We got back from an 8 day trip to NYC + Marthas Vineyard 1 month ago and I am finally finding the time to come up for air and share our itinerary with you all. When we asked the kids where they wanted to go this summer NYC was their resounding answer after last year - and my resounding answer was that I wanted to rest at the end of all that walking and shopping.

I did some research on beach communities close to NYC and found that we could take the ferry to Nantucket or Marthas Vineyard from NYC, and with that our vacation was born. I have gotten so many questions on the trip I thought I would share more details in a longer post than Instagram can offer. I will also add insight from our trip to NYC last year at the same time for that portion.

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NYC

We started our trip in New York City. We flew direct from Charleston to the city and with this being our second year I had a light insight on things to consider.

Travel: If you plan to use an Uber to get to your hotel in NYC pending the airport you are landing in I would consider a car service. This trip we went to LGA which I think would have been fine, but if you are flying to JFK you have to take a bus to get to where the Uber will pick you up. This is good to know if you are traveling with kids so we used a car service to pick us up from the airport.

Another thing I want to note: For us as a family of 6 we learned that if we do not do a car service in the city if we are traveling with luggage we MUST do an Uber XXL black. In many cities this is not the case, but the number of small mini vans that showed up under Uber XXL was astonishing (and could not accommodate our luggage). So please take that lesson from our big family haha.

NYC Itinerary

Stay: The Plaza Hotel - 2 connecting rooms. 1 King bed + 2 queen beds

Travel Advisor: Megan Smith

Quiet MVP - We used a scooter suitcase for G (long time lover/ sharer of them) and she used the scooter part for a lot of the trip. This was a game changer because her 6 year old legs got tired. If we went in places Sam used a strap to carry it.

Day 1:

Flew from Charleston SC direct to NYC and landed at 9 am. NYC is fairly easy to do quickly so it is a great city to arrive in early and get a full first day. With our car service we were to the Plaza by around 10:00 AM to drop off luggage and start our day. We used Megan Smith to help us book our hotel and with that she also organized the car service.

One thing I did not know until recent years was - even if you do not need a full vacation planned, sometimes using a travel advisor to book hotels is HUGE. Megan books our hotels any time we are not using points and in cases like The Plaza or Four Seasons we are able to get credits for more than enough breakfast for our family daily which is such a help. This is FREE for us to use.

Once our bags were dropped off we walked about a block down from the Plaza to grab a bagel at Liberty Bagels - if your kids do not like a lot of cream cheese - get it on the side for them to dip.

After that fuel we shopped 5th Ave. Our family is a shopping family so we knew we would do a good amount of shopping and there is a lot to please everyone.

We grabbed a late lunch at Sarabeths - I would say this was fine but not noteworthy and I would not feel like I need to go back, but it was fast for the caliber of restaurant and the food was good.

After lunch we checked in to our room and rested for a few before heading out for the rest of our day.

We did some light shopping upper east side (Tuckernuck was my favorite stop. Avé loved Love Shack Fancy, and Roller Rabbit) then dinner in Central Park at Tavern on the Green. This was a favorite both years. The location is gorgeous and easy and they are great with kids.

After dinner we walked back to The Plaza Hotel and stopped at the playground in central park on the way. My girls called this the Jessie park because of the show they have watched and they love seeing it in person.

Day 2:

Day two we had a later start with big plans.

We had 10:30 am appts at the Jellycat Cafe. This was a whole endeavor - so if you are heading to NYC and trying to do this - below is how we got our tickets.

1 month before your trip on MONDAY sometime between 3 pm and 5 pm EST the slots will open for that week. It is important you are on and ready to book at that time. I personally sat down at my computer and installed a free plugin on my laptop that auto refreshed my screen every 10 seconds. This allowed me to get work done on my phone without refreshing. Just make sure once they open you turn off the plugin. Book your slots for your whole party and you are ready to go. The hardest part is the very broad time slot (for us it was 3:45 pm) but it was worth it.

We walked from the Plaza to the Jellycat cafe (inside FAO) and stopped for coffee at Ralphs Coffee on the way. If you haven’t been - it is just darling.

10:30 am Jellycat Cafe reservation - we were early but it also took a bit. I would say we stood in line for 40 min despite reservations so prepare for that especially with young kids. This was something I was not prepared for, so I do think it is important to prepare yourself for.

After we shopped the rest of 5th Ave and FAO for the afternoon. We had an early dinner reservation that night so we did not want to do a big lunch, but instead opted for an early slice of pizza at Abitinos which is right in Rockefeller square. It was delicious and so easy. ( we actually got the rec from a family who said thats their first stop each year).

For Dinner that night we did Din Tai Fung at 4:30: this was so early but all we could get and ended up being great. We went to Din Tai Fung in CA this summer and loved it - but this is one that books up fast so as soon as you book your trip grab a reservation. Being early was fine because it is a lengthier dinner and it was hands down the favorite meal of the trip for all of us. Make sure you get the chocolate dumplings with sides of sea salt cream. You will not regret it.

After dinner we had just a little time before we went to our Broadway show. We headed to Time square which is one spot in NYC that my kids hate, so this year we planned to go to the M&M store to kill a few minutes and check that out. This was shockingly easy and quick (at least when we were there). I wanted to do the personalized M&M’s with the kids pics - and if you want to do this too have one adult jump in line while the other puts in the orders. I also recommend you have the picture saved and ready on your phone for each child so you can do it quickly.

Next we were onto Broadway/ Aladdin: This year we went to see Aladdin and last year Lion King. It is hard for me to weigh in on which show was better because honestly all my kids LOVED both so much. It was REALLY good both years.

Last year we took an uber home. This year we jumped in bike pedicabs … this was an EXPENSIVE impulse decision that I DO NOT regret. It was crazy expensive for our big family in two bikes… but it was hands down a highlight for most of the kids. So know that it is expensive (like $250 a bike… had we known we would not have) but if you have the extra money it made the night SO FUN.

On the Last full day we had tickets ahead to go to the museum of natural history and never made it. We went to soho, and it was a good day but it was just a long day and we couldn’t do it all. This trip we did deal with some rain so it slowed us down a bit overall. Soho is definitely a good spot if you are going to shop.

Note from last year: Last year we did a Soho Day and also did the Museum of Icecream and Slime museum. If you are going with kids I truly do think they are worth it. The kids had so much fun, and they are right down the street from each other. Make reservations and if you plan it right: We did late morning Slime Museum (does not take long) then walked to Rubirosa for an early lunch. Can not recommend this enough. Then we did the Museum of icecream and shopped.

After we walked to the 911 memorial last year as well. This was a long walk for little ones (Goldie was 5) but it was doable - so keep that in mind if you plan to do a SOHO day.

We ended our day with dinner at Quality Bistro which was SO GOOD and I highly recommend. Everything was amazing and it was very kid friendly. This is a spot we would hit again with or without kids and it was very walkable for The Plaza.

Recap Recs from this year and last:

Hotel: The Plaza Hotel (I also noticed there was a Peninsula around the corner - pending price we LOVED The Peninsula in California this summer)

Dinners: Tavern on the Green, Din Tai Fung, Quality Bistro,

Lunch Recs: Rubiroso (SOHO), Abitinos

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Travel Day to Marthas Vineyard

On Friday we were taking the ferry to Marthas Vineyard. We took the Seastreak Ferry and left from the East 35th street location which was very easy - but if you plan to do this here are my call outs/

If traveling as a group or if you care to have a table or a specific seat - get to the ferry early. You will line up and seating is first come. We were fairly early and got a table to our family and for 5 hours that was a delight.

