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).

Lately

Mother's Day dinner! 

Love using our wedding plates, water goblets, and these adorable blue tealight lamps! 

Resting in bed this weekend, trying to stay away from the tree pollen!!!!!

Cutest little berry bowl!

I hope you are all having a great week! It’s a busy one over here. One of my best family friends is getting married this weekend, so we have family in town for all of the festivities. I’ve written before about how my dad’s high school best friends are still his best friends to this day. All of the kids (now adults) grew up together, and one of them is getting married. She is one of the youngest, and it is so wild to me that she is a full-blown adult getting married! My husband and some other family members are playing golf with the wedding crew today, then we have a family dinner, the welcome party, and, of course, the wedding itself. I am so excited for all of the celebrations.

And that’s not even the end of our weekend because my grammie’s 100th birthday is this Sunday!!! Yes, 100!!! 100!!!!!!! We are having a close family get-together this weekend, then a larger party for her the following week with extended family and friends. I had to look up what percentage of people make it to 100, and I was shocked to find out that, according to Pew Research in 2024, there were 101,000 people in the US aged 100 or older, which is just .03% of the population. I expected it to be a small figure, but I was still stunned by just how small it was! What’s especially wild is that my great-grammie (my dad’s grandmother on his mom’s side) lived to 97, and my great-grandpa (my dad’s grandfather on his dad’s side) lived to be over 100. I vividly remember attending Papa’s (my great-grandfather’s) 100th birthday party in Florida when I was a child! Gosh, I hope I inherited some of those longevity genes! I’m 36, and still having my grammie in my life is a blessing beyond measure.

This weekend is going to be filled with what life is really all about. Being with the ones who matter most, and celebrating all of life's goodness! 

This past weekend, we hosted my parents, aunt, and uncle for Mother's Day dinner. My husband spent all day in the kitchen preparing the most delicious dinner, and it is always great to spend time with family! Otherwise, it was pretty lowkey. We got pizza with friends on Friday, and Saturday ran a bunch of errands! 

I've also been trying to find a time to do my annual purge of workout clothes and undergarments. I like to purge by category because it doesn't feel as overwhelming as trying to do it all at once. That is one of the small goals I have on my to-do list! 

I ordered this square-neck top, and it was a winner. 

Cardigan// Pants// Flats// Bucket Bag

What I wore to run errands this weekend!

Dress use code SYDNEY10 for 10% off// Sandals

CS just sent me this dress, and it's adorable. I love their twiggy style, and they are now making it in this pretty white eyelet. In the long sleeve version, I size up to a 6. This is a 6, but I think this one runs more true to size, and I should have gotten a 4, as it was a little big. 

Wearing: My outfits have definitely been lackluster lately. I swear, we had better weather here in April than we have had thus far in May! It's been chilly, so it's that awkward time when I want to wear dresses and sandals, but it's just too chilly for that most days! This is not a complaint. I know when it's 98 degrees in July, I'll be missing this! I've also been a bit lazy this last week. My allergies have come back with a vengeance, so I just haven't been putting as much effort into my outfits as I typically do. They were bad a few weeks ago, but subsided, and I thought maybe that was the end of it, but nope! This weekend and earlier this week were ROUGH. I think they have started to subside again (knock on wood)!! 

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: The kabobs are back at Whole Foods! I discovered them last year, but they are seasonal, so it's been a while since we had them! I was so glad to see them back in a new-to-me steakhouse seasoning. They also had chicken kabobs, which I want to try! It makes for such an easy, minimal clean-up dinner! 

Drinking: I re-shared my watermelon cocktail recipe earlier this week in anticipation of the upcoming holiday weekend. It's an easy one to batch-make! 

Sale: Hillhouse just gave me a discount code, SYDNEY20, for 20% off full-priced items! Love this dress and do not sleep on their swimsuits! 

