Dress # 1: Fit and Flare Puff-Sleeve Floral-Print Mini Dress for Women

I ordered this dress in a size Medium in the yellow floral print! It’s different than my usual style because it’s more of a fit and flare dress, but the description said it’s great for hourglass shapes so I added it to my cart!

My first impression trying it on was ehhh. I didn’t love it to be honest. It was just whatever, but after wearing it a little, I really started to like it. It does get a little wrinkly (nothing a little steam can’t fix) but the fit is flattering and it is long enough for me as a tall girl! I don’t really have any dress like this so it really made me feel cute and put together.

I really like the puff sleeves on the dress! You can wear it on the shoulder or off the shoulder, so you can customize your look! And with the strategically placed seams at the bust, you can definitely go without a bra or wear a bandeau/strapless style bra if you feel more comfortable. The material of the dress is also super lightweight so it’s a good option for those hot summer days!

I styled it with my Lack of Color Palma Wide Fedora and some flat sandals, but it would look super cute with a headband and a pair of white sneakers! I love these Veja Sneakers, as well as some classic Keds!

This dress was a keeper for me!

Dress #2: Tiered Tie-Front Maxi Swing Sundress for Women

First impression: loooooved the color and style of this dress! It is such an easy dress to throw on and still feel really cool and stylish! I love the ease of it and it would be a great coverup!

I would have kept it but I currently have large nursing boobs and it just wasn’t flattering in that area! There’s a lot of fabric in the stomach area, so I think it would actually be great for a pregnant/postpartum momma! It also has a tie on the neckline providing easy access for nursing! So if you are in one of those categories, this dress would be perfect for you!

I ordered a size medium, but tried on a size small in stores and the fit felt exactly the same with both dresses! So I would size down if you want to order. It also comes in a cute rainbow striped print, as well as a yellow color and a blue and white striped version!

Dress #3: Waist-Defined Slub-Knit T-Shirt Dress for Women

This dress is definitely a summer basic staple! It’s lightweight, made of cotton and is just a super flattering fit! There are so many prints and colors of this dress so you can purchase a few!

I ordered a size medium (typically a size 6-8), and it fit great! I probably could have sized down but then it would be on the shorter side!

Style it with a denim jacket and tennies (affordable leopard print option// eyelet keds // white tennies or wrap a flannel around the waist, throw on a fun hat and you are good to go! It’s perfect for park play dates, a coverup after the beach/pool or something comfortable to run errands in!

Dress #4: Fit & Flare Puff-Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress

Okay! I have to admit I am loving the puff sleeve trend! I didn’t think I would because it felt like it could be a bit overwhelming but I have two puff-sleeve dresses now and love them both!

The color I ordered in this puff-sleeve dress has already sold out. I guess it was just that good! But they do have a few other colors and prints! This was the dress that I actually got an ad for on Instagram and what drew me to the Old Navy website. Those darn Instagram ads haha!

I ordered a size medium and it fit great. It’s fitted at the top, has a defined waist and then flares out on the bottom so it’s super flattering. The square neckline is really cute, and you can even wear it off the shoulders!

This dress gives me all the romantic and bohemian vibes and would be such a good dress for family photos! You can either wear your hair high in a bun to sho off your neck or wear it down in loose waves to give it more of a romantic feel. I honestly loved this dress. And did I mention it has pockets! Eeek! I love pockets in dresses!

I definitely kept this dress and am so excited to wear it out! It’s comfortable, cute and pregnant/postpartum friendly!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was really surprised at this order from Old Navy. I kept three of the four dresses and I used coupon codes and got all three under $60 so that’s a win!

I love mixing high-end and affordable clothing to give me a well-rounded closet! I don’t always buy trendy pieces, but when I do I like to buy them at more affordable stores like Old Navy or Target, just in case I decide after a few wears that I no longer love it! If that’s the case, I can always resell on my Poshmark account!

You Can Shop the Post Below

Thanks for following along and I hope this Old Navy dress haul could help inspire you to try something new or find some fun summer dresses without breaking the bank! Melissa also did a great post about some Target finds that are short-girl approved so be sure to check that out!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Xoxoxo,

Kari

P.S. by clicking and purchasing through our links, we may make a small commission. Thank you for supporting us and letting us chase our dreams!

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There is no denying that I have a slight obsession with hats and headbands. It all started after my first pregnancy and I had these random postpartum hairs sprouting up everywhere and basically no time to style my hair. I started out with trucker hats because I basically lived in leggings, but as time went on I started to branch out and try more and more styles of hats. It then became my most favorite accessory and truly helps me feel more put together! Over the past 4.5 years, I have really grown quite a collection! I thought I would share my top 5 favorite hats to wear year-round in case you are looking to grow your own prized hat collection.

My Most Worn Hat – Brixton Joanna Hat

No joke, this was the first hat I added to my collection 4.5 years ago and the one I get the most compliments on. It’s my all time favorite and I have had people flag me down so many times asking where I got it from and the brand. I mean if Brixton wants to sponsor me that would be amazing because they have such high-quality, yet affordable hats.

I love how this hat goes with so many different outfits too! It’s super versatile, comes in sizes XS-XL, so it will fit anyone, the wide brim provides shade while looking stylish! They have quite a few different colors and styles. I have this one with the black grosgrain band, as well as a black and natural straw patterned one that I think might be sold out! I did find some on sale now though and if you don’t like the color, you can always tie a scarf around it to cover the existing band! It’s a classic finishing touch on any spring/summer outfit!

I have this in a size small and it fits great! I probably could have done an XS, especially when my hair is straight!

This honey/red one is on sale or you can buy the natural straw/black one here! They even have a visor version as well!

The Newest Addition- Lack of Color Palma Wide Brim Hat

This was my most recent purchase in my hat collection. I had been wanting it for so long, but it was either sold out or I just couldn’t pull the trigger with the price. It is a bit on the pricier side, but it is a high-quality hat that will last for so long.

