Monday, June 15, 2026

May Favorites


I round up my favorite things each month for a monthly favorites list. At the end of the year, I pull from each monthly list to create an annual favorites list. In 2025, I broke down my list into three parts: Beauty, Fashion, and Home and Misc. It's my way of keeping track of the very best things. The lists work because, looking back over the past few years, most of the items on each list are still my favorites. My only rule is that I don't repeat items from month to month or year to year, so there is no overlap. 

Gingham Pants// I love these classic pants. Gingham is certainly having a moment this season, but I think these are timeless. I sized up, as they don't have any stretch. I'd like to think they'd be Samantha Stevens-approved. 

Swimsuit// This swimsuit is so well-made. It's double-lined, and the chest is supportive and so flattering. There is good coverage on the bum, but not too much coverage- just right! 

Dog Bed// I searched for months for a new dog bed for Henry in the car. Everything in the local stores was questionable quality, and most of what I saw online was more than I wanted to spend or the wrong dimensions. This was the needle in the haystack for me in terms of fitting in my backseat, being high quality, and not costing a fortune. 

Flower Scissors// Do you really need these? No. But honestly, they are SUCH a game changer when trimming floral bouquets to fit in vases. They work on even the strongest stems. Keep this in your back pocket for a stocking stuffer, or pair it with a bouquet as a gift, because these aren't a necessity, but man, they are something you didn't know you were missing! 

Yellow Vase// A good Ginori look for less. I love it. It's sitting on my dining room table right now, and it's gorgeous. 

King Pillow// Pillows are personal, so this should be taken with a grain of salt, but I am a side sleeper, and sometimes a stomach sleeper. I love down pillows, and I've tried a lot over the years. I recently needed to replace one of my pillows and strayed from TCS, and it was a mistake. I ended up wasting my money and ordering this pillow. I got the king-size, gusseted, medium firmness, and I've been so happy with it. The quality is perfect. TCS is such a reliable brand. I love it. 

Sailboat Cardigan// Such a gorgeous cardigan and perfect for summertime. It's 100% cotton. I sized up to a medium for a roomier fit. 

Suede Mule Heels// These are so comfortable for how high the heel is! I feel chic and put together when wearing these, and they are the perfect neutral shade, too. 

Hair Oil// I was using Oribe hair oil before this, and I really liked it. I am not a big Oribe gal; this is one of the very few products from that brand that I actually like. Well, Crown Affair launched their hair oil, and from the first time I tried it, I knew it was the best! It's so lightweight, it smells delightful, and really makes my hair less frizzy and shiny. You can put this on damp or dry hair. I usually put it on when my hair is dry as the finishing touch. 

Gingham Dress// My sister saw me wearing this and assumed it was Doen. Luckily, it is about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of a Doen dress, and so pretty! The quality is great. It runs a bit big, so size down. 


Skincare Kit// I love a value kit when it comes to makeup and skincare, and this is a good one for under $100. My code SUMMERWIND doesn't work on this, but it's still a very good deal! 

Oval Earrings + Emerald Earrings// I have worn these in round since they launched, and they just launched oval and emerald, and I love them all equally. They're a great alternative to a stud earring and such a classic way to mix things up. I have influenced so many women in my personal life with these. Whenever I am out, there are always several of us in these earrings! I also love to give them as gifts because I really think they work for many different personal tastes/styles. 

Striped Sweater // A classic! I sized up to a medium, and it has the perfect slightly oversized fit. It's casual summertime perfection. I particularly love how the rollneck and cuffs are white- it adds something interesting to the look! 

White Dress// The most flattering dress and one of those things that you can throw on and instantly look polished with minimal effort. This runs true to size. 

Moisturizing Body Gel // This is the lightest-weight moisturizer I've ever used. It comes out as a gel, you lather it on, and it truly sinks in immediately, leaving your legs looking so hydrated and healthy. A summer must-have.

Skort// Love the few pleats, the stripes, the sweat-wicking/cooling fabric, and the tasteful length. Truly one of the most comfortable skorts you'll wear. I sized up to a medium and I'm glad I did! 

2026 Monthly Favorites:


Check out my yearly favorites... 


You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).
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Friday, June 12, 2026

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- This Striped Skirt is part of the new collaboration between Mark D Sikes, a very talented interior designer, and J.McLaughlin! The entire line is so good! My code SYDNEY15 may still work!!

- There is something so vintage-feeling about this Navy Dress. It's pricey, but I am so drawn to it. 

