I Finally Caved

I finally did it guys - I caved, and picked up my first pair of non-skinny jeans. This millennial still highly prefers the more tailored and slimming look of skinny jeans, but had fun taking my first pair of boyfriend jeans out for a spin to go to dinner the other night. I chose this pair because they weren't super baggy in the waist area, and I liked the distressed look and that they were cuffed which pairs great with heels, sandals, or a comfy pair of sneaks. 










On Tuesday last week, we took the day off for my birthday and headed out to the beach. We lucked out with beautiful weather, played in the waves, and grabbed some lunch on the water. Just what I needed to melt away some stress mid-week. Oh and a box of Crumbl Cookies on the way home - YUM!





And speaking of birthdays, I received the sweetest surprise in the mail from Andrea. So many fun goodies, and she even included a pack of stickers for Lil' Miss who noticed them immediately and squealed! 



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Birthday Brunching

First and foremost - a BIG Birthday Eve shoutout to my birthday twin Nadine. I hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow sweet friend! 


My friends spoiled me over a fun birthday brunch this weekend. It's always so hard to pick a restaurant because we have the really great problem of so many brunch spots to choose from in Central Florida. This time, we went to Maxine's on Shine which is super cute neighborhood restaurant tucked away close to Downtown Orlando. Oh did I mention they have giant mimosas? 


Dress {only $35} | Sandals in Sea Shell Pink | SunniesNecklace | Drusy Ring in Rose Gold | Lipstick in Creme Cup












In other news, Lil' Miss officially started VPK last week. She had been in Pre-K, and is now one of the "big kids" at her school since VPK is the last year before Kindergarten which she is very proud about. Where did my itty bitty baby go?! She's also a champ about wearing a uniform, and still wearing a mask to school. 



Last weekend, H and I snuck in a quick date night to hit up a few local spots. We finally checked out a hidden tiki bar for pre-dinner drinks, and enjoyed dinner outside under a big covered patio due to the rain. Has it been extra rainy this summer where you are too? 


Tiered Cami {50% off} | Shorts | Bag | Sunglasses | Sandals








And last but not least - I caved and ordered my first ever pair of boyfriend jeans which I'll report back on after they arrive, and I take them out for a spin. Despite what Gen Z'ers may say, I'm still one of Team Skinny Jeans' biggest cheerleaders. So, I chose a pair that doesn't look too baggy in the waist area, and are cuffed at the bottom for definition. Fingers crossed! 




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Hello August

I'm still over here amazed that we're already in August (hello birthday month!), but then noticed we are actually almost halfway through. Lots has been going on, and I'm just now playing a little catch up over here. It wouldn't be August without a fun beach day, and we decided to check out a new-to-us beach. We'd made our way up to Flagler Beach before to meet some family for lunch on the water, but this was our first time enjoying a beach day there. The sand looks like cinnamon, and the waves were bigger than we expected. 








I ventured downtown to celebrate one of my fav co-worker's birthdays. She rented out a space at a hotel, and everything was catered and we enjoyed music and dancing. Oh and of course some cocktails. I didn't get back home until 2:00 a.m. which I haven't done in foreverrrrrr. I was pretty exhausted when Lil' Miss came bounding into the room the next morning excited to head to the beach. This old hag was very excited to settle back into the couch later that evening and watch the Olympics. 



Speaking of sleep (oh beautiful sleep!), I recently was able to try out Dr. Emil Nutrition's Bedtime Burn. It's a nighttime fat burner (hello!) and sleep aid. I love that it's free of GMO's and harsh stimulants, and is designed to calm the mind and body. Who else has their mind race at night when it's time to settle in? I can't be the only one who wakes up in the middle night freaking out about things that would never send me into a panic during the day. Head over to my Instagram page where I'm holding a fun giveaway to win a free bottle! 






And last but certainly not least - a certain someone was VERY excited to start gymnastics this year. She picked out a mermaid leotard for her first day (of course) and very proudly brought her Anna and Elsa water bottle. We watched her first go on the (mini) uneven bars, and can't wait to see her test out the balance beam (which is on the floor level for the littles). Yes I was that mom that called to make sure parents are allowed inside (because COVID), and watched through the glass the entire time! 




