*affiliate links used

{light fixture/malta rug/couch cushions/couch base/storage unit/shimmer baskets/foosball table}

Happy July everyone!  I’m a little late with my June Amazon buys.  We have been enjoying friends and family and kids and summer and sun.  All good things.  I so hope you are doing the same and I hope you have fun plans for the weekend!

Remember my in-progress teen hang out room?  This space used to be a playroom for my kids when they were little, but it wasn’t getting used much so I starting transforming it into a teen hang out.  I was off to such a good start with a cute rug, couch, additional storage and my kids’ favorite – our beloved hanging rattan chair.

Then my husband made an executive decision that he and Kole needed a ping pong table.  Ummmm.. not part of the plan.  He spent some time researching different tables and finally decided this was the one.  The good news?  This room is getting used more than ever and it has become a true teen (and family) hangout because everyone loves ping pong.  The bad news?  This table takes up our whole room!  No need for a rug.. no room for the couch.  I had this space decorated so cute in my head!  But to be honest I’m glad I never finished decorating it the way I originally had planned.  This set up doesn’t look as cute, but it’s much more practical.  This room is a mess right now (I snapped these pics quick with my phone after we set up the table) so I’ll share it when I get things put together.  I’m going to add some things to the walls and get it semi decorated.  Debating new paint.  On to plan B!

Another bonus with this ping pong table is that you can easily set it up so that just one person can play.  It has been keeping Kole entertained for hours!  Which in my book is priceless. :)

This is another Amazon purchase that helps me keep Kole entertained.  He has always loved hidden pictures and this 4 book set is great.  I love things like this for when we travel or after we have been out in the sun all day and just need some inside quiet time.

I picked up another bottle of my favorite tanner this month.  I’ve tried several self tanners and this is my favorite because you can so easily see exactly where you’re applying it and how dark it’s going to look.  It looks natural and is so easy to blend if you have the mitt!  A summer staple for me.

I mentioned that my favorite storage bags for pillows were back in stock so I picked up a couple more.

{jewelry organizer/rug}

Also my jewelry organizer came!  I love this because I wear a necklace almost every day and this is such an easy way to keep them from getting tangled when I travel.  There are also more pockets for bracelets or a watch and places for your rings and earrings.  I have a thing for letter necklaces (I’m sure you’ve noticed by now!) so most of my necklaces are a little mini “e.”  Below are favorites!  I have them all but one and it’s on my wish list.  Necklaces like this are one of my all time favorite gifts to give and I love seeing my friends wearing their letter necklaces too. :)

I shared other travel favorites (including my favorite make-up bag above) in this post but I forgot to share my favorite travel duffel bag.  (Not Amazon but it matches my Amazon travel accessories perfectly!)  I bought a pink and black Luca duffel for me and Kenny for Christmas last year and we have been loving them!  So many pockets for all the things and they are just soft and comfortable and easy to carry and attach to larger luggage.  I have this backpack on my wishlist for next Christmas.  (I like the duffel for car travel but want the backpack for when we’re flying.. nice to have your hands free in the airport with kids!)

My faux cherry blossom branches arrived and I have to say.. I’m impressed!  I thought there would be a major difference between these and my more expensive faux branches but they look VERY similar.  The main difference is that these branches are a little smaller and if you look up close at the brown branch it doesn’t look quite as real.. but SO close and the blossoms are very realistic!  They come in a set of 3 and I ordered 2 sets so this is 6 branches total.  Perfect for most vases.

Here is a closer look.  Impressive right!?  Amazon SCORE.

Below is everything we bought and loved from Amazon in June!  I’ve been on such a travel accessory kick I ordered two new sets of packing cubes to try.  I’ve had some for years but don’t love them.  I ordered this set and this set and will report back with my favorite.  We also picked up a fun swim tube for the pool, another small backpack (Addison loves her so much I got one for me and El to share), jumbo hair rollers El wants to try, and this kitchen sink/counter squeegee that is amazing for cleaning up food/spills.  I’ve been using it mostly in my farmhouse sinks to help guide food into the drain.

