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March 19, 2020

Organizing Tips and Tricks

With the current quarantine status, a lot of us are taking this time to tackle some of those projects that have been put on the back burner. I’ve been getting a lot of questions on where to find organization tips I’ve shared here on the blog, so I am going to make life easier and put them all here for you in one easy to access spot!!

In addition to getting you all the posts here in one place, I wanted to share some of my most AFFORDABLE organizing products. If there is one thing I want you to know it is that you do not have to spend a lot or have the fanciest baskets and bins to organize your space. Take inventory around your home and you will be surprised at what you already have that will work perfect. But in case you need a few things, below you can shop my favorite organizers all under

. . . SHOP MY FAVORITE BUDGET BINS + BASKETS . . .

. . .

5 Tips To Simplify Your Pantry Organizing

6 Tips + Tricks to Cleaning and Organizing Your Closets

Master Bathroom Organization

A Look Inside Our Kids Lockers

5 Tips To Help Achieve a Minimalist Closet

A Look Inside Our Playroom Closet

Tips + Tricks For Kids Closet Organization

. . .

I hope these tips and tricks help you tackle all the organizing projects around the house you’ve been putting off! I promise you are gonna love the end result and it is all 100% worth it! Plus having your kids home right now is a great way to teach them some of your tips + tricks and get them involved in taking care of their own space!

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Family

March 17, 2020

Family Favorite Boredom Busters

houston’s top + shorts + similar sandals || harper’s jumpsuit + jacket + sandals ||
hayden’s jumpsuit + sandals

Welcome to Day 1 of Quarantine Life!! I hope you are doing your best to find the positive in the craziness around us right now, and focus on what matters most, LOVING YOUR PEOPLE! Speaking of them, with the quarantine change most of us are living in right now, it can be kind of an adjustment having your kids home with you all day long. Finding the balance between a strict schedule and a free for all, and keeping everyone happy while you do it!! I decided it would be fun to put together a round up of some of our family favorite screen free boredom busters! I hope they help bring your house some much needed joy!

:: BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR KIDS ::

**click directly on picture above to shop **

:: AIRFORT

Ok how fun does this look?! We ordered it over the weekend and cannot wait for it to get here!! If there is one thing I love it is open ended toys that really push my kids to use their imaginations, and can be played with in a variety of different ways! I am so excited to see what they come up with for this one!

:: DOTTERS

These have been a family favorite for years!! They give your kids the joy and creativity of painting a masterpiece, but leave you with little clean up. Love them and they are so affordable!

:: BRACELET KIT

This is another one we just ordered mostly for Hayden. I love that it comes in a kit to keeps things organized. It has colored beads as well as letters so they can write their name or maybe a motivational phrase like “Be Happy”. So fun!

:: MAGFORMERS AND MAGNET BLOCKS

These are another thing we have loved for years. The quality is amazing and they really just let your kids imagination go wild. Everyone from Harper to Hunter enjoy playing around with them, and they will last you for years and years so they are worth the investment. These blocks are another favorite!

:: SPOT IT

Our family LOVES this game!! It is so simple and easy to learn so the younger kids catch on, but has a variety of versions you can play so it can still be competitive for the bigger kids and even Joe and I. It really gets your brain and reflex skills working which I love!!

:: MAGNET LETTERS + NUMBERS

I am all about toys + games that double as teaching methods. I just got this for Houston and he is loving spelling out different words on a cookie sheet with the magnets. We bought these printables for him to follow along with too.

:: PUZZLES

Houston has a new obsession with puzzles so he has been all about those to keep him entertained. We love these big floor puzzles to switch things up, or all the varieties of the classic style.

:: PLAYDOH

You can never go wrong with kids and playdoh! Something fun to get the kids involved is to pick an object that everyone in the family has to make and see the fun varieties they come up with! You could even have a judge and prizes!

::PAINT BY STICKER

These are such a fun play on color by number for bigger kids. They have detailed drawings numbered out and then you place stickers on by color. Hayden is already loving it!

:: CRAFT PAPER + MARKERS

We love this tried and true classic. Something about having a giant roll of paper instead of your typical notebook or coloring book with markers makes it so much more fun. We love to roll this out outside or in the kitchen and just have a big coloring free for all. Some fun ideas I have seen is to draw out a city with roads and stores and then play with toy cars on them, or to trace your kids and let them decorate their faces and clothes.

:: SIDEWALK CHALK

If the weather is warm enough, take the drawing outside with sidewalk chalk! The same classic as paper and marker but they can switch it up and draw hopscotch or other fun games.

:: BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR TWEENS + TEENS

:: CARD GAMES

I am loving that my bigger kids are at the age that they are getting in to different card games that are fun for Joe and I too. We just ordered these two to add to our collection after great reviews from friends!

:: RUBIKS CUBE

Hudson loves doing these and is actually pretty amazing at it. I love that this set comes with some different shapes to give him even more of a challenge.

:: REFLEX BALL

Ok this looks like some kind of torture advice, but it is actually amazing for hand eye coordination. I promise your big kids will love it, especially if they are in to baseball or softball.

:: BRACELET KIT

I secretly want to do this kit myself too because I think these are so cute! You can totally customize them to your style and preference which is my favorite thing about them.

:: LETTERING BOOK

Another fun one for the bigger kids to have as they doodle is this lettering how to book!

:: STRING ART KIT

I don’t know about you guys but I think these string art designs are so awesome. I love that they are working on their coordination and fine motor skills and it something they can keep to display too.

