No Fuss Beach Outfits

 

Today I am sharing what I've been wearing to the beach over the past week.  Summer finally arrived at the very end of July and we hit the beach four days in a row, and even got out of the water with our boat and did some wakeboarding.  Now we are back to a week of rainy weather and overcast days.  I keep things super simple when heading to the beach or on the boat as you can from the outfits I am sharing today.  This year I didn't buy anything and I've been focusing on wearing what I already have in my closet for my time at the lake.  For fall however there is some key pieces I want to add and I need to do a deep clean of my fall/winter wardrobe.  Let's jump into simple outfits that are on repeat.

Skirt & Button-down

A button down over a bathing suit always looks super cool and low-key, don't you agree?  

Crochet top & Cut-offs

I love the peek-a-boo detail of wearing crochet tops or dresses.  Beach perfection.

Simply Stripped

A classic combination that never goes out of style.  I love the thinker stripes on this knitted tank and because this top is knit it can be easily dressed up with a blazer over top for work, or worn casual like in this beach outfit.

Perfectly Pink

This cute little pink dress is the perfect all around summer dress! You throw it on over a bathing suite and you are ready to hit the beach, famers market, coffee, ice cream or grab a lunch at a cafe. I wear it all the time and it works for all different occasions.  I am also a fan of the cute little key-hole in the middle, so cute but not too much.  

Note, I always have my trusted sun hat and sunnies, along with my other essentials of sunscreen, water bottle, towel and a book.  Oh and one more thing, now that the kids are older and we don't need to carry ALL the things to the beach, we just dress and hop on our bikes, carry our Tommy Bahama chairs on our backs like a backpack and we are ready to go.  If you don't know what the Tommy Bahama beach chairs are, I tell you they are the BEST.  Super comfy to sit on, have patted straps for you to carry as a backpack, have two good sized pockets for your phone, book, sunscreen and the other pocket is like a little cooler for your drinks.  We've had ours for a decade almost and they are still in mint condition. Worth the investment.

What are you looking forward to in August?

Lavender Haze, Summer Days & Cocktails

Hey friends!  Summer around here has been 'meh' in terms of weather.  Very cool, smokey, windy  and inconsistent.  That being said, summer is still my favorite season.  I spend most summer days at our lake, wearing the classic tee, shorts and hat combo, see here, I get  excited when I come into the city and get to dress up a little bit!  My love for lavender is still going strong and this time I paired it with the cutest little white shorts that I was gifted in my hand-me-down bag from my sister.  These have a great textured fabric, they are a little bit heavier than linen shorts, no ironing needed, and ideal for a summer day at the office.  I will be wearing them on those hot days at the end of August and beginning of September when I return to work.  I love this smock top, with puffy sleeves that I've had a few years now, and although I usually don't do matchy-matchy, I fully committed to this look, by adding my lavender sandals and my cute phone purse that was in my summer 2025 FabFitFun box, along with gold accessories including the anklet also from my box.  

You guys, I still like getting my FabFitFun box.  I don't buy a lot of things, especially beauty products and accessories, so it's a fun way for me to try new things and over the years I've discovered many products that I love and have re-purchased, or I've gifted to my girls. I love the mix of beauty, home decor, accessories and this upcoming fall box even has a cardigan that I am so excited to choose during customization!   Overall it seems to still be a good investment and makes me excited. I buy the annual subscription with my birthday money so its a gift that gives all year long.  If you are interested in trying it out here is a $20 off coupon using my link !

The items in my FabFitFun Summer 2025 box.

• OLEHENRIKSEN® Double Rewind Retinol Serum 

• innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
• First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA – Fresh Strawberry
• In The Roundhouse Sicily Stripe Set of 4 Dip Bowls
• Our Spare Change Isla Pearl Earrings

• Set & Stones Shelly Anklet

• Marlyn Schiff Arielle Ring - Gold

And one more thing, each summer I try a new cocktail and this year, sticking with this theme, I am obsessed with the Lavender  Vodka Lemonade from Kitchen Spicez!  Yummy!  It's not sweet, it's refreshing and has the lavender gives it the nicest lavender coloring!  I researched lavender syrups and ended up ordering this one on Amazon and it's perfect!  Cheers friends!

Lavender Vodka Lemonade

● 2 oz vodka
● 4 oz fresh lemonade
● 0.5 oz lavender syrup (store-bought or homemade)
● Lemon wheel and lavender sprig (for garnish)
● Ice cubes

 Instructions:

 Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
 Add vodka, fresh lemonade, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
 Shake gently for about 10 seconds to combine and chill.
 Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
 Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender.

Thanks for stopping by today and share your thoughts on subscription boxes and summer cocktails or mocktails.

Ageless Style: Beat the Heat

 How are you beating the heat this summer?

Over here in SK. we've been having cycles of extremely hot, we were the hotest place in the country a week or so ago, and also having mild temp of about 18-21C for a chunk of time.  Today is our Ageless Style link-up that happens every third Thursday of the month, so next will be Aug. 21st and our theme will be "Back to School" so mark your calendars! .

