Today on “Our Home” series, I’m sharing all the details of our living room! This room is one of the reasons I fell in love with this home. I loved the unique fireplace, all the windows, and the wood mantle. It’s been such a special place where we gather as a family, and I’m so excited to share all the design and furniture details with you! Last week I shared everything about our laundry room, mudroom, and half bath! I’ll link the post here if you missed it!
Our rug is from Amazon. It is amazing quality. We have multiple of them throughout our house. We got the 9’x12′ in the Ivory color for our living room!
I honestly can’t believe it’s October! Time is flying by with sports, school, family pictures, and everything else! We got our family pictures done a few days ago and I can’t wait to share how they turned out. It’s definitely family picture season, so if you need some outfit inspiration, I shared some ideas here! But today I am sharing our September Amazon buys!
I got this game as an early Christmas gift for Houston because he loves games. My friend Tara recommended it. It’s a good game to keep in your bag so they can play it while they’re waiting in the car or at the airport, etc. He’s going to love it!
: GIRLS SOCKS
I bought these socks for Harper to wear this fall + winter! They have the cutest ruffle detail and they are so cute with her sambas.
: PHONE LANYARD
I bought this lanyard for myself. You hook your phone to it and it even has a spot for you to keep your cards in. I seriously love mine. I got the lavender color but I want them all!
I am obsessed with this jumpsuit! I got the demin gray color and it’s so comfy. You can style it so many ways! I’m wearing a small for reference.
: SHIRT
I thought that this top was so cute with the neckline detail, and the colorblock. It’s the perfect basic for fall and can be styled so many ways. Comes in tons of colors!
: CHARGING DOCK
We bought this charging dock because I wanted a clean way to keep our favorite portable chargers charged and organized! It can charge 4 at once and it’s only $30!
: JEANS
I needed a light wash jean and I’m so happy I tried these ones! They fit true to size and are amazing quality. They come in a ton of different washes
We ordered this skirt for Hayden to wear for family pictures. It turned out so cute! It was totally what we were looking for.
: LIP BALM
I literally ordered 15 of these lip balms in all different colors for Hayden’s birthday party! We ordered these chains, charms, string, and beads so that everyone could make a cute lip balm keychain! It was seriously the cutest thing ever. The girls loved it.
: CERAMIC COATING SPRAY
I bought this ceramic coating spray for our showers! All our showers have glass so I used this spray to seal the glass with shine and protection. It’s liquid-resistant and it makes cleaning the showers so much easier!
: FACE/BODY PAINT
Hunter bought this body paint to show her school spirit to wear at games and when she cheers. It comes in tons of colors and is under $10!
. . .
Thank you for being here! Be looking for our holiday gift guides- I’ll be sharing soon!
Today on “Our Home” series, I’m sharing all the details of our laundry room, mudroom, and our powder bath! I’ve already shared a few rooms in the house. If you’ve missed those, you can see them here!
Maggie + Co was the designer for our house – she picked almost everything out! She was a HUGE reason why we bought this house because her style is so similar to ours! I got all the design details of our laundry room so here you go…
Floor: 24×48 citylife (ash)
Cabinetry: Rehau- Olive Detour
Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs- Kinney Black, District Knob- Emtek Black
Washer + Dryer: We got our washer and dryer from Blvd Home and we have loved them! They are both front-load appliances which makes my life so much easier. We got the same washer and dryer for the kids laundry room downstairs. We’ve gotten all our appliances from Blvd Home for years! Their customer service is absolutely amazing.
My days switch off every other day but every single day is so busy. I get home every night between 5:00 and 7:00. I’m also on the Bomb Squad for her school which means I go to all the activities and get the student section hyped! So I also have meetings for that on top of everything else. Life is busy but I’m thriving off it!
