Happy Tuesday, friends! Sloan surprised us with a last-minute visit over the weekend, and it was exactly what I needed! We hadn’t seen her for six weeks (our longest stretch yet!), and I was missing her so much. We call or FaceTime most days, but nothing compares to being able to actually hug them, right?! I always smell her too, is that weird?

Today I’ve got a big ‘ol hodge podge of This & That for you, so buckle up for the random mixed bag! While the blog remains my first love, it’s so much easier to share snippets of my day, great new finds, and the latest deals on social media! Some of them are too good to miss, so I wanted to be sure to share them with my beloved subscribers, too!

And if you aren’t following me on Instagram HERE, I promise we have fun!

My One Word //

Rather than resolutions for the New Year, I tend to choose a single word that defines my intention for how I hope to live my life that year. (See a few HERE and HERE.) Between Sloan (my last baby) going off to college, and the throes of perimenopause, my life feels completely different now.

I stumbled a bit at first, trying to find my footing in a world where I was no longer in constant parent mode, and unsure of my role and purpose. I was honestly feeling sorry for myself, thinking I was on the backside of life. But then I changed my perspective… what if my life was actually just beginning?!

For the first time in my adult life, I can make choices just for me! I can travel freely, meet friends whenever I want, and reconnect with my husband as the people we were before becoming ‘mom and dad.’ Once my thinking shifted, I saw the joy and freedom that comes with this phase of life… and I realized I want to be VIBRANT!

Webster’s defines vibrant as ‘full of life, dynamic, effervescent’… doesn’t that sound like a beautiful life?! Of course I’ll always be mom, and miss the days both kids were at home, but there is also so much beauty and fun left to be had, and I can’t wait to embrace it! Did you set a word this year?

Happy Hair //

Thanks to perimenopause, my hair started thinning about 7 or 8 years ago. It was so slow at first that I hardly noticed. Just a little more hair in my brush, then bigger clogs in the drain. It wasn’t until I pulled my hair back and had to loop the tie around a third time that I knew I had a real issue.

At the time, I didn’t understand hormones and the havoc they can wreak on every part of our bodies, so didn’t connect the dots of my hair loss and perimenopause. (Honestly, I didn’t even know the term ‘perimenopause’ until last year!) I started adding a few extensions here and there to fill in the gaps of broken hair and add a little more fullness, and before I knew it, I had a whole head of extensions!

Then a few years ago I was introduced to Nutrafol. I dabbled with it here and there, but finally committed to consistent use exactly two years ago. Within three months, I noticed considerably less shedding. Six months later my hair stylist was shocked by the amount of new growth I had all over my head! And after the one-year mark, I said goodbye to my last hair extension!

Every visit we’d cut a few inches off the bottom (it grows so fast with Nutrafol!), letting the new growth catch up. And last week, we cut the final 2-inches and my new growth has officially caught up with the rest of my hair… and I’m back to the hair of my youth!

I can’t tell you how good it feels, or the confidence it gives me to have a full head of hair again… and I owe it to Nutrafol!! I take the Women’s Balance, which is specially formulated for women in their 40s and up, to support us through the hormonal shifts and changes in our bodies. It specifically targets the key causes of hair thinning, is drug-free, and the most respected hair supplement on the market.

I’m officially a believer, as are so many of you! I reached out for a discount, and they’ve offered us $50 off 3 months, or $106 off 6 months supply HERE! It’s definitely an investment, but this photo is proof it worked for me!

Nutrafol

Nutrafol

Girls Trip Essentials //

Is it me, or is the morning coffee talk time the best part of a girls trip?! Earlier this month I went to San Pancho with some of my girlfriends (see the Trip Report on this charming town HERE), and it’s always my job to bring the beauty goods.

We started our mornings with my favorite eye patches to hydrate and plump, and these cool deep collagen masks. You leave them on until they turn clear, and your skin will positively glow when you peel them off! And of course hydration salts to balance out the tequila, ha!

