We don’t have anything big on the plans but Ryan said he was hoping to do a mini birthday celebration for me with the boys at some point this weekend since my birthday falls on a Tuesday next week and cramming birthday fun in after a long work day and before the boys’ bedtime can sometimes feel a little hectic. Since I think this means cake is in the near future for me, I’m all for that plan!
I’m looking forward to unplugging a bit and hope to see ya back here on Monday but, until then, see below for my weekly roundup of favorites, Things I’m Loving Friday style!
Things I’m Loving Friday
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East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter
I flew through East Coast Girls in two nights for two reasons. 1.) Rhett’s sleep has been awful and Monday night was go-time for sleep training again so I was up in the night A LOT. 2.) The book was so well written and drew me in immediately. You should read it because of reason #2. Ha! The characters in this book are so well developed and I love the way the author expertly explores relationships and friendship between four very different women.
The book centers around four women, Hannah, Maya, Blue and Renee. The foursome grew up together, considering each other more like family than friends until one terrible summer night in Montauk shifted everything and altered their relationships forever. Twelve years later, the women are 30 and return to Montauk — some with excitement, some with trepidation and most with more than a little reluctance. As they come together, the past seems to surface again in new ways, revealing secrets and past traumas that may impact their friendship and lives forever.
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Flippy Pillow Stand for iPad, Books, etc.
Who knew our Flippy would be so handy!? This soft-yet-firm pillow stand is perfect for holding up our iPad, my Kindle, a book or a magazine and I use it all the time to prop up my iPad for garage workouts or to follow online recipes. (I initially got it for Chase when he had Zoom calls with his preschool class at the beginning of quarantine.) It rotates so you can display your iPad at three different angles and is comfy enough to sit on your lap if you’re looking to chill and stream a show, FaceTime a friend or read a book. It’s incredibly lightweight and has 8,000+ positive Amazon reviews and I figured it was worth a shout out after one of you asked me about it when it was featured in a pic in Monday’s workout roundup post!
I ordered this dry-erase activity book for Chase for our drive to Florida and it was such a hit and definitely worth checking out if you have some big kids you’re looking to entertain during long road trips this summer. The activities on the pages are creative and range from mazes and “spot the letter” games where kids circle the letters they see as you drive to matching games, drawing activities and more. It’s also small enough to throw into your bag if you want to have it on hand to entertain kiddos at doctor’s appointments, a sibling’s sports games, etc.
Oh, and if you happen to have a grabby toddler who uses the marker to color on their arms in the backseat of the car when you aren’t looking, I can say with full confidence that it easily washes away in the bathtub with soap and water.
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Swimsuit Shopping
Okay so this one isn’t exactly something I’m loving… Well, kind of, I mean there are so many cute swimsuits out there but I’m admittedly overwhelmed at the moment. When we were in Florida three weeks ago, I wasn’t loving the way any of the swimsuits I packed fit. I feel like my sizes have been all over the place (particularly up top thanks to pregnancy and nursing) and I just want a bathing suit to appear that will magically work for me. (I ordered this high-waisted one off Amazon and liked the bottoms but not the top so it went back.) So, basically, I need your help! Everything out there seems SO cheeky right now and I’m not into that look. I also prefer my swimsuit tops to have some padding so they aren’t too thin.
My recent orders that I’m currently awaiting in the mail: This top + these high-waisted bottoms from Old Navy / Marysia Boy Shorts Bottoms (I think these would pair with a few tops I already own) / Scalloped High Waisted Bikini (great price point but a bit of a gamble, so we’ll see) — My fingers are crossed but I’m always so picky with swimsuits so hopefully you guys will have some ideas for where to look for good ones this summer! Any links to suits you love and own are more than welcome!
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Friday Flashbacks
Everything Bagel Seared Tuna (Don’t be intimidated by seared tuna! This recipe makes it incredibly easy and the end result is restaurant-quality!)
10 At Home + Travel Friendly Workouts (A roundup of workouts you can do anywhere!)
Question of the Day
What is one thing you’re loving this week?
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https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-sweet-meadows-ditsy-high-waist-bikini-bottom-kona-sol-8482-multi-xl/-/A-80415538
I bought this and the matching top after I saw it on @k8smallthings! I’ve never gone for the high waisted look but I kind of love it! I’m not into the cheeky look AT ALL.
that is so cute! and i love her IG + blog!
