Weekend Reading #51

The 4th of July, my new makeup routine, a discount code on my favorite swimsuit, weekend (birthday) plans, top sellers, and my shop!

I hope everyone had a nice day yesterday and that you’re all enjoying summer! It’s been so hot here, but feels very much like summer now, and we’re slowly starting to get into a groove since our au pair has been here for a few weeks now.

This post is too long for email, so click through to Substack to read the whole thing. And give it a heart if you’re feeling friendly. 🩵

Let’s start with this week’s top sellers, recent purchases, and some shop updates.

I have some new discount codes for you. Especially excited that Stylest gave me a code for 20% off! Use DANIELLE20 for 20% off Stylest. These swimsuits are my favorite! The brand is not paying me, but I do get a small commission (at no cost to you) when you use my code and link.

Isn’t it funny out the most passionate people with very strong opinions always seem to find and marry the most chill and breezy people? I wanted to skip the parade and Conor rarely feeling strongly about anything (which can be nice but also drives me a little crazy as someone who is the opposite). He really wanted to go, so we went and the kids had the best time. I was a little in my head. “Do you all like what’s happening right now? Are you celebrating or just here for the kids, too?” but the kids were happy.

So that’s how I framed the entire day. It was all for the kids, and they had a great time.

Lots of questions about the girls’ dress. I bought it months ago but it’s still available in a few sizes.

I had a moment yesterday where I could see into the future of family experiences with 3 kids (and no diapers, naps etc) and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate my husband right now. Jack was a little restless while we were having dinner and I suggested to Conor that he take him home for bed. He took him outside and Jack did a 180, and made it to the 9:30 fireworks.

It was the first time we had an experience around naps or 7:30 bedtime where we didn’t have to split up, and it got me really excited for what things could look like for us in the next few years.

I wore this dress and just got this necklace (gifted from the brand) with one tag for each of my kids.

And I haven’t talked much about her, but in the fall of 2023, I started messaging with a local mom on IG. We eventually met for coffee and just clicked. She was what was missing here after Sarah passed. I have local friends but no one I see all the time — I was missing that friend who just stops by. She changed everything for me. The best part in all of it is that she has two boys that we love. They are such great kids, and my kids adore them.

So this week, I took the girls to her house on the 3rd and we ended up staying until 9:30PM, and ran outside to find some fireworks. It was one of those perfect summer childhood moments. We also spent the 4th with their family and had the best night.

And then I channeled my anxiety into cleaning and organizing the girls closet and toys until almost midnight. They had legos all over their closet floor, and I had just ordered these bags to store their lego sets since we can’t keep them all built in their closet. I got the set with 2 large and 2 small, and ordered a second set of 4 small bags.

My big girls turns SEVEN this weekend. It was pretty easy to convince her to do something small with her closest friends, so 4 of her best friends are coming over today, and 2 of them are able to stay late for a “sleep under” which, as ridiculous as that sounds, is a really cute concept for kids who aren’t old enough for sleepovers. They’ll have dinner, change into PJs, watch a movie (complete with the ultimate snackle box) and then head home.

I’m taking her out for a day of fun on her birthday, just like I did with Kate. We’re going to go downtown for lunch, and she’ll get to stop by her favorite store and pick something special. I love getting this one-on-one time with the girls — these are some of my favorite moments as a mom.

I have an upcoming partnership with DIBS Beauty and it doesn’t include Substack, but I wanted to share this for those of you who aren’t on IG. Guys. I LOVE these products so, so much. I use my usual foundation stick, and then these products give me such a great glow and a little color, too. I’ll share how I use them in stories on Monday, but had to share this with you. If you use the code DANIELLEM you’ll get 15% off.

Nestig sent Jack this chair and everyone loves it. Especially the cats. It would be such a cute toddler gift.

Off to get some cupcakes for Margot and her friends! Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!