Ohhh hey! It’s been like a month or two since we have done a blog post! Life has just been so insanely busy for us both! Melissa and I are both Stay at home moms to entrepreneur husbands so that often translates to them working a ton! But we are back and are so excited to be here again! Thanks for always following along with us and giving us your love and support! We do appreciate it! I wanted to jump back into things and share my favorite things I’ve been loving this past month!

A Little Life Update

We recently moved in August, just down the street, but it still involved tons of purging, packing, organizing and unpacking! It’s been exhausting but also super fun! Our new house is super cute, has tons of natural light and we’ve been slowly starting to decorate it so stay tuned for more home decor posts!!

We also started homeschooling through a charter with my oldest daughter so it’s been fun, but also busy! We have soccer, Wild and Free nature groups and all kinds of fun field trips so it definitely keeps us busy!

And we went to Disneyland! It was so much fun! We enjoyed a week at our favorite place and it made our hearts so happy to see all of the Halloween decorations!

So that’s our little update! It’s been a busy but exciting season of life for us! A little break gave me some much needed time to get my creative juices flowing again!

My Favorite Things this Past Month

I wanted to share just a few of my favorite things I’ve been loving this past month! I always love when people share their faves because it gives me new ideas or products to try! So keep reading to see what I’ve been loving lately!

Books //

I try to make it an intention to read every day and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t! This month I read two books and really loved them both!

The first book The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave was literally so good!! I even stayed up way past my bedtime two nights in a row to finish it! I don’t want to give too much away but it held my attention so well and was one of my fave books of the year!

The second book, Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger, bestselling author of Devil Wears Prada was a fun read! It’s about a college admission scandal, following your heart, and the reality of perfect lives! It was more of a fun read, but I really enjoyed it! I highly recommend both books!

Hair//

The next two things I’m loving are hair products! Since we live by the beach, we are constantly swimming in the oceans and pool! Our hair gets dry so we definitely have to keep it hydrated to prevent breakage!

I’ve been using the dae Monsoon Moisture Mask for the past few months and love it! It keeps my hair soft and silky! It also has clean ingredients, smells good and looks cute in my shower! I typically only wash my hair 2-3 times a week max so I just use a tiny bit of this every time and let it sit in my hair while I shave! My hair is definitely shinier and having less breakage!

My daughter’s have pretty wavy to curly hair, and my 5 year old has super long hair! It kept getting tangled and frizzy so I bought this leave in conditioner for curly hair by Verb and it works wonders! I just put a little in the hair after bath, brush through and let it air-dry! She gets perfect little waves with no frizz! It’s magic! I tried on my fine, straight hair and it was a little too heavy for me! So I highly recommend for wavy/straight hair!

Fitness//

With our move recently and a busy schedule it has been so hard to get consistent workouts in and I’ve been left feeling in a rut! I kept getting ads for Melissa Wood Health app so I decided to download and so the seven day free trial! I ending up loving it and now pay $9.99 a month for it!

The MWH Method is a series of slow controlled, low impact movements combining yoga and Pilates to sculpt long lean lines throughout the body. Her program offers pre and post natal workouts, beginner workouts and meditations and much more! I like that she has a schedule to follow so it keeps me on track and mixes it up! I’ve been following the schedule and then adding in an extra workout on days that I have time! It’s been so good and I feel refreshed after taking each class!

To add a little intensity to my workout when you for the challenge, I use these Bala bangles! I have them in 1lb and 2lb and love them! I also try to wear them while on walks! Such an added bonus!

Clothes//

I purchased a few things this month that I am loving! I’ve always been a big fan of one-shoulder looks and found this super cute top at revolve! It comes in quite a few colors and the material really surprised me! When I purchased I thought it was going to be a cotton t-shirt material, but it was actually a thicker polyester and spandex material! I like to wear it with my hair in a bun and some hoop earrings to give it that sexy peek of shoulder look!

