I’m so excited to share this peek inside the boy’s bathroom! We recently received this towel starter pack from weezie towels and its amazing the impact it made! All of our bathrooms are from the 1980’s and I couldn’t believe the first time I walked through the house and saw a gray toilet and bathtub! Of all the old-fashioned colors they could have been! It sealed the deal for me:)
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OK so no one ever needs a pair for $400 sunglasses, $600 sandals, or a handbag over $1000. But once we get past that fact and you decide that you would like to invest in a few special pieces here is the criteria I start with. Will the item:
A. make you happy for years to come, you LOVE it
B. Be worn in many ways, is a staple
C. is something that hopefully will retain its value
If you’re item meets at least one to two of the three criteria, then its time to talk. C is an interesting one…just because something is expensive, it doesn’t mean you’ll get even close to the amount you paid if you decide to sell it. Not all designers are created equally when it comes to the resale market - Only Chanel, Hermes, and some Cartier pieces can be sold close at their original cost and in some cases more. When I purchased this Chanel wallet on chain purse over 10 years ago it was $1,100. I always store it in the box and its in pristine condition. If I ever wanted to sell it I would be able to for close to $2,000 now.
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Harper’s Bazaar - the founder and fashionista behind weworewhat is re-launching her overall line and I think I’m going to need a pair.
Men’s Health - Frank’s friend from college wrote an article on healing his soul and how it changed the course of his life. Its a must read.
Rolling Stones - July was the hottest month in human history. If this doesn’t make you want to click and read I don’t know what will.
Summer’s not over. Here are a handful of dresses from the uber hot right now brand Reformation that will keep you cool in August and can be layered in September.
diet - “Scientific evidence for the glory of breakfast is scarce. Instead, we should skip it and eat lunch like kings.” A new study out of a German university claims that fasting is not just a claim and can have more long term benefits then we give credit.
recipe - I made this frittata last week for lunch and it was delicious. I bought a package of zoodles from the grocery store which made a simple recipe even easier. If you don’t already have a cast iron skillet I can’t recommend this one enough. The care is a little bit annoying but once you get into a habit its worth it! Don’t wash with soap, add a touch of baking soda and rinse. Then coat with olive oil and store.
living room rug - One of my most requested items from our home is this wool and sisal rug. I originally found it on Amazon three years ago when we moved in. I wanted something that had a natural/sisal look but was also soft. It has held up really well and the wool fibers makes it easier to remove stains. This is my go-to carpet stain remover!
Newport
The Vanderbilt - The history of Newport is scandalous! With the gigantic mansions comes even bigger drama and this hotel is no different. Originally built to house a young Vanderbilt’s mistress, it was quickly turned into a YMCA to avoid bad press and embarrassment for the influential family. The hotel was lovely, the staff was attentive, and the location prime - just a five minute walk to the wharf. I highly recommend a cup of morning tea in the courtyard followed by a tour of Rosecliff.
Clarke Cookhouse - We celebrated Tyler Boe’s Fall Collection over dinner at the brand’s favorite spot in Newport. The history of the restaurant is just as rich as its decor and the food was delicious. Heading to Newport for a special occasion? This is a must stop. If you’re doing on a Friday or Saturday night ask to be seated on the summer porch.
Castle Hill Inn - I can only recommend CH for the view. It is stunning. The service, not so much. I guess everyone deserves a second chance but we arrived, immediately ordered hummus and pita and after waiting 50 minutes (you read that right) cancelled our order and left. Not the service I would expect from a Relais & Chateau.
All mercury jokes aside, July knocked me off my feet. I don’t think I’ve felt more out of sorts and disconnected in a while. I shared a little bit about what was going on in the beginning of the month on stories. Out of respect for my family I unfortunately can’t share specific details, but there was some tough and unexpected news that we received after the holiday (not health related). In my heart I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and we will come out stronger then we were before, but in my head I’ve been freaking out. Stressed, worried, scared - none of these are conducive to creating inspired content.