- These  Red Shorts are from a new-to-me brand with the prettiest and most unique pieces, and the best part is that the prices are not outrageous but look like they should be on Net-A-Porter for double. 

- Such a cute little Gingham Set, and it's very affordable! 

- Isn't this Cameo Pendant darling? It reminds me so much of Wedgwood- my fave! 

- This White Linen Dress is getting lost in the collage, but you need to click over to really see how elegant and classic it is! 

Some items of note... 

- Love to see so many madras options for women popping up this season, including this Lightweight Madras Jacket.

- This Suede Handbag is just too good. I have it in the regular brown leather, but wow, this for fall is just fun! 

- The new Nantucket drop featuring this Strawberry Fields Candle from HLC is so exciting! I have not smelled this one yet, but it sounds intriguing! 

- My mom loves this Tinted Lip Balm, so I want to try it out! 

- This Runner Rug is such a good neutral option! I've realized that washable rugs are best as runner rugs because you don't really have to move furniture, so you can easily pull them up and launder them. Plus, runners are also usually what gets the most traffic! I love a runner in a kitchen. My code is SYDNEY15 for 15% off. 


For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:




You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

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Thursday, June 11, 2026

Lately

Cutest fairway wood cover that my husband received for his birthday! 

A lovely wedding!

Mini golf at Forstyhe for the first time! So fun! Here's what I wore! 

My go-to leather travel tote. The quality is unmatched for the price. 

Saw these cute shoes the other day and loved them! 

Hope you are all having a good week! It's a pretty typical week around here, and we are heading into a slower weekend, which is nice!! It's been hot and muggy this week, but after this winter, I simply cannot complain about the heat! 

This past weekend, we drove to Lancaster, PA, for a wedding. My husband's college roommate got married. I had never been to Lancaster before, but it was such a cute place, and the wedding venue was a stunning barn/estate! We had so much fun. We only had two weddings this year, so that was the last one for 2026! I love going to weddings for many reasons, but one of them is that I LOVE to dance! Seriously, give me some good music, and I'll be on that dance floor *all* night. I was thinking about this and wondering if any of you all go dancing anywhere? I can't think of anywhere in Pittsburgh off the top of my head other than Arthur Murray, a dance instruction chain. We actually did private coreography lessons there leading up to our wedding, and that was SO much fun! Outside of a wedding or concert, there really aren't many venues I know of for cutting a rug! Our parents' generation used to go out dancing, and I know that, for us millennials, there were lots of nightclubs to dance in!

This weekend, we don't have many plans, which is nice because the following weekend is packed! I STILL haven't done my little organizing project, so I'm hoping to get it done this weekend. 

Is anyone else especially into browsing fashion lately? Obviously, that's a constant for me given that it's part of my job, but I have been so impressed with the summer styles hitting stores and websites right now. As someone who typically loves fall most (in every sense, but especially when it comes to fashion), it's been exciting to see so many beautiful, classic summer pieces from so many brands. It's almost overwhelming, in the best way!! There are so many things I want to share with you all! I'm hoping this momentum carries into fall, too, with plenty of timeless, classic, and slightly preppy pieces.


Shirt// Shorts (blending in with the carpet, ha!)



Tote that was gifted from Tuckernuck from their Nantucket Reds launch! It's adorable. The bag charm is J.Crew Factory, but sadly doesn't seem to be online! 

Necklace back in stock! 

Wearing: It feels like summer is in full swing, even though I know it doesn't officially start for another week or two! Wearing all of the linen, eyelet, white, and more! 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

Eating: I share this often, but the steak kebabs are back at Whole Foods. They are seasonal, and I've seen them come in two marinade options: Kentucky Bourbon and Steakhouse, and both are incredible. They also have chicken kebabs. My husband grills them, and it makes dinner so easy! 

Drinking: I will be the first to admit that when I was in middle school, I thought water brands like Fiji and Voss were soooo cool, and I would always swindle my parents into getting me a bottle at a gas station or grocery store. They often said no, and as an adult, I get it. Expensive water can be silly and is used as a prop on social media and beyond. Well, have you all heard of this new water brand? The brand says, 'The no microplastics, no forever chemicals, balanced minerals, spring sourced, glass bottled, perfectly pure water.' It's $35 for a pack of 6. What do you all think, a gimmick or is it worth the sticker shock? For what it's worth, my Stanley might as well be attached to my hip, since I take it everywhere with me and it's always filled with filtered tap water, but I do keep our basement fridge stocked with some water bottles (usually the 365 Whole Foods brand- nothing special) in a pinch or to offer to others in certain situations!

