Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend!! Little Miss and I are headed to our beloved little Florida island tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m thrilled for some one-on-one time with my sweet girl before she begins 8th grade…the older she gets, the more important our connection becomes.
The guys will join us early next week, and you know I’ll be soaking up every second of that family time. I look forward to this escape every year…a chance for us to disconnect from the world, and connect as a family before the rigors of a new school year begin. This year is especially bittersweet since our son is moving to college in two weeks. #gulp
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Ramblings post…but since my mind is running rampant, there’s no time like the present! Here’s what’s currently going on in my life and brain!
ONE // DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS
I’ve had a lot of requests to share the items we’re taking to college…and while I’m obviously no expert (this will be our first time!), I feel pretty good about the list so far! It’s all boxed and ready for move-in day, but I’m sure I’ll add a few more things as the day nears. Basically, Amazon and Target are taking all my money! Can you think of anything I need to add?
1 // Memory Foam Topper Dorm room beds are notoriously uncomfortable, so hopefully this foam topper helps!
2 // Classic Clip 6″ Fan This small fan packs a big punch! It clips to the bed or desk, and provides not just air, but white noise to help him sleep. I opted for a plug-in option so he didn’t have to worry about keeping a battery charged.
3 // Dorm Room First Aid Kit My son literally rolled his eyes at this one (‘Mom, chill!’) But as soon as it arrived, he declared it ‘dope!’ Full of everyday medicines, first aid & more, it’s a mini drugstore that packs small.
4 // 4-pack Adhesive Hooks Our dorms don’t allow nails or tacks, but these heavy-duty hooks stick to anything! Perfect for clothes, decor, lights and more.
5 // Bed Sheet Set We have this amazing sheets on every bed in our house, so it was a no-brainer he’d take a set to college! I was thrilled to find they come in Twin XL, too!
6 // 10-Pocket Shoe Organizer Instead of cluttering up the floor of his teeny-tiny closet, his shoes can hang neatly along one side. The extra slots are great added storage, too.
7 // LED Desk Lamp This small lamp offers several light settings, so he can be up late without disturbing his roommate. It also clips and angles to multiple surfaces.
8 // Pop Up Laundry Hamper This mesh hamper is completely flat when empty, but pops up to hold quite a bit. It also includes spot to store detergent and sturdy handles for easy transport to the laundry room (or home!!)
9 // Brita Filtered Water Dispenser He’s used to unlimited cold, filtered water at his disposal…this fits perfectly in the mini fridge!
10 // Black-Out Drapes Not that I want to encourage all-day sleeping, but these black-out drapes will help with unusual sleep schedules, plus insulate the room. They’re also already the perfect length for many dorm windows! I also ordered this tension rod to hang them.
11 // Hanging Shower Toiletry Bag He’ll share a bathroom with 3 other guys, so storage is limited. The quick-dry bag holds all his bathroom essentials, and conveniently hangs on the shower rod when in use.
12 // Washable Rug This flat weave rug is soft and easily spot-cleans. It adds some cozy texture to the minimal space, and allows people to lounge on the floor.
13 // Bedside Organizer This makeshift nightstand attaches to the side of the bed, and has space for phone, laptop, papers, and even a cup holder!
14 // Outlet Station This single power strip adds 6 outlets and 4 USBs, allowing space for all his devices. It also has a long cord for those awkwardly-placed outlets!
15 // Bedding Set His bed is minimal and classic, with a simple quilt, comforter and a few pillows. He chose this masculine stripe.
16 // Over Door 8 Hook Rack This over-the-door hook makes good use of vertical space, and hopefully helps keep clothes off the floor!
TWO // HELLO FRESH, HELLO YUM!
At a graduation party earlier this Summer, I was asking several of my empty-nester friends what they do about cooking now that they have fewer people. They all proceeded to sing the praises of HelloFresh, practically in unison! I mean, they were passionate about their love of the meal service!! Obviously I trust my girlfriends, so I signed up that week.
