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Life Lately | No. 1

October 18, 2023 · In: Celebrations, Children, Disney, Life, On My Mind, Travel

While working on my most recent newsletter, I came to the conclusion that I had too much to discuss to condense it into a single newsletter. So I decided sharing a little “life lately” update here on the blog would be a fun way to touch on all of the random things – big and small – that have been happening in my life. Let’s dive in!

I feel like my mind is currently a catch-all tray of to-do list items and “wish I could get to it” items. It’s random things like needing to secure Margaret’s cheerleading bow to a barrette since the rubber band wasn’t keeping it straight, ordering rain boots in the next size up so the girls can splash in puddles the next time it rains, remembering to go through the costume bin to see what we have for Margaret’s potential Athena or Artemis Halloween costume, and laundry/groceries/booking their dentist appointments, and so on and so forth!

But right now it’s a good kind of busy, with lots of fun things going on. Before kicking off weeks of traveling, we celebrated Catherine’s mermaid-themed birthday. It was her first time having a big party and we invited all of her Pre-K friends! These adorable Katie Corley invites set the tone, and then the kids were kept busy with face painting, cotton candy, and even a visit from Ariel while splashing in the pool! We had a “costume station” which is something I like to offer to help kids break the ice and get in the party spirit! This idea is easy to implement for so many themes. We found all of our mermaid accessories and goodies via Amazon, Target and the Dollar Tree. On her actual birthday, we ate lunch with her at school and then kept the party going with a family hibachi dinner at Da Ru Ma. We’ve been eating here since I was a child!

After the birthday celebrations, I headed to Disney where I joined the Mini Mousecounselors on a VIP Tour, which was a whirlwind, but such a cool experience! For the next 6 weeks, we will be traveling basically every other weekend, so something tells me I’ll be ready for home sweet home just in time for the holidays. 

Currently, I’m wrapping up my trip to Dallas, which was quite the hodgepodge of an agenda and just where I needed to be. I got to see my sister, my sweet friends (+ my godson), and partake in basically a tour of restaurants I’ve missed!

Sabrina Chazen was in town for LTK Con, and we’d had even more shenanigans planned, but she had to head home early. I think this means we’ll just have to meet up for another Dallas trip! Thanks to her, I also got to meet @thoughtandbought who is a Dallas-based delight. I ran into Kelsey of Petite Paloma Boots and promptly scheduled a time to talk about her beautiful, small batch line. And I also got to see Milan of Magnolia Boone Paperie again! We were all fast friends and could’ve talked forever! 

The Dondolo dinner celebrating the Fall Heritage Launch was the loveliest event in founder Cata’s home. We all missed having Sabrina there, of course!

While this one is just a solo visit, the next few trips coming up are with Curtis and the girls, and we’re hoping to experience some cool weather! In the spirit of optimism, I’ve been shopping cozy fall items for us to pack! 

5 Things I’m Loving

on the shopping front

1. monet-inspired caftan

This Monet-inspired caftan is selling out quickly. As of now, only the 2X, S, M, and L remain. It’s a perfect fall color palette and I just wore it to a cocktail party last Friday night! While these Susan Shaw earrings are no longer the Earring of the Month, the arrival of October’s pair was perfectly timed for my trip to Dallas. Fun fact: I loved my 4 years as an SMU student so much that I didn’t leave Dallas until almost 10 years later!

SHOP HERE

2. madewell jeans

Y’all have been loving my Madewell jeans finds that I got to highlight with LTK this week. To see more details about each pair check out my jean try-on video.

STRIPED OUTFIT
TEE OUTFIT

3. talbot’s pants

These Talbot’s pants are perfect for work, play, and everything in between! They’re available in different prints/solid colors and up to size 24. And this white boyfriend shirt is currently on sale for 30% off.

SHOP HERE

4. halloween sweater

This unisex Halloween-themed sweater is spooky cute! Match with your significant other or wear it on your own while trick-or-treating with the kids. Sizes are quickly selling out!

Click here to shop all of my Halloween finds for adults, kids, and your home.

SHOP HERE

5. mixed-media pieces

This $35 mixed-textile dress was a popular one, and I’ve found even more size-inclusive options! And I was sure to include long-sleeve dresses for my cold-weather friends (just click the graphics below).

SHOP $35 dress HERE

By: Grace Hamlin · In: Celebrations, Children, Disney, Life, On My Mind, Travel · Tagged: life lately, Travel

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@gracehamlin

It is a dream come true to collaborate with @smock It is a dream come true to collaborate with @smockedauctions on such a fun project! Given our preference for resort wear, and enthusiasm for matching with our littles, we can't wait to show you what all is to come with this special brand that we've shopped since day one of being mamas! We can tell you that you'll feel ready to plan a vacation, or staycation, and make sun kissed memories with your favorite people. So now all you have to do is stay tuned for updates, and decide where you're going to go! ☀️🐚 🌴
She taught me to try and leave everyone and everyt She taught me to try and leave everyone and everything better than I found it. 

To value spontaneity and adventure. 

To love reading, and more reading, and appreciating the privilege of getting to know good characters, and new worlds. 

I love blue and white because of her. 

And I am the way I am because of this sweet woman and it's her birthday! I love you Mom, and hope this year is everything and more. And I can't wait to celebrate the best way we know how when I get back, hibachi style of course 🔪 👨‍🍳 🍤
Here's a peek into my experience shopping at the @ Here's a peek into my experience shopping at the @migolondrina store to pick out some custom dresses! Totally a must if you're in the Dallas area, but they are also so helpful for remote and out of town shoppers!
My earrings I wore to last night's BINGO event to My earrings I wore to last night's BINGO event to launch the new Matte Gel Couture Polish by @essie matched the embroidered linens they so kindly gifted with our 💅 goodies, which I took as good luck sign! I loved spending the evening with @melissasmrekar and our winning table mate (in more ways than one 💜) @lomurph at the most thoughtful event hosted at @thecharles by @alison.carter and company!! I even got to see my fellow SMU Kappa sister, @maryahafner who also took home a "Matt" (head to my stories if you don't know what I mean 😉) 

I'm loving the texture and updated feel this top coat is giving my manicure, and thrilled to finally get to try @downloadcherry 

Now how many hours until one of my girls steals my new polish?!? 😆
Fellow @lillypulitzer lovers get ready because thi Fellow @lillypulitzer lovers get ready because this Saturday, coming exclusively to @thepaperstore is a one-of-a-kind collection with the iconic brand! 

It'll be available in one of their 100 locations throughout the Northeast and Florida, just in time for back-to-school! 

I can't wait to see what styles they have coming our way and if you want a sneak peek, then head to the link in my bio and sign up! 

#thepaperstore #lillypulitzer #summerstyle #summerinlilly #onlyatthepaperstore
What do they put in the water in Texas? Possibly t What do they put in the water in Texas? Possibly tequila 😆 but in all seriousness, I lived in Dallas from 2005, to fairly recently when we moved back to Florida in 2018. And even though I'm a born and raised Floridian, so much of my heart feels like Texas is my home. Margaret however is a Texan by birth and she tells everyone who will listen, which seems pretty Texan of her (in the best way). 

We're here with the girls this week, seeing our special people, and of course I packed two of my favorite Texas brands, @sunshinetiendashop and @susanshaw that are both lead by stylish and talented women. 

You can shop my accessories by following me on @shop.ltk or head to my stories! 

📸 @alisiathompson_photo

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