I don’t know what it is about this week, but all of a sudden I feel like I’m seeing the beginnings of “fall” everywhere! Today’s roundup of the cutest new arrivals to hit the web has me feeling all sorts of autumn.
I don’t know what it is about this week, but all of a sudden I feel like I’m seeing the beginnings of “fall” everywhere! Not that we’re anywhere near it here in Florida, if we’re being honest. In fact, I went outside to photograph an upcoming look just yesterday and lasted all of 3 minutes before being covered in sweat. Something tells me the heat and humidity aren’t going to give in to sweater weather quite so easily.
But I have to admit that it’s gotten me excited for what’s ahead. And I think you’re going to find that reflected in today’s roundup of the cutest new arrivals to hit the web!
Now, you may notice a bit of a different look for today’s Latest & Greatest post. I decided to try something different and create more of a haphazard “collage” look than my typical text-and-photo editorial style. You’ll have to let me know which one you like better!
As always, simply click on an image to shop!
the latest & greatest
As you can tell, moody fall hues are the vibe around here!
For those who saw my Insta Story of Flynn getting his “big boy surgery” yesterday (tears!) I wanted to share a quick update: he’s doing so much better this morning! I’m naturally pretty optimistic, so I didn’t have any anxiety taking him to his surgery and don’t think I was emotionally prepared for what recovery would look like. But wow was I a wreck all yesterday after bringing him home!
I’m sure this sounds super dramatic if you’ve never had a pet go through this, but I’m so thankful to the many of you who reached out yesterday to assure me he’d be back to his normal self soon. He’s already wanting to run around with Andrew’s dirty socks, so things are looking up! :) I also ordered this collar (at the recommendation of many of you) so he doesn’t have to wear his cone around, and it arrives today thank goodness!
Another quick update: this morning, I hinted on my Instagram Story that something fun is coming up soon with Africa New Life. I can’t wait to share more with you in just a bit, so stay tuned!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! After yesterday and a sleepless night, I am ready for pizza, pajamas and wine asap!
Turns out, miracles do happen! I completely reorganized my pantry with the help of Walmart Express Delivery, and am so excited to share the results with you today!
Do you ever just wake up and feel completely overwhelmed with the messiness of your home? I am, self-admittedly, as disorganized as they come. While I like to say I thrive in chaos, every once in a while it reaches a tipping point and something has to give. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
That was exactly how I felt earlier this week. When I opened up the pantry door after a weekend away to make a new grocery list, I was legitimately horrified at the disorganized mayhem. How did I let it get so bad?
The last thing I had in the middle of a crazy week was a few hours to spend out and about shopping for pantry organization tools, so I decided to try out the new Walmart Express Delivery service! If I could have not only my groceries delivered in two hours or less, but some much-needed organizational goodies to do a quick overhaul of my pantry as well, I was going to feel so much better.
Turns out, miracles do happen! While I waited for my order to be delivered, I cleared out the pantry and got ready for a quick re-do. I’m so excited to share the end result with you today!
I’m so embarrassed for you to see the before, but the after makes it worth it, right? It’s crazy to me how just a few things (and a couple of trash bags) could help transform this tiny space. I stocked up on these small pink bins. They’re amazing for separating pantry items and making them easy to find, plus they’re just $1.88 for a set of two!
I also love these large seagrass baskets. I used one for drinks we don’t want to store in the fridge, one for large “fluffy” snacks (like chips and rice cakes) and one for… wait for it… hurricane essentials! Oh life as a Florida resident. :)
In a nutshell, Walmart Express Delivery brings you what you need in a pinch… in 2 hours or less! And not just groceries, y’all, everything from tech accessories and gardening supplies to beauty favorites and board games! This incredibly convenient service takes the sweat out of those last-minute, unplanned moments when you need a personal assistant.. or at least an extra set of hands.
And best yet, there isn’t a markup on any of the items you order through Walmart Express Delivery. You can expect the same low prices that you do in-store.
So next time you have a mess that needs organizing, a tech malfunction that needs replacing or a beauty snafu that needs mending, remember the oh-so-convenient Walmart Express Delivery. My personal day saver… and pantry maker! (Psst, there’s a great video on this page that explains the service step by step!!)
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
Thank you, Walmart, for sponsoring this post.
Walmart Express delivery is subject to availability at select stores. Standard delivery fee and/or Express delivery fee may apply. Minimum order applies.
Today, I’m so excited to share our trip to Montage Palmetto Bluff with you. I’ll be sharing what we did, what we loved, and… well, things we thought could use a bit of improvement.
