Levi’s first 8 weeks of life has come and gone in a flash! It’s been awesome having #5 in our lives, growing our hearts with more and more love. Thank you to Patty Othen for these beautiful pics! Find her webpage here.
We spent 4 dreamy days in Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico to celebrate Unico’s one year anniversary. Since I was their very FIRST influencer to stay at Unico and promote it, I was asked to be the first to hit the pinata. While I was feeling a little sick (2 months pregnant with baby Levi), the beach, the gorgeous scenery, and chill time by the pool made me feel WAY better. One of our biggest regrets was missing out on the excursions thanks to our flight arriving late. Be sure to organize that right away with your guide. Hopefully there will be a next time! The resort is all-inclusive that means food and beverage is covered with the price of your stay. Reid and I both agreed this is THE BEST WAY TO VACATION. There is much less stress having to pull out the Amex every time you order a daiquiri or guacamole and chips. And while we are on the subject, don’t miss out from their signature avocado smoothies you can order from the cafe. Insider’s tip. Have you been?
Here are some common questions I got about our stay at Unico Resort.
It is all inclusive?
Yes all meals are prepaid. It wonderful to have one less thing to think about! Hello fresh chips and guac on the beach.
Are children welcome?
It is an adult only resort. Leave the kids with Granny!
Room with a pool vs Room with a tub?
However I missed the tub, we both agreed we loved the pool room by the beach and pool!
–What to pack for Mexico–
White and black tanks and tees
Sun screen!
Forget the designer bags at home. I barely needed a bag
Rompers jumpsuits and dresses for evenings
Outfit deets below. Let me know if I missed anything and if you have any other questions in the comments!
xx
Shalice
polka dot shorts // polka dot dress // white tie blouse // wrap dress // similar straw hat
We were so thankful to be able to return to Unico’s beautiful resort and recreate so many memories. We can’t wait to go back! Book your next trip to the ultimate paradise HERE.
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blazer cotton on // similar and another plaid blazer // jeans // sandals // bag // similar turquoise ring // tank //
I get questions all the time from you guys about what my daily schedule looks like not only because I’m a blogger, but because I’m a mom that works from home. Working from home can be tricky – especially when some of your little ones aren’t in school yet. Luckily we just have Levi not in school right now, but regardless, there are a few things I have to hold myself to every day to make sure I still get work done. Like any job, some days are more productive than others, but if I could share any advice, these 6 things are what’d I’d suggest.
- Make your bed
When working from home, it’s all about getting your day started on the right foot and making your bed is key – at least for me. It just sets me up to have a more productive day when I come into our room and things are in their place. Otherwise, I might be tempted to cuddle up and take a nap!
- Get dressed
One of the hardest things about working from home, especially if I don’t have a photo shoot scheduled or any meetings for work, is getting dressed. Between trying to get the kids out the door and getting my own day started, some days getting dressed is a challenge, but I always feel better about myself when I do.
- Don’t make appointments for friends to come by
It took me a little while to learn this lesson, but once I did, it made all the difference. Just because you work at home, doesn’t mean you’re free to have friends visit during the day. Try to schedule social things after work hours like you would any other job.
- MAKE A LIST and SWEAR BY IT
Take a picture of it if you need to. If it’s an extra different day and you have a really long list, put a reward at the bottom of the list like going to the gym, booking that spa treatment, whatever it is you fancy. I need bribes just like my kids do, ha!
- Have a designated workspace
Honestly, my best workplace is our dining room table right now. It’s in the middle of the hustle and bustle but it’s convenient for where I am in life right now. Find a place in your home with little noise and plenty of sunshine.
- Keep a schedule
Ask yourself, when are you most productive? For me, it’s the mornings. I do conference calls in the afternoon, local meetings in the morning and brainstorming and writing in the morning. Play around with things a bit to discover what works and then stick with it.
Farra jeans // Zodiac tee // Zodiac print trench //
Are you a fan of 70s fashion? I think it’s so much fun and a great way to mix up your wardrobe. This is why I’m so excited to share the new Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya collaboration available at Nordstrom. It’s full of color, flare and that 70s-inspired style.
It’s a large collection with tons of pieces ranging from button up satin blouses to striped tanks to plaid trousers and so much more. I think Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya absolutely nailed it with the variety of pieces in the collection. There really is something for everyone.