If your kids get motion sick or if you do not know if they will get sea sick - medicate them ahead and bring sea sick bands. Goldie got sick towards the end and I would say around hour 4 we saw several people getting sick.

The Ferry will then drop you off in Oak Bluffs and you will need to take the buss or an Uber to where you are going if you are not staying in Walking distance.

Worth noting - Seastreak can also take you to Nantucket - so this advice is the same for both.

Marthas Vineyard Itinerary

Stay: Winnetu Oceanside Resort 1 Bedroom Cottage

Marthas Vineyard was new to us, and we were staying at The Winnetu which might be one of the most magical places on earth. It is quiet and secluded on the island and expect to fully relax.

The resort is very family camp style. A mix of so fancy but also SO NOT. I don’t know how to explain it. It was so clean and well kept but not fancy. (however my kids said it seemed nicer than The Plaza haha). We stayed in a cottage which was amazing. It is right by everything so the kids could come and go, but it was private ish.

Everyone gets wrist bands as room keys so the kids could easily come and go which we loved. The cottage was a one bedroom. The kids stayed in the living room which had a pull out sofa and pull down bunk beds, and there was an additional pull out bed in our room that we did not use.

We had a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, outdoor shower, little front porch, and in room laundry.

We spent our time there exploring the island but also just enjoying the pool, pool side dining, and the kids LOVED the large lawn to run and all the games (pool, ping pong and so on). Honestly it was such a win.

One thing to note: I do not think the beach you can walk to is swimmable. It is dangerous and just not something I would recommend. So please keep that in mind. There are beach spots to swim on the island, but do not book here with that hope!!

We ate at the resort a lot while we were there. The food was really good. I would not say great - but really good. There is a kids area in the dining room or kids can run off and play on the resort while you wait so it is very family friendly in that way.

We did grab 2 dinners out - one in Oak Bluffs that was VERY subpar because we were starving, then the last night we went to The Seafood Shanty which was nothing fancy but SO GOOD and the view was amazing, so I highly recommend. The lobster roll might have been the best one Sam has ever had which he has had many.

We loved Edgartown - it is darling and sweet downtown to shop with a few great shops. Oak Bluffs was cute too but more touristy and less of our vibe. We did go to the Flying Horses with is the oldest carousel and the kids thought that was really cool.

Day Trip to Nantucket

We took a Ferry from Oak Bluffs to Nantucket one day while in Marthas Vineyard. I wanted to see what I thought of both, and will give my end thoughts after this, but I loved Nantucket as well. It had amazing shops and was so quaint and cute. The ferry is only one hour so really easy - BUT you are there for a long day so keep that in mind if you have young kids.

We had brunch at White Elephant (it was a Sunday) which was lovely and we really loved it.

Overall: We would go back in a heartbeat for a week or two and Stay at the Winnetu. It was quiet and secluded and I felt like the kids had some freedom to come and go.

But island wise: I preferred Nantucket. Better shopping and food and in general probably more my style. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t do Marthas Vineyard again next year tho. I actually think a great trip would be The Winnetu for 9 days with a full day ferry trip to Nantucket in the middle.

Another thing to note: Many of the really exciting shops in Nantucket are also in Charleston (but bigger) making it faster to shop.

We flew home American out of Marthas Vineyard through DC. If you are doing the Marthas Vineyard airport - it is TINY with zero seating and once through security you are outside in a tent so keep that in mind and do not be too early haha.

That is our trip, but please feel free to leave questions below and I will help with anything more.

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I can not believe tomorrow is Sept. 1. I am in my feels with how fast time has gone recently and I really want it to slow down. Normally I am so ready for fall, but it was such a sweet summer of boating, and swimming, and time with friends that I would love to see the continue.

Either way… here are my toe dip into fall finds that I have my eye on this week. I have a trip for work to Arizona in late Sept so I have some travel and fashion on my mind for that as I prep.

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The Arin Edit Vol. 16

Fall Chappy Wrap - I am the biggest Chappy wrap lover, and this quilt print is pulling at me.

Roadie cups - I did these for a favorite things party last spring and they promptly sold out. They are finally back and such a good find.

Caviar - Okay hear me out. I feel like I am a bit of a caviar snob and when I saw Quince (yes that Quince) sells it I thought it was so weird… but the price was really good so I went for it. Now it is a staple for us. It typically has a pretty good expiration date so my go to is to buy 2 because it brings the price even lower. As the holidays approach this will be a staple in our fridge for hosting.

Jelly Flats - I have this pair in two colors now and they are my most worn shoe. So comfortable and cute (I literally wore them the whole time we were in NYC)

The BEST bras - I got these months ago and I am convinced everything from this brand is made out of butter and dreams. I am team no bra so if I say I like a bra that is saying something. I linked one style but have several and love them all.

New coffee table book

This sparkly dress has been on my wish list for so long. I am hoping we have a formal night next month at this Amazon event so I can wear it.

Placemats - I have been obsessed with this print

Brown Bandana dress

The prettiest fall jacket

Bold statement necklace - I recently got this and love it so much

Room Spray that will literally make your house smell like a dream. It is SO SO SO GOOD.

Loving this tote bag

I can not stop thinking about this travel organizer so I think I am going to have to get it.

The prettiest bowls

I bought these pants in 4 colors last month… do I need another? I love this red.

Probably need this cute soap bottle. How cute would it be for Christmas time too?

Quilt Jacket - loving this for fall

Tennis shoes - I am trying to convince myself I am cool enough to wear these, but in the mean time I do know they are cool because Ave keeps taking them from my closet. I tend to think Nike runes small but these don’t, so get your true size!

I’ll be back with more finds next week… maybe?

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Admittedly this is timely because I know August will kick my butt ha. But here we are with some current favs. We are gearing up for a trip to NYC and Marthas Vineyard next week so between that and back to school I have been shopping far more than normal. Here are some favs I bought + some favs I am eying.

I will also round up our whole families looks from the trip while we are gone.

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Here is this weeks favs!

Golden Doodle plaque - this is SO CUTE and needs to be in my house.

While we are at it - this one does too.

Scooter suitcase - I saw this new brand and grabbed this for Goldie. We got rid of all our old scooter suitcases for matching family suitcases and realized Goldie is just a little too small

The backless loafers are either love or hate - I am team LOVE - Avé is team burn them haha.

Monogram bag - loving this colorway.

This ring from Jane Pope is stunning.

These flats are definitely going to be fall staple for me. They have incredible inclusive sizing in terms of size and width if you struggle with shoes

Brown polka dots are definitely in this season and I am loving this set - I just got it in and its SO CUTE in person and a good weight. Top // Bottom

Bag organizing pouches - just got these and love them. They are amazing quality.

These sandals are SO comfortable and truly my fast favorite.

Loving this tote bag for transitioning to fall.

This needlepoing clutch comes in so many colors and I can’t wait to do it!

I just grabbed this hot pink bag and can not wait to get it in!

I also got these pink pants in both pink and red. I ordered two sizes so I will report back in Instagram stories on how they run!

Placemats - I am ordering these and ordered something to try laminating them at home…. will let you know once it happens ha.

Jewelry organization book (hidden jewelry storage inside)

These headbands are so cute - Ave and I both love them.