Lack of Color, an Australian brand, is like the royalty of hats! They make such quality and stylish pieces. This one, the Lack of Color Palma Wide Brim Fedora, is amazing! It’s handmade by artisans in Mexico and is made from 100% Baked Palm Leaves. It fits super great, especially with the inner elastic sweatband. It’s also a wide-brim hat so it will provide sun protection. The brim is stiff and not at all floppy, which I definitely appreciate!

I purchased it in the size Small/Medium, which fits a 55cm-57cm head! It fits great and is super neutral so I can wear it poolside in my bikini or dress it up and wear it wine tasting! It sells out so quickly so you know it’s a great hat to have in your collection!

You can find it here, here and a smaller brimmed version here! And if you like more of a boater style, shorter crown, they have this style too! So many great options!!

The Best-Selling Lack of Color Rancher Hat

Chances are you have probably seen this hat a place or two! It was so popular when it came out a few years ago and still is to this day! Whenever I wear this hat, I get tons of compliments and people asking me where I bought it. I actually won it a few years ago and have been itching to add a fun new color to my collection. They have a cute dusty rose that would be different and fun!

This classic style is inspired by the vintage Ranchers and men’s style and it definitely makes a statement. It’s a stiffened 100% wool fedora with a rigid crown. The hat is trimmed with gross grain ribbon and it comes in so many different colors. You can wear it sitting on your head or place it farther back for the more trendy look! You really can wear this with anything! I love pairing it with a midi skirt, graphic tee and some cute boots in the fall/winter months!

I think it runs a bit big so I would size down or pay close attention to your measurements. It’s a pretty stiff hat so it’s not going to mold to your head as much as others might! I have the sand color, but also love this pretty caramel color!

If you are looking for a more affordable dupe, these are two great and highly rated options. 1. Wyeth Wide Brim Sand Rancher Hat and 2. Urban Outfitters Flat Brim Felt Fedora.

This is a great style for winter and fall and can be dressed up or down! It’s super versatile and definitely one of my favorite hats!

My Very First Gigi Pip Hat- The Emma Wide Brim Fedora

Okay. I guess I have a thing for wide-brim hats?! Haha! But if it works for you, don’t change it! I just love a good wide brim hat.

I’ve been following Gigi Pip forever on Instagram, constantly bookmarking pictures or taking screenshots of their hats! I saw the Emma once on a model and was obsessed, but when I went to order it, it was sold out! Insert super sad face here! So I signed up to be emailed when they had a restock and about 4 months later they did! it just so happened to be my birthday month and I had some Gigi Pip Cash from joining their loyalty program so I promptly ordered! And let me tell you it definitely lived up to the hype!

It’s pretty similar to my Lack of Color Rancher Hat, although this one feels a bit more stiff and has a removable band that you can attach instead of ribbon! You can wear it on it’s own or add a leather band for a pop of color! I love this leopard print band so much, but it is currently out of stock! They even have fun scarves you can customize it with!

I ordered a size small in this hat and it fits great! There is also an adjustable inner band to truly customize the fit. This hat also comes in sizes XS-XL so it is great for every head shape and size!

The Perfect Hat for Active Beach Days- The Billabong Tipton Lifeguard Hat

If you are more active and need a hat that will block out the sun and stay in place, the Billabong Tipton Lifeguard Hat is perfect for you! I bought this because it was super affordable and I knew it would be the best hat to wear when I am active at the beach, either playing volleyball or chasing after my littles!

It has an adjustable chin strap so it will stay in place, even on those super windy days! I love the tropical print fabric under the brim that peeks through and gives it a cool little vibe. There are quite a few prints of this classic lifeguard style hat, but you really can’t go wrong. It’s honestly a lifesaver on those warm sunny days at the beach!

The only downside for me is that it it a one size fits all hat, so it does run pretty big on my head. However, if it is windy or I am moving a lot, I just tighten the adjustable chin strap cord and it keeps it in place.

You Can Shop My Favorite Hats and Accessories Below!

As always, thank you so much for following along with us and thank you for supporting us! We appreciate you all so much and we hope this post about 5 hats to wear year round will inspire you to try some new looks! It’s always fun to spice up your wardrobe with an easy accessory!

And be sure to let us know if you have a favorite hat that we need to try!! Also, don’t forget Father’s Day is quickly approaching! Luckily, we put together the ultimate gift guide for you in the previous post! Click here to read that!

Thank you and have the best weekend ever!

xoxoxox,

Kari

p.s. if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we do make a small commission and appreciate it so very much! <3

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We have been dreaming of a vacation for so long! We had quite a few busy months recently and wanted to take a little mini trip together to soak up some sun, spend some quality family time, and just unwind, well as much as you can with kids (haha). It was also my hubby’s birthday so I thought a trip to Palm Desert would be the perfect little trip to celebrate him! Here is a little recap of our 36 Hours in Palm Desert!

I used to go all the time to Palm Desert as a kid and loved it! It’s just a 1.5-2 hour trip from San Diego and it feels like you’ve gone to a whole new state! I have so many memories of swimming by the pool, going shopping on El Paseo and riding bikes along the palm tree lined streets! It’s honestly one of my favorite places!

We left San Diego early Sunday morning and it was just starting to drizzle and was in the low 60’s. But once we got to Palm Desert, it was beautiful, sunny and in the 80s and 90s, with a cool breeze! The weather was perfect! I love the desert, especially in the Spring months because the weather is just so beautiful! And those desert sunsets are so majestic with its pink skies framing the mountains.

I thought I would where to stay, what to do, and what to pack for a fun little weekend getaway! I had so many people DM me on Instagram asking questions so I thought this post would be super helpful!

Where to Stay

For this trip, I decided to book the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage! It’s one of my favorite resorts, not only because the hotel and grounds are amazing but it is centrally located just minutes from all the fun things Palm Desert has to offer!

