Would you believe that I've never owned a proper swimsuit coverup? It's true! I've always thrown on a sundress or shorts and a t-shirt and called it a day. But this year I wanted to change things up a little bit, so I decided to try a few from Amazon.

Before we get into it, I've got some thoughts on coverups in general.

One, why are they all so short? Seriously, most of them are the length of an oversized t-shirt, meaning they'll just barely cover my butt. I understand you're at the pool, river/lake, or beach, but I don't know. They almost feel like a too-short dress. To me, at least.

Two, why are they all see-through? Isn't the point of a cover-up to actually cover you up? Kinda defeats the purpose if you can see everything underneath it if you ask me...

Three, do people really pay $50+ on these things?!

Anyway, some sizing notes for you. I'm 5'2" and weigh about 145 lbs. I wear size 6/small in most clothes. I decided to use the black floral one-piece swimsuit that was so popular from my swimsuit try-on back in March to show these cover-ups. It doesn't work well with all of the cover-ups because of the criss-crossed straps, but I didn't feel like changing between each one. I'm in the size 8-10.

We're going to start with the one I was the most excited about, the Jeasona crochet cover-up. This is the off-white color, although in person it's just regular white. I got the size medium, which is 31 inches long. It's kind of a funky hem, with drawstring sides that I'm not sure the purpose of. Anyway, the pattern is pretty, but you should know that the material is polyester, not actual crochet.

Overall, I like this one, but it's shorter than I'd be comfortable wearing on its own, especially because the side slits are really high.

This Ekouaer tunic/dress cover-up might be my favorite. It comes in a bunch of colors and patterns, but I felt like the black would go with most of my swimsuits. It's got pretty crochet-work around the neck and elbows, and the back is mostly open. The hem has a small ruffle and the sleeves have a little flare. There are tassels on the back tie closure as well as along the back neck.

I like the length of this one. It fits like a dress, although it's pretty thin so I'd definitely not wear it as such. It's a rayon-acryllic mix. I got the medium.

This Loritta oversized cover-up dress is my least favorite of the bunch, but it's undoubtedly the easiest one to wear. This one is a one size fits all option and comes in six color options. It's 100 percent polyester. The bust is 67 inches and it's 33.5 inches long. As you can see, it's mostly see-through. I really like the lace trim, and on me at least it's a good length. What I don't like is that it's shaped like a pillow case.

I am in love with this Bsubeach kaftan. It's the most comfortable thing ever and would fit in nearly anywhere. I don't even care that it's like wearing a sack. Admittedly, it doesn't really work well with this particular swimsuit because of the straps, but I love the embroidery detail and how soft the material is. There are 40 different styles to choose from, but they are all one size. This one is cut straight, but there are several that have drawstring waists and are more flowy.

Happy Monday, friends! We've made it halfway through the month. How did that happen?!

I am currently in the process of packing up my office, or at least the parts of it I don't use on a daily/weekly basis. It's not an easy task, and I haven't made much progress. My closet is almost ready to pack. I've got a few more things to go through that have been being stored on the top shelf. This weekend, though, I went through what I think is my last box from college. So many memories...and party wristbands. I have no idea why I hung on to them. Did I think I'd remember the party they were from? Because I definitely don't. Also on the packing list for this week - the kitchen (non-essentials) and living room (décor).

This past weekend, Alexis had her first gymnastics show. It was non-competitive so there wasn't any pressure, but we still were skeptical that she would actually follow through and want to participate on the actual day. Alexis does not like performing in front of people, but she did such a good job and has improved so much over the past year.

Also this weekend, we got to meet my brother and sister in law's new baby. I got lots of sweet cuddles.

This week I'll be doing a bunch of editorial and advertorial work for the magazine, which means lots of desk time. Alexis has field day on Friday, so I'll be at that (hopefully not getting sunburned). Then this weekend I think I'm finally going to see the new Fantastic Beasts movie.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

I almost postponed this edition of Real Outfit Roundup because I don't have much to share, and unlike last time when there was a common theme to latch onto, the only thing this roundup has in common is the craziness of the last two weeks.

I don't have anything profound to say about what's been going on the last couple of weeks, so we'll just dive right on into it.