This pink swimsuit - I got this a few weeks ago and LOVE IT so much. I would say if you are long to size up, but it is such great compression.

These flip flops are so cute. The brand is a long time favorite but I haven’t seen the silver before.

This black set is darling - such a great option for transitioning into fall. Top // Bottom

Fish earrings - loving these so much.

And this necklace - love this so much!

Next week I will share my packing list instead of my typical edit - because lord know’s I can’t do more fashion than that.

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Let me make it clear…. it likely wont last but can we just live on the high that I am jumping on with 2 in a month? I shared on stories this week that I am trying really hard to update my wardrobe. I hadn’t purchased ANY clothes in two years because of pregnancies and body image and that ends now. Does it mean I am where I want to be? no. It means I am not punishing myself. So I am sharing some of the things I am eyeing.

So for this weeks FAVS!

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The cutest little bag - this is such a great size and so pretty!

This floral swimsuit - loving the colors in this.

The best faux plant - honestly all of them from here are amazing!

The most perfect rug!

I am currently obsessing with this brand - it is pricey but so beautiful. This purple caftan is winning me over.

Grabbed these heals for our trip this month.

I am currently loving statement jewelry. This pair of earrings is gorgeous.

Loving this gorgeous lamp - it is a great way to mix metals.

I want so badly to love hats ON ME - so maybe this one??

Added these pants to cart for the rest of summer and into fall.

I grabbed this tablecloth - it is GORGEOUS.

Also got this table runner - it is reversible and such a good price point.

The best short sleeve work out shirts. I don’t love anything tight.

Also loving this skirt

And this quarter zip - I feel like this brand is great for athletic clothes that feel my age.

I am a sucker for a two piece set and this one with the v neck top is right up my alley. Top // Shorts

This is my silverware and I am obsessed with it - it is pricey but honestly just so pretty and timeless.

I have a SAGA to tell you all - but this couch was on my list for an investment property for us. and well now it is just a pipe dream haha!!!

I think I told you all I was on the hunt for the perfect side tables and I am loving this one!

Now onto next week… or month?? Nobody knows HAHA.

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Whew - ya’ll I have not come up for air in 3 months. I truly feel like mentally, emotionally, and physically I have been pushed past my normal limits with work and life the past few months - so something had to give, and one of those things was me gabbing with you all on Substack. I don’t know how consistent I will be, but I do love sharing these Arin Edits most weeks because I love to shop so it it feels like a fun way to share why I like something.

So without further ado… here is the Arin Edit Vol. 13 FINALLY.

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Phone case - This has quickly become my favorite phone case. I had been hesitant because I prefer a loop or something similar on my phone so I paired mine with this adhesive loop/octobuddy/phone stand combo and now it is perfect.

Cooling face mask - I get so puffy in the mornings so am trying this instead of ice rolling some mornings because I actually have time

I love a statement necklace and this one is so pretty

This little lamp - if you’ve never shopped this site it is one of my favorites for fairly affordable home items

Both the swimsuits are recent orders for me. I do think you need to size up if you are typically a long torso but these suck you in so wonderfully.

The most gorgeous earrings - I love a statement earring that is still neutral.

Coffee table books. I have so many that I love and just added this to mine.

Estelle wine glasses - all their glassware is just so gorgeous

This shell necklace is so pretty

Tortoise jelly tote that I fear I need

I ordered this bandana tote with my name on it - I can not wait to get it.

Stack of fish glasses - I am obsessed with this. They all stack together to look like a fish and are the prettiest glasses. I saw them in blue at a local store so was excited to find clear

The perfect side table - I have been looking for some side tables like this so I think I will order this one.

The most gorgeous chappy wrap for summer

This white greek key dress - I got this for the 4th and LOVED it.

I am going to return the other white dress I got and order this yellow one because it is so pretty!

Gorgeous oyster dish

These sandals - I just got them in heals and now I want the flats

And that is all for now - let’s see if I have it together enough for another this week??

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It has been the hardest month so the Arin Edit has taken a hiatus, but I am going to try to share them every couple of weeks while I start to get back to myself. If you missed what’s been going on in our lives make sure you check out my last post.

But … the bonus to me being gone is I had a lot of favorites to catch up on. Over the past weekend I went on a girls trip with my 5 best girlfriends and many of these were favorites I took with me or bought on the trip, but some are other recent purchases. All items I own or have bought and love!

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Robe - I have shared this before, but talk about a true favorite. I live in this robe and truly can not recommend it enough. Both of my girls have it as well and it would make an amazing Mother’s Day gift.

Pink Striped Pajamas - I got these on my girls weekend and when I tell you they are the SOFTEST THING you have ever touched. 100000/10 recommend.

Phone case - I never get new phone cases but grabbed this one and I LOVE it.

Pink light weight sweater - I got this to pair with tennis skirts and loved it enough that I also got it in yellow tonight.

Budahgirl bracelets - I have been wanting these and finally splurged last weekend. I love that they are waterproof, light weight, and silent.

Nodpod weighted blanket - my friend sold me on this in Florida. It is a small weighted blanket for your lap or your core when sleeping. I have been struggling with anxiety so I am obsessed.

Yellow Dress - I grabbed this this a couple weeks ago and LOVE it.

Pink gigham tennis shoes - got these in blue and pink and I love both so much.

Hat - I grabbed this hat for summer and it is darling

Chanel water foundation - I really didn’t want to love this but I love it. haha. I am sorry because it is not cheep.

Estelle Wine glasses - because April

Rattan Tote bag - I got this last year for my birthday and it remains one of my favorite bags that I use all the time.

Floral vase - same as above. I still LOVE it.

Makeup bag - I have several of these and just love them for so many things. I actually grabbed one for each of my girlfriends for this trip and loaded it with fun stuff because I just think they are so useful.

Merit Glow serum - OBSESSED with this and so were some of my friends.

Merit Foundation sticks - I use the light concealer color and contour

Nipple covers - basically the only thing I use and I really love that these are breathable.

Outdoor sofa - I got this for our front porch and painted it green. It is SO PRETTY.

Tote bag - I finally grabbed this for myself and love it so much. It is such a fun piece.

Lamp - This has been on my list for so long and I finally snagged it for our family room this week.

And that is all for now!

xoxo Arin

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Sam and I have now experienced three second trimester miscarriage losses in the past 2 years, each being between 14-18 weeks. In some ways each time you think you are prepared for the worst (because you hold your breath each appointment), but I think realistically after the first each time I have thought ‘no way in hell this could happen again’. But it keeps happening again.

So here we are. I am 2 weeks post op this time. Struggling to yet again reframe my idea of the next year. And this time - it feels lonely. We had kept the pregnancy private because my hope was sharing it later would allow for more excitement from others. Family, friends and so on. But in reality it also meant this time we were met with no flowers and meals. That is okay, but I realized how invisible the hurt has felt.

Because I have walked this before I know I will get through it, but honestly it is hard. I am a little lost. Are we done? Is this how the story ends? Why did God open this door if it meant I was just go from feeling finished to walking the rest of my days feeling like someone was missing? Those are my current feelings.

Walking through infertility with a house full of WONDERFUL kids is unique. You don’t feel worthy of the hurt, and if I am honest: many people will also remind you you aren’t. Most won’t understand the shoes we are in, and thus will simply remind us we are blessed with the kids we have, as if that erases what we are going through. The reality is - Being my kids mom is EVERYTHING I ever dreamed of. They are the best thing to ever happen to me. Each one of them has always been enough. But each of them have been an added gift for Sam and myself, as well as to each other as siblings.