That’s a wrap on my Amazon favs.  Enjoy the holiday weekend!  Party like it’s 2021. ;)

1- highlights book set    2- jewerly organizer case   3- cherry blossom branches 

4- tan mousse  5- packing cubes   6- pool float   7- leather backpack 

8- jumbo size hair roller set   9- ping pong paddles  10- indoor table tennis 

11- kitchen sink squeegee  12- storage bags 

*affiliate links used

Happy Friday!  We’re feeling festive over here after I gave our outdoor area a good cleaning.  It was due!  We’re having a few get togethers before the 4th so I added some red, white and blue!  A lot of the flag pillows and banners I usually put in this space I used inside this year and I didn’t want to spend a lot so I found some inexpensive options and I’m so happy with how it turned out!

I popped up this simple banner with painter’s tape in 2 minutes!  Then I added these cute $12 red plaid pillows.  They are 20×20 and so comfortable!  I’ve had them in navy for years and love the red for July.

These red dishes will be fun for summer and then I’ll use them again in December (the mugs are perfect for hot chocolate!).  I’ve also been loving this glass pitcher for lemon water (comes in a set of 2) and I didn’t photograph it but I picked up this cute utensil holder.  Perfect for outdoor dining!

Festive and fun and ready for guests!  And food.  Whose bringing the food?  I just like to be in charge of the cute pillows and dishes. :)

I also finally got around to hanging our 4th of July pics on my shiplap display wall.

I love this board because it forces me to get our pictures off of my computer and phone and out where we can enjoy them!  You can see more details about my shiplap display wall here.  You can also see more pics of how I’ve decorated my home in past years (inside and outside) for July in this post.

I was looking on-line last night for something cute to wear for the 4th (for me and the kids) and found so many fun options.  I went to my happy place putting outfits together. :)  You could mix and match all of the items below!  I stuck with mostly solid pieces because they can be worn after the 4th too.  Fun summer fashion!  I have a lot of these items already (I own and love all of the sandals).  I love #4 for a dressy look but outfit 1 & 2 & 3 are more what I would actually wear for the 4th to the parade/pool/fireworks.  I want the cute white dress in outfit 5!  And all of the fun earrings.  Tell me which outfit is your favorite!  I’m also dying over all of the cute options I found for kids!  I so miss the days of buying sweet little matching dresses for my girls.  I have a feeling that wouldn’t go over so well now.  Ha.

1- slim ankle jeans   2- v-neck t-shirt   3- star drop earrings 

4- chuck Taylor sneaker   5- phone crossbody bag 

1- puff sleeved top    2- high waist demin shorts   3- tassel drop earrings 

4- riley clutch    5- granda slide sandal   6- selina sandal  7- a-line mom shorts

1- sleeveless dress    2- star power earrings 

3- straw circle handbag    4- slide sandal     5- sundress 

1- romper    2- teardrop earrings 

3- leather clutch   4- strap sandal   5- ankle strap sandal

1- Americana heart earrings    2- bell sleeve ruffle dress 

3- straw basket tote   4-  greece sandal

1- tie dye romper    2- puff sleeve dress   3- floral print dress   4- button-up shirt 

5- graphic tee   6- chambray dress  7- kids printed dress   8- striped terry romper 

9- wide leg jumpsuit   10- slip-on sneaker   11- flag logo tee  12- crew socks 

13- athletic shorts    14- board shorts

Nothing like July festivities.  I had a good laugh at some of our past 4th of July pics while I was going through them today.  Kole!  I swear he’s screaming in every holiday picture I have of him when he was this age!  That boy did NOT like to hold still.  Look close at my arms in this pic and you can see the death grip I have on him.. ha!  Also if you remember pics like this of Kole in a death grip and my girls with braided hair and matching dresses you’ve been with me a while and I’m sending you a huge hug for sticking around so long! :)

Out of all of the pictures on the 4th we’ve taken through the years this is my favorite.  A pic I snapped quick as an afterthought getting into the car of El playing with Kole.  Oh my heart.  This one takes me right back!

I love July because it’s a month I get to spend with my whole family.  It’s complete madness when we’re all together.  The very best kind of crazy!

The boys act like idiots in their patriotic hats.

And admittedly.. so do the girls.