Watching: I can't believe there will be a FIFTH Toy Story movie. The original was one of my favorites, and I remember the Sid scene scared me and made me mad because we shared the same name. The second one, I vividly remember going to see it in the theater with my Grandma and Aunt, and afterward they took my sister and me to pick out Toy Story dolls- a core memory! Anyway, I look forward to seeing the 5th. This cute little duo between Taylor Swift and Randy Newman was heartwarming. 

I started The Witness on Netflix, which is based on a true event, a murder in England in the 90s. It's good so far. I'm almost finished, as there are only 3 episodes! 

Listening: Loved seeing this coverage of The Tonics, an adult a capella group based outside of Philly. The group always pops up in my feed, and I think there is something so fantastic and inspiring about adults pursuing their passions without any other reason but fun and camaraderie. 

Wanting: These hydrangea stickers are too cute! These shorts with a crisp white top is very 1950's chic!  Love the embroidery on this linen shift dress. A new sneaker style from APL. The cutest Roller Rabbit x Hillhouse collab! A cute and preppy take on a fleece sweatshirt. A fun, inexpensive beach towel. I love the look of a picnic basket, but a cooler tote is so much more functional. This blends both together for aesthetics and function. A win-win! A very cute swimsuit with a timeless cut and color combo! Love this pink gingham jacket... very Samantha Stevens! A fun red striped sleeveless top. This coat is definitely out of season, but worth a look because it's chic and timeless, and a dead ringer for Barbour. Such a good Call It By Your Name bandana tote look for less! Love this swim coverup! A gorgeous lace top under $120! New in from AW, this classic linen shift dress! Lots of amazing new J.Crew arrivals! I am loving: this white dress, this printed dress, these beach pants, and this knit top! Eyeing this striped collar tee. The yellow is so fun! A darling little white dress that you can wear casually or dress up a touch! This tote is gorgeous, albeit pricey as it is just raffia, but I love the color and silhouette. I love a good set any time of year, but especially in the summertime, and this crochet set is different! A new-to-me robe brand I've been seeing everywhere! This linen dress is elegant in its simplicity. This shift dress is adorable, and the pattern gives Vera Bradly circa 2025 the best way. Such a good 'throw on' striped dress. I'm not into mesh ballet flats, but I can get behind these cuties! A gorgeous ottoman that looks like double the price! 

Pittsburgh: Sad to see Coffee Tree gone from Beverly Road- a Lebo staple!! I wonder what will go in its place?! 
Amazon Rec: Ordered this on a whim as a travel ring for Italy later this summer with my mom and sister, and am so pleasantly surprised with it! It's really pretty. My only gripe is that it doesn't come in half sizes.

Also, Prime Day is on June 23rd this year. It's a big earlier than usual, so I just wanted to flag that!  

I cannot believe how amazing and sleek this tripod is. I was using an older one I'd had forever, and it had served me well, but when I saw how this one folds up, I knew I had to get it. It fits inside a tote, is not at all heavy, and is so easy to set up. 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!


Smelling: Hotel Lobby sent me a preview of their new Nantucket candles, which launched yesterday. There are two, and I went for the Wild Rose and Sea Salt. I can be picky when it comes to scents, but I think HLC does a really good job. Nothing ever smells cloying or synthetic, and I love that you can smell the candle even when it is not lit. I think the hydrangea packaging is darling and would make a wonderful gift for a Nantucket-lover. Someone messaged me asking for my favorite HLC scent, and I think it depends on the season. To start, go with their signature scent. I would call it universally appealing as it smells bright and fresh but also warm and cozy at the same time. It truly smells like a luxury hotel. Secondary to that, Hamptons is my favorite, but it's really more of a summer scent. I love that basil note that comes through so clearly. It's so fresh, inviting, and another scent I think most would enjoy. Dare I say, though, I actually think their best product is their hand soap. It comes in the most stunning glass dispenser, and the hand soap's signature scent is truly intoxicating. It's often out of stock, but right now most scents seem to be stocked! 

Quoting: 'Do not disturb yourself by imagining your whole life at once.'-Marcus Aurelius // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 
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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

4 Analog Things I Incorporate Into My Daily Life


For someone whose career exists almost entirely online, I've found myself increasingly drawn to analog things over the past few years. It seems I'm not the only one, as the word 'analog' is at an all-time high on Google Trends.

