Closets

January 31, 2020

Minimalist Closet: 5 Tips to Help You Simplify Your Space

“How do you call yourself both a minimalist and an influencer? Don’t those contradict each other?” That is a question I got in my direct messages and it really made me stop and think. Being an influencer comes with a lot of STUFF. You are promoting different brands, wearing lots of different outfits, and even trying to keep your house up to date and on trend. So how does my space not turn into the most recent episode of hoarders anonymous?! I am a minimalist through and through, that is why! It is just how my brain functions and I don’t let my buying “stuff” get out of hand. So today I thought it would be fun to take you inside my “Minimalist Closet” and share some tips that have helped me achieve the simplicity in my space.

When I look at my closet, I don’t see huge at all, especially for your typical influencer. It is actually quite a bit smaller than I imagined it to be when we originally built the house. But one of the best things Joe and I did moving here from California was to keep a simple mindset. Our home in California was tiny. We were all pretty squished in there and there was NO room for extras. So when we designed our house, we wanted to carry that simple living over. Just because we could have more space, didn’t mean we needed to fill it with unnecessary things. Here is a look inside, and more on how you can simplify!

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:: LIMIT YOUR SPACE

One of the biggest tips I have to achieving a Minimalist Closet, is to limit your space. I showed what I mean in the video but let me explain here. Let’s take jeans for example. I have a designated spot for jeans in my closet, similar to this space show above. If I buy a new pair, and that spot is already filled, then an old pair of jeans has to go. Limiting your space for different categories helps to minimize clutter and extra pieces you really don’t need.

:: STOCK UP ON TIMELESS VERSATILE BASICS

Another great tip to achieving a Minimalist Closet is to be mindful of what is in there! Stocking up on timeless versatile basics is HUGE. When I’m buying jeans or a new top, I try t think, how many ways can I wear this one piece? Is it something that can be dressed up or down? I don’t usually go for super trendy things, because I want to fill the limited space I have with pieces that I can have for years. You’ll also notice I stick to neutral colors (lots of black, white, and gray) and patterns. That way instead of buying 5 shirts for every day and 5 more for date nights, I can transition the same pieces to work for both!

jewelry organizer

:: INVEST IN PIECES THAT WILL LAST

In addition to basics that are timeless and versatile, I like to invest in classic pieces as well. Someone once told me this analogy and I think it explains this point perfectly. If you buy a $10 shirt and wear it once, it was a $10 shirt. If you buy a $100 pair of shoes, and wear them 10 times, you’ve already made them into a $10 per wear investment. And chances are you are going to get a lot more wears out of them if they are a great quality piece. These sandals are a perfect example. Normally I would steer clear of that price tag, however after going back multiple times and loving them I bought them. I can honestly say they have been my most worn sandal, especially on vacation because they are so versatile, and I totally got my moneys worth.

:: THINK BEFORE YOU BUY

This tip is huge. Minimalists are usually not too impulsive. Haha! Impulsiveness usually equals a lot of clutter. When I’m shopping, I try to think “Am I going to care about this shirt next week?”. Often times I make myself wait that long and see if it is still something I wish I had. If it is, then to me it is worth buying. If it is easily forgettable, I move on.

:: EDIT SEASONALLY

Last but not least is to edit seasonally. When you are switching from sweaters to swim suits, take the time to edit your wardrobe. If there are sweaters or jeans in there that you only wore one time that season, it’s probably time for them to go. One of the biggest causes of clutter is getting attached to pieces we don’t really love and wear.

I hope these tips help you to simplify your space and your wardrobe, and add more of that minimalist feeling into your home.

photos: aubrey taiese

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Holiday

January 29, 2020

Valentine’s Outfits: Loungewear + Slippers to Sparkles + Lace

my pajamas + hat + watch + slippers

Can you believe Valentines Day is just a little over 2 weeks away?! I swear I just finished cleaning up Christmas and it is here already!! For a lot of people Valentines Day equals date night. A night out with the one you love. If your stage in life is more momming and babies, that might mean a fun dinner in or cuddling up for your favorite movie. Valentines Day plans are always changing! We’ve experienced all of those options from year to year!

One year in particular I always look back and laugh at. When Joe was going to school we lived out in Louisville. I was still in that newer mom phase with Hunter and pregnant with Hudson. I had never had anyone babysit besides family, who we didn’t live by anymore. A med school miracle occurred and Joe happened to have the night of Valentines off. Our friends offered to take Hunter so we could actually get out. You guys we hadn’t been on even a date for so long, so you can imagine how excited I was! My mom sent me a Gift Card for Valentines Day to get a new outfit, and I got allll dressed up.

Half way there, Hunter puked. EVERYWHERE. So instead of that big fancy date night, we turned around, ordered pizza and stayed home. And guess what, it is one of my favorite Valentines dates to date.

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So let’s talk outfits! If you know me, I am not a huge fan of red and don’t own a lot of it. So I love that the pieces I do have make a great pop or wow statement in an outfit. I used to think it was cheesy to get dressed up holiday specific, but now I say own it!! It makes life more fun! We are going to be traveling this year, so this look will be my comfy go to. Whether you are going all out with sparkle and lace, or keeping it low key with slippers and joggers, we rounded up our favorite pops to add to your Valentines outfit.

I hope this roundup helps give you some fun Valentines outfit ideas and you have the best day with your people!

. . .