I also love this ribbed workout sports bra and bottoms I got from Target recently! I’ve been wearing them non-stop and love the slate blue color! The ribbing is so cute and the high-waist super flattering! I paired it with this cute little open back shirt!

I’ve also been loving this billabong dress I got last month! You can wear it so many ways! I like to wear it with booties, a hat and a chunky cardigan! I’m wearing it with this little cardigan I picked up from Amazon and it’s such an easy and comfortable outfit! This outfit will definitely be a repeat and will probably be on my list of favorite things for a while! You can easily dress up or down!

And my last favorite clothing item this month was my Gap Cheeky High- Rise straight leg denim in black! I was actually going to order the Madewell Perfect Vintage denim in black because I love the fit, but I saw these on sale and figured I should give it a try! I’m so happy I did because I love them and got so many compliments on them! I wore them at Disneyland and they were so comfortable!! Highly-recommend! I would size down one size because they do stretch out as you wear them!

Randoms//

These PeapodMats Leakproof Mattress Pads! My oldest has been potty-trained for a few years now, but instill like to keep this mat over her mattress for extra protection! They are perfect for that potty-training time when you need some reassurance and accidents happen frequently!

I’ve also been loving line art recently!! I just purchased these prints from Etsy and they are so beautiful! These will go in my bathroom and were so inexpensive! You just buy the file, print at Office Depot/Staples and put in a frame! So easy and inexpensive!

Okay! If you made it this far, you are amazing!! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed reading and found some inspiration of books torneadnos things to try! These were just some of my favorite things this past month! Leave a comment below and let us know yours!

You Can Shop this Post Below

Have an amazing week! You are loved, appreciated and beautiful!

Xoxoxo,

Kari

P.S. have you read our blog post about making your coffee be more sustainable?! You can find it here!

And just a disclaimer, we do make a small commission if you purchase through our links!  we are forever grateful for your support!

The post A Little Life Update and Some of My Favorite Things this Past Month appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

The Half Yearly Sale Details

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a one-of-a-kind event where you’ll find amazing deals on clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, home goods and more! It’s one of the biggest sales of the year and you can always find something amazing!

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
Early Access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 12, and the sale opens to everyone on July 28, 2021. You can shop the Anniversary Sale online starting at 3am ET/12am PT on July 28, or in person during regular store hours and the sale will end at 3am ET/12am PT on August 9! That means for most shoppers, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will only last for 12 days—July 28 through August 8. (Prices go up August 9.) For those with Early Access, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale lasts for nearly a month.

Early Access is a special perk reserved for Nordstrom cardmembers. Your Nordy Club level is based on yearly spend amounts, though all cardmembers automatically start at Influencer status. You can only shop Anniversary Sale Early Access as a cardmember. If you

• Icon Status – July 12: Early Access for cardmembers with Icon status.
• Ambassador Status- July 14: Access for cardmembers with Ambassador status.
• Influencer Status- July 16: Access for cardmembers with Influencer status.
• General Public- July 28: Anniversary Sale opens to the general public

I highly recommend shopping online, but creating your wishlists prior to the event! Some things will sell out quickly! Last year, I stalked a pair of shoes and it literally sold out in minutes. I was so bummed and kept checking back a few times a day for restocks! I finally got them and still wear them to this day!

Top Fashion Picks for Women

I am super excited for these items! Some of them I already own after buying them from previous anniversary sales and some I have on my wishlist and am getting ready to purchase! They are great pieces that you can mix and match! Just remember that even though this is a massive sale, you don’t need everything! Really look at your closet, see what pieces would make a great addition, and try and build your wardrobe! It’s easy to want to get an item because it’s trendy but if you can’t afford it or you don’t really need it, I would definitely pass!

A Little Breakdown of My Fave Items

1// Nordstrom Moonlight Short Pajamas (Sale: $29.90): I love these pajamas! I own a black pair and they are so comfortable! Definitely want to add this leopard print version to my collection! Some say it runs slightly oversize but for me it runs true to size! Also, I like to wash these with permanent press/delicates because reviews say they pill after a few washes. I haven’t experienced that when washing on delicate! These are a definite add to cart ASAP! Comes in so many colors!