Currently I am lost. I am hurting and struggling. I have mentally and physically physically been through nearly 60 weeks of pregnancy in 2 years with 3 losses. I am facing what ifs I didn’t think we would ever think about (which I am sure others can understand in different aspects of life). I am struggling to function normally, and also showing up for my kids and work as best I can daily because they need me. (Sam too - but there is more understanding there).

This week is national infertility week and I remember telling Sam years ago that I was so glad that was one trial I didn’t go through because I knew I couldn’t handle it. But here we are. Walking it and struggling. My heart is with those who are also walking this walk or who have in the past.

I want to show up here - share deeper. I want to show up in stories - share more. But honestly: I am getting my work done between many breaks in my bed trying to mentally get through. That won’t be forever, but I am eternally grateful for a community who has continued to show up during these seasons.

As for what is next? I don’t know. I was so sure this was the end. But right now I need time to figure things out and make no decisions and pray that God makes things clear. We have truly barked up every tree, doctor, and so on (with medical professionals I couldn’t be more grateful for). But this remains unexplained. As we figure out more -I am going to try to be more open. Care less about the opinions of those who don’t agree and share our journey whether it is in carrying on, or closing the door and healing.

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I have spring break on the mind and am so excited for all the shopping. Between that and working on getting the house in good shape for company coming next week - you have a pretty good look at whats been on my mind in this post!

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I walked into a store a few weeks ago and it smelled SO GOOD - as I was checking out I realized they sold the scent, and I was so obsessed that I sent Sam back a week later for 3 of them to put around our house. It is that good.

1. I grabbed these pants a couple weeks ago and they are so cute. I would say they run big so size down.

2. These storage ottomans are so cute. I grabbed them for the end of Goldies beds and they did not disappoint.

3. I have a few reusable wine glasses from this brand and holy moly this one is SO SO CUTE.

4. I have these pants in two colors and they are the actual best pants. They just came out in a khaki and I can’t wait to get them.

5. Goldie’s rug is one of my favorites and is a small women owned company that I can not say enough about.

6. This tennis skirt is a definite must for me this spring!

7. We recently got these drapes in a blue gingham and I have been wanting to do green gingham in our primary bedroom. They are amazing quality and I can’t say enough good things about them.

8. Absolutely LOVE this pink check dress.

9. Loving this new concealer. It is so light and stays really well.

10. Loving this whole set from Addison Bay - I feel like they are a great mom friendly athleisure line. Skirt here // Top here

11. I love tortoise anything and this pair of sandals is no exception.

12. Love this rattan tote bag

13. I have this swimsuit/ sarong combo in 2 colors and absolutely love it. It fits wonderfully and is a great price.

14. Loving this clay face mask

15. This bug spray has been amazing if you live in an area that has no-see-ums.

16. I got this little photo printer that also prints stickers and let me tell you - we are OBSESSED. IT makes the cutest and best stickers.

17. I have been loving this exfoliating face wash for years and am truly obsessed with it. It literally balls your skin up on your hands.

18. My favorite blankets this time of year are chappy wraps and I am loving the new prints. This one is gorgeous.

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Another week of shopping - and the real question: will I actually sit down this weekend and order some of this, because spring break is COMING and I need to do some shopping.

I actually need to shop for the whole family this weekend. When I shop for spring break I make a list of everything the family needs for spring and summer (shoes, crocs, swimsuits, and so on) and go off that. I don’t always get it all in March/April, but when I can get it for spring break then I can be done stressing it for the spring which is a win.

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So let’s get onto this weeks - what I am buying, eying, and loving.

1. I do not remember the last time I was heavily tempted to get expensive sunglasses, but these are truly tempting me!

2. On Tuesday I was telling my assistant that I really needed Apple to release a pink laptop because I need one and refused to not get a pink one again…WELLL they heard my cries.

3. A v-neck is the best neckline on me and this dress is just gorgeous.

4. These earrings are new to me and are absolutely going to be one of my favorites for the spring and summer.

5. I am also loving this dress. Goldie LOVES yellow and I can see myself gravitating towards it more because it reminds me of her.

6. This pair of flats is just gorgeous!

7. I have been waning velcro Vejas for a while and I think this spring is my moment.

8. This tote bag is so fun. I have seen bags like this for travel and keeping items in your car, and think this might be a spring item for me.

9. This lamp has a chokehold on me and I think I need to put it in our front room. It would be such a gorgeous focal point when people come in.

10. I am also loving the idea of adding this to my office. I am timid because it would become a nursery for a future baby, and I think in that case I would love a space to hang clothes - but this is just so pretty.

11. If you have not tried this setting spray - it is incredible. (great for hot summer days)

12. I am also loving these products for my brows! This gel (mascara like product) is amazing + this pencil makes a great duo.

13. If you needlepoint - you NEED THESE.

14. Another pair of shoes - but like how cute will these be with my summer dresses??

15. I love the LandsEnd tote bags and this eyelet version they released this year is fabulous!

16. Also wanting this pair of jellys with the cute little rhinestones!

17. Random favorite - but I love LOVE LOVE this medicine organizer if you take things in the AM and PM.

18. This light up heart balloon sconce I got for Goldies room is SO CUTE.

And that is all for this week. What was your favorite?

XOXO Arin

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It has been a long season. I shared last week how I am feeling on the 2 year anniversary of our move, and I truly am ready for the sun to come out in so many areas of our lives. I think sometimes when you are in a season and going through it you don’t realize how hard it has been. Then the hindsight reminds you. The hindsight feels like it is rolling in, and I am realizing how much survival and change we have endured over the past 4 ish years and trying to give myself grace as we navigate that.

That said, so much good has come from the past couple years, and we are so blessed. And truly spring is my favorite, and I can’t wait for all the things coming. We have spring break in April and I desperately need a week with my family for quality time. We are headed to 30A (Watercolor, FL) this year, and it is truly our happy place. I plan to sit on the beach, eat at Pickles 100 times, and needlepoint in peace.

Spring sports have started so weekends will be filled watching my kids fill their cups - and as much as that can be taxing - it is also a simple joy in life. Walker is playing football again with Sam as his coach, and this year he is also playing tennis with the school which will keep him busy.

Goldie Mae is still in dance and playing soccer, Ave continues 100 dance classes a week, and Jack is in Tennis - so it will be a lot of running but that is kind of what we signed up for as parents with a lot of kids ha.

In general - we are welcoming longer days. Sometimes I feel like in winter the day is so short that it is hard to find time for joy with work. I have somehow convinced myself I am not to leave the house past dark (anyone else?) so that’s probably my problem.

You know what we did do? FINISHED THIS DANG CLOSET!

I am trying to push myself to make plans and branch out in friendships - which is honestly not my best trait. I always feel like I struggle in friendships in the same way I struggled with basketball as a child. I won’t risk making the basket - the ultimate goal, because what if I miss and let people down, or embarrass myself. Is that pathetic to admit at 36? But I am sure I am not alone in that and maybe there is solidarity in knowing someone else still struggles with that as an adult. Ave is so brave and confident and it is truly my favorite thing because I know she will surround herself with so much joy and friendship in life because of that! So ya know… just rying to learn from my 11 year old ha.

