Lately

Dress

This new hair oil is amazing, and they gave me a code, SYDNEYCS15, for 15% off! It's so lightweight and makes my hair less frizzy and shinier. I was using Oribe and liked it, but this is definitely better. 

We have had so much going on this week with family in town. I love that my sister is staying through the holiday weekend, so we have gotten to spend lots of time together! I haven't really had a chance to kind of sit in stillness and process everything we have going on! 

We are off to Ohio just for a very quick trip to see my husband's side of the family. The rest of the holiday weekend is looking like it may rain every single day?! I am hoping that is not the case, but it's very Pittsburgh if that is how it turns out! My husband and I are going to go out to dinner with my sister one night, and then we may do a date night if it rains; otherwise, we hope to get together with some friends! 

Tonight I'm having dinner with my 2 cousins, my cousin's boyfriend, sister, and husband, and tomorrow I'm working with a brand and bringing along my mom and sister, which is fun! I hope I can find some downtime at some point to just relax. I've been itching to organize some things that I have kind of let go here at home, so I'm hoping I have a little time for a small project! 

I am not a big summer person, but after this winter, I felt like summer would never come, and as it always does, the unofficial start has arrived! I will say, I've never been happier with hot weather, and that's coming from me, who doesn't even love hot weather! I'm also thrilled because it seems like my allergies have calmed and I feel normal again! Such a great feeling! 

Striped Pullover

Wore this to take Henry to his annual vet appointment! So comfy!

Dress// Heels

Wore this to the wedding this weekend! The dress runs true to size (the size chart is spot on). I am wearing a small. The shoes run a touch big. I got my true size 9 and wish I had gotten an 8.5. 

My makeup routine

I love my makeup routine. I pretty much use the same products for any occasion. For something dressier, I just apply a bit more and/or take more care and time in application! If I am sharing beauty/makeup/skincare, I don't use filters!

Pajamas

Found these buried in the back of my closet and forgot how much I love them. They feel elegant! 

Dress// Striped Sweater

My go-to sunglasses just under $100. I had to take my other dainty bracelet to the jewelers to get it fixed, so this dainty diamond bracelet is solo right now. Love it!

Sweater// Jeans// Sandals

Fun new red pants and a sweater I've had for many years. So comfortable! 

Workout Dress

I made time to get in lots of steps this week!

Wearing: I've been all over the place with outfits this week! I got dressed up, down, and pretty much everything in between! I tend to dress more casually in the summer months. A dress is so easy to throw on with flat sandals, that is my go-to, or a workout dress or skort. 

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: This snack combo has been my go-to lately. It's SO delicious. The balsamic crackers from Walmart, the hot honey (this brand is so spicy, I love it) also from Walmart, Cedar's feta dip, which I found at Whole Foods, and some fresh basil. The combo is so fresh, creamy, crunchy, spicy, and sweet. It is basically all flavors in one bite! I think you could make this look pretty and serve it at a get-together as a small snack... It's that good. You can also make your own feta dip. I have done that before. It's incredibly easy, but yes, store-bought is even easier! 

This is another good one, albeit a bit random. These are cannellini beans in a sauce. So simple yet somehow incredible. I could eat a bowl on its own, but I added in chicken sausage and spinach to make a lunch out of it, and it was so delicious. I don't eat many beans, but I've been reading about all the benefits, so I've been trying to incorporate more! Honestly, it's not all that hard. I like beans, but I was never sure how to include them in my meals. I'm slowly learning! 

Reading: 8 Perrenial Herbs that Thrive in Hot Weather.

Sale: With an upcoming holiday weekend, there are, of course, so many sales! Here are a quick few I have my eye on... 

Dermstore// up to 25% off with my code SUMMERWIND. My top pick is this hair mist, and my mom's top pick is this plumping serum. 

J. Crew// 40% off. My top recs: linen pants, linen shorts, and this linen shirt. I've worn all three so much over the last several years. They are staples and come in many colors. 

Lands' End// up to 50% off (they change their promo and code on a dime, so right now it's BLUEBERRY) but may change. I love this lightweight rain slicker and this lightweight cotton top. 

Net A Porter// up to 50% off. I love this sale that they do a few times a year, as this is when I snag shoes! These gold sandals are so fun, these black flats are a classic, and I'm thinking about ordering these ballet flats. This bag is on sale and in a color I have been eyeing! Lots of La Ligne on sale!

Over the Moon// Now, this is a brand I don't often shop from because I think of it as a wedding registry site, but it's beautifully curated. 15% off with code HAPPYSUMMER. 15% isn't a huge discount, but it's amazing when you consider that many of their items don't go on sale! I've been eyeing this hat!