2// Converse Chuck Taylor^® All Star^® Slip-On Sneaker (Sale: $39.90): These are a great and versatile slip-on sneaker you can wear with so many outfits! I love how they look with Spanx Leggings! Size down half a size!

3// Levi’s^® Ribcage Ripped High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans (Sale: $71.90): I have had these jeans on my wishlist for quite some time so I am super excited to order them! I love the color of this pair, as well as the high-waist and the straight leg. They look great dressed up or down so it’s a pretty versatile pair! I always size up in Levi’s so I would recommend that as well!

4// True and CO. True Body Lift V-Neck Bralette (Sale: $37.90): I love this bra! It’s actually my go-to bra for under t-shirts! I love that it doesn’t have any seams, I can easily pull up for nursing and it doesn’t show through clothes! I will definitely be stocking up on these during the sale! They come in so many colors as well! There is also a thin-convertible strap style too!

5// Outdoor Research Trail Mix Turtleneck Pullover (Sale: $66.90): Stay warm whether you’re on the trail or planning your next adventure in this cozy, lightweight fleece top made with thermoregulating ActiveTemp technology! It comes in a few different colors and I love that I can wear it on beach walks or after a workout on a colder day and look stylish!

6// Daydreamer Def Leppard Hysteria Tour Graphic Tee (Sale: $44.90): I own a few of these shirts and I love them! You can’t go wrong with a graphic tee! I love how it looks when paired with a blazer, jeans and a pair of booties!

7// Zella Restore Soft Lounge Longline Bra (Sale: $29.90): This low-impact bra is great for working from home or a studio practice with its lightly supportive shelf bra and comfy, partially recycled brushed jersey material! I love these for Pilates and Yoga!

8// Free People Swim Too Deep Turtleneck Sweater (Sale: $79.90): This grandly oversized sweater that envelops you in the softness of its chunky Shaker stitch knit is the perfect sweater for fall! It’s definitely oversized so size down 1-2 sizes! You can wear as a tunic sweater with leggings or as a sweater dress with some knee-high boots! I am obsessed with the emerald green color, as well as the tan!

9// Spanx Faux Leather Leggings (Sale: $64.90): If you have been following the blog for a while, you may know that I am a major fan of these leather leggings! It’s pretty much my style staple for all of fall and winter! I sized up because they are definitely tight (have a large)!

10// Free People Gorgeous Jess Wrap Dress (Sale: $98.90): Wrapped at the waist and tied with a sweet little bow, this ankle-grazing dress will add floral charm to your warm-weather wardrobe! It’s so cute and would look so stylish with boots, a leather jacket and a hat! It would be a great option for family photos!

11// Quay Australia Its My Way 61mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses (Sale: $35.90): I love these super affordable oversized cat eye sunglasses! Definitely ordering these!

12// BB DAKOTA PREP COOL PLAID LONGLINE BLAZER: (Sale: $59.90): This is one of my trendier purchases that I am leaning towards! I want to wear it with a graphic tee and my Spanx leggings! It looks effortlessly cool!

13// Adidas Swift Run X Sneaker ($56.90): Love these! I bought a pair about five sales ago and I still wear them for my workouts! I get so many compliments and they just fit great!

14// Marc Fisher Gadri Pointed Toe Bootie ($99.90): I love these stylish pointy-toe bootie with a chunky stacked heel! They are versatile and can easily elevate an outfit!

15// AVEC LES FILLES Plaid Shawl Collar Coat (Sale: $149.90): Okay! So this is a piece that is a little out of my normal purchases, but I think after binge watching Virgin River, I am being drawn towards winter coats and cute outfits! This coat reminds me of something Mel would wear and I think it would look great with my Spanx leggings!

You Can Shop My Picks Below!