This past weekend, Andrew had a couple of days off from work. After researching a few destinations we could reach within driving distance and safely social distance at, we decided to book a stay at the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff. After hearing about it for seemingly months, I was so excited to experience all this this gorgeous property, set on 22,000 acres in the South Carolina low country, had to offer!
We arrived on a Thursday evening and stayed through Monday afternoon. Three full days and four nights felt like an adequate time to dip our toes into the highly-acclaimed Montage experience.
Today, I’m so excited to share our trip with you. I’ll be sharing what we did, what we loved, and… well, things we thought could use a bit of improvement. This trip was not comp’d in any way, and I hope our unbiased perspective helps you as you plan your trip!
What We Loved
The Views
Let me start out by saying that the views afforded by the Montage Palmetto Bluff are without a doubt some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. And not just because of the stunning architecture… the low country itself is naturally stunning! Growing up in Texas, I never really ventured up to the Carolinas. This was my first time experiencing the beautiful trees, stunning skies and gorgeous waterways of the low country. I had no idea what I’ve been missing!
Many of you recommended the five-story treehouse. We biked there on our first full day and climbed to the top for the most unbelievable view… highly recommend, it doesn’t take long to experience! I felt like I was in the middle of a Nicholas Sparks novel.
The Accommodations
Not only are the grounds themselves stunning, but the accommodations are beautiful as well. We booked a room at the main inn but were upgraded to a guest house room upon arrival. I have a fondness for traditional southern architecture and loved how tasteful, classic and charming each nook and cranny of not only our room but the property as a whole felt. Our favorite space? The library right next to the check-in desk!
The Food
With the exception of one dinner in downtown Bluffton (we ate at FARM and it was one of the best meals and experiences I’ve had in months) Andrew and I ate all of our meals at the various dining options at the Montage. We both remarked all weekend long about how delicious everything was. The service was, for the most part, top-notch as well!
Perhaps our favorite spot on-property, Andrew and I ate at Octagon for brunch three times during our stay. I particularly loved the veggie hash bowl (ordered with breakfast potatoes instead of eggs and it was life changing) and the biscuits, which were to die for.
We also enjoyed a fabulous lunch there, sharing the fried chicken sandwich and the blackened grouper sandwich (topped with fried green tomatoes, omg) and let me tell you, I cannot say enough good things about them.
A couple of tips: We never made reservations for Octagon and were able to get a table each time without any wait. The restaurant itself is large and seems to have a lot of seating! If the weather permits, I highly recommend sitting out on the beautiful porch.
Cole’s is a more casual option located a few minutes away (via shuttle) from the main inn. You definitely need reservations, and I would recommend making one that allows you to enjoy the sunset while you dine. The architecture is gorgeous (think Houston’s but a bit lighter) but the restaurant itself is very small.
Andrew and I shared a bucket of fried chicken and wow, easily the best I’ve ever had. In fact, everything we ordered was divine! Our only complaint was we didn’t have great service there. I’m not sure if our waitress had too many tables or what, but she only stopped by about three times our entire meal, and every interaction was very, very short and rushed, making Andrew and I feel like an inconvenience. Had that not been the case, we would have given it a 10/10!
Unfortunately, Cole’s is only open for dinner, Friday through Tuesday. I’ll get into this later on, but it would have been amazing if their hours had allowed for lunch and afternoon snacking as well, as the game room and bowling alley are in the same building.
I was lucky enough to get us reservations for our final evening at the Canoe Club. It is definitely the nicest restaurant at the resort and offers a gorgeous view of the May River. We had initially planned for an 8:00 mealtime, but bumped our table up to 5:15 last minute. I’m so glad we did, as we sat on the porch and enjoyed the fabulous view the entire time!
The food was delicious. Lots of yummy seafood options, which Andrew and I were all about. I especially loved the oysters and tuna poke!
Room Service
I had heard wonderful things about the room service at Montage Palmetto Bluff, so Andrew and I decided to order dinner and dessert on our first evening. It was definitely yummy but didn’t necessarily blow us away. The menu was pretty limited as well! But let me tell you… the chocolate chip cookies are totally worth it.
We also ordered room service for breakfast one morning, and same scenario. Good, but not earth-shattering. We both enjoyed our mornings at Octagon more!
I will say, the room service was quite speedy compared to other resorts I’ve stayed at, which is a plus!
The Bikes
When I asked for recommendations while planning this trip, so many of y’all commented on the bikes! This was probably our favorite aspect of the property. Bikes are free and readily-available to resort guests. You simply walk up to the desk, sign a brief waiver and off you go!