Vineyard Vines// 30% off everything! I just got this cotton striped sweater, and it is amazing. I'll be wearing it on repeat. I sized up to a medium for a more oversized fit. 

Watching: Literally nothing!! I haven't had time, but hoping this weekend, I'll have a moment for some TV! Wha have you all been watching? I feel like there is not much out right now! 

Listening: Do you all follow Cheesegal? My mom and I love Cortney's recipes, but she also has this great playlist that I have been listening to nonstop! 

Custom Pet Cufflinks

Loving: My husband wore his Henry cufflinks this weekend. I got them for him for Christmas one year, and they bring us so much joy! Every time he wears them, people ask about them because they are so remarkable! It would make a fun Father's Day gift - thinking my dad would love Buddy's face on his wrists! 

Wanting: This striped set is summertime perfection. An adorable under $100 smocked dress. A perfect 100% cotton oversized striped sweater. The first 3 things in this list are blue and white, and that should come as no surprise to anyone! This little tomato serving tray is under $10 and looks like something you'd see at Anthro! The cutest Nantucket basket gold charm! If you need a new pillow, this is 40% off and one of my favorites... pricey, but with 40% off, it's much more palatable. This little outdoor table is cheesy, yet I still want it. The most stunning yellow dress. Good summer tops are hard to find, but this striped top is a great casual piece to throw on with shorts. I just got these red jeans, and they are amazing. The fit is so comfortable and flattering. These silver shoes are so fun! Glad to see this swimsuit coverup back in stock! 

Pittsburgh: We went to Nicky's Thai on Friday and I hadn't had it in a while. Their pad see ew is my go-to and so delicious! 

Have you all seen the new food truck, Ippa? I want to try it! It's located in Lawrenceville. 

Embroidered Bag

Amazon Rec: My sister carried this bag at the wedding we went to this weekend, and I assumed it was a vintage Real Real find until she told me it was Amazon! Isn't it adorable?! 

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!

Citrus Herb Scent

Smelling: Loved this Citrus Herb Scent. The perfect light and fresh scent for summertime! 

Quoting: “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that

men have died to win them."- Franklin D. Roosevelt // 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). 

Summertime Outdoor Decor + Entertaining

One of the best things about summertime is outdoor dining and entertaining. Even just drinking my morning coffee outside starts my day off on the right foot. With the holiday weekend coming up and the unofficial start of summer finally here, I am so excited to spend more time outside, even if the pollen is not exactly on my side right now. It felt like the perfect time to share some fun, classic outdoor decor and entertaining pieces that make everyday moments at home feel a little more special.

Reversible, Wipeable Placemats// Napkins// Blue Wine Glass

Pagoda Lantern// Planter// Marble Hurricane

Ceramic Crock (I would use as a vase!)// Placemats

Solar Ground Lights// Planter Box// Drink Dispenser

Umbrella Stand Side Table// Wood Serving Bowl

Lantern// Olive Tree Candle// Hose Storage

Solar Path Lights// Rolling Cooler Cart// Indoor/Outdoor Rug (use code SYDNEY15)

Storage Trunk// Wine Chiller + Aerator

Outdoor Pillow// Cordless Hanging and/or Table Lanter// Ice Bucket

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).

Happy 100th Birthday, Grammie!

Yesterday, was my my grammie's 100th birthday! It honestly feels surreal to even type that. I say that as a very obviously biased granddaughter, but anyone who knows her would describe her as kind, gracious, thoughtful, loving, and wise. 

When I think about everything she has seen in her lifetime, it is almost impossible to comprehend. The world she was born into looks nothing like the one we live in now. She has lived through wars, economic shifts, technological revolutions, cultural changes, heartbreak, joy, celebrations, ordinary days, and everything in between.

To put 100 years into perspective a little more, when my grammie was born in 1926, a loaf of bread cost less than 10 cents, movie tickets were about a quarter, and Winnie-the-Pooh had just been published. Route 66 did not even exist yet. I also had to look up other notable people born in that same year, and here is a shortlist: Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, and Harper Lee. 

There is a long list of things I admire about my Grammie, and one of those things is her calming demeanor. She never seems frantic. She has never seemed consumed by rushing through life. She always seems to soak in the slowness of the day.

As I get older, and especially now, right after her birthday, I have thought about this more and more.

Growing up, I always noticed that my grammie always took the time to sit down and write the thank-you note. She always remembered people's names, their families, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. She would make every dinner feel special by setting a pretty table. She would have a glass of iced tea in the afternoon and set it out in a beautiful pitcher with a little bowl of lemons and packets of sugar. She always made things feel like moments instead of rushing through the motions. The way I forever picture my grammie is sitting peacefully in a comfortable chair with a book in her hands, and even when I see her now, that's exactly what she is doing. 