6:00am-7:45am: cheer practice (I have this every day)
9:00am-1:00pm: 2 high school classes
1:30pm-5:00pm: hair school
—
6:00am-7:45am: cheer practice
8:00am-5:00pm: hair school
5:15pm-7:15pm: all-star cheer (I have this twice a week)
: MY THOUGHTS ON MY SCHEDULE
Like I said, life is insane right now but I am loving it. I wouldn’t want it any other way honestly. With all the things I have to keep track of, I started using a planner this year and it’s been my saving grace! I am constantly checking my calendar and my planner, writing down every activity, practice, and test. My planner goes everywhere with me.
Another thing I have done that’s helped me feel prepared is make sure I have everything packed the night before. There are some days I can’t go home between school and practices, so I have to pack the correct clothes and snacks. It’s been a game changer and allows me to sleep in an extra few minutes!
Saturday’s are really hard for me because I’m used to running around all week, so it’s hard to just sit home with nowhere to go. I try to catch up on family time and do chores around the house, but it’s like I forgot what it means to relax! Haha.
: KAILEE’S THOUGHTS
Mama Kailee here! I wanted to share some of my thoughts as well. So here’s a little backstory. Her junior year, we could hardly get Hunter to go to school. She still got straight A’s but hardly attended. So, before the school year started, Joe and I told her she would need to get a full-time job, go to school full-time, or do hair school while taking a few classes. She’s really ahead of school, so she only has 2 classes this year that are required. We wanted to give her some choices because we didn’t want her to just sleep in every day and hang out. That’s when she decided to do hair school and she’s loving it! The high school does help pay for some of it and they’ve been so helpful with her schedule, so that’s been amazing.
She doesn’t have a job at the moment. We offer her jobs around the house so she can make some money, but she doesn’t always take them. We take her to lunch once a week so we get that one-on-one time with her and we pay her for that. We both look forward to that each week. It’s a tradition we started when she started her sophomore year!
Honestly, I’m really worried that she will get burnt out. But she’s the type who doesn’t want to miss out on anything! She goes to bed a lot later than she should because she wants to be at every game, etc. I feel like teenagers are already so go-go and like to stay up late anyway. She was going to do soccer, and I don’t know how in the world we were going to figure that out! But she was practicing with the team earlier this year and eventually decided that chapter had ended for her. It was a hard decision for her. But she’s loved finding new hobbies. She started her own Instagram and loves doing that when she gets home. She loves sharing on there and linking items she loves. I’ll link some of her favorites here!
I’m just so proud of her. She’s handled everything so maturely, while still being the best older sister. Just trying to soak up all my time with her before she graduates!!
. . .
Thank you to everyone who is supportive of Hunter! We love you all!
When I think about Fall, a few things always come to mind. Cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and for a lot of us, the dreaded Family Pictures!!! Haha! I think just about everyone can agree that family pictures bring out allll the emotions. Whether it is the stress of outfit planning, the toddler (or husband) tantrum, or even feeling a little sentimental, they are full of emotions and can be a challenge, especially with a lot of people to coordinate! I force my family to get them every single year, so I’d like to think I’m becoming a bit of a pro on at least a few things you can do to ease the stress level! So today I’ve put together a list of my biggest tips to hopefully help your family pictures go a little smoother PLUS I’m sharing some outfit ideas for everyone in the family to help take some stress off of you!
If I could shout this one from the rooftops I would! It is so so important. Mom’s aren’t really known for dying to be in the picture with our little people. But you guys, we need to be part of the memories too! By picking your outfit first, you will guarantee that you feel confident + comfortable. When you feel good about yourself you’ll love your pictures more!! Trust me on this one.
If I’m being honest, all of our last-minute pictures where I’ve had to throw random outfits together that necessarily don’t match perfectly always end up the best. Figure out a main color palette, and then focus more on everyone being comfortable instead!
Timing can be the difference between smooth sailing and a total melt down! Try to do a time when you know your baby or toddler will be happy. Like right after nap time, or dinner. I think this helps the mom’s stress level a million times. Also, make sure your people are all fed and not hungry because that makes a huge difference with their moods. Gosh, I even get hangry sometimes!
*TIP: give them time…and take their mind off of the actual pictures. Like ask them to pick their nose and trust me you’ll get a smile!
