This spanx midi dress that I adore. It is so so so comfortable – fitted on top but not super tight and so flowy on the bottom. Now I want this cinched dress for running around and easy casual travel.

SHOPPING

This week is so overwhelming with all the crazy sales. I only love the nordstrom anniversary sale and a few things from prime day! You can find my nordstrom sale recs here and all of my amazon favorites are in my storefront. I also have my back to school lists ready!

LOVING

If you like elemis skincare, this travel pouch is perfect for travel. I use the cleansing oil and balm, the resurfacing pad and I also like the SPF cream. It’s one of the best travel sets I’ve found.

BUYING

Before I turned 40 I decided I wanted to stop buying junky jewelry, but there are a few places I am not comfortable with wearing my good/real stuff. I actually love the Pavoi brand for stuff that I want to wear on the beach – like pretty dainty jewelry that I’m not worried about losing, breaking or drenching in sunscreen. And speaking of beachy/waterproof jewelry, I’ve had my buddha girl bangles for 15 years (or more?!) and I love them!

SHARING

These summer dinners that I make on repeat. So many are incredible.

PLANNING

I switched to using an academic year planner when my kids started going to school. I still love the passion planner and I’ve actually even gone back to the daily duo the past two years. I recently saw this dailee planner on tiktok and I am so tempted to try! It’s geared towards type A planners… that’s me. Ha.

TRAVELING

So excited to head to Nantucket next week! I have a book event and signing with Elin Hilderbrand and it’s going to be so fun! We haven’t been to Nantucket since 2019 and I’ve been dying to get back.

summer fridays

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Published on July 11, 2025 03:30

July 10, 2025

20 Summer Dinners I Make On Repeat.

These are our favorite summer weeknight meals! Fresh and delicious dinner ideas that come together quickly and are huge crowdpleasers. These are the ones we love the most!

I’ve got the best summer weeknight meals for you!

These are our favorite summer meals – the ones I find myself making constantly over the season. We all love these dishes and they are mostly easy to throw together. Plus, they utilize the best of the summer produce.

I also take into account some of my favorite sauces and dressings – vinaigrettes, pesto and chimichurri – things that I can prepare ahead of time and use in other meals too. I find that condiments like that are a staple in my fridge over the summer and help to elevate any meal, even breakfast.

I have a few methods for our summer dinner routine. One is to make something on the grill – a meat or fish, and serve it with a grain salad of sorts. Another is to make a big clean-out-the-fridge pasta with lots of fresh ingredients. You’ll see these methods used in the dishes below and I find that it’s so helpful to have an idea of what to make.

What are some of your favorite summer dinners?!

20 Summer Weeknight Meals

Grilled chimichurri chicken with couscous salad

Slow roasted tomato farro salad

20 minute summer squash pasta

Grilled honey mustard chicken and broccoli

Grilled romaine salads

Summer grilled chicken rice bowls

Cheesy pesto lovers pasta

Pesto caprese puff pastry pizza

Jalapeño peach grilled chicken

Summer grilled salmon with chimichurri

Burst tomato burrata pasta

Marinated tomato BLTs

Melted zucchini baked ziti

Italian chopped salad on grilled garlic baguettes

Burst tomato pasta with chickpeas

Summer risotto stuffed peppers

Mini pesto chicken meatball soup

Summer BBQ chicken grilled pizza

Grilled hot honey chicken with corn salad

Cheeseburger salad with pickle vinaigrette

BBQ hot honey chicken with citrus salad

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Published on July 10, 2025 03:30

July 9, 2025

Grilled Zucchini Caesar.

Oh how I love this grilled zucchini caesar! Big chunks of zucchini, charred and caramelized on the grill, drizzled with greek yogurt caesar dressing and topped with shaved parmesan and crunchy breadcrumbs. Delicious summer meal!

I will turn anything into a caesar!

This grilled zucchini caesar is incredible. Hearty chunks of zucchini that are grilled until slightly charred, drizzled with my greek yogurt caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan and some toasty garlicky sourdough breadcrumbs.

I LOVE it.

grilled zucchini caesar

This is an easy summer dish and one that is so super delicious, especially if you’re a major fan of caesar salad like we are.