. . . MORE VALENTINES LOOK IDEAS . . .

my dress + shoes + clutch

jumpsuit -sold out: similar option here + here + here | similar shoes | hat | similar bag

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Fashion

January 24, 2020

3 Teen Style Trends

hunter’s top + jacket + jeans

One thing we always get a TON of request for is all thing teen. Whether it is hair tutorials or fashion tips and tricks you are always asking for more things teen! So today we are making that happen by teaming up with Hollister (one of our favorite one stop shops for all things teen) and sharing 3 Teen Style Trends we are seeing everywhere and LOVING!! Hunter is a huge fan of all 3 and was so excited to help put this together for you guys!

hunter’s top + jeans

:: MOM JEANS

First up is the mom jeans. I’m not gonna lie, as a mom I was shocked that these caught on with the younger generation. I totally thought it would be a trend that just clicked with us moms, but I was wrong!! I am seeing it everywhere and Hunter LOVES them. The teen style trend is definitely to take more of a distressed route to the mom jean, but they are for sure filling the shelves. We both fell in love with this cute pair Hunter is wearing from Hollister. These ones would be so cute too!

. . . SHOP OUR FAVORITE JEANS . . .

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hunter’s top + jeans

:: OVERSIZED HOODIE

The oversized hoodie is another teen style trend that has really taken off and I don’t blame them! Who doesn’t love to be comfortable?! We just got Hunter this new hoodie from Hollister she is wearing and LOVE the fit. It comes in a bunch of different cute colors we love, so I’m sure we will be adding another one to our wardrobe. Perks of being able to share clothes!! This is another super cute option. I love that Hollister has such great quality options for teens but the price is still affordable with great deals. This weekend you can get your favorite fleece items 2 for $50!!

. . . SHOP OUR FAVORITE HOODIES + COMFY TOPS . . .

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hunter’s jacket + jeans

:: VERSATILE JACKETS

Teen style lately has been all about the layers, and versatile jackets are taking over. We just had a girls shopping trip and saw SO many cute jackets we loved including this one Hunter is wearing here. They have so many cute denim options, sherpa, faux leather and so many more. I love the layered looks and that most of the options were so great to dress up or down, and mix and match with your favorite looks.

hunter’s jacket + jeans

. . . SHOP OUR FAVORITE JACKETS . . .

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. . . SHOP MORE TEEN FASHION WE ARE LOVING . . .

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I hope you loved our teen fashion finds! Is this is something you want to see more of, let us know in the comments here and over on Instagram!

in partnership with Hollister

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Home

January 20, 2020

Our Home: Pantry+ 5 Organizing Tips

my top | jeans | slippers | hat || harper’s top + jeans

We have had SOOO many questions on our pantry and how we have it organized so today is the day!! I am taking you inside the pantry in every drawer and cupboard! When we were designing the house, I told Joe the pantry was in my top 3 priorities to get just how I wanted it. I might sound like a crazy person, but it is one of my favorite places in the house! You all know how OCD I am, so to see it organized and labeled brings me so much joy!

bamboo utensil dividers | spice jars

Being so obsessed with organization, it wasn’t a project I couldn’t handle on my own. I’ve organized my fair share of spaces in the past and loved how they turned out. But after spending an hour at The Container Store trying to decide what would work best, and this being when we first moved in, I knew that I honestly just did not have the time to put into it with all the other chaos we were living in. For me and the stress I already had, finding someone to help my dreams become a reality was worth it.

I worked with the fabulous Chelsea from Neat Method. She is a professional organizer out of Salt Lake City. Just seeing their incredible Instagram I knew I’d be in good hands. Her attention to detail and making sure everything had a functional place that made sense for our families needs is really what made the space. My favorite part of the pantry is that kids items are at their level, making them a lot more independent. They are able to grab snacks for themselves + help make lunches with ease. Plus now they think its fun to put the groceries away! Mom win!

Since sweet Chelsea was so helpful for our family, I asked if she could share her 5 Tips for Organizing A Pantry and we are sharing them here today!

:: PRIORITIZE

Consider what is most frequently used. Make sure those items are placed on the shelves that are at eye level.

:: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

What can the kids eat? If you don’t want your children grabbing for the chocolate after school, put that up high and have kid friendly snacks right where they can see them. This also helps with those adult cravings, too!

:: LESS IS MORE

Avoid buying items in bulk that you won’t get through before the expiration date. This is especially important in small pantries. Next time you’re at the store, remember to only stock up on the things you use often and have room for.

:: CATEGORIZE + CONTAIN

Also separating everything into categories and keep each one contained. It’s important to purchase products that are not only visually appealing, but also functional. In a NEAT Method pantry you are likely to find a combination of baskets, bins and containers.

:: LABEL

Labels are super important in order to maintain the organization that you’ve established, especially if you expect everyone in your family to keep it up! We like black chalkboard labels and hang tags because they are easy to spot.

. . STORAGE ITEMS I USED . .

photos: aubrey taiese

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Closets

January 17, 2020

Our Home: Kids Closets

my top + jeans + slippers + hat || houston’s top + similar jeans || baskets + step stool4

If you know me, you know I love a good organized space. The clean simplicity of it is something I just crave. It is really something I have tried to teach my little people + show them how nice it feels to be in control of your space and your things. It is definitely still a teaching work in progress with them, but it has been so worth it!! Since it has been a little while since we dove in to any of our #organizewithkailee tips, I thought today we be the perfect time to take you inside our Kids Closets! I didn’t want wasted space just for closets, so everything had to be very functional + serve a purpose.