Okay off to eat some dinner and binge a show. What are you guys currently watching? We zoomed through the newest season of Lincoln Lawyer and Bridgerton and we need something new!

XOXO Arin

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What a week ya’ll. I got some kind of stomach bug/ maybe ate something wrong? IDK but my stomach was unhappy and hurting all day Tuesday which led to a migraine from not eating. So needless to say - it was a boring week with some reflection of bed rotting and online shopping in this post.

So because I am behind… and getting this live morning of, lets get into what I am eyeing, buying, and loving this week.

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1. I have been dying to try Beis luggage and see what the hype was about and finally got one suitcase and let me tell you - I AM EXCITED. I haven’t traveled with it yet, but love the organizers inside, and there is a really soft spot on the handle for your hand to grab as you roll it that I am obsessed with - so I think I will be a fan.

2. These planters absolutely without a doubt are a need for me this summer.

3. Okay not everyone is going to love this, but there is a mom at my kids school that has this bag and every time I see her carry it I obsess over it. It is so unique and unexpected.

4. I have had the bed jet for 4 ish years and it remains one of lifes luxuries for me. The ability to do warm air under your blankets or cold air in the summer is truly elite.

5. If you or anyone in your home ever gets headaches - these are a must. Jack and I both get migraines and love them, but honestly they are used by all the kids for different things often. They get VERY COLD and truly do take the edge off.

6. If you didn’t see the ‘panty coffee’ reel - this might not make as much sense, but essentially a post went around on social about cleaning your underwear in hotel coffee pots. Consider me sold on a travel coffee maker from now on because NO! but really I am loving this. Sam and I drink espresso more than coffee so this will be nice to travel with.

7. I can not be doing those peel off foot masks, but I am loving this one as the winter comes to an end.

8. Loving this gorgeous dress. My goal for this weekend is to sit down and order some of the pretty dresses I have added to these posts. I truly hate spending money on myself but sweatshirt season is coming to an end… so I need to.

9. I am going to link to the whole post for these next 4 pieces, but I am loving these cute sort of casual but elevated outfits. I think they would be perfect saturday sports mom looks this summer for me.

10. I just got this denim jacket and let me tell you - it is CUTE. I love a denim jacket, but it is a bit more elevated than your normal.

11. One of my favorite print designers for Spoonflower just dropped this one with the pink Mokes on it and I have to find a way to use it. I am thinking maybe cafe curtains in our garage.

12. This travel pill organizer is the best for everything. I have 4 serving different functions at this point and truly can not stress enough how much you need them.

13. I will share this travel makeup bag next week in stories, but I just got it and LOVE IT. I had the Sly beauty bag years ago and loved it, however it was hard to clean - this has an insert that makes it easy to clean and I am sold.

14. Speaking of travel - I don’t actually love this organizer for travel (well I like the bags, but not in the case), but for your center console in your car it is a game changer. I got a new car and went ahead and used this system again because it is so helpful.

15. We are entering the craziest time of the year for us, and I swear the skylight calendar truly is the only thing that keeps Sam and I going on the same wave length.

16. One of my girlfriends was wearing very similar shoes to this the other day and I was sold. I am definitely grabbing them for summer.

And that is all for this week. Probably my least ‘aesthetic’ round up - with some real practical favs, but some weeks do be like that! I will be back Sunday with a little update from home.

xoxo Arin

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Can I be fully honest on my emotions on it: I wonder often it was the worst decision of my life.

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I know that sounds aggressive (and probably shows that I have thought out most decisions and in my mind made few ‘mistakes’ in my life), and that is not to say we arent happy here. I love our home and we are slowly building life here. But I miss those friends that felt like home. I miss my kids school in St. Louis, and the seemingly easy next step for the rest of their schooling while under our roof.

We moved for so many reasons (and also none - if that makes sense?). We always felt if we were going to move we needed to be happy. Not searching for happy, and that was and is true. All the reasons we picked Charleston remain huge joys in being here. But some things have been harder than expected.

I forgot how hard it is to make deep friendships as an adult. And even harder to build that for our whole family with kids. We don’t have close family relationships, so we moved away from what felt like aunts and uncles/cousins and they are still that - but I miss it. I miss their kids. I miss the casual ease of them.

So we’re two years in - and like everyone says: it takes 2 years for somewhere to start to feel like home - and I think that is true. Charleston is starting to feel like home. My kids are happy and living wonderful lives here, and we are getting settled. I just pray often that it starts to feel like it’s where we are meant to be. Because really I do not miss winter, or the few and far between views of the beach ha.

This wasn’t the weekly update - so I will definitely swoop in with a couple weeks of life updates next week on that front, but it felt timely for all the people who have been following our journey since our move to share a little bit of my heart. We inspired so many people to follow their hearts with our move. And I don’t regret that - I just think I wish I realized that even tho life has seemed like its been a blink for me since moving, has fully moved on back home without us.

There is no “you can just go back”. And that is okay. Honestly that was never the intention - to move and move back haha. But realizing that is worth noting because I think that is the sentiment most of us have when making big scary decisions. Like we can just undo any of them - and that is not how life works.

So onto year 3 here. Hopefully with deeper connection, happier memories, continued joy with our kids, and health. We are so thankful for so many of you who have been there for some or all of this journey with us.

xo Arin

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Another week of shopping. I told Sam that this weekend I am sitting down and ordering some of these that I have had my eye on - So next week I will include some updates!

I am definitely still working on my spring and summer wardrobe so much of what I am sharing has that on the mind - and hopefully inspires you too!

Onto this weeks shopping!

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1. The cutest little bag - I actually just got this and have been using it a lot. It is a great date night or size if your kids are older and more self sufficient like mine are.

2. I am the biggest Fan of Caraway and need to grab a few more cookie sheets.

3. I know, I know - I said no more water bottles but I love this one. I rarely instantly cave, but I got it right away and have been loving it. I love that it doesn’t spill in my bag too.

4. Truly obsessing over this mirror - thinking I may do it in our powder room.

5. Also loving these cute little foot stools - really affordable and would be cute reupholstered.

6. I have had my eye on these pool loungers for 3 seasons and am strongly considering getting them with this print. Thoughts?

7. I also think I will do these pillows for our back patio if we do the pool loungers.

8. 100 percent grabbing this misting fan for poolside this summer!

9. We just put this wallpaper up in my pantry and I am obsessed with it.

10. Somebody tell me I don’t need another tote bag… but like do I? This color is so good.

11. Also loving this gorgeous pink dress. I told you - I kept on brand with my fav colors this week, can you tell?

12. This fruit bowl for the counter is so beautiful! I am thinking I will grab this for summer for easy grabbing apples and oranges.

13. Truly loving these pillows!

14. I have some of these planters and they are the best. They are pretty both inside and outside.

15. My silver tray on my bar is one of my favorite additions this year. It is truly so beautiful and simple.

16. Definitely thinking I will grab these for spring. I am a sucker for a sandal with a low heal. It feels elevated but you can wear it anywhere.

17. If you hang pants - you need these! I LOVE them.

18. I have the more winter ish version of this robe, and now I want this one for summer. I am such a sucker for the print.

19. I just got this makeup bag for travel this spring and summer and not only is it so pretty, but it is also so well designed to easily clean it.

20. Masa Chips - we are in love with these. They are so crunchy and don’t use seed oils or bad ingredients.

That is all for this week! Next week I will be back with not only my favs, but also a tween edit from miss Ave!

xoxo Arin

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I know it is Tuesday, but we can collectively agree on today getting treated as Monday right? I just finished my weekly Menu to share with you all, but also wanted to include last weeks meal prep breakdown for you on these posts as well so you have that to reference.

