summer

Rachel Comey Web Bag

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Last summer, I purchased a Rachel Comey bag and wore it every single day. It is easy to pack, fun, different, and cute. And NOW…drum roll……they came out with a new version of the bag in more neutral colors. I love it so much and thought you would love it, too! So sharing it with you all! The Rachel Comey Web Bag. (And yes, seems odd to be looking at summer bags when it is 10 degrees outside, but I need some HOPE / LIGHT / INSPIRATION / WARM DREAMS so am searching online for what I love….)

 

Me over the summer (with my brother and his family) wearing the bag. For whatever reason, I cannot find pictures of my bag anywhere. I guess I don’t take pictures of me wearing bags.

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Currently Loving August 2025

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So basically, my August loves are the same as July’s loves. I mean, same same different. Same type of thing, but different at same time. But in the spirit of sharing (over sharing sometimes, too!), here are my loves for August.

 

1. Fresh Peaches

 

The problem is trying to figure out what to do with all the peaches. We had a bake off and had three different types of desserts with peaches — so delicious.

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Basket Weaving Classes

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Last summer, my mom got me interested in making baskets — it was a great creative outlet that was different than needlepointing (which I do all the time). I took a 9 month sabbatical from making baskets (I.e. the school year), but this summer, once again, I have found myself interested in making baskets. I LOVE IT. It is so fun, different, challenging, and you get a pretty basket at the end. The best place to get all the kits / equipment / videos is Flax and Twine — this online store is amazing and beautiful, and I love everything they sell. In the past two weeks, I have made two different baskets.

 

Jessie Twined Rope Bowl

 

It is WAY more complicated than you think it is. And takes a lot of patience.

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The Row Dupe Flip Flops

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OK, designer dupe for the win! I love love The Row red flip flops, but when I checked the price, I immediately knew that there was no way in h-e-double-l-l that I would ever purchase them. So when I came across an Amazon identical copy of the flip flop, I knew I needed to get it. And I am so happy that I did. This flip flop is everything and more. Surpasses my expectations and love of the flip flop that I was expecting. Ever since they arrived, it is the only shoe that I can put on. So yes, summer is halfway over (omg, don’t make me start sobbing), but you need this flip flop dupe now. Promise you.

 

Inspiration. minus the price tag (who in the right mind would buy this).

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Janessa Leon Bucket Hat

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As it is summer time, and I love being outdoors, I am constantly searching for new hats. When I came across the Janessa Leon Bucket hat that was easy to travel with, I immediately bought it. It is super packable, light, easy, and has a super wide brim to protect your face. Although my kids say I look like a light bulb, I LOVE IT.

 

You need to size up — I am wearing a medium and it is snug.

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Gigi Burris Sun Hat

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Early June, when I was at my sister-from-another-mister’s beach house, she had the perfect sun hat on. It checked all the boxes — cute, easy, stylish, and protected your face from the sun! I knew it was the hat that I needed for the summer. So, I copied her, and bought it — the Requiem Zig Zag Ocean Hat from Gigi Burris — and I love it so much. SO happy she did all the research and found the PERFECT HAT. Thank you, BK. Trust me — this hat is THE 10/10 best Summer hat of all Summer hats.

 

Side view from afar.

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Caron Callahan Shirts

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My favorite new (to me) brand is Caron Callahan. I love everything she does and I bought several pieces for my summer travels.  I have worn them everyday and love them so much. Especially these embroidered shirts — and they are now on sale! So hurry up if you like and buy! I have worn them buttoned up and / or as a second layer and I love them oh so.

 

The brown version!

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Ice Cream Cake

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Apparently I am on a dessert kick because all my recent posts have been about dessert — apologies — but this one NEEDS to be shared (again). I posted this recipe seven years ago (yes, I have been doing this blog for a looooong time) and it is so good that I need to remind you about it. Ice Cream Cake made with Ice Cream Sandwiches! I learned this genius recipe hack from my sister-from-another-mister.

 

Finished product! Look how gorgeous — and they are even more delicious.

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Currently Loving July 2022 Part 2

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OH MY GOODNESS STOP SUMMER, STOP! It is going too fast and *GULP* it is almost the end of July! Here is what I am loving.

 

1. Never Have I Ever

 

So yes, the past month I have been with my 75+ parents and my 10 year old daughter, so it is not a shocker that I have been mainly watching teenager shows, but I am OBSESSED with ‘Never Have I Ever.” I love the characters, so charming, cute, loveable. Paxton — I love you.

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Currently Loving July 2022

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There is a lot to love in July — summer, sunshine, no school, and a shift in seasons; but here are some other things that I am loving this month.

 

1. Gazpacho

There is nothing I love more than gazpacho — it is my all time favorite soup — and I craved it when I was pregnant with Cruzzie the entire pregnancy. So now that I am in Spain, on the few times we have gone out, I have ordered gazpacho — and it has always tasted delicious. I love tasting the different restaurants and styles — all absolutely delicious, healthy, and refreshing.

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Chloe Straw Hat

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One of my most stylish friends periodically sends me texts with clothes she thinks I would love (she is always right AND these are the best types of texts to get!). This Spring, she sent me the outfit with a sweatshirt she thought I needed(I did), but I was most interested in her straw bucket hat. Of course, she sent me the information and I immediately purchased it. It is expensive, but I always think cost per wear (if you wear it everyday, you divide the item cost per day), and it turns out to be a steal of a deal! The Chloe x Mifuko straw hat!

 

It is not a hat that looks stylish — but it protects every part of your face from the sun.

