Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? We decided the best way to survive this heatwave was in the water, so we spent the weekend floating in the lake under giant hats.
I saw this funny meme the other day, it said, ‘Okay God, whatever it is you’re cooking, it’s DONE!’ It made me laugh because it’s so true. We’re pretty crispy over here. Not to mention, I’m in panic mode about our impending electric bill!
We have ‘Back to School’ day for Sloan this afternoon, and then she returns to class on Wednesday. Doesn’t that seem crazy-early?! I’m never ready to leave Summer Break behind, so honestly, any date is too soon for me. She’s actually super excited about her Senior year, and all the special events that come with it, so that makes me beyond happy (and relieved).
Today I’ve got a hodgepodge of life lately, so let’s get to this month’s This & That…
Family Celebrations //
It’s been a big summer of family celebrations, starting with my beautiful sister’s wedding in Bozeman! It was such a special day, with a stunning backdrop. She wore the veil that’s been in our family for over 100 years (and I wore it 25 years ago)!
on me: Tiered Floral Maxi Dress (size 0) | Clear Heels (Extra 25% off!)
on her: Strapless Dress
Mr. Sugarplum and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary the next week in French Polynesia! (I shared the first leg of our trip HERE, and stay tuned for part 2.)
on me: Cut-Out Slit Dress (Black, Small) | Clear Strappy Sandals (Size up half) | Woven Clutch (Nat1) | Stretch Bracelets
on Mr. SP: Strato Tech Polo (Platinum Heather, Medium)
These two continue to amaze me, and I just love watching them grow! Mr. College thrived at his summer internship, and was offered a full-time position when he graduates next year! And what’s even better, the job is in the Dallas area, so he’ll be close to home again! We also celebrated his 22nd birthday over July 4th holiday… I can’t believe my ‘baby’ is a grown man!
Speaking of baby, Sloan just submitted all her college applications last week! Ready or not, this empty-nest thing is coming!! She worked so hard this summer getting her resume and essays complete, and thanks to her advisor, OneUp College Consulting, she was able to finish the applications before school starts! Now the waiting game begins, and we just pray she’ll end up on a campus where she can thrive!
Travel Uniform Upgrade //
My travel uniform has pretty much remained the same this Summer, but one upgrade was to my water bottle! I recently got hooked on this Stanley cup, but with the handle and straw, it’s not great for travel. This tumbler style has a flip-top straw and top handle, making it perfect for sliding in the side pocket of a duffle or backpack. And it absolutely does not leak, while also keeping your water cold for hours on end. (The 30oz is my preferred size for both… not too big for carrying around!)
Stanley Water Bottle | Sunset Tee (XS) | Performance Joggers (Small) | ON Cloud Sneakers | Rolling Suitcase | Carry-on Duffle Bag
Summer Skincare //
I’ve been skipping makeup more days than not this summer, so I’ve been paying extra attention to my skincare. This line-up has been my go-to, and leaves my skin looking and feeling so glowy and fresh!
I use them in this order (code SUGARPLUM15 saves you at Dime Beauty, and code SUGARPLUM20 saves you at Colleen Rothschild!):
- Elemis pads to remove oil, sweat, and leftover skincare from the night before
- Vitamin C Serum to brighten skin and protect from environmental aggressors
- Sheer Renewal Cream to hydrate and moisturize
- Illuminating Eye Cream to reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and brighten under eyes (an absolute MUST HAVE!)
- Neck and Chest Cream to reduce crepiness and tighten skin
- Tinted Wonderscreen for subtle coverage, added glow, and SPF 30
Elemis Resurfacing Pads | Dime Wonderscreen (code SUGARPLUM15) | Sheer Renewal Cream (code SUGARPLUM20) | Illuminating Eye Cream (code SUGARPLUM20) | Vitamin C Serum (code SUGARPLUM20) | Neck & Chest Cream
Wowza, Walmart //
Mr. College was in need of a few new things for his house on campus, and I was shocked by all the incredible deals at Walmart! Seriously giving Amazon a run!! We refreshed his bedding and towels, and we added this Keurig to his kitchen lineup. He loved that it makes both hot and iced coffee.
The ‘Hello Gorgeous’ sign is super cute, and hangs in Sloan’s room. (See it HERE.)
