10 Best Cotton Beach Sarong

When it comes to swimsuit season, I love nothing more than a good cotton, block print beach sarong, also known as a pareo! And while there’s no beach days for us this year (covid and all that), I am enjoying front yard sprinkler time with the kids. And these cotton sarongs give me just the confidence and coverage I need! Over the years I’ve collected some gorgeous prints and am constantly asked where I’ve found them. The swimsuit above can be found here, and while my sarong above is currently sold out, I rounded up my favorite the web currently has to offer and today, I’m sharing the best cotton beach sarongs currently available on the internet!

---

10 Best Cotton Beach Sarongs

---

$15

$50

$15

$22

$15

Set of Five, $55

$50

$18

$18

$14

---

And in addition to any good beach day (or in my case currently, the front yard)… a good tote! My go to as most of you know are French Market Totes. So as requested, here’s a round up of some of my favorite!

---

Our 15 Favorite French Market Totes

2020 Edition, click images to shop

---

$30

$56

$44

$88

$48

$98

$46

$60

$62

$55

$22

$28

$45

$79

15 Favorite French Market Totes

To Market To Market!  After sharing my new bike with you (in case you missed it, that post is here), I also wanted to share my new obsession!  Again, I'm currently editing things in my life and only looking to bring things into it that have purpose rather than intention, this can be a practical item or one that brings joy to my life.  So, when I come across something that's both beautiful and functional...I know I have to share it with you here!  And that brings us to my new love, French Market totes...backpacks too!!  These days I'm typically running around with P & K, walking to the grocery store, biking to the park and with kids comes stuff!  P & K are finally at the age where I don't have to schlep around a huge diaper bag and an additional purse, but as any mom knows, with kids comes stuff and typically not enough hands to juggle it all.  Currently, my attire runs the gamut of casual dresses to athletic ware and in wanting to refine my style a bit for fall, while trying to appear to have it all together (mom life), I needed an easy, beautiful, versatile bag.   I love how French Market Totes are super simple and super versatile.  Their neutral color goes with pretty much everything and their larger size works both as a normal purse and also perfect for errands, like groceries and my favorite...flower runs!

---

Our 15 Favorite French Market Totes

2020 Edition, click images to shop

---

$30

$56

$44

$88

$48

$98

$46

$60

$62

$55

$22

$28

$45

$79

---

I first purchased this tote (shown above) for our recent two week road trip.  It was just the thing I needed for long days in the car to exploring new destinations!  Plus it went perfectly with all my vacation clothes.  It's a bit of an invest at $80, but I'm happy to say that the quality was pleasing and the leather handles are a nice touch.  Now that I'm home, it's my go to purse and bag I take to pilates.  Multi uses and it looks great sitting out!

Now that we're back home, P & K have really enjoyed helping at the grocery store.  They no longer will let me throw them in the stroller or a shopping cart, and having two 'super helpful' toddlers running around the grocery store can really hinder the purpose of the trip.  I have been looking high and low for a backpack that would allow me to be hands free while holding P & K's hands through stores and sidewalks, but I always ran into the same thing.  Either they were super sporty, and not quite the look.  Or they screamed "MOM BACKPACK!".  Or they were super stylish, and either too small to hold all the stuff I typically need to carry, or made of leather or fabrics that weren't quite made for messy grocery hauls (P & K are notorious for putting sticky wrappers, or half empty drinks into my bag)!  Again, with kiddos, my life right now is about efficiency, even if that's at the cost of orderly.  So, after finding the tote above, I knew I'd love the backpack version!  I've had it for a couple weeks now and it seriously is the perfect thing for the store.  And I can't wait to take it out to our farmers markets this fall!  And I know I just gave a trillion reasons why these make my mom life happy, but these seriously, are so cute for anyone.  Pretty, practical, simple!  So, I've rounded up my 15 favorites, with varying price points below!  Enjoy!