:: KIDS COOKBOOK

I love getting in the kitchen with my kids to cook and bake!! Some of our favorite things to make are the Cake By Courtney cakes! We found this fun new recipe book for them to try out too!

:: BOP IT

Who doesn’t love this old classic game?! It brings out the crazy competitor in all of us!

:: RIPSTICK

This is a great way to get your kids outside and give them a challenge at the same time! So much fun!

:: SCRATCH ART BOOK

Another fun book kind of like the sticker by number above is this scratch art book. They start out looking like nothing and turn into some awesome designs.

:: CARD TRICK KIT

How fun does this look for your bigger kids?! Plus you could add magic show to your days schedule!

. . .

Here are a few more free online options we are loving or are excited to try!

:: Art For Kids Hub

This is an AWESOME YouTube channel that teaches kids how to draw so many different things. The end results are amazing but he really teaches them in such a cool way that it is simple for them to catch on and so much fun!

:: Rad + Happy

We LOVE our Rad + Happy Color Happy Subscription! It is only $5 and you can print the page as many times as you like. Each month comes with 3 pages, but she is adding a bunch of free extras to this months that starts today so sign up soon to snag that! I promise I love it just as much if not more than my kids! And you can gift it to people too via email! Such an awesome way to spread some sunshine without the physical contact.

. . .

I hope these ideas help spread some light and sunshine into your homes and bring lots of family fun!! We love you guys so much and are so glad you are part of this community!

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Lifestyle

March 16, 2020

How to Get Your Kids Involved with Laundry + Stay on Top of It

Is there anyone out there that actually gets excited about doing laundry? For most people it is one of those things we dread and try to put off, which only makes it worse!! Having a family of 7, laundry is an unavoidable pretty much daily task, and if I let it can get out of control. But as the kids get older, we are slowly figuring out a system that not only gets them involved, but helps me to stay on top of it too and not feel like I live in the laundry room! So today I’m sharing some of those little tips + tricks we use to help take away a little bit of your laundry day dread!

:: ONE STEP AT A TIME

When it comes to laundry, and most things, my mom really spoiled us growing up. We never did our own laundry, and some of us didn’t even know how until we got married and had to figure it out! Ha! While I don’t want that for my kids, I still haven’t fully handed over the reigns to them because I don’t want them to ruin their clothes. But that definitely doesn’t mean I haven’t started easing them into the job in steps. Not only do they learn better, but they aren’t overwhelmed with a new huge chore they don’t understand.

My biggest tip to getting your kids involved in laundry is to do it in steps. Start simple with the toddlers just helping move things from basket to washer or washer to dryer. Then move on to showing them how you separate whites from colors. For my bigger kids, they have started helping with stain removal from sports and things. I will spray the cleaner and they will help scrub. Folding or putting away are other steps they can ease into without making them do everything at once.

:: GIVE UP ON PERFECTION

As a mom of 5 littles, I have quickly learned if I want to teach them to contribute to household chores, I have to give up on my need for everything to be done exactly perfect like I would do it. Kids are kids and even trying their very best isn’t always going to result in your idea of how it should be done. But redoing it for them is only going to hurt their pride and give you double the work!

One of the biggest aspects I have tried to put this in to is putting clothes away. If you’ve seen our kids closet post, one of my tips is to utilize baskets. I want things to look clean and uniform in their closet but it just doesn’t always happen. Baskets give the clean look, but whats inside doesn’t have to look fancy. They are still separating and putting away their own laundry, but out of sight out of mind helps calm the mom anxiety.

The same goes for sorting their own clothes. It isn’t going to be perfect every time, but they are learning the responsibility and that is all that really matters. Patience is key in helping them contribute.

:: MAKE A SCHEDULE

My biggest tip to keep your laundry from taking over your life is to make a schedule. Just like you would appointments and family activities, having your laundry on a schedule keeps it from being something you are constantly doing. I know some people do it by room in the house, or by people groups, saving a specific day for towels and bedding. Find what works for you and try to stick to it so you aren’t getting overwhelmed with a mountain of clothes at the end of the week.

:: THE LAUNDRY ROOM IS FOR CLEANING

I know, you are thinking duh Kailee. But the Laundry room often becomes a giant pile of dirty stinky clothes and does not scream “clean place”. Nobody wants to think about doing laundry when that is what comes to mind. Keep the dirty clothes in their designated rooms until you are ready to do that specific load of laundry, instead of letting it all pile up in one place. On the same note, don’t let it become a habit to have your clean clothes pile up there. Think of the laundry as one task not separated into wash, dry, fold, put away. If you are going to do a load, try to commit to the full process!

I hope these little laundry tips + tricks help you get the whole family involved! And help you stay on top of a not so exciting task. If you have some great tips for tackling this chore, let me know in the comments over on Instagram!!

photos : aubrey taiese

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Family

March 13, 2020

Spring Favorites For Kids

houston’s top + shorts + similar sandals || harper’s jumpsuit + jacket + sandals ||
hayden’s jumpsuit + sandals

You guys, the Utah weather is finally giving us a tease of spring and I am crossing my fingers it will stay forever!! With spring in the air, we have been refreshing the kids wardrobe! I really try to stick with a minimalist approach when it comes to season stock ups, by picking pieces that can transition through the year and are classic timeless options. We have been loving the amazing deals and fun selection we have found at Walmart, so I wanted to share some of them with you today, + a few tips to help you narrow down the best options for your own spring update!

