Summertime is here! It’s here in a major way in the Midwest with 90-degree weather and more sun than we know what to do with. I’ve recently been adding some new workout gear into my closet. I say “workout gear” but really, I live in activewear all summer between working to running to kids activities, etc. TOPS GapFit Mesh Muscle Tank (pictured above)I have this tank in every color and it’s SO comfortable + cute plus it’s perfectly breezy for … Read More
My (Clean) Self-Tanning Routine
When it comes to sun exposure, I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. Skin cancer runs in my family, so I am careful to get regular yearly full-body checkups with my dermatologist. In the same breath, I tend to run a little on the lower end for Vitamin D and appreciate the value of regular time in the sun for its benefits in terms of Vitamin D production. Like most things in life, finding a healthy middle ground is … Read More
Peppermint + Greens Smoothie
A while back I shared a Mint + Cacao Daily Harvest knock-off smoothie. But over the last couple of months I have been tinkering with my recipe to perfect the taste + consistency of my favorite Daily Harvest smoothie. Since nailing this knock-off recipe (truly! This is the best!) I could eat it for lunch every single day. It’s filling, refreshing for summer and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Bonus: The mint extract really helps disguise any of the “greens” flavor … Read More
The BEST Healthy and Easy Mug Cake
I’ve shared a version of this recipe before, but I recently updated my favorite mug cake with an added ingredient and it’s made the mug cake exponentially better. What’s the secret ingredient? Collagen! Adding a scoop of collagen to this recipe makes the mug cake so light, fluffy, and cake-like! My favorite collagen is from Primal Kitchen Foods that I buy through Thrive Market. (The link here will get you 25% off your first order and I think my membership … Read More
A Truett Heart Update
Hi Friends! We have had a whirlwind last couple weeks as we have walked through some recent sadnesses (our miscarriage) while also celebrating a joyful week last week as Ainsley graduated from Kindergarten, Collins wrapped up her first year of preschool and we enjoyed a beautiful three days during our town’s annual Tulip Festival. It was busy and crazy, capped off by a visit this month to Truett’s cardiologist for his one-year follow up. When we first got moved to … Read More
Summer Must Have: Elastic-Waist Shorts
Last summer I jumped fully on board with the elastic-waist shorts and I don’t know if I can ever go back! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good pair of regular jean shorts, but when it comes to cute + casual + comfortable shorts for running around with the kids all summer, nothing beats shorts with an elastic waist. Most summer days I can be found wearing a pair of these shorts with a basic t-shirt or tank top … Read More
Supporting a Friend Through Miscarriage
It’s been a number of years since I’ve walked through a miscarriage, but having found myself in this spot again, I thought it would be helpful to provide an updated resource on helping support a friend following a miscarriage. First, let me say that I’ve been SO floored and comforted by the messages, texts and comments I’ve gotten from many of you as we shared about the loss of our baby on Instagram. While I had hoped May would be … Read More
Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Idea
I think we can all agree that over the last year, our teachers are more appreciated than ever before. Am I right?! However your kids have attended school this year (virtual, in person or a combination of both) our teachers have worked so hard to make this last year possible and successful for our kids. We have been blessed to attend full-time public school all year and I’m so thankful Ainsley had such a wonderfully normal Kindergarten year. Of course … Read More
What I’ve Been Wearing Lately
Hi Friends! I thought it was overdue to share a little round-up of some of my favorite outfits + clothing finds as of late. In typical fashion, I’ve been steadily rotating between different jeans + casual yet cute tops that suit my mom life and casual work situation. I’ve found an absolute GOLDEN pair of “mom jeans” that I can’t get enough of as well as a few new + cute tops as well.
Lake House Progress Update!
Writing to you all from the Lake House! I have some great progress photos to share with you all today and I’m SO excited about seeing it all come together. We are hoping to be DONE with the project sometime in mid to late May. The things we will be waiting on – countertops followed by appliance installation as soon as countertops are installed. We had a slight hiccup last week when the wrong carpet was almost installed at the … Read More
The Backyard Work House
Friends! I’m FINALLY getting around to posting photos and a little “tour” of our backyard work house. Before I dive in, a little background for you on why we decided to build a work house and what it’s being used for! A year ago when COVID began, Joe started working from home. Joe has worked from home in the past and HATED it (he likes separation, structure, etc.) so I got to thinking about how to create that same sense … Read More
Perfect Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Can I make an honest confession? I don’t LOVE slow cooker meals. Gah, it’s true. While I love the convenience of a slow cooker, sometimes a meal that is made in the slow cooker can taste a little, well, bland in the texture department, especially when it comes to meat. Sometimes it’s just a little TOO soft and mushy for my liking. When it comes to slow cooking meat such as this barbecue chicken, I learned a trick years ago … Read More