: GET THE MONEY SHOT FIRST
If there is a shot you have in mind that you have to have, do it very first. Usually for us, it is the full family shot. Get the must haves out of the way in the first 5 minutes. You never know when someone is going to lose it so get what you want most first!!
: BRIBERY WORKS
I see absolutely nothing wrong with bribes for family pictures!! I usually have skittles or gold fish for the kids in Joe’s pocket and will pop one in the kids mouth here and there when they are listening. AND, tell your kids they can get a reward like ice cream or a night at the park if they will listen to the photographer without a fuss. It always helps and we really go and do it afterwards, because who doesn’t need ice-cream after all of this craziness!
: DON’T FORGET ABOUT CANDIDS
A lot of our stress comes from getting that perfect shot and having all of them turn out just so. But the more family pictures I’ve done, the more I realize my favorites are hands down always the unplanned candid shots. Let them have fun and let loose yourself too! The little personality quirks they have are what you always want to remember anyway. Natural happiness is always going to be the images you end up wanting to blow up huge!
. . .
Now let’s talk outfits!! Picking family picture outfits can be SO stressful and is probably the thing we dread most about them! I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for the whole family below!
. . . WOMEN FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . . MEN FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . . TEEN GIRL FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . . TEEN BOY FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . . BOYS FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . . GIRLS FAMILY PICTURE IDEAS . . .
. . .
Hopefully these tips and tricks are helpful when your family pictures roll around! Remember, like the video shows, it is never perfect smooth sailing for everyone. Just be your natural self, try to roll with the punches, and I promise the moments you want to pull your hair out will probably turn into your favorite raw real pictures!!
Today on the blog I’m sharing my everyday makeup routine! I’m seriously as simple as it gets with makeup. I like to keep it natural and quick. It takes me 5 minutes and I’m out the door! I’ve recently shared my skincare routine and hair routine, so I wanted to share my makeup routine as well.
I start off with my SPF 20 tinted sunscreen! I use the Laura Mercier (3W1 Bisque) one and it’s phenomenal, it comes in tons of shades. After sunscreen, I apply my favorite BB cream from Shine cosmetics [code: KAILEE]! It has SPF 15 which is great for more protection. I use the “indestructible” shade. I don’t like putting anything on too thick, I like to see my skin through my makeup. So I just use a few drops of it and use this makeup brush to blend it in!
: BRONZOR
The bronzer I’ve been using lately is this one from Ilia (color- dawn in)! I will go back and forth between the Ilia bronzer and Shine’s bronzer (“power” shade- code: KAILEE). Both are amazing! I use this brush to apply my bronzer around my cheekbones, forehead, jawline, and neck.
: BLUSH
Next, I apply blush! I use the Polite Society’s blush stick in the color “Palm Springs.” Me and my girls are obsessed- they stole all my other colors! I put it on my cheeks and use this brush to blend it!
: FINISHING POWDER
I’ve used this Charlotte Tilbury setting powder for years!! I use the shade 2-medium. It gives a flawless finish, and I feel like it just blurs my pores! I use this fan brush to apply the powder lightly on my whole face.
: EYES + BROWS
If I’m feeling really fancy, I’ll do a little bit of eyeshadow all over my eyelids. I use a lighter color on the eyelid, and a darker color for the outer corners. I use Shine’s “Be Humble” eyeshadow palette [code: KAILEE] and the colors are neutral and perfect.
I used to use an expensive brow gel, but Hunter and I found this $6 one a few months ago and we both LOVE it! You don’t have to use very much of it. Just dip your brow brush in there and use it to place your brows how you like them. Then, I use the other side of the brow brush and dip it in my eyeshadow palette using the dark color to fill in my brows.
Next, I curl my lashes with my favorite eyelash curler and then I apply my eyelash primer and my favorite mascara. This Lancome mascara is amazing. The brush is so good, Hunter and I love it.
: LIP GLOSS
A few weeks ago I started using the Summer Friday lip gloss (color: blush dreams) and it is so good!! But the lip gloss I’ve used for years is Shine’s gloss. It’s always been a staple for me- I love the colors “goals” and “darling”. Don’t forget to use code KAILEE to save money on everything from Shine!