harper’s jumpsuit + jacket + sandals

:: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LAYERS

One of my biggest tips for both Spring and Fall fashion is to remember the layers!! Spring weather is kind of a tease, especially if you live somewhere like Northern Utah. We can have a sunny 65 degree day on Monday, and be driving in a blizzard on Tuesday. So I really try to take that into consideration when stocking up for Spring by picking layers. I love cute jumpsuits like this one or this one for Harper in the Summer but it can work great for Spring too with a denim jacket. Same goes for a little dress like this. Great to last her through summer, but can be paired with some leggings for Spring and Fall.

houston’s top + shorts + similar sandals || harper’s jumpsuit + jacket + sandals ||
hayden’s jumpsuit + sandals

:: BASICS ARE BEST

Another thing I really try to remember when stocking up for my kids is basics are best. Finding classic pieces like a good basic tee or denim shorts can work with a variety of outfits and dressed up or down. I love the versatility of those basic pieces. Walmart is an amazing place to stock up on the basics for such a steal. They often times have packaged t-shirt deals or multiple shorts for under $15. I love knowing that my littles look cute and comfortable for the new season, but I didn’t spend an arm and a leg so I’m not stressing over some wear and tear and actually letting them be kids!

So now that I’ve shared a few tips to remember when doing your shopping, let me show you some of my favorites!! From cute leopard sandals and jumpsuits for Harper to adorable button ups and shorts for Houston, I really love all their fun options!

harper’s jumpsuit + jacket + sandals || hayden’s jumpsuit + sandals

. . . SHOP SPRING FAVORITES FOR GIRLS . . .

. . .

houston’s top + shorts + similar sandals

. . . SHOP SPRING FAVORITES FOR BOYS . . .

. . .

I hope you find some fun spring staples for your littles that you love! But I wanna know, what is one thing you always stock up on in their wardrobe this season?

in partnership with Walmart

photos: aubrey taiese

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Lifestyle

March 11, 2020

Our Favorite Staycation at The Grand America

my top + pants + hat + shoes + bag + bracelets || joe’s top + shorts + sandals || hayden’s top + jeans || harper’s outfit + shoes || hudson’s top + jeans + shoes || hunter’s top + jacket + similar skirt + shoes || houston’s top + jeans + shoes

Are you more of a vacation always kind of person? Or do you prefer the staycation? I have ALWAYS been a vacation girl, until the last year or so. We have started adding in staycations and instantly fell in love! It is so fun to explore the place you live and take in some of the sights and sounds you normally miss in the rush of things. Plus who doesn’t love saving time, money, and sanity on traveling with your whole family!! Our favorite local spot to spend our staycation is definitely The Grand America! The perfect location + so many family friendly amenities! So today I thought I’d share 3 of the reasons why our family loves The Grand America, + what makes it the perfect spot for your Spring Break adventure!

:: FAMILY FRIENDLY SET UP

One of our very favorite things about The Grand America is how family friendly it is. You will notice it from the second you walk in. The lobby is connected right to so many fun things including a little toy store/gift shop the kids love to check out, as well as some yummy treats. The employees are all SO good with kids and make my little people feel so special.

When it comes to room options, this is probably hands down the thing we love most about the grand. If you have a bigger family, you know how difficult it can be to find a hotel room that works without spending an arm + a leg, or having to separate your family in to different rooms. The Grand America has this figured out. You are able to get connected suites that are PERFECT for families. We do the King Suite connected to the 2 Queen and it is giant!! It is like staying in a big condo all together, you aren’t down the hall from each other, but you still have the option of shutting the inner room doors for privacy too. We love that the closet/hall space is big as well to accommodate a pack n play if needed. So so nice for big families.

hayden’s suit || joe’s similar suit || harper’s suit || my suit + hat + bracelets || houston’s similar suit

:: THINGS TO DO

My whole family gets SO excited when they find out we are going to The Grand America because there are so many fun things to do. Hands down their favorite is the pools. They have both an indoor and outdoor pool, making it perfect for questionable spring break weather. Both are big and so nice/well taken care of. My little people would spend our entire stay there if we let them!

They also have a cute toy store and bakery type place on site as well. We love checking out the unique selection and of course stocking up on yummy treats like macaroons.

The spa is so dreamy. We usually don’t take advantage of all it has to offer with the kids in tow since its for adults, but if you can I highly recommend it! Maybe convince your hubby to take the kids to the pool while you escape for a massage and facial. It is very high end and a great quality service.

:: LOCATION

Location is a major perk when staying at The Grand America. It is within walking distance to amazing shopping at City Creek Center, and so many yummy restaurants and treat stops. We love that we don’t have to pack everyone up to go out to eat or to grab some ice cream, we can just take a quick walk together. We love that it is in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, but you feel totally secluded and private within the resort.

I hope this little review helps give you a little peek into why we have come to love and really look forward to our staycations. If you are looking for the perfect local spot for a Spring Break stay, check it out!!

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Closets

March 5, 2020

6 Tips to Simplify Cleaning Out Your Closet

Spring cleaning is in the air and you guys, I secretly LOVE it!!! There is just something about a clean + organized space that brings me so much JOY! Since this time of year is known for Spring Cleaning and getting everything refreshed in your home, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk all things CLOSETS!!! Do you dread cleaning out your closet or your kids closets? Well today I have 6 tips that will not only make it so much easier, but will make it last longer too! So whether you are tackling your kids closet or your own, check them out for some sanity savers!

:: TAKE EVERYTHING OUT

First things first, take EVERYTHING out of the closet! Yes every single thing. I know it seems like such a pain, but I promise you it is the key to really doing a thorough cleaning and not having to do it all over again in a month. Seeing the big open clean space is also pretty motivating to not fill it all back up with unnecessary items.

