May's Highs and Lows

Weren't the memes for "It's gonna be May" just floating around? How is it already June? The weekend sped by as always with plenty of time in the pool, I picked up some new planters for the backyard and filled them with flowers, and we tried to watch the SpaceX launch from our backyard but the pesky clouds got in the way. I was excited to hear the boom though! I had chills listening to the coverage, and am looking forward to more launches.

A weekend spent outdoors, the SpaceX launch, and lots of items listed below that I loved throughout the month of May are all the good stuff. Because even with a global pandemic going on, and LOTS of unrest throughout the country caused by unnecessary hate there is still so much good in this world. Always look for the good, and find things each day to be thankful for.

I hardly if ever bring politics or religion to this space, as we all have our own opinions and beliefs and I never ever want to offend anyone or be misconstrued because we may have different opinions.  However, I cannot stay quiet about what has been going on throughout our beautiful country. It's heartbreaking and just plain disgusting. PERIOD. I was privileged to grow up in a home where we loved everyone no matter their background, race, religion, sexual identity, beliefs, etc... My great grandmother was bi-racial, and you can't really tell by looking at me (like at all!) so I grew up never experiencing hate because of what I looked like or where I came from. But the first time I felt uncomfortable, I'll never forget. Someone I had admired from the "white side of the family" made a comment about the other side of my family having black lineage. It stopped me in my tracks. I was speechless. I couldn't mutter anything else other than "How do you know that?" and they responded with "Uh yeah everyone knows" as if it was something I should be ashamed of. I said "Why does that even matter?" That ended the ridiculous conversation, but that icky feeling has stuck with me. My own flesh and blood saying those words just left me speechless. As I look back on that conversation, I truly don't feel they meant to make me feel the way that they did. Love always wins, and I know they love me. But the hate has got to stop. I pray that my daughter grows up in a world where it doesn't exist. I know that we will stop at nothing less of raising her to promote love and kindness. Hate does not, and will never drive out hate. Always choose love.

I'll leave you with this verse before moving on to good albeit frivolous things. I'll continue to reflect on this passage while our country is hurting beyond belief.


Now onto some happy things... we have still been spending the majority of our time at home and ordering takeout from local restaurants and enjoying as much time outside as possible. I've also been reading a lot more than usual, and am almost done with The Thousandth Floor trilogy. SO good guys! And H and I are almost done watching The Last Dance. I'm going to be so sad when we're done, so nostalgic and fun to see so many of my NBA fav's from growing up and where they are now as they reflect on the 90's era of basketball and the "last dance" for the epic Chicago Bulls team.

I just ordered this romper, and can't wait for it to arrive! Save 15% with code S2peridot15. We've also been working with Lil' Miss on her pedaling skills (girlfriend was still "Flintstoning it until recently), and she was excited to find this tricycle complete with a little bell waiting for her one morning. She's been riding it around the neighborhood like a boss, and will be ready for a big girl bike with training wheels for her birthday in the fall. Speaking of birthdays, we celebrated my husband's birthday last week with a trip to the beach and Lil' Miss and I gave him a Ring Doorbell that he's been talking about for what seems like forever. 

The house projects have continued, and one of the simplest and most affordable fixes has been changing out the pendant light shades of the breakfast bar to these pendants that are only $14 each. It immediately updated the space, and I can't believe we didn't do this sooner. I'm still obsessed with these gold accent tables that found a home in our living room, and our carpets are much fresher now that we scooped up a carpet cleaner. It's just as wonderful a feeling as a professional shampoo at the hair salon. Mmmmmm.....

As I prepare to head back to the office at some point, I scooped up these heels and this tote both on major sale. I'm excited to ditch the lap top bag, and just slip my work lap top into my pocketbook. Consolidating at it's finest.

What are some of your favorites from the month of May?