And can I just tell you it’s been a game-changer for us?!?! Literal game changer!! It takes the guess work out of cooking, cuts down on trips the grocery store…and best part, the food is INCREDIBLE!!! Dinner time is practically our favorite part of the day now, and we all look forward to the HelloFresh meal. I know I sound like an infomercial, but this is honestly just one girlfriend to another…I can’t recommend them enough! (In all fairness, this is the only meal service I’ve tried, but I love everything about it!)
The kids have actually traded off cooking this summer…the directions are so easy to follow, and all the ingredients are included in each week’s delivery. So not only are they helping me out, but they’re learning great cooking skills and taking on more responsibility. I love you, HelloFresh!
THREE // CAVALLO IS BACK, BABY!
Did you see the popular ruffle neck dress from our Summer of Color is back…in all new Fall-ready prints!!?? Under $70 and perfect for so many occasions!
FOUR // BOOKWORM
The Prime Day deals were too good, and I caved and bought a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m not sure yet if it will completely replace physical books for me, but it’s the perfect lightweight for travel, and has zero glare for reading outside in bright light. It’s also waterproof, so I’ve loved it around the pool, and excited to try it at the beach next week.
I added these first two titles for beach reads, and am slowly making my way through ‘Release My Grip.’ I just finished ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ and loved it! What are you reading this Summer?
Evie Drake Starts Over | Before We Were Yours | Release My Grip
FIVE // SHOE SCORE
I took the kids back-to-school shoe shopping this week, but wound up with a pair for myself. #oops Not only are these Rezza sneakers dead-ringers for the $500 sneakers, but they’re real leather and suede, and crazy-comfy!! They even have the hidden 1-inch lift!! But instead of the crazy price tag, they’re under $100!! I couldn’t snatch them up fast enough! Find them in white or gold here.
SIX // BEACH BOUND
Speaking of the beach, I can’t wait to see our dear friends, eat at all our favorite spots, and have marathon sessions of Phase 10 (I have a love-hate relationship with that game!). You can find all my posts about Anna Maria Island here. I couldn’t resist ordering a few things, and excitedly awaiting the arrival of this swimsuit, this romper, and this sun hat!
SEVEN // GO TEAM GO!
The first thing we did when our son chose a college, was book hotels and football tickets for Parent’s Weekend, Homecoming, Mom’s Weekend…basically every event that granted me permission on campus!! And football is a huge part of University of Oklahoma, so I’m excited for our first game! I just ordered this clear crossbody bag, perfect for stadiums, concerts and more!! I love that it’s monogrammed, and all my monogrammed accessories will show through, too! #southern
EIGHT // NSALE FINAL WEEKEND
This is the final weekend of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I’d love to hear what you bought…and kept! There were so many great finds this year it’s almost impossible to pick favorites. But if I had to choose, I’d say these are my own top buys:
- Wedge Bootie in the go-with-everthing shade of ‘Sesame’
- Quilted Utility Jacket in olive
- Hooded Cardigan
- Seamless, No-Wedgie Undies
- Softest Throw (only $25!)
As for your faves, these are your Top 5:
- Wedge Sneaker (these will be on repeat for me this Fall!)
- Barefoot Dreams Cardigan
- Distressed Ankle Jeans
- Scoopneck Tee (only $15!)
- Waterproof Wedge Bootie
Looks like we all appreciate good basics!! Now is also a great time to get a jump on holiday shopping! I rounded up some fun gift ideas…all on sale, and in stock! Shop the entire sale HERE before prices go back up Sunday!
1. Cozy Throw // 2. Diffuser // 3. Chubby Lip Set
4. Serving Bowl // 5. Best Undies (maybe just gift yourself!) // 6. Cashmere Sweater
7. Initial Necklace // 8. Sparkly Studs (only $25!)// 9. Cheese/Cutting Boards
10. Leopard Clutch // 11. Softest Pajama Set // 12. Candle Trio (3 gifts in 1!)
Oh yeah, and speaking of sales…have you checked out the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Flash Sale yet?! Half off tons of styles from all our past collections, plus free shipping and an extra 10% off when you spend $125!! I love seeing your orders, and so appreciate your excitement! I can’t wait to show you what the Gibson Team and I have planned next!
So tell me, what’s rambling through your head these day?! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