:: PICK YOUR FAVORITES FIRST

Now that you have everything out, go through and pick out your absolute favorites first. Those jeans that fit you just right. The top that is so easy to dress up or down. Or if it is your kids closet, maybe it is that outfit you find yourself constantly dressing them in. Find everything you 100% know you wear often (like once a week) and put it back in the closet.

:: ANALYZE THE REST

This is one of the trickier steps. You really have to put on your big girl pants for this and stick to your guns. For everything else you’ve taken out of the closet, I want you to analyze it. Ask yourself the Marie Kondo question, “does it bring me joy?”. When was the last time you wore it? Is it still in style? If its been a while since you’ve pulled it out, ditch it. “Fillers” that we tell ourselves to keep “just in case” are the biggest closet destroyers. If you haven’t worn it in the last month or so, chances are you probably won’t any time soon. Save the space for something you’ll love instead.

:: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

When you are finalizing your choices, keep “quality over quantity” in mind. Instead of keeping 10 pairs of jeans you kind of like, pick your favorites that are the best quality and will last for years instead. Pick the highest quality basic tops and layering pieces, instead of having 6 black tees. We are trying to simplify so quality, timeless pieces is what you are looking for.

:: DON’T FORGET THE MAINTENANCE

Once you’ve cleaned and organized your closet and it is looking great, don’t forget the maintenance. A lot of people get in the mindset of “I just cleaned out a garbage bag worth of clothes, I need to go buy more.” Wrong!!! If you or your kids have sized out of something, then restock as needed. But always keep maintenance in mind. If you buy something new, take something old out. That will keep you from overloading the space again.

:: SEASONALLY SAVES SANITY

Last but not least is seasonally saves sanity when it comes to cleaning a closet. I know everyone gets all excited and motivated for Spring Cleaning, but a closet should be something you clean seasonally, especially for kids. By cleaning seasonally you know items they have grown out of, or are worn out and don’t need to hold a spot in the closet just to be thrown away later. It also gives you space and a fresh start to know what you do or do not need to shop for new that season.

I hope these little organizing tips and tricks help you tackle your closet with ease in this years spring cleaning! If you have some amazing spring cleaning hacks, I’d love to hear them!!

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Looks

March 3, 2020

Spring Shopbop Sale

my top + similar jeans + shoes (use code SPRING for up to 25% off anything linked!)

If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know I love a good sale! One of my favorites to watch for is the seasonal sales on Shopbop. Instead of just a big dump of clearance items, EVERYTHING on the site is 25% off. Which means you can find some great in season on trend pieces for a great deal!! But Shopbop’s site can be overwhelming with 1000’s of options in just about every category! So I went through and picked out my tried and true favorites, most of which I own and love, or am planning to get for myself during the sale, and have linked the very best for you below. Happy Shopping!!

. . .

:: TOPS

From my go to Madewell Basic tee, to my absolute favorite brand of graphic tee’s and sweatshirts, you will find plenty of great tops to choose from! Remember use code SPRING for up to 25% off!

:: SWIMSUITS

Are always so hard to find. So I linked a bunch of my favorites I have or am wanting. Plus a few beach vacations must haves!!

. . .

:: JEANS

Is there anything better than finding that pair of jeans that just fits you like a glove?! Part of the sale includes a few of my very favorite jeans! This style from Levi has been in my weekly rotation for YEARS and is still in amazing shape. And you cannot go wrong with a High Rise from Madewell! I am loving all the jean options. Same code SPRING for up to 25% off!

:: SHOES

A girl can never have too many shoes right?! From my new favorite Sorel boots to my favorite classic heel I’ve owned and loved for years, the shoe selection for the sale is pretty great too!

Happy Sale Shopping!

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Lifestyle

March 2, 2020

4 Tips To Help You Survive Potty Training

We’ve reached one of my absolute least favorite parts of parenting. The dreaded POTTY TRAINING stage. If the thought of it doesn’t send a chill through your spine, you probably haven’t experienced it. Haha!! Or you are wonder woman! You would think that I would be some kind of seasoned pro with Harper being my 5th, but it is no lie that every single kid is different and brings their own challenges when it comes to potty training. I reached out to you guys to share some of your best tips + tricks to getting through it, and we are (almost) officially there, so I thought it would be the perfect time to share my best potty training tips with you, as well as some of the top ones you shared!

:: TIMING MATTERS

My very first and absolute biggest tip for potty training your little one, is to remember timing matters. Like so so much. I promise your experience will be 100 times better if you are willing to wait until they are ready. The times I was willing to do that were the times that we got it done quick and they caught on the fastest. And remember by timing, we are talking your childs own personal timing, not what is “expected” of you by the books or friends/family. There is no rush. Hudson basically potty trained himself at 18 months, and Harper + Houston have been a little after 3. So make sure your focus is on your child’s readiness and not comparing to someone else.

:: PREPARE THEM BEFORE YOU START

Just like adults, kids like to know what to expect before starting something new. Potty Training is no different, and if we keep everything hush hush, it makes it a scary experience. Talk about the process before hand. Let them be involved in picking out their training seat, new undies, and prizes. Let them watch you go to the bathroom or see that their older siblings wear undies. Making it familiar to them and helping them to realize it is normal and not scary for people they know helps make it a smoother process and something they actually look forward to.

:: BE COMMITTED

When you are ready to dive in to potty training, prepare yourself too. You need to be all in, or they aren’t going to be. Pick a time that you are able to stay home and really focus on it with little distractions. Set aside a good 3-4 days where you can be home, and consistently setting a timer every 30 minutes reminding them to go so they get the hang of it. If you try and do it right before a vacation or busy time in your life, you are going to find yourself reteaching them repeatedly. Part of being committed means being prepared as the teacher too. Have washable/disposable mats around the house in the areas you are going to spend your time. Load your fridge with lots to drink, and stock up on treats to help encourage them. Focusing hard on those few days will be SO worth it in the long run.