Bring on the fireworks!  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

:)

*affiliate links used

Happy Friday!  I hope you had a good week!  I’m so grateful for the long weekend ahead.  We are limping across the finish line this school year.  We still have a week and a half left and without this little break I don’t know if we would make it.  Ha.  We need this long weekend to finish up end of school projects and rest from the craziness!  I also just love Memorial Day.  Such a special time to remember and honor those who have served our country.  I found these pics from Memorial Day weekend in 2013 and I remember my kids at that stage like it was 20 minutes ago.  This summer we will be doing some traveling to visit college options for Ellie.  One more year with her home.  Pass the tissues.. I seriously can’t believe it!

The sales are SO good this weekend and I’ve already ordered a couple of big items I’ve been patiently waiting to buy.  20% off at Mcgee & Co and I’m so excited about this Eileen coffee table!  It has been on my wishlist for a while.  I’ve been wanting a new coffee table for our family room for a couple of years and knew this was “the one” the second I saw it on-line.  I always wait for sales to purchase Mcgee & Co items because they are pricey, but I will say that everything I’ve ordered from them has become a favorite.  Here are a few other Mcgee favorites that I own and love..

{mumbai rug}

My mudroom runner.  I still love this so much.  My dress was from the Nordstrom sale last year.. another great summer sale to look forward to!

{malta woven wool rug}

The rug in our playroom is another favorite that has held up beautifully!  I wish I had more progress to share in this space but it looks pretty much the same.  I need to prioritize it but there are always so many other things on my to-do list!  Most of the other items in this space are also on sale!

My white terracotta jars are back in stock and I know these won’t last long so don’t wait if you want them!  I get asked about them all the time and they have been out of stock.  They come in two sizes – tall and short – and are up on the shelf over my range in this picture holding my favorite faux peonies.

This is the short jar holding eucalyptus on my gold tray.  Some of my decor I rotate but these jars are always on display somewhere!  They are great basics that are easy to style and always look good.

{stetson table lamp}

Of course you all remember my stetson lamps!  LOVE them.

{summer tablescape/dining room sources}

Thank you for helping me find them a permanent home. :)

Below are other favorites from McGee & Co!  I have and love most of these items and along with the coffee table I also ordered that cute clock!

1-arched mirror   2- bjork mirror  3- doormat

4- faux basil  5- woven wool rug   6- fern 

7- cross hatch object  8- terracotta jar  

9- mumbai rug   10- table lamp   11- coffee table 

12- white lined pot  13- lilac stem   14- counter stool 

15- wall clock  16- fiberstone planter 

{similar square black planters/faux lemon tree options here–here–here–here/lemon tree baskets/another basket option/my rug/similar rug options here–here–here}

Remember my stunning trees from Home Depot?  WOW.  They were so gorgeous for about a month!

Now they’ve lost their blossoms and aren’t doing quite so hot.  The front is ok.. the backside of them (not getting any sun) is dying.  Plus they are SO high maintenance!  I’ve had to water them every day to keep them alive and the water is staining my flagstone.  Aside from that I’ve been dealing with such a mess on my porch every day!  I kept sweeping the dirt and then the next day dirt and leaves were all over my rug.  I finally got to the bottom of what was causing the mess and couldn’t believe it!

Sweetest little bird nest full of new babies!  I found them like this so soon after being born.. you can see that one egg hadn’t even hatched yet!  I know you aren’t supposed to touch them or the mom can smell trouble and won’t come back so I’ve left them alone and just peek at them here and there.  We all crowd around Kenny’s office door (it’s to the side of our front porch) and watch the mom fly in and out all day feeding them.  Isn’t that the cutest thing ever!?  So these trees are staying put.  Once these babies can fly and are off on their own I will plant my trees but for now.. I don’t mind the mess and maintenance so much anymore. :)

I have decided though that once my trees are gone I’m ready for faux plants for this porch!  What do you think of these hydrangea potted plants from Frontgate?  I love the look.. I’m just wondering if I need something a little taller.  I linked some Frongate favorites below because everything is up to 40% off this weekend!

1- float holder  / pool float    2- shaped poolside seats  

3- hydrangea potted plant   4- surrey hill sofa set  

5- handpainted planter   6- calhoun chaise 

7- surrey hill chaise   8- calhoun sofa set 

{eyelet sleeve t-shirt}

Then there’s Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale!  Not as anticipated as their Anniversary sale, but still some great deals on really cute things.  This fun summer top is marked down!

