Sunday, April 24, 2022

Sunday Night Thought

 

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Links I'm Loving

 I feel like April has been such a weird month so far… just everything about it – there has been a weird vibe in the air, the weather has been weird, and the weeks have gone by so fast, but this month has felt so long… I’m starting to feel like April is some type of weird limbo month. On the upside though, the flowers have been beautiful, and I love how green everything is! On another positive note, I have come across some simply fabulous links to share with you all this week!

One// Sarah Flint Mirjana Sandal

Earlie this week Sarah Flint released the Mirjana Sandal in Amalfi Blue Vachetta and Black Vachetta. I love the Sarah Flint Mirjana Sandals and am so excited about the two new colors they added to this style. They are just perfect for summer and are so easy to dress up or down! Use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

 

Two// Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients 

Does anyone else getting sucked into YouTube cooking series? My new obsession is a series where the professional chef and home cook trade ingredients and recipes. Honestly, probably none of the recipes are something you would make at home, but it’s just a fun series to zone out to

 

Three// J. McLaughlin Genevieve Wood and Cane Clutch

I am 100% so here for the Wicker and Cane clutches and handbags for this summer. This J. McLaughlin Cane Clutch is just so timeless and so perfect. And trend or not, this clutch is a classic for decades to come

 

Four// Spotify Coastal Grandmother Playlist

I am so here for the grandmillian movement. I just love the movies, style, and music from the 1950s-1970s. There are just so many feel good songs packed into this time period, and this playlist will definitely leave you in an upbeat mood!

 

Five// Make Ahead Mother’s Day Desserts

I feel like there is always a holiday around the corner, and mother’s day is next up on the list, and Southern Living already has us covered with a few delicious make ahead desserts

 

Six/ Will & Grace

With everything that has gone on the past couple of years and the news, every now and then I’ll have these rolling waves of heaviness and/or sadness, so I’ve been trying to take in more positive things and upbeat entertainment, and Will & Grace is such a fun escape. Can we please bring back the tv show and movie writers from the 90s and early 2000s? The storylines were just happier 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Favorites From One Kings Lane

 One Kings Lane is one of my most favorite places to shop for anything home related. They have the best selection of timeless pieces and even a selection for those who prefer a more modern flair. I am 100% convinced that someone could decorate an entire house {of any vibe} just by ordering furniture and home décor items from One Kings Lane

This week One Kings Lane has make some of their items 20% off, and I just couldn’t help but share a few of my favorites, both on sale and not! 

Solid Cashmere Throw, Pink Blush

I strongly feel that there should be a throw tastefully draped over either a chair or sofa in every room. These cashmere throws are like a little touch of luxury at the end of the day, and I simply love this soft pink color

Blush Anna French Thibaut Floral Pillow

The print on this pillow is simply fabulous! It also comes 



Brooke 3-Seat Sofa

I have been lusting after this sofa for years, and added bonus, it is currently on sale! Light Blue velvet… does life get any better than this?

Dawn Wolfe, Original Map Dress

I love these Dawn Wolfe pieces. I think they would just look precious hanging in a little girl’s bedroom or playroom, or even in a woman’s office or closet. I am just always so impressed how these maps are folded to create a work of art

Peter Ruck, Shaken Not Stirred

How amazing would this print look hanging over a bar cart or bar area. Also, why can’t men dress like this in today’s world?

Wilshire Bread & Butter Plate

Any white plate with a gold trim will also make my heart skip a beat. I also love the fact that white plates with a gold detail can basically be used with any pattern of plate and at any holiday.

Antoinette Table Lamp, Blue/Gold

This lamp is such a splurge, but so beautiful, and definitely timeless enough to be passed down for a few generations

Bridgitte Ornate Wall Mirror, Antiqued Gold

In my opinion, there is never such a thing as too many mirrors. Love the classic look of this mirror, and it is on sale at the moment!