The property itself is just a few miles from Palm Springs, and is surrounded by beautiful palm trees and the backdrop of mountains. It really is so picturesque and they have done such a great job at maintaining the grounds. I was obsessed with the numerous colors of the bougainvillea and how beautiful all of the landscaping was! I wish I took more pictures!!

Splashtopia

The main reason we chose this hotel was for Splashtopia! It’s basically a mini waterpark on-site for both adults and kids. You have a 425-foot lazy river, two 100-foot waterslides, a splash pad, a sandy beach area for kids to play in, and a little splash pad with fountains, sprinklers and different water features! I mean you could literally spend all day here and not leave the hotel! There is also a family pool connected, as well an adult pool near the entrance of the resort.

We went swimming everyday and loved being in the lazy river! It was so fun to float around, take breaks to zoom down the water slide (almost lost my top on that one) and soak up some much needed Vitamin D.

Because of COVID, the jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms are temporarily closed and pool capacity is limited! We actually got wristbands for each day and because the resort wasn’t too busy when we went we were able to get the wristbands for the 9-1pm sessions and the 2-6pm sessions so it worked out for us!

We had so much fun here and it’s so fun for both kids and adults!

Other Amenities

The resort also has five restaurants on site, including a coffee shop, 27 holes of championship golf, a 24 hour fitness center with Pelotons (you better believe I took advantage of that) and a 20,000 square foot European Spa! It truly has everything you need!

One of my favorite things about the resort was the birds! You could hear them chirping so loudly at night around sunset! It was so beautiful to listen too! I would sit outside on our patio and listen to them! Such a sweet sound!

I highly recommend staying here for a fun-filled weekend!

Things to Do

LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS: There are so many things to do, but if you are going for just a little weekend getaway, I highly-recommend visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. I’ve gone quite a few times and I just love coming here. You can feed a giraffe, ride camels, visit the different exhibits and enjoy some fun shows! My girls love coming here and they are always adding new attractions! You need to make reservations but it is a fun activity for both kids and adults!

EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT: If you are looking for some great shopping, look no further than the Shops on El Paseo. This is the prime shopping area, nestled right at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, where you can shop name brand boutiques, ranging from high end luxury to casual finds! It’s so pretty with the palm tree lined streets and the different art galleries dotting the streets! Definitely a must visit if you want to spend some time shopping!

CABAZON DINOSAUR MUSEUM: This is such a fun, quick little stop to make on the way to Palm Desert or on the way back home! We stopped on our way home and my girls loved it! It was sooooo windy though so we ran inside to the gift shop (located inside the pink dinosaur), took some pics and ran back inside! It was super fun though and if you want more of an experience, there is a dinosaur trail where you can dig for dinosaurs digs and fossils or climb into the mouth of a T. Rex. You can also mine for gold! It’s a fun little pit stop if your kiddos are getting restless! Just be sure to bring a sweater because that part of town can definitely be windy!

One thing I love doing when I go to a new city is trying a local coffee shop! We were just down the street from the Rancho Mirage Koffi location, which has an onsite roasting room, so we made sure to pick up my favorite Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte! It was so good and the smell of the freshly roasted coffee is just amazing!

There is so much to see in Palm Springs/Desert Area! From hiking and riding in the sand dunes to visiting art galleries and shopping, you will definitely not run out of activities!

What to Pack

Depending on what you do while you are in Palm Desert, you really don’t need to pack too much! I like to keep it simple, throwing in a couple of bathing suits, cover-ups and easy dresses! Be sure to protect your face from the sun and bring a long a hat or two! I always have my go to Brixton Hat, but am eyeing this one too! You can easily dress an outfit up with a little block heel or espadrille platform! And if you go to the zoo or do something more active, I love this high neck tank (such a great price), this denim romper or these cute paperbag shorts! Pack it all in this weekend bag and you are good to go!

Shop The Looks Below

Hopefully this post helps you plan a fun little getaway! Whether you have 36 Hours in Palm Desert or a whole week, there is so much to do and see! If you haven’t been to the desert, it is definitely a must visit! And please don’t hesitate to message us or leave a comment if you have any questions or need any recommendations! We are happy to help!

And don’t forget to check out our last blog post about the Sephora sale, you can definitely stock up on all your beauty and skincare faves!

Hope you have a great week!

xoxoxo,

kari

Ps. If you make a purchase from one of our links we make a small commission and it means so much to us! Mahalo for the support!

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I’m sure most of you have heard of the Liketoknow.it App! It’s an awesome app that makes shopping your favorite influencer’s style picks right at your fingertips! You get access to shop million of products styled by and on real people! We love this app and it really helps us try new styles that catch our eye! Every year, they have a LTK Spring sale, an in-app exclusive sale event where you can get major discounts at select retailers! It’s a great sale so we thought we would share everything you need to know about the LTK Spring Sale!

LTK Spring Sale Basics

This is a 3-day event from April 9th through April 11th! The sales are only accessible through the app, where you will receive a discount code for each retailer. It’s the perfect time to refresh your spring wardrobe, stock up on your favorites and try new products, all at a great price! It’s great because the sale is in addition to whatever sale each retailer is currently having and you can stack promo codes! You really can save so much money!

Here are this year’s participating retailers and their discounts!

• Abercrombie & Fitch – 25% off sitewide (stackable on any promos)
• Buddy Love- 25% off sitewide
• Colleen Rothschild- 25% off sitewide
• Express- $10 off $100 (stackable on any promos)
• Elemis – 20% off sitewide
• It Cosmetics- 35% off sitewide
• Madewell- $25 off $125 (stackable on any promos)
• Quay – 20% off sitewide
• The Styled Collection – 45% off sitewide
• Tarte- 25% off + free shipping
• Victoria Emerson- BOGO

To make it easier to shop, we will be sharing our favorites from the sale, so you can see them all on our liketowknow it profile and save them to your Wishlist prior to the sale.

If you don’t have the LiketoKnow.it App, here is how you can download!

1. Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app
2. Follow us (sunkissedandgrateful)
3. All products from the sale will be on our profile with a red tab
4. Tap on the products for additional details and it will pull up a unique discount code for you to use
5. Copy the promo code then click ‘Shop Now’
6. Paste the promo code when checking out

Abercrombie Spring Finds

Abercrombie has so many new spring items. If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of everything in your closet, so at 25% off during the LTK Spring Sale, I think we should all treat ourselves to something 🙂 Here are some of my favorite Abercrombie Spring finds.

ABERCROMBIE SPRING TOPS

Abercrombie Spring Tops— These tops really stood out to me. I’m really into the square neckline, buttons, ruffle accents, neutral tones and textured materials of these tops. I tend to wear more loose fitted tops but lately have been wanting to add a little variety to my closet.

Do you stick to the styles you like or love to try new styles? I really admire people who can try all the styles and look so cool in whatever they wear. Working towards that haha. I plan on getting a top or two during the LTK Spring Sale!

Shop Abercrombie tops below!

ABERCROMBIE SPRING DRESSES & SKIRTS

Abercrombie Spring Dresses and Skirts—I love dresses and skirts. Something about wearing a dress makes me feel automatically pretty 🙂 Abercrombie has so many dresses and skirts that are super cute on all body types. I do love all the 90s inspired pieces and they take me back to my middle school days!!!

I love the the floral dresses and skirts in their spring line, different silhouettes like the wrap dress/ruched skirt, and the subtle sexiness of the high slits and peekaboo knot! So many good spring dresses & skirts at Abercrombie which makes me so excited for the LTK Spring Sale!!

Shop Abercrombie spring dresses & skirts below!

ABERCROMBIE SPRING SHORTS & PANTS

Abercrombie Spring Shorts & Pants—I live in shorts! These Abercrombie shorts are my go-to bc not only are the super flattering but with all their frequent sales, you can get them at such a good price! I love their curve love mom jean shorts. Since I do have curvy thighs most shorts are tight around the thighs but these are so flattering!

I haven’t purchased a pair of jeans in so long haha but their boot cut jeans look so good—comfy and cool. I’m super excited to try these black joggers and knitted lounge pants.

Shop Abercrombie shorts & pants below!

ABERCROMBIE BODYSUITS

Abercrombie bodysuits—My love for bodysuits started with Abercrombie! If you haven’t added bodysuit to your wardrobe, you’re missing our! I know they seem super uncomfortable and unflattering, but they are actually super comfortable and can be worn with so many pieces! During the LTK Spring Sale, all of Abercrombie’s bodysuits will be on sale. I love the cut outs, ribbed material, scuba neck, Henley, 90s and halter! Seriously so many good ones!!

Shop Abercrombie bodysuits below!

IT Cosmetics

These are the best selling IT Cosmetics products. With each having hundred and some even thousands of positive reviews, they have to be amazing! With a 35% price cut during the LTK Spring Sale, now is the time to try something or stock up on your favorites.

For the eyes—IT Cosmetics collabed with Dry Bar and created a mascara. As someone who is always looking for a better mascara, this collab is exciting! And every make up bag needs a good brow pencil!

For the face—within the last year I started wearing foundation. IT’s CC cream and foundation have amazing reviews for being lightweight with great coverage.

For aging—Aside from makeup IT also has a popular skin care line. They’re top sellers are the anti-aging moisturizer and anti-aging night cream. Although I try my best to accept everything that comes with aging, I still wanna do what I can do to delay lines, wrinkles and all that other lovely stuff haha.

Shop It Cosmetics best sellers below!

Quay Australia

Sunglasses are a spring and summer must have! I’m so glad that Quay is included in the LTK Spring Sale! 20% off of all shades!! With so many style, frame colors and lens colors, there is a pair of sunglasses for every face shape and complexion. I really like a gold frame and the classic black too! There are also options for the men in your life.

Shop Quay sunglasses below!

If you haven’t invested in some blue light glasses, check out this post to learn about the benefits of protecting your eyes from blue light! I keep mine next to my bed so I can remember to use them when I work at night. I really do feel the difference in my eyes when I don’t wear them.

During the LTK sale, Quay blue light glasses will be 20% off! They are lightweight and cute! I especially love the clear aviators and black circled frames!

Shop Quay blue light glasses below!

Madewell Spring Finds

Madewell is offering Madewell $25 off $125 (stackable on any promos) during this sale! I love that you can stack promos so you can really get some great prices! I’m definitely going to take advantage of the sale to order some new jeans, headbands and stock up on my favorite Madewell Whisper Ribbed Tees and Tanks! I have them in four colors but I just saw that there are more! It’s such a great basic to have! I styled the white tee with my Madewell skirt in this post, just adding a knot for a little flair! I wear a size small in these shirts and think they run a little big!

I’ve also been eying this sweater tank the last few weeks! I love the neckline and I can dress it up or down! It’s pretty versatile but would look great paired with these denim shorts or my favorite Perfect Vintage denim! If you order the Perfect Vintage jeans, size down though! I feel like they run a size big!

I love this tie-shoulder dress too! The colors are rich and vibrant and it’s an easy piece to just throw on! Add a hat or headband and you have an easy look that looks put together!

Since I spend a lot of time at the beach, I want to get some more coverups! I loved this romper cover-up! It comes in a few colors too!

Shop Our Madewell Favorites Below

Elemis Best Sellers

I am actually super excited about this sale! One of our favorite bloggers, Andee Layne, often uses Elemis products and her skin is ahhhhhh-mazing!!! She uses the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads and has nothing but amazing things to say! They exfoliate your skin, help with dark spots and pores and work on correcting uneven skin tones! I’ve actually been struggling with my skin texture lately so I am going to add these into my skin care routine! They are more gentle, so it is perfect for those with sensitive skin!

I have also heard amazing reviews about the cleansing balms! They are perfect for dissolving make-up, daily grime and pollutants, leaving your skin cleansed, nourished and renewed! I’m going to pick up the fragrance free version as my skin is sensitive, but this one is a best-seller and I see it everywhere!