So below we’ve broken down in detail how we organize everything + what is actually kept in their closets, as well as shared a few tips to helping you organize your own kids closets in a simplified way! So let’s get started!

wide gray baskets (top shelf) | large gray baskets | similar small gray baskets

:: DRAWERS + BASKETS

First up, let’s talk drawers! I don’t know about you + your little people, but for us when it comes to “clean” or “organized”, my expectations are a lot higher than theirs. I knew the more stuff we had out and exposed, meant the more stuff I was going to want to look a certain way. Nothing was going to be folded perfectly like I would want because they are kids. Which is why we went with these custom made nice deep drawers. While each drawer has a purpose, how it actually looks insider is a free for all. But guess what, it is FINE because nobody sees inside them! The baskets are the same way. Leggings, tanks. swimsuits, blankets, anything we just want tucked away goes in those baskets.

baskets + tags + string

As you’ll see in the picture below, once you open the drawers, they are broken down into categories. There is one drawer that holds pajamas, underwear and socks. Another holds all their extra shoes that they don’t keep up in their lockers. Nothing is folded and perfect because it can be tucked away…out of sight out of mind!

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:: LOWER HANGING RACKS

Another tip to organizing your kids closets is to keep things they need regular access to at their level. If they can’t reach it, it is going to be left on the ground or chucked up on the shelf because that is the best they can do. We made sure both the boys closet and the girls closet has plenty of low hanging racks for all their regular every day clothes. We try to keep it organized by sections; shorts, t-shirts, long sleeve, church clothes etc.

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:: BEDDING

Every time I show any glimpse of the boys or girls room, I am guaranteed to get 2 questions. One, where is all their bedding (pillow + blanket) they sleep with? And two, where are all the toys?! As I’ve shared before, our toys are all in the playroom closet. We keep them all organized and housed there, so they don’t take over our whole house. They can of course take them out and play wherever, but they live in the playroom closet, so bedrooms stay as a sleeping space.

As for the bedding, you’ll see in the picture above, there is an open shelf where they store their pillow and favorite blanket they choose to sleep with. By storing them there, it gives the room a nice uniform simple look once the beds are made. It may not be something that works for everyone, but it fits our style and minimal look we love.

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Now that I’ve given you a little look in to how we organize the kids closets, let’s talk tips to making it happen! It has taken us plenty of trial and error, but these couple of things really seem to make the difference when it comes to keeping it organized once you get it to that point!

:: PLAN OUTFITS FOR THE WEEK ON SUNDAY

If you have opinionated children (who doesn’t?!) this will be a GAME CHANGER for your mornings! It has completely simplified our morning routine, and taken away so much stress + drama. At the beginning of the week, we plan out the kids outfits. For the boys they grab bottoms and a top. The girls is a little more complicated and full of more opinions (Hayden), but the same idea. Once you’ve picked out the outfits, we hang them in the order they want to wear them. For Hayden that is “ugliest first”, because she loves to wear her favorite on Friday. Whatever floats your boat! That way, when morning rolls around, there is no thinking about it and wasting that time. You grab the hanger in the front and put it on! Quick and easy!

baskets (available in a variety of sizes in black, white, gray, pink, or teal)

:: CLEAN OUT THEIR CLOSETS SEASONALLY

One of the biggest reasons kids closets (and adults as well) can get so out of hand is because they just have TOO MUCH STUFF. We tend to bulk up our closets with all the things. When you really take a step back and look at it, you probably wear 25% of it. The same goes for your kids. We try to clean out their closets with them seasonally. By the time a new season rolls around they have either grown out of things, or in Hayden’s case, completely changed what they are ok with wearing at the time.

Keep in mind it is their closets, and they deserve some ownership. If they say they don’t like an item of clothing, chances are they aren’t going to ever wear it, so don’t let it stick around and crowd your space. Try to have some compromise when shopping so they will love what they wear too!

When you are doing this + when you are shopping for new pieces, always try to think of things that are versatile. We tend to buy dresses or tops that will go with multiple pairs of leggings or the other way around, so we can make multiple outfits out of fewer pieces.

Hopefully that helps answer all your organizing questions when it comes to our kids closets and their space! If you want to take a look at their full rooms, you can check out the boys room here + the girls room here! If we left anything out, please leave your questions here so we can add them in!

photos : aubrey taiese

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Health + Fitness

January 15, 2020

4 Tips To Simplify Meal Prep

my top | jeans | hat | necklace || meal prep containers | clean simple eats meal plan | food scale

When we did our little poll of content you guys wanted to see here on the blog in 2020, meal prep was a hot topic! Everything from how I do it as a busy mom, to where I find recipe ideas, you asked all the things! I’ve really tried to make healthier eating a priority in my life over the last couple of years. But it takes some trial and error and figuring out what works best for you. So I thought today it would be helpful to share a little video of what I do, as well as 4 tips that helped me get the hang of it, simplify it, and make it work for me, that I hope will help you too!

IF YOU WANNA SEE MORE VIDEOS + HAIR TUTORIALS + OUR FAVORITE TIPS AND TRICKS CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!!

Now that you’ve checked out the video, you kind of got an inside scoop as to how I do things. So let’s talk about a few tips that help you get into the habit of meal prepping and simplify it to work for you!

my top | jeans | slippers | hat | necklace || planter | cutting board

:: CONSIDER YOUR SEASON OF LIFE

With Instagram being so huge in our lives right now, it is SO easy to sit back and compare. You can look through your friends accounts and pick apart alllll the things they are doing that you are not. Healthy choices and meal prep is often one of those things. You may look at your newlywed friend that has her whole week planned out, labeled, and ready to go and think if she can do it why can’t I?

But then I want you to to think, are we in the same season of life? Does her day to do look like mine? Nobody out there is going to have the same life and responsibilities as you. Do what works for YOU and YOUR season. Trying to over do it and take on more than you can handle is going to stress you out more than help you out.