---

There you have it!  My favorite fall purchase.  What's your favorite for fall?  Would love for you to comment at the very bottom of this post!

Lots of love your way today!  Michelle

Enjoying The Ride | My New Bike and My New Perspective

As many of you know, my mom was called home this past Spring.  There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her terribly.  In looking for ways to stay connected to her, I've really started to have a change of outlook and perspective on this life and the choices and things I bring into it.  My mom loved bike rides...LOVED!  She loved the freedom it gave her as a girl and I think also loved the simple joy it brought into her life as she got older.  Her and my dad had a pair of his and hes when they got married.  She later found a beautiful vintage red one that she loved.  And last fall she wanted to invest in a beautiful, timeless, well made bike.  Her and my brother did a ton of research and found this great Australia company called Papillionaire, they also have a shop in Brooklyn.  After some phone calls to the shop up north, she went with a beautiful creme colored mixte.  That thing is gorgeous and rides like a dream!!!  She loved it and her and my dad spent last fall enjoying rides together.  

I haven't owned a bike since I was a a girl and in wanting to give homage to my mom and the bikes my parents always had together, Brian and I purchased a set of his and hers in black!  We too went with Papillionaire and I also went with the mixte frame.  Mine just arrived a week ago and I've already loved the freedom it gives me and the joy it brings.  Somehow, mothers always know best!

We also invested in this bike trailer.  After weighing the pros and cons to individual kid seats vs a trailer, we opted for the trailer simply to allow myself to cart both P & K around town during the week.  So, far we've LOVED it!  P & K have enjoyed our daily rides and it easily attaches and removes from our bikes, making it a breeze for us to switch it out from one bike to another.  It also converts to a jogging stroller.  Which I have to say it super convenient and a nice additional feature, but I wouldn't suggest purchasing this unit for the jogging feature alone.  

While it works, I think for the price point you could find something much better suited for that task.  That being said, Brian does jog with it, and I have used it walking to our local shops and market.  But again, I love it for it's bike trailer feature!  And while it's perfect for toting the kids around, the seat also lays flat making it perfect for carrying goods.  On this day, I rode to Lowes to purchase flowers and greenery for our front steps,  And I have to say, there's something really enjoyable and relaxing about biking to the store, and loading up your carrier with a bunch of pretty flowers!

For the front I purchased this basket.  I love its large size, perfect for a purse or errand essentials!  Needless to say my new set of wheels brings joy and function into my life.  It's getting me outdoors more and giving me and the kids an excuse to cruise around town.  So, this week friends, I hope you enjoy the ride!  Call or visit with the ones you love, share a laugh and find joy in the ordinary!

Market Backpack

Love this natural tote!  Perfect for weekend picnics or farmer's markets, hands down my favorite for fall!

BUY NOW >>>

Support Local | BlueTop, Chamblee

Every year, as the dog days of summer come to an end, I long for summer not to go!  So tonight, we decided to head out locally, celebrate summer and enjoy a dinner al fresco out with the kids.  I love seeing our little in town neighborhood of Atlanta growing and thriving, so tonight we headed out to our newest neighborhood addition, BlueTop.  

The perfect spot for drinks after work, or a great place to let the kids run around and play (they have games galore along with kid sized picnic tables!) while you enjoy a somewhat peaceful dinner!  And of course the food was exactly what I craved on this hot summer night!  I mean look at this thing?!  This Angry Fried Chicken Sandwich spoke to this southern girl's heart!

And of course my native Maine husband had to try the lobster corn dog ~ I stole it from him it was so good!

The lamb sloppy joe was a winner!  (Gosh, we ordered a lot!)

COPY CODE SNIPPET

And these oysters on the half shell with bloody mary mignonette made me long for Sunday Brunch!!!

