Friday, May 31, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

Did you all have a fun Memorial Day weekend? Mine was great- very low key but lots of fun was had so I thought I would share some snaps from my weekend! 

We stayed in Pittsburgh and on Friday night we went to our country club for cocktails and then headed over to the Southside area to see a Little Feat cover band! I honestly wasn't expecting much but the concert was SO good. My family and family friends all grew up on Little Feat's 'Waiting for Columbus' album and it was so much fun to sing along to all of the songs!  
The next morning (Saturday) my fiancé went golfing so I met my parents and family friends in the Strip District for some shopping and brunching! We had the most delicious Mediterranean pizza and crabcakes at Rollands!

We then went antique shopping where I spotted this Town and Country magazine from 1976. It was so fun to flip through it. I noticed that the language that was used to describe a lot of products was similar/if not the same as what is still used today! I expected the articles to feel much more dated than they did.

The entire weekend, the weather was better than expected so we used the time to enjoy coffee on our back patio. I finished The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo and I honestly didn't love it. It was hard to get through. I thought it was slow and for 85% of the book I kept thinking. 'ok when is something going to happen.' There were a lot of good reviews so that's why I went with it in the first place. 

We also made a Costco run (my new favorite place now that I have room to store things!) and stopped into Homegoods and Ikea. We had a bonfire/pizza get together at our family friend's house which was lots of fun! They have a really nice wine cellar and so we did a blind taste test of two reds that were very different in price. I (unfortunately or fortunately depending upon how you look at it) liked the pricier one (Stag's Leap).

And then on Monday, we headed to the country club early to lounge pool-side. It was pure bliss just laying on a lounge chair, soaking up the sun, reading and completely ignoring my phone. 

It was one of those weekends where not much was really planned but it ended up being the perfect mix of relaxing and fun! I love summer weekends like this. 






White Dress (under $50, also comes in navy)// Pink Straw Bag (under $35, comes in two other colors)

I wore this pretty little white dress at the club for cocktails and it worked seamlessly from cocktails to the concert! I am a sucker for eyelet anything in the summer months and this dress was so light and breezy in the heat but also nicely lined and well-made. 

I got compliments on it all night and I actually ended up re-wearing it to dinner with girlfriends on Tuesday night this week! I had it on instastories briefly and got SO many DM's requesting for me to link it!

This dress is really affordable (under $50) and available at Walmart! It runs true to size. They have so many things on their website but did you know that they have a massive selection of clothes, shoes, handbags, etc?! 

Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own! 

More affordable Walmart Pieces I Love:

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream vs. Olay Regenerist Whips




Olay has so many amazing products so it can be hard to find the product that is exactly right for you! Today I thought I would review and share the difference between two products that have similar looking packages: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and Olay Regenerist Whip.

They are both moisturizers, I, for one, think using a good moisturizer is essential for great skin! 

So let's chat about what each red jar does- both are great products. Did you know that anything in an Olay red jar is targeted to address fine lines, dryness, uneven skin tone, and visible pores? So you really can't go wrong! 
Olay Regenerist Whip
- Light feel on the skin. This is overall a light moisturizer that dries quickly. It feels somewhat like a primer so it is great as a makeup base, too! 
- Something I love about this product is that if I go makeup-free at the beach or pool, it is mattifying so it lessens the shine on my face!
-  This product is available with or without SPF 25. 
- If you need something quick in the morning, this is a no-fuss product because it's like a primer, sunscreen, and moisturizer in one. 
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream 
- This cream feels heavier on your skin. I typically prefer a heavier product because I tend to have drier skin. This is especially so in the winter months! 
- It feels like a moisturizer and doesn't have a primer feel! 
- This moisturizer also reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 
- It is offered in a fragrance-free version, too, so this moisturizer is great if you don't like fragrance! I actually don't love a lot of fragrances but I do like the Olay fragrance! 

My personal take is that I honestly love both. I would say, overall, I use the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream more because I tend to have drier skin, especially when I use drying skin care products like retinol or toners. I love the heavier moisturized feel, too! 