Blue Cream Damask Wrapped ColorPak

Does anyone else have a thing about bookshelves? Books, flowers, and pictures just give a room life and a soul. I feel like this grouping of decorative books would be a great anchor to build your actual books and bookshelf décor around

Cloud Fringe Patio Umbrella, Light Blue

This has to be one of the prettiest umbrellas ever made. The tassel detail and the shade of blue is so beautiful and a definite node to an age of glamor 

Winterhur Estate Canopy Daybed

This is an amazing outdoor piece. I feel like its something that should be in an old Grace Kelly Movie

Monday, April 18, 2022

The Cave Dwellers

I purchased this book 100% based on the fact that the cover design incorporates red toile. Even though the cover is beautiful with its red, white, and navy cover work the storyline also sounded interesting. In full transparency, The Cave Dwellers is not my favorite book I’ve read this year… it’s not even in the top ten. I honestly think some of it might have been me, but I could just never get invested in the storyline; I think partly because I’m honestly tired of the news and politics and this book naturally has those two components interwoven into the storyline since it takes place in Washington, D.C. That said, someone else might love The Cave Dwellers, but out of the books I have read so far for 2022, it is not one of my favorites, on a personal level.

The Cave Dwellers is set in Washington D.C. – the heartbeat city of American politics. This book focuses on D.C. one percent, the lifestyle, scandals, abuse of power, history of families, and the strings that are attached to certain lifestyles.

 

This story starts out with a murder {that is somewhat of a mystery to a couple of the characters} and follows the families that were friends/acquaintances o the daughter that fell victim to the murders. Each friend is part of an elite family that is in some way corrupt, dysfunctional, or some other issue. 

 

Although Christina McDowell can clearly write, I feel like there were a lot of unnecessary details in this book, like side stories that really went now where, a murder scene that was slightly too detailed, children who clearly had issues, abusive husbands, social climbers, and so on, at the end of the day I think this book had too many dysfunctional elements for to enjoy the storyline. Granted, D.C. is a place where these elements are laced into everyday culture, as well, as other place, but I feel like there are enough positives McDowell could have found to make for a more balanced story. On a positive note, I will say that she did a wonderful job of describing the physical landscape of D.C. and did a nice job of tying historical occurrences to add strength to overall book. However, like I said, this just wasn’t a book I enjoyed very much, but someone else might love The Cave Dwellers.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Links I'm Loving

 How is it already Easter weekend?! Ironically, it is going to be colder in Nashville for Easter than it was for Christmas… Mother Nature is seriously a little confused about her holiday weather. Not to complain, but I honestly feel like the cold weather season has lasted forever this year… don’t get me wrong, I love nights spent by the fire, snow, sweater weather, and everything that comes with the change of season, but it reaches a point when I am just ready for everything to be warm and bright. Plus, who couldn’t use a few extra kisses from the warmth of a spring sun and a warm wind wrapped hug. In the meantime though, here are a few links that I am absolutely loving! 

One// Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes

Is any special occasion complete without a dish or dessert compliments of an Ina Garten dessert? If I could just spend a day in the Kitchen with Ina and Jennifer Garner, I’m pretty sure my life would be complete; they just bot seem so nice and amazing in their own right. On to the topic at hand, these cupcakes with a Peep topper is just too cute and too perfect to resist! 

 

Two// Sarah Flint x Gracie Collection

Sarah Flint always teams up with the best people and companies for her collaborations. The fabric that was created for this shoe collection is just stunning! If you see a pair of shoes you like, remember to use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

 

Three// Southern Living Favorite Easter Menu Ideas of All Time

Always love a Southern Living Recipe! Incase you are in need of a little last minute Easter lunch/dinner inspiration, Southern Living has you covered!

 

Four// Anthropologie x Mark D. Sikes

Mark Sikes taste is basically flawless. I love all the blue and white he uses, the nod to past design/fashion inspirations, and just his overall aesthetic is truly beautiful. The collection he dreamed up with Anthropologie is instantly classic while staying relevant to today’s style. 

 

Five// Jennifer Garner and Tiler Peck

I love Jennifer Garner’s Instagram; all of her pictures and posts always have such a feel-good vibe about them. If you aren’t already following her on Instagram, I highly recommend you do! 

