Last summer I jumped fully on board with the elastic-waist shorts and I don’t know if I can ever go back! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good pair of regular jean shorts, but when it comes to cute + casual + comfortable shorts for running around with the kids all summer, nothing beats shorts with an elastic waist. Most summer days I can be found wearing a pair of these shorts with a basic t-shirt or tank top … Read More
Supporting a Friend Through Miscarriage
It’s been a number of years since I’ve walked through a miscarriage, but having found myself in this spot again, I thought it would be helpful to provide an updated resource on helping support a friend following a miscarriage. First, let me say that I’ve been SO floored and comforted by the messages, texts and comments I’ve gotten from many of you as we shared about the loss of our baby on Instagram. While I had hoped May would be … Read More
Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Idea
I think we can all agree that over the last year, our teachers are more appreciated than ever before. Am I right?! However your kids have attended school this year (virtual, in person or a combination of both) our teachers have worked so hard to make this last year possible and successful for our kids. We have been blessed to attend full-time public school all year and I’m so thankful Ainsley had such a wonderfully normal Kindergarten year. Of course … Read More
What I’ve Been Wearing Lately
Hi Friends! I thought it was overdue to share a little round-up of some of my favorite outfits + clothing finds as of late. In typical fashion, I’ve been steadily rotating between different jeans + casual yet cute tops that suit my mom life and casual work situation. I’ve found an absolute GOLDEN pair of “mom jeans” that I can’t get enough of as well as a few new + cute tops as well.
Lake House Progress Update!
Writing to you all from the Lake House! I have some great progress photos to share with you all today and I’m SO excited about seeing it all come together. We are hoping to be DONE with the project sometime in mid to late May. The things we will be waiting on – countertops followed by appliance installation as soon as countertops are installed. We had a slight hiccup last week when the wrong carpet was almost installed at the … Read More
The Backyard Work House
Friends! I’m FINALLY getting around to posting photos and a little “tour” of our backyard work house. Before I dive in, a little background for you on why we decided to build a work house and what it’s being used for! A year ago when COVID began, Joe started working from home. Joe has worked from home in the past and HATED it (he likes separation, structure, etc.) so I got to thinking about how to create that same sense … Read More
Perfect Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Can I make an honest confession? I don’t LOVE slow cooker meals. Gah, it’s true. While I love the convenience of a slow cooker, sometimes a meal that is made in the slow cooker can taste a little, well, bland in the texture department, especially when it comes to meat. Sometimes it’s just a little TOO soft and mushy for my liking. When it comes to slow cooking meat such as this barbecue chicken, I learned a trick years ago … Read More
Instant Pot Black Bean and Rice Bowls
Over the last couple years I’ve added both an Instant Pot and Air Fryer to my kitchen appliance round-up. I’ve slowly been searching for uses for both tools that make sense for our family. I was a FAST convert to the air fryer. And a bit slower to share the Instant Pot love. But over time I’m finding my groove in terms of what I enjoy making in the Instant Pot and what makes sense to make in the instant … Read More
Favorite White Paint Colors
Hi Friends! Checking in today with a blog post that’s been a long time in coming. I’m frequently asked for the paint colors used in our house. We used all white, and a lot of different shades of white! So, today I’m rounding up my favorite white paint colors along with photos of where we used each color and how it reads in our home. Color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore (above – our kitchen photographed by Jessica Bonestroo for … Read More
My Current Fave Non-Skinny Jean
Madewell Jeans // Target Mules // Loft Blouse (old!) Hi friends! It’s getting to that point of winter here in the Midwest where I’m not sure how much longer I can handle the clothes in my wardrobe and the chilly temps. Anyone else? While I may be dreaming about shorts and tank tops, we are definitely in the “jeans wearing” weather game. After the recent internet buzz about how skinny jeans are OUT (along with side parts) I thought I … Read More
Happy Birthday, Ainsley! Reflections on six years of motherhood…
As of last week, I’ve been a mom for SIX years. What? It’s definitely one of those “longest shortest time” moments where I feel like I’ve been a mom forever and yet it seems to have vanished in the blink of an eye. When I sat down to write a few thoughts about the last six years of motherhood I got a little stuck. How do you put something so all-consuming into words? A nearly impossible task, for sure, but … Read More
Top Old Navy Active Picks
For years I’ve been a fan of Old Navy Active’s clothing for working out. I’ve worn their run shorts since I was in high school (?!) and continue to love some of their basics for everyday workout gear. While I’ll be the first to say that not ALL of their clothing is a home run, there are some real gems to be found at Old Navy. I’m rounding up some of my favorites that I’ve worn, washed and dried (so … Read More