Reading: In the past few months, I've been reading articles about the dining industry, particularly the success of Houston's/Hillstone and, in turn, chain restaurants in the US. I've been so interested in their marketing, standards, and results. I just read this article about Chili's, which is a quick little read. If you are interested in that kind of thing, this is a good jumping-off point! Once you read a lot about this topic, you can see that the industry as a whole seems to be bifurcated. Consumers either want a quick, inexpensive, efficient, or nicer dinner out as an occasion. The middle tier is becoming a little more strained. I am not intimately familiar with the dining/food/hospitality industries, but I love learning and reading about this kind of thing. I find it so fascinating. You know, one day I'm learning about Everest and the next, chain restaurants in the US. 

Watching: I just started the new 90 Day Fiancé. I cannot quit it. The extra time during the pandemic has had me hooked. I am anxiously awaiting the Summer House reunion! I finished Black Bird on Apple TV. It was good, but disturbing, so watch with caution. Is anyone watching anything good? I would love to really get into a show. I haven't binged anything in so long, and when I have the time, that is my favorite way to watch TV! 

Listening: I've shared this before, but I love this Pulled Into a Dream album. Open your windows on a sunny morning or afternoon and have this playing in the background. It's so peaceful, I have been listening to it nonstop lately. 

Loving: Did you all see Dyson just launched a travel hair dryer! I love my inexpensive travel hair dryer, but I really love my Dyson hair dryer, so if my travel dryer ever bites the dust, I'll think I'll get the Dyson! The issue with the full-size Dyson is that, while I have traveled with it, it's very heavy and not dual-voltage, so you can't use it in other countries.

Wanting: These adorable summertime napkins. This eyelet set is darling. Such a perfect MDW/4th of July coverup! Such cute little scalloped shorts. A perfect, crisp white top. Beaded handbags are really having a moment, and this one is lovely! I was recently gifted a pillow from a brand, and it has not been good. Not because I think the brand is bad, but because the pillow just isn't working out for me personally. I just ordered this pillow to see if it's a good one! I generally love the pillows when I stay at any Ritz properties. I was going to go with what I know from The Company Store or Garnet Hill, but decided to switch it up. I will report back! I'm very content with my red light mask, but have you all seen this red light for the shower?! A classic button-down with a unique twist. One of my favorite spring/summer tops now comes in gingham! One of my favorite pairs of earrings that I wear weekly now comes in emerald cut! A classic red gingham top! The length measurement on this dress is way too short for me, but this is such a cute dress for a petite gal! If I saw this dress in a store and didn't see the tag, I would assume it is Agua by Agua Bendita... thankfully for our wallets, it is not! The perfect MDW/4th of July tablecloth! Minnow just launched many cute things! This swimsuit cover-up is darling. BB just launched the rainbow necklace in a smaller size, so if you think the larger one may have you feeling like Wilma Flinstone, this smaller one could be a good compromise! I definitely had this bag in like 2006! This bag has a steep price tag, but moire gets me every time! This top is such a good Doen look for less! A great raffia clutch to add a pop of color to any outfit. Love this classic-cut cotton tank. A striped set that could be my weekend uniform. These navy checked pants! My code SUMMERWIND10 should work on them! This bikini is so fun, and a bonus because it is reversible! 

Nan Xian Soup Dumplings

Doce Taqueria 

Pittsburgh: We tried two newer restaurants this weekend, and both were good, but not good enough to race back to either. We grabbed lunch at Doce Taqueria. The barbacoa taco was excellent, but everything else was just ok.  I was *so* excited to try Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, and their signature soup dumplings and pork buns were good, but everything else was just OK. We ordered a ton to try, but I was a little disappointed because I love noodles and dumplings! Udon is one of my favorite foods, and it looked so good, but I felt like it didn't have enough flavor. 

Also, separate from the food we enjoyed this weekend, I am so excited because we were able to snag tickets to Leslie Odom! I got an early access code sent to my email, and I jumped on it! They officially go on sale on 5/21. It's 7 months away, but I am already counting down! There is also a lot of really great upcoming programming from the symphony, I think we bought tickets for 4 or 5 shows for the rest of the year! Going to the symphony makes me so happy. Our next show is Appalachian Spring! I might cry tears of joy when I see it live. It is particularly meaningful since Aaron Copland composed it with a Western PA setting in mind. 

