I recently heard a podcaster talking about “the sweet spot”. The time in our lives when our parents are still alive and in good health and our kids are still living with us. It really hit close to home. These truly are the best years of our lives. Not that we won’t have great years to come but having my kids living with me and my parents still alive is the biggest blessing. I think at this stage in our lives we often feel weighted down and burdened by the responsibilities of raising children and building our careers. It can feel like so much sometimes but I know without a fact I will look back upon these as the best years of my life.

With the death of this friend’s mom and a few of my parents friends who have recently passed away death has been heavy on mind. I am a devout Christian and believe in heaven whole heartedly and life after death. I know this life on Earth is temporary and there is an afterlife. But not having that person in your day to day life feels so hard. My heart just aches for my friend’s unexpected loss.

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What makes this chicken salad so perfect is finely dicing everything. I learned that tip from my grandmother she always finely diced everything and it makes a huge difference. Adding in fresh herbs helps keep it bright and the base is super simple. I have 2 seasonings I swear by that I always use for this chicken salad listed in the recipe. They just give it the best flavor. This Chicken Salad is such a crowd pleaser everyone always loves it.

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A few snaps at the Conference over the years (thank goodness phone photo qualities have improved!)

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I just looked back and realized it has been almost a month since my last Latest post. Lots to catch up on. Kids are back in school and I am thrilled to be back on a scheduled. Truth be told I have been thinking alot about starting a new business. I get easily scared and overwhelmed but I am trying hard to push myself to get out of my comfort zone. I was sent the maxi dress above from a line I was not familiar with called Dress To. They are made in Rio de Janeiro and I love the patterns and styles.

This Hunter Bell dress had been sitting in my closet for over a month. I kept wanting to save her for a special occasion. But last Saturday I decided a girl’s night out was the occasion to bust her out. I am wearing a size 4.

This AYR dress has been a Summer favorite. It is breathable cotton, so comfortable and effortlessly chic. It also comes in white and I think I may need it too.

I love a white blouse. The embroidery on this one is such a fun detail. I did a medium for an oversized fit.

These Spanx sports bras remain my favorite.

If you need a LBD this one is such a good fit and good price point under $200! I am in size small.

This may be my most favorite Theodosia necklaces to date and it was sold out but recently restocked. My code is SNOOP15.

I have been loving this athletic dress which is currently on sale.

I have been a huge fan of Jane Win for years and this Tiger pendant is a new layering favorite.

a few recent purchases I am loving:

Shark Beauty sent me this Facial Glo and Depuff system and I tried it last night and WOW. It is deemed a 9 minute facial. I personally don’t love a facial because laying for 2 hours makes me uncomfortable so I am so happy to have this at home device.

These Westman Atelier Bronzing drops are soooo good. Easy to apply and the perfect sun kissed look. You can bronze your entire face or just highlight points.

I have been taking these Promix Liposomal Vitamin C shots. These are so great for immunity and skin health. These actually taste good and absorb faster.

I originally bought this hoodie for the kids but I have been stealing it so often. I is the perfect oversized hoodie.

I just ordered this personalized journal for me and Sterling and I love it. Perfect for journaling, to-do lists, gratitude and the pages are refillable.

I have been in a real reading rut lately. Nothing has moved me to read but so many of y’all recommended Dolly All the Time and I just started it. The second most recommended was The Calamity Club.

These Parmesan Crisps are my new obsession. I want them everyday for a nibble.

xoxo Natalie

I stopped in the Charleston store yesterday with my mom and tried on a lot of the new arrivals. I loved them all. I figured I would show them all on here because I think sometimes it helps to see someone try them on in person. I will say I love her pants because they are long enough for me (I am 5’9) if you’re on the shorter side these pants won’t work for you unless you want them altered. I am wearing a size small in all the looks below. I am typically a small but a few of these pieces ran on the small side.

Halter Top | Pants- I will say these pants ran small I could barely zip the small. Loved the halter top will be fabulous with jeans too.

Blouse + Skirt| These mini skirts are my favorite I own several colors. I especially loved this green color for Fall. I also own a few of her buttons ups and they are great with jeans and shorts too. I love that her pieces are interchangeable.

Long Tank + Crop Pants| These pants also ran very small FYI size up. I loved the blouse so much. Stunning color and gorgeous side details.