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Off the Beaten Path Sunglasses

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I love sunglasses as they are add style, pizazz, and flavor to any outfit without breaking the bank. And of course, they are essential for sunshine and protecting your eyes (obviously). I love to have a wide selection of sunglasses because you never know what mood or style you want for the day….but I love sunglasses that are off the beaten path and not as mainstream, well known, or at times, expensive. Here are the brands (and styles) that I am currently loving:

 

1. Grey Ant Status

 

I have had the black pair since 2016 and love them so much — and I love this color. Different but great shape.

 

2. Crap Eyewear The Speedway

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End of Summer 2021

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This summer came and went. It was a good solid summer. Nothing spectacular and extraordinary, but simple and straightforward. We hiked and biked, swam, read, and watched movies. We ate at our favorite Japanese and taco restaurants. Visited tons of parks and playgrounds. And spent all our time outdoors. I miss the west coast and the nature already….

 

We hiked MILES and MILES and MILES. Tusia went to one week of camp the entire summer, so the rest of the time was Mama time — which meant, a lot of exercise outdoors.

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Summer Activities in Vail

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I just spent the week in Beaver Creek (near Vail, CO) with some dear friends from Graduate School and had the best time. My friend planned the most perfect time and everyday we had a super fun activity. So if you are going to Vail area during the summer months, or just want to see some highlights of our time, take a look!

 

GOGA — Goat Yoga

 

Goat yoga is basically yoga with goats walking all over your mats and the smell of pee and poo, but it was also really relaxing, a great stretch, and calming to be around the goats.

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Summer in Oregon

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As Summer comes to a close and we get ready to go back to NYC (in just a little less than a week), I can’t help but look at all the thousands of photos from picturesque Oregon. Although we do the same thing everyday — run, hike, bike, explore, repeat, I am ever so thankful that we get to do it in such a beautiful state. If you have never visited Oregon before, put it on your states of places to visit. It is truly beautiful — lush forests, vibrant greens, rivers, creeks, Ocean, dunes, sand, hills, mountains. ExplOREGON and adOREGON. Truly. Here are some pictures:

 

Fall Creek. A little slice of heaven that the kids like to explore, and never anyone there.

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Teressa Foglia Hats

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Late Spring, I went on a mad search for the perfect summer hat — I wanted something practical, comfortable, chic, and unique. It was way harder than expected as I didn’t just want a simple straw hat. I wanted something with a little more flair, personality, and character. So when I came across Teressa Foglia — I instantly fell head over heels. The first one has some embroidery details, straps, cowboy vibe. I loved it so much that when I was in LA, I made an effort to go to her Malibu store and fell in love with Teressa (holy cow, chic and beautiful as ever) and ALL OF HER HATS. I walked away creating another summer straw hat — with some leather, flower ribbons, and more of a hipster attitude. After weeks of wearing both hats daily, I purchased TWO MORE straw and basic hats that the kids and I have been using on all of our hikes, bikes, river, water adventures.

 

This is my first hat — but most recent picture (yesterday at Crater Lake). It has a cowboy look but I love the detailing and the straps.

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Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

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Planes, trains and automobiles — or in Oregon, hikes, bikes, and more hikes! Although I have only been in Eugene for a handful of weeks (what month are we in? Where are we? Who am I?), we have done countless miles of hikes, dozens of bike rides, and even more hikes. With the kids not in any type of camp or activity, hiking and biking throughout Oregon is our daily plan. Sometimes, I think “what’s the difference between the first 4 waterfalls and do I really have to see 3 more?” and sometimes I love just looking at nature and being in awe of it’s rawness and organic beauty. I hope, in the end, all these nature adventures make my kids stronger  but, at some point they might revolt and start only liking fast food chains and hate exercise….Here are some pictures of our Oregonian beauty these last few weeks. And I am thankful for my father who has taken the role of camp director and guides us on all these adventures — without him, I would watch netflix all day.

 

Wildflowers on Mount June were absolutely INCREDIBLE. I want to go back and see more wildflowers.

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Madewell x Warm Jean Shorts

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One of my favorite clothing lines is Warm. Not only is it my favorite store in NYC (it carries all different lines not just Warm) but I am also friends with the designer, Winnie, who I love, respect, and adore. Everything Winnie does is GOLD and her style is impeccable. When she launched a collaboration with Madewell, I knew that I would love everything. Sure enough, I do. But especially the high rise denim shorts. LOVE oh love! They are so comfortable and the perfect fit. It comes with a belt that you can tie, but I prefer it without…. If you are looking to support small businesses, smart people, and a good look, then these are the shorts for you!

 

Shorts. Perfect color and fit.

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Spring Sandals

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It is not yet Spring in NYC, but I am already creating my spring slash summer sandal wish list as I DESPERATELY wait for Spring and Summer to arrive. Here they are (and obviously I have a type of sandal that I like to wear….):

 

1. Birkenstocks x Il Dolce Far Niente

 

Don’t you love? I actually bought these a month ago as they sell out very quickly and I knew I had to rush to get them. I know that I will wear them everyday all day.

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Currently Loving End of Summer 2019

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Here we are, another season has flown by, and now onto the new same old (a la Alanis, isn’t it ironic?). Tomorrow, we go in to our same old routine but now, a summer under our wings with new experiences and thoughts….so, that said, here is what I am currently loving.

 

1. Lizzo Tiny Desk Concert

 

MAD CRUSH

 

All summer, I was obsessed with Lizzo. I listened to all her songs, read her interviews, and fell madly in love with her. So now, I can’t wait to see her in September at Radio City Hall. She is one flipping incredible musician and loving and personable person — I want to meet her and become friends with her. You need to listen to her interview on Fresh Air and watch the Tiny Desk Concert linked above. Wildly talented.

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