago, but the stress of moving with young children has stayed with me. Not only was I worried about how we'd get our house packed in time to move, but I was also concerned about how our daughters would acclimate to a new home.


No matter how excited you are to move into your new home, the actual moving process can be a logistical nightmare, particularly when there are kids in the mix. When you’re moving as a family, it’s even trickier to plan in advance, but it’s not impossible. With these tips, you can streamline the moving process and make it stress-free for you and your kids:

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3 Tips For Decreasing Your Home Utility Bills

Monday, March 29, 2021
photo via
 

Running a household can get expensive over time, and it’s not uncommon for us to pay for services that we either do not need or rarely use. This is why, over time, it can be worthwhile to check through our home utility bills and make changes where necessary.


It’s true that over the last year, many of us have spent more time in our homes than we were planning to. This very likely means that we’ve had more time to consider just what we actually need or what we spend on, and this is, of course, coupled with the fact that the need to save money is often stronger than ever. So, in the long run, how can we handle our home utility bills in the best possible way?


Asking yourself this question can help you discover what services aren't necessary and how you can negotiate with providers more effectively to decrease your costs. It could also be that certain elements, such as paying off your past debts, can be better structured and solved. Let’s consider three of the best tips regarding your utility bill set up, below:

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

Monday, March 15, 2021


featured:

zodiac necklace | flip flops | pajamas | button-down shirt | straw bag


Now that Daylight Saving Time is here, I've got spring fever! Longer days and more sunlight have me itching to put away my sweaters and booties and replace them with sandals, lightweight tops, and cute bags that signal warmer weather. Here are a few items to add to your wardrobe in anticipation of spring and summer days ahead.

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What Not to Do When Buying a Luxury Watch

Saturday, March 13, 2021
image via


If you’ve decided to treat yourself or someone else to a luxury watch, you probably have some idea of the type of wristwatch you wish to purchase. There are thousands of different options, and a quick Google search will reveal just how overwhelming the decision to choose the right watch can be.

If you feel a bit overwhelmed and perhaps out of your depth when it comes to buying a luxury watch. You don’t want to buy the wrong watch for yourself or your loved one, so what should you avoid doing when reviewing different luxury watches on the market?

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Women-Owned Businesses To Support On International Women's Day (or Anyday!)

Tuesday, March 9, 2021


 

As a sister to three women, an aunt to two women, and a mother to two young women, it's important to me to support women-owned businesses. Today, in honor of International Women's Day, I'm sharing a few of my favorite women-owned brands and businesses. Not only do I love the products/services these brands offer, but I love supporting women-owned businesses. Behind the success of every great woman is another woman cheering her on. Happy International Women's Day!

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Best Online Reads

Thursday, March 4, 2021


The ten stories from around the Web that I am loving this week:


1. Six things to stop doing in 2021 via The Everygirl.


2. How much water should you really be drinking via MindBodyGreen.


3. Eight tips from dieticians to help you eat well and live healthier via Yummly.

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Tarte Sale - Buy One, Get One 50% Off!

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

A few months ago I bought several Tarte Cosmetics items during a Black Friday sale at Ulta. It was my first time using Tarte, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard lots of great things about Shape Tape, but I took a chance on a few of the other items I bought and hoped for the best.

When my items arrived and I tried them a few times, I was absolutely thrilled with them. I couldn't believe that I had never tried Tarte before, but I knew that I would be a repeat customer. The prices aren't outrageous, but they aren't drugstore prices either. Luckily, Tarte has great sales several times a year, and it's the perfect opportunity to stock up and save.

Today and tomorrow, March 2nd and 3rd, Tarte is having a BOGO sale. Buy one item, get the second for 50% off with code BOGO.

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Keep Moving Forward

Monday, March 1, 2021


Over the course of the past few months, I've received emails and DMs from readers inquiring about the state of the blog and social channels, specifically my inconsistent posting schedule, lack of content, and my general state of being MIA. While these questions were not a complete surprise to me, I have to admit that I was surprised that you care enough to reach out (thank you to those who have!). I appreciate your concern both for my wellbeing and that of the blog as well.