Embroidered Dress| The embroidery on this dress was so pretty. I loved the mix of pink and burgundy.

Linen Pants | I already own this style pant in brown and LOVE them. Such a classy pant that is high rise.

Shift Dress | This dress is one of those dresses you could wear to so many different occasions. Church, a bridal or baby shower, jazzed up for date night. It comes in 3 beautiful colors too.

I kept seeing so many versions these Bone Broth Beef Bowls. Some were super simple literally just a good bone broth poured over the rice and meat, some more complex. I devised a kind of in between version. Still super simple and easy but packed full of flavor. I have to say these were 10/10 and will be on repeat. Adding the chili crisp on top was the perfect finishing touch.

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Black Shift Dress | I love this easy silhouette. The shell details at the bottom really make the dress! I am in a size small. I might could have done an XS as this is loose fitting but I was afraid the length would be too short.

Wrap Maxi | This dress was giving me major Pretty Woman vibes. The beauty of this dress is you can adjust how you want to wear it. The back is stunning too. I am in the XS/S this dress can easily fit a wide variety of sizes. I am on the fence about keeping this only because the fabric seems a little voluminous on me.

Maxi Dress | This dress has the same cotton polka dot bottom material as the dress above. This dress is fitted but also has a lot of stretch. I did an XS but wish I did a smalll. Definitely do your normal size I had ordered down because alot of times Tuckernuck runs large but I wish I did my normal size small. This is going back because too small but love the idea of it.

Ric Rac Maxi Dress | This dress got me with the gorgeous neckline and bottom details. I love the classic black but it comes in a few other colors. Wearing size small.

White Blouse + Stripe Skirt| This white blouse is an old closet basic. A splurge but worth it 100%. The stripe skirt is so fun and also looks great paired with a denim blouse. Wearing size XS/S in blouse and small in skirt. I am still a little on the fence about this skirt though but I think I like her.

Pink Set | When I tried this on Sterling immediately said wow that looks like Chanel! The color is so gorgeous as are the embroidery details. I am in a size small. I already wore this and got so many compliments!

Patterned Dress| Marie Oliver does the best patterns always. I love this dress. I am in a size small. Wore this to church Sunday so she is definitely a keeper.

Black Mini Dress| The fit on this LBD is so good!! A great price point too. I am in a size small. Highly recommend this one!

High Rise Linen Pants| These are such a good Zara find. I love this mustard yellow color to wear into fall. I did an XS they run on the large side. Wore these yesterday!

xoxo

In full disclosure I have been on an anti-depressant for about 2/3 years now. It truly does help me. I feel like I would feel much worse without it. But I knew the things I was starting to feel were more effects from my current life situation. Something that I needed to do the mental work on and make some life changes.

I am a people pleaser to my core. I hate confrontation and will go as far to apologize for something I didn’t do or think was wrong just to end the conversation/argument. Being a people pleaser and being a single parent does not mesh well together. I grew up in a traditional family where my Dad was very much the disciplinarian. When we were in trouble as kids Dad was punishing us. My mom of course backed him up but she was the softer one we would go to after. When I got married and we had Sterling I just assumed the same situation would be in place.

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I get sent so many new products to try out before I share online. It is such a fun perk. But it allows me to do the dirty work for y’all and decipher what is worth buying and what is not. These are 10 recent items I have been gifted I would buy again in a heartbeat. A few on here I have repurchased again already

Sakara Daily Elixir| I have been loving this ;squid multivitamin. I take a shot every morning. I love the fresh minty greens taste. It boosts skin radiance, helps with brain health, improves body function and helps form healthy blood cells. Also the bottle is gorgeous, I love looking at it sitting on my counter.

Ballerina Farms Hydrate| I am so picky about electrolyte drinks. I despise an artificial taste. This is hands down one of the best ones I have tried.

Forme Posture Bra| I was skeptical about this sports bra because it is on the expensive side. But I swear as soon as I put it on I would feel my spine straighten and my shoulders stand tall. I will absolutely be buying another colors. I did a size medium.

Biom Back to School Kit| These sanitizing wipes are our favorite. I love the dispenser and this set if perfect for back school.

RMS Sheer Glow Highlighter + Brush | I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for this with Rose Marie the founder. So I got a one on one lesson how to apply this highlighter and it could not be easier to use. It gives your skin such a gorgeous glow. The bronze color is also beautiful as an eyeshadow.