Iced & Hot Coffee Keurig | Neon Sign | 18-Piece Bath Towels Set | GAP Home Comforter Set
I found all kinds of great deals for dorm and apartment living.
Shower Tote | Clorox Wipes | Microfiber Sheet Set
Retro Microwave | Mattress Pad | Desk Fan
Apple Watch | Backpack | Chair
Rolling Drawer Cart | Collapsible Moving Bags | Neon Sign
18-Piece Bath Towels Set | GAP Home Comforter Set |Â Iced & Hot Coffee Keurig
Plus, tons of incredible buys on all things tech, from tablets and printers, to Apple watches and AirPods!
Printer | Apple Watch | Alarm Clock | iPad | AirPods | Power Strip | Magic Keyboard | Vizio TV | AirTag
Dorm & Apartment Essentials //
Speaking of dorms and apartments, here are the essentials we’ve used in the past.
1. Memory Foam Topper // 2. Clip-On Fan
3. First Aid Kit // 4. Adhesive Hooks
5. Best Sheet Set // 6. Hanging Closet Organizer
7. Desk Lamp // 8. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper
9. Filtered Water Pitcher // 10. Black Out Curtains
11. Stacking Storage Drawers // 12. Plush Washable Rug
13. Power Strip Outlet Station // 14. Bedding Set
15. Over Door Hook Rack // 16. Faux Plant
17. Collapsible Moving Bags // 18. Water Bottle
19. Smart Phone Pocket // 20. LED Lights
1. Plastic Tumblers // 2. Cooking Utensils
3. Silverware Set and Organizer // 4. Dishes Set
5. Coffee Maker // 6. Mixing Bowls with Lids
7. Best Sheets Set // 8. Vacuum
9. Fire Extinguisher // 10. Bath Towels
11. Bath Mat // 12. Plunger
13. Cookware Set // 14. Mattress-in-a-Box
Lake Love //
We’ve hosted so many friends and family at the lake this summer, and I’m reminded every time how grateful I am to have this escape!
Fancy Feet //
You’ll find me barefoot more often than not in summer, so my feet need a little extra attention. I discovered this duo for keeping my feet super smooth and moisturized! Every night after showering, I give my heels and other rough spots a light scrub (go easy, it’s super powerful!), followed by the balm, and I wake up with baby soft feet everyday!
Gaga For Graphic Tees //
Summer is for graphic tees, and I’m super picky about mine! They must be crazy soft, with a relaxed fit and cute graphics, but not cheesy. If that’s your requirements, too, you’ll love this round-up of styles I found! I mean come on… sunshine and tacos?!?!
Fit Tip: I’m a size Small in all.
Top: Sunshine and Tacos Tee | Happy Camper Tee (Small)
Middle: Here Comes The Sun Tee (Small, P3-grey) | You Are My Sunshine Tee (Small, Green)
Bottom:  Tacos and Cervezas Tee (Small, Heather Green) | Another Sun Tee (Small, Green)
Sugarplum Book Club //
I’ve read a lot of books this summer, most of which I forgot the moment I turned the last page. But Book Lovers by Emily Henry and Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand are definite stand-outs… I enjoyed every word, and was sorry to see them end!
Book Lovers | All-Weather Bangles
Backyard Updates //
We’ve slowly been working on our backyard and patio, and I love these recent additions! Plus, the price and quality can’t be beat!
Storage Table | Drink Bin | Sunscreen Bin | Striped Towels | Shallow Planter | Large Planter
Chaise Lounges | Lumbar Pillows
On the Peloton Train //
After more than two years of hemming-and-hawing about getting a Peloton, we finally pulled the trigger on not only the bike, but also the tread! We couldn’t decide between the two, so the sales person talked us into trying both with their 30-day free trial! And we LOVE them!!
I also found this affordable Apple Watch to help keep me accountable to moving my body each day. So suddenly I’m an Apple Watch-wearing, Peloton person now?! Let me know your favorite instructors and classes!
Apple Watch | Peloton Tread | Stanley Tumbler
Giddy For Greens //
Clearly I’m in my fitness and wellness era, but I’m also completely hooked on AG1!! I love starting my day with it, and knowing I’m getting a full dose of 75 vitamins and minerals, plus probiotics and prebiotics! It’s done wonders for my gut health, and I crave the overall feeling of wellness when I drink it.