And as usual, it’s super versatile. It can be a great side dish – that is how Eddie loves it, of course. I could eat this as an actual meal. It’s light but filling and if I have some toasted sourdough on the side… yes please.

grilled zucchini caesar

You could also toss something extra with it: maybe some grilled chicken or even serve it alongside grilled filet. Make it your caesar of the summer, you know?

I’ve made brussels caesar, asparagus caesar and I think that a green bean caesar might be next. I’m all about my caesar pasta salad too. That flavor and texture is so wonderful!

grilled zucchini caesar

Since zucchini is on the softer side, I was afraid that this would not have enough texture for me. Hence – the sourdough breadcrumbs.

They add so much flavor AND texture. I’m all about the crispy crunch and this is exactly what the dish requires. Without the crumbs, you’re just going to have soft grilled zucchini with a dressing. And cheese.

Not that I’d ever complain about dressing and cheese, but you know!

grilled zucchini caesar

Let’s talk about the grill. This is my favorite grill pan and it has been for years. It has held up so well – I have two of them because sometimes I grill a TON of vegetables.

To make this, I cut the zucchini into large chunks and grill it right on the pan. I am really familiar with my grill though. Another option is to slice the zucchini in half and grill the large pieces, then once they are charred and cooled, chop them into chunks. Both methods work!

grilled zucchini caesar

I rarely serve this warm. It’s often either room temperature or almost chilled thanks to the dressing. I love it that way and it’s perfect.

Both a mixture of shaved parm and finely grated parmesan are key here: there is so much flavor with each bite and different textures of the cheese is what makes it special. (more…)

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Published on July 09, 2025 03:30

July 8, 2025

My 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites.

Oh how I love this day!!

Every year I share my favorites from the Nordstrom anniversary sale and after asking if you wanted to see them this year, I was super excited to share them again! I don’t worry about trendy or crazy new items in the sale – I love it for classic basics and there are things I’ve had forever that are at a great price. You’ve probably read about many of these below in my favorites post each month! That’s one of the reasons I like to post this… to share some of those things I’ve used and loved over the last year. I linked some of the things over on LTK if you’re a frequent user of the app too.

This year, the sale has SO many good things. I think it’s the best it has been in years. Multiple pieces I love (spanx air essentials, varley, longchamp, etc). Things I’ve had for years and use daily or weekly. This isn’t sponsored and I just love sharing what I love!

What are you eyeing?

2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

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CLOTHING

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Vince cashmere wrap. One of the things I’m definitely getting this year!

Rib cashmere travel wrap. This is so pretty. I love the rib.

Varley half zip sweater. Varley everything! I love it. The quality is fab.

Varley short sleeve sweater. Another option for summer.

Invisible edge tank. I have a few of these tanks and they are the best. You can wear them under everything.

Spanx shift dress. This looks so good for the cooler months.

Spanx half zip. I live in these come the fall!

Spanx wide leg pants. Same with these!

Madewell high waist crop jeans. These look SO sharp. I love them.

Frame Le Slim palazzo jeans. I discovered these this year and they are incredible. My new favorite jeans, for sure.

Nike crewneck. I have many of these. Love them.

Moonlight pajamas. The best and only pajamas I wear.

Moonlight crop pajamas. And I love this version since the sleeves are still short.

Cable sweater. I want this in every single color.

Zella jumpsuit. Cutest! I live for a jumpsuit.

Faherty shirtdress. This is so pretty.

Zella minidress. An excellent tennis dress option!

Zella midi dress. I bought this last year and love it. Have already worn it this year.

Zella skort. I lived in these in the summer!

Frank & Eileen sweatshirt. This brand is one of my favorites. I also love this super light shade of gray.

Crop leggings. I love everything Vince. On my list.

SHOES

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Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers. The only shoes I work out in!

On Cloudnova sneaker. This is my favorite On shoe. I think it’s gorgeous on.

On Cloud5 coast sneaker. These are super easy to slip on and do not require socks. They are very low and comfortable. Easy!

Nike Air Max 270. My go-to. I have them in my closet always.

Sorel sneakers. Have these exact ones and the bottom sole makes them look so fun and edgy.