Also my beloved T3 hair tools are on sale!  Every hair tool I own is now T3.  I especially love the blow dryer and curling iron.  Long time favorites at our house!  I linked other favorites on sale below.  I have a lot of these items and just ordered #9 and #10.  That throw looks so beautiful and is such a great price!

1-eyelet sleeve t-shirt    2- lace accent bell sleeve top

3- minidress   4- graphic tee. 5- zip hoodie

6- high waist leggings    7- slide sandal   8-  cura luxe hair dryer 

9- throw blanket  10- seam detail jogger  11- curling iron set 

12- react infinity running shoe  13- weekend joggers

14- v-neck sweater  15- leather crossbody bag

{similar pink cherry blossom branches/Quin white vase/similar round tray/Abbott table/similar chairs/Arabesque rug}

In other news.. my beautiful pink petal plates are back!

So is the cute petal cake stand that goes with them.  I used them on my Easter table last year and got so many questions about them but they had sold out.

These plates also make great decor when we aren’t using them!  They look so beautiful in a glass kitchen cabinet or stacked on a counter, open shelf or on a tray like I have them styled at the moment.  I ordered these beautiful petal dinner plates to go with them too!  (Mine are the salad plates.)  Below are other RP favorites that are in stock.  These items aren’t on sale, but I didn’t want to wait to share them because I know they will sell out!

1- frayed stripe table runner   2- petal dinner plates

3- set 4 drinking glasses   4- set 4 petal plates

5- wood serving board.  6- petal cake stand.

7- frayed cotton napkins

Anthropologie has so many cute items marked down and some are up to 40% off!  I rounded up my top picks below including our playroom light fixture.  Their candles are always a treat and one of my favorite gifts to give.  I just ordered this cute blue tassel pillow for Ad’s bedroom that I’ve had my eye on and the pineapple tee.  Only slightly obsessed with Anthro graphic tees and planning to live in them this summer.  :)

1-floor lamp   2- calloway mirror   3- bungalow chandelier

4- lorde sconce   5- ruffled top  6- rica top  7- flatwoven yara rug 

8- lulang rug   9- tassled pillow   10- perennial pillow 

11-pineapple tee    12- basket   13- capri blue candle 

{westerleigh 1 – drawer nightstand/wool jute rug}

I snapped this pic quick with my phone and it’s not the greatest but Kenny just put together these cute nightstands for Ad’s room and I wanted to share!  I LOVE the look and the quality seems great!  I’ll let you know after we’ve had them for a while, but so far I’m very happy with them.  They look like they have 2 drawers but it’s actually just one deeper drawer.  They come in lots of colors and are on sale!  I linked other Wayfair sale picks below.  They have some great options for kids’ desks and outdoor items marked down.

1-market umbrella   2- pot planter  3- side table 

4- light lantern  5- pillow cover and insert 

6- plant stand  7- planter box  8- fiberclay pot planter 

9- shaded flush mount  10- drawer nightstand 

11- alake desk  12- L-shape desk   13- colm chair 

{fringe & texture pillow/montecito pillow/addie stripe tassel pillow}

Serena & Lily is also having a huge sale with 20% off of everything!  S & L is another store I always wait to shop on sale day.  Their pillows are so beautiful and amazing quality!  I’ve found that if I splurge on one or two really nice pillows I can fill in the rest of my couch with less expensive Target/Walmart/Amazon options and still get a high end look.  I linked my favorite S & L pillows below!  They are pretty much all navy. :)  Also how cute is that scallop tray and the lemon wallpaper!?

1-bell pendant   2- scallop tray   3- montecito pillow 

4- topanga pillow   5- stripe tassel pillow   6- ryder demin rug 

7- verona pillow cover   8- cobble hill pillow   9- corfu pillow 

10- counter stool   11- woven square bin 

12- somerville wallpaper   13- round dining table   14- vase 

Colleen Rothschild is also having a huge Memorial Day sale!  You can find details on my skin routine in this post.  (The hair mask is GOLD!)

Pottery Barn also has some fun items on sale and I didn’t get my favorites rounded up from PB in time to share.. hopefully coming soon!  I also hope this post helps you navigate if you are shopping the sales this weekend.  Sometimes when so many fun things are marked down it’s hard to land on what you really want/need.