Barefaced Toning Pads | I have already repurchased these several times now. One sells every 3 minutes for a good reason. It helps remove dead skin and makes my skin brighter and smoother.

Kroma Matcha| This matcha is so delicious. I got my mom hooked on it as well! I also love their Reset program as well.

Goop Black Pepper + Ginger Body Wash| This body wash smells so good. 10/10.

Laundry Sauce Detergent| A splurge but your laundry will smell heavenly. I love the Egyptian Rose scent personally.

Kits Eyewear | This inexpensive eyewear line is amazing. I have 3 pairs now of prescription pairs but you can also choose blue light.

So last week the kids and I had dinner at Stella’s and we ordered the Maroulosalata and it reminded me that it is literally quite possibly my favorite salad ever. I promptly made it at home the next day. This salad is 6 ingredients but truly incredible! We devoured it.

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I wanted to share a few recent looks from the last few weeks. A really good mix of high and low items. I really truly love getting dressed for the day. It always improves my mood. When I look good I feel good!

Shop My Look| You won’t believe the price of this halter. I am wearing size small.

Shop My Look| I finally found my black tank in stock and on major sale! Wearing a small in the top and 4 in pants.

Shop My Look| These pants are on major sale. Wearing a small in the pants and top. You can use code SNOOP15 for the Theodosia necklace and SN for the Grace and Style necklace.

Shop My Look| These bow blouses have been on major repeat. Wearing a size small.

Shop My Look| This crop top is the perfect little basic top to toss on with basically anything! I am in a size small. Size 27 in shorts and my initial necklace is currently 20% off.

Shop My Look| I got so many compliments on this top when I wore it! It is the cutest pattern and I love the tie strap details. Both beaded necklaces are 25% off now.

xoxo, Natalie

This Summer my kids have been fighting non-stop. I am talking slamming doors, throwing things, screaming and yelling. Frances Moon’s scream could shatter a glass she would be great in a horror movie (haha). When you work from home it is hard to concentrate. Everyone is hot, bored and moody.

Sterling is a junior this year which brooches the topic of colleges and what he wants to do for a living. Everyone has an opinion about this. In this day and age I do not think college is for everyone. I will say it was some of the best years of my life, I loved my collage experience but things have changed a lot since then. A college degree isn’t necessary to be successful. I am not sure what path Sterling will take but we are evaluating all options and paths. Helping your child navigate and plan for their future is scary and overwhelming. You want them to leave you and be the best version of themselves but I am also terrified and so sad about the thought of him moving out in 2 short years.

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Happy Monday! I cut about 5/6 inches off my hair last week and it feels so light and fresh. I will be honest I love having long hair and this feels short to me but I know it will grow out. I need to give a shoutout to these Apiece Apart pants. They are a style I truly thought I would never like but I am obsessed. I own the ivory and blue and plan to add the black to my collection this Fall. Also how cute is my shell purse? She is just so precious!

The Emerson Frye tie neck blouse I am wearing has quickly become a closet favorite. It just goes with everything. I own the black and olive but may have to snag the white too.

I don’t really talk about pajamas a lot because well they are kind of boring. However I recently cleaned out my pajamas and have determined Lunya pajamas are elite. Lunya and Negative are the only 2 brands I saved during my clean out. My mom gave me my first pair of Lunya silk pajamas probably 5/6 years ago and I have slowly collected them ever since. My top 3 favorite styles are:

Tulip Back Set

The Tee Shirt Set

The Sleep Dress

I mentioned this week that I don’t think the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is great and I stand but that fact. However I saw my favorite bras were included in the sale and I ordered a few. I actually didn’t even know Nordstrom carried the CUUP line. I may be in the minority but I hate a padded bra so that is why I love these. They are comfortable too and don’t even feel like you are wearing a bra. I think they are really pretty too. I love the plunge style pictured below and the Balconette.

I had a crazy productive Sunday and knocked so many things off my to-do list, one being sharpening my knives. They all had become so dull and weren't well at all. It is so important to sharpen your knives and care for them. It took me less than 10 minutes to sharpen all mine and now they are slicing like new! I like this style!

Sterling picked out the cutest monogram pillow for his room. I just love how it turned out. It comes in several color ways and also a square size.