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Celebrating in Blue

I don't have all the right words, but I do know my heart is still processing the past few weeks. I have been a little quiet on Instagram, and vaguely mentioned that I had a heavy week recently. Our framily group was rocked with the news that we lost one of our friends. I left work in tears after receiving the news, and had an emotional and weepy couple weeks. However, I am in awe of the never-ending support we all have for each other and we were fortunate to come together this weekend and have a celebration of life as she would have never wanted us to come together in sadness. I almost blubbered like a baby as soon as I arrived, but we focused on all the fun memories and her legacy of unconditional kindness she left behind. 


Everyone wore blue as it was her favorite color, and she was almost always wearing a shade of it. As we came together we reminisced and caught up with some friends we hadn't seen in years. It was truly good for the soul. 









Not much else has been happening as we stayed pretty quiet last weekend with the exception of grabbing margaritas at our favorite local spot, trying out new-to-us local coffee, and a stop by Nordstrom Rack where Lil' Miss was excited to pick out new sneakers for school. She begins VPK in a few weeks, and this momma heart can't believe it! 




And I am a wee bit excited that the Olympics have finally returned. The next 2 weeks will be all about watching the world's best athletes. My all time favorite is of course gymnastics, and the GOAT herself Simone Biles posted the schedule of when to tune in to both the men and the women's gymnastics events on her Instagram Stories which I screenshotted in addition to scheduling every moment to record on the DVR. 



What are you most excited to tune in for? Gymnastics? Same. We also enjoy diving, swimming, track and field, and beach volleyball. What I love the most is how excited Lil' Miss is for all of it as well. Raise 'em right! 


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Smooth Like Butter

What is a recent trend that took you a while to get on board with? For me it was biker shorts, and I'm so glad that I finally came around because they're insanely comfy and perfect for working out, lounging at home, or out running errands and grabbing coffee. I chose the Lula Biker Shorts in Ultimate Gray from Aikka Activewear, and LOVE that they're a women owned small business that uses high quality fabric and has affordable prices. Seriously - both the biker shorts and yoga pants further down feel and fit just like my much pricier lululemon pieces. Smooth like butter! Great products, affordable prices, and a feeling of confidence - yes please! 


Biker Shorts {only $28} | Sports Bra | Dolman Top | Sunnies




When the weather gets cooler (in like 4 months - ha!) I'll pair them with a pullover or slouchy long sleeve tee. I've also seen people pair biker shorts with a nice top, blazer, and heels and I have to say I kinda like it. 






I can never get enough of cozy athleisure pieces especially after all the extra time at home this past year. I mean who doesn't want to be comfortable?! Especially when you can easily transition from the couch to working out or heading out on a Target run. 


Cora Legging {only $36} | Yoga Mat | Sunglasses




Still laughing at the comments my long-suffering blog photographer husband made while snapping these pics - "Why are you smiling? Who smiles while they're working out?" And he couldn't be more right. The RBF is FIERCE when I'm working out or simply laying around - HA!










**Save 20% off any order with code KATE20 and also enjoy free shipping within the United States **


**This blog post is in collaboration with Aikka Activewear, however all opinions are my own.


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Ruffles and Dainty Gold Rings

This past weekend was a sizzling hot one, and was spent in the pool and sipping on my favorite local cold brew coffee. Airy ruffled tops and dainty gold rings were on tap when not swimming and were perfect for this middle of summer weather in Florida. We headed to one of our favorite local spots for dinner one night, and you can even peep my mask hanging out of my pocket as I forgot to put it in my purse for pictures. Blogger fail - ha! We went for a nice walk around the lake across from the restaurant after we ate to work off some of the delicious food. Soaking in these longer days and all the sunshine as I am never one to rush in fall and the shorter days. 






Other recent happenings - our sweet pup turned one! She's still very much a puppy and super energetic! I headed out to the doggy bakery, and picked up her up a mini cupcake and a birthday bone to celebrate her first milestone. Lil' Miss was very excited to give her doggy one of her birthday treats. I honestly don't know which one was more excited - two happy girls for sure! 









**This blog post is in collaboration with Responsival, however all opinions are my own.

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