:: START WITH LITTLE CHANGES

I don’t know about you, but when I start something new, I tend to want to jump allll in and make this huge drastic change. But a lot of the time when I do that, it ends up resulting in failure or me giving up. It is really easy to feel that way with meal prep. You’ll check an Instagram account or Pinterest post and think you have to prep a month worth of all the things on day 1. And oh yeah they need to be extra healthy things you’ve never made before too. Don’t do that to yourself!!

Start simple with just doing meal prep for part of your day. Maybe mornings are extra hectic for you. Choose to meal prep breakfast to give yourself more time for something else. When I first started out, all I did was prep chicken. I would take one big bag of frozen chicken and cook the entire thing at once. One week I would do it as all Grilled BBQ Chicken. We would have enough for a family dinner, and then I would use the rest throughout the week for meals for me. Then I added in instant rice. Or switched up the chicken to Lemon Chicken.

It does not have to be big and elaborate. Your main focus is on starting a good habit you can stick with, and building from there. And one of the things I have loved about this the most is I have started to notice that now my kids go to the fridge to snack on the healthy options I prep too. They are always watching you and want to make the same healthy choices you do when they see how it makes you feel.

:: USE YOUR RESOURCES

As much as the online world can be a thorn in your side when it comes to comparison and overwhelm, it can also be an amazing resource! There are so many accounts out there specifically working to help you succeed in your health + fitness journey. One of those that I found and is 100% the reason I was able to stick to meal prep is Clean Simple Eats.

To come out and say a product or brand has changed your life might sound a little dramatic, but for me that is what Clean Simple Eats is. Their meal plans gave me the boost to really move forward with a healthier routine for both myself and my family. They take yummy recipes we all know and love, (pizza, tacos, burgers, MILKSHAKES), simplify them, and put a healthy spin on them. I drink their Almond Joy Protein Shake every single day for breakfast and have for over a year because it is that good.

They also take all the guess work out of the prep. Each meal plan comes with a grocery list already done for you for your week, completely taking the extra work out for you. Helping you SIMPLIFY! If you go out to eat, they have a break down of healthy choices you can make on the go too! We LOVE them!! If you want to try them, you can click on this link, and it will get you $15 off any of the meal plans!

:: DON’T FORGET THE SNACKS + TREATS

Let’s rewind to before I started this healthy journey. Like a lot of moms out there, I was spending a lot of time at home, by myself, with the babies. When you are busy taking care of tiny humans, you tend to put yourself on the back burner. My go to “meal” was chocolate milk and a pop tart. And I’m talking for any meal, not just breakfast. It was quick, easy, convenient, and bonus, I could eat it on the go! Win win right? Wrong!

I felt like garbage all. the. time. I was cranky, impatient, tired, and just not being the mom or person I knew I could be. It was time for a change and to take some me time.

This is the main reason, out of all the things, I choose to prep snacks/treats. Having the healthy option already made and waiting for me in the pantry or fridge has been a game changer. If it is there, I am going to grab that instead of going for the unhealthy option. So taking the time to prep it has been huge for me.

This can be as simple as having fruits already cut up and ready to eat. Or having my fridge stocked with my favorite protein bars (20% off with code KAILEE) or a batch of protein balls (my FAVORITE are from Clean Simple Eats) already made so I can just grab one when I have a sweet tooth, instead of something not as healthy. We are all human and we are going to go for what is quick and convenient. So put those healthy options right in front of your face.

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I hope these little tips + blurbs of advice are helpful! Meal prep can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Start simple and do what works for you!! And if you have any awesome tips that have made things go more smoothly for you, I wanna hear them!

photos + video : aubrey taiese

BBQ CHICKEN SAUCE RECIPE FROM VIDEO

We love to grill up a huge batch of this chicken at the beginning of the week for dinner, and then use the leftovers for lunches and to snack on throughout the week. I love to eat it on its own or pair it with just rice or potatoes, but it would be great on a salad too!

1/4 cup salad oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tablespoons ketchup

1 Tablespoon Vinegar

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cloves garlic or 1/8 tsp garlic salt

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Family

January 13, 2020

Our Harper Girl Turns 3

my top + jeans + hat || harper’s similar romper here + here + similar top ||
blanket + art + pillow + nightstand + similar plant

You guys. I don’t know how it happened, but our sweet sweet HARPER girl is THREE today!! Cue allllll the emotions!! While I am so excited for her and completely in love with her little personality, my mom heart is kind of broken. Every year the first 2 weeks of January are hard for me. I really struggle with a new phase ending, because I know it will be for the last time this time. Everything is just so march harder to see come to an end when you know ti is your last little baby. We’ve been in the some form of the baby stage for 13 years now, so my mom emotions are struggling! But sadness behind, I honestly LOVE seeing Harper grow up and her personality shine. We call her our sunshine girl a lot because she is just that for our family. So I thought it would be fun to tell you some of our favorite things + fun milestones!

:: PERSONALITY

I wish you could all have a piece of Harper personality in your home. From her sweet singing around the house, to the funny things that have us all rolling, we can’t get enough of her. Here are some of our favorites about Harper:

– Her tiny voice. Harper loves to sing more than any of my other kids ever have. I am constantly recording her when I can sneak it, because I never want to forget the sweet sound. Some of her favorites are Baby Shark, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and I Am A Child of God.

– She is a little artist. She is currently obsessed with colors and stickers and loves to create everywhere, including on my couch a few times!

– Harper is OBSESSED with Joe. It is both the absolute cutest daddy crush, and the saddest thing ever for me! Ha! I want to be the favorite. I will put her to bed and then she will just cry and call for DADDDDDYYY! She loves him so much and I don’t blame her one bit. I think he is pretty great too, and seeing their relationship is the cutest. He is in trouble as she grows up because she has him wrapped around her finger.

