This & That 5.15

Health is wealth! Home updates, the spf to stock up on...

Sorry for the radio silence around here! I’ve been slowly picking up the pieces this week while also prepping for my daughter’s birthday… after being completely knocked down by the worst flu I’ve ever experienced. I’m very much singing to the tune of “health is wealth” at the moment. Even the smallest, most ordinary daily tasks suddenly feel like such a luxury when you can finally do them again.

(Very) slow morning walks and soaking up that vitamin D have been feeling good. I’ve lived in longer shorts (a staple of mine for this heat), this tee (such a good elevated basic if you’re looking for one) and simple black sandals. Honestly, just putting on a statement earring and sunglasses* to run to the store yesterday felt good again.

*I bought these sunglasses in Paris this past fall and I have to say I’m really digging them in this lighter shade at the moment.

I’ve been filling the house with tulips for Willow’s birthday! Cleaning and trying to make the house feel as celebratory as possible

I haven’t really been wearing makeup this past week, but I have being using this all-over sun milk for walks and long afternoons at my kids’ sporting events (also available here*). If you’re stocking up on SPF for summer, I absolutely love the way this one blends into the skin — it feels more like a luxurious body lotion than a sunscreen. Highly recommend!!

*Violet Grey’s Put It In The Bag Event is happening right now — 20% off bestsellers

And Good Weather Skin's Warm Glow Face SPF gives the prettiest hint of a golden tan for those no-makeup days… like your skin, just a little more even and glowy. It blends in really nicely. Just such a fan of this sunscreen line overall.

I have also been religious about my evening skincare routine lately and if you have yet to try—I highly recommend Irene Forte. I just restocked my night cream and it’s just heavenly! I love how it smells and feels on.

In home projects, I’ve been reworking this space in the back of our family room and finally added a new rug, which really warmed up the area and tied everything together. Eventually, I’d love to add built-in shelving along the wall for extra storage and a desk area for R & W to do homework, but in the meantime it’s honestly looking better than it has in years.

These are the chairs I added to the table (my family’s dining table that I grew up eating at). I had them upholstered in a vegan leather so they’d feel a little more durable and kid-friendly for this season of life.

[Inspo for the rug — I love the warmth]

Rug (in Straw) & Sandals

A framing project when I made it out of the house…

I finally got around to framing a piece I picked up on my last trip to Paris (left)… and it inspired me to print and frame a few family photos too (inspo from Pinterest on the right). I love the off-centered matting.

Also… one of the small things feeling really good this week: clean sheets on everyone’s beds (these are the best). Truly no better feeling than freshly washed sheets and a crisp made bed after spending far more time in it sick than you’d like for a week. That first clean-sheet sleep after being sick just hits differently.

While sick in bed I’ve been on quite the dress hunt as I know so many of you have upcoming May and June events, graduations and birthdays.

Pink Pitcher (inspired by Willow’s party). Dress. Bag. Sandals.

And if you’re on the hunt for a spring-y graduation outfit / something to wear to all of the May events—I love this softer palette (skirt and top set).

My Panthella Portable lamp is included in the Louis Poulsen’s Memorial Day Sale (happening now through May 29th), and I truly can’t get enough of all the colors it comes in. I love being able to move this lamp throughout the house without any visible cords — it makes every little corner feel instantly cozy.

Dorsey launched an enamel collection that feels especially fun for summer layering. I’m partial to this color.

Lastly, I had a girlfriend’s birthday dinner a couple weeks ago, and while we don’t always exchange gifts in my friend group, you really can’t go wrong with a little beauty assortment. I gave her a few of my personal favorites and they were a hit, so I thought I’d share. I think this makes a nice trio to gift (to anyone): my go-to eye pencil (in Cocoa), a highlighter for a subtle glow and my ideal nude polish*.

*Celisse is a great brand, for creating the perfect barely-there at-home manicure—or just helping your manicure last longer in general. I keep the cuticle serum in my pouch for travel. I’m very much a clear/nude nail polish person and this is the best pale pink shade I’ve found that matches my skin tone perfectly.

Hope you’re staying healthy and have a great weekend!

xx Alicia