I would love to know how these posts can be most helpful for you all? A grocery list for the meal prep with the dinner menu? My biggest heart for my platforms has always been helping moms to enjoy their lives fully. So if I can make these posts more helpful I am all ears.

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Now onto this weeks Menu

This week was a slightly weird week because of the holiday, so it is a shorter than normal menu!

Monday: Movie night/leftovers

Tuesday: Mexican Stuffed Peppers - On page 78 if you have my recipe book, or the recipe is below!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ cup salsa of choice

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• 1 ½ cups cooked rice

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 6 bell peppers

Directions

1. Cook ground beef and taco seasoning packet per package instructions.

2. While cooking, remove the top of the bell peppers, clean out the inside. (Cut the Halloween face if going festive)

3. Dice up any edible parts of the pepper and add them to the pan with the ground beef while it is still cooking.

4. Once the taco meat is done, add in your cooked rice, shredded cheese and salsa. Mix

5. Stuff peppers with the mixture

6. Put the peppers in a pan and add a SMALL amount of water to the bottom of the pan.

7. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes until the peppers are tender and serve.

Wednesday: Stuffed shells. I sort of wing it on this recipe - but will likely use something like this one. This is for sure a family favorite recipe which already has me excited for them all to eat without complaining haha.

Thursday: Chicken Parm Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls. This quickly became a favorite for our house and we have a really crazy night on Thursday so we can make this quick. Just cut a pack of 24 Hawaiian rolls in half and lay the bottom half in a baking dish. On top of each bottom lay a cooked chicken nugget, then top it all with marinara and shredded cheese. Put the top half of the buns on, and if you want you can brush with garlic butter. Bake at 350 with foil over the top.

Friday: Pizza night. If you are local - Sam and I have been wanting to try Iggys (how have we not tried it yet?) so that is the plan!

Saturday: My least opinionated child who asks the very least of us asked for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches this weekend, so I think we will make this recipe. I swear all of his recipes are so easy and good! I will probably pair them with homemade sweet potato fries.

And for this past weeks meal prep this was the breakdown incase you need inspo for this week or next! All of these recipes are here!

Next week I will attempt to have this up earlier - let me know in the comments what day is best? Or do you use them for the next week?

xoxo Arin

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If this isn’t the most representative mix of things I have my eye on or have purchased I don’t know what is. A mix of food,. clothes, random gadgets and home all mashed into one little graphic.

My Goal for this weekend is to sit down and go through all of these first 6 posts and purchase a few things for myself. A fun fact about me: I love to online shop, fill a cart, then abandon ship. I don’t love spending money on me and wear the same 5 things over and over - so this weekend that is my goal.

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So onto this weeks strange mix of goodies incase you also want to treat yourself.

1. The pants I can not stop talking about. I was gifted pants from this brand about a year ago and I didn’t hate them, but I didn’t LOVE them either. Well I kept seeing people talk about another style so I finally grabbed them and have never looked back. I have the brown and the black and wear them both weekly. I will say they occasionally do sales, so if you can be patient I will share when they are on sale because they are a splurge.

2. Sam and I are cutting way back on drinking while trying for a baby and these canned mocktails are SO GOOD. Normally I don’t find a mocktail to be worth the calories, but these are super low in calories, really good, and they taste like he real deal.

3. I feel the sleep crown body pillow may need to be a splurge for me this year. I am OBSESSED with the original and can just imagine this goodness.

4. I have been a flakey sea salt girl for years, but we recently found smokey flakey salt and I am obsessed.

5. I am sucker for this style dress - probably going to grab this for spring.

6. Every year I tend to find a good, affordable healed sandal at Target and this year I have my eye on this pair.

7. Just ordered these silver sandals for spring and can not wait!

8. Loving this white braided tote bag

9. I am thinking this pair of flats might be a need for spring. They are not my norm but so cute and stylish.

10. Coffee table books are my love language - this one is on my list.

11. I want these frames for our bedroom but I am so torn on color. Would you do white, green, or blue?

12. Simple but cute beach cover up.

13. I was sold on this eyeshadow shade via a video online and can’t wait to get it and try it out. The models looked so well rested HA!

14. My kids were gifted these cute bags and I am obsessed with them. Truly so stinking cute.

15. Loving this fun, colorful bracelet stack for spring.

16. I saw a video on this ipad case being amazing for flying with your needlepoint supplies…. so naturally I now think I need this to fly with my needlepoint supplies in March ha.

17. Our primary bed bedding is truly my favorite. We rarely have it out because DOGS so I am itching to get it steamed and back out.

18. As we head into spring - can I suggest that we all have a back stock of car trash bags for all our outings??

19. I have been waiting on the counter stools I ordered for about 12 weeks and mine are falling apart. I think if I had seen these affordable ones first I would have already purchased ha.

20. I am still working on picking out lamp shades for our dining room. I think I need to paint in there first before getting any, but I love these pink ones that we also have in Ave’s room and bathroom.

And that is all for this week. A true mix of items we are loving at home and things I have my eye on. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend, and if it is not what you pictured for your weekend I pray you feel loved and appreciated and know you matter to so many people - including me! XOXO Arin

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None the less - I am borderline cheering for the Patriots because: A - Walker and Sam are, and B - I like one of their wives ha. And with that we move on from football talk, because honestly other than watching Walker play I could care less about it.

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These weekly posts are both such a throw back to the ‘olden days of blogging’ but also an adjustment. Sharing your heart with over a million people feels vulnerable and scary at times, but also important when you all follow me for the other fluff.

Sharing my heart the past 2 years has looked a lot like navigating grief publicly which I 10/10 do not recommend, however I think in my position I had no choice. So real feelings for my week: I am in a good place. I am happy, but this week I was kind of angry we weren’t bringing home a baby again.

2 years in a row of me giving so much of myself, my body, my looks, my freedom to grow babies for nearly 20 weeks to not get to hold them has been painful - and I watched a couple beautiful mamas have babies this past week knowing we would have as well - and honestly: it sucked.

I think that pregnancy loss is so hard because it is so personal. No one else really grieves the person they didn’t know. No one else is going to remember your due date, or honestly - think much about it 20 weeks later. But you will. So it is lonely at times.

I say this coming from a good place. Last year I was so sad and bitter. This year it was like my heart had practice and muscle memory, but I also have a twinge of fear with it. I keep thinking if we get pregnant again I now know my body doesn’t like it. It wasn’t a fluke. So I think some of my niave hope last time has been stripped away.

So anyway - this year when I watched other babies born the same time it felt a bit less like “hopefully that will be us” and a bit more like “maybe I won’t experience that again”. We are prayerful that isn’t the case, but it is hard not to worry.

That is where my heart has been this week. But through that - it was also beaming with pride watching my other kids. Jack had his last basketball game, and Ave cheered at her last game. Truly it was such a joy to watch that. Jack also had his middle school dance this weekend, and I know I am biased, but he is so handsome and kind and it is so much fun to experience these things with him. (but if we could slow down time that would be great).

So it was a hard week. But a beautiful week. I keep remembering that despite added hurt and pain in the past year, I have seen God work through that in our marriage, and our family. I have so much added appreciation for my kids and Sam. And how lucky am I that I am scared of future sadness disrupting our happy, because right now the things happening inside the walls of our home are happy - despite the messy world around us outside.