However, in the summer months, I prefer the Olay Regenerist Whip because it offers protection from the sun and mattifies my skin! Plus, in the summer months, my skin is much less dry, so I love the lighter feeling of this!

You can find the Olay Regenerist red jar that is right for you at your nearest retailer! Thanks to Olay for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own! 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Wedding Wednesday: What We've Done So Far

I haven't done a post like this before, but I thought it would be fun to share what we've done so far in terms of planning and the long list that still needs to be tackled.

We have been engaged for 5 months now and we still have 11 months to go. There is still a lot of time but I know that it will fly by...the summer and then the start of the holidays are crazy, right?! 

I share this every time so you all don't think I am crazy with what has already been done, but I was an event planner so when we got engaged, I knew what to do and got the ball rolling... I was glad/relieved I didn't have to hunt for vendors or do any research because I already knew who to use. I'm also someone that likes to tackle it all and get as much done as I can. I don't like things to linger or sit on my to-do list for too long- if they can be done, I like to get them done.

Right now, I'm in a period of waiting because a lot of items on my to-do list are things that can't really be done yet. We mostly have been scouring everywhere for a Mother of the Bride gown and a gown for my sister (who is my maid of honor) and also researching for the honeymoon. 

Here's what I've done:
- Church booked
- Venue Booked
- Guest List drafted
- My wedding shoes 
- MOH asked+ gift/wedding shoes
- Dress was chosen! 
- Veil/blusher 
- Photographers/videographers booked
- The slide deck of inspiration for photographers is done and has been reviewed/ discussed
- Photo/Video Shot list
- Photo/Name list of VIP's for photogs to be aware of
- Mapped out best spots for photos in both Church/City/ and Venue. Plus a rain plan should it rain and more photos need to be indoors. 
- Surprise music element booked (want to let this be a surprise to guests)
- MUA booked 
- Transportation booked
- Band is booked and has been given a list of 'do not play'/'must play' songs
- Music for cocktail hour booked
- Custom cocktail napkins for bar and passed hors d'oeuvres/cocktails ordered
- My wedding bands picked out and purchased
- Room block secured
- Wedding website up and running with all details 
- Date on hold with Florist and first meeting scheduled
- Rentals booked (ex. Chiavari chairs)
- Day-Of schedule drafted
- The vendor contact list has been started (updated as we add more vendors)
- Verbiage for church programs written 
- Verbiage for the invitation suite done
- Church music is chosen
- My wedding day jewelry chosen/secured
- Flower girl/Ring Bearer Asked


What needs to be done:
- Seating chart
- Dress fittings and alterations
- Menu Tasting 
- Cake design/tasting
- Pre-Cana 
- Choosing Linens 
- A dress for MOH and a dress for MOB (this has been TOUGH, we can't find anything that we absolutely love)
- Groom Tux (he has a tux but he wants to get something different/special for the wedding)
- Rehearsal dinner outfits for both myself and Andrew
- Invitations (already picked out everything, though!) 
- Invitation verbiage to be edited/reviewed 
- Calligraphy (invites, escort card, etc.)
- Wedding paper (ie. church programs, escort cards, menu cards, thank you cards, etc.) Everything is picked out, just waiting to move forward. 
- Morning of wedding outfits for my mom, sister, and I
- Andrew's wedding band (we picked it out, we just haven't gotten it yet). 
- Honeymoon (we have started researching but haven't done anything in terms of actual planning- we probably won't book anything until around the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday)
- Registry list made public (we have registered at two places but haven't made the registries public just yet (too soon)
- Meet with florist to discuss what we want (scheduled but hasn't happened yet)
- Edit verbiage for church programs and discuss with priest/ music director
- Welcome bags for out of town guests 
- Gifts for MOH/BM and MOB/FOB, MOG/FOG
- Playlist for when the band takes breaks (they do this on their own, but instead we requested to make the playlists... I've started this but won't finalize until very close to our wedding day)
- Best Man needs to be asked (waiting for this to happen in person!!)
- Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Outfits picked out/ordered 
- Ask readers and ushers for the church (we have chosen who we want to ask but have to actually ask!)
- Decide on First Dance/ FOB dance/ MOG dance songs 
- Marriage License 
- Figure out what we are going to do with Henry (if anyone has any ideas, let us know! If we have to board him, we will, but we are trying to figure out something different because we prefer not to board him and we are also still trying to figure out a way to get Henry in some of our wedding photos so if he is boarded we wouldn't be able to do that). 
- Lots of little touches that I will leave out because this list is ridiculously long (and I want an element of surprise, ha!)

