Thanks to Babiators for gifting us some sweet sunnies & The Brushies to share with our friends & followers.
I mean is there anything cuter than a baby in sunglasses? I’ll wait……
What’s better than just sunglasses on a baby? Quality, stylish and safe sunglasses! Enter: Babiators. From newborn to age 10+, Babiators makes some seriously adorable sunglasses that help to protect children from UV exposure. Children’s eyes are much more vulnerable to the sun and if you start them wearing sunglasses at a young age, you can help prevent damage.
Babiators tells us that : “If babies and kids spent just 30 minutes a day wearing Babiators and Aces, their eyes would gain 3,000+ hours of UV free time!”
SPANX ~ You guys know I love the Spanx leggings and I talked about this sale a few days ago on stories. The basic black pair – pictured here – aren’t included in the sale but there are plenty of other colors available at 50% off! Do not miss this one. Add a couple pairs of underwear to your cart while you’re at it.
Catherine shared her baby moon at our favorite Four Seasons property with you guys already, but here’s a photo diary from our trip last year! Day dreaming of this hotel on the daily and can’t wait for us to go back together.
John and I are coming up on our five year anniversary, which took me down memory lane to our anniversary last year.
Catherine and I had planned to go to Miami Swim Week and then stay a night at Four Seasons at The Surf Club, just north in Surfside, BUT! she found out she was pregnant the week before the trip. { *It was SO hard to keep this secret when everyone was asking why she wasn’t going with me anymore!* } So, I asked John if he wanted to go with me instead. Surprisingly, it took a little bit of convincing, but once I suggested celebrating our anniversary a few weeks early, and reminded him *AHEM* Four Seasons, he was on board! After our few days down in South Beach (See our Miami photo diary here), we caught an uber with a seriously charasmatic ex-tennis coach and checked into Four Seasons at The Surf Club.
Black dresses on here, to me, the queen of only wearing black, are not ground breaking.
BUT! With each new season, and each new collection that comes out, I have to keep you guys updated on my current faves. This strapless number I found on ASOS a few weeks ago sold out SO FAST, but I have found plenty of great options out there on Shopbop, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, J.ING & H&M. From slinky LBDs to flowy maxis and midis in between, I have found 20 great options for you guys. (more…)
When we were preparing for our first post lock down shoot with Halle, I ordered a few new pieces of clothing, with new outfits in mind. HOWEVER, I also knew that I wanted to capture this Anine Bing tee that has been on repeat over the past few months. When I saw these joggers, I knew they would create the perfect look. And by the perfect look I mean, a mix between #quarantine lounge wear and street style. Something I am actually wearing regularly. Usually, when I have these grand ideas for outfits, especially for photo shoots with Catherine, I order the pieces and the outfit doesn’t turn out exactly how I envisioned it. THIS TIME THOUGH: it actually worked. The addition of the boots dresses up the look, but if you are working at home, slippers would totally work too.
I was so happy with the way this look turned out and even though it was a little hot for sweatpants outside when we shot these photos, the days are getting cooler, plus most of us are working inside (at home or safely back to work). If you follow along with me on IG, you know that I have been a huge fan of Anine Bing teesfor a while now. Ever since Catherine put me onto them last summer, they are a staple in my closet. At $99, you are paying a little more for a graphic tee, but I have to say they are 100% worth it. They are SO SOFT and you get designer quality without having to spend $400. I find myself reaching for one or the other of the ones I own oh so frequently.
What a crazy roller coaster the past 3 months have been! For us, and for the entire world. Baby Phoenix was born on March 3rd, right before we all went into quarantine, helping us mark the time we have been staying at home. I can’t exactly speak for Cath when I describe how becoming a new mother during a pandemic has been – I’ll let her do that when she’s ready – but I can give you an update on how we are / have been during this time.
Catherine has obviously been on maternity leave, and for the first two months I was working my day job at home! I think it’s safe to say that we both went a little stir crazy at times, like everyone else. Catherine, adjusting to life with a newborn at home and me trying to work at home while my husband had zoom calls with his students.
Throughout past three months, though, we have learned some valuable lessons, spent some quality time together with each other and our families and are adjusting to a slower paced lifestyle.
As we continue to learn, listen and discuss the #BlackLivesMatter events going on in the world right now, we have been actively diversifying our instagram feeds and seeking out black businesses to support. Yes, we know this is a very simple start and just scratching the surface, but believe us when we say that we are also silently doing a lot of work within ourselves and our families as we continue to listen and learn. We acknowledge our white privilege and recognize that we have a lot of work to do.
This list is compiled of both personal favorites and discoveries from fellow content creators looking to support and spread awareness about skincare, fashion, and lifestyle companies owned by people of color. Please feel free to comment any that you love that we may have missed. We know this is nowhere near as comprehensive as it should be, but we’ve got to start somewhere!
Fashion & Accessories
Sun & Selene – This Richmond based business is beautiful handcrafted jewelry by the brilliant and talented Britt. Her pieces for the “adornment of the modern goddess” are made of recycled metals and natural gemstones, and her Spring collection is inspired by Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, sea and sky. Britt’s entrepreneurial spirit gave birth to the Brunch Market, which we look forward to welcoming back once it is safe again. I just purchased the GAIA studs to wear in my second holes everyday!
Little Nomad – This children’s shop, owned by Anthony Bryant AKA DJ Ant Boogie is located in downtown Richmond and has all of the best things for your little ones. From books educating children (A is in Activism, Love Makes a Family) to the cutest, ethically sourced clothes for babies and toddlers, they’ve got what you’re looking for. Additionally, the shop is more than just a store. It is a community center where all are welcome and all are made to feel safe. We featured Little Nomad on our Google Local Guides Video a few years back.
At the beginning of quarantine, Jamie Beck of Ann Street Studio started a series called Isolation Creation. Each day, for 60 days she took one photo, sharing on her instagram feed and has since decided to start selling prints of her creations. I discovered this brilliance a few weeks into the series and fell in love with her images. I have always been a huge fan of her photography and how she captures the true essence through her photos, but this series especially spoke to me. My favorite being the final piece, on Day 60. It reminds me of a Monet which brings me such joy.
Now, I am nowhere close to as talented as she, but it certainly inspired to do my fair share of isolation creating!
Every so often, we like to update you guys with the things we are currently loving, coveting and using! Summer is just around the corner and these five things are on our minds.
Gold Rings: There’s no better time than the present to treat yourself to something special and we have got our eyes on AU-Rate’s collection of gold rings! Whether you are looking for something classic and simple dainty or something with a little more bling, AU-Rate has you covered. Nothing says I love you, to you, like a piece of jewelry, in our opinion. We could all use a little extra self-love right now and this is a great way to treat yourself.