New Balance 327 sneaker. These are a few years old by now but they are SO flattering on the foot. I will forever love them.

UGG slipper. Love for the colder months. They offer great support too.

UGG slipper slide. I’m getting these in pink!

Splendid shearling mule. The shearling is right up my alley.

Veronica Beard sandals. VB makes my favorite sneaker. The shoes are pricey but extremely comfortable. My favorite higher end brand!

Allsaints chelsea boots. I have a version of these from a few years ago and they are just so “cool.”

Dolce Vita bootie. I love DV shoes. They are so comfortable.

Blondo waterproof over the knee boot. I bought these a few years ago. Amazing quality.

BAGS & ACCESSORIES

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Naghedi St Barth’s tote. Definitely my #1 pick of the sale. I love naghedi bags. I’ve tried all the dupes and nothing is as good as this.

Naghedi petite tote. This is a much smaller version that you can use as a crossbody!

Longchamp city tote. Another favorite. I have many of these totes and they pack up to nothing. Unbeatable!

Longchamp cosmetic case. This is my #2 pick. I have gifted these and have some myself. They are great to use as pouches or a little purse.

Madewell suede shopper. This is so stunning. Makes me excited for fall.

Allsaints card case. I love the allsaints brand. This is the exact kind of card case I have and love.

Tiger’s Eye heart pendant necklace. This is on my list this year!

Michele Apple watch band. I bought one of these last year and it makes my apple watch feel nicer and not as clunky.

Nordstrom CZ studs. Have had these for years and they are SO sparkly.

Solitare CZ necklace. I adore this option. So on trend but timeless too.

Thick gold hoop earrings. Love these so much.

Heart threader earrings. I love how effortlessly cool a threader earring looks.

Heart huggie earrings. Gorgous.

Shimmer chain necklace. This is so pretty!

Shimmer layered necklace. SO is this and I adore a layered necklace.

Quay sunglasses. Have a pair that’s always stashed in my car. Love ’em.

BEAUTY

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Dyson hair dryer. If there is one dyson item to get, this is it! We love the dyson hair dryer and all use it. We’ve had it for years.

Dyson airwrap. This is my second choice! I use the airwrap frequently and it gives my hair so much volume.

Dyson airstraight. I bought this earlier this year and am loving it. It is SO easy to use.

Simplehuman mirror. I’ve had this as my makeup mirror for at least five years. It’s great.

Higher Dose sauna blanket. Another must have that is rarely on sale. We use the higher dose blanket every week – multiple times a week. I’ve had mine for years and it gets constant use. It’s still going strong.

Hourglass makeup brushes. These are super high quality and feel wonderful on the face.

Armani cheek tint set. Obsessed. I’ve used these exact two colors for a few months straight. I love them.

Bader The Rich Cream. My holy grail eye and face cream. It’s so expensive but you need a drop – that’s it. It lasts forever.

Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads. I use these every other day and have for years. Definitely a favorite.

TSC mint roller. I love all TSC items and this is perfect for travel. It’s the best.

Osea body balm. This balm feels like a serum on the skin, it’s incredible.

Osea oil set. One of the best sets. The oil is fabulous.

Supergoop sunscreen. This is one of my favorite sunscreens.

Coola sunscreen. Same with this!

Oribe dry texture spray. This is incredible for beachy waves. One bottle lasts a really long time.

Bio Ionic long barrel curling iron. I just recently got this curling iron and it’s excellent. The long barrel is a game changer.

T3 curling iron. I’ve had this one for years – and it’s what I’ve used before I bought the above!

Good Girl perfume set. I hate these bottles and branding, but this perfume is my go-to. The dry down is so good.

HOME

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Our Place cookware set. This is one of the best deals ever – especially because the color is so good.

Our Place wonder oven. Equally as great! This oven does EVERYTHING. We have one downstairs and love it.

Staub baking dish set. I am in love with these colors!

Le Creuset baking dish. Use it constantly. At least once or twice a week.

Le Creuset dutch oven. Another thing I use nonstop.

Wood carving board. The juice grooves in this board are what make it so great. Definitely a must have.