I’ll also be re-purchasing the Peptide Eye Recovery Cream! I’ve been using it for a while now and I definitely see a difference in the darkness of my under-eyes if I use it consistently! It wakes up my eyes and helps reduce puffiness! This tired momma needs all the help I can get!

Be sure to take advantage of 20% off sitewide during the sale! It’s a great time to invest in your skincare!

Shop Elemis Best-Sellers Below

Tarte Favorites

Tarte is offering 25% off + free shipping during the sale! Such a great deal because a lot of their products are already pretty affordable! Unfortunately, the ever popular Shape Tape Concealer is excluded from the sale, but there are so many other great options to enjoy! I am a big fan of these Quench Lip Rescue balms! I love the colors Opal and Nude! They are super hydrating, give a slight, subtle color and are made from vegan ingredients!

I’m also a big fan of the Amazonian clay 12-hour blush! I have it in a few different colors, including exposed (a nude pink), peaceful (a soft nude peach)and risque (a peachy-nude)! Pair it with the Amazonian clay matte waterproof bronzer for a soft, glowy look that lasts all day!

After seeing such positive reviews, I am definitely going to order the Rainforest of the Sea salt lyfe lip duo! It’s a beautiful color and you can wear them alone or seperate, depending on the look you want!

And if you are looking for a good full-coverage foundation, you have to try this one! It covers dark spots, redness, and acne! I love the matte finish too! My skin tends to get oily so this works great at keeping that down!

Shop Our Tarte Favorites Below!

Thanks for following along!

As always, thank you all for following along with us on our journey! We always appreciate your support and are so grateful for everyone who takes the time to read our posts, leave comments and interact with us! Hope you enjoyed our little breakdown of the LTK Spring Sale! Let us know if you have any questions about sizing or need help planning outfits!

Be sure to follow us on instagram if you aren’t already. We also have a LiketoKNow.it account, where we post exclusive content as well! Both have the (username: sunkissedandgrateful!

xoxoxox,

Kari and Melissa

p.s. if you click on a link and purchase within a certain amount of time, we do make a small commission. we appreciate your continued support!

The post Everything You Need to Know About the LTK Spring Sale! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Happy Thursday friends! I hope you all have been having a wonderful week! It’s been a little rainy and cold over here in San Diego, but I am sure we will be back to our typical sunny weather by this weekend! I hope the weather is getting warmer for you too! Today, I am starting a new series called “Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday.” This will be a post where I share my current faves, whether it’s a product, song, book, or podcast. I’m going to try to do these at least 1-2 times per month, so let me know if you like them!

I personally love finding out what other people eat, drink, read, listen to or obsess about. I don’t know if it’s being nosey or just curious, but I find that I learn so much, am exposed to things I might not have been before, and am left feeling inspired!

So here are a few of my current faves! Hope you enjoy the first post in Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday!

1//Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Gahhh!! I have been doing so good about limiting how much Starbucks I drink and instead drinking my coffee from home! But when I saw this new drink come out, I was so pumped to try it! I love brown sugar flavoring and kept hearing so many good things about this drink so I ran to Starbucks and ordered one! It definitely lived up to the hype and did not disappoint!

It’s made with the signature Blonde espresso shaken, brown sugar syrup, topped with Oatly’s Oat Milk and finished with a few shakes of cinnamon powder. It’s seriously so good! A Venti is 170 calories, so it’s actually one of Starbucks lower calorie drinks. I typically half any pumps of syrup to make my drinks less sweet, but this one didn’t need it at all! It’s delicious, woke me up, and wasn’t super sweet! Win-Win for me!

The negative is that it’s like $6 and I am definitely not trying to spend that everyday on coffee. I decided to try my own version using my Nespresso machine! I made a super simple brown sugar syrup, used my Nespresso Vertuo Pod (i used one Double Espresso Chiaro Pod), added a dash of cinnamon and poured over ice cold oat milk! Instead of shaking so much, I actually frothed my oat milk and cinnamon powder in my Nespresso frother on the cold setting to get that foam! I stirred it all together and it tasted like the real deal! I’ve been having it every day this past week!

2// Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

If you love dry shampoo and use it regularly, you need this! I typically only wash my hair 1-2 times a week, after training it a few years ago. As a result, I use dry shampoo on a daily basis to add some texture to my hair and soak up any excess oil. But recently, I was feeling as if my scalp was starting to get a little dry and showing signs of product buildup. After searching through numerous products, I came across the Briogeo Charcoal and Coconut Oil Exfoliating Shampoo. It had great reviews so I quickly ordered and was so excited to try.

Once I used the product, I was sold! It has now been a staple in my hair-care routine for over two months. The shampoo is formulated with binchotan charcoal and plant-based exfoliators that work together to draw out and lift away buildup, impurities, dead skin and excess oil that may clog scalp and hair follicles. The peppermint, spearmint, tea tree, and coconut oils soothe and refresh after! I love the slight tingling feel and cooling effect it leaves. The tiny bits of charcoal in it lightly scrub your scalp and leave it really feeling clean! It’s such a win for me!

I typically only use this 1-2 times a month as needed! It is slightly drying for my hair so I always make sure to hydrate after. Whenever I use this shampoo, I follow up with a hair mask. My hairdresser recommended using OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR and I have really been loving it! It adds the perfect amount of hydration, isn’t too heavy for my fine hair and it helps seal any split ends I may have!

I know the price tag may seem a little expensive ($42), it lasts forever. It’s not something you use daily, so if you use it 1-2 times per month it will last between 4-6 months!

3 // The Magic Playbook Subscription

Big fan of The Magic Playbook over here! It’s a monthly subscription for kids ages 2-6, filled with seasonal activities, crafts and sensory ideas for the month. You can pay a monthly fee of $9 or a yearly fee of $84 and you get access to all the activities, themed printables, an easy to shop supply list, a library list and screen time ideas for that month’s theme. It’s honestly the best ever! Both of my daughter’s love it! The graphics are so cute and it not only teaches them, but it inspires them to use their imagination. I’ve been a member for over 6 months and we have been having so much fun! All you have to do is print and play! I love it because I don’t have to plan the activities in addition to planning their schooling!