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Shopbop Style Event

 Shopbop sales are hands down one of my most favorite. The selection they offer is pretty much endless, they offer a large variety of designers on their site, and they offer something at basically every price range. These sales are always the perfect time to stock up on a few basics, treat yourself, and do a little early gift shopping for birthdays, special moments, and such! The Shopbop Style Event ends Friday at midnight!



One// Sea Rylee Crochet Tunic Dress

I have this Sea dress in a different print and it is so comfortable and perfect for those warmer days of summer!


Two// Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch with Bow

I have this clutch in the plaid fabric from this past fall and it is one of my most favorite clutches. I really like the fact that this one is a neutral color and can easily be carried any time during the year


Three// Loeffler Randall Camellia Pleated Bow Heel with Ankle Strap

I am such a sucker for anything with a bow! These heels are just everything and I really like the addition of the strap on this pair


Four// Lele Sadoughi Candy Jeweled Knotted Headband

When these headbands were first on the rise I was honestly reluctant to hop on the bandwagon… I recently purchased my first one this past fall and now I get the hype… They are such a fun accessory and surprisingly extreamly comfortable


Five// Zadig & Voltaire

Pretty sure at least 65% of my closet is comprised of clothing in some shade of blue. Definitely considering adding this one to my collection… it just looks like the perfect summer dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion 


Six// Tiare Hawaii Tulip Wrap Skirt

Who wouldn’t want to feel simply fabulous walking around a beach town in this classic wrap. Seriously looks like something from the 1950s and I am here for it!


Seven// AGOLDE 90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans

AGOLDE always offers the best style and fit. In my experience they run true to size


Eigth// FARM RIO Spring Bananas One Piece Swinsuit

I love how many cute options are out there for one-piece swim suits this year! The print on this one is just so cute and I love the fact that it doesn’t look like the typical ‘mom’ one-piece cut


Nine// APL Techloom Breeze Sneakers

These are the perfect cardio and around town shoe. I feel like APLs are one of the few athletic shoes that are ‘pretty’. The way the fabric of the shoe has a woven texture to it and the hidden laces is just next level


Ten// En Saison Maeve Skirt

I am really having a midi and maxi skirt moment this year. I feel like they are just super flattering waist way and I always feel a little taller when I wear a longer skirt or dress


Eleven// Madewell Linen-Blend Pleated Cuff Shorts

Linen shorts with a plaid print – yes, please!


Twelve// Roller Rabbit Hathi Polo Pajama Set

Roller Rabbit Pajamas are some of my favorites! They have the cutest prints and I love how light weight they are



Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The Grace Kelly Dress

 I hadn’t heard of ‘The Grace Kelly Dress’, by Brenda Janowitz, till I show the title in my Audible recommendations. I am a huge fan of Grace Kelly; when I was little, I wanted to grow up to be her – I mean, who wouldn’t?! She is timeless, the definition of grace, fashionable at any point in time, and wore one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time. Obviously, I downloaded this book as soon as I saw the recommendation. It is such a fast-paced book with a great story line!

The Grace Kelly Dress’ tells the story of three generations of women and their journey with one dress that was inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding dress and has been handed down from one generation to the next, the story of each bride, and the changes they made to the dress. 

 

In 1958 Paris, Rose, a seamstress at a fashionable atelier, has been entrusted with designing one bride’s wedding dress, who of course wants a dress very similar to Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. Rose, against her better judgement, becomes friends with the bride and falls in love with her brother who is engaged to someone he has known since childhood. 

 

Fast forward sixty years later, and Rose’s granddaughter, Rachel {aka Rocky} is getting married in the dress her grandmother wore sixty years ago. The only issue is Rocky does not want to wear the heirloom wedding dress because she feels like it is not really her ‘style’. Rocky finds herself in a difficult situation, worried about disappointing both her mother and Grandmother Rocky finds herself in a difficult situation. 

 

Just like with anything else that holds any importance there is a history of emotion attached to the piece and a story that belongs to the individual that has had it before it was yours. Like with anything else beauty is found in the imperfects and the hard moments in life make the good ones that much better. 

