Lately

I took so few photos this week!

I feel like it was just Memorial Day weekend; I can't believe we have arrived at Labor Day weekend. Are any of you sad to see the summer season wane? I think the first few weeks of summer are exciting, even up until the 4th of July, but right around then is when I'm like, OK, this is not my favorite season. So, I will be embracing all things fall, as this is when I THRIVE! 

This past weekend was fun. We got my favorite sushi on Friday, and on Saturday, we got together with my friends, who are also our neighbors. Our neighborhood did an outdoor movie night, which was adorable. We also met up with my parents at one of our favorite Irish bars and snuck some time for pizza in the Ooni! It was such a laid-back weekend; I loved it. 

Heading into this weekend, I have a packed schedule. 

Tonight, we are hosting my husband's side of the family and going to the Morgan Wallen concert! I actually had no idea who Morgan Wallen was until very recently. My 13-year-old niece loves him, so they are coming in from Ohio to go to the concert. I've been listening to some of his songs this week to prep for the concert because it's always more fun when you at least know some of the songs. I can't say I love the music, but I don't mind it. Some of the songs are pretty catchy, but I'm not a big country music listener in general. I love live music, though, so it will be fun!

My sister is coming into town tomorrow because we are headed on a Bachelorette early Saturday morning, so we are going out to a fun dinner tomorrow night with my family here in Pittsburgh. When I get back from the bachelorette, I'm headed to my cousin's as she is hosting a birthday party for my aunt! Fun! 

Sweater// Jacket ($15)

Wearing: Some cute, inexpensive Walmart finds for the win! Wearing a small in both pieces. 

Big Ceramic Bowls

Eating: This is one of the best and easiest things I have ever made! It's a peach, red onion, cucumber, buffalo mozzarella, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic salt salad. I made it two days in a row, and on the second day, I added arugula and spinach, which was a nice touch. The perfect end-of-summer dish! I got these bowls recently, and they are the BEST. They are huge and work so well for bowls and salads. They're on sale for just $10 each!

Eating II: We don't have these in Pittsburgh, which is SO unfortunate. I love okra so much! But I bought the Wickles okra and this brand when I was in Georgia and brought a few jars home. I prefer this to the Wickles but both were so good. 

Sale: Lots of sales happening since it is a holiday weekend. I'm never hugely interested in the Labor Day sales since I get so excited about fall fashion, and it's usually summer that is being discounted, BUT Dudley Stephens is offering 30% off select items with code HELLOFALL. You can read my blog post reviewing the DS brand and sizing/fit info for the different styles. 

Sale II: J.Crew is also doing a 40% off sale of current styles, which is amazing. Use code SHOPNOW. I love this navy cardigan, this quilted jacket, these jeans (I have and LOVE), this vest, and this blazer. 

Speaking of J.Crew, did you all see this Lookbook? It's so styled and fashionable! At the bottom, it says more new styles will be released on September 26th. I think their first early fall launch is amazing- so many classic pieces, so I am hopeful for another amazing release later this month! I think their hiring of Olympia Gayot, the creative director, was a great movie. She is so fashionable and chic and on-trend, but she is also not trying to alienate the consumer who loves classics (like me!), and I appreciate that. 

Watching: Have you heard about the new romcom with Meg Ryan? I sound like such an old fuddy-duddy saying this, but they just don't make movies like they used to: Nancy Meyers, Nora Ephron, etc. I feel like I haven't seen a truly incredible movie in ages, so I have high hopes for this! I still need to see the Barbie movie! Life has been busy, so I haven't had a chance to see it, and to be honest, going to the movies doesn't really cross my mind, so I kind of forget about it! 

Tinted Eye Cream

Loving: I absolutely love this tinted eye cream. I got it in a PR package, and when I looked up the price ($$), I hesitated because how good could it be?! Well, this is tinted, but it's not makeup; it's skincare, and you don't pick a shade. But somehow, it covers my dark circles. It's the *perfect* thing for when I don't wear makeup because I am a bit self-conscious about my dark circles! While it's definitely pricey, I will be purchasing this when I run out. They make a version you can use all over your face, and I am curious how that would be! 

Wanting: I *need* this gold dress. Isn't it incredible? I'm wondering if it's 'too much' for a rehearsal dinner I have coming up. I think I'm going to order it and see! This Barbour jacket is PERFECTION! One of my favorite cashmere sweaters is back and comes in 7 colors! It is so luxurious and has the best fit! This vest is on my wish list, 

Pittsburgh: Did you know that this week was the last sunset after 8 p.m. we will have until 2024? UGH! I don't love summer because I'm not a fan of the heat, but I do love a late sunset! 

Amazon Rec: I just reordered this incredible lip balm. This is the 5th time I have purchased it, and it's one of my go-to little gifts for the women in my life! It is one of the only lip balms I have ever used, and I have noticed results within 24 hours of use. You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here!

Lounge Set (comes in a bunch of colors)

Amazon Rec II: I love this set from Amazon that is much like Varley but much less $ and great quality for the price. It runs TTS.

Traveling: This bachelorette we are going on this weekend is taking me out of my comfort zone because we are doing an activity I was planning on never doing in my lifetime, ha! It's not that crazy (I am sure many of you have done this), but you'll just have to wait and see what it is until I officially do it! I'm a little nervous. Any guesses?! 

Quoting: 'Fear goes where it is invited' -Tad Williams  // See more of my favorites, here.