4 // My Newest Closet Additions

I have been feeling like I’ve been in a little bit of a fashion slump the past few weeks so I treated myself to some new clothes. The one requirement was that they couldn’t fall into the category of athleisure/loungewear. My typical mom uniform was consisting of a lot of oversized sweaters and leggings, so it was time for a change. When I saw that the Salty Blonde came out with a collaboration with Billabong, I ordered a few pieces, including this denim skirt.

Let me tell you a little story about my love for denim skirts. In college, I had this short denim mini skirt that I wore all the time. My husband actually remembers me wearing it before we even knew each other. He told me that he thought it was hot and was one of the things that sparked his attraction. So basically I owe my marriage and beautiful kids to that denim skirt. hahah!

Anyways, the Salty Blonde has a similar body type to mine so when I saw this skirt on her, I ordered it. I was a little hesitant because I wasn’t sure on the length. Definitely don’t want to flash anyone while chasing my kids! But once I tried it on, it actually wasn’t that short. It also hugs my curves really well and is super flattering. I can still move around and play with the kids, but feel stylish and put together. My husband loved this outfit and so did I.

I paired it with my favorite Brixton Joanna Hat, my new Steve Madden sandals (my daughter’s love the bling bling on them) and my new Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top from Target (only $10)! The Steve Madden sandals do run slightly small and require a breaking in period.

Side note: If you buy the Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top from Target, it does run slightly big. I ordered a size medium and could have done a small! But it’s only $10, comes in numerous colors and is a great and affordable way to try the exaggerated shoulder trend!

5 // This Month’s Reads

Reading is one of my biggest passions/source of relaxation. It’s something I do every single day, whether it’s late at night or in the early morning hours before my girls wake up. I also listen to audiobooks when I am folding laundry or cleaning. This helps me reach my goal of reading 3-5 books a month!

I read some great books this month! These three were at the top of my list! They were so good, that I watched absolutely no television, Nnetflix or Love Island re-runs the entire month!

Book #1

+ The Return by Nicholas Sparks – I loved this book! It was a great read and wasn’t like his more traditional romance novels. Nicholas Sparks, author of the Notebook, has an amazing way of writing and I pretty much love anything he writes. The Return is a heartwarming story about love, compassion, and self-exploration, mixed in with a bit of romance and mystery.

The story is about a man named Trevor Benson, an injured Navy Doctor with PTSD, and his return to a small town in North Carolina. His grandfather just passed away and he is left a dilapidated cabin and his grandfather’s beloved beehives. He ends up falling in love at first sight with deputy sheriff Natalie Masterson, who has a complicated love life of her own. Trevor is on a quest to find out why his grandfather was in another town when he passed away.

During that quest, he meets a runaway girl named Callie, a friend of his grandfather. Trevor tries to piece clues together, but the girl isn’t much help. She then has a medical crisis and Natalie and Trevor race against the clock to find out more about Callie’s past. At the same time, they are trying to shed light on the mysterious circumstances of his grandfather’s death. The story is filled with quite a few more twists and turns, but I don’t want to reveal too much.

I don’t know if I summed that up very well, but trust me, the book is definitely one you want to read!

BOOK #2

+ We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter – Oh man! I could not put this book down. It was hands down my favorite book and is one I would even read again. It’s a pretty emotional book and I definitely shed a tear a time or two while reading it! The book is inspired by the true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II and their determination to survive and reunite with each other.

The author, Georgia Hunter, wrote this book after learning she came from a family of Holocaust survivors and wanted to uncover more of her family’s history. An added bonus: her website shared her writing the book and offered some unique insight into this time period. The author was able to model the characters after her own family members, truly bringing them to life.

While this story was hard to read at times, it was beautiful and a great reminder of how the human spirit can endure and even thrive in the darkest of times.

BOOK #3

+ The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment – If you are interested in homeschooling, I highly recommend this book! The author Ainsley Arment talks about how we can allow our children to experience the wonder of childhood longer while still creating a modern, quality homeschool education. It’s full of incredible information, advice, inspiration and beautiful images that really helped me feel more confident and inspired.

The book gives an overview of the more popular styles of homeschooling, how to incorporate various things into your day, importance of having a rhythm, the whys of homeschooling, but also really simplifies learning and teaching your child. It helped me feel less pressure to meet specific milestones at certain times, to adapt to my own child, to allow them to be kids longer, and to get out in nature every day!

This book serves as a great resource, but also as a reminder to have courage on this homeschooling journey!

Thanks for following along!

As always, thank you all for following along with us on our journey! We have had our blog for a little over 4 months now and it has been such a fun creative outlet. Be sure to follow us on instagram if you aren’t already. We also have a LiketoKNow.it account, where we post exclusive content as well! Both have the (username: sunkissedandgrateful

Hope you have a great week and hope you enjoyed my new series, Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday!

Don’t forget to read our last two posts on books to grow your child’s confidence and our favorite spring finds!

xoxoxoxox,

Kari

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p.s. if you click on a link and purchase within a certain amount of time, we do make a small commission. we appreciate your continued support!

The post Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday: A New Series! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

I think my style would be categorized as California casual or beachy casual. I’m not one to jump on every trend and I typically wear what feels good to me. My husband says I dress like Jennifer Aniston with a little bit of flair! Haha! I love wearing basic crew tees and adding a hat and some dainty jewelry or wearing a dress with some sneakers or sandals and a denim jacket! Every once in a while, I will try and go outside my comfort zone and add in something different, like flared jeans! Haha! I wore them twice and then decided that it’s something I am gladly willing to leave behind! I say if you have a style and it works for you, stick with it!

Two of my favorite stores to shop at, besides Target, are Nordstrom and Revolve! I went through the website and chose some of my favorite pieces. Some of them I have and some of them I just ordered! Hope this helps gives you some inspiration for a spring wardrobe refresh!