 

The Grace Kelly Dress is a truly lovely read!

Monday, April 11, 2022

Sarah Flint

 I first learned of the Sarah Flint brand about three or so years ago and have been such a fan of their shoes ever since. I not only love their shoes, but the story, founder, and people behind the brand. Sarah Flint set off to build a company that not only created beautiful shoes, but ones that are also comfortable and timeless. From my point of view, I think she accomplished her goal(s) a hundred percent. 

When a company is only 10 years old and celebrities like Amal Clooney, Lady Gaga, Cindy Crawford, Karlie Kloss, Hallie Berry, Emma Roberts, Anna Kendrick, Mindy Kaling, Rachel Brosnahan, Kristin Davis, Meghan Markle, and so many others choose to wear a relatively new designer’s shoes, I feel like that factor alone speaks volumes of the quality and comfortable style Sarah Flint provides. 

I was recently invited to be a Sarah Flint Brand Ambassador, needless to say, I am so excited to be included in the Flint Family! And I have a special code so all of you can receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!! Use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your order!!

 

With summer just around the corner I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite Sarah Flint sandals. All Sarah Flint shoes are handmade in Italy and some of her sandals are even made in a factory that is located on the Amalfi coast, which I feel is extremely fitting!

The first pair of sandals that are up, are the Mirjana Sandals. These are currently available in three different colors right now {a blue pair will soon be added to this style collection}. I just received these a few weeks ago and have already worn them a ridiculous amount. I love the intricate design of the bow, the hidden elastic detail in case your feet get a little warm during those hot summer days, and they go with pretty much everything. 

Next up are the Grear sandals! I think it's safe to say that I love a gold sandal! These are probably my most favorite pair of Sarah Flint shoes I own; they are just so comfortable, go with everything, and how the ties are remindful of a point shoe just throws the Grear sandals over the top for me! All of Sarah Flint shoes are so worth the investment. These are probably the pair I have had the longest and they still look new! In full transparency, I own these is three different colors, so I obviously highly recommend these shoes!!

The last pair of Sarah Flint sandals I’m featuring that are just perfect for the summer are the Perfect Block Sandal 30 {also available in 60 & 90 heel height}. I was gifted this pair of shoes and completely love them. I feel like they are such a Charlotte shoe from Sex and the City - stylish and timeless. Just add a shift dress/pencil skirt/fit and flare dress are you will be ready to channel your inner Charlotte York. 

 

Confession: I am not a heel person, at all. I usually only wear them on a ‘need-to basis’ and I have already worn these three times and I have only had them two or three weeks. I haven’t tried the 60 or the 90 heel height yet, but the 30 is just as comfortable as a normal pair of sandals, and in some cases, more so. The arch support these shoes provide and the extra cushioning is just everything! I honestly cannot recommend these shoes enough! 

When you treat yourself to a pair of Sarah Flint shoes, be sure to use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!!

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Sunday Night Thought

 



Links I'm Loving

How are we already in the second weekend of April with Easter literally just around the corner? I honestly felt like this past week was a little long… the rainy days and cloudy weather took its toll, for sure. There were definitely some highlights, but overall, I’m sure like most, I am just ready for some beautiful weather and a change of pace. In the meantime here are a few links that I am currently loving!

One// Sarah Flint Mirjana

I ordered Sarah Flint’s Mirjana flats close to a month ago and I completely love them! The intricate bow design is just so beautiful and so detailed, plus, I absolutely love the fact that they included a little hidden elastic to allow for a little extra room for those warmer days of summer. The Mirjana flat goes with pretty much everything and is just such a dream! Be sure to use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to save $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

 

Two// Southern Living Cinnamon Roll Bunnies

How cute are these bunny cinnamon rolls?!?! I would have never thought to make bunnies out of cinnamon rolls, maybe snowmen {circular shapes}, but never a bunny. I have a feeling that these sweet cinnamon rolls are going to have a featured spot on a few kitchen and dining room tables for breakfast this week!