As most of you know, I am an educator and my summer break is June 30-Aug. 17th.  During that time I spend a good chunk at our lake cabin  staring days of slowly drinking a coffee and reading my book, training currently for a half-marathon, and my favorite being on the beach or on the boat soaking up the sunshine and jumping into the water whenever I need a cool down.  It's when I am happiest and most relaxed.  Honestly getting dressed really doesn't even cross my mind and 60% of the time I am in my denim shorts and tee, like the one featured today, or in a bathing suit.   My hair is messy and my make-up is minimal at best and sometimes non-existent.  

So each year I purchase a new bathing suit for the summer and this year I just went with a repeat from last year in a new color/pattern from Shein (I got a medium).  I love how this is high waisted, the top is a good fit with adequate support even if I am doing water sports behind the boat, and it's a cute look.  Oh and did I mention it's cheap and the one from last year never stretched, faded or fell apart.  I still like two-pieces and as long as I feel comfortable in it, I will continue to purchase them.

Honestly, I haven't purchased one item of clothing since April as I just wasn't inspired to go shopping or to online shop.  One thing that I've identified I need is more casual t-shirts and I had like no graphic tees at all.  So when my favorite little boutique had this "Beach Time" tee on sale for $15, I immediately purchased it.  It's the perfect addition to my summertime closet without being fussy.  

So my essentials for beating the heat are as follows:

*Cute and comfortable swimsuit (here)

* Denim shorts & cute tee (Beach Time t-shirt)

* Book, towel, sunnies, sunscreen, hat and a good water bottle

* Body of water 

* Cold Brew in the afternoon

Your turn now!  How are you beating the heat?  What's your summer time go-to outfit?

Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After

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Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
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Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

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Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

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Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

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Q2 Goals Update and Life Lately

 

I am back after a much needed break.  Spring was BUSY!   I knew June was going to be a lot but when it wrapped up, I had a beyond empty tank.  I am not sure if it was that much busier or I am getting older and not able to handle as much.  Regardless, after the last day of school on June 27th, I kind of crashed and just took time to sleep, read and not be social.  I was still editing photos from grad sessions a few hours a day but I just kept mostly to myself.  Last week, we went full out visiting and reconnecting with friends and family and now I am back at the lake, trying to find a good balance between socializing and recharging over the next 4 weeks before we need to gear up for fall and back to school mid-August.  So let's jump in and see what I accomplished in quarter 2 of my goals.  I am not formally setting any goals for summer as I need to just go with the flow I've decided.  Leave me a note about how your goals are unfolding now that we are half way through 2025, or what your summer looks like.  

PERSONAL

✔*Splurge on a cleaner once in May and June.  I know June will feel insane so I need to commit to spending the money to help me stay sane.  I will need the help!-  YES!!!!   This was a life saver for me.  I think I am booking her in for September when I return back to work and I am going to do this for December as well.

✔*Splurge on fake eyelashes every three weeks, and nails once a month. 

✔*Hair appointment including a cut and color. - I went dark closer to my natural color, although the sun has bleached it back, and I absolutely love it!!!!!!!  

My hairdresser nailed it, she always does.

 

7/10 *Try to listen to one audiobook/month and read two books (finish The Dimond Eye and read whatever book is chosen for book club).  Also, finish reading the journal articles on ADHD.

• Audiobooks: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune ⭐⭐⭐
• Audiobook: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose ⭐⭐⭐
• Audiobook: The Woman in Me by Brittany Spears ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Audiobook: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Dimond Eye by Kate Quinn ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Wellness by Nathan Hill ⭐- I tried to both read it and do the audiobook and couldn't.  I think only two people in my book club got through this one.  I normally never put a book down but being so busy and having such little time, I was willing to let it go!
• ADHD Journal 50% completed, will pick up again in the fall.

✔*Go to dr. and explore adult ADHD. - I did this and she was on the fence because I do have excellent coping strategies if I do have ADHD.  I tried concerta for a couple of weeks and ultimately didn't notice too much difference and it began giving me stomach pains daily.  Being June, I didn't explore switching medications but maybe I will in the fall/winter if I feel like I need/want to.

X*Enroll in dog agility with Oreo again this year. - I decided that I just didn't have the capacity to take this on this year in the end. It's hard to say no but I was so overwhelmed that I called the organizers and said I just couldn't make it work.\

PHYSICAL

✔* Complete my first Duathlon on Mothers Day.  This duathlon was supposed to happen in  fall 2024 but was cancelled due to an extreme wind storm so my girlfriend and I are slated to do it this spring.  It's a sprint distance which is 5km run, 20 km bike, 3 km run.  - This was soooooo much FUN!  I felt so proud of myself for trying something new.  I didn't do as well as I had hoped but the atmosphere was so supportive, empowering and a  ton of first timers.  It was a dedicated Mother's Day event so seeing all the moms and women of all ages and fitness levels really made the event so much more.  I am planning to do it again in the fall if it works in my schedule.  I was also interviewed as an inspiring mom that runs for our local running newsletter which was delightful, you can check it out here.  

FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS

✔*Family trip to Europe!!!! - Our trip to Europe, Venice & Paris, exceeded every expectation I had.  The girls were the perfect age to travel with and were really interested in doing it all, from churches, to castles, history, shopping, food, and even were great sports about sharing a bathroom and beds.  My mom and dad also joined us and the girls loved being able to share this experience with them.  We did it all, gondola ride, pizza, cappuccinos, Verona, rubbed Juliette's boob, traveled by boat and plane, Dodge's palace, Eiffel Tower at night, family photoshoot, JellyCat store and shopping, Louvre tour, Versailles castle, explored cool neighborhoods, quint stores and Disney Paris.  We walked and walked and walked.  I really need to make some posts recapping this trip so that we can preserve it forever.

Paris 2025

Venice 2025

Halie, Halie, Halie!  This spring is going to be fully about Halie and her grade 12 graduation. 

 ✔*Create a scrapbook as a gift for Halie. - This project was a labor of love!!!!!  It took me hours, upon hours, upon hours, like 40+ hrs; but it is beautiful and a keepsake that she loves.  I made it through Vista Print (Canadian) and the photobook is beautiful.  

✔*Attend Halies graduation ceremony and family formal dinner.
✔*Do her grad photos, friends cap and gown photos and family photo.

✔*HOST a grad celebration in June for family and friends. - We had 40ish people in our house because it was the one day that it literally rained ALL day long.  It was loud, chaotic and full of  love for her.

Anya

✔*Dance, dance and dance.  Enjoy her dance competitions and final dance show. 3 dance competitions, and 2 recitals.  We did it all and I have to say not only did she grow in skill but also just her ability to roll with the punches and the ups and downs of competition.  She NEVER complains about going to dance and loves the girls, teachers and the art.

✔*Take dance photos.

✔*Enjoy watching baseball in June. - Anya went back to a co-ed baseball league this year and absolutely loved it.  It's likely her last year playing  and I was acutely aware of that, so I soaked up as many games and opportunities to cheer her on.
X*Begin driving with her behind the wheel once a week. - We need to get her out driving more, especially in the city before the winter.  In the fall we need to make this a major focus so that she is ready and confident in the city when snow falls.

Birthday Celebrations

✔*Do an experience gift for my niece Ella at the end of June.

PROFFESSIONAL

*Please follow my photography business on FB or IG.

✔* Host spring mini-sessions and ideally I'd like to book  between 6-8 sessions. - I ended up only doing one evening and half the sessions.

✔* Book 4 graduation sessions, remembering to keep it reasonable and manageable this June. - well I booked double this in May/June and they are still going into the summer.  I need to learn to say NO, but they are all so beautiful.

7/10 *Continue to post/promote my photography side gig on IG and FB, 2xweek. - Consistency as with my other IG account is just not there. 

FINANCIAL

✔* Document a breakdown the full cost of our trip to Europe as a family of four.  

✔* Rent out our cabin out for in order to recoup some costs. Goal: $1500.

I'll be back on Thursday, July 17th with Ageless Style and we are talking about how we are staying cool this summer.  Join us for some summer fashion inspiration and link-up.

May Roundup

Goodbye May, hello June.  Well that went fast.  May came in chilly as it often does, but left us with hot days, in desperate need of rain due to raging forest fires that are threatening our special summer place, our cabin and have already displaces communities and wildlife.  We are thankful for the endless hours that the firefighters continue to put into trying to contain these fires and save our communities.  On a more positive note, May also brought good things into our lives.  Anya started ball this month, and wrapped up her dance with a wonderful recital.  She continues to practice for a ballet exam which will happen in June. Halie began her horse show season last weekend and is gearing up for her last month on high school.  Logan and I got away to the lake before the fires and enjoyed an amazing weekend to recalibrate and gear up for a busy June.

June is going to be overwhelmingly busy with us preparing for Halies graduation celebrations near the end of the month (also a little emotionally overwhelming but I'll save that for another day).  Working as a vice-principal at a school means that there are many evening events, performance, farewells, staff gatherings, reports, etc. all happening in June as well.  Oh and did I mention grad photography in the evenings, along with ball games.  LOL.  Needless to say June will be a blur but come July things will slow down.  

Anyway, I hope to be hear regularly on the Mondays but if I don't show up you know that June got me.  

Let's look at what I've been wearing to work, and for play, in May.  

Classy for Class

Lavender Haze

Put Me in Coach

Denim for Days

Pink Power Suit

Casual Weekend with Smash & Tess

It's your turn now to share something from May, a family memory, something that gave you joy, or your favorite outfits. Thanks for stopping by and staying connected.