If you are in need of some styling advice! I put together a few different looks based on some of my favorite items from the sale! There are so many ways to style these pieces so you can easily build a capsule wardrobe!

Outfit 2: Sweater// Leggings // Shoes // Diaper Bag Outfit 3: White Tee // Black Jeans // Boots // Coat

Outfit 1: Blazer // White Tee // Jeans // Boots Outfit 2: Hat // Tee // Jeans // Bra // Shoes

You Can Shop More of Our Favorite Finds Below

If you want more Nordstrom Picks, be sure to follow us on our Liketoknow.it account (username:sunkissedandgrateful)! We will be sharing some of our favorite finds over the next few weeks, as well as some other amazing deals from Abercrombie, Old Navy, Amazon, Target and more! You can see a previous Old Navy Haul here or a Target Short-Girl Approved Haul here!

Hopefully this blog post will help you get ideas or outfit inspiration for the big Nordstrom anniversary sale! It has so many great deals that you can take advantage of! Don’t forget to make a wishlist and only order what your budget will allow! You never want to go in debt just for a new purse or shoes!

As always, thank you for your support and we hope you are having a great summer!

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!

The post Our Favorite Items from the Nordstrom Anniversary 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.

Happy Friday friends!! It’s the end of the week and I am so excited for the weekend! My daughter recently started soccer and I have been enjoying watching her play so much! It’s so fun and encouraging to see her enjoy something and it also allows me to wear some of my favorite athleisure clothes! I mean I want to look cute, but I also want to be able to cheer her on comfortably, without caring if I’m getting wet from the grass or dirty!

I pretty much wear workout clothes every single day, or at least the majority of the week! With the kids, I try to stay active and keep them outdoors a lot so wearing maxi dresses and dressier clothes aren’t the perfect fit for me at this stage of my life!

I did a little bit of shopping and wanted to share some of my favorite athleisure pieces! Some I have had for quite some time and others are a new edition! I’m also going to try and keep this more budget friendly because I’m currently trying to stick to a budget and save more! Hope you enjoy!

Athleisure Tops Under $50

Some of my favorite go-to stores for workout tops are Nordstrom, Aerie, and Target! I like that I can get good quality clothing, but not have to pay extremely high prices! I used to purchase a lot of Lululemon and I do love them, but I didn’t find myself loving as much as some of my more budget-friendly alternatives. Now I really don’t purchase too many workout shirts from there unless I find a good sale or really love an item!

1. Zella Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee ($45): This relaxed long-sleeve T-shirt is perfect for both the gym and running errands. So get one in every color so you have something to wear to lunch after your workouts!
2. Zella Work for it Tank Top ($29): It’s easy being stylish and comfortable in this stretch-knit tank designed with a racerback and cropped hem! You can look cute while working out and they have so many colors!
3. Offline Ribbed Long Sleeve Crop Tee ($24): This top is very soft and cute and I would definitely recommend. It is more form fitting, so I suggest going up one size if you don’t want it tight! I sized up and love the fit!
4. Offline Real Me Tank Top ($28): My husband got me this tank for Valentine’s Day and I love it! I normally don’t love form-fitting shirts when working out, but this feels super nice! It comes with a padded bra so you have some support!
5. Target’s Famous $8 Tank: ($8): This is actually one of my go to tanks for working out! It’s so comfortable and the neckline is so flattering! I think I own at least 7-8 colors and wear them all the time!
6. All Motion Tank Top ($16): I own these in a few colors too! It’s super affordable! It has a relaxed fit, but isn’t too flowy! It’s perfect for working out! And I love the material!