Nordstrom Finds //Spring Refresh

1. Free People Makai Denim Shorts ($68): These shorts sold out so quickly last year so I added them into my cart ASAP this year. I like the fit of these and that they are non-stretch denim. I don’t love when my denim starts out tight and then stretches through the day. Just a personal opinion though! These are a great pair of classic, slightly distressed cutoffs that you can wear with so many tops! I also love my A.GOLDE shorts (DEE, PARKER) style note: if you are tall, I suggest the Dee! They are the slightly longer version. And I can’t forget about my favorite Abercrombie shorts!
2. Billabong x Salty Blonde Date Night Denim Romper ($119): I was so excited for this collaboration to come out! I love the casual surf style of Billabong and I love the Salty Blonde (check her out on instagram). She has a similar body type to mine, as far as smaller waist and bigger hips so I tend to watch her style to gather inspiration. This denim romper is something I normally wouldn’t purchase, but I love the way it fits on her. I can imagine wearing this unbuttoned slightly on a date night with a cute pair of wedges or wearing some sneakers for my soccer mom Saturdays!
3. O’Neill Linnet Sleeveless Cover-Up Minidress ($49.50): I am in desperate need of a new coverup and this was is soo cute! It’s a great price too! It comes in three different colors, has an open back and will be perfect for beach days while chasing my littles!
4. Free People On My Mind V-Neck Shirt ($38): I loved the comfort, casual look of this light-weight V-neck. It’s perfect for those slightly cooler days and would look great styled with a pair of boyfriend jeans or some denim cutoffs! It comes in so many different colors, but I love this mint one for spring!
5. Billabong Tanlines Billie Bralette Bikini Top ($55): I love the color on this bikini top! It’s a ribbed fabric Bralette style and the reviews are amazing! They say to size up one, but that it fits even larger chests! Definitely excited to try this!
6. Billabong Tanlines Maui High Waist Bikini Bottoms ($56): This is the matching bottoms for the bralette top and I love the high-waist! The ribbed detailing is perfection and the high-waist provides a little extra coverage!
7. Zella Seamless Strappy Sports Bra ($29): I love this sports bra for everyday use (running errands in workout clothes) or for pilates class! It’s lightly supportive, but still super flattering and such a great price! It has so many colors and the strappy back is super cute!
8. Brixton Joanna Straw Hat ($55): This hat is a staple for me! This is actually the third time I’m purchasing in the last 5-6 years. The first one I had I accidentally got it soaking wet at the beach and the shape was slightly ruined. The second one I think I accidentally donated to Goodwill! So this one I have been keeping nice and dry and away from all cleaning piles! It’s my favorite wide-brim hat and I pretty much wear it year-round. Every time I wear it, I get so many people asking where it’s from! So this is a definite must-have! Plus they come in so many sizes! I get the Small!

You Can Shop My Nordstrom Faves Here!!

Revolve Finds //Spring Refresh

1. Chaser Flounce V-Neck Short- Sleeve Tee ($38): I love this tee! Unfortunately, it sells out so quickly! But that’s just a good sign of how amazing it actually is. I love to pair this with high-waisted boyfriend denim or a slim jean! The ruffled sleeve adds a little bit of fun and playful detail, while the jersey material keeps you cool! If it sells out, you can also find them on the Chaser Website here!
2. Free People Cleo Bodysuit ($68): I love this bodysuit!!! I love the detailing down the sides of the arms and the front tie allows you to choose how sexy you want to be, or provide easy access for nursing! Haha! I have had quite a few bodysuits from Free People and they fit so well and last so long! It’s definitely worth the higher price for this flirty addition to your spring wardrobe!
3. Free People X FP Movement Love Tank ($38): I never realized how much I am liking Free People currently! They have such great price points and the styles are so cute! I love this simplicity of this top! You can easily wear it from a workout out to coffee afterwards or pair with some high-waisted shorts for a day of fun in the sun! Pair a cute detailed bra underneath!
4. Rails Mira Tank ($43): This airy linen blend striped top is a laid-back way to add a little flair to your wardrobe! Pair it with some denim shorts, strappy sandals and layered necklaces and you are ready to go! Stylish, comfortable and cute!
5. Indah Lenny Mini Dress ($97): Okay so I am obsessed with this dress! It’s super simple, but you can just tell the quality is so good! It’s made of ribbed fabric, has a cute button detailing and is just perfection! I love it and ordered it ASAP!
6. Lovers + Friends Riona Headband in Pink Floral ($38): Can’t place an order without adding a new headband to my collection! I love the floral pattern (perfect for a spring wardrobe refresh)! It also has acrylic pearl trim giving it some texture and flair! It’s so cute and versatile!
7. DAYDREAMER Long Sleeve Top in Lily Pad Tie Dye ($69): I have a few of this brand’s short sleeve tees and wanted to add a long sleeve tee to the mix! I love the tie dye pattern and it is perfect for wearing at the end of the day around a bonfire or when temperatures drop a little!
8. Ettika Crystal Anklet ($55): Wearing anklets feel so feminine to me! I love the look and this one is super cute and affordable! The iridescent crystals will sparkle in the sun and I love the layered look! Show it off with a cute dress or pair of shorts!
9. L*SPACE Seaview Dress in Sky Blue ($99): This dress is so coming home to me! I love the simplicity of it and the twist front (so flattering). It is 100% cotton so either wash it really carefully or size up like I did! It also comes in three colors! It’s a great piece to add!

You Can Shop My Revolve Finds Here

Hope you found some inspiration or some new goodies to add to your spring wardrobe! We are forever grateful for your support, for reading our blog and for interacting with us on a daily basis! Watching our community grow has been such a fun treat!

Also, be sure to follow along with us on our 30 Day Nourish to Flourish challenge! You can read about it here!

Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxox

Kari

Disclaimer: By clicking on our links and purchasing an item, we do make a small commision. We appreciate your continued support in allowing us to chase our dream!

