a lovely living

Hello ladies and hello Friday!! I’m really enjoying summer as we all get into the groove of things around our house, but my goodness is it exhausting! We seem to be in constant motion all day long and by the time I get to sit down once everyone is tucked into bed, I’m completely wiped! But there are emails to respond to, projects to work on and blogs to post. I’m doing my best, but don’t mind if I keep things short and sweet over the next couple of months ;) I’m a one woman show! How do you guys manage it all in the summer? It’s such a fine line between doing enough to keep everyone busy and not over doing it all, isn’t it?

As for this little outfit, it’s a winner for me. I don’t own a ton of off the shoulder tops…there’s a real struggle keeping them off the shoulder when you’re constantly dealing with little ones! But I caved on this one. It’s extremely comfortable and the wide band does a better job keeping it in place than some others do. It’s also currently on sale (50% off!) and worth checking out! Also, these canvas sneakers are such a fun alternative to my sandals, and they’re very reasonably priced as well! I love the platform sole because even at 5’7″, I still appreciate an extra inch or two ;)

Details: LOFT top / JCrew pants / Sneakers / LeSpecs sunglasses / Stella & Dot bracelet

I wanted to pull together a little Instagram round-up today for you guys. I’m able to share a bit more frequently over on Instagram, but for those of you that may not be on there often (or at all), I figured I’d give it a share here! Some outfits are certainly worth repeating and I also wanted to share these silhouettes that I had printed from Minted. I had wanted to have them done for some time, but I decided to wait until Audrey, my youngest, was out of the baby phase. Just in looks though, because she’s my baby for life ;) I’m thrilled with how they turned out and love glancing at them every morning as I come down the stairs. They also come in a ton of colors and a bunch of sizes, for anyone that was interested.

Scroll down for all the details on what’s been going on over on Instagram!

Minted silhouettes

Lou & Grey t-shirt / LOFT shorts

LOFT shirt / LOFT pants

t-shirt / LOFT shorts / Converse sneakers / LeSpecs sunglasses / hat (similar)

LOFT sweater / LOFT shorts

LOFT top / JCrew denim shorts / Converse sneakers

SheIn top / JCrew Factory denim shorts / Soludos

Old Navy sweatshirt / Madewell denim

I’m not one to force patriotic looks, but when I come across tops and tee’s that are all too perfect for those special occasions, everything naturally falls into place. I have this tee on order to wear for the 4th and although a bit more obvious when it comes to the patriotic factor, I deem it just as cute :) The best part about this ruffled number however, is that it will be adorable all summer long! Oh, and it’s only $13….maybe that’s the best part?! I get asked often about this brands sizing, so here I’m wearing an XS. I’d say it runs true to size, maybe just a tad large in case you were between sizes.

Details: SheIn top c/o / LOFT denim (similar) / Booties (similar) / Madewell tote / Stella & Dot necklace and bracelet / Earrings (similar) / Rayban sunglasses

I know, another cactus t-shirt! I can’t seem to stop myself. But can you blame me? How cute is this guy?! I don’t post my everyday outfits as often as I should. Honestly, I feel you’d tire of seeing these same shorts and a different t-shirt everyday ;) But here’s a great example of what you’d see me wearing if you ran into me around town. After trying a few different pairs of denim this summer, I settled on this high-rise pair from JCrew. They have a great fit and are a perfect length for me. Not too short and not too long. Since I knew I’d be wearing them the majority of the summer I didn’t mind spending a few more dollars on them. So far they’ve been worth every penny!

You know I’m rarely doing a shoot alone, right? ;)

Our joyful little babe…

Details: SheIn t-shirt c/o / JCrew denim / Converse sneakers / Scarf (old, similar)

Today I’ve pulled together a bunch of pieces that will help you look chic when you’re visiting the beach (if you live there I’m way too jealous!) or spending the afternoon poolside. Even if you have little ones in tow, as I do, it’s still possible to look pulled together. Which, I should mention, is completely different from having your act together, as I rarely do! I’m always five minutes late and tend to forget one crucial item like a diaper….or a snack…..or someone’s water…or that one toy they can’t be without that very minute ;) But back to the point of this post, if you have a few of these pieces in your closet you’ll at the very least feel pulled together. And the rest will fall into place ;)

Enjoy the sunshine and don’t forget your SPF! :)

I hope you all had a great weekend! We hosted a Father’s Day cookout at our house and after cleaning up afterwards I’m now tackling this post and plan on jumping right into bed! Have I mentioned on here that my son joined the swim team at our pool this year? Well he did and it seems that between team, swim lessons for my middle babe and plain old swim time, the pool will be ruling our summer! As long as the sun continues to shine, I’m ok with that! It also helps that Audrey (my 2 year old) adores the water. So much so that she melts down when it’s time to leave. Like, all out tears, screaming, hands straight up (so she falls out of my arms) and bolts back to the pool numerous times! I’m hoping she gets the hang of the whole we leave only so we can come back again process shortly :)

