Katie’s Summer Favorites

Labor Day Party Essentials

The Best Cool Mattresses

Incorporating Indoor Plants for Healthier Living Spaces

My Favorite Sunscreens

Create a Charming and Cozy Farmhouse Patio

Favorites for the 4th of July

Labor Day Party Essentials

Collage of a Labor Day banner and outdoor furniture & supplies

Thinking about how to host an epic Labor Day Party?

Convert your outdoor area into an Ideal spot for relaxation and delight by incorporating Adirondack chairs that entice you and your guests to unwind. Elevate your cooking skills with grills and grill accessories. Safeguard against pesky insects through the use of citronella candles or screened-in porches. incorporate entertainment such as a Bluetooth speaker and outdoor games for backyard fun in the sun. Portable coolers, beverage and food trays, backyard essentials! Enhance the party with themed plates, napkins, and an ornamental banner. 

Adirondack chairs: Invest in comfortable and weather-resistant seating options that beckon you to lounge and linger on your porch.

Grills and Grill Accessories: They offer the convenience of outdoor cooking and provide precise control over the cooking process

Insect Protection: Keep pesky bugs at bay with citronella candles This ensures that your time outdoors remains comfortable and uninterrupted.

Outdoor Entertainment: Set up a small Bluetooth speaker for music, Giant Jenga, or a fun game of Bocce Ball.

Food Tray: offers a stable and sanitary surface for serving and enjoying meals in outdoor settings, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Outdoor Cooler: These are a portable and convenient solution for keeping beverages and food chilled during outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings.

Labor Day Plates and Napkins: Add a festive touch to gatherings and make cleanup easier, allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday celebration with less fuss.

Labor Day Banner: Adds a decorative and celebratory element to the festivities, setting the mood and bringing a sense of unity and cheer to the event.

Incorporating Indoor Plants for Healthier Living Spaces

Several different house plants on a white background

I just started my first ever adventure with plants in the new house, I’m working on getting them to survive but love the benefits of having living plants in my home. 

Did you know that plants can absorb carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also filtering out toxins in the air, perfect for all of your living spaces and definitely your bedroom too. Who knew that plants can help with the overall air quality and promote a healthier living environment all around. Not only that, plants release moisture, increasing humidity levels and combating dry air. These natural humidifiers help create a more comfortable atmosphere.

Indoor plants can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, promoting relaxation and improving focus and productivity. The visual appeal of indoor plants also enhances your mood and creates a calming and soothing ambiance, and they add pops of color around your house too. Plants serve as natural decor elements, adding life, color, and texture to our living spaces! Check out some of my favorite ways to store plants in and around your home. 

Here’s a few of my personal favorite planters and plants: 

Boho Black Metal Planter: This can add a touch of rustic charm and modern style to your home decor. 

Minimalist Ceiling Hanging Planter: A ceiling hanging planter can add a sleek and contemporary touch to your space.

Macrame Plant Hanger: A macrame plant hanger is a popular and stylish way to display your plants.

Stands for Multiple Plants: These provide a convenient and stylish way to display your plants and fill space in your home. 

Round Hanging Flower Pots: Round hanging flower pots can add a cute and charming touch to your indoor or outdoor space. 

White Bird of Paradise Plant: This is a stunning tropical plant that can bring an exotic touch to the inside of your home. The White Bird of Paradise is a low-maintenance plant overall. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this plant is susceptible to root rot.

Snake Plant: Is a popular and low-maintenance indoor plant with distinctive upright leaves. Snake plants are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions. They can tolerate low light levels and irregular watering, making them a great choice for beginners or those with busy lifestyles.

Spider Plant: Are popular indoor plants known for their long, arching leaves with white or yellow stripes. Spider plants are considered one of the easiest houseplants to care for. They can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to low light. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Aloe Vera Succulent: Is a succulent plant known for its medicinal and decorative properties. The gel inside its leaves is known for its soothing and healing effects on the skin. It is commonly used to treat minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations. Perfect to keep in your kitchen just in case! Aloe vera is a hardy and low-maintenance plant. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It requires well-draining soil.

Wanting to Create a Charming and Cozy Farmhouse Patio? 