For my look to showcase the collection, I chose this jacket. How 70s is that print? From the colors to the pattern and cut, it’s such a fun addition to my wardrobe. Not to mention the perfect trench to wear for spring. I highly recommend picking this up if you’ve been looking for a statement jacket to wear this season. The 70s style will always be in fashion if you ask me, so
you can’t go wrong.
What do you think of the new collab by Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya? I think it’s so unique, which makes it an extra special collection. You can shop it at Nordstrom and I suggest getting online ASAP because this line is going to be very popular!
Thank you Tommy Hilfiger for sponsoring this post!
Reid and I celebrated 12 years of marriage on Sunday. Every anniversary I like to reflect back on God’s faithfulness to us. We’ve lived in 3 cities, had 5 kids, countless disagreements, joyous date nights, lame day nights and more challenges than I can count, pale in comparison to the many blessings, and days and nights with my best friend. A good marriage is like tending to a garden, it needs a lot of care, weeding, hedging, and planning. I can relate keenly to this because our back yard after kids is pretty sad and neglected but I don’t have time to tend to it. And you can tell. A good marriage like a beautiful garden doesn’t just grow, it is “tended to,” lovingly protected from predators like bugs and weeds. Read honest marriage tips we’ve learned by experience in 12 years:
Tip #1:
Spouses can’t read minds. Coffee in bed was always my marriage dream and I used to have an expectation that he’d bring me coffee in bed as the morning birds were chirping outside my bedroom window. Well…He didn’t bring me my coffee without me asking for it first and wow did I get upset. Kind of a pathetic thing to get upset about, so skip the fight and just ask nicely.
Tip #2:
While I want coffee, Reid wants to workout in the AM. Team work is about compromise. Let you spouse do what they enjoy and he’ll let you do what you want to do. Find out what makes him tick, what makes his day?
Tip #3
Put his needs before yours. This takes God’s help, I don’t naturally do this.
Tip #4
Put the cap back on the toothpaste and don’t yell at him if he doesn’t. But never leave toothpaste in the drain. That I can’t get over. Just don’t do it. No excuses.
Tip #5
Take one day at a time, don’t feel like you have to tackle all the marriage goals in one day.
Tip #6
Marriage always takes priorities over kids. Reid and I put each other over the kids.
How we met: Not many of you know, but Reid and I met in a Bible study downtown Chicago. It was a great place to meet and observe each other without going out right away. I encourage our kids when of the age to seek this kind of wholesome group in which to meet a possible spouse.
I went to coffee with another guy before Reid and he had so many red flags, I told him, let’s stay friends, I’m not interested in moving forward. That wasn’t an easy conversation to have, however, I wasn’t going to allow my heart to lead before my head. I would rather wait for the right one than settle and be unhappy the rest of my life. Girls, it’s ok to have a list of things you would like in a spouse, only have a friend keep you accountable on your list for yourself. We can’t be waiting on near perfection if we aren’t working on ourselves in the meantime. Also, it’s ok to note red flags. THEY SERVE TO PROTECT YOU.
That leads me to the question, how did you know he was “the one?” I get asked that a lot on Instagram when I show Reid or mention our relationship. I’ll start by saying I don’t believe in a magical formula, but I do believe in counsel and prayer. Ask your parents about this person, or a mentor, or someone older than you what they think. Ask them if they think you’re compatible. If that sounds old fashioned, call me old fashioned. It’s only your WHOLE life that you are promising to be with this person in marriage. That’s quite a commitment. I prayed a lot for closed doors if Reid and I were not meant to get married, after all, I wanted this to be a blessed union, despite how sexy he was or his job title.
In the beginning, we fought a ton about stupid things. It’s normal. Some of them included, If we should sign up for Sprint or Verizon, should we keep or toss a dozen spools of ribbon from our wedding, cheap date nights vs splurge date nights, and I can’t remember more but believe me, there was more! Now, we laugh about it!
Now 12 years in and I love him more than ever.
Slip dress I’m 5’9″ and wearing a size 4 here // This one has a great slit // Red Heels fit TTS // Gucci Belt Bag // Raw Edge Denim Jacket similar // Gucci Sunglasses I also love these
To shop, click on the images below
More Sunglasses Below
If you have a round face, rectangle, square lenses work the best. If you have a square shape face, aviators, butterflies or round sunnies are most flattering. As for oval, any shape works!