A few weeks ago, I Googled how many Americans are 100 or older. The number shocked me, as it was much lower than I had expected. In case you are wondering, this article from Pew Research estimates that there are just 101,000ish centenarians living in the US.

I spend so much time trying to 'optimize' life. Work, productivity, wellness, relationships, you name it, I am trying to make it all fit together like a completed puzzle. And sometimes, when the puzzle pieces don't fit together perfectly, I stress myself out. 

I think in 2026, many people can relate to the quest for life optimization. In part, our generation has been blessed with all the knowledge we could ever want right at our fingertips, and to some extent, I think that has helped many of us in many facets of our lives, including learning to better care for ourselves. Knowledge is power.

Over the next few days and weeks, I thought about this 101,000 number a lot. My great-grandmother lived to 97, my great-grandfather lived to over 100, and now my grandmother. Naturally, I assume genetics plays a major role in how long you live (and it does), but I also know that a lot of what you do in life (or don't do) can heavily impact your longevity.

As I thought about my grammie turning 100, I wondered what else goes into living to 100 besides genetics. Surely, it cannot be all of the chocolate that Grammie loves?! What I found is that researchers who study people who live into their 90s and 100s consistently point to factors such as movement, community, purpose, routine, and lower chronic stress as important contributors to longevity. 

It turns out there is no secret (chocolate) sauce (sadly), but rather steady habits over decades.

I think my grammie naturally embodied so many of those things long before anyone was even studying them. My grammie is rarely angered, always joyful, and to this day has wonderful friends. 

We always had long conversations around the dinner table and lots of family dinners. She spent time outside, not even being active, but rather just sitting in the moment. She and my grandpa went on dates, activities, and outings with friends. They had such a big social circle. When grammie was ironing, she was just ironing, not trying to tackle 100 other tasks at once. 

There is always less urgency and more presence when I am around Grammie.

Now, granted, I only knew my grandparents later in their lives and when my grandpa was retired, but I do think it is something her generation holds that younger generations may want to take note of: slowness.

When I think about my grammie, she has shown me, for the last 36 years of my life, that there is another way to move through life. A slower, calmer way. A way that makes space to actually experience your life while you are living it. This is, of course, completely anecdotal, but I have to wonder if that contributed to her reaching 100. Of course, we will never know.

I know stress is something I personally work on all of the time, particularly anxiety. I am often the cause of my own stress. I put so much pressure on myself. Historically, it has propelled me forward and rewarded me. On the other hand, I sometimes wonder at what cost?

And maybe this matters more than I realized.

Of course, genetics plays a role too. Longevity definitely seems to run in parts of my family, which I do not take for granted. But I also think there is something to be said for the emotional environment we create around ourselves over the course of a lifetime.

Of course, you simply cannot control it all, and so much in life is beyond our own hands (I think Grammie is just innately calmer than I'll ever be), but a life with less urgency and more connection, presence, and appreciation for ordinary days is what I am striving for. 

Reaching 100 is obviously extraordinary. But I think what makes Grammie's birthday so emotional for me is that it is also a testament to thousands and thousands of ordinary moments, a life woven together across an entire century. I've taken notes, and I strive to be half the woman my grammie is! 

And what a gift it is that we get to celebrate with her. Love you so much, Grammie!

Weekend Wish List

Skincare Set// Athletic Skort

Leather Jewelry Case// Dog Cocktail Picks and Holder// Shell Skirt

White Top// Engravable Pendant

Beaded Bag// Yellow Dress// Turquoise Necklace

Some items of note... 

- This Skincare Set is just $80 and comes with so many high-end products. Fun to try new things or share with friends or give as a gift! 

- There are so many beautiful beaded bags out right now, but this Beaded Bag caught my eye! 

- File this under things I don't need but want: Dog Cocktail Picks and Holder

- This White Top looks like the perfect summertime basic. 

Gingham Shirt// Bandana Print Sarong// Blue Dress

Canvas Tote// Swimsuit

Striped Set// Tablecloth// Earrings// Shorts

Some items of note... 

- One of my favorite summer tops now comes in Gingham!

- I didn't set out to make this roundup red, white, and blue, but with a holiday weekend coming up, it's timely! I love this Tablecloth if you are hosting any summer get-togethers! 

- This Bandana Print Sarong is so fun and would look equally as good with a swimsuit as it would with a crisp white top. 

- One of my all-time favorite pairs of Earrings  now comes in emerald cut! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

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

- Recipe: Watermelon Cocktail 

- April Favorites

- Lately

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).