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Well, we made it! We’ve had much better flights with little miss…. but, we all made it in one piece in enough time to head down for some pool time and a round of Mai Tai’s. Buuut, don’t get me wrong, both TJ + I followed that little flight tracker diligently, counting down the hours until we were on the ground… and apparently little miss did too…. just as we touched down, she decided it was time to nap…..
Sharing my monthly Q+A today….. and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m going to try and be as consistent as possible with posting next week…. but at the same time try to be as present and disconnected as possible. So, we shall see how it all goes. Regardless…. Happy Friday friends!!
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- Would love some tips on how to not let materialistic things lead your life. I hop on insta and all I want to do is shop!
I think that’s such a great question… it can be so hard in the world of social media to not get caught up in wanting the next “it” thing. I’ve had numerous conversations with TJ about this, and, in my opinion, it’s important to remember that what you’re seeing is intended for inspiration. Maybe you don’t need that lace camisole (taking my post yesterday as an example…)…. maybe you have one very similar and can use how I styled it as a source of inspiration. It’s also important to remember that’s it’s ok to “want” something….but to remember that if you don’t have it, you’re not any less of a person because of it. “Things” don’t define who we are… rather, how we love, what we love, and the way we spend our time does. We are all much more than the clothes we wear… the bag we carry… or the trips we take. It’s also a good idea to try and start, or end, the day listing the few things you are grateful for. A gratitude journal has been proven to help people feel happier…. it helps us focus on what we already have, as opposed to what we don’t….
It’s also important to be able to differentiate between what we need and what we want. Taking a step back, and taking inventory, helps put that into perspective. I was at the mall running some last minute errands a few days ago and saw the cutest dress. I tried it on and thought, “I have to have that….” I knew I didn’t. So, I put it on hold and walked away. After 15 minutes the desire for it was gone and I walked out of the mall empty handed… going in what I came to do… return items.
And, if social media is driving the materialistic aspect, taking a break now and then can be helpful. Maybe disconnect from it for a weekend.
2. I’d love to know your thoughts on denim vests. After moving to AZ, a denim jacket is too much most of the time and so now I am looking into denim vests from Madewell…. But it doesn’t seem like they are really in right now. Could they be pulled off??
My thought is if you like something, own it and rock it. You can totally still wear a denim vest. I think it would look super cute over a throw-on-and-go maxi dress, slip dress, or an all black look (distressed jeans and a tee/tank). Keeping the look a little more on the minimal side will prevent it from looking like you’re heading to Coachella…. Unless you are going, and then by all means go all out!
3. How do you stay on track with eating so healthy? I am good about consistently working out but I slip with giving into treats too often!
I always try to have a little something sweet every night after dinner. That way I don’t feel deprived. I’ll have some chocolate almond perfect bar, Purely Elizabeth chocolate granola, or a Justin’s Peanut Butter Cup. I usually find that a small amount can satisfy my sweet cravings…. I also try to find healthier substitutes of “treats….” Beet or Kale chips with hummus (instead of fried chips…)… a banana with almond butter + some cocoa nibs is sort of like a Reese’s…. I also have nighttime tea in the evening, when I typically find that my sweet tooth kicks in…. After my tea I typically find I don’t really have the craving anymore.
4. What are your favorite cover-ups??
I brought several on this trip…. A few that I’ve worn before and some I haven’t. This blush maxi is one of my favorite options, as it can easily transition to evening happy hour. I also brought these cover-up pants and can’t wait to wear them… this lace cover-up also came along and it seems like a super easy throw-on-and-go choice… and the price is great. I also love this blush option… you can wear it off the shoulder on on the shoulder and belt it for a “dressier” look. This wrap is also a great option with shorts.
5. Where are your favorite places to eat in Palm Springs? Per your recommendation we are staying at La Quinta this Friday thru Thursday!
One of our favorite hotels! Here are a few of our favorite spots: Okura Sushi, Morgan’s (at the resort for a drink by the fire pit), Cork + Fork, Kings Highway (breakfast), Resevoir (breakfast), + Burba (pizza and vino…. cute outdoor patio area)….
6. Do you have specific brands you love for your running gear? Particularly leggings and shorts?
For my running leggings I love Alo, Beyond Yoga, Zella, and Athleta. For shorts I love Zella + Lululemon…..
7. What is your typical week of workouts?
Monday + Friday: Long Runs
Tuesday (or Wednesday): Spin + weights
Wednesday: Stairs + weights
Thursday: Yoga or HIIT
Saturday: spin or a long walk
Sunday: church/rest
7. Trying to find any recaps of kid friendly Santa Barbara trips, have you done one yet?
Haven’t done one with a kiddo yet! Santa Barbara has a great zoo (I grew up visiting it…) and the beach is fun as well. They have surrey bike rentals which are a great time too, as you can ride them as a family along the boardwalk. We were “that family” with Harper last summer and she loved it. Some great hotels with pools are The Fess Parker, The Hyatt, and The Canary. The Four Seasons is wonderful, but that’s not cheap! The mission is also a beautiful spot to visit with the family. If you head up to the Los Olivos area, the ostrich farm is a cute little activity too!
8. I feel like you may have posted about this before…. If so sorry for the repeat question! I am 17 weeks pregnant with baby girl #3, we belong to a gym/club that I use 4xs a week just to do elliptical, or a class, etc…. I know you love TIU… how would you compare it to BBG? Is one better than the other for results? Or better for someone who is already accustomed to working out regularly?
I wrote a blog post on the differences here… but, my preference is to Tone It Up. I know that every person’s body responds differently to workouts, but I did not see the results I was looking for with BBG (and found it too repetitive). Tone It Up incorporates weights (strong emphasis) which I really like. After starting with some of their videos, I found that I was starting to notice much more definition and lift in certain areas. I also really like that they have live videos, as opposed to looking at a print out of moves. They’re super motivating as well… and some of their recipes are delicious.