Yes, I am aware that we're starting with a picture that doesn't show a full outfit. This was a day where we had I think five showings of our house, so I spent more time leaving than anything else. But I really wanted to share these sneakers. I found them in Walmart, misplaced in the women's shoe section. I rarely venture into the girls' shoes because they're almost always too young, but I loved these. It doesn't always work out, but the size 5 in these fit perfectly. Unfortunately, they're not available to order online but my local store had a bunch. I also found a couple of really close matches in women's sizes here and here.

This dress is one of my favorites of all time. It's one of those dresses that feels dressed up even when you're not making an effort to be. I'll be honest, though, I have no idea what we did on this particular day.

Flash forward four days... I'm really not sure how I didn't take any pictures at all during that time, but I assure you I did not. Anyway, last Thursday I attended a fundraising event for my local art museum. It was themed for an adult prom, so I got to really dress up. This watercolor gown from Lulu's is an absolute dream. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one. I sized up to a medium because Lulu's is always snug.

I've not had a need for a clutch purse in recent years, so I had a lot of fun finding this one. It's the perfect size to fit a phone, ID and money/cards, plus lipstick. You can carry it like a true clutch, but I chose to use the detachable handle because I didn't want to mess up all the beautiful flowers. It's also got a pretty chain so you can wear it on your shoulder.

And you can't see my shoes, but I wanted to wear something that felt dressed up (but didn't kill my feet). I recommend these ones by Dream Pairs. They were elegant and had just enough of a heel to make my dress's length manageable (although stairs were still kind of tough).

This was from day one of my monthly magazine distribution. I rarely take photos while out doing this because I'm super busy on those days, but I'm trying to do a better job of showing the 'real' aspects of what I do for a living. Anyway, I always strive to be comfortable on distribution days but not sloppy since I interact with a lot of people. So although I was wearing shorts, I upgraded to a pair of navy blue cargos (mine are old but these are really close). My t-shirt is also old, but it's one of my favorites (this is another of my favorites that fits the same).

This was day two of distribution, which consisted of a lot more walking than the first day. For this bit of the process, I always try to dress business casual because there's much more interaction with potential customers. I really love this skirt. It's a seersucker material so wrinkles aren't as noticeable. It's also fully lined and has pockets. My blouse is also seersucker, but it's got a lot more going on with its button front, cap sleeves, and smocked yoke.

This maxi dress continues to be my go-to dress of the season. This is actually the first time I've worn it as is, but it definitely works on its own. I kept it casual with some two-toned slide sandals (similar) and a messy ponytail.

Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Ours was very low key. In fact, we didn't do anything. I actually didn't want to, especially after having a sick migraine on Friday. If you've ever had one, then you know it takes a day or two to fully recover.

Anyway, did you guys watch the Kentucky Derby? What an upset! Rich Strike wasn't even supposed to be in the race;  he was only there because another horse had to scratch. If you didn't watch, you should look it up. It was incredible.

Last week was pretty laid back. I got a good bit done for the upcoming June issue, but my May magazines weren't delivered until Friday, the day I was sick, so I'll be rushing through distribution today and tomorrow. Hopefully that won't throw the rest of my month off too badly. That's the last thing I need, especially considering how the past two months have gone.

The highlight of the week was the fundraising event I went to for our local art museum. I haven't gotten dressed up like this since college, so that was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the friend I was supposed to go with had to cancel last minute, but Alexis was more than happy to be my back-up date. We didn't stay too long because it wasn't really suited to her age (and I was out of my comfort zone since I didn't know anyone there outside of work acquaintances, so even then not well), but I didn't want to waste the tickets or this dress. Plus, she had fun looking at all the art, drinking all the punch, and doing the craft they had on site.

This week is shaping up to be super busy work-wise, especially with distribution being unexpectedly shifted. Outside of that, we don't have anything planned until the weekend. Alexis is having a gymnastics show to demonstrate the skills she's learned over the last year or so.

Then next week begins the official countdown to the end of the school year. I'm ready for it to end, if I'm being honest, if only to not have to set my alarm for so early every morning. Although, with all the art camps and classes we've signed Alexis up for, summer is looking just as busy as the school year.

Okay, I've gotta wrap this up. These magazines aren't going to distribute themselves, unfortunately. I hope you all have a great week!

I've been a mom for seven years (and one month, but who's counting?), and as short a time as that is in the grand scheme of things, I feel like I've already been through so many seasons as a mother.

First there was the newborn stage where we definitely didn't get enough sleep but it didn't matter because there was something new to experience every single day.