I’ve made these knotted rolls multiple times in the past few months! They are our family’s favorite and they are so easy to make. We got the recipe from a sweet friend I’ve known since 8th grade! She’s an exceptional cook and was so sweet to share the recipe with me.
– INGREDIENTS –
(this recipe makes 12 rolls)
1 cup milk
1 cube butter
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1 tbs yeast
– INSTRUCTIONS –
put ALL of the ingredients listed above into your bread maker in listed order (i have this one and love it)
go to basic dough setting 1 hour 50 minutes + hit start
once the dough is done, section it out into 12 balls
roll those out and tie a knot (tuck in the ends)
place the rolls on your pan, place a towel over them, let them rise for 1 hour
bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
once they are out of the oven(still piping hot), I rub half a stick of butter on top of all the rolls
let cool and ENJOY!
***I honestly do not know how to make these knotted rolls without a bread machine. I’ve never tried it. The bread machine is so fast and simple that I will probably never try it. If you are thinking about getting a bread machine- do it! It will make your life so much easier. I can’t believe how much more homemade items I’ve made because of my bread machine.
. . .
If you missed our cinnamon roll recipe a few weeks ago, here is the recipe! They are perfection!!!
I got Hayden this pack of earrings for her birthday coming up! She wanted a few options and I loved these. I also loved the price!!
: BLANKET
I got this cooling blanket for Joe’s birthday. I saw it had great reviews and he’s a hot sleeper!
: NIPPLE COVERS
I’ve used these nipple covers for years. Hunter uses them too. They are so nice to have for swimsuits, gym clothes, or when you can’t wear a bra with your outfit. Definitely recommend!
: SWEATER SET
How adorable is this sweater set? It’s a free people dupe so you know I had to try! Comes in a ton of colors and is under $45!
: BLACK ROMPER
I thought this black romper was so classy and could be styled so many ways for fall! I also got it in the brown color- size small!
: STANLEY DIVIDER
Ok I saw this stanley cup divider and thought it was genius!! You put it in your Stanley cup and you can fill up each side with a different drink!
: BALLOON SKIRT
Everyone needs a skirt for fall! This one is so fun, with the waistband and the balloon style! Comes in lots of colors and so many fun ways to style it!
: CARDIGAN
I love this cardigan because it looks like a long wool trench coat. This Amazon one is lighter in weight, but it’s so so pretty and comes in a bunch of different colors. Definitely a fall staple that everyone needs!
: BEARD BIB
I also got this beard bib for Joe’s birthday- although it’s more of a gift for myself, haha! It makes shaving their beard a much cleaner process and it’s only $5!
: PROTECTIVE SPRAY
This shoe protective spray is AMAZING! I’ve used it on all of our shoes and all the kid’s backpacks! Once the product is applied, it makes the item waterproof and doesn’t change the fabric! This is a must if you have kids and want their school shoes to last all year!
: GIRLS SANDALS
I ordered Harper these sandals since she doesn’t have slides she can wear to dance. Now I don’t have to carry her into dance anymore! She loves them.
. . .
What was your favorite Amazon purchase last month? You can see all my other recent Amazon buys here!
I always get asked what my skincare routine is and I finally found a good routine that I’ve stuck with! And I have loved the products, so I hope you guys find something you love too. I shared my tried and true hair routine a few months ago- if you missed that, you can see all the details here!
When I first wake up, I wipe my face with a warm washcloth. I’ve been using these ones from Amazon and love them! After that, I apply my favorite Vitamin C serum. I’ve been using it for years, it’s what my aesthetician suggests the most! I put a drop on each cheek and my forehead, and I rub it into my face. Vitamin C is great for a collagen boost, reducing aging features, and keeping your skin hydrated.
Next, I apply my favorite eyebrow serum. It’s from Babe Original and has totally helped thicken my eyebrows! Then I finish off with my go-to tinted sunscreen and Babe Original’s eyelash serum. Hunter and I swear by it!! You can use code KAILEE20 for 20% off the eyelash and brow serum!