While browsing online yesterday I rounded up some really awesome under $100 finds. I ordered this halter dress + fringe purse. The halter dress is giving major Johanna Ortiz vibes for under $50! Shop them all HERE.

If you want to spend a little more these are some great under $200 finds. Shop them all HERE.

Have a wonderful start to your week! xoxo

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Do you ever buy things, put them in your closet and then forget about them? That was me with these linen pants I bought a few weeks ago when my Mom was in town. I pulled them out this week and I am obsessed. They are also on sale now too! They also come in a gorgeous blue shade as well. This is a look I would have never worn 3 years ago but I have really been stepping into trying some new styles and looks. I find so much in experimenting with fashion.

Outfit Above| Shell Necklace (code SNOOP15) |Turquoise Necklace (code SN for 15% 0ff)| Tank Top | Linen Pants- a better look at my necklace.

These Apiece Apart Pants are another step out of my comfort zone but man do I love them! A reminder it is fun to reinvent your style and try new things! I am wearing a size 4 they run TTS.

Eric Javits was kind enough to gift me this crossbody purse and it is truly the perfect size and goes with every outfit. I love that you can carry it as a crossbody or with the handles. It is also on major sale 50% off.

If you need a chic hostess/birthday gift for a friend I love this Alice Lane bubble candle dish ( is also cute with soap sitting on it in the bathroom) and this Eddie Parker jeweled lighter case. I have 3 of the jeweled lighters now I love them so much.

I recently ordered this matching set it is such a great price point and the blues are so pretty together.

Top | Skirt- I did a size small in both

The top is also super cute paired with jean shorts. These Frame jean shorts are probably my most worn shorts.

Remember this necklace I have shared a few times and it sold out? Well it is back in stock and on major sale. Originally $140 now $44.

I just finished Emily Giffin’s new book Love You More and devoured it in 2 days. It was so good! I highly recommend it.

Veronica Beard is doing a huge sale on sale. All pieces are on major sale plus an additional 20% off. I own the jean dress and wear it all the time such a good basic. I am very tempted to order the shorts.

Can we have a moment for Target Home. I recently got the tiger bath mat and love it. Shop all my Target Home Finds HERE.

xoxo, Natalie

I am taking the viral IG reel trend and taking it to substack. I love this trend because it is so true some things and not necessarily materialistic things are worth the splurge. I have enjoyed seeing what everyone values.

1. Divorce- are you surprised to see this on my list? Outside of raising my kids and supporting them this has single handedly been one of the biggest expenses of my life. I was just telling my therapist this past week, it helped give me courage to get divorced, knowing that I had the financial means to leave and support myself. Many women stay married because of not having their own money and that fear. It’s funny I grew with the idea of getting married and having my spouse support me financially. Not that I wouldn’t work just that he would be the bread winner. Now I see how important it is to have your own income and not rely on anyone. I hope to instill these values in Frances and Sterling. Your happiness, sanity and mental health are things you need to preserve and worth the money.

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I have been wearing this Veronica Beard linen dress non-stop. It is quite literally the perfect Summer Dress. I paired it with my Jane Win + Jennifer Behr turquoise necklaces.

These white denim shorts are under $100 and such a good and flattering fit.

Guys these shell earrings are $11.99!! They look like $200+ plus pairs I have been eyeing.

These 2 Zara purses I immediately texted my Mom. We love Zara especially for purses and accessories. Green Purse is in stock looks like my beaded one sold out but this beaded one is equally chic and 50% off.

These Baublebar Totes are literally the best. I gifted my mom and my sister one for Christmas and just ordered the kids their own. You can customize them and they come in several color options

This workout dress came in the mail recently and I am obsessed. I love a workout dress on the weekend. This is on sale right now too.

A few beauty| health finds in my chats:

This exfoliating soap bar is kind of amazing. It is a no drip formula and it exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time. I have the Detox Greens scent and it is so fresh.

Skinny Confidential Beauty Salts- I have been mixing this in with coconut water in the morning (I froth it) and it is such a great way to hydrate. It has electrolytes, colostrum and pearl powder.

This Versed Lip Serum is amazing and only $11. I have shades Flamingo and Pop.

Cured Dream Gummies- I swear my sleep scores have never been better thanks to these sleep gummies. I love the strawberry flavor but they are launching blackberry this week and I can’t wait to try it. They don’t make me feel groggy like some other sleep aids.