We did have some really great moments last month - my best friend’s wedding in Nashville was awesome. It was so nice to escape (alone) with Frank and reconnect. But for some reason when we returned I found it impossible to get back into our/my routine. I think it was part summer, part returning back to the scary reality we were facing, and mostly feeling like everything was piling up. I’m a planner and I need for things to be organized - it’s weird because I’m also a creative and like spontaneity…is it possible to be both? I pride myself on consistency. As an entrepreneur and a one woman show I feel like its a non-negotiable. So when I missed a blog post last week and The Sunday Section the week before, it really upset me. I felt like I had lost my mojo.
So how do I get it back? Last night I made a (very long) list of everything I need to get done this month and then broke it down into weeks and priorities. I can’t tell you how much better that made me feel. Honestly, writing this post is making me feel better too. I’m a talker, pick up the phone kind of girl, I need to work things out this way. I think what I realized about myself is that when things get tough I can get paralyzed and what I need to do is just move forward. Easier said than done but I’m taking it one day at a time. Biggest THANK YOU to all of you for being here and supporting me. You are all the best part of my job and I couldn’t do it without your support:)
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real simple - Heading to a wedding this summer? Here’s a refresher on wedding gift etiquette. Can you really wait a year to give the bride and groom a gift?
goop - An off registry gift guide. My feeling is this - if you’re going to go off registry it better be good! Don’t take it the wrong way but if you’re going to surprise the couple with something different, my advice is to make it unique and personal. This weekend was my best friend’s wedding and instead of purchasing something for the couple I gave her a necklace with significance and meaning. It was something I really loved and I wanted her to have something special.
Vogue - Like her or not, since elected, AOC has been in the spotlight. I got to see firsthand what it was like to work in the House when I interned there during my junior year of college. Click to see a day in the life of a young rep.
loving right now…
recipe - Do you meal prep? I’ve tried a few times and it just never sticks. Instead now I make a huge batch of brown rice or quinoa and grill chicken or vegetables as a base for the week. Its really helpful! Sick of constructing salads for work? Here is a list of 15 (non salad) meal-prep recipes that are healthy and easy to make. Love the 5-minute mediterranean bowl!
sustainable fashion - You might be surprised by some of the brands on this list. Nike’s Flyleather material is at least 50% recycled and natural according to this article. One of my favorite eco-conscious (and cost conscious) brands is Cuyana. They have managed to create beautifully crafted pieces that are well priced, and with the environment in mind.
To say I’m not nervous about the recent changes to Instagram would be a lie. A quote from the WSJ article linked, “Myriad factors influence how many eyes Instagram’s algorithm exposes your image to, including your post’s timeliness and the likelihood other users will be interested in the content based on previous habits.” Basically this means that Instagram holds all the power - it decides what followers want (or don’t want) to see and as a result dictates the success of influencers and creators like myself. Take my most recent IGTV video for example. It peaked at around 3k views, a far cry from the 17k-40k garnered by my other videos. This is not a a coincidence and its not luck. The videos were all relatively the same content and posted the same way with one difference - 70% of my followers didn’t see my last one. This can be a tough reality for someone using the platform to share content.
So what am I doing about it? The only thing I can do. Continue to create content that I truly love. I started The Girl Guide in my mid 20’s for the same reasons why I work on it day and night today: to create a space where I can share my passions, connect, and ultimately (hopefully) inspire women. This will always be my space that I can control and own. So no matter what happens with Instagram, pinterest, or the next social platform, you can always find me here:)
D R I N K water - This one may seem so obvious but its amazing hoe. much more water we need in the summer especially if we’re spending most of our day outdoors. I always make this mistake when it first gets hot out
W E A R sunscreen - Protecting yourself with a mineral sunscreen is an essential part of my morning routine. However, I have found that the new natural and organic sunscreens have been drying my skin out. Don’t forget to moisturize and add a face oil at night to help your skin recover from the day.
E A T antioxidants - We’ve all heard, “you are what you eat”, but its never been more true today. I recently strayed from my regular diet and after only two weeks my skin started to look dull and my face was bloated. Eating foods high in antioxidants like blueberries and kale and drinking green tea on a regular basis help you maintain your glow (and collagen) now and in the long run.
E X F O L I A T E your skin - I exfoliate two to three times a week. In the summer I tend to do it a little more often because of all the sunscreen I’m using. I love this mask because it unclogs my pores and exfoliates using natural and organic ingredients.
