Hi! Hello!
I hope you’re having a lovely week. We’re starting to really find our summer groove, especially now that we’ve finally (praise!!) finished up our daily swim lessons. My head is coming out of the fog, and I can lean into our summer mornings without having to rush tiny bodies into swimsuits. I’ll never take those lessons for granted, but phew. I’m glad to be on the other side for the time being. (If you are gearing up for a summer full of swim, this may help!)
When I sat down to reflect on this week, two words came to mind: slow and steady (so far!). We’re in a full-throttle summer situation over here, mixed in with moments (days?) of calm… and it feels like I just never know what I’m going to get, ha! But the beginning of this week was calm and lovely, and now I’m gearing up for the crazy because the flurry started back up today. The crew is in our house to fix our playroom floor (again, second time, that beautiful checkerboard marble cracked front to back), and then it’s a blur from here: family in town this weekend, a work event, a few parties to swing by, and then birthday week and a little family vacation. So much to do, so much to celebrate! I just made a big to-do list and honestly have no idea how it’ll all get done, and that is just fine.
Yesterday I was singing to myself as I picked up toys and loose socks everywhere (we moved the whole playroom into the living room while the floor gets fixed). “Every room is a mess, when will we fix it,” in a little sing-song voice, over and over apparently, because Juliet has picked up the jingle and now sings it as she putters around. Hahaha! It makes me giggle, and I keep telling her, “Girl, I wish I knew!”
I was going to put together a big bouquet of peonies for my birthday—I love doing it every year—but then I decided I’ll wait until I can see a clear counter. Ha!
A handful of random things you need to know about →
🎀 - I posted an easy update to create this half-up half-down ponytail. The trick of doing a double and then a half loop gives you Barbie-like volume. It’s wild! I also added a ribbon for extra charm.
🌭 - I also can’t stop thinking about this adorable “hot dog.” I’ve GOT to make this happen for the 4th of July.
👔 - Father's Day is riiiight around the corner. Thinking of the dads here! If you're looking for a few quick ideas: Ryan is obsessed with this book series, he uses this every time he grills (and actually just gifted it to his dad!), and he never, ever leaves home for a trip without this carry-on.
📸 - Also, you can’t tell me these images aren’t straight from a ‘90s catalog! Ugh, framing for sure.
✨ - I wrote a post on 5 Low-Lift Ways To Add Whimsy to your days this summer. It was a fun one to write!
🛍️ - Have you seen this pink set? These gingham pants? And this blue and brown dress of my dreams! Summer style is really getting me right now!
The Swim Skirt I Keep Reaching For – I love a good cover-up, but there’s something about a swim skirt that feels so practical with little kids. Throw it over a bikini and you’re ready for beach walks, playground stops, and all the bending that comes with toddler life.
The Sweetest H&M Toddler Set – The heart buttons absolutely sold me. This little set is precious and feels perfect for beach days, post-swim ice cream runs, or summer afternoons at home.
A Gingham Lunchbox That Deserves a Moment – The blue gingham and little tie details on this lunchbox are just so charming. Somehow it makes packing lunch feel a little more fun.
The Prettiest Outdoor Tea Light Lamp – This green tea light holder is such a pretty addition to a patio table. Bonus points if you pop a citronella tea light inside for summer evenings.
Juliet’s Birthday Shortlist – I’m starting to think about birthday gifts, and this shopping cart keeps catching my eye. Juliet loves pushing things around the house, and I know she would have the best time with it.
A Father’s Day Win – We are fully in our Madras era, and Ryan wears this shirt at least once a week. Such a great Father’s Day gift!
The Hat I’m About to Talk Myself Into – I’ve had my eye on this Ralph Lauren polo hat for months. I wear my white one constantly, so I feel like it’s only a matter of time before this color joins the collection.
The Beach Wagon Worth Every Penny – I know I mention this all the time, but if you’ve been influenced by me on one thing, let it be this wagon. It makes beach days infinitely easier. (And here’s everything we tote around in said wagon!)
The Cutest Little Birthday Gift Idea – This strawberry tote from Cat & Jack is almost too cute. Fill it with crayons, coloring books, sunglasses, or beach treasures and you’ve got the sweetest “decide once” birthday gift ready to go.
A Quilt I Can’t Stop Thinking About – You know I love a quilt, and this blue embroidered beauty is stunning. The color, the details, the charm. I want it immediately.
A Dress Living Rent-Free in My Head – This Roan dress keeps popping up for me, and the blue is absolutely gorgeous. The silhouette looks so flattering and elegant.
The Books That’s Requested Every Night – We have a few from this series, and the kids are completely obsessed. They make wonderful gifts and are such a fun addition to a summer reading basket.
Minnow Does It Again – Their red and white striped swimsuits are classic summer perfection. (Mom’s version here, toddler girl here, toddler boy here.) Minnow remains my favorite for children’s swimwear.
The Pinterest Find I Can’t Quit – I recently discovered this brand, and now I want every striped sweater they make. They sell out constantly, but this bubblegum pink version is still available and would be so cute and cozy thrown over a swimsuit after a beach day.
I’m keeping things as updated as possible over on my ShopMy and LTK! And if you are looking for links (including paint colors!) for our home, I have them all listed here.
So grateful for our brand partners and their generosity, enjoy!
Haverhill // ASHLEYBROOKE20 for 20% off (perfect for Mother’s Day)
Babsy // ASHLEY30 for 30% off (would be a cute Valentine gift!)
Bogey & Byrd // ASHLEYBROOKE15 for 15% off (favorite pouches for all the things)
Cleobella // ASHB15 for 15% off
CurrentBody // ASHLEYBROOKE for 10% off (you know I love my red light!)
Grove Collaborative // ASHLEY25 for 25% off
Ritual // ABROOKE-25 for 25% off
Simplified // ASHLEYB20 for 20% off (use these everyday)
Sue Sartor // AshleyBrooke501 for $50 off
UBeauty // ASHLEYBROOKE for 20% off
Vivrelle // ASHLEYBROOKE for first month free
Thanks for being here. xx Ashley
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.