Both lists are long and I probably could have added more to both. But that just gives you all an idea of where we are at right now. I feel very comfortable/calm in terms of what has been done/what still needs to be done. I'm very type A and a planner and someone who is organized at all times so it's gone very smoothly thus far! 

Every time something is booked or planned, I also try to remind myself, too, of the real, special reason that all of this is being planned. We are making a lifelong commitment to one another and I never want to let the plans overshadow that! I can't wait to see all of this come together and marry my best friend!!! 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 will begin on July 11th for Early Access and on July 19th for the general public.
If you are like me, you are wondering when is the Nordstrom Sale 2019? Last year's sale left me unimpressed so I'm hoping that this year will be much better!!

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019?
Nordstrom just announced that early access for the sale will start on Thursday, July 11th and then public access will begin on Friday, July 19th! The sale will end on Sunday, August 4th

What is Early Access?
Early access is for Nordstrom Card holders only. They get to shop the sale 8 days before the general public. This can be really beneficial because usually, the best buys of the sale sell out quickly so card members are more likely to be able to score what they really want. Sometimes they get restocked but oftentimes, they do not. You can apply for a Nordstrom Card, here

What is the Sale?
If you are unfamiliar with the sale, it is when Nordstrom releases a bunch of fall merchandise that you can purchase at a discount (sometimes 50%, even 75% off). There are a lot of good deals to be had. In my opinion, shoes, handbags, and cashmere are usually the best deals as are the beauty sets!


Can you preview the sale items?
Yes, Nordstrom releases a catalog each year where you can preview the sale items. Keep an eye out HERE to see when that is released! The catalog does not include everything in the sale- just a small taste of what is to come!

Bedroom Inspiration


Bedding (in blue percale)// Headboard// Bench (fabric is Allie Sky)
Nightstands (antique)// Convex Mirror

Today I thought it would be fun to chat about the inspiration for the master bedroom! I already own or have ordered everything in the collage above! I've just been waiting so patiently for things to arrive.  

I've mentioned this before in decor posts, but the home I bought was just built and everything is brand new. This is typically not my style. I grew up in a very old home and really appreciate the quirks and high-quality design details in older homes. To make my home feel cozier and homier, I have been searching high and low for pieces that are antique and have an older vibe.

I had one night stand that I had used in my apartment and it is one of my favorite pieces. It's an antique and I had been looking everywhere for something similar. I knew I was never going to find an exact match, and that was OK. I prefer a collected look, anyway. But, because I still wanted a somewhat cohesive look, I still needed to find a nightstand with almost exact dimensions as well as a similar style. I lucked out and just recently found one so things are starting to come together. 

I was going to go with an entirely neutral/white bed like I had in my apartment. I love the simple and serene look that you see in a lot of higher end hotels. However, the traditionalist in me loves a good print. So, I decided to go with an upholstered printed headboard and matching bench.

Unfortunately, these two pieces have been very delayed...Ballard Designs has delayed the ship date 4 times now. I ordered them back in late March and they are now not slated until early August. To say I am frustrated is an understatement, but honestly, what a first world problem, right?

Hence, why I'm not sharing these spaces here on Summer Wind/social media just yet, because a lot of pieces I have ordered have yet to arrive! I am also in the process of having window treatments installed throughout the house. 