Andrew and I spent most of our weekend on bikes exploring everywhere, which allowed us to really see and experience so much of what makes the Montage Palmetto Bluff special. We especially loved biking over to Moreland Village, where you’ll find a stunning view of the May River, a beautiful little chapel, as well as a cute little selection of stores, a restaurant (Buffalos, where we enjoyed a fabulous appetizer and glass of wine one afternoon), and a delicious ice cream parlor.
The neighborhoods of private residences on the property are breathtaking as well. We were taking major home-inspiration notes the entire time!
What We Didn’t Love
While we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Montage Palmetto Bluff, Andrew and I both agreed that our stay could have been better. I don’t believe this is because of the property itself, but rather due to the fact that, in hindsight, we didn’t plan appropriately. I will get into what could have made our experience better below so you don’t make the same mistake!
One thing to note about the Montage Palmetto Bluff is that it’s definitely a “pay to play” destination. There’s nothing wrong with that by any means, but I do think in order to make the most of your stay, you should be proactive about planning plenty of experiences!
Where I think I “missed it,” in this regard, was relying on the Experience Planner, a service provided complimentary by the resort, to help guide me in building our itinerary. I got in touch with an incredibly nice young man to make a few reservations and pick his brain about recommendations and, while he was so kind and helpful in making dining reservations, I hung up feeling like it was up to me and Andrew figure everything else out.
That feeling was solidified at check-in, where we didn’t receive any sort of map or recommendations for things to do. We didn’t mind at the time, as we were so excited to get settled in, but in hindsight that would have been a great opportunity to learn more about the property and be equipped with ideas for our stay.
One of the main reasons I had booked a stay at the Montage was for horseback riding. The stables looked incredible, and I was thrilled to see that this was an offering. On our call, however, the Experience Planner told me he wasn’t sure if the stables were offering trail rides due to the heat. Totally understandable, but it surprised me this wasn’t listed anywhere on the website and especially that the planner himself didn’t seem to know exactly what was going on. Not only that, but he didn’t seem at all motivated to get to the bottom of it or put me in touch with someone who knew for sure. I got a “shoulder shrug” vibe from him, if that makes sense.
I did get an email after our phone call saying he had confirmed that the stable was not allowing trail rides, and that he had booked a stable tour for us instead. For $50 a person. Crickets.
When I replied saying we weren’t interested, as we didn’t realize the tour would be $50 a person, he responded saying that it he was incorrect and it was $50 total. Again, I was surprised at the price and the lack of expertise, but we decided to go for it anyway.
Now let me tell you, that tour was absolutely one of the highlights of our stay. We had the best time with Becca, one of the trainers at Longfeild Stables, exploring the gorgeous facility and meeting some of the horses, and I do hope I return one day to ride there! The planning experience in and of itself just left an odd taste in my mouth.
Another moment that left us a bit bummed was on Sunday morning. After a fabulous facial and brunch at Octagon, Andrew and I looked outside to see rain. Since we had planned on spending the day at the pool, we decided to head to the front desk for a few rainy day activity recommendations. The staff member was so nice, but we found it odd that she directed us to the concierge instead of having ideas top of mind.
Our interaction with the concierge, however, was what really stumped us. When we repeated our request for rainy day recommendations, we were met with blank stares and a nervous laugh. “Hmm, that’s a great question! We don’t have anything going on right now, but if you give us your number we’ll call you if that changes.”
Andrew and I walked away feeling so confused. On such an expansive property, you’d think there would be something to do on a rainy day! We decided to make our way over to the game room, which I mentioned above as being right next to Cole’s, and spent the next couple of hours playing pool, shuffleboard, and foosball. While it was nice, I think we both felt a bit antsy to be spending our final day this way. To make matters worse, the bowling alley wasn’t open (it opens at 5), and even though there were plenty of staff members at next-door Cole’s preparing for the evening, they wouldn’t allow us to order any drinks or appetizers, which would have made the experience far more enjoyable.
All in all, we felt a little bit deflated that by Sunday afternoon.
What Would Have Made It Better
Andrew and I spent the 3.5 hour drive home talking through our experience and trying to pinpoint why the weekend, while enjoyable, wasn’t quite everything we were expecting, especially given the amount of money it cost. Here are a few things we think would truly make for a memorable Montage Palmetto Bluff experience, and I hope that they help you in your planning!