 

Three// Netflix Makes Deal with Nancy Meyers

Nancy Meyers are just everything. Think of some of your favorite movies and I guarantee you that at least 3 of your top 10 favorites are Nancy Meyers movies. With title like The Holiday, Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The Parent Trap, Something’s Gotta Give, and so many other titles under ones belt how is she not everyone’s’ favorite person? Netflix just made a deal with Nancy Meyers, and I simply cannot wait to see what they dream up!

 

Four// J. Crew Home Collection with Liberty Fabrics

Always love a liberty fabric print! Just when you think the spring season can’t get any better J. Crew and Liberty create a bedding and table linens using Liberty’s iconic fabrics! 

 

Five// LoveShackFancy Nashville

Nashville just elevated the shopping experience with the addition of LoveShackFancy! They just had their grand opening Friday, and I cannot wait to check them out! I’ve ordered a few dresses from them, but I am also so afraid to order skirts without trying them on, or at least having a reasonably good idea of what size I would probably need, so I am so excited to be able to actually shop in a physical store of theirs! It just looks like pink perfection!



Tuesday, April 5, 2022

March Reading List

 Is it just me, or does January and February seem ages ago? I feel like this year has gone by so fast, but at the same time the months seem to go by a little slower, which I am always for! I didn’t make any New Year Resolutions this year for personal reasons but reading more will always be a goal of mine. Last year I set a goal to read 100 books {in the year 2021}, and I know some people who have actually reached this goal, but I honestly don’t know how they do it. I read four books during the month of April, and I feel like that is a good amount, but not enough to average out to 100 books by the end of the year. But reading is meant to be enjoyed, and I read some really great books this past month!

One// The Matchmaker, by Elin Hilderbrand

I have been such a fan of Elin Hilderbrand since I have read my first book by her, Summer of 69. Like all of Hilderbrand’s other books this one was 100% addictive.

 

The Matchmaker is set on Nantucket {of course} and follows the story of forty-eight-year-old, Dabney, a Nantucket native who has a gift for matchmaking, and is happily married to Box, a Harvard professor. However, things take an interesting turn when Dabney revives an email from her old boyfriend, and love of her life, to let her know that he will be moving back to Nantucket. 

 

Two// Run Rose Run, by Dolly Parton and James Patterson

I was so excited to learn that James Patterson and Dolly Parton teamed up to write a book together! I am such a huge fan of Dolly Parton; she always seems to have such a great outlook and she contributes to the community in such a positive way. Then in college, James Patterson books were always my go-to ‘for fun’ books. 

 

It has been almost a decade since I have read a James Patterson book, and Run Rose Run was such a fun dive back into the world of Patterson. The duo writing contributions from him and Dolly made for some truly dynamic characters and storyline that is well woven together. 

 

AnnieLee Keyes, like so many, moves to Nashville with the hopes of making it big, which can be a bit of a challenge. However, with AnnieLee’s natural talents, a little help from a friend and the influence of a Country music icon, AnnieLee quickly turns into a star on the rise. Unfortunately, AnnieLee finds that no matter how hard you try to outrun your past it can catch up with you…

 

Definitely recommend!

 

Three// The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, by Chanel Cleeton

Love Chanel Cleeton! A couple years ago I read “When We Left Cuba” and “Next Year in Havana” and I was so excited to learn that she has a third book that is part of the series. Obviously, when I saw Cleeton’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” on in my Audible recommendations I had to download it!

 

In “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” Cleeton intertwines the story of three notable women during the Spanish-American War and the Cuban fight for independence. It is truly a beautifully written story! 

 

Four// This Golden State, by Marit Weisenberg

Confession: young adult books are my guilty pleasure. ‘The Golden State’ is one of those books that you can’t put down, and at the same time never want it to end. 

 

Poppy doesn’t know why her family has been running her entire life…but they live by 5 rules, the main one being that no one knows their true identity and they never stay in one place too long.

 

When they move to California Poppy becomes increasingly more interested in who her parents really are and takes a DNA test to hopefully find out their real names and her own family history. Just as she is settling into her new math course and even has a possible love interest the result of DNA are released, causing a bit of a situation for all involved.