9. I’m not a runner but trying to do it more and more. I signed up for the OC half and plan to walk/run it. What are your tips for first time runners?
Yay! I did a blog post here + here that should answer those questions. Best of luck!
10. I have a wedding in Cabo and I am looking for a pretty slip dress….I saw one at Nordstrom but it was out of my budget at $895…. Can you help me out? Looking to stay under $300…. if possible. I also prefer a nude color but I am open to options.
Yes, very possible. I love, love this simple option in the rose color. Can work for the week with strappy sandals or for everyday with cute kicks or sandals + a denim jacket. A few other favorites include this basic slip dress that can easily be worn to a wedding with cute sandals and everyday with slides and a denim jacket. This mauve dress drapes beautifully. Love the slit details + back on this beautiful lavender dress. And this blush option is stunning… love the neckline and embroidery detail. I know you said no print, but I just love this cut-out dress and this slip dress… both would be beautiful for a Cabo wedding.
11. Which leggings that you’ve shared are your favorite to wear on long runs? Looking into getting some new gear.
For running, I always like to make sure my leggings are going to stay put… especially when they’re high waisted. My favorites for this are these + these (both with a key pocket on the inside), as well as this motto pair and this super soft option. All of these are great options, in my opinion.
12. Staying in San Diego next weekend. Would love some restaurant recommendations!
Have so much fun! We love the following: Flower Child, the restaurants at The Pendry (great mimosa flight… and a champagne vending machine….), Nobu (sushi), SeerSucker for brunch, The Mission for breakfast, Cucina Urbana (one of our favs) for dinner. Puesto has great Mexican Food. Mister A’s has amazing views of San Diego and a great spot to grab a drink… as does the top of the Hyatt hotel.
13. If you’re comfortable, I’m wondering if you could share advice on underwear to wear with workout leggings. I have a similar workout style, and I’m struggling to find underwear that is comfortable but also doesn’t have major VPL. I try to wear longer t-shirts, but I’m 5’9” and sometimes it’s hard.
Totally know what you mean! I am always so aware of that, especially with the leggings I wear. I always look for a seamless thong. The exact one I wear is sold out, but this pair is a great, almost identical option.
14. I have weddings + graduations coming up this summer. I also found out I’m pregnant! Could you recommend some pretty dresses for these events that would hide a first trimester bump?
Yay! Congratulations! I think Free People is always a great option for cute dresses that are flowy… especially if you’re trying to hide a little bump! A few favorites include this champagne/blush dress, this embroidered dress is beautiful for showers + graduations… it has a drawstring so it can easily accommodate an expanding bump…. I bought mine last year for my sister’s shower and it’s still one of my favs…. this shorter embroidered dress, floral maxi, and I also love this navy blue gingham dress (it’s one of my all time favorites). For weddings, depending on how dressy, the other five options could work, but I also love this higher neck flowy dress, floral dress, and this strapless midi dress.
15. Traveling to Hawaii next month with my two year old. Any suggestions to help with the time change?
As far as helping kiddos adjust to the time changes, every child is different so what I recommend might not work… this is merely what worked for us. That being said, if we’re lucky, Harper sleeps all of 45 minutes on the flight. So, when we arrive, it’s around 3ish Hawaii time (6 at home) and we put her down for a quick 45 minute nap (enough to get in one sleep cycle) which allows her to make it to Hawaii’s bedtime (which would be almost 10:30 at home). It’s hit or miss the next morning when she wakes up. We’ve had her wake up at 4:30 (normal wake-up time at home) and 7 (which is good if we’re in Hawaii). Based on her wake-up time we plan naps accordingly. If she wakes up super early (I.e. before sunrise…) then she takes a quick mid-morning nap then a modified afternoon nap to get her to the evening. After the first day, she seems to start to adjust to the time change and her morning wake-ups fall more in line with Hawaiian time.
16. How much should I spend a month on clothes, or even where do I start, when revamping my wardrobe? I’m in such a rut!
I wouldn’t say there is an exact amount of money you need to spend to get out of a wardrobe rut. If you’re looking to revamp your style, it’s important to know what direction you want to go in… then you can purge your closet and start over with a plan. I think it’s really important to have great basics that you can mix and match together, regularly, and then you can easily add in a few items here and there. I always recommend great basic tees. These are my all time favorites… they’re great quality and I own them in several colors. I also recommend a great neutral cardigan (this one + this one are my favorites), a go-to pair of jeans (this pair, this pair, and this pair are mine), a neutral sandal (these are great, bought last year and still love them), sneaker (these are so comfortable), and flat …. a neutral jacket (denim, utility, or suede), casual dress, and a lace cami. I think if you have those basic items you can mix them up and add in various items depending on your style. As far as how much you spend a month that’s all dependent on your personal budget. For us, that’s based on discretionary income after we’ve paid our monthly bills, put away for savings, and accounted for monthly expenses (I.e. grocery shopping). Then we decide what’s leftover to play with. Hope that helps a little!
17. My husband is going to the Master’s this weekend and leaving me pregnant and stuck with two kids this weekend…. sooooo I think I need a new purse. Any good summer bags for everyday use? I usually prefer crossbody, maybe shoulder.
You do momma! Good luck this weekend! I absolutely love this bag for everyday use. It can be worn on the shoulder, and has an optional crossbody strap as well. I own a bag almost identical to it (same brand) and it’s great! This larger option is equally as pretty, and perfect for everyday life too… and comes in lots of different colors. Priced in between those two is this gorgeous shoulder/cross body tote... I love all three color options.