Arie (American eagle brand) has super cute swim suits! Momma of two and I love the way they fit! Plus price isn’t too bad if you wait for a sale
I got a suit from Coral Reef Swim last year and love it! You can mix and match styles and sizes, and I was very happy with the fit. I got mine during theirMemorial day (?) sale last year if you can wait a little bit
love mix & match options — thank you for the recommendation!!
I love lands end swimsuits. I am similarly sized to you, and have a halter bikini top from them that stays in place (hugely important while swimming with kids) and has cup padding. The bottoms are good coverage and also stay in place. I’ve bought from target, old navy, Macy’s, Albion fit, and other places but I will probably be a lands end girl from now on. I also bought a few complementary sun shirts to wear on top which makes sun screening way easier. (I can skip most of my stomach/back-again, huge when I go to the pool alone with the kids.) I’m on my 2nd year of the lands end suit and swim shirts and everything still looks brand new.
last summer i swore by a sun shirt b/c we were outside & swimming so much for the very same reason you stated. and i’ll check land’s end!!
Second for Land’s End! They have so many different styles that are all mix and match. Their fabrics really hold up to repeated use in the pools where chlorine is an issue. Plus as Sarah said, there are several coordinating sun shirts, as well as coverups and board shorts and skirts. I also agree with Sarah on the bottoms having good coverage. I used to buy my suits at Target, which was great in my 20’s but now that I’m a few months from 40 I don’t feel the need for tiny bottoms any more. Land’s End is also an excellent resource if you are tall and want a one-piece suit. I’m tall and their one-piece long torso suits are a great fit. I’ve also found their bottoms really stay in place and don’t require a lot of adjustment.
For swimsuits, check out Nani Swimwear! It’s a small women owned business and they’re swimsuits are so cute!
i will!! thank you!!
I’m also a mom of 3 boys and also swimsuit shopping! I really love the look of Left of Friday swim but they’re $$$. I have some j crew suits in my cart but haven’t committed yet. Following along for the comments here!
Prana swim suits!! I FINALLY found a suit that is flattering AND practical. I feel you on the overwhelming search!! Happy weekend!! 🙂
Love the idea of a dry erase activity book for car rides and appointments! Thanks!
I am also a nursing mama with one boob that produces much more than the other so they are slightly (mmm very) uneven ha. I found a different style top worked better for me (more like a sports bra style. This company makes beautiful pieces and I still love the one I purchased a year later. A small, women run company which is also a plus 🙂
https://leftonfriday.com/
I purchased the ones linked below. Bottom not too cheeky and top has good coverage too 🙂 A bit expensive if you only want while nursing but if you want for longer use, a good investment piece
These bottoms – https://leftonfriday.com/collections/homepage/products/hi-tide-bottom
This top – https://leftonfriday.com/collections/homepage/products/top-shelf
I bought this swimsuit from Amazon last year and it’s my favorite…and only $30!!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PB4GP5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Check out Summersalt! Really good quality, a little more expensive but tons of mix and match options.
I bought this suit after having my son in 2 prints and it’s been awesome! The wrap top has been very forgiving with my chest size changing. I have a longer torso so I ordered the long size and it was perfect. I hadn’t worn a one piece since middle school swim team, and this made me feel a little sexy and more comfortable in my postpartum body.
https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/one-piece-swimsuits/wrap-one-piece-swimsuits/aerie-leopard-wrap-one-piece-swimsuit/0751_2369_231?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_Brand_Womens_Swim&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj_CU9VNlJ64j4vEhlbwrCJ5fYY5yFO4ii8iLhm6B7s5AULDyW1s2j4aAvNCEALw_wcB
Jolyn. A ton of different cuts and styles, in solids and prints to mix and match. And they stay put. I swim laps in them. They’re more of an athletic swimsuit brand.
Athleta is the best for swimsuits!
I just got a suit from Albion Fit and the bottoms are full coverage and the quality is great. I love that they offer mom-friendly, modest suits, but they still look modern and stylish. I also saw some cute suits from Calia by Carrie Underwood. I feel like it’s so hard to find cute suits that have full rear coverage! Oh and happiest early birthday to you! Enjoy your weekend celebration with your sweet family. ☺️
Ooo! Loving these comments on swimwear! I had a baby in 2020 also and want a swimwear refresh. I ordered one and am waiting for it to arrive…but I’m concerned it will be too cheeky! yikes!
