Friday Favorites - August

Happy Friday, friends! We got home earlier this week from a little mountain trip to Banner Elk and have spent the rest of the week unpacking and preparing for school to start next week (ahh!). I’ve been extra emotional about my kids growing up - Kennedy is off to Kindergarten (which feels like a BIG milestone), and Eleanor is already two months old! She’s looking and acting more like a baby instead of a newborn - I’ve cried so many tears thinking about how the newborn days are flying by so fast. Anyways, let’s move on to happier subjects - here are some things I’m loving this Friday!

We escaped to Banner Elk for a few days with my entire family - my kids, husband, mom, brother, and sister-in-law - and it was honestly one of my favorite trips we’ve ever taken! It was so nice to put down my phone for a bit and live in the moment with my kids - we went on lots of nature walks, played in the creek, picked wildflowers, played on the tire swing, and roasted marshmallows over the fire. We let the girls have summer treats and all stayed up past our bedtimes. It was so much fun, it made me nostalgic for my own childhood! It just felt like such a safe and wholesome trip and I forgot all about my adult responsibilities for a few days. By the way, we rented this house and it was STUNNING - we loved it so much that we’ve already rented it again in September!

P.S. You can see everything I packed and wore here.

I know these jeans don’t look like much online, but they are SO CUTE in person and I’ve basically been wearing them nonstop. Chris even asked me, “You’re wearing those jeans AGAIN?” I have them in the light wash and they’re the perfect wash - not too light and not too dark - to wear every day and to pair with any top. They’re also really comfortable, and I think because they’re less than $40 I’m not worried about them getting messed up! You can see how I styled them here and here.

You know I’m already looking forward to fall, and the fall reading has already begun! I recently finished this book, which was a gorgeously atmospheric, slow-burning fantasy that takes you into the English countryside - where faeries and forgotten magic still exist. It was the type of novel that you want dig into while you curl up with a hot cup of tea on a rainy day. It does unfold at a slower pace, but for readers who crave rich world-building, layered characters, and that slow build of romantic and emotional tension, this book is an absolute treat!

Yes, yes - it’s that time of year again where I slowly start to incorporate bits of fall into my home decor. I love the dark, moody vibes that fall decor lends to a cozy interior. Target’s new releases are sooo good and I placed a huge order that I can’t wait to receive! I ordered this glass cloche for matches, this moody cup and saucer, some autumn-inspired framed pictures, and a new little side table for beside our bathtub. We’ll probably make a Target run this weekend with the kids, so I can’t wait to see more of the items in person - you know I’ll come home with a couple!

I’ve been sleeping really well at night (yes, even with a new baby!) and I think it’s because I’ve been enforcing a strict nighttime routine for myself. No phones allowed!! My night starts with a cup of lemon balm tea while Chris and I watch a show with the lights dimmed (I nurse Eleanor at this time, too!). It’s lights out for all of us around 9:30 pm - I apply this anxiety oil behind my ears and I read for a little bit on my Kindle while all the lights are out. My Kindle is officially off at 10pm and my weighted sleep mask is on - and I sleep like a rock until Eleanor wakes up (usually around 5 or 6 am). My sleep score has been in the 80s every day. I have always been a night owl, so my younger self would seriously be impressed!!

I think that’s it for this week. I hope you all have the best weekend! OH and if you have any book recommendations for me, please let me know! I’m trying to find a new one - the more fall vibes, the better! :)

xoxo