Kenny will be the first to tell you that I don’t have that problem at all.  Ha. ;)

Enjoy your weekend and if you are traveling drive safe!  We are celebrating Addison’s 15th birthday this weekend!  Other than that and some cleaning I’ll just be over here shopping sales on-line and watching our baby birds.

Sounds like a perfect weekend to me.

:)

*affiliate links used

Hello!  It has been a while since my last blog post and I’ve missed you all!  Can you believe that we are nearing the end of May!?  We are counting down to the last day of school around here (9 and 1/2 days left according to Kole.. don’t forget the half!) and I can’t believe it.  It’s strange because most schools just reopened in our neck of the woods so we were just getting in a good routine with going to school and now the year is ending!  It feels like it just started.  But it also feels like this has been the longest school year ever so we’re ready for summer.  Bring on slow mornings with no lunch prep! :)

I’m sharing some fun patriotic home decor ideas today!  Some years I’m more into patriotic decor than others and last year I was clearly feeling it.  Ha.  I haven’t done much with red, white and blue yet, but we aren’t traveling for Memorial Day weekend (it’s Addison’s birthday Sunday) so the stars and stripes might make an appearance!  I do love to get it up by the end of May if I can pull it off so that we can enjoy it for June and July.

{similar square black planters/navy rug/similar rug options here–here–here/similar hello mat}

My favorite burlap banners are back!  I know you’ve seen these before.. I’ve had them for years and they are still my favorite for patriotic decor!  I use them inside and outside.  Such a simple and fun way to add a little red, white and blue.

These patterned ceramic planters are also back in stock in blue.  Beautiful year round!  I usually add a simple flag to dress them up for the 4th.

I kept my entry simple last year with just a couple of favorite throws, a red pillow and my flag print on my console table.  It helps when the majority of your decor is already navy. :)

{del mar cotton throw}

My beloved HOME pillow is back in stock in blue and I rounded up a few other cute red and blue options below.  I just ordered this fun indoor/outdoor pillow after looking for pillows to share.  This job is downright dangerous.

In the best way possible. :)

{similar American flag print}

Our living room got a little re-fresh last year with pops of red among all the navy.  (Living room sources are at the bottom of this post!)

Hello burlap banner.  Always nice to see you again. :)

This cute flag lumbar pillow is also back in stock!

This room took an entire 20 minutes to decorate.  I rounded up all of the navy pillows and throws I had and then added a few simple patriotic touches.  So fun.  Now I want to decorate this room tomorrow.  Clear the schedule!  I’m mean do we really need groceries?  Kole can do his Hawaii state float without supplies and Addison can drive herself to her end of the year activities… right?  And Ellie’s dance team tryouts for her senior year.. we can bag that, can’t we?  So mom can decorate?  

Like I originally said.. hoping to decorate by the end of May. ;)

Last year I added another burlap banner and favorite 4th of July pics to my shiplap display wall.  I can’t wait to do this again!

So fun getting these pictures off of my computer and out where we can enjoy them!  If you don’t have a set place to display seasonal pictures like this try hanging them on ribbon as a banner in a window or on your fireplace mantel or going down your staircase banister.  Pictures make the best decor and are always my family’s favorite. :)

Below are a few pics of our patriotic decor in our outdoor area I’ve shared before.  So excited for backyard summer get togethers this year!

Nothing says summer like a clear vase full of hydrangeas. :)

2019 outdoor decor..

{gingham pillows – just $12 each!/flag lumbar pillow/tassel trim pillows/white tray/diamond rug/similar outdoor set on sale}

And 2020.  Different rugs, a few different pillows, and a new outdoor water fountain in the distance (details on that coming soon but this is how it turned out!).

I hope these pictures gave you a few ideas of simple ways you can make your home feel festive for all of the patriotic holidays coming up!

It’s time for all of us to clear our schedules and decorate.  Bring on the burlap banners!  And get ready for some major red, white and blue.

:)

Below are a few patriotic favorites from PB and post sources. Enjoy your day!

1- flag pillow cover  2- American flag print   3- stars linen napkins

4- Americana dinnerware  5- American flag table runner

6- flag lumbar pillow cover   7- liberty burlap party banner

{POST SOURCES}

*This post is sponsored by Walmart and affiliate links are used.  All product selections and opinions are my own!