Things I will never hate: dressing a sweet little girl

That was a bit of word vomit this week - but I did vow to keep things real and open up here. So that is what you got. The real me with a side of football.

We have a big week around our house this week, so hopefully next Sunday I have so many fun, happy updates to share! xoxo Arin

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It snowed here last week, so I am counting that as my sign that winter is fully done in Charleston and it will only be moving on up towards spring daily from here on out.

We have so much going on at home, and I am starting to plan for spring break with clothes, travel items, and stuff for the kids - more on that later, but until then let’s dive into what I have my eye on, and what I am loving this week at home.

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1. I got this Naghedi bag this past fall and it has been a go to for me. It is my 4th bag from them (first one that is more of a medium size) and I truly find them to be the most functional and pretty mom bags. And anyone who tells you the Amazon version is as good is lying to your face - I have tried ha.

2. These cute shoes are on their way to me. They admittedly have a longer shipping time, but I saw someone share them on TikTok and was instantly sold.

3. I basically have my eye on all needlepoint canvasas. I am fully invested in the hobby and need to be stopped.

4. Speaking of…. I kind of think I need to get a project bag for all of my needlepoint. See what I mean? All in.

5. Obsessing over this two piece set and want to snag it for spring break. It also comes in a dress which is darling as well.

6. I also love this tennis dress. I am not 100 percent convinced it is the best color for me, but I really love it.

7. I love a simple but fun earring and these are in my cart!

8. I keep seeing these silver birthday candle numbers on social and I think I am going to grab a set.. or two? Do we need two for the double number years? I am all about things that bring back memories year after year and I think these would do that for families.

9. I am currently organizing my closet while it is waiting on its last components and this jewelry organizer is in my cart.

10. As if I don’t have enough projects happening…. I kind of want sam to add lattice to Goldie’s ceiling. Thoughts?

11. Speaking of doing too much. I have been on the fence on new drapes for our dining room and finally decided instead of new drapes that I think I am going to paint our dining room ceiling and trim…. I am leaning towards this color.

12. Loving this simple but sweet necklace.

13. I also have this jewelry organizer in my cart. Loving this one for more everyday pieces.

14. Anytime I have travel coming up I like looking for a cute travel outfit. This waffle knit set is darling! Linking the pants here and the top here.

15. Last year I went all in on sarongs (am I spelling that right?) and I am not going back. This cute one is super affordable and fun. I think it would be great with a black bathing suit.

16. Trying to tell myself I don’t need another water bottle….

17. Speaking of spring break coming up. The BEST beach bag is this one. I promise, and it is owned by two amazing Charleston moms. I was kind of bummed to see a big brand rip them off this year, so I will be reminding everyone to get the real deal.

18. And one more set of sweats. Last Friday when we thought it was going to REALLY snow here (I mean we did get 1 inch) Ave and I ran to Dicks for snow gear… and I left with the cutest pink sweatshirt, and sweatpants.

That is all for this week! I will be back Sunday to chat more, but I hope you all have the best weekend.

xoxo Arin\

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I planned out our menu for the week and meal prep for the week this morning + placed our grocery order for tomorrow morning, only to get a school closure email a few hours later, throwing my plan off a little - but I think we will just go with it and roll with the possibly changing schedule as it comes.

Here is our weekly menu as a family of 6. I try to keep things simple because we are busy, but we do try to eat as a family as many nights as we can - even if some nights we are missing one person.

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On the Menu This Week:

Sunday: Chicken and Dumplings - I almost always have us just eating sort of frozen meal type recipes for Sundays with our movie night, but I bought everything for chicken and dumplings to make Saturday night and ended up with a migraine - so we shifted things and made it Sunday. Here is the recipe I am using - this actually went live AFTER making it and it was really good. I will say we cooked chicken thighs in the crockpot instead of baking breasts because we had some on hand.

Monday: Crockpot BBQ Pulled pork sandwiches with sweet potatoes/ sweet potato fries and coleslaw - We actually for some reason got a pork tenderloin delivered with our groceries a few weeks ago, so I threw it in the freezer, knowing this would come in handy. For the kids and Sam they will have sandwiches + sweet potato fries, and I will likely have mine over a baked sweet potato because that is my favorite way to eat it.

Tuesday: Beef Gyros - Tuesday I am trying my hand at a beef gyro hack I keep seeing going around. If it is good I will share the end results on Instagram. Sam is so excited for this one, and I know Jack will love it too. Up in the air if my other kids will revolt against me that night - but I did get chips to go with it ha.

Wednesday: Baked Potatoes + Grape Jelly Meatballs To make up for possible anger from some of the kids on gyro night I am doing a go to favorite for the kids which is baked potato night. I like them to get a little more protein so try to include something on the side - in this case their favorite meatballs. Because I am always asked - toppings we typically include are:

• butter

• Bacon

• cheese

• french fried onions

• canned chili or broccoli for me

• sour cream

everyone can add what they want and it is a pretty good crowd pleasing night.

Thursday: Cheesy Steak and Rice - This is a new recipe to me but I normally think Cooking in the Midwest does a great job at sharing EASY recipes. My kids recently discovered that they like Mexican rice, so we are going to try this. We have a very busy night with basketball so it is all easy - and honestly everything saves if we need to make it later because of the game going too late. Also - fun fact about Cooking in the Midwest is that he is in St. Louis - which I know will thrill some of you.

The rest of the week is pizza, and who knows. I try not to plan the weekends this far out because plans come up. Hopefully this helps you with your meal plan this week or next. I know so many of you are also struggling to change up week night dinners - so if you have a favorite that we should try or others should add to their line up, leave it in the comments.

XOXO Arin

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Last year it snowed here in Charleston for our first winter, and everyone said it was the first snow in 7 years. I am typing this as snow falls again a year later and my kids could not be happier. There is something magical about the snow here - maybe because I know it will fully melt by end of next week and I won’t look at black piles of snow in parking lots until April. (Less magical is the fact that it would be silly for me to buy snow clothes on the off chance we need them - so I ran all around town last night finding things for the older two).

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It is finally February and honestly - I couldn’t be happier. January always starts strong for me. I love the declutter challenge and organizing but the past few years we have had a large project integrated, and this year the project (our closet) is sucking the life out of me ha!

It is almost done, which I am excited for, but it sort of killed my declutter steam. I need to do a month update on Instagram - but despite not finishing every space I think we are probably close to 50 bags of donated or trashed items which feels SO good. Hopefully that is the inspiration some of you needed if you were worried it wouldn’t be worth doing if you couldn’t finish it.

New Year New Us

Speaking of it being February - we are a full month into the new year, and I wanted to chat less about ‘resolutions’ and more about some habit changes in our home. I love to reflect on our year at the end of a year and truly think about what we did well as a family, or I did well personally and then places I think we could stand to see improvement.

Admittedly to me - none of this means it has to be Jan. 1 changes that we fly into. I try to make them sustainable changes that we start when it makes sense.

For myself an our family - a couple of those this year looked like:

Early mornings awake also meant time to curl this sweet girls hair

An early waking time for me. I am not a morning person, and thank goodness for me - Sam is. He works out early in the morning so he is back from those workouts and ready to parent. The past two years with pregnancies, losses, grief and more - I have let mornings completely go. I started doing the girls hair in my bed, and honestly am not proud of it. I was tired and just not willing to break the habit and I knew it was not best for me, but more so my kids.