I will say, even though I am disappointed in Ballard Designs with the shipping delays, the pieces I have already received from my orders (like these barstools) have been of the highest quality. I honestly find most furniture from big box furniture companies to be of poor design/quality (like this coffee table that I have and have always felt like I was jipped because of the horrible quality) so I try and stay away from these companies, but everything I have ordered from BD (so far) has far and away exceeded my expectations. On top of being impressed with the quality, I also personally think that they offer the prettiest and most charming designs (especially if you like more traditional decor) in comparison to other online furniture companies. 


I would say a few words that describe my personal interior design preference are traditional, casual elegance, and collected. I like a touch of Midcentury Modern, British Colonial, a more understated Louis XVI and Hollywood Regency. But, I think that is what is fun about decorating! As much as I love looking at a room totally done in Midcentury Modern, I think you can easily mix pieces for a more collected look. 

I am excited about these curtains- they are so simple but the vertical stripe makes them a little more casual and pulls in the blue from the bedding and the headboard/bench.

I saw a brass/gold simple curtain rod on Pottery Barn's site but it was pricey, so I found this one from Target for a fraction of the cost. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality for the price. I'll be more likely to splurge on rods downstairs where more time will be spent! 

I still need a dresser for the bedroom! I have been looking high and low but haven't found the *right* one just yet. here are three that I like! I actually have the dresser at the bottom. I wouldn't recommend it, though. It's pretty but just not the best quality!

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Saturday Shopping


Happy long weekend everyone! Hope you all have fun things planned! Last night was our first night at the club for the summer and weather permitting, I'll be soaking up the sun poolside all weekend!

I am also excited to spend time out on our tiny back patio! We finally have beautiful weather and furniture to enjoy! 

I plan on reading a book or two, and going for lots of long walks with Henry, too, before my travel scheduled ramps up next week! 

Here are some sale posts I have done that are worth checking out:
- A comprehensive post with all of my favorite sales and sale codes needed as well as photos of outfits I have posted in the past that are on sale! 
- Two of the best sales and favorite retailers and my favorites from the sales!

I also wanted to highlight another sale! L.L. Bean is offering 20% off your entire order. Now is the time to snag a Boat Tote- they make a great gift for anyone on your list. I just recently got this blanket and it is heavenly, so soft and cozy! 

More Sale Pieces:
- This Marysia top and bottom.
- Super cute gingham straw tote
- Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps (I seriously cannot believe they are on sale!)
- This adorable blush pink top that ties at each shoulder. 
- This classic striped shirt that you can monogram! 
- The comfiest linen shorts that are only $13.50!

Friday, May 24, 2019

Lately





Happy weekend, everyone! I hope you all have had a great week! Is anyone else so thrilled for a 3-day weekend? I certainly am! This is the last weekend of calmness before I start to get busy with travel again so I am looking forward to spending time by the pool now that the club officially opens, eating good food, sleeping in, and hanging out with friends and family! 

We finally had landscapers come to plant grass/make it look pretty in our very small outdoor area so I am excited to finally be able to enjoy our outdoor furniture, sip some coffee out there and just enjoy! It's looking like the weather might actually cooperate, which is so rare here in Pittsburgh! Looks like it will be hot and sunny- such a win! I'm going to have to be very vigilant about sunscreen!!! 

Right now, there are some darn good sales going on... almost Black Friday level sales, so I highly recommend checking out my post rounding up everything I love that is on sale. I'll be sure to update it throughout the weekend!

Wearing: I love this seersucker dress that just happens to be Nantucket red! It's the perfect casual summer dress that is really easy to wear and style!

Eating: Oh my goodness, I scored some real gems at Trader Joe's that are new-to-me! If you are on instagram, I save everything Trader Joe's-related to a highlight. This week I found an Avocado Tzaziki dip that is incredible and so fresh tasting and teriyaki turkey jerky that is so delicious. I'm a huge beef jerky person and the turkey is just as good as any other beef jerky I have had! 

Reading: I just finished Once We Were Brothers for the second time and it is so good. It's an easy read so it's great for the pool/beach. Check out the comments on my instagram post to see what everyone else is reading this summer! 

Sale-ing: I have a huge, comprehensive post about the Memorial Day sales, here. I thought last year's sales were really good, but this years are even better! 