The post Spring Wardrobe Refresh appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Let me shine a light on midi skirts friends! They are seriously my obsession and something that I find I wear year-round! Not only are they super easy to wear, but I can still chase my kids around without exposing anything, while looking more stylish and put together. It’s definitely a win for me!

I know a lot of people are hesitant about midi skirts and are afraid to wear them because they don’t want to look frumpy. But they are an item that looks good on everyone! You just have to find the right fit and style! Since they are something I gravitate towards, I thought I would share a few ways to style them, as well as some tips to keep in mind! Especially for you petite girls! You can wear midi skirts also!

Midi Skirts

A midi skirt is in between a maxi skirt and a mini skirt, hence the name. The length typically hits between your knee and ankle, falling midway down your calf (although this does depend on how tall you are). Remember: you can always take your skirt to be tailored to ensure proper fit!

Current Favorites

I typically tend to gravitate towards a high slit style, because it adds movement to the outfit while elongating your look. If you are more on the petite side, this is a key style, as it won’t make you look shorter the way a more traditional midi skirt would!

Key // Remember Proportions

I think one of the most important things to remember is to balance proportions. If you choose a flowy midi skirt, try to balance out the top by pairing it with a form fitting top, bodysuit or a crop top! This is especially important if you are on the petite side. Having a defined waist will help keep the look from overpowering your frame!

Three Ways to Style a Midi Skirt

Midi Skirts Look 1 // Casual Cool

The perfect look if you are going to the park or running errands! The white tennis shoes keep it casual, while the graphic tee adds the perfect amount of “cool.” You can also wear a cropped graphic tee, like this one! I always add a little knot to my tee to add a fun little element and help define my waist! Pair it with some hoop earrings and add a classic denim jacket if you get cold and you are good to go! It’s as simple as that! Styling suggestion: If you wear a cropped tee, make sure your skirt is more high-waisted! It will help keep everything proportionate and balanced! Also,

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Midi Skirts Look 2 // Chic and Edgy

This look is perfect for a date night or girl’s brunch! You can wear this year-round, depending on where you live! With some pointed toe ankle boots that elongate your legs, a black fedora hat and some dainty jewelry, you can keep this outfit chic, while adding a little bit of edge! Also keep in mind, that not every sweater is meant to be paired with skirts. I typically avoid super chunky sweaters and instead opt for a thinner material, allowing for my shirt to tuck nicely into my skirt without being bulky!

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Midi Skirts Look 3 // California Cool

For this last look, it’s all about that effortless California style. Living by the beach, this is a look I wear often! It keeps me cool, makes me feel put together and is just a fun vibe! You can wear a simple crop tank or a bodysuit! I love one that has feminine details like the shoulder tie-straps! Pair it with some sandals and a wicker-style crossbody and you are ready to go! This is something I would wear shopping, as it’s easy to slip in and out of!

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Don’t let midi skirts intimidate you! They are so easy to wear and instantly elevate your style! Hope this post helped spark some inspiration for how to style them!

As always, thank you so much for your support and for following along! We appreciate you so much. And don’t forget to check out some of our other style posts here!

And as a disclaimer, we do make a small commission if you choose to click on our links and make a purchase!

Have a great week!

xoxoxo,

Kari

The post Style Spotlight: Midi Skirts appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

1. My friend recently introduced me to a caffeine-free coffee blend, teeccino. You can make it in your Keurig so it fills the room with the coffee smell and you can still have that morning moment of peace before the day’s craziness starts. She had a hand held frother too and it was perfect touch to the delicious coffee! Shop coffee faves here!

2. Yesterday as I served my 4-year-old his lunch (rice, potatoes, veggies meatballs), he looked at the plate and exclaimed, “where are the greens on this plate?! No tomatoes, no carrots….” I burst out laughing. A moment I never want to forget.

3. One of my mom friends moved off island. I had recently met her but felt close and connected! Is it just me, or does it seem harder to make friends as adults?? (so then when I do meet someone where we just click, I’m extra grateful for them.)

4. Even though we’ve lived on Kauai permanently for 7 years (and seasonally since 2010), there are still beaches we haven’t visited and trails we haven’t done. That fills my adventurous heart with excitement. (Photos in this post are from the first time we went to a new beach).

5. My husband purchased a physical therapy practice March 2020, days before the COVID-19 pandemic caused our island to shut down. The sweat equity this past year has been a lot. But I saw a new side of my husband. A resilient, dedicated and passionate side I hadn’t seen before and I love him so much for it!

6. Crossing items off of my to-do list give me such a high.

7. I feel like I’m constantly cleaning and organizing! Does anyone else wish they could empty their home and start over haha?!? Wardrobe included haha….and unlimited budget, of course. 😉

8. I had terrible ab separation (like 4 fingers!!!) with my first pregnancy in 2016 and it didn’t close before I got pregnant again. This past month I’ve noticed some healing/ab closure and I’m so so happy about it!!

9. I honestly feel like I could eat Mexican food and pizza for the rest of my life and be totally happy about it.

10. In the past month I’ve been told twice I look like I’m 20! This used to get me so upset when I was 25, but now a decade later, one of the nicest things you can say to me haha!

11. I love wearing dresses! It’s a little harder these days, with 2 active kids, but they are still my favorite. Dresses are so comfortable and much less decision making goes into the outfit.

Spring Dresses Round-Up

Like I shared, I love wearing dresses. Writing about it made me realize I don’t wear them as much as I should. With an every fluctuating body (2 pregnancies in the last 4 years/nursing boobs/hormones), I haven’t updated my dresses in years, so I found some spring dresses that I’d love in my closet.

Shop spring dresses round-up here and here!

I was worried I wouldn’t have 11 things to share but it turns out there’s a lot going on in my head and heart. 🙂

Thanks for reading and learning more about me. What are some of your random thoughts or recent life experiences? Have a great day, my beautiful friend! -Melissa

ps. Also wanted to note, that if you purchase from our links we make a small commission.

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