Also – would love to hear an update on your search for the best travel coffee container?! I cannot find a good one either!
And thanks so much for the teething tube rec last week. Bought them for my 1 year old and he LOVES them…all other teethers I’ve tried, he’s been pretty uninterested…
Have a great weekend!
Just bought the book – I live on Long Island – and love any book that has to do with Montauk!
I second Athlete!!! I wait for a sale, because they are a bit pricey, but super good quality and last forever!!!
And by athlete, I mean Athleta. 😆
Hey Julie! I feel you on the swimsuits. I have a long torso and have been looking for a stylish one piece for chasing my little ones around on the beach this summer. I just ordered this (haven’t got it yet) but am very hopeful as it says there’s full butt coverage and comes in long!! Fingers crossed.
https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/one-piece-swimsuits/wrap-one-piece-swimsuits/aerie-wrap-one-piece-swimsuit/0751_1200_331?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_NonBrand_Womens_Swim_OnePieces&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Iiexq-P8AIVAZyzCh0NSwQDEAQYASABEgIM9fD_BwE
A splurge but my favorite bathing suit purchase since becoming a mom… Athleta scoop bikini top A-C and medium bottom. Check it out! So comfy, stays in place, just the right amount of coverage and light lining in the top. I feel like I can chase the kids without anything flying out haha!
Have you looked at Senita swimsuits? They are a great option if you’re looking for something that’s cute but provides more coverage and support. I got a few mix and match styles from there last summer and really like them!
https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/bikini-tops/scoop-bikinis/aerie-ribbed-longline-scoop-bikini-top/0753_2860_073?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_Brand_Womens_Swim&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj-QmeZqtkbiCqpmo-WpCCt-B-4wH-3rFUaen284VcR6ajJDP5QBRCwaAkOeEALw_wcB
Just got this and it’s so comfy and supportive. I have a big chest so I am always on the hunt for something comfortable and support to chase my 2 kids in. I love that the straps are adjustable. I hate having to tie halters on some other suits so tight to lift the girls that it digs into your neck!
I feel you on the “cheeky” swim wear! Not my style either- makes me feel very old though!
Hi Julie – I have had good success with Carrie Underwood’s brand Calia. The bottoms have great full coverage but still look so stylish and feel SO GOOD. Like everything tucked in where it should be haha
https://www.caliastudio.com/f/calia-by-carrie-underwood-swimwear
Hope that helps!
I have a very similar one piece swimsuit with the ruffles but I found it wayyyy cheaper.
It is way cuter in person!!! https://www.amazon.com/CUPSHE-Womens-Green-Ruffled-Swimsuit/dp/B08NDQGDYW/ref=cs_sr_dp_5?dchild=1&keywords=cupshe&qid=1619311424&sr=8-5
A bit sportier (great for paddle boarding, beach volleyball, etc.) but I’ve been wearing these speedo swim shorts for a few years.
They’re great for a big booty and smaller waist, short enough (2 inch inseam) but give my wide thighs enough coverage. Plus they’re black so they go with a lot! They still dry super quick!
https://www.speedousa.com/swim-short-style-7723958
Victoria’s Secret swim is backkkkk! Including my beloved twist front bandeau under a different name. My stash is all pre-kids so I need a new one even if it may not fit my current lifestyle https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/swimwear/swimwear-catalog/victoria-s-secret-mallorca-twist-front-bandeau-top-https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/swimwear/swimwear-catalog/victoria-s-secret-mallorca-twist-front-bandeau-top-1118897600
I also am liking high neck tops to keep everything in place from squirmy kids like this target one. Bonus no tie strings for anyone to pull. https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-high-neck-twist-front-bikini-top-kona-sol-8482-black-stripe-l/-/A-76592761
My linking skills are lacking this morning but it’s the Victoria’s Secret Mallorca Twist-front Bandeau Top
If you like the retro look, this set is so cute! The bottom has full coverage and the material tucks in my “mummy tummy” without pinching. It’s inexpensive enough that you could buy two sets if you need a different size top and bottom. It also stays in place when playing with the kids.
https://www.amazon.com/COCOSHIP-Waisted-Buttons-Vintage-Swimwear/dp/B082VZVSKP/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=cocoship&qid=1619780343&sr=8-9&th=1
I have lavender diffusing on my desk right now! Must try the lavender roll on, next. Thanks for sharing! 🙂