Life Lately | Memorial Day Weekend

Coming to you today with an “old school” blog post—a simple recap of our lives lately. What we’ve been up to, how we spent Memorial Day Weekend, and a few things we’ve been loving. I want to use this blog to document a little more, so I hope that’s okay with you. I don’t want it to be a place of only professional photos and campaign work, but also still my little corner of the world to share our lives with you—which brings me so much joy! Here’s what’s been going on in our lives lately, and mainly how we spent last week!

Y’all! Our big girl finished kindergarten. I can’t believe it. I know I sound like the typical mom of an oldest child completing first milestones, but man I felt like this was a big deal. Now I know for sure we are on the rocket ship of having a school aged child and I need to buckle in and savor the moments as much as possible. She’s learned so much, grown up a ton both mentally and physically and has really learned so much socially. It’s been a joy to watch her grow and (if you can’t tell) we are SO proud of her! Can you get over the first day vs last day difference??? It’s crazy to me!

My chambray button up (an Amazon find!) | Black Pull on Shorts

Saturday Dan took the girls to see his Dad who’s in an assisted living home. They love to see him and take lots of pictures. I got to sneak off and cash in on a massage appointment that he scheduled for me for Mother’s Day. I absolutely love the Spa at the Joule and he usually treats me to a massage for special gifts. They do a wonderful job with the overall experience at the spa and I usually stay for quite a while before and after and enjoy the sauna, steam room and indoor pool. Overall, still a lovely treat.

Saturday night we decided to finally get brave and take the girls out for sushi. Dan and I love sushi and we actually have a hole in the wall place down the street from us that has the BEST sushi and ahi tuna tower–we crave it often, but were super skeptical of bringing the girls. The good news is that they each found a few things that they really liked! Both of them loved edamame, Lawson loved the tuna tower and Landry really liked the chicken teriyaki! It was so much fun seeing them try new things! We also took them out for ice cream after, which truthfully we enjoy just as much as them 😉

One of my friends asked for some self tanner advice, so I sent her this photo over the weekend and thought I’d share with you guys too! I’ve fallen hard for Loving Tan Express over the past 3 months, and even though it’s the priciest option, it’s well worth it IMO. It gives the MOST beautiful mocha tan color, smells good and (when applied with the mitt here) gives a beautiful, instant and streak free tan. I HIGHLY recommend it. Buy it on Amazon HERE. I also included two other tried and true favs that are less expensive and ones I plan to keep in my rotation.

Loving Tan Express | St. Moritz | Ulta Express Tan | The Mitt (a MUST HAVE)

I tried to remember to document more “everyday outfits” like this one that I was just wearing to run a few errands and do some chores around the house on Sunday. It was comfy and cute and super functional. A great Summer uniform for mamas running around with their kiddos. The shorts are from Amazon and an amazing Lululemon dupe for about 1/2 the price. They have all of the details, a great fit and are so cute on. See all colors HERE. The tank was one of the biggest hits from this month’s Amazon haul. It’s $15 of softness and such a fun take on the graphic trend. See all color options HERE.

Good Vibes Tank | Running Shorts

On Sunday we went over to our friends’ house for a catfish fry—which really speaks to my Louisiana heart. I was in charge of sides and I shared most of them on Instastories, but I thought that they could also live here in case you need something yummy in a pinch. The corn salad (some call it “cowboy caviar”) is the ultimate Summer side and is so refreshing and healthy. What’s unhealthy is serving it with scoops or tortilla chips—but hey it’s all about balance 😉

I also always make this chocolate bundt cake to take to people. It’s SO easy, so good and not too sweet. You could serve it with cool whip for a Summer version. I also brought my grandmothers potato salad and a honey cornbread. We had such a great time swimming with the kids and catching up for hours.

 

 

Similar Pom Swim Covers that the girls are wearing (found on amazon for under $10!) | My Swim Cover (under $20!!!) + My Swimsuit (both Amazon finds) 

Similar Swim Covers

Dan and I both took new shoes for a spin over the weekend really liked them! I got him a pair of Hair Mari’s for our Anniversary and he LOVES them—and I really like the way that they look too!

1 State sent me these gorgeous new snakeskin slides with brushed gold flecking and I put them on immediately! They are beautiful, comfortable and work as a fun neutral.

Dan’s Flip Flops | My Snakeskin Sandals

Monday we had a slow morning. Dan completed the Murph Challenge and I went on a 6 mile run, remembering and praying for those who have and still do serve our country. I must have passed 300 flags on my run and my eyes welled up each time thinking that there are actually brave enough men and women out there who sacrifice it all so that I can live freely.

We showered, I braided my wet hair, threw on clothes and we headed downtown to Klyde Warren Park. They have a kids splash pad, little park and it was Monday so all of the food trucks were lining the streets. The girls LOVED it.

My Dress | My Pool Shoes |  Hat | $16 Sunnies

Girls’ Matching Swimsuits (on sale!) | Lawson’s Pool Shoes | Initial Hat (Amazon)

After we got home, Landry had to go straight to her last Ballet class (recital is next Monday!!) and Lawson went down for a lovely nap. She screamed 99% of the way home because she was just SO exhausted. When we got back and Lawson woke up, they wanted to head right back in the pool so we happily obliged. We threw chicken breasts and hotdogs on the grill, listened to country music and had a great night on the patio. The girls successfully went through their entire swimsuit rotation this weekend and I loved the below ones from Amazon the most. Their Hope and Henry brand is honestly my favorite kids brand right now and these suits did not disappoint.

Landry is so fair and really does best in rash guards. It’s really hard to find feminine ones that don’t have cheesy things written all over the front, so you can see why I was happy to find this one! It’s so sweet.

Landry’s Swim Suit (Amazon!)

There are so words for this sass, y’all. I cannot handle her in this suit. I think all toddler girls should have a Chanel inspired one piece, right?! Size up for the best fit.

Lawson’s Swimsuit (also on Prime)

…and that’s a wrap! We had a amazing few days. It was great to not have my phone on at all times, not worry about posting to social media and just enjoying these little ones. I hope that you liked this style of post, I plan to share a lot more like this! Happy Summer!

 

-xo Mallory