Then there was the baby stage. You know, that bit of time between newborn and toddler. The baby is more mobile, crawling and walking, reacting more to their surroundings, and you're finally getting more sleep...when they're not teething. This is the stage where you start to think that maybe you've got this parenting thing figured out.

The toddler years are simultaneously the most fun and the most frustrating. Your baby is turning into their own little person, but pushing all the boundaries and all your buttons as they do.

Next come the preschool years. They're learning ABCs and numbers, potty training, and how to socialize. Their first friendships are forming, and if you're lucky, you're making some parent friends of your own.

We've reached the school years in our house. Covid has kind of killed a lot of the typical school experience, both for Alexis and for us, but some things have remained the same. There's homework and projects, afterschool activities like art lessons and gymnastics, and a lot of new experiences being thrown at you every week.

I've said this many times, but I think it's worth repeating. Motherhood is simultaneously the most rewarding and most difficult thing I have ever done.

Two years ago, I shared five lessons that motherhood instilled in me. At the time, we were a couple of months into the pandemic, and I was doing a lot of reflecting because I had a lot of time on my hands. Now, two years later, so much has changed, and I feel like I've grown, not only as a mother but as a woman in general. So, in honor of my seven year stint as a mother, here are 7 things I've learned.

1. You can't pour from an empty cup. Admittedly, I've gotten much better at recognizing the signs of burnout, and thankfully the last four years have seen a much-improved work-life balance. Still, as a mom, it is easy to put myself last, but I've been making a concerted effort to take time for myself every single day.

2. I don't have to be a get-in-the-floor mom to connect with my daughter. This is the thing about myself I struggle with daily and where almost the entirety of my mom guilt comes from. I don't like playing make-believe. Maybe it's something to do with all my years working in news, but I really struggle to connect with my imagination in a childlike way. That said, I've found other ways to have a relationship with Alexis through books, cooking, shopping, etc.

3. My hobbies are important, too. For a really long time, I gave up all my favorite things. To be fair, it happened before I'd even decided on motherhood, but adding a child into an already unbalanced work-life situation didn't help. It took me too long to realize how extremely unhappy I had become, but once I started back doing the things I love for no reason than to just do them, I started to feel like me again.

4. It's okay to say no. In any situation. With or without an explanation. Even if no one understands.

5. Boundaries are important. I mean, I've always known this, but I've also always gone out of my way to try to include everyone. But as I've gotten older, I've realized that not everyone needs or should be included in my or my child's life.

6. Unsolicited parenting advice/comments will never stop. As much as I hate it and as uncomfortable as some of it makes me, I know that most people aren't doing it to be intentionally rude.

7. Every mom has something to offer. I interview a mother in my local community every month, and I'm always amazed at what comes out of it. Even though I always ask a handful of the same questions, the responses are always different, and I always learn something.

Every month, I try to share some of the products that made a difference in my day-to-day life. It's not always easy, believe it or not, especially since I try not to share the same things over and over...but I don't deviate from my favorite things very often.

The last couple of months have been pretty stressful for me for various reasons, so I've been looking for joy in lots of places. These four things I'm sharing today are the ones that have been making the biggest impact on me lately.

Mango Coconut Candle - This was a completely random Target buy. Alexis and I were in there just browsing. She loves smelling all the candles, and we usually buy one or two at the start of each new season. She picked one that's now in our living room, and I claimed this one for my office. Y'all, this thing is an instant mood lifter. It smells so good.

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser - If you've been around the last few months, you'll know I've been struggling with my skin. CeraVe has been my go-to for lotion for the past several years because it's great for sensitive skin. I needed something better for my face, so I was really excited to find this. It's great for makeup removal and doesn't dry out my skin.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - In case you couldn't guess, I don't tan. Usually I don't mind being pale, but this year I seem to be a little ghostlier than usual. This has always been my go-to for a natural glow, but it's been several years since I've indulged. I'm happy to report that they have greatly improved the scent! I love how easy it is to apply, and the one I picked up not only moisturizes but also firms! I use the fair to medium.

Teleties - These are my favorite hair ties, but I've been using them a lot more here lately. They stay all day without getting hung up in my unruly hair. They're perfect for yoga or just keeping my hair off my neck and out of my eyes while I work. Right now, you can get free shipping when you buy two.