Electrolytes | Collagen Mask | Under-Eye Patches

Skincare I Pack //

Speaking of travel, I’m often asked what skincare I pack since I’m an avid carry-on girl. I definitely have to make some concessions in order to pack small, so I stick with cleansers and hydration… and all Colleen Rothschild, of course!

I have a few mini tubes, but most of her products are within TSA limits, so I just bring the full sizes of some. The Vitamin C Serum has become a must-have, so it comes for protecting my skin from environmental factors, and I never go a day without the Illuminating Eye Cream!

I use hotel shampoo and soaps, but always pack the mini Hair Mask, and it ensures I have a good hair day. (Pssst, there’s still a few of our Sugarplum Winter Bundles left HERE, and they include a FREE hair mask!)

Mini Radiant Cleansing Balm | Intense Hydrating Mask | Sheer Renewal Cream | Restorative Hair Mask (Mini Size HERE) | Vitamin C Serum | Tinted Eye Cream (code SUGARPLUM20 to save 20%!)

Gauzy Goodness //

With Spring Break and warm-weather trips around the corner, I’ve been sharing lots of resort styles (see them HERE and HERE)… and no one does Resort better than Anthro! These gauzy cotton dresses have already been with me on several trips, and I know will be on repeat.

I just ordered this skirt, this dress in black, and this clutch, and can hardly wait for them arrive! And these wedges arrived, and they are spring/summer perfection!

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size XS in all of them.

Sleeveless Dress | Puff Sleeve Dress | Long Sleeve Dress

In-Stock Suit //

This chic one-piece swim has been a Sugarplum best-seller for over a month (I first shared it on our trip to Lovango seen HERE, and again in San Pancho HERE). It was a fast sell-out, but it’s finally back in stock! It’s super supportive with great coverage, and can be worn with the straps or as a bandeau. And miracle of all miracles, the white isn’t see-thru at all!

I love it so much I’m tempted to grab it in black!

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I have a long torso, so always size up in one-pieces. I’m in a size Medium.

Bandeau Swimsuit (size 6)

Cupshe Code //

Speaking of swim, Cupshe has long been a brand I look to for fun and affordable suits! They can be hit or miss, so it’s important to look at the photos carefully (a lot of cheeky styles!), but my recent order was a 10/10!

This maxi has a fun cut-out on the back, making it a perfect vacation style, and the skirt is so cute with a tank or even over a swimsuit. And the lilac one-piece is a winner with full support and great coverage, plus ruching for a flattering fit.

And they gave us a code to save! CASSIE15 for 15% off $70 orders, and CASSIE20 for 20% off orders over $109!!

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size Small in the dress and skirt, and sized up to a Medium in the swimsuit (but could probably have worn a size Small).

Keyhole Maxi Dress | Smocked Midi Skirt | Swimsuit | Cover-Up | Shop All HERE

J’Adore (Amazon) Jewelry //

I hit the jewelry jackpot with Amazon lately!! Incredible style, quality, and of course the price is amazing! These two earrings are classic, and on repeat lately.

Dome Hoop Earrings | Dangle Hoop Earrings | Shop Both HERE

And these chunky necklaces blew my mind! The puffed heart toggle necklace could easily be five times the price!! I love it paired with the colorful beaded necklace for a fun new stack for Spring. (I’m wearing them in the Cupshe pic above!)

Heart Toggle Necklace | Puffy Heart Toggle Necklace | Beaded Necklace | Chain Link Necklace | Shop All HERE

Date Night Denim //

My go-to date night jeans are finally back in stock!! So flattering and comfy, and they give you legs for daysssss! And code SUGARPLUM15 makes them under $60! The long length is perfect for pairing with heels for a night out, but I love them so much I ordered another pair to hem for flat shoes!

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I’m in my true size 26.

High Rise Straight Leg Risen Jeans (size 26) | Leopard Turtleneck | Ankle Booties

Book Club //

In an effort to limit my screen time, particularly at night, I’ve reading more and more lately… and it truly is such a treat!! I’ve read a few great books so far this year, but two that completely captured my heart are The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah.