My Favorite Workout Pants

1. Athleta Elation 7/8 Tight ($89): While these are definitely expensive and an investment piece, the quality and fit is so good! I wear these for more HIIT style or intensive workouts. They offer a little compression, are high-waister and have a 7/8 length! I love that they also come in tall sizes so they are perfect for me at 5’9! They often go on sale so you can definitely get them cheaper!
2. FP Movement Good Karma Running Shorts ($48): I love these running shorts! They are perfect for a run or jog and look super cute whether working out or not! I also will wear these under dresses so it’s a win-win for me!
3. Nike One Dri-Fit Leggings ($55): Whether you’re ready to work up a sweat or chill on the couch, feel confident in these leggings! It features a mid-waist contour waistband so they won’t slide down and are made of moisture-wicking technology!
4. Zella Live In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings (on sale for $40): I own these and love them for pilates and yoga! They wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable during workouts and have a pocket to hold your phone or keys if needed!
5. OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Legging: ($31): I own these in a few colors also and love them! They are high-waisted so I always wear them with a crop top! I wear these more for athleisure styles as they don’t have a ton of compression and are a thinner material! They are good for yoga and pilates though! I also like that they are a 7/8 length and come in short, tall and regular sizing! AERIE is so size inclusive so I love supporting this brand!
6. OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging ($45): Love these! The waist is so cute! I have two pairs and I find myself gravitating towards these all the time! You know they are good because they constantly sell out!

Gamechanger: Belt Bags/Hip Packs

Okay friends! A belt bag or hip pack or fanny pack (whatever you want to call them) has literally been a game changer for me! I wear it slung across my chest and it makes going to the park and beach so much easier! I leave my diapers and everything in the car and just put my wallet, phone and keys inside my bag and I am ready to go! It keeps my hands-free so I can chase my little ones and not worry about losing my keys or having a heavy diaper bag to wear! Here are some of my favorites! You can also find some really cute ones from Aloha Collection!

1. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38): I purchased this one from Lululemon and I love it! It’s a smaller version and just plain black! They have a bunch of colors and it holds everything I need! It’s perfect and my husband can wear it too!
2. Lululemon All Night Festival Belt Bag 3L ($68): This is a similar style to the one I purchased, but slightly bigger! I saw in person and it reminded me a little more of a cross-body bag so I went with the smaller one. It also comes in a few colors and is very versatile and easy to clean!
3. Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack ($32): My friend owns this in black and it is so cute! It’s a quintessential compact pack made of poly-canvas and it carries all your belongings! You can wear it around the waist or over the shoulder. It’s also unisex so your husband can wear it too!
4. Topshop Diagonal Zip Belt Bag ($30): This is a perfect dressier version of hip pack! The sleek faux-leather finish elevates this handy belt bag and the edgy zippered details give it a chic, cool-girl vibe!
5. Fawn Design Belt Bag ($55): You can store your cash, keys and other small essentials while on the go with your little one in this trendy belt bag! It’s made by the same brand as my diaper bag and the quality is so good!
6. Volcom Take With Me Belt Bag ($35): This has a lot of cute prints and it’s just a super simple version of a belt-bag! It’s the perfect size for daily adventures!

Athleisure Style for the Win!

My typical week includes a lot of running around, going to Stroller Strides, visiting the park and going to the beach! It’s important for me to be comfortable but look stylish! I think that is really important for mom’s to keep in mind! When we look frumpy or don’t get dressed, it often translates to us feeling that way too! So getting dressed in a little bit of athleisure really helps me feel put together! I know that one day I will be able to wear maxi dresses and whatever outfit I want, but with the kids so young and me constantly picking them up and down, it just isn’t feasible right now!

I also typically add a hat (this is my current favorite from Alo Yoga right now!) to keep the sun out of my eyes! It’s important to protect your skin and not get sunburnt or sun damage! Right now, while nursing my skin is prone to melasma, I always wear a hat and sunscreen! Melissa had some great recommendations in her post about Blue-Light, so if you haven’t already check that out HERE)!

And for shoes, I typically always wear my trusty Adidas, my New Balance’s or my Olukai’s! They are definitely my favorite shoes!

Hope this post helps provide you with some inspiration! You can shop the post via the blog or our Liketoknowit account (username: sunkissedandgrateful). As always, we do make a small commission if you click on our links and purchase within a certain time frame, so thank you for your support!