{chenille 3 piece duvet cover set/jute pouf ottomans/similar inhale & exhale prints}

Is it feeling like Summer where you live?  If you live on the coast in San Diego we have what’s lovingly known as “May Gray” and “June Gloom.”  May and June tend to be our cloudiest months and I have to work hard to not let it affect my mood!  I’m hoping it isn’t too bad overall this year, but this week has definitely been on the gloomy side.  To cheer myself up I brought a little sunshine inside this week with some simple summer updates. :)  I can’t wait to get my kids out of school and to have friends/guests over!  I got this fun duvet, pillows and poufs from Walmart and love the summer vibe they brought into our guest bedroom.  Walmart has so many cute options for summer decor right now.. inside and outside!  You’ve probably noticed that I always stick with white bedding in our bedrooms.  It’s hands down my favorite.  White duvets/comforters always look crisp and clean and then I can switch pillows and easily mix things up for different seasons.  These navy jute pouf ottomans are adorable!  A little small for this bedroom so they might end up in our outdoor area.  I’m always tweaking things and playing musical decor.. nothing new around here. :)

{chenille 3 piece duvet cover set/stripe pillow/trellis throw pillow}

When these two pink pillows showed up on my doorstep and I saw/felt them in person I immediately ordered two more in navy!  So soft and a great price.  I love the simple trellis pattern.  They come in lots of colors and are such great staples to layer with patterned pillows on a bed or couch.

Also loving these cute rattan lamps!  Honestly though.. I don’t think I’ve met anything rattan that I haven’t loved.  Ha.

I added this white glazed ceramic pot and a simple summer candle to the nightstand and just like that.. summer in the guest room. :)

I brought some simple summer vibes into our powder bath too!

Words can’t express my love for this little lemon bath mat.  It’s just ADORABLE.  I have a thing for lemons.  Did you know that?  My mom does too. :)  We’ve always loved them which is why I have lemons at the top of my blog.  I put lemon trees in my yard and nothing makes me happier than a bowl of lemons on my kitchen counter in the spring and summer.

Other than a lemon bath mat in my bathroom. :)   *Mom I bought one for you too!  But you have to come and visit to get it.  I’m tricky like that. ;) 

{round woven tray/white glazed ceramic pot/summer candle}

This woven tray was perfect for my bathroom counter and instantly made it feel like summer!  This ceramic pot is the same pot on my guest bedroom nightstand, but the larger 8 inch size and the candle has lemons on it and ties in the bath mat.  Love it!

{paisley bath towels}

I have been so impressed with Better Homes & Gardens Walmart bath towels!  They are soft and extremely absorbent and such a great price.  We’ve been using and loving these diamond bath towels since December so I picked up this paisley set.  I still need to find a cute little hand towel to bring in the yellow in this room!

Last but not least I finally bought these fruit prints that I’ve loved on-line for over a year!  I’ll show you what I’m going do with them as soon as I figure that out!  But it will be cute.. and summery. :)

{favorite fruit dip here}

In other fun summer news my favorite divided server plate is back in stock!  This was my most used kitchen item last summer.  I try to toss fruit/veggies on it in the morning so my kids have healthy snacks to grab throughout the day.  It makes me feel better about all of the ice cream, popsicles and candy we eat in the summer.

If you’re a mom who wouldn’t mind easing summer food guilt too, give it a try. ;)

Other Walmart favorites for living room, kitchen and outdoor are linked below!  I found so many CUTE things!  Now I just need our sun to reappear and we’ll be set.

Bring on the lemons.

:)

1-plaid pillow cover  2- hexagon hanging wall mirror   3-striped throw pillow 

4- ocean shoreline photograph  5- area rug   6- brass gold floor lamp 

7- woven round floor pouf   8- decorative throw pillow   9- blush pillow

1-magic bullet mini blender   2- lemon dish towels  3- bakeware set 

4- dinnerware set   5- glass pitcher 

6- snow cone maker   7- divided serving plate   8- white dinnerware set 

1- teal outdoor pillow   2- ivory pillow   3- blue woven pillow 

4- outdoor rug   5- white hanging planter  6- black lantern 

7- stripe patio umbrella   8- relax hanging wall art   9- outdoor chair 

10- black planter    11- black/white ceramic planter 

12- outdoor pouf pillow   13-marble round side table 

{POST SOURCES}