:: KEEP IT POSITIVE

As hard as it can be when you are literally surrounded by the accidents, keep it positive!!! This is a huge change for your kids and they aren’t going to get it the first day. For some maybe not even the 10th day. But it is SO IMPORTANT to keep it POSITIVE. If you associate being in trouble or bad behavior with them having an accident when they are still learning, they in turn are going to associate fear with it and not want to try. So do your best to stay positive.

Along that same note, PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!! I cannot stress this one enough. Put yourself in their shoes trying something new. You are much more confident and motivated if someone is right there encouraging you and rewarding you for doing your best and making progress. I give Harper a treat (think small like a few m+m’s or skittles) every time she goes potty, a bigger prize for number 2, and then we have a goal prize that she picked out that she gets when she goes a certain amount of days with no accidents.

. . .

Those are my tried + true tips, but again remember, every child is going to be different. So I asked you guys for some of your best potty training tips and these are the ones I loved the most!

** 3-3-3: For 3 days in a row, put your child on the potty every 30 minutes, even if they say they don’t have to go. If they don’t have the hang of it by day 3, try again in 3 months.

** Buy them a new sippy cup they are excited about using so they want to drink lots and lots of water during your training.

**Skip diaper like training pants. They are too similar to diapers and just add another step when you switch to undies.

**Put the ball in their court. Toddlers love to show how “big” and “independent” they are, so ask them to remind you to take them potty every 30 minutes (even though you are still watching the clock). Making it seem like they are in charge gets them really excited about it.

**Buy yourself treats and drinks to get through it too! Haha!! You deserve it!

I hope these tips + tricks help you (and me) survive potty training!! If you have any other great suggestions, leave them in the comments over on my Instagram Post so everyone can see and we can add them to the post!

photos : aubrey taiese

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Beauty

February 26, 2020

Short Hair Style: Tips, Tricks, + a Tutorial with Navy

my outfit (and similar) + slippers || hair products (KAILEE for 30% off) || towel (KAILEE for 35% off)

Ever since I cut my hair, I have had SOOO many requests for a tutorial on how I style it. I did a quick little how to over on Instagram Stories, but have still been getting questions. So today I teamed up with my very favorites over at Navy Hair Care to give you a more in depth tutorial from freshly blow dried to fully styled. I’m sharing my real life go to products I use, plus some tips to help keep your hair healthy and your style looking its best!

Now that you’ve seen the full tutorial, let’s review a little and talk tips that I promise will be game changers for your hair!

:: REMEMBER THE 2 P’s: PROTECT + PREVENT

As I mentioned in the video, most of the products I use on my hair, I pick for 2 specific jobs. To protect my hair from heat + prevent damage. I cannot stress how important this is. The Style Navigator from Navy is one of my favorite dual purpose products to do just that. It contains both a UV and thermal protection which is amazing for your hair, so I love to spray that on when it is wet to help protect before drying. But it can also be used as a styling/finishing spray that helps tame the frizz and give you a nice shiny look without a weighted down look. It is such a great investment for your hair, and such a great price when you throw in the 30% discount with code KAILEE.

:: DON’T TRY TO MAKE YOUR HAIR SOMETHING IT ISN’T

The wording on that might sound a little crazy, but as a hair stylist I have seen this SOOO often. People come in with a picture of a hair style that is the complete opposite of their natural hair and want us to miraculously make it happen. While things can be tweaked and changed, be willing to work with your hair style and what you have.

For me that means a WHOLE LOT of natural curl. So I have to remember that when purchasing products. Most people could get away with using just the Style Navigator I mentioned above, but my hair is a fro and wild, so I have to take that into consideration. You’ll see me use the bond smoother and oil serum on my hair. The average hair would be a giant greaseball if you used both, but I have come to know my hair and what works for me. I would suggest the oil serum if you hair is fine or thinner and flat and the bond smoother for more heavy, coarse or curly hair.

:: INVEST IN QUALITY PRODUCTS

My last little bit of advice is to do your research and invest in quality products. I get that the local Target is just so convenient and affordable to pick up your shampoo and styling products. But I promise you it will be so worth it for your hair and save you from so much frustration if you do your research and invest in products that will strengthen and protect your hair. Navy Hair truly is such a great line to invest in. Not only do they make your hair look amazing, but they are full of beneficial ingredients that are strengthening your hair at the same time they work their magic.

. . . SHOP MY FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCTS . . .

** The BEST Dry Shampoo + Texture Spray :

You know I love it a lot when I convince them to make a duo out of it with me. If I were to recommend any hair products it would be The Wright Duo. It is what I like to call the ultimate power couple to take your hair from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. Whether it’s fresh-from-the-shower or day 4 … or 5 or 6…it is a miracle worker. It gives you so much body and texture and eliminates the dirt and oil without weighing you down. I LOVE LOVE IT!

** Prep + Finish Spray :

I talked about this above, but it is such a great dual purpose product. It has a thermal protectant to help prevent damage when blow drying and curling, detangles, and helps prevent frizz and static as a finishing spray too!

** Shampoo + Conditioner :

I recently started using this shampoo + conditioner and have loved it! It is full of lots of vitamins and good stuff including Biotin, which is SO SO good for your hair. I love that it adds a natural shine and volume to your hair and is strengthening at the same time.