So, obviously, if you're in the Atlanta area, head over to this new little gem.  And for the rest of you, head out, this week and support local!  Whether it be a new dig or an established favorite, show your support for the local businesses you love!  I know they'd appreciate it!  Plus, it was really nice for Brian and I to have a dinner out locally!  And with the kids entertained, it almost felt like date night!

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Market Backpack

Love this natural tote!  Perfect for weekend picnics or farmer's markets, hands down my favorite for fall!

BUY NOW >>>

What I'm Currently Loving | Fall Neutrals

French Bistro Chair in Navy & White | Leather Handled Straw Tote

---

I absolutely adore summer!  But there comes a time, sometime after the 4th that I start to look ahead to fall and imagine cool afternoon strolls with cafe dinners al fresco.  Ah, fall!  But before I get ahead of myself, there's still the entire month of August to enjoy.  So to indulge, here's some things I'm currently loving that are perfect for fall, but make wonderful transition pieces until then!!

---

Leather Handle Market Tote  |  Terrain

---

If you've watched my insta stories, you know I am frantically trying to de-clutter and lighten the stuff in our home and life.  In wanting to surround myself with items that have purpose rather than intention, I'm trying hard to only invest in those pieces that serve a function, whether that be practical or one that brings joy into our life.  Hence, my current love of Moroccan Market Totes.  Their neutral color and natural texture speak to my love and joy for simple and beautifully made goods, but their size and basket like quality serve duel purposes.  Of course perfect for the grocery store or picnics, it's the perfect task bag, but these also would do wonders throughout the house serving as the perfect place for storage!  I recently splurged on this tote for our upcoming Great American Road Trip, but I also love the look of this, this and this (all under $35!!)

---

---

Straw Hat  |  Target

---

Recently, I've tried to up my hat game.  My old standby have always been these baseball hats (which I still love!), but in wanting to expand, and mostly block my ageing face from harmful rays, I was super thrilled to find this straw hat under $20!  I love the shape so much I just splurged on this version as well...I'll let you know how it fits once I get it!

---

Huarache Sandals  |  Target

---

I'm pretty obsessed with huarache sandals right now.  This pair has been on repeat all summer and I'm debating ordering another pair for fall.  Truth be told, I'm really hard on shoes.  This pair has been great for summer, but is about completely worn through after just a couple months.  So, I'm currently looking to invest in a higher quality pair that will last longer...any brand suggestions!  But if you too, want to give this look a try, for $25, this brand was comfy and cute while it lasted!

---

Well, there you have it.  No long list.  Just three things I love, love, love right now.  Perfect neutrals for falls, super versatile and bring purpose to this little life of mine!  Hope you guys continue to enjoy your summer days...we're off to enjoy an afternoon of eating pineapples and fun in the sprinklers!  hugs, Michelle

Blueberry Picking With P & K

This summer I'm loving our little weekend adventures with P & K.  And a few weeks back, we took a day to go berry picking just south of Atlanta, in a town called Fayetteville.

We found a sweet little farm called Adams Farm, which offered blueberry picking among other things!  K took her job very seriously, and was all too pleased to carry her own bucket.

---

Nostalgic Dress, Boden  |  Vacation Sandal, Boden  |  Hair Bow, Target

---

She diligently searched for the perfect blueberries.

Knowing which to pick and which to pass on.

Her sweet face, all too cute as she found the perfect spot!

And pleased as punch to show off her bounty.

P enjoyed picking blueberries as well...

---

Pocket Tee, Target  |  Suede Sandals, Boden  |  (Similiar) Navy Shorts, Crewcuts

---

But would rather spend his time running through the blackberry isles.

So, off K went, bucket in hand, for more scouring and picking...but this time, for a bounty full of blackberries, while P, ran and ran!

---

Dear Friends,

I hope you too are enjoying your summer.  Finding joy in the simple things and seeking out adventures, both grand and small!

Love, Michelle

Market Backpack

Love this natural tote!  Perfect for weekend picnics or farmer's markets, hands down my favorite for fall!

BUY NOW >>>