Tablecloth// yellow vase

Amazon Rec: I ended up keeping the yellow vase and used it when I hosted Mother's Day dinner this past weekend. It is so pretty! 

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!

Quoting: 'I helped a man climb a mountain, and I found that I too had reached the top.' // 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).

April Favorites

Obagi Serum// Exfoliating Peel Pads// Tennis Bracelet

Mesh Workout Tank// Black Dress// Silver Shell Dish

Pink Bracelet// Chartreuse Bracelet

Pet Hair Remover// Sneakers// Travel Tumbler// Linen Tunic Dress

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. 

Obagi Serum// I've never met an Obagi product I didn't like. A lot of serums on the market rely heavily on acids, retinol, or peptides alone, but this feels different because it’s incredibly hydrating and barrier-supportive while still giving visible anti-aging benefits. I've made the mistake of using products that are too harsh and don't provide the hydration my skin so badly needs! So while this has a mix of proprietary anti-aging ingredients, it also includes hyaluronic acid to keep my skin plump and never dry out. I also love that it layers well with other skincare products. It drives me nuts when products pill or feel overly sticky. Once this sinks in (quickly), it just feels like my skin but hydrated. 

Exfoliating Peel Pads// Similar to the Obagi serum, these are chemical exfoliant pads, but they are coupled with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients. There's been a lot of buzz around the skin barrier in the last few years, so it's nice to see brands now creating well-balanced products. These feel so gentle. In the first week or two I used them, I wasn't loving them. I wasn't getting that 'tingling' sensation that sometimes comes with peel pads. Well, I was fully sold after about a month of nightly use. They made my skin so smooth and clear, without ever causing dryness or irritation. I love peel pads and have used many different brands over the years, but these truly earned a spot in my top 3! 

Tennis Bracelet// This is high-quality costume jewelry- nicer than most things I've ever come across! I love the unique-shaped bezel setting. The gold is not overly yellow and blends nicely with my real jewelry. This is the perfect thing for travel or just to add to your daily stack because it has a lifetime guarantee! 

Mesh Workout Tank// I love a good mesh workout tank, and this one is perfect in several ways. I love the perfectly round crewneck that is not too loose. I love that the mesh looks like 'cane,' which is what really sets it apart from many other mesh workout tanks. I also love the boxy fit, and it's cropped but not too cropped. In the words of Goldilocks, it's just right. 

Black Dress// This is a showstopper. It's timeless, but the pockets add a unique touch. I think online, it looks like the pockets take over the waist of the dress, but in person, it really doesn't! It runs true to size. I love the fabric's sheen. This is a great wedding guest dress. I'd love to see it made in navy blue. 

Silver Shell Dish// These are just the cutest little dishes and are inexpensive, too! Great to use as a ring dish, a little snack dish, or a nut bowl when entertaining. 

Pink Bracelet + Chartreuse Bracelet// This is a new-to-me jewelry brand that is handmade in Connecticut. The designs are all so unique and fun. Not to mention, these bracelets are so high quality. I love the colors, especially paired together. These are like the modern-day version of the 2011 bubble necklace! 

Pet Hair Remover// This one is cute and functional. I hide these lint rollers behind things like chairs and beds so I can quickly grab them and touch up when needed. Having multiple around the house and quickly accessible makes this chore feel as effortless as possible. The sheets are so sticky, and what sets this apart from others like it is the sturdy metal handle. The plastic handles are so flimsy that they don't do as good a job as this metal-handled version!

Sneakers// APL is definitely my favorite athletic sneaker brand as of late. This brand is pricey, but I think they offer all of the latest design tech and are truly some of the most incredible footwear I've ever worn. I love my techloom ziplines for running. You can run on these, but I prefer the ziplines for running. However, I have been loving these for walking much more than my Hokas. I've loved the Hoka Bondi 8s, but there is no doubt they are bulky. You get cushioning and support with these, in a much sleeker, lighter design. I really love these for Orange Theory, too, because they offer great support on the floor, slide into the rower easily, and are still good for running on the tread. Ideally, I'd switch out my shoes when I hit the tread, but that just doesn't really happen. These have more stability, which can definitely be preferable in certain situations, as well as for certain people and their preferences/feet. I love the bounce of the zipline, but I think for a more 'do it all' pair of athletic sneakers, these would make more sense.  Also, they don't have traditional ties; instead, they use a cord you can tighten, making it quick and easy to slip them on and off. Lastly, I would not wear the Techloom zipline with anything but athletic clothing. However, these are designed so you could get away with wearing them with more casual outfits. They definitely look like an athletic sneaker, but not as much as the ziplines. 