… SHOP MY MORNING ROUTINE …
: MY P.M. ROUTINE
Every night, I start with my favorite Tatcha cleansing oil and the Tula face cleanser. You can use code KAILEE for 15% off sitewide at Tula! After I wash my face, I use this BeautyBio roller that I’ve used for over 7 years! It has little needles on the end that you roll on your face which helps open all your pores so the products soak into your skin! It acts as a microneedling tool and I highly recommend it! You can use code KAILEEW20 for 20% off too!
I so desperately want to start wearing all my new fall clothes, but it’s still in the 90’s here!! It’s supposed to be cooling down in the next few weeks, so I wanted to share 4 staples I ordered that I’ll be wearing on repeat this fall!
I have this bodysuit in black and brown and LOVE it! The fabric is amazing and the fit is so flattering. I got the extra small and it fits true to size! Comes in other colors and is only $22!!!
I ordered these red sneakers and I’ve already worn them so much! Red is going to be THE color of fall! Any Adidas sneaker is the most universal sneaker and can go with anything, so I knew I wanted to order the red ones. I also ordered these red boots and I’m dying to wear them all fall long!
This sweat set was one of my most-worn items last fall + winter, so I was so happy to see they restocked more colors! It’s unisex, so I wear an extra small in both the sweatshirt and sweatpants! They are so comfy and there are so many ways to style them! You guys are going to love it.
These high-waisted jeans have been my favorite for years. They come in a ton of different washes and they have short, regular, or tall length! I wear the size 25 regular and I’m 5’4″ for reference! Hunter loves the low-rise jeans. They are so cute on her but I am definitely more of a high-waist person, haha! Everyone needs a pair of these in their closet this year. Just trust me on this one.
School starts next week and I’m honestly so sad about it! I love summers with my kids, and I love having them home with me. Anybody else?! I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what Hudson is wearing this year for school and honestly, he does all his own school shopping! So today on the blog I’m sharing what he ordered for his freshman year!
Like I mentioned before, Hudson does his own school shopping! For reference, Hudson just turned 15 and he’s 5’10”. This year he made a big order from Pac Sun. He loves all their shorts and graphic tees, and the prices are very affordable. He always gets a few Nike staples as well. He picked out these Nike shoes for his birthday, and he always orders this shirt in a couple colors. He loves their fleece shorts too. Everything he ordered fits true to size. He wears a size small in all the shorts, and he loves his tees oversized. So he gets a L or XL in those!
Happy August! Another month gone by, and I’m so excited to share my July Amazon buys! Sharing everything I ordered last month below! I didn’t go crazy.
I ordered these vitamins because I’ve seen a few friends use this, so I wanted to test it out! It targets hair growth. I think it would be great for teens who are wanting help with their hair and don’t need collagen yet. It tastes amazing and I’m just finishing up my first bottle and about to order my second.
: BREAD MAKER
A good friend recommended this bread maker and holy crap it is a GAME CHANGER! I’ve been making a ton of cinnamon rolls and this has made my life so much easier. It’s on the pricier side, but so, so worth it. I’ll link our favorite cinnamon roll recipe here.
: SHOWER STEAMERS
These shower steamers are like a bath bomb for your shower! My mom bought Hunter some and so of course I wanted some too! They are amazing, who doesn’t love a little self care?!
: HAIR CREAM
I tried this new air dry cream for my curly hair and I absolutely LOVED it!!!!! I put it in my hair when I got out of the shower and I let my hair air dry and the cream worked so well! It gives me the prettiest curls- and no frizz! Definitely recommend.
: APRICOT SET
I ordered this cute set in the apricot color and I’m excited to wear it the next few months, it’s perfect for transitioning into fall too! Comes in lots of colors!
: PAJAMA PANTS
Hudson wanted these snoopy pajama pants and he’s been wearing them every day, haha!
: DRESS
I thought this t-shirt dress was so cute, so I had to try it! It’s the perfect length, under $20, and comes in over 35 colors!!