Thanks for following along and I hope you have an amazing weekend!

xoxox,

Kari

The post Current Faves: Athleisure appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

I went through my girls wardrobes and was shocked to see that they needed a major refresh! I’m talking a major overhaul! I typically shop for them at a variety of stores, but H&M and Zara are often my go-to’s. I know for some people it’s considered fast fashion and I do try to limit how much we purchase, but it is what works for us right now. My girls are at the beach or the park every day and play hard. I would have a hard time letting them be kids and not get muddy/dirty or play hard if something they owned was like $45 for a shirt. So for us it works! At least in these younger years where they grow so fast and get so dirty!

Anyways, I checked out H&M and found so many cute options! I was obsessed with quite a few items and can’t wait to dress them up! I wanted to share some cute and affordable H&M finds I found, just in case your child keeps growing tons too! There is everything from pants and dresses to accessories!

H&M FINDS: GIRLS EDITION

1. Yellow Floral Ruffled Swimsuit ($17.99): This swimsuit is such a cute print and I love the floral detailing. The material is thick and a really good quality!
2. Gingham Flounced Cotton Blouse ($19.99): I love this shirt! It would look super cute with a pair of black overalls for family photos or a simple pair of black leggings!
3. Dark Grey Cotton Dress ($29.99) I love the crinkled organic cotton fabric of this dress! I love that it doesn’t have a little kid look and is something similar to what I would wear! Pair it with a cute headband and some combat boots or sandals and you are good to go!
4. Patterned Jersey Dress ($4.99): I buy these every season! Not only are they super affordable, but they always have cute prints and my daughter loves wearing them year-round! She wears them with little bike shorts underneath during summer and a cardigan and leggings during the colder months. Once she outgrows the length, we use them as little tunic shirts so this $5 dress lasts us so long!
5. Love Shirt ($9.99): Such a simple staple, but with a fun little twist! I love the color and print! It’s a soft cotton jersey material and the long sleeves make it a perfect shirt for layering if its cold! It can go with so many different outfits. This was one of my daughter’s favorites!
6. Green Dot Ruffled Swimsuit ($17.99): I ordered this swimsuit for my older daughter! I love the color, the classic print and the fun details. It has crossover straps, ruffled detailing and it’s a thick fabric! I think it runs slightly small so maybe size up one!
7. Two-Piece Leopard Set ($24.99): Okay, if you guy’s don’t already know, I am a sucker for leopard print! I just love it! And this one comes with a super cute graphic with a cat wearing a headband so I knew it was going to be an instant add to cart. I love easy outfits like these! It can also be worn with different options for a versatile, capsule wardrobe approach!
8. Dusty Rose Leopard Sweatshirt ($14.99): My daughter loves animals so when I saw this is I knew she was going to love it! Since we live by the beach and sometimes go early morning or late at night, these kinds of sweaters are perfect for keeping her warm! I love all the ribbed detailing around the neck and wrists too!
9. Two-Piece Dotted Cotton Set ($14.99): I bought this set for my younger daughter and we are major fans! I actually have two previous colors as well and whenever we go anywhere, we get tons of compliments and inquiries! It’s made from soft, ribbed cotton jersey and is just such an easy outfit! Throw on a bow or a beanie for an edgier look!
10. Floral Sweatshirt ($9.99): I love this print and the dusty rose color! It’s a fun piece and they have matching pants as well! Pair it with some high top sneakers and a cool headband for a chic but edgy look!
11. Two- Pack Leggings in Taupe (14.99): My youngest daughter lived in these! They are super affordable, come in so many different color schemes and they have an elasticized waist that is easy to get off an on for diaper changes. These are always in my H&M finds.
12. Brave and Curious Sweatshirt ($9.99): Obsessed with a cute and positive saying so I got this for my youngest! I love that they offer shirts with empowering slogans and quotes for girls!

