My Monthly Edit

READING
May is mental health awareness month and, as someone who has battled depression, I think there is always more we can do to keep the conversation going in this area.  Over the course of the last year, my daughter began to struggle with anxiety and it has really opened my eyes to the pressures her generation is facing that I never had to deal with. (side note: if you’re in the same boat & can’t afford weekly therapy sessions, this workbook has helped her so much!)  This message was so poignant & a wonderfully-timed reminder: “You deserve to feel just as beautiful on the days you wear no makeup, and the days you don’t shower, and the days you feel like you’re depressed.  And you have an obligation to take care of yourself from the inside out, because that’s how you can truly feel beautiful.”

WEARING
One of my favorite accessory trends for the season is resin jewelry.  Not only does it have a cool modern look, but all of the pieces are incredibly lightweight, which makes them ideal for the warm weather months.  I’ve come across several styles recently – some with a marbled look, some that are reminiscent of mother-of-pearl and some in pretty pastels too!  I just bought these statement earrings, but I also love these hoops, these pink drops & these flower earrings.

MAKING
I’m always looking for ways to create healthier versions of the foods my family loves, especially when it doesn’t require turning on the oven (no one wants to be baking in the summer).  These vegan key lime tarts are a delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth without the added sugar or dairy.  The combination of the citrus flavor & the cool creamy filling is so refreshing on a hot afternoon!  These would be great to take to a summer barbecue, but they’re also easy to whip up and just keep in your fridge to pull out when a craving strikes (they freeze well too!).

LOVING
Net bags are one of the hottest styles for the season and after crushing on this designer version for months, I was happy to find a more reasonably priced duplicate here (though it’s still a bit out of my price range).  This post basically convinced me that I needed one of these bags for beach trips, farmer’s market hauls & everything in between.  Check out even more affordable options here, here & here.

CRAVING
Our weather jumped into the 80’s this week, which had me quickly scanning my closet for sleeveless shirts & tanks.  I love having a few with special details like this striped top – I’d pair it with white scalloped shorts & raffia sandals for a polished meets casual look.  Other tops I’m loving that would be great on a hot day include this embroidered tank, this eyelet shell, this chambray blouse, this printed camisole & this tie-waist tank.

USING
I just pulled out our sunscreen from last year and realized that it had expired, so I went online to order more and found out that it was discontinued.  I took some time hunting for new options and eventually ordered a couple to try.  I can’t say enough good things about this formula – the subtle bronze sheen it gives to skin blurs imperfections & dark spots and the scent makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation!  I love this brand because it’s mineral-based, vegan and free of phthalates, sulfates & aluminum.  I also ordered this spray-on for my husband & kids (because they hate the lotion formulas).  Right now, Target is offering a free $5 gift card when you spend $20 on beauty items, so it’s a great time to stock up!