I wanted them to get a better part of me in the morning, so my ‘resolution’ this year was to wake up at 6:45 (I know some of you are rolling you eyes, but most nights I don’t finish work until at least 10 because I like to spend 3-7 with the kids, so I don’t go to bed at the best hour). The goal was 6:45 wake ups every morning where I come out of our room by 7 am WITH NO PHONE to spend the morning with the kids, getting them ready and being fully present.

My goal is to move that to 6:30 now moving into the rest of the year so that when I come out at 7:00 I am fully ready to start my day. This way the early wake up not only serves my kids with me being a better mom, but also serves me with being more ready for my day. Because after all - I want to enjoy my life more fully too. This has also included earlier wake ups on Saturdays. I work most Saturdays at the very least from 8:45 am - 10, so I have been tryin to get up and get ready so I am ready to enjoy our day as family when that is done, not start getting ready at that time.

This is such a minimal goal - but to me that is where big changes happen. Small goals that are tackling small things that aren’t running how they should and that you know you have control over. I have seen this small habit trickle into so much more goodness in our family, so I really hope if you ever discount a goal, or that a ‘bad’ habit that you need to kick you know it is worth it. And it is okay to be real with yourself. To know that you haven’t been the best version of you and you need to change it.

I think in the world of social media we think every mom is kicking ass every second of every day - but truthfully that likely isn’t the case. Most adults have places they are falling short. Some are habits harder to break than others, but know you aren’t alone, and speak them to your partner, or your friend. Have them help hold you accountable to be the best you you can be. Because you deserve that.

And for the family/ kids - Clean Rooms aren’t negotiable

Before anyone comes at me about kids being kids - I know that. We are actually not huge chore people. But I also firmly believe in teaching my kids that everything in our home and lives is a blessing from God that we are called to take care of. That includes their rooms.

The big two aren’t horrible about this, but there were small things that needed to change. And the little two - well they are tornadoes. We used to do something called ‘Slurpee Friday’. Basically Friday after school a fun treat was had, and we fell off doing this, but I thought it was the perfect driving force for motivation.

Each week day we check the kids rooms to make sure they are clean when they leave for school. If it is a no, even one day, it is a no for that weeks treat run. Our reasoning is: that means Sam and I spent time and energy that day cleaning their rooms. There will be grace when inevitably someone messes up, but I also think they will each likely eventually have to lose the weekly treat at some point for this to truly stick.

Every family has their own thing - maybe it is allowance, maybe just nothing, but for us this felt like a sort of semi instant reward for good behavior if they keep their spaces clean. We are only one week in and it went great. I think this week or next will likely be harder, but that is okay. They will learn and hopefully this will help them maintain better habits.

Sam and I aren’t great at follow through on charts. (truly is just isn’t Sam’s thing) so we needed a true yes/no, cause/effect system to run this on.

Goldie’s new wallpaper got here - I LOVE it. It is getting hung next week and I can’t wait to see her room transformed.

Other happenings in our house rapid fire style:

• Avé and I are learning to needlepoint which I have been wanting to do for a long time. I am a workaholic a bit so I wanted a solo hobby that wasn’t on my phone. So far I love it.

• Jack finishes basketball this week (and Ave cheer because she cheers at the games). I am sad to see the season end honestly. It has kept us busy, but this year really brought a couple new friends into our lives and I feel really fortunate for that time.

• Walker and Goldie got all signed up for spring sports: Flag football and soccer and can not wait.

• Sam is busting tail on this closet which looks amazing. I can not wait to get in there and start organizing.

• We are getting ready to contract out a big bathroom remodel which I can’t wait for.

And that is about it on the Jura home updates. How is everyone else doing one month into the new year? Hanging in there, or limping out of month one? I know January can be hard and feel like it sets a tone for the whole year when it is bad, so I truly pray if that is the case for you you try to think of February as a fresh start.

XOXO Arin

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Okay let me be very clear. It is warmer in Charleston than 95% of our country, but it is cold for here this week, and this weekend looks like it might bring some snow which is fine - as long as it is short lived. I love a chilly day. I hate a chilly couple months. I love to get outside and walk, and to wear flowy dresses and none of that is very conducive to freezing temps.

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Okay but enough about the weather - really you are all here to see what my favorites were this week + what I have my eye on. This has actually been such a fun series for me because I have found new and fun brands for me in my fashion searches especially - and that is not my normal.

So onto this week - then be sure to come back Sunday for my life update. I am going to chat resolutions and how mine are going.

What I buying, eyeing and loving…

1. Blates - have you guys jumped on that trend yet? Not a bowl, not a plate. Basically the perfect mix of the two in one and I love them. We have had this set of dinnerware for a couple of years and I love that it comes with blates as one of the options.

2. I am determined to learn needlepoint so feel confident that I will need these cute scissors.

3. This waterproof pouch is so cute. - I think I will grab some for our pool bags this summer.

4. This customized travel bag has my name ALL OVER IT. I am dying to get one but I am so torn on the shadow color on the pink.

5. I am a person who doesn’t mind the occasional splurge on sandals because I will wear them over and over again. I need to look into this brand and the comfort but thought they were gorgeous for summer.

6. I have started switching up my perfume from time to time when I am more fully dressed and ready and this has been the one I have been grabbing for most often recently. It is fruity and summery and just smells so good.

7. Wow Spray for Hair - I crowd sourced with my Instagram followers about how to handle my VERY frizzy hair here as the summer months come. My hair no joke looks like Monica from friends when the slightest bit of humidity hits and I needed something. I had the normal strength of this, but many people told me you need to follow the directions fully. That means basically fully saturating your hair in it, then drying you hair with tension (blow out). I did this about 2 weeks ago and it changed my hair. It says it lasts for 3 washes and I can tell that I need to do it on my next wash again. If you struggle with frizz I give this a 10/10.

8. If you struggle with hanging drapes that are heavy, these rods are expensive but so worth it.

9. I love this David Yurman bracelet and think it is such a fun Valentine’s day gift idea.

10. Of all the kitchen gadgets I bought in the past year this is for sure top three, if not my top one over all. I did a video talking about it here - but I can’t recommend it enough.

11. I got three of these light fixtures on Amazon and did the best DIY with them - you can see how here, but I will also add a photo at the end of this post.

12. Kind of thinking we need some TV trays for movie night and these are so pretty.

13. The BedJet has been one of my most favorite thing to happen to me for years ha. It can heat your bed or cool it and truly is just a delight.

14. Loving this hat for summer beach days. Not sure I would wear it tho. HA. I Want so badly to love wearing hats.

15. Instantly added this dress to cart. It is so pretty and so me.

16. I normally am team function over anything with a cooler - but I really want a pretty cooler to use on a really normal basis this summer by the pool while entertaining and this one is so pretty.

17. You probably see these cutting boards in my meal prep videos weekly - they are gorgeous, glass, and would be pretty sitting out.

18. I grabbed this light from Amazon for my office and I love it. It is really simple, and looks really high end.

19. This steam closet was a major splurge for us in the closet and I am so excited to try it. We haven’t plugged it in yet, but if this bad boy steams my dresses with no effort I will be the happiest version of myself ha.

That is all from me this week. I am taking a TRUE full day off today and truly need it. Normally I still edit a video and record a bit, and I am going to try to do none of that.

xoxo Arin

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