Wood charcuterie board set. I am getting this! Absolutely love how this set looks.

Double drink dispenser. This is so beautiful and I’ve never seen a double like this. It’s on my list to purchase.

Matte black citrus press. So is this! It’s so pretty.

Black and gold serving bowl. I got one of these last year and it is STUNNING.

Freeze champagne glass set. I have the margarita glasses like this – they are excellent. Definitely getting these ones too.

Oil and vinegar cruet. Another thing on my list – beautiful.

Barefoot Dreams blanket. Best blanket ever! We have multiples, I have gifted probably 10 or 20 of these over my life.

BEIS duffle bag. I really trust the quality of BEIS. I have two weekender bags and we really like them.

BEIS carry on. We have two of these and love them!

Away carry on. And I have one of these in the checked luggage side. It’s really great too!

Boll & Branch waffle blanket. This is on our bed and we use it every night. It’s such a nice weight.

Boll & Branch sheets. And these are the sheets we’ve used for years! I usually get a new set every other year during this sale.

All season down comforter. Two years ago I bought three of these for our new house. They are wonderful.

Malawi storage basket. This is so gorgeous. I want it for our living room.

KIDS

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Doona stroller. This is a #1 must have purchase if you’re having a baby. I couldn’t have survived without it!

Doona liki trike. Once Jordan was out of the stroller, we got this. He still uses it today! It’s convertible and so easy to use.

Veer Cruiser wagon. We’ve had a veer wagon since 2019 and while very pricey, it’s one of the best things we bought. It can fit 4 little ones or 2 older ones. Max is just growing out of it now (at 10). We use it for walks, the zoo, the beach, etc. It folds up so nicely. It’s been our only wagon and we adore it.

Nanit monitor. I still use this every single day. I wish it existed when I had my first child.

Barefoot Dreams stroller blanket. Just like the blankets above, I have gifted many of these! My kids still use them every day and for travel too.

Slumberpod. If you travel or use a pack and play a lot, this is a game changer. It fits over the crib and makes it blacked out – it’s unbelievable. And folds up to nothing!

Baby Bjorn bouncer. I used this constantly with all three as babies. And have gifted it to many people too.

Stokke tripp trapp chair. Another game changing item for kids, baby through elementary!

Rainbow cardigan. I bought this for Emilia last year and she loves it! She wears it as a little spring/fall jacket too.

Zella skort. The cutest!

Under Armour soft shell. I got this coat for Max last year at the sale. He loves it. It’s so soft.

Nike jogger set. The boys have many of these and they are always a favorite.

Sorel waterproof boot. We’ve had lots of different sorel boots for the kids and they’ve all been wonderful. Especially if you live in a snowy area.

Hunter rain boots. Rain boots too! All three kids have a pair.

On Cloud running sneaker. My kids run cross country and these are what Max runs in. He loves them.

[None of this is sponsored! Just love to talk about what I love.]

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Published on July 08, 2025 21:02

My Top 20 Prime Day Favorites.

prime day favorites

I love prime day! Since we moved over a year ago, I have been able to find so many home deals during this sale. Today I’m sharing my top 20 favorites – the things I think are really worth it in the sale.

Most of these probably sound familiar because they are in my monthly favorites over and over again. Everything is something I have and love!

You can find more of my picks here, as well as my amazon store front.

My Top 20 Prime Day Favorites

Tineco iFloor 3. I’ve mentioned this MANY times but it changed my life. I mean, not to be dramatic. It changed my cleaning life! This cleans my floors like NOTHING else. It is incredibly satisfying and cleans so well. There are some weeks when I use it daily! I also have another version for the larger floors in my house. It is equally as incredible and the battery and tank last a little longer.

Kindle Paperwhite. I can’t live without my kindle these days. Max also has one and uses it constantly when we’re on the go. I take mine everywhere. I actually get anxious if I forget it at home! I also have the tiny kindle which I love to take in small bags or leave in my car so I always have it!

Parchment Paper Sheets. I buy these over and over again. Can’t live in my kitchen without them!

Breville Barista Touch. During prime day this past summer, I made an impulse purchase and oh my, was it wonderful. I love this and so does everyone who steps foot in my house! It’s like having a little coffee shop in your home. The coffee is incredible.