I’ve had this one shoulder top for a little while now and look forward to wearing it each time I’ve gotten to. It’s now on sale (yay!), fully stocked and perfect to have on hand for the rest of the summer! Ruffles, peplum and bows always get me and I may need to add swiss dots to that list as well ;)

Details: LOFT top / Target pants (similar here and here) / Steve Madden heels

If it’s not obvious by now, I love graphic tee’s. Cute graphic tee’s in particular. You saw the pineapple options I sent your way earlier this week and today I’ve moved on to cactus, orrrrr cacti? What can I say, I’m such a sucker! But I honestly turn to t-shirts the majority of my summer, so they will all be in heavy rotation!

On another note, I pulled a muscle in my calf when I was running earlier this week and it’s driving me crazy. I’m not one to rush off to a doctor, but maybe in this case I need to? Or not? Maybe it’ll heal on it’s own? Anyone have any insight on this matter? Summer isn’t the best time for me to be able to slow down, so I’m going to need to figure this one out!

Have a great weekend guys and a Happy Father’s Day to all those Father figures in your life!

A certain little two year old was under the impression that it was time to play ;)

Details: JCrew t-shirt / Madewell denim / Madewell tote / Booties (similar)

So, maybe you don’t necessarily need all of these items, but they’d sure make summer a little sweeter and a bit more enjoyable ;) I spent some time thinking through the items I don’t like to be without during these next few months and gathered them here to share with you today. Let me know what other essentials are on your list!

 
Since layering isn’t much of an option during summer, I love how bandanas can add that final touch that can pull the simplest of outfits together.

Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is always my go-to in the summer when even a CC cream can fee like too much.

Classic easy-on, easy-off sneaks are a must!

A pretty new beach towel is always welcomed and it seems with my crew I can always use one more towel :)

A cute hat not only acts as a great sun shield but can take your outfit (or swimsuit) to looking chic in no time!

I’m such a sucker for fun graphic tee’s like this one.

A bottle that will actually keep my water cold all day? Yes, please!

These high-waisted jean shorts are already my go-to each and everyday and a pair I’m thinking I may need a second pair of!

Summer calls for brighter nails and I’m loving some of the mint/teal shades.

A tote that can work for everyday errands, a weekend getaway or a day at the pool all in one? Awesome! It’s made with a wipeable fabric and expands whenever necessary.

I use this Sugar lip treatment throughout the year but like the waterproof factor and added SPF that comes with this one.

I tend to get a new pair of sunglasses each summer and this pair quickly became a new favorite.

Pineapples guys. I love to eat ’em and I love to wear ’em. I had to get my hands on this adorable tank from my friend’s shop Elizabeth & West asap because I knew it would sell out quickly…and it did…quickly…I’m sorry!! The good thing is, there’s no shortage in the pineapple department at the moment, so you’ll have to scroll down to see all my picks. This cute tee and this fun swimsuit being two of them!

My friend/blogger, Rebecca over at Mommy in Heels also runs a boutique, Elizabeth and West in York, PA. Lucky for us, she also has an online shop. And even luckier for you, she’s offering 20% off to A Lovely Living readers today and tomorrow (6/12 and 6/13) with code LOVELY20, yay!! She’s constantly receiving new inventory and a lot of it flies, so you’ll need to jump on things. And if you follow her on Instagram she’ll frequently show her new arrivals as they come in on her Insta stories. I’m loving the colors of this midi dress, this pretty tank, and this cute, striped tee!  Hope that brightens your Monday a little more…happy shopping!!

Details: Elizabeth & West tank (sold out, see options below) / Pants (similar) / Booties (similar) / Bag / LeSpecs sunglasses / Stella & Dot necklace and bracelet

When it comes to running the household, I’m the one that tackles all the nitty gritty details. Jack handles the big picture and I make sure meals are planned, activities are booked, appointments are made, schedules are followed, and toilet paper is in the bathroom ;) With all the details and busyness of life with three little ones, planning date nights has certainly fallen by the wayside the past few years. Not to say that we never go out, but it takes much less effort to pop some popcorn and turn on Netflix. But my husband has recently taken the initiative to make sure date nights happen a bit more frequently and has been reinforcing just how important they are. Sometimes I love when he’s right! We got out for a few hours last night, which included enough time to squeeze in a quick shoot…what a guy ;) I’m hoping we can continue to hold ourselves accountable as time goes on. Connecting with your spouse  is so good for the heart and soul, so should you feel the nudge to get a little alone time, don’t hesitate to call your sitter and make that reservation…it’s so worth it!

Details: LOFT top (recent in-store purchase, similar online here) / Madewell jeans / LOFT scarf / Booties (similar) / Stella & Dot bracelet

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