Marie Claire - How a couple making 120k a year with one child and a baby on the way are making it work, including starting their own business. I loved the breakdown here - great to see how a single-income household breaks down their monthly finances.
Vogue - Headed out East this summer? A round up of the best beauty destinations in The Hamptons. I’m planning an overnight with a couple of girlfriends in August…I definitely want to try the Shou Sugi Ban House!
goop - Goop just launched a place for the guys and its great! Just like its female counterpart, goop man covers Loved this article on creating lasting friendships as an adult - Geoffrey Greif, PhD breaks down the difference between men and women in friendships and it is SO interesting. “Men tend to have shoulder-to-shoulder friendships. Women have face-to-face friendships.”
Sunglasses - This week I posted about my new pair of black sunnies! I looked for the longest time for the perfect pair. Since I splurged on a pair of Celine sunglasses for Christmas this year, I didn’t want to spend over $100 on black ones. Sharing some of my other tried and true styles. Not sure which shape works best for you? Check out this guide from Allure!
summer reading - Getting back into reading books has been at the top of my list for (i’m embarrassed to say) over a year. I always use the excuse that I don’t have enough time but really what I need to do is make it a priority and squeeze it in. This past year I’ve fallen in love with podcasts because I can listen to them while I’m working. Reading requires me to put everything down - which is probably why I need it more now then ever! A few months ago I attended a live show for one of my favorite podcasts about books. Bad on Paper by Grace Atwood and Becca Freeman is hilarious and it also makes me want to curl up at night and get lost in great book. So where do I start? Check out these summer reading lists: the everygirl, Reese Witherspoon, and Bad on Paper. I’ll be sure to keep you updated when I find one I love!
makeup - Tried and true. If you follow me on Instagram you know…I’ve been working on my eyebrows for over a year now. It may sound silly but its taken that long and a commitment to leaving them alone to fix the mistakes made by my 15 year old self. No one should give a teenage girl a tweezer! Anyway, I’m finally at a place where I can style my brows and have almost achieved the full look I want. This product is amazing. Its the final step to getting bushy with it:)
Do you feel like you need a refresh or a change of scenery but you don’t have any plans for a vacation this summer? A couple of years ago Frank and I both had a lot going on at work and we decided it wasn’t a great time to go away. I had returned from maternity leave a few months prior and was already feeling like I needed another break. Frank suggested we make a few updates to our house instead and it ended up being just the refresh I needed at less than half the cost of a vacation. We spent the money on an outdoor table and a few accessories inside the house like lamps and throw pillows.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black sunglasses for a while now. I had a pair that I loved but lost them two years ago and I haven’t been able to find a replacement. The minute I found this pair online I had a feeling they were going to be the perfect shape for me. A touch oversized, a touch cat-eye…perfect! The best part? They’re polarized and still under $100!
I love Walmart for two reasons: they offer fashion that is both stylish and on trend while also affordable. I’ve been living in my straw bags this season. This black cross body style is great for your on-the-go lifestyle and works with both casual and dressier looks. It also comes in a pretty blush color. This dress is effortless and chic and a great neutral to take you into Fall. I can’t wait to pair it with a black leather jacket and booties in a couple of months.
On the hunt for the perfect something this summer, start your search here, with Walmart Fashion!
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14 Old Westmoor Farm
Last month I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. We partnered with J Pepper Frazier, a premier real estate firm on Nantucket, for a dream family vacation. When we first visited the island last year, I knew I wanted to return (as soon as possible) this summer. It is truly a magical place unlike no other. If you’ve never been to the island It is at the top of my list of places to visit in the US.
JPFCO thinks of everything. They found us a home beyond our wildest dreams: walking distance to town, boy themed rooms including a playroom, and a pool setting that felt like something out of Cottages and Gardens. We all wanted to send for our things in CT and stay forever! 14 Old Westmoor, which is available for rent and for sale, is perfect if you’re traveling by yourselves, or with family. The house is divided in a way that everyone can spend quality time together and also have privacy when they want. Perfect for entertaining friends or in-laws!
This is going to be a tough vacation to beat and Luke is already asking if we can go back next week:) Sharing some of my favorite pictures from our trip below! If you have any questions about our stay please send me a note or leave a comment!