To Travel is to Live

If there is one thing that I cannot get enough of - it's travel! Traveling is hands down my favorite hobby, and I'm always planning ahead my next trip as I would like to see as much of this beautiful world as I can. We try to spend more of our money on experiences instead of on "stuff", and I have never once regretted choosing traveling to a new place instead of a new designer piece that will hang in my closet or the latest electronics. Spend money on memories is my motto!

We were originally booked on an Alaskan cruise next month to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, but obviously our plans have changed. We are still going on a small getaway on the Gulf coast, and are saving the big trip for later this year or next year to celebrate year 11.


In the spring of 2019, we took Lil' Miss on a Disney Cruise (recap found here) with friends of ours and we visited Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. It was priceless watching her experience the beautiful beaches in four new to her countries on that trip as well as all the fun that was to be had on board as well.




We also had a few staycations here in Florida, and I was blessed with a whirlwind world tour for work that took me to Singapore, Milan, and Rio de Janeiro. Exhausting and surreal, but purely amazing.

*Even on a rainy day, it was INCREDIBLE to see Christ the Redeemer literally in the clouds*


*Workin' it in Singapore*


I'm still obsessed with this swimsuit that I wore in Singapore when I rewarded myself with a dip in the gorgeous resort pool once the event was over. It was just what I needed after running around a convention center for 3 days, and not sleeping much. 

Before Lil' Miss was born, we took a babymoon cruise to Bermuda which was perfect. The Zika Virus was a big threat in a lot of tropical places at the time, but thankfully not in Bermuda. In fact, I didn't see a single bug the entire time we were on the island for a few days. While pregnant, I enjoyed all the food on board including tiramisu at dinner each night - YUM!

Bermuda - Island Recap
Bermuda - Cruise Ship Recap



Vacations with friends are also a ton of fun! As much as we traveling just the two of us or with Lil' Miss enjoying fun experiences in new cities or countries with friends builds even strong friendships.

Friend's destination wedding in Punta Cana - Recap found here

Friends Birthday Cruise to the Bahamas - Recap found here


A couple's trip to San Francisco was a great combination of site seeing in the city, and heading out to Napa and Sonoma for wine tastings. We also went hiking in Muir Woods, and explored the picturesque seaside town of Sausalito. Some of our must-dos were taking the ferry to Alcatraz, taking pictures in front of the Painted Ladies and the Full House house, going to the Top of the Mark, the Golden Gate bridge (of course), and wine country. 

Napa and Sonoma recap found here

When in New York City, one must go to Yankee Stadium and catch a baseball game. And of course root root root for the home team! 


In Chicago enjoy ALL THE FOOD! I still rave about the food in that city! Go for drinks in the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building and other amazing rooftop bars around the city, take the train and go to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game and hang around in Wrigleyville after it's over. An architectural river cruise tour and a photo opp in front of The Bean are also a must dos! Devour some deep dish pizza, a Chicago style hot dog, and grab donuts and coffee at one of their many donut shops, take a spin on the ferris wheel at the touristy Navy Pier, and then stop for a drink at Three Dots and a Dash which is a hidden underground tiki bar. 

Chicago recap found here

After our wedding in 2010, we flew out to Las Vegas for a few nights before renting a car to drive through the desert to Los Angeles where we flew to Fiji for our honeymoon. We stayed in a honeymoon bure on Qamea Island which was honeymoon perfection. We had a day bed with a view of the beach, a hammock on our front porch, and an outdoor rock shower and jacuzzi tub in a private courtyard in the back. We snorkeled the South Pacific, hiked to waterfalls, had an afternoon on Honeymoon Beach with a picnic lunch, dinner on the beach, a couples massage in the jungle spa (complimentary for honeymooners), and enjoyed beach combing every day. Totally worth the long flight over! 


Make sure to check out my Travel Tab at the top of my blog page where you can find links to all of my travel recaps and reviews of cruise ships. You'll find locations from Fiji to the Caribbean, Europe, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda, Singapore, and fun spots here in the United States - Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Cape Cod, and the Florida Keys to name a few.

