Vegas Week Recap

I am finally home after a long week in Vegas to see my fam. I loved being in Vegas but it was nice to sleep in my own bed last night. Also, disclaimer... I am from Vegas so this isn't your typical Vegas recap lol! I had a great time seeing friends, hanging by the pool, working on my business, and reading A TON this past week. My mom also hosted a Rodan+ Fields event for me on Thursday. We had LOTS of fun and thank you to all the ladies who came! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics of that... whoops!

Now, it's time to start organizing and cleaning out our place before we move next moth. AHH! Here is a little picture recap of my week :)

I got to watch Davy for a little bit this week- so fun!!

Bentley and Oli are hiding from Copper, my parents Bassett

We went to Top Golf to celebrate Father's Day. We had a blast! I loved it there minus the hefty prices.

I'm chipping, that's why it looks like I'm hunched over lol

This is the face he makes when I saw, "Let's take a selfie!" lol 

Uncle Bob from the U.P.

We tried out the new Mexican restaurant in GVR. The food was sooo good and great happy hour prices!
Baby Davy and his mama

Ignore the mess behind me- how cute is this top???

Davy at the 51s game
 We didn't get to see Chase pitch at the game this weekend. Huge bummer but I was glad that I at least got to see him. Last year, we were able to go to a ton of games but our schedule just hasn't allowed it this year.

The pups were exhausted on the way home

Fun Rodan+ Fields surprise in the mail!

Too tired to eat my bone


Such a fun time! This week coming up is super busy but Mark comes home tomorrow. WOOHOO! I'm so excited. I hope you have a great week!

SEALS for Sunshine

all images via

Our friends, the Shipmans, are doing something pretty incredible over the 4th of July weekend. They are participating in a fundraising event that benefits families with children who have life-threatening illnesses. Have you ever heard of Camp Sunshine?? I hadn't until Shannon brought it to my attention and WOW I am so impressed with what they do.

Camp Sunshine is an entirely volunteer-based organization that provides week-long experiences/ opportunities for these families. This gives the family time for rest, recreation, and support, all while promoting hope and joy in their circumstances.  Shannon also told me that this is the ONLY organization that provides this kind of support to the entire family. This is huge because these kinds of illnesses are heartbreaking and effect the whole family. Companies, individuals, teams, etc. sponsor these families for an entire week, so they can have this experience without worrying about the cost.



2014 was the first year for the SEALS for Sunshine event and the guys swam 13 miles (the length of Lake Sabego) and it took them 6.5 hours, in super cold water. WHOA, sounds fun huh?? These guys are awesome! This year the fundraising event consists of three different swims, three bike sprints, two road runs, a trail run, and a four mile paddle to complete the craziness! The website says that this event is specifically designed by the SEALS to mimic the ups and downs a Camp Sunshine family faces after the diagnosis. The event alone sounds intense but what these families face is much more challenging.

Not only are the Shipmans raising funds, participating in the physical aspect of raising money, but they will also be at the camp for an entire week with the families. They will actively engage these families and get to know them. The week ends with a Gala, where most the money is raised. The more I hear about this event and this camp, the more I fall in love. What a life-chafing experience for these families and the volunteers.


With all of the sadness and terror in this world, it feels good to know that we can make a positive difference in someone's life. Giving just a small amount of money, we can help these families on the road to recovery and hope. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I'm so thankful to know these wonderful people who are going to participate in this event this year.

If you would like to know more you can visit the SEALS for Sunshine website here or donate to our friend's fundraising page. I know they would greatly appreciate the support!


Beachy Reads Continued...

So I have been on a major reading kick over the last week and have read two books and made it halfway through a third. I thought I would give you a little "Book Over-review" on the two I finished.

Buy it here
One True Loves is centered around a tragic accident that leaves Emma with an unbearable choice between love and love. It's no secret that Emma's husband was in a helicopter crash near Alaska and is presumed dead. The story leads into her shocking phone call with the announcement that Jesse is actually alive. Her life has completely turned upside down since that awful day and she has had to cope with never seeing her husband again. Then her life is rocked once more when she finds out he is alive. You read through the heart-breaking choices Emma has to make and the decisions that will ultimately shatter someone's life.