Splurge on a Cottage // Andrew and I stayed in a beautiful Lagoon Guest House King room, but realized during our stay that the way to really do it is to splurge on a private cottage. Now, it will cost you a pretty penny, but after our weekend experience, I really do think it would be 100% worth it. The cottages are not only gorgeous and cozy, but those with a River View truly have the most incredible view. They back right onto the river, with nothing but stunning scenery for miles! I think our experience would have been night and day different if we had stayed in a cottage… perfectly content to spend an entire day drinking coffee while taking in the view on the back porch, and spending nights by the fire with a bottle of wine!
Plan plenty of activities // If you’re not content to cozy up in a cottage all weekend, make sure you take advantage of the many incredible experiences Montage Palmetto Bluff offers. I think our biggest mistake was going into the weekend without having a full list of things to do. Granted, the horseback riding situation kinda threw a wrench in our plans, and when I tried to book us a sunset cruise even a couple of weeks in advance, they were already full, but in hindsight, I wish we had decided to pivot and try something else instead! We’re very chill travelers, and are usually quite content to spend weekends lounging around (hence why I think a cottage would have been perfect for us) but to really make the most of your Montage experience, I’d recommend planning at least one adventure a day. Do make sure you book ahead of time, though! And if you’re a horse lover like me, keep in mind that the stables are closed for trail rides until Labor Day.
Go with another couple, friends or family // While Montage Palmetto Bluff made for a lovely weekend away just the two of us, Andrew and I agreed it would have been even more fun with another couple or our families. The property is so well suited to families and groups, and there’s plenty of things for everyone to do… like fishing for the guys, spa for the girls, and s’mores for everyone after dinner. (Those are just examples, of course. I love to fish and Andrew may be a bigger fan of spa days than me!)
Experience the town of Bluffton during the day // I mentioned above that our dinner outside of the resort at FARM (definitely make reservations!) was truly divine in every way. We sat on a teeny table on the sidewalk and had the most fabulous sunset to enjoy as we ate! The only bummer is that we had made an 8:30pm reservation to allow for a full day at the Montage as well as ample time to explore Bluffton before dinner. We should have known that everything closes by 5pm! There seemed to be so many cute antique and clothing shops, but all windows were dark by the time we made it into town at 6pm. In hindsight, I wish we had made 5pm dinner reservation and explored from 3-5, while things were still open.
Go during cooler weather // Andrew and I both agree that we would love to experience the Montage during fall and/or winter. To be able to bike around and experience the beauty of the resort in the crips cool of autumn or the festivity of the holiday season sounds like a total dream! While we still enjoyed the property during the dog days of summer, the heat really did take it out of us and we think you could better experience everything the property has to offer when it cools down.
All in all, I feel like this weekend was a “warmup,” in a way, to the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff property. The downside? We experienced what not to do, and paid a pretty penny for it. The positive? Now that I’ve seen what doesn’t work, I feel like I could plan a perfect Montage getaway!
The last thing I want to do is to sound whiney or complaining, and I’ll be the first to admit that many of the snafus we experienced were due to our own choices. But many, many of you reached out asking for an update when we returned, so I want to make sure you have all the info and tools needed to ensure your Montage experience is the absolute dream it should be.
If you are interested in planning a Montage Palmetto Bluff getaway soon, I wanted to let you know of the fabulous deal Andrew and I took advantage of. We booked the Spirit of Now package, which comes with a $100 resort credit per night, a complimentary upgrade upon check-in as well as no deposit upon booking and free cancellation up to 48-hours prior to your arrival date. You’ll find all of the details here!
I really do hope that one day we return to the Montage Palmetto Bluff to experience everything it has to offer in the best way possible. The beauty of the low country now holds a piece of my heart forever!
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
P.S. It goes without saying that this is a tumultuous time for the travel industry. Andrew and I did a lot of research beforehand and were so impressed with the precautions being taken at the Montage in light of everything going on. We wore masks everywhere unless we were eating or alone outside, felt safe the entire duration of our stay, and were happy to support an incredible destination during this difficult time. (They were closed for 3 months in the thick of everything.) I completely understand and respect if travel isn’t something you’re comfortable with right now, and kindly ask you to do the same for us.
It’s no secret sellouts have been insane this year, largely due to the limited stock availability due to the pandemic. So, if you’ve been waiting to shop the sale, I wanted to bring you some inspiration that is all fully stocked! (At least, at the time I’m posting this!)
This year, there are some gorgeous, timeless pieces included in the sale. Whether or not you’re shopping (and you know how I feel about shopping this sale… ), I hope these ensembles provide you with some cozy autumn inspiration!