1. 3-pack Cotton Leggings ($29.99): Love these! These are ankle-length leggings in a soft, cotton material and they have an adjustable elasticized waist! I love the color selections they have too!
2. Minnie Mouse Sweatshirt ($17.99): Leopard print! Need I say more? Haha! No but seriously, I love this sweatshirt. I bought a size up for a slightly oversized fit and then it will stretch into next year and fit my youngest daughter perfectly! Win-Win!
3. Seven Pack Polka Dot Socks ($12.99): Does anyone else lose socks like crazy? My kids do all the time so I love purchasing a big pack a few times a year to always have on hand! I love the color selection and prints!
4. 3 pack Scrunchies ($3.99): I use these all the time when creating little buns or top knots for my girls! They are super cute!
5. Set of Bow Headbands ($17.99): I love that these match a lot of the clothes that I purchased this round for the girls! It’s a great way to keep their hair out of their face!
6. Warm-Lined Glitter Boots ($29.99): I love pairing these with dresses! The boots are lined with faux shearling, have a side-zip and a little loop to make it easy to put on! Super Cute!

BOYS EDITION

Even though I don’t have any boys of my own, I have so many nephews and friends that have boys so I decided to share some of my favorite H&M finds for them too! So many cute clothes and tons of basics that you can mix and match for a versatile wardrobe!

1. Two-Pack Slim Fit Twill Pants ($24.99): Love the slim fit in these pants! They are so cute and super versatile!
2. Light-Beige Sweatsuit ($34.99): While this is a slightly more expensive item for H&M, the quality is so good! The material is super soft and there are so many cute details. I love the little pom-pom on the hoodie!
3. Brooklyn New York Sweater ($14.99): Obsessed! The color, the little kangaroo pocket in front! It’s so stylish and would look so cute with a pair of joggers!
4. Original Sweatsuit ($24.99): This is the cutest ever! The ribbed detailing, the color and the material! It’s definitely something I am ordering for one of the little men in my life!
5. Los Angeles T-Shirt ($4.99): These are great basics! A cute graphic tee and it’s only $5! Win-Win! Also a staple in H&M finds.
6. Black Hooded Sweatsuit ($19.99): I love the classic black sweatsuit! It also comes in yellow too! It has a zipper so it’s great for layering!
7. Long-Sleeve Olive Pocket Tee ($14.99): Okay..I wish they made this in my husband’s size because I love it so much! It’s stylish, simple but has some cool added elements like the pocket and dual toned shoulders! Order now because it will sell out!
8. Dinosaur Pajamas ($14.99): These are so stinkin’ cute! I love the dinosaur print and the material is so soft!
9. Two-Pack Long Sleeve Tees ($24.99): LOVE! These are perfect basics to wear with joggers, jeans and pretty much anything! You can wear as is or layer when it’s chillier! You can get a lot of bang for your buck with these basics!
10. Three Pack Joggers ($29.99): These come out to $10 per jogger which is a good price on these! The quality is great and you can easily create a capsule wardrobe with these joggers! Pair them with some Nikes and you have a stylish, sporty look!
11. Five-Pack Socks ($12.99): Great basic in classic colors! Perfect for matching to a variety of outfits!
12. Crew-neck T-shirts in soft organic cotton jersey ($14.99): Love these! They are perfect for mixing and matching again! It’s all about getting stylish pieces that really work with others in your wardrobe! That way you can mix and match easily and not have to purchase a ton of clothes!

There you go! Hope these H&M finds help inspire you! I always love to see what others find for their kiddos, especially when they aren’t crazy expensive!

Don’t forget to read our last two blogs! And be sure to participate in our Valentine’s Day reading challenge! You can find the post here!