-She is the baby and everybody knows it. We always tease my sister Kenzie and still call her baby because she was (and still is) SO spoiled. So now my own kids say the same about Harper. They say they know she will get a new car or anything she ever wants because she is the baby and owns us all.

– Harper still loves alll things baby shark. You would think we would all be so sick of the song, but in her tiny voice and big emotions, it is the best!! If you haven’t seen it, go check out my BABY SHARK highlight on Instagram. You’ll die! She insisted on having a baby shark party again, but since we did that last year, we are switching it up and doing a FLAMINGO party! Can’t wait to show you!

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:: MILESTONES

Ah the milestones are what get me, because it means she is growing up faster than I am ready for!! But all my emotions aside, we are so glad to see she is growing and progressing as normal, and love getting to be a part of it. Here are some of current milestones for Harper:

– She is officially the same size as “big” brother Houston. They are both wearing 4T in pretty much all of their clothes. I get asked at least a few times a week if they are twins, and honestly I still believe they were supposed to be. If you haven’t heard my miscarriage story, you can read it here. After multiple miscarriages, I was pregnant with Houston, and I was actually pregnant with twins. We lost the twin during the pregnancy. My mommy heart believes that Harper was that twin that needed to come on her own time. They are the sweetest duo and have a relationship and bond like no other.

-Harper is totally finding her voice and it is my favorite!! She talks non-stop and I honestly never want to correct her and tell her how to say words correctly because it is too cute.

-We are officially starting to potty train, every parents favorite. She is currently only interested in going potty to get a starburst, and could care less about her big potty prize she picked out, sooooo we will see how this goes! Wish us luck!

-She is registered for PRESCHOOL in the fall and I might die! How did the time go by so fast?!! She is going to love it, and I’m sure after some good cries and chocolate, I will enjoy my mommy time too.

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That sums it up for our sweet Harper! She is the perfect last puzzle piece to our family and we all can’t get enough of her!!

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Health + Fitness

January 10, 2020

Answering All Your Fitness Questions

my sports bra | leggings | shoes | jacket | similar sunglasses

January is upon us and there is nothing I love more than a fresh new start. I just feel so motivated to get things done and work on being a better version of myself. With the new year comes goals, and for a lot of us they involve fitness. Whether it is toning up, losing some weight, or just getting to a better place mentally, fitness is a part of these goals. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about health and fitness, so I thought today would be the perfect time to answer them!

top + + here + similar here | similar leggings + here | shoes | similar sunglasses

:: HOW DID YOU START WORKING OUT?

Honestly…it took me quite awhile to make it a habit. I go into full detail about how I Finally Got Motivated to Stick to Working Out. It finally just clicked one day and I’ve never looked back!!

:: WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOUR EVERY DAY WORKOUT?

For my everyday workout, I switch off between F45 and at home workouts. If I’m at home I try to run/jog a mile, and then do a bbg power workout if I need to find something quick or I’ll just workout a certain body part with some of my favorite moves.

:: HOW DO YOU FIT IN A WORKOUT WITH KIDS AT HOME?

I think one of the hardest parts about working out as a mom, is stepping outside the mom guilt and taking time for you. We all do it. But that time for you is so important for your mental clarity and sanity!! So for me, I make the choice to wake up super early before my kids are even up and get it done. I am home in time for all the before school needs and don’t miss a thing. If there is a morning that I can’t make that happen, I try to get it in in the evening when I have big kids or Joe home to help with the littles. It can also be a fun change of pace to include your toddlers or other kids in your workout. By them seeing the importance you put on your fitness, it can inspire them to do the same. You can check out more tips and ideas I have for this in this blog post.

:: ARE YOU PLANNING ON SHARING WORKOUT IDEAS HERE ON THE BLOG OR INSTAGRAM? DO YOU ALREADY HAVE POSTS WITH ANY OF YOUR WORKOUTS OR FITNESS TIPS?

Yes!! One of the things I am most excited about for 2020, is that we will be sharing a lot more fitness tips and workout ideas here on the blog, Instagram, and Youtube!! We will have step by step workouts, tips on eating healthy, and more. I cannot wait!!!

In the meantime, we do have a few posts from this past year you can check out! Everything is always categorized under the fitness tab on the blog.

:: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ACCOUNTS (YOUTUBE OR INSTAGRAM) TO FOLLOW FOR FITNESS INSPIRATION AND IDEAS?

I honestly don’t follow a lot, because I feel like it can be overwhelming and even repetitive. But the ones I follow I LOVE! They are Kelsey Wells @kelseywells, Chontel Duncan @chontelduncan, Bret Contreras @bretcontreras1.

:: NOT NECESSARILY A “FITNESS” QUESTION, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LEGGINGS TO WEAR FOR HIGH INTENSITY WORKOUTS?

It should come as no surprise to you that I am huge fan of lululemon. You cannot beat the quality of their products, especially their leggings. Two of my favorites to workout in are these and these. I love the high waist, compression, and fit so much.

But I do have a new favorite joining the ranks, and that is the new fitness line I’m helping launch this weekend, Savvi! The leggings are amazing and I am for sure adding them right up there at the top of my list of faves! Keep reading below to get more details on this awesome new line and the launch!

:: TELL ME EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS NEW FITNESS LINE YOU ARE LAUNCHING!!

I can’t wait for you all to try out and see all that is to come with Savvi! The second I saw it I knew it was going to be such a great fit, because health and fitness has been such a huge part of the past year and a half for me. It is such a great opportunity to help build women up and let them stay at home with their babies and still make some money. I am excited to show you how I incorporate fitness style into my everyday. If you wanna shop the line coming out this SATURDAY at 11 am MST make sure you sign up for an account so you can checkout faster and not miss out on getting your size!! Click HERE and create your account. Also, if you want more details on how you can be part of the new Savvi line and my team, you can DM me over @savvi_fit on Instagram.