[ use code KAILEE on the products above or anything on the site to get 30% off ]

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I hope this little tutorial was helpful! If you have any other hair questions, head over to Instagram and leave them on my last post so I can answer them all!

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Lifestyle

February 24, 2020

Our Travel Guide: Maui

my swim top + bottom | shorts | hat | sandals | sunglasses

As most of you already know from following along over on Instagram, Joe and I just got back from an amazing couples trip with my family to Maui. With the craziness of his work schedule during the holidays and life in general, the time together in the sunshine was exactly what we needed!! Every time we travel, we get so many questions on the location. From where to stay and what to pack (which I covered here), to the best places to eat and all the funnest things to do. So Joe and I put together our own little Maui travel guide for you here!

swimsuit top + bottom | pants | sandals | sunglasses

:: FOOD

If you know us, then you know one of our top priorities, especially when traveling is the FOOD. I swear we research recommendations for food more than anything else, and Maui did not disappoint!! From the worlds best cinnamon rolls to the yummiest dinner with a view, we loved the Maui food scene. Here are some of our favorites!

**SLAPPY CAKES

Oh my gosh this place was so good! Such a great breakfast spot. You can make your own pancakes right in front of you, or they can make all kinds of fun shapes like Disney designs. So so fun! If you are looking for something a little healthier the avocado toast was really good too!!

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**DA KITCHEN

This a great place to grab a bite when you first get in or when you are leaving because it is closer to the airport. We actually ended up eating here twice because it was so yummy. We got the chicken sandwich, which was hands down the girls favorite. But we also really liked “da burger”. They had so many amazing options to try we could’ve gone back 10 more times. They also have a fun dessert (pictured below) called Ubee – Oreo Sweet Potato Ice Cream.. think of a purple cookies and cream shake. So so yummy!

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**MAMA’S FISH HOUSE

Before going to Maui, we had heard about Mama’s from just about every person that had ever been to the island. In fact, it so popular, you have to get reservations weeks before you plan to go. And I am telling you I am SOO glad we did. Not only does Mama’s have the dreamiest views of the beach, but the food is out of this world incredible!! It has for sure taken a spot in Joe and I’s top places we have ever eaten, and we highly recommend it. It is a more high end formal setting, so keep that in mind if you are traveling as a family and not just adults.

I actually don’t really like fish, but the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi was so great! For dessert (which is always our favorite) we got the two pictures you see here. The Black Pearl, which I’m still dreaming about, and the Kuau Chocolate Pie. It is a dense chocolate mousse layered on top of caramel and oreo cheesecake crust…amazing!

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*THE GAZEBO

If you are looking for an amazing BIG breakfast, The Gazebo is your spot! They are known for their Macadamia Nut Pancakes, but honestly every single thing we tried was heavenly. It is a popular spot so plan on getting there early!

We went a little later and ordered the fried rice and it was amazing, but HUGE!!! You can split with the whole family, so keep that in mind when ordering. Everything is huge portions. We loved that you could eat your food on the beach here.

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**ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE

Oh my gosh. This was so incredible. Hands down the best shave ice on the island!! We went here just about everyday. Even twice a day a few times! So many good flavors but coconut lovers is probably my favorite combo!

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**HALEAKALA CREAMERY

This was another yummy treat spot. They say it is not gelato, it is not ice cream, it is heaven. I can’t believe no one has ever mentioned this place before!! The ice cream was so good! They have a natural shave ice, which normally I don’t love except for the place above, but this was a very close second. I just didn’t love the ice part, but the natural topping is way better!

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** RUTH’S CHRIS

This is one of our absolute favorite places to go for a special date night, so it was perfect for our couples trip. We loved the Lahaina setting right near the beach. This location of course has a lot more fish options and their version of Hula Pie was the best we have ever had. It was 3 different kinds of ice cream with an oreo crust. Not kidding, my sisters, mom, and I inhaled it in about 4 minutes!!

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**MONKEY POD –

This is over in Whalers Village (with the great shopping) and you guys the truffle fries are to die for!! They also had really great wood fire pizza and cattle cheese burgers

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**CINNAMON ROLL PLACE

You know it is good when I am still dreaming of these cinnamon rolls over a week later. I can’t even begin to describe how good these were, but I’m sure you can tell just from the picture. Be sure to go earlier because they are only open in the mornings.

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**808 DELI

This is a such a yummy casual spot to grab a bite. Make sure to get there early because it is only open for lunch. They had the best panini sandwiches and noodle salads. All super delicious!

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**LEILANI’S

This is a great spot right off the beach and next to Whalers Village. They had the best pork tacos I’ve ever had, and believe me I have had a lot! My family got fish tacos and a bunch more stuff and everyone really loved everything they got!

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** CHOICE HEALTH BAR:

We loved the acai bowls here. They were so good and really natural tasting, not too sweet. We loved the homemade granola and the avocado toast too.

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** LEODOS KITCEH AND PIE SHOP

So I am not a pie person at all but my people are for sure. So naturally my dad bought every flavor you could and I will tell you they were actually pretty amazing. My favorites were the apple pie and the hula. And that is coming from an extremely picky pie person!

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** FRIDAS

This a little mexican food spot we tried out. The chips and salsa were good, but other than that I really wouldn’t recommend it for the price.

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my coat + tank + leggings + shoes + sunglasses + fanny pack

:: THINGS TO DO

Usually when we go to Hawaii, we go to Oahu. It is definitely the more “touristy” style island and is filled with a lot of well known attractions. You can check out our favorites here. So it was fun to explore a new island this time. Maui definitely has a more relaxed vibe than Oahu. Of course there are still a lot of tourists, but it feels more laid back and slower pace. But that doesn’t mean it is lacking in things to do! These are some of our favorites we tried, and some that we have heard others love to do on the island.