Travel Tumbler// This is just the cutest print. I sadly think the fish print is sold out, but there are other equally cute prints, too. I like this 'reduce' brand, as I have collected a few of their products over the years. They are all very reasonably priced, too. 

Linen Tunic Dress// This is one of those pieces you can just throw on and look so elegant. It's so comfortable, and just one of those really easy, but special summer pieces. They make this style in different prints, too, and some of them are on sale! I wear a small, but the brand runs very roomy, so if between sizes, size down! 

2026 Monthly Favorites:

- January

- February

- March

Check out my yearly favorites... 

- 2025 Beauty // Fashion // Home and Misc.

- 2024 Favorites

- 2023 Favorites

- 2022 Favorites

- 2021 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).

Recipe: Spicy Watermelon Cocktail You'll Be Sipping All Summer

Have you gotten your first watermelon of the season yet? We picked up one yesterday and it is so good! The first watermelon of the season is always the biggest treat! It reminded me to resurface this cocktail because it's the best summertime cocktail! 

Since I had a watermelon martini at Bonefish Grill probably 10 years ago, I've enjoyed experimenting with watermelon in cocktails. I've made a few variations. My husband has also jumped on the watermelon cocktail train and has started experimenting, and we have created the most refreshing margarita-esque cocktail. 

So here's the recipe if you want to snag some watermelon for this weekend, or bookmark this for your next get-together. You could definitely make the watermelon mixture in a big batch for a party. It also makes a great mocktail by just omitting the tequila. If I were drinking it as a mocktail, I'd muddle some cucumber so you get that lovely fresh flavor that you would get from the 21 Seeds cucumber jalapeno tequila. In my experimenting with watermelon, lime, and cucumber, they pair SO well with watermelon! 

Normally, I'd suggest muddling jalapeno slices for a cocktail like this. However, my husband has started keeping full jalapenos in the freezer. You can grate them with a microplane on various foods and drinks. We love it grated on pizza for a spicy kick. It gives you the perfect amount of that jalapeno flavor without being overwhelming. Since the tequila already has a jalapeno kick, the grated jalapeno to top off the drink gives it a pretty look with the pop of green. It adds the perfect 'fresh' jalapeno taste without being overwhelming. 

Ingredients:

⁃ Cubed Watermelon 

⁃ Lime 

⁃ Topo Chico

⁃ Frozen jalapeño

⁃ 21 Seeds cucumber jalapeño tequila 

⁃ Red Clay spicy margarita salt

Instructions:

1. Salt rim of cocktail glass (wipe a lime around the lip of the glass to get the salt to stick)! We love Red Clay Hot Sauce spicy margarita salt. 

2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 7-8 cubes of watermelon

3. Add the juice of 1 lime 

4. Add 2oz 21seeds cucumber jalapeño blanco tequila 

5. Shake vigorously 

6. Add ice to glasses 

7. Strain the lime, watermelon, and tequila mixture into a glass 

8. Top with Topo Chico

9. Stir

10. Grate a frozen jalapeño on top to your preference (a microplane works well for this) 

Yields one cocktail

*You can click on this image to view it larger and save it as a recipe card if you are viewing on your phone!

Our next cocktail will be a take on a spicy guava margarita inspired by the incredible cocktail we enjoyed at Wally's Weiners in Newport, RI called 'guava lava'! The cocktail at WW has Spicy Tequila, Guava Liquor, a Splash of blood orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. It was served shaken over ice and garnished with jalapeño and lime slices. Now, I need to figure out where I can get guava liquor!