Emi Jay Aura Hair Mist- we all fight over this one. It smells so amazing. Perfect to spritz on your hair on the days you don’t feel like washing it. The scent is so good.

Have a wonderful start to your week! xoxo

The brownies below were also a favorite. My grandmother never made brownies without icing them. They icing makes them feel so decadent. The cool thing is the brownies are just a box mix but you jazz them up with the most delicious homemade icing. I highly recommend using the Betty Crocker Supreme Triple Chunk brownie mix.

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Frances is doing a fun little sailing camp this week at our local Yacht Club and I have been knocking out a bunch of appointments with Sterling. My parents also got in town yesterday so it is nice to spend a little time with them!

I wore this stripe dress 3 times in a week. The colors are so gorgeous and it has the prettiest open back. I am in a size small runs TTS.

I loved this tie shoulder Emerson Fry blouse so much I grabbed it in olive and black. The straps are adjustable which is nice. Paired with my favorite JCrew skort.

Another blouse I have been loving is this Toccin Shoulder Blouse. It is such a good silhouette and shade of blue. Wearing a size small. Necklace is Twine and Twig + Shorts are Paige.

Scarf/Bandanas are so trendy at the moment. This halter top is a fun spin on that trend.

I have been living in my Stylest suits this summer. Swimsuits are so hard, especially in your 40s after 2 kids. I rarely feel great in a swimsuit. Then I found Stylest Swim. I like to compare it to Spanx. It is shape wear but swimwear. The 3 founders are all moms and just adorable. This is one of those suits you put on and instantly look 10 pounds thinner. I have been building up my collection now and probably own 5 suits.

One Shoulder Suit ( I do a size medium)

This is a new style and I really love the gold hardware detail.

This is the classic one piece I own in 3 colors. I also got so many compliments on this clear quartz necklace. It is under $100 and you can use code SN to save 15%!

These Paige high rise shorts continue to be one of my best sellers for a good reason. I wear these several times a week.

A few recent Amazon orders I can’t stop raving about:

Veggie Chips- I bought the Zucchini chips at HT and then promptly ordered the 6 variety pack off Amazon.

Face Masks- All 3 of us are obsessed with these inexpensive face masks. They make your skin so soft and hydrated and it just literally glows.

Beauty Salt- You guys know how much I love The Skinny Confidential podcast. I think it was the first podcast I listened to. Of course I had to try Lauren’s beauty salt. It is electrolytes, colostrum and pearl peptides. Froth with a little water and enjoy.

I am almost done reading Yesteryear and wow what a wild story. I know it is loosely based off the Ballerina Farm family. I haven’t been able to put it down! If you read it what did you think?!

I have been finding so many amazing Under $200 finds- shop them HERE.

More Under $200 Finds

Lastly and I saved the best for last we got a new dog- meet Gucci. She needed a home and we love her so much.

xoxo!

Two days ago I was scrolling IG (this is a habit I am really trying to break) and I came across a gorgeous couple who had recently gotten married. Their joy to start this next chapter of life together and the way they looked at each other was beautiful. I loved her dress and all the wedding details and felt a pang of jealousy in my stomach. I continued to scroll and then came across someone who had just had her first baby. I flashed back to delivering both of my children and found myself crying. I had been married had my two children and now what. I felt a sense of envy for these women just starting and getting to experience such beautiful chapters of life. I actually felt really sad that those chapters in my life were over. I was sitting in a chair in the den crying when my kids walked in the door from grabbing Starbucks. They both immediately hugged me and asked what was wrong. In that moment I realized how lucky am I.

While I was home last week chatting with my mom who never stops worrying about me, she was telling me she was worried about me and concerned. I immediately got teary eyed and said Mom I am exhausted, I haven’t had a break or a night alone in 2 years. I said I am jealous of divorced people who do every other weekend. Kids that are excited to stay with their Dad. Moms that get a few precious days to regroup, recenter and decompress. I told my Mom I just want a weekend. My mom looked at me and said I know you want that but that isn’t a reality for you. She said think about mothers whose spouses have died they don’t have that option either. This is your life and your children need you. She reminded me who fleeting their time at home living with me was. I thought about my house empty and sad without Sterling and Frances with me and it reframed my thoughts.

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