** WHALE WATCHING

February is whale watching season in Maui and it was absolutely incredible. The company we went with (Ultimate Whale Watch) was so kiind. They did a really great job and we loved it! I recommend going on the smaller boats, because you can get closer to the whales and have less people trying to see and take pictures. We did a bigger one in Boston that had a ton of people and we could not see even close to what we saw in Maui. We would do this again in a second and HIGHLY recommend it! It was really pretty affordable too at only around $40 person for 2 hours

If you go in February you are pretty much guaranteed to see a bunch! We saw so many throughout our trip. We even saw one only about 200 yds away from us one night while sitting on the beach. They are incredible.

*SHOPPING AT WHALERS VILLAGE

I couldn’t take a trip with my mom and sisters and not get some shopping in! We absolutely loved the shopping at Whalers Village. It is the perfect mix of local shops + your favorite beachy surf brands like quiksilver, billabong, and volcom, but still had some of our tried and true faves like lululemon. We loved that lululemon does decals on items you buy, so it was a fun souvenir to take back!

my shorts + sports bra + shoes

*HIKING

Maui has some great hikes that take you to some amazing scenery. This trip we only managed to fit in one but we loved it! It is called Wai’hee Ridge Trail and I am so glad our friends Erika and JJ recommended it! It is a steep hike so maybe considered a little more advanced, but the beginning is deceiving and it is not that bad. The views at the top are worth it! My parents both did great and they don’t workout regularly. I would recommend starting early to beat the crowds and the heat on a sunnier day. It was so beautiful!

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swimsuit top + bottom | sunglasses

** BEACHES

The beaches in Maui are so beautiful. I could’ve just laid there all day and done nothing!! Our very favorite weas DT Flemings. It has such great waves and was so fun!! Some of other great ones are Ka’anaplai Beach, Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Wailea Beach.

** MAUI ESCAPE ROOMS

We only had one really rainy day, so we split up. A few of us did the spa and the rest went to the escape room. Joe and the boys all said it was better than any they have been to in Utah, which is saying a lot because I think we’ve tried all of them and loved them! Joe said it is different than the escape rooms here because instead of a bunch of different rooms, it is just one big room. So we would definitely recommend if you got stuck with a rainy day on your trip.

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A few things we didn’t get a chance to do but got lots of recommendations for :

**ROAD TO HANA

We were short on time, so we didn’t get a chance to do this, but have heard amazing reviews of it. Our friends Erika and JJ said If you can handle the long windy roads, the road to hana is so beautiful, and full of views you can only get from this spot. There are plenty of little spots to stop and take a break for driving to see waterfalls, grab some food from local food trucks, and I think even take hikes. 100% worth it!

*SNORKEL

Snorkeling in Maui is very popular because there are a lot of coves and bays with calmer water. It is a great spot to fulfill your dream of swimming with sea turtles as they are very popular on and around the island.

:: WHERE TO STAY

I wouldn’t call myself an expert on this one, but I would say you can’t go wrong with any of the hotels on the west side. The area between Kapalua and Lahaina is absolutely beautiful and perfect distance from all the restaurants and shopping amenities. Wailea is another awesome area full of some great hotels too.

We stayed at Luna Villas at Honua Kai. They are BRAND NEW and so amazing! It had 3 bedrooms and baths which worked perfect for a group. They are so modern and clean and we all absolutely loved them. The owner and staff were incredibly nice and accommodating and we highly recommend them!

my suit

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I know that was kind of a lot of information, but Maui is honestly one of our new favorites and I like to give as much info as possible for those planning their own trip!! If you have any favorites we missed, please share so I can add them here!! We are always looking for new places to eat or things to try out!!

swimsuit | sandals | hat

:: Looking for a new fun place to travel?! Check out some of our favorites!

* OUR TRAVEL GUIDE : OAHU

* OUR TRAVEL GUIDE : JAMAICA

* OUR TRAVEL GUIDE : SAN FRANCISCO

* OUR TRAVEL GUIDE : BOSTON

* OUR TRAVEL GUIDE : SCOTTSDALE

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Family

February 18, 2020

Freshly Picked x Kailee Wright

houston’s top + jeans + moccs (launching FRIDAY) || my top + jeans + hat ||
harper’s similar top + similar shorts + moccs (launching FRIDAY) || rug + planter

It is finally here!! I’ve been keeping this secret for what feels like forever and I can finally announce today!! We have teamed up with one of very favorite brands in the world, Freshly Picked, to launch our very own collection!! Working with to make this collection come to life has been a dream come true, and I am so excited to share the details and some sneak peeks with you today!!

:: WHY I LOVE THE BRAND

If you’ve been around here for basically any amount of time, you know of my love for Freshly Picked. I fell in love with their products probably 8 years ago when Hayden was just a baby. Susan was still starting out and invited me to a little brand party. I remember walking through her makeshift warehouse and loving what she was doing. She gifted me my first little pair for Hayden, and I have been in love with them ever since. Over all those years having the opportunity to learn about them as a company and what they stand for has made me fall in love with them as a brand too. They truly are a team of amazing strong women supporting women in every stage of life and motherhood.

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:: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE DESIGN

So now that the news is out, let’s talk about the design!! If you know me, you know when it comes to design whether in fashion or in my home, it has always gotta check two boxes. It needs to be versatile, clean, and simple. Whether I’m shopping for myself or my kids, I always look for things that check those boxes. I know the amazing quality of Freshly Picked’s items, so I wanted my designs to be something that can be super versatile, that you’ll want your babes wearing every day, whether you are going to the park or to church.

