Mornings are my favorite time of the day! Everything seems new and the possibilities are endless for all the good things the day will hold. We woke up this morning to our puppy, Dash, lying on his back with all four legs in the air, right in-between us, just snoring away…it was so cute. We try really hard to make him stay at the bottom of the bed, but during the night, he inches closer and closer to our pillows. Amos is so big now that he sleeps in his bed right next to our bed. I never knew how much joy dogs could bring into your life. It’s a good thing that I’ve discovered that because when my daughter Sarah comes to stay at the end of this month, she’s bringing her Golden Doodle, John Wayne. We’ll have a house full!

As you probably know, Sarah has been in Germany and is coming to stay with us while her husband is away doing a training for the Army. She has made quite a long list of the restaurants where she wants to eat, the shops she has missed and so many other things that she took for granted before…like going to Target of all things! I’m really looking forward to having her here and love that Graham and Hudson and Bristol will all get to know each other. My life is full of little boys and I love it!

I don’t know about you, but I’m still a day behind from the long weekend, and feeling like it’s Tuesday, but this week is flying by and on Monday, I leave for Bald Head Island for a week. Baldy can’t make it because work is so busy, but I have a friend coming for some of the time and really don’t mind the time alone. I’ll use my precious time to walk the dogs, of course, to work on this blog, journal, read, and sit on the beach. Time alone is really important to me and feeds my soul. When I’ve really had some good quality time to reflect on what I want, where I’m going and how I want life to be going forward, I feel so much more creative. There are so many demands, errands and responsibilities at home, and getting away to an island that has no cars and having no schedule is an amazing way to refresh and rejuvenate. I always come home feeling inspired to get busy and create. Summer is my favorite season and it goes by so quickly…I want to savor every moment of the golden sunlight, the long days and warmth.

I’ll be doing a packing post on Friday…I’ve never done one before, but I’ve got some fun new things to share. When packing for a beach trip, I always take along new candles that smell beachy, delicious smelling soaps for the bathrooms, fresh beach towels and books and magazines to fill my time on the beach. Hats are essential as my hair is always a mess from the humidity, although I have found some great products that help.

I’ve gotten off on a tangent, but just sat down and started a brain dump this morning. What I really want to share is my fun outfit…

There are so many styles of jeans these days and more selections of white jeans than I can ever remember. This new pair I’m wearing is by Paige Denim and I found them while in Wilmington NC last week at Monkee’s (be sure to check out the website if you haven’t already). I love the length of these jeans as well as the mid rise waist. I paired them with my baby blue Valentino sandals (these are forever shoes) and a top from Loft…talk about high/low! That’s really the fun of getting dressed in my opinion…buying a few nice items that can mix and match with fun inexpensive pieces. Summer is the best time to play around with new styles without spending too much money. I’m sharing the details of my outfit as well as a few other things below. Please be sure to check back on tomorrow and Friday for a couple of special posts! Have the best day ever!

*FYI - Paige Denim is having a Memorial Day sale and everything is 20% off with code Summer 21! Now is a great time to stock up on some great jeans!

One item I didn’t mention above is this great Amazon bag that I take absolutely everywhere! It’s the perfect summer bag…roomy enough for the pool and small enough to carry as a handbag, AND the price is right!

Wearing a bra with a top like the one pictured can be a challenge. I like to stock up on these Gel Petals that I found at Target. They really do the trick and I don’t have to worry about a strapless bra falling down and being uncomfortable.