And yes, I do realize the irony in typing this as I look out at my humidity-fogged windows. :)
Without further ado, check out these 3 classic #nsale outfit ideas!
Viola! There you have it. Don’t these looks make you want to be camped curbside out at a cafe in Paris sipping on espresso? *She types wistfully on day 14839860 of quarantine as she sits in pajama pants and an old college t-shirt.
Although we still have quite a ways to go until fall weather comes through Florida (but does it ever, really?) I’m finding myself daydreaming about cooler temps and cozy spaces! If you live in a colder climate, would you mind sending some of that my way?
P.S. If you’re looking for more #NSale inspiration, check out my try on hauls here and here. You’ll also find them saved to my NSALE highlight on Instagram! And don’t forget about my second account, @WouldRatherBeWearing!
Recently, I have stumbled across some awesome new-to-me brands. Today, I thought it would be fun to share these finds with you!
Happy Monday, friends! I don’t know about anyone else, but last week was quite the doozy, topped off by a full weekend of call for Andrew. Womp womp.
One very happy and fun moment did occur, though. My second Instagram account, Would Rather Be Wearing, hit 10,000+ followers!
I’ve had so much fun putting these daily outfit collages together, and in the process have stumbled across some awesome new-to-me brands. Today, I thought it would be fun to share these finds with you!
I have always loved bold, colorful beaded accessories, and came across Ink + Alloy while looking for some turquoise bracelets to compliment this look. Jackpot, y’all! This accessory line carries a fabulous assortment of colorful creations, from beaded bangles to vibrant earrings to unique hair accessories, all at accessible price points. I just saw they’re having a summer sale, too! Use code SUMMER20 for 20% off site-wide.
Instagram ads work again! I’ve been seeing quite a few ads for Olivela over the past few weeks, and finally decided to swipe up and check it out. Wow, y’all. Talk about an incredible destination for stunning, high-end pieces! While I personally prefer wallet-friendly buys to more exclusive price points, I do love scrolling through to glean inspiration. I think you’ll enjoy this lovely assortment, too! P.S. If you sign up for their mailing and text list, you’ll receive a 20% off code.
Who knew Etsy had such an incredible assortment of shoes? I came across Pure Greek Sandals this past weekend and was instantly wow’d at the beautiful, simplistic, unique designs. This brand is based in Athens, Greece and uses genuine leather to construct their beautiful sandals. For the handmade quality, I think the pricepoint (~$100) is reasonable. I’m especially in love with this pair!
I saw this darling linen pajama set on the feed of @Kathleen_Barnes, and you can bet I swiped up. What I found? A gorgeous assortment of all things linen! The perfect mix of chic and casual, this collection of custom-made linen wear is so cute and so well priced. I have my eye on this set, after seeing it on Kathleen, and this dress! Check out the expansive array of home goods as well.
While searching for the perfect sunhat, I came across Artesano… a Miami-based line of beautifully handmade hats crafted by artisans in Ecuador. I instantly fell in love with the chic, timeless and colorful designs and ended up ordering the Ibiza Wide Brim style during a mid-summer sale! It just arrived and I am thrilled. While these pieces are a splurge, the handmade and timeless quality make them items I think will never go out of style. You can take 30% off site-wide with the code EOS!
All the sparkle, please! These gorgeous custom beaded clutches are giving me so much glam-spiration in this season of endless loungewear. I love all of the color, font and monogram options this etsy shop offers. The question is, which would you choose? Also, how adorable would this be for a bride?!
As I sit here typing in my sweaty workout clothes, this fun list is giving me just the Monday inspiration I need. I hope it does the same for you! And as always, I would love to hear about any new brands you’re loving!
Hey, friends! Happy Thursday and welcome back to my second Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 try on!
Hey, friends! Happy Thursday and welcome back to my second Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 try on! Today, all cardholders are able to shop the sale. Yay!
As mentioned in my first try on, the in-store selection left me pretty underwhelmed. I received a few of my online orders this week, though, and am loving what I was able to find!
I, like I’m sure many of you, am so bummed about how insanely fast things are selling out. BUT… this happens every year, and returns always end up restocking. So if there’s something you have your heart set on, I’d recommend checking back!
You’ll see me try these on “live” on my IG story today, so head over there for a better look!
I always mention this and want to repeat it again: none of this is a “need” and the last thing I want to do is make you feel that way. Rather, I hope it just gets you excited for fall whether or not you’er shopping the sale!
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
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