This is a page-turner and a very easy read. I breezed through it in just a few days because I found myself NEEDING to know who she picked. It's hard not to get emotionally involved and to put yourself in Emma's shoes. So heartbreaking but such a good read.

Buy it here
It's graduation day in Nantucket and the beach is full of high schoolers celebrating their outgoing seniors. The day seems perfect and as it should be, until all of a sudden something goes very very wrong. Penny, Hobby, Jake, and Demeter are in a tragic car accident that will forever haunt them with questions of why. This small community of people is rocked by the sudden death of their beloved daughter and doesn't know how to continue on in her absence. Following the stories of each character you will find how they are woven together by tragedy and secrets.

Such a good book filled with love, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of loss. This is definitely not a feel-good, carefree book but it's still an easy read. I tore through this book as well and I would definitely add it to my list of beach reads.

Read my other book over-reviews here:

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand 
Circling the Sun by Paula McClain
The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig 
Fater and Furies by Lauren Groff 
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica 

The Perfect Pair of Shorts


Green   |   White Floral  |   Black

I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect pair of shorts. I want them to be fitted but not too tight. They need to be long enough to cover my booty but not too long where they look like I'm ultra conservative. I want them to have some stretch but not get baggy. I know, I know... I'm high maintenance lol.

Anyways, I have found the perfect pair of shorts! They are the Pixie Chino shorts (3.5 in) from Old Navy. They fit really well and they hold their shape, which is important in the humidity. I also really like the Twill shorts from Old Navy, which are very similar but sit a little lower. I've linked a bunch of my fave patterns. I'm still on the hunt for a great pair of jeans shorts though. Any suggestions??

Weekend Recap {Hiking & Hess Wedding}

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend... I know I did! I was pretty busy this weekend and it flew by. On Friday, I went hiking with Ashley and Emma at Torrey Pines. It was such a beautiful day and crystal clear out. You can't beat these views!





Afterwards, we went to lunch at Olive Garden. YUM! I love their soup and salad. Emma was adorable and entertained all the people working there. :)

On Saturday, I worked out at OTF and then went to dog beach in Coronado for a little bit with the Davids, Weldins, Tina, and all the pups. We were basically a dog farm but I loved it haha. Afterwards, I headed home to get ready for the Hess Wedding. A friend came to stay with me for the night of the wedding and it was fun to get ready with someone :) It reminded me of college! 

The wedding was in the chapel at Liberty Station and it was so pretty. Actually the whole night was so BEAUTIFUL and Jen (the bride) looked stunning. They were both just glowing and looked so in love. The reception was at Admiral Kidd where we got married :) Super fun!



I wish I would have taken more pictures of the decor. The flowers were incredible!!

Blurry- but look at that grin!





Such a fun night with great people!!

On Sunday, I went to church and then headed to Vegas to spend some time with my family. I was literally JUST here but my parents are teachers and have the summer off too. Plus Mark is still gone. I hit SUPER bad traffic though, which was a bummer.

Bentley is over it... Don't worry I took these pics when I was stopped :) 

Oliver was trying to figure out how to get on my lap

I made it in time for Father's Day dinner though... woohoo! Also, did anyone else watch Game of Thrones last night??? **Enter in shocked emoji lol! Anyways, I hope you have a great Monday!

Five on Friday {Relaxation & Girlfriend time}

Happy Friday everyone! Wow, this week flew by. It makes me so sad... why does summer go so fast?? Anyways, enough complaining, I've had a great week! Mark is out of town, which stinks but while he is gone I always try and fill my time with seeing my girlfriends. I've done something with friends every day this week, which has been so fun! I'm attending a wedding this weekend and then heading home for Father's Day. Should be fun!

One- Better Buzz Coffee


I LOVE Better Buzz coffee (& their acai bowls) and I love it even more with a good friend. I was able to have dinner with Emily on Sunday night and then we met for coffee Monday morning. What a great start to my week! 