Thank you for following along!

xoxoxox,

Kari

P.S. Just a disclaimer, if you click on the links above and purchase within 24 hours, we do make a small amount of commission! Just wanted to be totally transparent! xoxox

The post H&M FINDS (KID’S EDITION) appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Hey friends! I recently discovered this new clothing subscription service called NUULY, thanks to Instagram ads and late night nursing sessions. I’ve tried a lot of different subscriptions in the past, but never really found anything I loved or at least stuck with. While browsing their website, I learned they are actually created by URBN ( the company responsible for the brands Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie)! I also saw they carried some other brands I really like AGOLDE, ASTR the Label, Saltwater Luxe and Flynne Skye.

Since we have upcoming holiday photos and I need to find an outfit, I decided it would be the perfect time to try this subscription and see what happens!

How it Works//

You pay $88 (plus tax) and you receive 6 items of your choosing. It can be completely customized for what you want. One month you can choose 6 sweaters, or 3 dresses, jeans, and shirts! They even have jackets and coats so if you are going on vacation somewhere cold, you can add those to your cart!

You get to keep the clothes for a month, and at the end of the month if you decide you really loved a piece then you can purchase it at a discount. Win-Win!

Additional features

• laundry and dry cleaning are included
• no late fees or damage fees
• you can cancel/pause your subscription at any time
• fast, free shipping!

I also really loved that you can read customer reviews and see the items on real people who left reviews! It really helped me narrow down sizing or steer away from certain clothes based on my body type or height! So helpful!

My First Nuuly Order//

Item 1// Portobello Road Blouse by the Brand Spell (retails for $179). This top is gorgeous! It feels so soft, is flowy and the colors are perfect for fall. I really liked it, as long as it was semi-tucked into my jeans to create more of a shape. Perfect with a pair of skinny jeans and a bootie!

Item 3// Free People Borderline Tunic (retails for $128) This dress checked all of the boxes for me when I saw it online! I fell in love with the high neckline and the open back. However, once I tried it on, it fell a little short. The back makes it a little hard to find a bra to wear with it. It was also a little too flowy for me, creating a slightly boxy look! I saw it on some other NUULY customers and it was so cute, but I don’t think it is the best for my body type!

Item 4// Free People Rose Valley Printed Blouse (retails for $108) The first time I tried on this blouse, I wasn’t the biggest fan. It has exaggerated, wide ruffle sleeves that made me feel like there was just too much fabric. But after I wore it once or twice, I really grew to love it! It has a cute banded waist and was just effortlessly chic!

Item 5 // Carrie Tiered Tunic Dress from Anthropologie (retails for $138) I love the deep green color of this dress. I followed the reviews and ordered a size down, however, I probably could have done two sizes down. It is definitely flowy. I actually think it would be perfect as a maternity dress! This dress is so easy to just throw on with a pair of sandals, which probably explains why I wore it twice in one week!

Item 6 // Romilly Kimono by the brand Bl-NK (retails for $128). I love the colors of this kimono. I paired it with my go to bodysuit from Abercrombie and my new skinny jeans (also from Abercrombie)! It was a cute outfit, although it kept slipping off my shoulders throughout the night. It only comes in ONE SIZE, so I probably wouldn’t order again!

Final Thoughts//

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised with this box! The value of the entire box was $830, but I only paid $88! I think it is a great option for people who have a specific event they are going to or to try new trends without committing to purchasing the actual items. This would also be a great option for postpartum moms, whose bodies are still changing after giving birth!

I’m excited to pick out some new styles from the NUULY website and try them on for you next month! NUULY even has an app, which definitely helps make the decision process a bit easier.

Also on a little side note, I do not own a full-length mirror and absolutely hate taking photos so this was so hard for me to do! This was actually my second time attempting to shoot these looks, but the lighting was so off. I wanted to redo the shots so I enlisted my almost 4-year old daughter to help me! I sat her on a chair and she took all of the shots for me and was so sweet! We had so much fun and it definitely helped me feel more comfortable in front of the camera!

What is your favorite outfit? Leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Kari

Shop My Looks Here!

Just a little disclaimer: If you do click on some of our links and purchase something within a certain amount of time, we do make a small commission!

The post My First NUULY Subscription Box Review! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.