Moccamaster Coffee Maker. If you’re more of a pot-of-coffee person, this is for you. We have one of these and I use it for all holidays, when I’m entertaining /have guests. Eddie doesn’t drink coffee and that’s the only reason I don’t use it daily. It makes excellent coffee!

Breville the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro. This is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. I love having it in my kitchen to easily reheat items or make things like quick chicken fingers for the kids. Definitely my favorite air fryer too!

Samsung Frame TV. If you’ve been considering a frame TV, this is the time to get one. Prime day is when we got ours before moving and we have two in our house – our kitchen and bedroom. I love it even more than I thought. Especially in the kitchen! It’s such a fun way to add a variety of art or holiday color to the room. Everyone always thinks it’s actual art too. This is the frame I have around it.

wernies No Show Socks. Best socks ever! They do not slip at all. I have repurchased these many many times.

Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones. I have tried every version of headphones imaginable. These are my current favorite and what I’ve been using the most. I love how they are not heavy on the head. They are very comfortable.

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows. A few years ago I was googling the best pillows. I’ve done this many times and we’ve never been satisfied. But 3 or 4 years ago we got these (and have since replaced once or twice!) and they are INCREDIBLE. We both love them. We have the king version.

Clean skin club facial towels. I’ve been using these for over a year every night and I swear they’ve changed my skin. I was going through so many towels to ensure I always had a clean one for my face, and with little kids and hand washing, it was hard to determine that. I LOVE these – they are so convenient and easy to use.

Cordless Dust Buster. We have three of these! They live in all corners of the house and garage and are so easy to prop up on the charger. We also use them for our cars.

Our Place Griddle Pan. I LOVE this. I use it as a baking dish mostly – it’s so much nicer than a sheet pan and is excellent quality.

Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor. I got this in 2021 when I had Jordan and it was one of the best purchases. I love it. I travel with it and still use it every night.

Little Tikes Bounce House. I don’t know how we survived 2020 without a mini bounce house – and we STILL use it constantly. The kids love this and it fits in our basement and also works outside.

Magnatiles. Possibly the most versatile toy ever – my kids (ages 10 to 3) all still adore magnatiles. They keep them busy and are easy transportable. They have built some really cool things with them!

Toniebox. Jordan absolutely loved his Toniebox. It is incredible and I wish these existed when Max was his age!

Yoto Mini. This is what Emilia and Max have – it’s like the toniebox but for older kids. Emilia has used hers every single day for YEARS. She listens to it at night, we take it in the car, on vacation, everything.

Osea Body Balm. I love all Osea products, but this balm feels incredible on the skin. Almost like a serum. I use it right after the shower, before the oil.

Wall Charger, Surge Protector. I have a few of these and I like to travel with them. They are also great in the kitchen. We all have so many different devices these days that having this is necessary.

(this is not sponsored, I just love to share what I love! there are some affiliate links above. thank you for reading!)

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Published on July 08, 2025 05:13

Tuesday Things.

tuesday things

1. Max is already planning matching Halloween costumes for the kids. It’s very cute!

2. The most stunning strawberry cheesecake I ever did see.

3. I absolutely love Megan’s megazine! Her branding and photos are incredible.

4. I just finished Broken Country and oh my gosh – I can’t stop thinking about it. Book hangover! What are you reading?

5. Are we going to burn out on pistachio? Never.

6. TV things! Finished The Bear and ah! So good. Oh and I’m still chugging along with And Just Like That. Ugh.

7. We went to see the new Jurassic Park movie and it was pretty good – I mean, loud, crazy and had some jump scares but the newer cast was good!

8. Tricks to make yourself feel happier!

9. All my amazon prime day picks (only what I have and use/love!) are here! I also shared my fave target sale picks here too.

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Published on July 08, 2025 03:30

July 7, 2025

Grilled Buffalo Chicken with Scallion Corn Salad.

These grilled buffalo chicken thighs are so easy and delicious! Covered in cheddar cheese and served with a grilled corn scallion salad, this meal is the epitome of summer. Light, refreshing, satisfying and simple!

I’ve got your dinner tonight!