As I go through my day, I'm realizing just how much of it revolves around screens. My alarm clock is a screen (an Echo Show), so I'm looking at one from the second I wake up. Then it's my phone, my computer, and even in the evenings, I'm usually watching something on TV or reading on my Kindle. So much convenience, but so many screens.

Don't get me wrong, I love technology. It allows me to run my business, connect with people around the world, and share things I genuinely enjoy. But with the rise of technology, AI, and more, I think it's never been more important to carve out time to exist completely off-screen, too.

In a world where nearly everything has become digital, it is truly refreshing to hold a physical object, turn a page, write something by hand, or engage with something that doesn't require a password or a battery charge.

Here are 4 analog things I've incorporated into my daily life to help me spend a little less time on screens. I'd love to know if you have any more to add to my list! 

No matter how many digital calendars and productivity apps I try, I always come back to a paper planner. I've used some form of a paper planner since, oh, I don't even know, elementary school?! I think writing things down, crossing them out, seeing the week laid out in front of me, color-coded with my gel pens, there is no better feeling! 

Beyond personal preference, research suggests that writing things down by hand can improve memory and retention compared to typing. The theory is that writing requires more active processing, helping the brain engage with information in ways typing on a device does not.

I've always found that to be true in my own life. In college, one of my primary study methods was rewriting my notes by hand. I would color-code sections of information. It was time-consuming, but it worked incredibly well for me. The act of writing things down helped me remember them far better than reading them over and over again. When I was being tested, at times, I could even visually see (in my head) where the information was written on my study papers and in what color. 

Today, I still find that putting appointments, deadlines, ideas, and to-do lists on paper helps me process and remember them. While I certainly use digital calendars for scheduling things like this blog post, my paper planner remains the place where I keep track of everything that's happening.

Plus, I find that spending a few minutes each morning with my planner helps me feel organized and prepared for the day ahead.

Magazine Subscription 
This is a newer one for me, but it really takes me back to the excitement I felt when I was a teen, and there was a new issue of Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, or Teen Vogue! I loved magazines, especially those that focused on fashion. I would clip things and circle things for inspiration. I ended up with Town and Country, which has long been a favorite of mine, and Southern Living, which my mom always had on her nightstand. It's fun to look forward to these, and they're frivolous enough to read right before bed and doze off to peach cobbler recipes and pretty photos of jewelry. I particularly love them this summer while sitting at the pool. 

Physical Books
I have a Kindle, and I do love it. However, I  don't read as much as I used to (many years ago), and I want to get back into it. Apparently, it's not just me. The Kindle really does make sense when you travel. Instead of lugging around 5 books on a flight, the Kindle holds an endless library.  However, at home, it's SO nice to read a real book. It sounds so silly, but turning a page feels so good. Feeling the paper, marking your page, it's the simplest of things, but I really appreciate all of that. It's also so nice to not have to remember to charge my book!!
Camp Snap Camera (CS just saw this post and gave me a discount code! SYDNEY7CS for 7% off)
This is the newest on the list for me. If you're unfamiliar, it's essentially a digital camera without a screen. It looks and feels like a disposable camera. You take the photo and move on. It's truly a 'point and shoot'. Since there is no screen, you look through the viewfinder to take a photo. To get the photos off the camera, you have to plug it into the computer, so there is certainly a digital aspect to this; however, in the moment, you can't obsess over the composition. You just take the photo and hope for the best. I love that it encourages me to be more present and less focused on capturing the perfect image. In a world where we can instantly review every photo we take, there's something fun about embracing a little uncertainty.

I actually thought this was silly when I first heard about it. Then I received one in a PR package from Tuckernuck when they launched their Nantucket Reds collection. I started to use it, and it was fun. I was just snapping away! The camera holds several hundred photos, so I plan to upload them to my computer at the end of each month, so I can recreate that 'anticipation' feeling of getting photos back from being developed. 

I still think this is kind of silly and totally unnecessary, but as someone who creates content for a living, this has been surprisingly refreshing. Not every photo needs to be content, and not every moment needs to be documented perfectly.

None of these things are revolutionary, and none of them are necessarily more efficient than their digital counterparts. In fact, many are objectively less convenient. But that's exactly the point. They slow me down, encourage me to be more present, and give me a reason to step away from a screen for a little while!

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).
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