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I have this thing with gates and this one was magical…
From the moment we arrived, the house was set up for family time. The current owners have three boys so Luke and Harry were over the moon when they saw the surfer themed bedroom and an amazing loft playroom filled with toys. My favorite discovery was the bucket bike. I’ll never forget riding with the boys into town for lunch and then racing back in the rain.
While the boys were napping one afternoon I took a 30-minute soak in this incredible bathtub. It was two days into our vacation and it was great to stop and think about our time so far.
Every inch of this house is charming…
the everygirl - Memory loss - a symptom I was shocked to hear was related to anxiety. It makes sense though, when you’re anxious its harder to concentrate and retain or remember information. Memory is a tough one for me. Once I had the boys I prepared myself for the “mom brain” everyone warns you about. I even used the phrase when I was pregnant. Either way, in my 30’s I’ve found it much harder to sometimes “find my words” in conversation or remember the smaller things.
BBC - The best songs of 2019 so far! Little update for everyone asking for a Spotify playlist from The Girl Guide - I will share my first one next month! Right now I’ve been listening to The Civil Wars…great music for hanging out, cooking, drinking a glass of wine on the porch!
Vogue - Why you should replace your body lotion with oil. I personally hate applying lotion to my body. Its that extra step that I just don’t have time for. For some reason in my mind, throwing on a little body oil is easier. This is my favorite one right now. I also use the body wash,
Some of the beauty products I can’t live without right now. For me summer is about minimalism and that goes for my skincare routine too. I want products that are clean, effective, travel well. These check all the boxes!
podcast - Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m not where I’m supposed to be in my life”? If so you’ll want to listen to this podcast with Stanford professor Dave Evans and the coauthor of Designing Your Life. You might discover that you’re actually exactly where you should be!
watch - I majored in Political Science and criminal justice in college. As a teenager my favorite classes were social studies and global history and I loved watching political thrillers. At ten years old I decided I wanted to become a lawyer after watching The Pelican Brief (just leave it to Julia Roberts hehe). Well that obviously didn’t happen but I do still live for historically based movies and shows. Two that I just finished and really enjoyed: The Last Czars on Netflix Chernobyl on HBO. Both will have you reaching for your phone and hitting up Wikipedia!
recipe - I recently discovered Half Baked Harvest and have fallen in love with her recipes. Pictured above is her olive oil banana and zucchini bread I made last month. Its a dense more savory take on the classic and a perfect afternoon snack or dinner dessert. Click here for her top 25 summer recipes…I’m trying the rosemary peach chicken next! PS I love that she uses a single cast iron for many of her recipes. This is the one we use.
trend - the summer blues: I’ve never been a big fan of navy but I do love a pretty cornflower blue. Here are a few pieces from one of this summer’s prettiest hue:
Yesterday morning we made a last minute decision to head into the city. The forecast said rain and the heat and humidity had us googling museums and other indoor attractions. We landed on The Museum of Natural History after seeing they had a new T-Rex exhibit. It was awesome! In retrospect, Harrison was a bit too young for it but it was amazing to see the other exhibits through his eyes. Luke loved it all, including a space movie in the planetarium.
This was the first 4th of July weekend that we didn’t spend in the Berkshires since my parents bought a house there in my early 20’s. I thought it would make me sad but I actually really enjoyed the change in scenery. New York City was a ghost town. The museum was actually filled with tourists also looking to escape the heat. In the afternoon we made our way downtown for some snacks and a little shopping:
Cha Cha Matcha - I love you so matcha:) I’ve been wanting to try this spot and it didn’t disappoint. When I walked in I was pleasantly surprised to find a curated assortment of gluten free and vegan treats. Highly recommend the matcha donut and the banana oats!
Maman Soho - Are you sick of me talking about this place yet? Its always consistent, reliable, and when you’ve got three hungry guys in your car you need a place like this! I love the hash brown salad with smoked salmon.
Milk bar - After I picked up some vegan and gluten free treats at cha cha matcha, the boys stopped here to try the cereal flavored ice-cream. Franks review: too sweet! He said it wasn’t his thing but Luke seemed to enjoy it:)
Prince Street Pizza - The line is always around the corner and now we know why! Grabbed a slice on the way home and the boys were all smiles!
