I checked my calendar this morning and read, ‘May 1st’ What?! April flew by, so let’s take a minute to reflect on what I loved most about it.
favorite things I wore
This silky, canary yellow dress I bought last minute to wear to a fancy function. The price point is nice, I’m obsessed with the color and I love the neckline and gathered waist detail.
These red grommeted mary jane ballet flats. Fit TTS, the softest leather, a pop of red is always fun, and the holes in the grommets are great for airflow as warmer days are ahead.
Two similar but different pairs of ecru denim. Both barrel leg, but slightly different. This is my third pair of this exact style but in a new color (size down two sizes), and this is a new-to-me style that I couldn’t pass up (size down one, or TTS). I love a raw hem!
I have been wearing this pointelle tank non-stop. It’s the easiest piece to pair with skirts and denim. Throw a sweater over your shoulders to complete your look. I’ve been loving this sweater as it warms up.
These strappy gold heels are a staple for spring and summer.
I’m finding every excuse to wear these ivory lattice slingback flats. They’re so perfect for heading into summer.
I can’t keep track of the amount of compliments I have received while wearing this pearl necklace. The gold pendant is removable so wear it with or without depending on your look!
This pink and green floral dress feels so me. I absolutely love how I feel when I wear it. I fell in love with the pattern, the long sleeves and maxi length. The fabric is lightweight, and it’s one of those that you can easily dress up or down.
I have been wearing these designer inspired sandals on repeat since they arrived. They run TTS and I think I’ll get them in red next.
This brown linen shirt has been my new uniform as of late. I sized up one for an extra easy, breezy look. I have the white and light blue on their way to me as I type this. If you love something, buy it in every color. Or so they say. :)
products I loved
Non-toxic toilet bowl cleaner tablets. They work so well and smell great. I prefer the peppermint eucalyptus scent.
Non-alcoholic spritz. These are lovely! All four flavors are delicious depending on your mood. The “Ghia Soda” flavor tastes so much like an aperol spritz. I also added tequila to the “Lime & Salt” flavor and it was the perfect weekend drink. There are no added sugars and no nasty ingredients. I’m a big fan!
A cute pack of pens. I ordered some of my mom friends a personalized notepad and plan to include one of these pens as a little Mother’s Day happy. Also, it’s worth noting that yes these are visually cute, but they also glide so smoothly when you write - v important!
Another non-toxic cleaning product — this all purpose cleaning spray smells divine and works great. I’m loving all of their products, but use this one the most.
I’m a recovering nail biter/picker (gross, I know). It helps when I keep my nails painted and I think this super subtle shade of clear/pink nail polish is so chic.
This ruffled edge vase full of flowers makes me so happy. I love the smokey glass.
My favorite natural deodorant to date. If you’re a Le Labo Santal 33 girlie, you’ll love this scent.
These spoon rests are so pretty! I have one on either side of my range, but they can be used as catchalls for jewelry or any type of accoutrements.
I have been finding myself reaching for these nipple covers more than a strapless bra lately. They have a tab on top to give you a little extra lift and I just find them more comfortable and flattering than any strapless bra I currently own.
highlights from April
Going to Palm Springs! It’s the cutest. I love the mid-century modern design everywhere that makes you feel like you time traveled. We stayed at the Parker and I think its one of my favorite hotels to date!
Celebrating holidays with Hugh. This month he met the Easter Bunny and it was adorable. My family and in-laws spoiled him with Easter baskets and we spent the day at brunch with my husbands family and dinner with mine. Cherishing all of these “firsts” with him.
Spending more time outside. Spring is the best season in Florida, and I know our days spent without sweating outdoors are numbered. We are soaking up our patio as much as possible right now.
On that same vein, we updated some of our landscaping and I’m thrilled. It had been a long time coming as it took a serious beating after the two hurricanes that hit us back to back last year. I’m so excited to plant new life and watch it grow.
Continuing with the nature theme, lol. Everything is in bloom and it’s so magical. The jasmine, magnolia and gardenia are permeating through the air and I wish I could bottle up the smell.
Meeting Jenna Bush Hager. She came to speak at a luncheon in support of our local library foundation and I loved everything she had to say. She signed a copy of her new childrens book for Hugh. It’s so, so sweet.
Watching the orchids I attached to our trees start to bloom. There is nothing more satisfying!
I don’t think I have been more entertained than when I went to our town’s equivalent to a Mardi Gras ball. A royal family, sequined costumes, men in feathered hats and bloomers, fire, haha. It was quite the spectacle.
tasty recipes
I made this Martha Stewart steamed artichokes with lemon-garlic aioli recipe for Easter and not only was it super simple to make, but I kept the left over aioli and used it as a dipping sauce for anything and everything. We’re huge garlic lovers in my family, so instead of using the recommended 4 garlic cloves in the aioli, I used the whole head of garlic, and it was perfect (if you’re also garlic obsessed).
These charred carrots with an herb drizzle were a big hit. I used the left over herb drizzle the next day as a marinade for chicken thighs and topped with the pickled shallots. I love recipes that can be repurposed!
Blackened chicken and sweet potato bowls — bowls are the best (and great if you like left overs!). My husband is not a cayenne lover, so if spice bothers you, maybe leave it out. I used half of what it called for and he still found it too spicy at first, but I loved! Also used the sauce as a salad dressing for multiple days after. :)
Made these paleo protein banana chocolate chip muffins for a friend who just had a baby. I remember really wanting healthy, but tasty, grab and go type of food in the early days of the baby bubble.
We had a butter candle with a loaf of sourdough in Palm Springs and I made a mental note to recreate that for the next dinner party we host. I found a recipe here, if you’d like to give it a try! Such a fun idea.
Protein pancakes have been my easy go-to for breakfast. I make a huge batch and freeze them, then warm up two in the morning and top with blueberries and a tiny bit of maple syrup. I omit the stevia in the recipe because I just don’t like the taste. Also, this is the protein I use and rave about. No taste, clean ingredients (there are only 2) and it blends perfectly. I have it on subscription every two weeks.
This is a tried-and-true recipe in our home. This honey-ginger baked salmon is delicious and a crowd pleaser.
Ok, I feel like this is getting long. It was a busy month, with so much to share! Looking forward to what’s to come in May. Thank you so much for being here, I am truly so grateful for the support. I’m just figuring it out as I go, but I’m excited to keep sharing on this platform. :)
sending love! xx