I hope this post helps answer your fitness questions, and inspires you to make time for you this new year! If I missed any other fitness questions you have, leave them here in the comments or over on Instagram and I will add them in!

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Lifestyle

January 9, 2020

Discount Codes

January is here and my favorite thing about it is that it screams FRESH START! I love a clean fresh start to all the things, including here on the blog. I get asked all the time if I have codes for certain products + brands, and where you can find them. So to make it easiest for everyone, we’ve rounded up ALLLL our AMAZING discount codes and listed them below. And trust me, there are some good ones you’ll want to take advantage of!

:: NAVY – code KAILEE for 30% off the entire site

First up is Navy!! I am obsessed with their hair products, especially the duo we put together called the Wright Duo. If you need amazing products that will take your hair from drab to blowout fab quick and easy, these are them and I swear by them!!

:: TULA – code KAILEE for 15% off the entire site

Tula has been my tried and true go to for skin care for years and years and they just keep getting better!! From their moisturizer and toner, to the face filter primer and eye balm, I just cannot get enough! I love the way they make my skin look and feel.

:: SHINE COSMETICS – code KAILEE for 10% off

If you want the best quick natural makeup, look no further than Shine Cosmetics. Their BB Cream is my absolute favorite for a natural look with buildable coverage. And the lip gloss is the best I’ve found. Super moisturizing, not sticky at all, and some great colors. Goals is my favorite.

:: CLEAN SIMPLE EATS – code KAILEEWRIGHT for $15 off any meal plan

To come out and say a product or brand has changed your life might sound a little dramatic, but for me that is what Clean Simple Eats is. Their meal plans gave me the boost to really move forward with a healthier routine for both myself and my family. They take yummy recipes we all know and love, simplify them, and put a healthy spin on them. We LOVE them! And their protein powders are so delicious! I promise it is the closest thing to tasting just like chocolate milk and you will be in love.

:: CARILOHA – code KW for 20% off the entire site

If getting a good nights sleep is at the top of your priority list, you NEED Cariloha in your life. These pillows are what dreams are made of, literally. They filling is adjustable so you can customize it to your perfect preference, and the case itself is so soft. I swear by them and have gifted them to my whole family! And the goodness doesn’t stop there. We have their towels and sheets too and they are worth every single penny, especially with that amazing discount code.

:: GEOMETRY TOWELS – code KAILEE15 for 15% off entire site

If you thought you couldn’t fall in love with dish towel, think again. These are incredible. They are so dang absorbent, it is unbelievable. Add that to the great size and cutest patterns and I promise you will be filling your kitchen and bathrooms with them and gifting them to everyone you know.

:: G2G – code KAILEE for 20% off the entire site

If your sweet tooth is anything like mine, staying on track when you are craving a snack can be tricky. But not with a fridge full of these. These are hands down the absolute best protein bars in the world. I love having a stock of them to take with me on the go when I’m running kids around, or to grab when I have a sweet craving. Keep them in your fridge for an extra yummy taste.

:: LOOPY – code KAILEE10 for 10% off 1 case or KAILEE15 for 15% off 2 or more

Anyone else feel like their hands are always full with babies, bags, and all of the things?! Well Loopy has you covered. Their cases are AMAZING for keeping you hands free AND protecting your phone at the same time. I love that I don’t have to worry so much about dropping my phone, and can use my hands to help kids even while carrying my phone. LOVE these cases and have had one for years!

:: GIGI PIP – code KAILEESHIP for free shipping

It should come as no surprise to you that I have an obsession with these hats. They are 100% my go to! The fit is amazing on every style, and the quality really can’t be beat. I love throwing them on to spruce up an outfit, or cover up day 5 or 6 hair ( I know I”m not the only one!). Whether you like the brim, ball cap, or beanies, you will love Gigi Pip!

:: KIWI – code KAILEE for 1st month free (you just pay shipping)

If you want to see some very excited kids, come to our house on Kiwi Mail day! These subscription boxes are my kids absolute favorites. I love that they promote learning and using their imagination. They are amazing for all ages from baby to teen!

:: FRESHLY PICKED – code FPxKAILEE for your first month of your Fringe Membership + a $5 credit

We love ALL things Freshly Picked over here. From the adorable kids shoes, to the super functional bags, we love it all!! And it is even better when you have the Fringe membership. Fringe members get exclusive products + discounts, 20% off everything including sale items, and more amazing perks!!

. . .

That should cover all of our current discount codes! But I will always keep this post up to date so you can refer back here and get the latest discounts!

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Closets

January 8, 2020

5 Tips To Simplify Your Closet

my top | jeans | hat | baskets | carpet

It is the beginning of a new year, and to me that screams fresh start. Tis the season of goal making , organizing, and simplifying. If you’ve seen any of my room tour posts, or have really been here for any stretch of time, you know I am sucker for all things organization. Minimalist is so my middle name. Just give me all things, clean + simple! When we moved into our new home, I really wanted to carry this mindset into my wardrobe. I didn’t want my Master Closet to turn into an episode of hoarders, when the rest of my house had such a simple vibe. So I knew it was time to simplify. You guys, I am LOVING it!! So today I wanted to share 5 of my tips to simplify your closet.

Tip #1 : If you put something new in, you have to take something old out.

Out with the old, in with the new 100% applies to your closet too. It is the easiest way to keep your wardrobe from taking over your closet. For the most part I try to stick to the same “category”. If I buy a new cardigan, than an old one has got to go.

. . .