Both have incredible strong women leads, and inspired me in so many ways. Plus, the writing was so beautiful, I found myself flagging the pages to read again. What have you read and loved lately?

The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Weighted Workout //

Have you seen all the hype for weighted vests lately? It sounded intriguing, and easy enough to do, so I jumped on the bandwagon! They provide added resistance to help with strength and bone density. The intent is to wear them on your daily walks, but I’ve found I get more out of it by wearing it around the house in my day-to-day.

Folding laundry, cooking dinner, walking the dogs… all things I do regularly, but now I’m getting more physical benefit from it! I started with the 8-lb, but think the 10-lb would have been a better longer-term challenge.

Weighted Vest | Tank | Leggings (code 20CASSIE to save 20% on both!)

Savvy Sandals //

My favorite chic sandals from last year are back, baby!! Can you believe these are Target?!? They look so expensive, and the style makes every outfit more chic. I quickly scooped them up in every color.

They do tend to sell out, but usually restock.

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I have a high arch, so I size up half.

Toe Strap Sandals

Plunge Bra //

You know my love of the Amazon Warner’s bra runs deep. It’s beyond comfortable, and the price can’t be beat! But many styles I wear have a bit more of a v-neck than the Warner’s bra allows, so I was thrilled to find this plunging bra from one of my other favorite brands!

It’s perfect for low-cut and even plunging necklines, is seamless under tees, and even converts to racerback!

Plunge Bra (Shop All Retailers HERE)

Feeling Lucky for Spring //

It was 70 degrees yesterday, which has me so hopeful (and beyond ready!) for Spring! Avara just launched the cutest new arrivals, and let’s just say I was having a moment for green! And code CASSIE15 saves you 15% on all of it!

Striped Dress | Striped Cardigan | White Jeans | Blue Bag
Plait Dress | V-Neck Blouse | Raw Hem Jeans | White Bag
Tiered Dress | Collared Blouse | Shop All HERE

Happy Hounds //

We gifted our pups BarkBox, the fun toy and treat boxes for pets, for Christmas, and they were an instant hit! Each box has themed toys for the holiday, plus yummy treats with quality ingredients they love. I swear Mollie knows what it is the moment it arrives now!

You can subscribe, or just grab a single box… or gift one for your pet-loving friends!

BarkBox

Linen Love (aka I have an Athleta code!!) //

We’ve been long-time fans of Athleta over here… just look at sweet little Sloan HERE! I’m thrilled to be working with them again, and now we get an exclusive discount code! This week only, code 20CASSIE saves you 20% off site-wide… including sale items! I love these 7/8 Leggings, and this half-zip pullover has been in heavy rotation.

But it’s their linen collection that’s caught my eye recently! Incredible quality and style, and so perfect for your Summer wardrobe.

Sugarplum Fit Tip: I’m in a size XS shirt and pants, but would prefer the petite length for the pants.

Gauzy Button Down | Wide Leg Pants | Tapered Pants | Crop Tee (code 20CASSIE for all) | Shop All HERE | Slide Sandals (code CASSIE15)

Favorite Things Party //

I hosted my 4th annual Favorite Things party in December, and my messages were flooded with what I chose to give! These three are true ride-or-dies for me! And make great gifts! Also linking the holiday cozies I wore to our party, and some of the other gifts! And you can see more of my Sugarplum Favorite Things HERE.

Argan Oil Hair Mask | Toiletries Case | Drybar Shower Cap | Shop All HERE

Save vs. Splurge //

I started a new series on Instagram called “Save vs. Splurge” where I share the cutest look-alike pieces, just like this darling gingham dress! I started a collection so you can easily find them all HERE.

Save vs. Splurge Finds

Amazing Amazon //

Amazon Hauls continue to be the most popular posts each month, and my latest was no exception! But hello… look how cute all these styles are!! See my latest finds HERE and my try-on HERE.

// Amazon Fashion Finds //

Are you still with me?1 How’s that for a random round-up? But that’s the This & That of life around here lately! Happy Tuesday, lovebugs!