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

Red, White, and Blue Beaches

Even with everything that's been going on lately, we had a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend complete with a beach day, pool time, grilling, and H was able to go golfing with a few of the guys to celebrate his birthday. I made sure to rock red, white, and blue all weekend and broke out my favorite stars and stripes bathing suit.

Stars and Stripes Bathing Suit {Only $15} | Beach Cover Up {Only $17} |  Sunnies


They were doing a fantastic job at New Smyrna Beach making sure cars and beach set ups were a certain distance apart, and they broke up any large groups. At one point, I heard the beach police soaring down the beach and blaring their alarm. I looked up, and saw them breaking up a large group of people. I'm so thankful the beaches are open again, but it's not time to throw a big party people - come on!

We also grabbed lunch to-go from one of the beach-side restaurants. It's one of our favorite spots when we're at the beach, and I was happy to see they survived the shutdown. I also was very happy to hear that all restaurants and shops down by the beach in New Smyrna are locally owned. No chains! If you're in the area - definitely head out to enjoy the beach and some local food and drinks. 





For Memorial Day, I wanted to rock more red, white, and blue - and this peplum top was the perfect pop of red especially in the heat. I paired it with white jean shorts, and blue nails. Guys I painted my nails for the first time in 2 and 1/2 months. It was nice, and Lil' Miss even said "Mommy you have pretty nails again!" Out of the mouths of babes I tell ya... 

Top {Only $8 and comes in 3 colors} | ShortsSandals | Barrette | Knotted Cuff | Lipstick in Creme Cup | Double Ring | Necklace | Sunglasses



Did I mention this bathing suit top is reversible! I wore the red and white stripes side to the beach, and the blue and white stars in the pool. Festive and practical! 



Don't forget to use coupon code SUM54 to receive an extra 15% off your entire purchase at SheIn for their Summer Sale now through June 30th. Happy Shopping!

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Jumpin' Jumpin'

Who else has Destiny's Child stuck in their heads now? Always in the mood for one of their songs, and of course casual chic neutrals. I'm currently obsessing over this jumpsuit which is only $12, and can't wait to wear it out for some weekend fun or at the office under a light jacket. Versatile pieces that work for the 9-5 and for drinks with the girls or chasing lil' miss on the playground are my jam!

Jumpsuit {Only $12} | Sunnies | Sandals {40% off} | Tote Bag {50% off} | Watch | Knot Cuff



I'm also still swooning over my recent amazing find on major sale - this tote bag. It's currently 50% off and fits all the things including my work lap top. So, I can finally stop lugging a lap top bag to and from the office (when we head back in the coming weeks) or when traveling for work events. 



Don't forget to use coupon code SUM54 to receive an extra 15% off your entire purchase at SheIn for their Summer Sale now through June 30th. Happy Shopping!

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Lashes and Ruffles

I hide behind sunglasses a lot, and can use all the help I can get when I take away my "disguise". Between hereditary dark circles no matter how much sleep I get at night, and barely there lashes I love a little extra oomph to bring out my hazel eyes. I'd always been somewhat turned off by false lashes due to having to glue them on. But magnetic lashes are a total game-changer, and I love that they are handmade and re-usable so I don't have to throw them out after only one use. Yes please!

Magnetic Lashes - Save 30% + free shipping with code BEAUTY30

*Summery Line Up*

Re-usable Lash Line Up


So easy to apply even for this beauty non-expert!



**This beauty product review is in collaboration with Hivency, however all opinions are my own.


Now about this dress - I can't get over how flirty and cute it is especially for the upcoming heat here in the sunshine state. Don't get me wrong! I love the heat, but if I'm not in the pool or at the beach I need to be comfortable and wearing something light and airy. You won't catch me in jeans from April through at least October. Comfort is key, and breezy and fun dresses are my go-to.

Dress {only $21 and comes in 3 colors} | Espadrilles {40% off} | Double Ring | Knot Cuff | Sunnies




Don't forget to use coupon code SUM54 to receive an extra 15% off your entire purchase at SheIn for their Summer Sale now through June 30th. Happy Shopping!

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