Spring is on the way, I can feel it! That might sound silly coming from someone who lives in Southern California, but I think spring is so much more than just the temperature. There’s a freshness in the air and all the new fashion trends start to show up! On a recent trip to Nordstrom, I definitely saw lots of fun new things for the season including this amazing black slip dress.
This dress is my perfect outfit in so many ways. First, it’s comfortable, which means I can chase all five kids around in it. Second, it can be dressed up or down. You can wear with sneakers or a strappy heel or sandal. Best of both worlds if you ask me.
And when it comes to shopping at Nordstrom, you all know it’s pretty much my favorite place no matter what I’m looking for. I can find stuff for the kids, me and Reid. Win-win! Plus their convenient order online and pick up in-store method is perfect for busy moms. Make sure to head in to check out all their amazing offerings for spring soon!
What are you shopping for this spring?
All opinions my own. Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
Runner Rug from Etsy shown above // Here’s one similar // Pjs // I have another runner by the front door by New England Loom
I’m headed to Calabases to shoot a fun brand, but in the meantime, this is what is on my shop page, and 5 runners I’m loving. I had so many questions where I buy rugs, so here they are! I buy from from Etsy and New England Loom and usually look for a pop of pastel and a great pattern. See some favorites below! I’m craving another slow weekend at Lake Arrowhead. Although it’s hardly slow with 5 kids, the absence of traffic, and need to go anywhere is as slow as it gets. What are your weekend plans?
This is totally random, but I just saw Nuface was having a 40% off their Mini and Gold Gel Primer (I just purchased, shoot!) While I missed the sale, I’m still going to stock up on gel. Hello hydration during a long flight! If you don’t have the mini, it’s a perfect workout for a tired face for traveling or busy mom life. Take my advice. I use it evening and mornings (while I nurse). I figure since I don’t have time for a facial most weeks, I don’t want my skin to feel the brunt of my busy life.
I’m also trying a new no clump mascara, just in time for Anniversary dinner Sunday.
Happy Friday!
- Hat 2. Leopard swimsuit (and this one for $70!) 3. Bangles 4. White pants 5. Sunglasses 6. Necklace (I also like this one) 7. Taupe sandals 8. Sunglasses 9. Sun Hat 10. Ivory Swimsuit 11. Cover up 12. Flip flops // Sunscreen // Self-Tanner
Summer is just around the corner, and I am super excited. Warmer temps have been creeping into this week and the kids and I are so excited for more park days! Even though we had our new fridge/freezer break this week, we’re coping with the inconvenience and all smiles for sun after weeks of rain. Above and below I compiled some pieces to pack for an exotic resort getaway or chic staycation. Style tip: a long necklace or bangle can instantly add chic to a swimsuit and coverup. Click through some of my favorite summer styles.
Which are your favorites?
dress via ANINE BING :: Sandals Similar :: Bag via Salar Milano another red bag favorite :: Camel Blazer Similar on sale! :: Long necklace via Kendra Scott
I’m loving the ever versatile SLIP DRESS. It’s the answer to what to wear to a wedding, date night, concert, baby shower, birthday bash or you fill in the blank. I LOVE the fit. Here I’m wearing a small. It is a snug fit, flattering v-neck, and long flowy 100% silk material. After all, the dress is inspired by the Bar Silk Shirt. Did I mention it was super comfortable? Levi left his mark towards the end of the day and spit up on it. I wiped it clean and will take it to the dry cleaners on Monday. I should have it by humpday, just in time for the weekend to style it with a knotted graphic tee and sneakers. Because it’s all about versatility.
Here are 5 ways to style a slip dress:
- Knotted graphic tee
- Cropped sweater
- Blazer
- Knit cardigan
- Leather jacket under $200! or Vegan Leather Jacket (with cool moto details)
Click through to see more:
Don’t forget the studded boots
What are some of your favorite ways to wear a slip dress?
red hat // gray poncho // spanx faux leather leggings and moto version here 30% off // sneakers (these fit TTS)
teddy coat similar // sweater dress (I’m wearing a small) // tall boots
Ahh it’s my favorite day of the week, F R I D A Y! We are headed to Lake Arrowhead to enjoy the weekend, but first these moto leggings are on sale, and we’re making our weekend favorite puffed pancakes. Below are some favorites from hair accessories to swim suits for an upcoming trip to Mexico. Which are your favorites?
Tags: Poncho, What to wear, Teddy Coat,
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