Tip #2 : Don’t have clothes just to be able to fill your space.

I would be the majority of women wear about 20% of the clothes they actually own. Why do we do that to ourselves? Before simplifying my closet, I will admit I was one to keep a top because “someday I might go to …”. To help simplify your closet, stick to the staple pieces you are going to get regular use out of. I’m not saying you can’t keep those special occasion pieces, but they should be the minority in your closet, not the majority.

baskets | hanging black tags | string

. . .

similar wire baskets

Tip #3 : Quality over Quantity

This closet simplifying tip might have a little more personal opinion to it. To me, I would MUCH rather spend the extra money on a piece of clothing that will last for years. Something that is timeless and the quality will truly stand the test of time. I want pieces I can wear the crap out of day in and day out and they hold up to the challenge. I would rather spend more money and have 3-4 quality sweaters than 7-8 that aren’t going to make it through one season. When it comes to your clothes, less is more!! Invest in pieces that will be staples for you and your style and work for years.

. . .

white organizing cubes

Tip #4 : Less stuff in your closet = Less stuff in your head!

This “tip” is more like a revelation I had once I simplified my own closet. If your wardrobe is out of hand so it is creeping into hoarder territory, you will be more stressed out. Guaranteed. Think about your morning when you are picking out an outfit. If you have to sift through 20 tops and 10 pairs of identical jeans, you are going to get frustrated. Simplifying your options makes getting ready more efficient and less stressful.

. . .

clear drawer dividers

Tip #5 : ORGANIZE!!

Nothing makes me happier in my home than an organized space. So an organized closet is even better and one of my biggest tips to simplifying! I love to have things sectioned off into what they are. Everything has a place, so that makes both cleaning up and finding what you’re looking for easier. I also love to color coordinate, because not only is it more pleasing to the eye, but it makes throwing an outfit together so much easier!

jewelry organizer

clear tray for belts | white trays for sunglasses and watch bands

… SHOP MY FAVORITE ORGANIZING TOOLS …

I really do believe that simplifying my closet has given me more clarity and less stress! So whether it’s from the overall feeling of clean and organized, or the time I’ve saved getting ready, I am loving it and know you will too!

photos : aubrey taiese

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Lifestyle

January 6, 2020

20 Goals in 2020

my top | jeans + similar | slippers | hat || planter | similar cutting board

We have officially started 2020 and a fresh new year. For most people that means sitting down and thinking about some goals they would like to accomplish in the new year. I’ve never been a huge fan of making big long lists of goals, just because its a new year, but I saw my friend Merrick do this fun 20 goals in 2020 and wanted to try it out for myself!

So while 20 goals seems a little crazy, you’ll see that I’m not one to make huge unreachable goals that I know will end in disappointment. For me it is things I can do to be more intentional with my time and my people. So here are my 20 for 2020, that will hopefully help inspire you to simplify your own goals and rock it in this new year!

my top | jeans + similar | slippers | hat || chair + pillow | rug | planter | art

:: TIME MANAGEMENT GOALS

One of my biggest focuses for 2020 is to really be intentional with how and where I spend my time. I want big things for this brand but I also know these years with my little people are the most important, so finding a balance is my biggest focus as we go into 2020.

Spend less time distracted on my phone.
Be more efficient with my work time. Work faster and more accurately.
Be all there. If I am with my family, let my mind be 100% there and not thinking of a to-do list I have waiting for me.
Make time to read + study my scriptures or listen to an uplifting talk or podcast daily.
Set aside time for me. Usually for me personally, it is to workout. But something every day that keeps me mentally healthy and strong to be good mom and wife.

sports bra | leggings | shoes | jacket | similar sunglasses

:: HEALTH + FITNESS GOALS

My overall health and fitness were a huge part of 2019. I really put a focus on taking care of myself and getting healthier so I can be stronger both physically and mentally. I have loved the changes I’ve seen in how I feel and can’t wait to continue this healthy journey this year.

Continue to eat healthier
Get stronger
Drink more water
Go to bed earlier so I get a full nights rest but am still able to wake up early to workout.
Share more of what has worked for me to help inspire other women to meet their fitness goals.

kailee wright behind the scenes family pictures

hunter’s top + skirt || hayden’s similar jumpsuit || joe’s shirt + tie + pants houston’s shirt + pants + similar jacket + shoes || my dress || harper’s similar romper || hudson’s shirt + pants

:: FAMILY GOALS

There is nothing in the world more important to me than my family and spending all the time I can with them. They are a big focus of my goals this year.

Spend more one on one time with my kids
Make date night a higher priority and get it on the schedule regularly
Regular family date night
Study Come Follow Me regularly as a family
Continue morning family scripture study

:: LONG TERM GOALS

Something that is really important to me when it comes to making goals, is that they don’t always have to have this major bold deadline. Some of the best goals and dreams we can have for ourselves take time. We don’t always have a for sure due date.

Be part of a service project to help others monthly
Hit our brand goals as a business
Finish the Book of Mormon
Pay off a chunk of our mortgage
Make a small investment

I hope whatever your age and stage in life, you are looking at this new year as a fresh opportunity to do and be whatever you want to be! And know that I’m here cheering you on and in to 2020!!

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Family

January 2, 2020

BEST OF 2019

Welcome to 2020!!! I can’t even believe I am saying that. I swear we were just dealing with the drama of Y2K, blinked, and here we are!! I am so excited for a fresh new year here on the blog. We have so much exciting new content coming up that I know you are going to love and I can’t wait to share it all with you! But before we jump in to the new year, I thought it would be fun to do a little recap post highlighting the BEST OF 2019! So keep reading to check out your top 10 most loved products of 2019, as well as your very favorite blog posts too!