Two- Orange Theory Fitness


I'm back at it with Orange Theory and WOW it's kicked my butt this week. It feels good to have hard workouts again though. I've gone 3x this week, I'm going hiking today, and then I'll go to OTF tomorrow morning too. Woot, woot! I'm trying to workout as much as I can before I head to Vegas to see my family for Father's day. 

If you've never been to an OTF, you should definitely try it. The workouts are a mixture of cardio and strength. Each workout is different (which I love) and you rotate between blocks. Sometimes the blocks are split into two groups- treadmills, and floor (strength) and other times three groups- treadmills, water rowers, and floor. You wear a heart rate monitor that tracks your progress throughout the class. It's a good way to gage whether you are working to your full potential so you can achieve "after burn." This is basically where you are still burning calories after your done with your workout. 

I love all the coaches and they have studios all over. Check it out if you have one near you!

Three- Beachy Reads


I posted my list of Beachy Reads last week. If you haven't checked it out, then click here to go right to it. I am currently reading One True Loves and I'm obsessed. I powered through about half of it while I was at the beach yesterday and it's super good. I have to admit it's kinda sad so far... I'm not spoiling anything for you, it tells you right in the beginning :) Don't worry! Anyways, I can't give a 100% stamp of my approval yet but so far I really like it. I also bought Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand the other day. It was on sale for $7.00, I had to get it!

Four- Mexican Vacation Here We Come

image via

We booked our summer vacation to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun and I am SOOOO excited. My parents are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and so we are coming along for the fun. My parents are super fun to hang out with so I know we will have a great time. We've been planning this for a little while now but we finally paid for it this week. Jumping for joy over here!! 

Five- #RFGoNaked (from the neck up haha)


Rodan+ Fields has partnered with buildOn- a non-profit organization that provides students with positive and safe after-school experiences, in encouraging environments. All you have to do is post a make-up free selfie on July 8th  and hashtag it with #RFGoNaked and Rodan+Fields Prescription for Change Foundation will donate $5 to buildOn. So awesome right?? I remember seeing a bunch of people doing this last year and I'm excited to participate this year. I hope you will join in for the fun and raise some money for a great cause!




Perfect Beach Bags




Boho Bag   |   Hello Summer   |   Orange Stripes

It's that time of year again... beach weather! I've gone to the beach a couple times already and I'm excited to go more regularly... as soon as this June Gloom goes away! I love a good beach bag and the selection of cute bags doesn't disappoint :)  I received a red and white striped canvas bag as a gift but I can't find it online any where. There are so many cute options right now though. 

Also, I'm contemplating getting a one-piece bathing suit. There are so many adorable ones this year! Rachel Martino posted a picture of this suit on her Instagram and I fell in LOVE. My size isn't available though :( I love the vintage style so maybe I'll get another pattern! 

Buy it here

BIG Weekend Recap {Canfield Visit}



We had a very busy weekend with our friends in town. Katie, Breyen, and Davy came to celebrate Breyen's 30th birthday. We had a great time and we took about a million pictures of that adorable little baby! :)

Our weekend started on Friday, when the Canfields arrived. We went to the Crack Shack for Breyen's birthday and it was delicious! The portions were huge and we loved everything. The atmosphere is super fun and we can't wait to go back. Afterwards, we headed to Ballast Point to hang out on the patio and enjoy some yummy craft beer.







On Saturday, we went to the beach for a little while. Unfortunately, it was very overcast and cold. Davy had a great time though... he attempted to eat the sand a few times and loved digging around. So cute!



Yum!!!


Later that night, we went to our Goddaughter's 1st birthday party. Ashley did a great job with the ladybug theme and everything was adorable. We even managed to get Emma and Davy to play together a little. So cute!!











On Sunday, we went to brunch at Ocean View at Ballast Point. The views were incredible and the food was delicious! I can't wait to go back.








We had other friends in town this weekend too. We were able to meet up with them for a couple hours at Seaport Village. It was a short amount of time but so fun to hang with their little ones!



We had dinner with the Maxwells at the Joint in OB. This was our first time there and WOW the sushi was so good. We loved the Hangover roll... funny name but seriously yummy!



Such a great weekend!