I realized months ago that there was a definite shift away from posting on the blog and on my social channels. Part of it was intentional and part of it wasn't. It's difficult to feel inspired and to think that my blog content inspires others in this current state of the world. My social posting is scarce because I hardly go anywhere or do anything. Most days I hit the gym (fully masked up), Starbucks drive-through, maybe the grocery store, occasionally the pharmacy, and sometimes restaurants to pick up take out.


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My Empties

Monday, February 8, 2021


There are products that I buy to try and never use again. And then there are those products that I buy over and over again and squeeze every ounce of product out of the container. I admit to feeling a tinge of sadness when the product is completely empty, but then there's the high you feel when you replenish it. This month, I'm starting a new monthly series called "My Empties" where I'll share the products that I buy and use time and time again and are perennial favorites.

Here are this month's "empties":
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What To Consider Before Investing In Real Estate

Sunday, February 7, 2021
photo via


Many people are frequently looking for ways to invest their money in order to reap the financial benefits. There are lots of factors that go into determining whether an investment opportunity is something that will suit you. This all depends on the individual themselves; their capabilities, their funds, their dedication, and more. It’s worth noting that what works for one person may not always work for you.


One area which seems to be the most popular is to invest in real estate. Buying a property for financial gain is has been so popular because there are options when you buy an investment property. You can choose to buy a property for the purpose of renting it, or you can purchase a distressed property and then turn it around in order to make a great profit, also referred to as "flipping". No matter what your end goal is, there's a lot to consider before moving forward with a real estate investment opportunity.

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Podcasts I'm Currently Loving

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Every weekday morning after I drop Harper off at school, I sit down at my desk with a mug of hot lemon water and listen to The Daily, a current events podcast from The New York Times. It's my favorite way to kick off the day, and host Michael Barbaro's voice is so soothing in the early morning. As the day goes on, I switch back and forth from music to podcasts depending on my mood and what I'm working on. If I need to be more productive, music is a better option. But when I want to chill, a podcast is ideal.

A recent group text with friends where we chatted about podcasts and offered up our recommendations inspired this post. Here are the podcasts that I am currently loving.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

Monday, January 18, 2021
featured:


I'm all about basic, functional outfits lately that are grounded in classic style. After I put this collage together, I realized that I had unintentionally chosen items that work incredibly well together. Whether you buy one item or all of them, you won't be disappointed.
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Weekend Dispatch

Monday, January 11, 2021


What a year it has been, and we are only 11 days in. Sheesh! Not off to a good start, but I have hope that the year will get better. It's been hard to focus on anything this week. For the first time in months, I actually watched TV. On Wednesday one of my Facebook friends posted that protestors had stormed the Capitol and managed to make it inside. Immediately I turned on CNN. I don't think I've watched an actual TV in over a year. I stick to Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. So, you know it was a thing when I watched TV. Anyway, how is everyone doing? I know things are pretty heavy right now. Just want to check in to see how everyone is handling our current state of the union.


If you need a distraction, here's how I've been spending my time lately.

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Remember To Take Care of Yourself

Thursday, January 7, 2021


I had a different post slated for today but in light of Wednesday's horrific events in our nation's capital, I decided, at the last minute, to shift gears. When something as monumental and as disturbing as the insurrection on the Capitol building occurs, it's easy to succumb to feelings of terror and horror. As soon as I saw a friend post about protestors storming the Capitol, I immediately turned on the TV (something I haven't done in months). For the next two hours, I sat mesmerized in front of the TV. I couldn't focus on anything else. Then I began to obsessively check social media for updates.

After a few hours, I was emotionally overcome and overwhelmed. I needed to step back and step away. I turned off the TV, got in my car, and ran a few errands that were planned for earlier in the afternoon but obviously never happened. It was good to take a break from the noise. But more importantly, it reminded me how important it is to take time to take care of yourself.
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How To Prepare Your Property For Winter

Monday, January 4, 2021

This post was written in partnership with Premier Snow Management.

Now that the holidays are behind us and we have at least 3+ months of winter ahead of us, it's time to start thinking about "winterizing" your property. It's better to be ahead of the game during the winter months so that you don't find yourself without heat, with excess snow you can't remove, or with unnecessary damage to your home. Here are a few easy ways to prepare your property for winter's challenging months and treacherous weather.
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