:: TULA EYE BALM

Raise your hand if you feel like you are always tired, and it is starting to show?! This Tula Eye Balm is a game changer when it comes to fighting those tired under eyes. Not only does it help fill in fine lines around your eyes, it cools and hydrates at the same time. You will feel and look refreshed and nobody will be the wiser! You can use code KAILEE for 20% off too!

:: BATHROOM ORGANIZING CADDY

If organization brings you as much joy as it brings me, you need this bathroom organizing caddy in your life. It is so convenient to be able to just grab the handle and pull out one little caddy with all my morning needs, instead of sorting through multiple bins and drawers. Everything is clear and sleek so not only does it look good, but it is easy to see what you are looking for.

:: CRIB TENT

When I posted this crib tent on my Instagram Stories, my inbox was flooded with questions asking what in the world it was for, and then follow ups asking where to get one! It is every toddler parents dream when it comes to keeping your little one safely in their crib and not attempting any escapes.

:: NIKE HOODIE

Who knew a simple hoodie could be such a hit! But I don’t blame you one bit. In fact I love it so much I have it in two colors and so does my assistant! It is the perfect relaxed fit without being too baggy, and the neckline gives it a more flattering feminine look. It has been on of my go to faves all winter long.

:: SLIPPERS

Is there anything better than super comfy cozy slippers?! The second I walk in the house I have to put mine on. I love the fun feminine look of these, but they are tighter and slimmer, not too bulky to where around.

:: JEANS

These jeans have been in my favorite rotation for at least 5 years and I am still just as in love with them as day 1. They have the perfect amount of stretch to be comfortable without being saggy and the distressing is just right.

:: BASIC LONG SLEEVE

I love that you guys love your basics just as much as I do! You can never go wrong with a closet full of staple pieces like this basic long sleeve, which is why I may or may not have it in 3 or 4 colors! It is such a great classic fit, perfect for dressing up or down and for layering!

:: DOLL

Harper isn’t the only one that loves this doll. So many of you fell in love too when you saw it as her constant companion on stories. It is soft like a stuffed animal, making it extra cozy to sleep with. Plus it comes with the cute accessories that let them be little mini mamas. So so cute!!

:: SNEAKERS

When I need a good pair of sneakers, these are my go to and were definitely the shoe of 2019 here on the blog. I love that they come in a variety of cute color combos, and are so light and comfortable for working out or just running errands.

:: APPLE WATCH BAND

The one question I got just about every time I showed my hand, was about my Apple Watch band. I am a little picky and truly just love the Apple original, but so many of you fell in love with this awesome affordable version I shared too. With so many colors to choose from, you are guaranteed to find one that fits your style!

. . . BEST BLOG POSTS OF 2019 . . .

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:: LIMIT YOUR SPACE

:: STOCK UP ON TIMELESS VERSATILE BASICS

:: INVEST IN PIECES THAT WILL LAST

:: THINK BEFORE YOU BUY

:: EDIT SEASONALLY

:: MOM JEANS

:: OVERSIZED HOODIE

:: VERSATILE JACKETS

:: PRIORITIZE

:: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

:: LESS IS MORE

:: CATEGORIZE + CONTAIN

:: LABEL

. . STORAGE ITEMS I USED . .

:: DRAWERS + BASKETS

:: LOWER HANGING RACKS

:: BEDDING

:: PLAN OUTFITS FOR THE WEEK ON SUNDAY

:: CLEAN OUT THEIR CLOSETS SEASONALLY

:: CONSIDER YOUR SEASON OF LIFE

:: START WITH LITTLE CHANGES

:: USE YOUR RESOURCES

:: DON’T FORGET THE SNACKS + TREATS

** BBQ CHICKEN SAUCE RECIPE FROM VIDEO **

:: PERSONALITY

:: MILESTONES

:: HOW DID YOU START WORKING OUT?

:: WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOUR EVERY DAY WORKOUT?

:: HOW DO YOU FIT IN A WORKOUT WITH KIDS AT HOME?

:: ARE YOU PLANNING ON SHARING WORKOUT IDEAS HERE ON THE BLOG OR INSTAGRAM? DO YOU ALREADY HAVE POSTS WITH ANY OF YOUR WORKOUTS OR FITNESS TIPS?

:: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ACCOUNTS (YOUTUBE OR INSTAGRAM) TO FOLLOW FOR FITNESS INSPIRATION AND IDEAS?

:: NOT NECESSARILY A “FITNESS” QUESTION, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LEGGINGS TO WEAR FOR HIGH INTENSITY WORKOUTS?

:: TELL ME EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS NEW FITNESS LINE YOU ARE LAUNCHING!!

Tip #1 : If you put something new in, you have to take something old out.

Tip #2 : Don’t have clothes just to be able to fill your space.

Tip #3 : Quality over Quantity

Tip #4 : Less stuff in your closet = Less stuff in your head!

Tip #5 : ORGANIZE!!

… SHOP MY FAVORITE ORGANIZING TOOLS …

:: TIME MANAGEMENT GOALS

:: HEALTH + FITNESS GOALS

:: FAMILY GOALS

:: LONG TERM GOALS

:: TULA EYE BALM

:: BATHROOM ORGANIZING CADDY

:: CRIB TENT

:: NIKE HOODIE

:: SLIPPERS

:: JEANS

:: BASIC LONG SLEEVE

:: DOLL

:: SNEAKERS

:: APPLE WATCH BAND

. . . BEST BLOG POSTS OF 2019 . . .

30 DAYS TO AN ORGANIZED HOME

LET’S CONNECT

BBQ CHICKEN SAUCE RECIPE FROM VIDEO