Watching:
Did you catch last Friday's post about the TV I am watching, am looking forward to watching, and want to watch?

Listening: Still obsessed with my May playlist- so many good songs and I am continuously updating it! 



Loving: This past weekend, my parents, Henry, my grammie, aunt and uncle and I went to visit my sister in Charlotte, NC! We had such a fun time. I love Charlotte- it's such a pretty city and there is always so much to do... plus delicious food! We went to dinner at Haberdish on Saturday night and it was SO incredible. We had the best friend chicken I have ever had in my entire life. I would highly recommend it! 

Wanting: I have been in a bit of a shopping mood lately and I need to stop, ha!! I just ordered this sweatshirt and these shorts for a cute little lounge set. 

Smelling: I was just recently gifted this Chanel Chance Eau Tendre perfume from the Macy's Team at South Hills Village (in Pittsburgh). It smells incredible! If you will be in Pittsburgh on either June 28th or August 3rd, the Chanel Counter at South Hills Village mall with have their National makeup artists in town and you can schedule an appointment with them! It sounds like so much fun and a chance to try out some new Chanel products! 

Traveling: Next weekend, I head to Annapolis and then DC for a shower and a birthday party! These are all for college friends/sorority sisters so I am excited to see them! Then, the following week, we are headed to Nantucket to celebrate my fiancĂ©'s 30th birthday! Very excited for these fun times ahead!

Quoting: 'She silently stepped out of the race that she never wanted to be in, and found her own lane and proceeded to win.' // See more of my favorites, here. 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Memorial Day Sales 2019

Striped Shirt (runs true to size, if anything, size down)

Dress (runs very big)// Also comes in a top 

Peplum Top (runs slightly big, but if you have bigger arms, get your normal size)

Cashmere Cardigan (runs small, size up)


Dress (runs big, size down)// Plaid Heels


Top (this is what I got engaged in! only $50, runs big, lots of other color options)

Striped Blouse (runs TTS)

Tuckernuck has put SO many of their pieces on sale- up to 70% off. They are one of my favorite retailers and to score the pieces on major sale makes them even better!!

You can see some of the pieces I have and love above are all included in the sale! Plus, I've added some of my favorites that you can scroll through above! Tuckernuck sells out of sizes very quickly, so I definitely suggest to act fast! 

One King's Lane is having a sale and it's 20% off site-wide! I love everything they have- so many great decor items, furniture, and more. I have been shopping a lot there for the new house! Most items are pricey, but with the 20% off it helps! I desperately need things for the walls in my home and they have so many affordable art pieces! I've also been looking for outdoor items because we just got patio furniture! This set of blue and white planters is beautiful. 

Most Important Morning Skincare Step

Most Important Morning Skincare Step

morning skincare routine

why you should wear sunscreen everyday
As we are leading up to Memorial Day weekend and everyone is starting to head out on fun vacations in the sun or ready to head to the pools that are about to open, I see it only fitting to write a blog post about sunscreen. Because let's face it, it's a very important topic and if I can influence even just one of you to start using sunscreen daily, then it's all worth it.

I'm partnering with Olay today to share their Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen + Shine Control. At first, when I was coming up with a concept for this post, I thought about centering it around Memorial Day weekend and style the product with a beach towel, straw tote, etc. 

But, the reality is that we shouldn't only be grabbing sunscreen now that we are headed on vacations and to lay by the pool. We should be wearing sunscreen every. single. day. Did you know that during your normal daily routine, on average we are exposed to the sun's harmful rays 18 hours per week? This stat is year-round, indoors and outdoors!!

Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you it is the best thing you can do for your skin. Wearing sunscreen not only prevents age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines but also prevents skin cancer. I don't know about you, but I definitely want to prevent ALL of that! 
olay sunscreen
I'll be the first to admit that growing up, I was never the best with sunscreen. I always wanted to be tan. Silly me. I know better and now I am a slave to sun protection. You better believe I have sunscreen on every single day. Spring, summer, winter, and fall. So, I decided to shoot the Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen + Shine Control in its natural setting and where I personally use it: in the morning, in my bathroom. 

