How’s everyone doing? Things have been a little hectic over here as we prepare for our very first trip to Aruba. The kids have their winter break coming up, so we thought it was the perfect time to escape the cold and trade it for sunshine and palm trees. Of course, the lead-up to vacation is always a whirlwind, and this one has been no exception.
The Madness of Pre-Trip Prep
Packing for four people isn’t just “packing”—it’s a full production. My to-do list has included nails, a pedicure, a spray tan, a haircut for Nate, a trim for myself, laundry, last-minute Amazon orders, a laser hair appointment, and making sure everyone has outfits that actually feel vacation-ready. By the time you add sunscreen, swimsuits, and endless snacks for the kids, it’s a circus.
And yet, I secretly love the chaos. For me, the preparation is part of the excitement. Some might call it high-maintenance, and honestly, I wouldn’t argue with them. But it’s all worth it when you finally sit on that plane knowing the hard part is behind you and all that’s left is relaxation.
Blogger Friends, Then and Now
In the midst of all this, I had one of the loveliest nights catching up with my original blogger friends, Alicia and Meghan. We met back in the early blogging days, long before Instagram became the main stage for everything. Sitting together again reminded me how far we’ve all come since then, and how grounding it is to reconnect with the people who were there at the beginning.
We went to Bar Bête in Carroll Gardens, and it was fantastic. Cozy, great food, and delicious drinks—I already told Keith we have to go back together soon.
Of course, Alicia showed up looking impossibly chic, as always. She had on this incredible Anine Bing leather blazer, and I actually thought it was Khaite because it looked that good. She’s one of those people who’s always ahead of the curve—like when she carried The Row Margaux bag years before every “it” girl online had one. Truly, her closet should be studied.
Current Style Notes
- Farm Rio Favorites: Even though I don’t usually gravitate toward a lot of color or prints, Farm Rio has been winning me over lately. Their pieces have that bold, tropical energy that feels just right for a getaway. Think Johanna Ortiz vibes, but without the Johanna Ortiz price tag. Perfect for packing a statement look or two.
- Weekly Top 3: The bag I haven’t stopped carrying, a new pair of jeans I’m breaking in, and the coziest socks that just arrived. Simple updates, but all in heavy rotation.
- Jewelry & Accessories: I’ve been rotating between a few favorite earrings that instantly make an outfit feel polished. Also, two hair accessories I picked up recently have been game-changers in keeping my routine simple but still put-together.
- H&M Premium Finds: Their current collection has some surprisingly good pieces, including a pair of sleek shoes and a blazer that gives serious Anine Bing energy for a fraction of the cost. They’re also running 20% off sitewide, which never hurts.
Beauty & Lifestyle Picks
- Sparkling Jewelry in Minutes: I tested a new jewelry cleaner and was impressed by how quickly it worked. A few minutes, and everything came out looking shiny and brand new.
- Elemis at Sephora: One of my longtime skincare favorites, now available in-store—finally!
- Blue Mercury Sale: It just launched, which is always a good excuse to stock up on staples before they sell out.
Reads & Links I Loved
- Jess Graves’ Take on NYFW: Always worth a read—her perspective on fashion week is thoughtful, sharp, and refreshingly honest.
- Wine Pairings for Takeout: Because pizza night deserves a proper pour.
- Best Perfumes of All Time, According to Bazaar: Curious if you agree with their list—I had a few “yes” moments and a few raised eyebrows.
- Best Places in the World for Solo Travel: Bookmarking for a future adventure when I want something a little braver and more introspective.
- Met Gala Theme Announcement: Very excited to see how designers interpret it this year.
- Children’s Books That Celebrate Diversity: A wonderful round-up for anyone building a thoughtful library for kids.
- How to Mute Friends (Without Alienating Them): Practical and oddly comforting advice for maintaining digital boundaries.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s where we are—suitcases half-packed, a house full of laundry, and a countdown to Aruba. Between blogger reunions, shopping finds, and little life updates, it’s been a full week.
Wishing you a calm, cozy start to your own week (and hopefully fewer pre-trip meltdowns than we’ve had). Next time I write, I’ll hopefully be reporting in with sandy toes and a strong iced coffee in hand.
Here’s to sunshine, style, and maybe just a touch of high-maintenance fun.
