Outfit Details: dress: Red Dress Boutique c/o // wedges: Red Dress Boutique c/o {only $32!} // clutch: Mud Pie c/o {only $34, also styled with a cocktail dress in this blog post} // sunglasses: Karen Walker 

I used to have a series on the blog called “Cocktail Hour” in which I shared my peak/pits as of late, as well as my cocktail of the week,  wellness tidbit, favorite things seen on the internet, best deal of the week, etc. They were really fun to write and put together, but often took too long for me to get up regularly (#life).

SO, I wanted to start doing an abbreviated version of them so I can get them up more frequently! Thinking of referring to them as “Life Lately” posts, but let me know if you can think of a more clever title. Also, let me know how you like this version and if I should add in or change up anything at all! 

Life Lately

(life updates & happenings) 

The past two weeks have been wonderful and exhausting all at once! Last weekend we had both of my mom’s two brothers visit us on Long Beach Island, and I got to spend time with my two little cousins who I LOVE. My sweet girl cousin turns 14 this week and is now taller than me! (which isn’t hard, ha, but I still just can’t get over it!). Johnny also spent the weekend with us at the shore and of course my other little cousin (who’s a ten year old boy) looked up to him the whole time. They went to the arcade together and then I caught them sitting across the dining room table from each other, eating peach pie with intense focus ?.

The weekend was composed of such nice family time and I only had one (mini) meltdown on Sunday morning. I talked about it in this Instagram post, but I was trying to shoot photos outside but it was a 97 degrees and I wasn’t feeling it and I just felt blah and frustrated and not into it. Blogging is my absolute passion project and my most favorite thing I do, so I really hate when I get overwhelmed and try to force it due to my schedule. My life right now sometimes feels like seesaw of ups and downs, and sometimes I’m just like “ok can we just stabilize for some normalcy for like at least a MONTH?!” Ha! Thankful for it ALL nonetheless. ?

This past week, I got a few blog posts done (even managed to shoot one after work, all on my iPhone, and I LOVE how it turned out.. it will be live next week!), and have all the feels about wrapping up the month of July. I come alive in the summer (sunshine + sand + rosé = my happiest self), and I know that August brings hints of fall. BUT, I do have two really special trips planned for the end of August (one domestic and one international), both to places I’ve never been before, and I am looking forward to those. I’ve said this before, but planning for/looking forward to trips is half the fun for me!

This weekend I am back at the shore (full Long Beach Island guide coming to you TOMORROW OMG), and catching up with some friends who are visiting—my mom’s best friend from college and her two daughters (the older one is now a Theta at Richmond ?). I’m going to be catching up on sleep and work outs (not very exciting but very necessary!). 

Read on for the best deals that I’m shopping, my recent Amazon purchases, and a few dorm room organization hacks… 

As always, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for stopping by and reading! xx

Recent Sale Alerts

(this section will either be Recent Sale Alerts or Recent Shopping Finds) 

• ANTHROPOLOGIE // Take an extra 50% off sale
• J. CREW // Extra 60% off all sale styles with code LASTCHANCE
• J. CREW FACTORY // 40% off new arrivals, 60% off so much more. EXTRA 40% off clearance with code COOLSALE. 
• NORDSTROM // The Anniversary sale is going on until August 5th! 

Recent Amazon Finds

• I just got this blush pink insulated tumbler that comes with a lid/straws. LOVE the big size & it has the best ratings! 
• This is the sunscreen stick that Tanya recommend I use over my new microbladed eyebrows! 
• I just got this gorgeous pink/red kimono and wore it to the beach last weekend. It’s the most beautiful coverup and only $19! It would also look so chic paired over a tank + jeans. 

Recent Life Hack

(either an organizational item, time saving tip, or life-changing product) 

It’s getting to be back-to-college time! I’ve shared my top tips for taking your dorm room to the next level, but wanted to mention a few dorm hacks here. 

• Stack these bed risers (or cinder blocks!) to raise your bed as high as it can go. Under-bed storage is KEY. 
• Stack these rolling storage bins under your bed for things like sweatshirts, sweaters, extra toiletries, boots, etc. 
• Put this hanging shoe rack on the inside of your closet door. It fits SO many shoes and you can see them all at once! 
• See ALL of my dorm room hacks/tips (and past bedding suggestions!) HERE.