I don’t have a code, but my link will get you a year’s supply of Vitamin D drops, plus five free travel packs HERE.
DRD Jackpot //
My latest Dressing Room Diaries was hands-down my biggest style jackpot in months! Retailers are really bringing the cute styles, and for the first time, I actually kept more than I returned! #ooops Find it all HERE.
Top: Floral Tie-Waist Dress (size 0) | Scoopneck Maxi Dress (Small) (code SUGARPLUM10) | Square Neck Dress (XXS) (code SUGARPLUM10)
Middle: Window Pane Ruffle Top (XS) (code SUGARPLUM10) | Tiered Tropical Print Dress (Small) (code CASSIE15) | High Neck Ruffle Blouse (XS) (code CASSIE15)
Bottom: Poplin Puff Sleeve Dress (Small) (code CASSIE15) | Black Muscle Tank &Â Black Crop Pants (Small) (code SUGARPLUM10) | Smocked Square Neck Dress (XS)
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.
Top: Swimsuit (Coral, Small) | Straw Hat (A01-Beige) | Flounce Skirt (Small) | Sandals | Halter Maxi Dress (Teal, Small) | Tulip-Sleeve Tee (Small)
Middle: Floral Maxi Dress (Small) | Woven Handled Bag | Gauzy Shorts Set (Apricot, Small) | One Shoulder Top (XS) | Floral Maxi Skirt (XS)
Bottom: Embroidered Top (Small) | Sunglasses | Abstract Maxi Dress (XS) | Ruffle Shorts Set (Small) | Bracelets
Top: Nugget Ice Maker | Robot Vacuum | Wood Pedestal Tray
Middle: Refillable Shower Bottles | Pant Hangers | Chin Straps | Hydrating Masks | Acne Patches | Dermaplane Razors
Bottom: Acrylic Book Stand | Dog Food Canister | Velcro Rollers | Hair Ties | Wood Round Brush
Monday Mail Day //
Speaking of popular series, Monday Mail Day is the repeating request on Instagram Stories! I’m thrilled you like my random, QVC-style finds I share each week! Here’s a peek of what arrived the last few weeks… but if you only buy one thing, let it be this… ok, or these!
Our Place Oven Pan | Sunshine Tienda Straw Hat (code SUGARPLUM10) | Neck & Chest Cream | Pet Grooming Gloves | Classic Cardigan (Small)
Mother/Daughter Journal | Petal Drop Earrings | Acne Nose Patches | Wooden Pants Hangers | Luggage Rack
Collapsible Packing Bags | Tabletop Fly Swatters | Faux Succulents | Bliss Throw Blanket | Slide Sandals
Insulated Plastic Tumblers | Academic Calendar | Argan Oil Hair Mask | Designer-Inspired Sandals | Holiday Garland
Bedroom Updates //
I shared Sloan’s new teen room HERE, and we’ve also been working on Mr. College’s room, and our Primary bedroom, as well.
Nightstand | Rug | Bed | Duvet | Plant | Neon Sign | Butterfly Art | Sunglass Rack
Velvet Quilt Set | Similar Bedspread Coverlet | Canopy Bed | Drapes | Curtain Rods | Oriental Runner in ‘Ink Salmon‘ | Molding: SW ‘Dried Thyme’ | Lamps & Plaid Pillows are old
Georgie Area Rug in ‘Jade Sunset‘ (Size: 10’x14’) | Four Poster Bed | Fringe Pillows | Percale Duvet Set | Duvet Insert | Percale Sheet Set | Lamps, Bench, & Side Tables are old
How’s that for a random round-up? But that’s the This & That of life around here lately! Happy Monday, lovebugs!
P.S. If you’re looking for more of my recent finds, check out my latest Amazon Fashion Finds HERE and Dressing Room Diaries HERE.
Woo hoo! Congrats to Mr. C!! What a relief to have a job offer before your senior year AND to have it closer to home! Win win. I am so happy for all of you. And big congrats to Sloan for getting those apps in. Wishing her all the best in her senior year and beyond!
Thank you so much, Kristin! It’s been a good week for the Sugarplum kiddos! xo, C