I do my entire skincare routine and then apply the Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen + Shine Control last. I love this SPF product because it has the consistency of a moisturizer so it is very easy to apply. But, it is also like a primer (dries fast) and makes for a nice base under makeup. It keeps you shine-free, too, so you can easily wear this without makeup, too! I don't typically wear makeup when I'm lounging at the pool/lake/beach/etc. so it's nice to have something that mattifies my face! 
olay sun facial sunscreen
Just like I take care of my skin with all sorts of products, sunscreen is one of those things that helps me to take care of myself and I hope you'll join me in using sunscreen every day to take care of yourself!

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Memorial Day Sales 2019

Memorial Day Sales 2019
Sweater// Sunglasses (on sale!!!)

Scroll through the widget above to see my favorites from all of the sales. Last year, during the Memorial Day sales, this Wustoff 18-piece knife set was on major sale and it is on sale again this year for a crazy low price! I have had my set for a year now and I am so impressed with the quality- nice knives are a game changer in the kitchen! Use code SHIP4FREE to get free shipping, too! 
Also of note, these Castaner wedges are 50% off right now. I recently got a pair and I absolutely love them. They are so comfortable and such high quality. They are a classic summer shoe! 

Abercrombie// 50% off everything! 
Ann Taylor// 40% off code: SUMMERTIME
Banana Republic// 40% off entire purchase, no code needed. Love this dress.
Bauble Bar// Up to 60% off! Love these beaded heart earrings that have a Rebecca de Ravenel vibe.
Bloomingdales// Up to 70% off and an extra 20% off sale and clearance items labeled BIG BROWN BAG SALE! Bloomingdale's has recently become one of my all-time favorite,  go-to shops! The Oscar de la Renta mini tro bag is currently 50% off and I am seriously considering it because it is SO cute. Also, the cashmere travel wraps that are almost identical to the White and Warren ones that I love so much are on sale for just $100! The diamond necklace I wear all the time is custom but this almost identical necklace is currently $600 which is a really great price. These Matouk towels come out to be $40 which is a total steal. 

Brooks Brothers// Online clearance. Up to 70% off and an extra 25% off 
Club Monaco// 25% off any purchase, code: SUMMERTIME
Dermstore// 20% off select products. Score some of my favorites like the wet brushdaily peel pads, silk pillowcase.
Gap// 50% off everything. This little cami bra is one of my all-time favorites to wear with lounge clothes!
Kate Spade// Extra 30% off all sale styles, code: POUNCE
Jack Rogers// Up to 50% off! 
J.Crew// 40% off your entire purchase, code: SHOP40
J.Crew Factory// 50% off everything
Lisi Lerch// 30% off jewelry and select handbags! 
LOFT// 40% off everything, code: FINALLY
Net-A-Porter// Up to 50% off, dying for this sweatshirt and matching shorts
Nordstrom// Half-Yearly Sale, up to 50% off everything, no code needed. 

Pottery Barn// 15% off $100 or more, 20% off $500 or more, 25% off $1000 or more, 30% off $3000 or more. 

Ralph Lauren// Up to 40% off, extra 30% off sale, code: MEMDAY
Saks Fifth Avenue// up to 50% off, such a huge selection of designer shoes on sale! 
Shopbop// Up to 40% off, new sale items added!
Talbots// Extra 40% off one item, Extra 50% off two or more items, no code needed
Tory Burch// up to 40% off!
Tuckernuck// Hundreds of new markdowns (we are talking DEEP discounts)
Vineyard Vines// Up to 50% off!
Williams-Sonoma// Up to 75% off clearance event (100s of items). 

Items On Sale That I Have:
(only items that are on sale are linked)
I cannot believe they are only $13.50!!!! 

Dress




Headband (just $27!!)





From left: One // Two// Three// Four// Five (not on sale)
All of these shoes are such a good deal, some are just $60 and even as low as $35!!





Pink Sweater (comes in a bunch of other colors)
 

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