On Sunday I wore this white caftan and received so many questions about the slip I paired with it. This strapless one is my go-to for all sheer dresses and its been a staple in my closet for years! I also wear it down on my hips for sheer maxi skirts.
Marie Claire - How to start a company according to female founders. This article is extremely throuogh and lays out everything you need to know about being a female entrepreneur (and bad ass). My favorite tip: (there are so many) “Don’t have it all figured out”.
Town & Country - A look at Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ Martha’s Vineyard home. Known as Red Gate Farm, this 340-acre estate sits on the water. Stunning.
One Kings Lane Blog - A Beautiful renovation in Bellport, NY. Scroll down for the most amazing gallery wall inspiration. I will 100% be trying to recreate this one day!
What I wore in Nantucket…
recipe - I was standing in the produce aisle of Whole Foods last week staring at all the vegetables….”If I only knew how to cook you I thought to myself”. I’s always so intimidated! I grabbed my broccoli and carrots and kept shopping. Somehow goop always comes to my rescue! Love their new guide to plant based grilling.
parenting - My Dad sent this article to my sister and me. Sometime in early November she’ll be introducing her new baby girl to Dexter, their two year old bernedoodle. I’ll never forget the day we brought Luke home. I’ll admit the age old let the dog sniff the babies blanket was our only plan. I can still see Henry peering over the pack-and-play so interested in our newest addition.
wardrobe malfunction - An important part of being a stylist is ensuring my clients always look their best. Sometimes what’s under their clothes can be just as important. Love this roundup of the best low back bras for backless dresses. I’ve tried SO many strapless bras and this is by far my favorite one.
ASOS - Shopping on this site can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. I usually start my search by using keywords like “broderie anglaise” and “crochet”. Here is a roundup of my favorites right now:
I’m SO excited to announce that I’ve partnered with BeautyCounter. This is our second summer using countersun and not only would I never use another sunblock on my family, I’m so thankful that a product like this exists! I’m sure you’ve heard this message before: there are over 1,400 chemicals, harsh and harmful ingredients that are banned in the European Union but not in the United States. Beauty Counter is committed to clean beauty and to honestly communicating to the world what they put in their products. We have a sunscreen stick in the kids backpack, my purse, and in our cars. NEVER without it! I haven’t tried any of the other BC products yet but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with the sunscreen. Stay tuned for more on this partnership! Tried a BC product and love it? Send me a note, I would love to hear from you!
Harper’s Bazaar - Why your Instagram needs a makeunder in 2019. Things are looking up for a neutral lover like me {insert laughing emoji here}!
Moda Operandi - Looking for getaway inspo? Love this his and hers packing guide including the top three lesser known island escapes.
Vogue - Are you a rosé drinker? If so you’ll want to check this roundup of the newest (and weirdest) ones for summer!
A little preview of what’s in my bag for Nantucket….
recipe - In the summer I try really hard to avoid the oven and I’m always on the hunt for one pot side dish recipes. I made this one during the week and it was a hit! Instead of roasting the butternut squash in the oven I did it on the grill. For dinner I serves the salad with grilled chicken and had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. Big fan of Ina over here:)
storage bags - About a year ago I stopped using ziplock bags. They felt so wasteful and For marinades I always use a bowl and cover in plastic wrap. I just found this reusable storage bag
under 100 - H&M’s new home collection arrivals. It wasn’t until our trip last August to Belgium that I realized what a gem H&M home is. One of my Aunt’s insider tips was this linen duvet. She had it in all of her bedrooms at the beach and said its was better quality than the more expensive alternatives. Ordering it was of course one of the first things I did when we got home! We’ve had it since September, wash it every week, and there is still no sign of wear.
I pin everyday. Well almost everyday…I’ve talked about it before but I kind of “rediscovered” Pinterest late last year and since then it has been a tremendous source of inspiration. It does too things for me: helps me keep my thoughts together and all in one place, is an easy platform that I can use from anywhere and after only 15min I feel like I just skimmed my favorite fashion magazine. My tip for navigating the millions (maybe billions) of photos? Before you get started create sections for yourself and divide them into areas you want to focus on.