Clean + Simple is a major design point for me too. I don’t like busy patterns and crazy colors. My style totally craves the simple timeless look. Again since the quality is so amazing, I knew that keeping the designs simple would turn them into family heirlooms you can pass down to different kids and not worry about them being “on trend”.

To check all my design boxes, you’ll see we stuck with a neutral color palette. I love that gives you versatility not only in what you can pair them with, but even with keeping some of the styles gender neutral. I hope you love how they turned out as much as I do!

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:: HOW YOU CAN SAVE BIG!

So let’s talk savings. FP x Kailee launches this coming Friday, February 21st. BUT this launch is for FRINGE MEMBERS ONLY!!! So if you aren’t already a member you need to sign up asap and use code FP x KAILEE to get your first month free and be ready to order!

Fringe members not only get exclusive access like this launch, but they also save 20% off always. If you are unfamiliar with the Fringe Membership, it is kind of set up as a savings account. Every month you pay $10 towards it. That $10 can be used towards a purchase that same month, or saved up and spent as a lump sum.

Fringe members get access to SO many benefits, including 20% off everything + free shipping! In addition to those savings, they also get early access to product launches and sales, as well as Fringe exclusive sales! It is honestly a no brainer to join!!

And as a special bonus, if you sign up as a new FRINGE MEMBER HERE and use code FPxKAILEE, you’ll get your first month of Fringe Free + $10 added to your account! So worth it!!

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I hope you love this collaboration as much as we do! The collection officially launches to Fringe members THIS FRIDAY!!! And stay tuned because later this week to celebrate the launch we will be doing a giveaway of the new line over on Instagram!

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Lifestyle

February 17, 2020

Inside My Suitcase: MAUI

joe’s tee + shorts + sandals + suitcase || my tee + pants + shoes + backpack + suitcase

As most of you know, Joe and I just got back from an amazing couples trip to Maui! To say it was dreamy is an understatement. With the crazy hours he has been working, and the non-stop schedules for the little people, we hadn’t realized how much we were missing our “us” time. I shared quite a bit about our trip over on Instagram, and have had SO many questions on everything from swim suits, hikes, food, and where we stayed. Since I didn’t want to overwhelm you, I’ve broken it down into two posts! Next week I’ll be sharing our top things to do, see, and eat in Maui, so today I’m covering everything I packed inside my suitcase! All my favorite swim suits, cover ups, and beach essentials!

swimsuit top + bottom || phone case (kailee10 for 10% off)

:: SWIMSUITS

Being a beach vacation, of course my top suitcase priority was cute swimsuits! A girl can never have too many right? Haha! Shopping for them this time around was trickier!! Is it too much to ask to have a cute style AND cover my booty?! It took some searching, but I found some I loved that will be great timeless pieces!

swimsuit | sandals | watch + bracelets | necklace

swimsuit | sandals | hat

. . . shop my favorite swim suits . . .

. . .

joe’s top + shorts + sandals || my similar top + similar pants + sandals

:: VERSATILE COVER UPS

If you only pay attention to one part of this post, this needs to be it. This mindset alone is what has made packing my suitcase for trips a game changer. Almost every single piece I brought to use as a beach or pool cover up, I was also able to dress up to go out at night. It literally cut my normal suitcase packing line up in half.

For example, these pants I wore as cover up. For the day, I just threw them on over my swim top + bottom. Later that night, I switched out the swimsuit for a basic top and wore them to dinner. Instead of bringing a completely different outfit, I only had to pack one tiny no space taking basic tee and I was set.

Or you all know how obsessed I am with this top, and that didn’t change on vacation. I love that I could pair it with joggers on the flight, jean shorts over a swim at the beach, or dress it up for dinner. SO VERSATILE!

joe’s tee + shorts + hat || my top + shorts + hat + sandals + fanny pack

swimsuit top + bottom | pants | sandals | sunglasses

. . . shop my favorite versatile cover ups . . .

. . .

my tank + shorts + coat + hat + sunglasses + shoes

:: WORKOUT + HIKING GEAR

One of the things Joe and I really looked forward to on this trip was trying out some new hikes together. We usually have all the little people with us when we travel, so we haven’t been able to do too much. We LOVED getting out and enjoying the weather. I’ll of course be sharing our favorites on next weeks travel guide post.

Since we knew hikes were happening, it meant I had to bring the dreaded hiking sandals. I finally gave in. While they are still far from my style, and I’m not a fan of the looks, the function is incredible and exactly what I needed! In addition to those I packed a couple of tanks + some shorts. They both could double up for hikes or morning workouts, again saving on space in my suitcase!

top + bottom

. . . shop my favorite workout + hiking gear . . .

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:: BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS + ACCESSORIES

Last but not least are my poolside/beach essentials. I didn’t have a lot this time around. I swear little people are the reason I need half of the stuff. Am I right?! But I still had my go to’s with me in my go to Freshly Picked backpack. A good pair of sunnies is a MUST! And this portable charger never leaves my side. I always have it on the go with me, especially when we travel and are using our phones more for podcasts, directions, and pictures. New to me this time was using this amazing fanny pack/belt bag. It was SO convenient to be hands free on hikes or at the beach. We loved them so much!

. . . shop my beach bag essentials + accessories . . .

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I think that covers all the things inside my suitcase for this trip! If I missed anything or you have any packing questions, please ask here or on Instagram! I am happy to help!

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