Collage of furniture, decor, and other home items

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements typically found in a farmhouse-inspired outdoor living area:

Farmhouse patio furniture tends to be rustic, sturdy, and often made of wood or metal. Look for farmhouse-style dining tables with distressed finishes or reclaimed wood. I prefer tables that are typically designed to accommodate larger groups, with ample space for family and friends to gather around and enjoy meals together! Pair the table with matching chairs or mix and match for an eclectic feel. Add warmth with natural fiber rugs. These rugs help define different seating areas and add a cozy touch to the overall design. A central firepit is a fantastic addition to a farmhouse patio, creating a gathering spot for friends and family. Incorporate plants for a touch of greenery. I like to choose natural materials, vintage or distressed finishes, and incorporate elements that evoke a sense of warmth and relaxation. A patio couch is always a charming and inviting addition to the outdoor living space. Enhance the ambiance with farmhouse-inspired accessories like printed throw pillows and woven ottoman. Use hanging plants or light fixtures to add height to your space. Embrace the cozy charm of the countryside with a comfortable outdoor space. 

In addition to picnic tables, there are several other options for tables and seating that you can consider for your outdoor space. Here are some popular choices:

  1. Outdoor Dining Sets: Outdoor dining sets typically consist of a table and matching chairs specifically designed for outdoor use. They come in various styles, materials, and sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Outdoor dining sets provide a more formal and individualized seating arrangement compared to picnic tables

  2. Bistro Sets: Bistro sets are perfect for smaller outdoor spaces or intimate gatherings. They usually include a small table and two chairs, creating a cozy and intimate setting for enjoying a cup of coffee or a light meal outdoors

  3. Outdoor 4 Seaters: Outdoor 4 seaters offer a comfortable and stylish seating option for outdoor spaces. They are designed to withstand outdoor elements and are often made with weather-resistant materials. Outdoor seats create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family.

  4. Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are a fantastic choice for outdoor seating. They typically consist of a sturdy table with attached benches on either side. Picnic tables are designed to provide ample seating space and a convenient surface for dining and socializing.

Updating your outdoor style with a new rug can add a touch of comfort and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. Here are some other options for outdoor rugs:

  1. Light Toned Rug: A light-toned outdoor rug can create a fresh and airy atmosphere in your outdoor space. Light-toned rugs can help brighten up the area and provide a neutral backdrop for your outdoor furniture and decor.

  2. Dark Toned Rug: A dark-toned rug can bring depth and richness to your indoor or outdoor space. Dark colors can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere while adding visual contrast to lighter elements in the surrounding area.

  3. Tribal Print Rug: A tribal print rug can bring a unique touch to your indoor or outdoor space. Tribal prints often feature bold geometric patterns, intricate designs, and vibrant colors inspired by traditional art.

  4. Geometric Rug: A geometric patio rug can add a contemporary and stylish touch to your outdoor space. Geometric patterns are versatile and can complement a variety of design styles.

Ready to Update Your Mattress?

CoolGel Memory Foam mattress

I’ve been in love with these Cool Gel Mattresses since we bought our beach house in 2018, its so hard to spend $1000+ on a mattress, especially when you are trying Memory Foam for the first time. 

I LOVE the Classic Brands Cool Gel Mattress for so many reasons. We bought our first one in 2018, we bought our second in 2020 and now our WHOLE house has them, we always have guests commenting how awesome they slept and how comfy they are. 

CALIFORNIA KING – with 2 Pillows |CertiPUR-US Certified |Bed-in-a-Box | California King

KING – Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress with 2 Pillows |CertiPUR-US Certified |Bed-in-a-Box | King

QUEEN – Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress with 2 Pillows |CertiPUR-US Certified |Bed-in-a-Box | Queen

FULL – Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress | CertiPUR-US Certified | Bed-in-a-Box | Full

TWIN XL Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam 10-Inch Mattress | CertiPUR-US Certified | Bed-in-a-Box | Twin XL – for those of you who want a king, but want a firm or softer bed than your partner! 


Memory foam mattresses offer personalized comfort and support by conforming to your body’s shape. They relieve pressure points, reduce motion transfer, and can be hypoallergenic. Here are some key features and benefits of memory foam mattresses:

  1. Pressure Relief: Memory foam mattresses excel at relieving pressure points by evenly distributing body weight. The foam softens in response to body heat, allowing it to contour to the curves and contours of your body, reducing pressure on sensitive areas like shoulders, hips, and joints.

  2. Body Conforming Comfort: Memory foam mattresses respond to your body’s heat and pressure, creating a cradling sensation that can promote better sleep. The foam molds to your body, providing customized support and aligning the spine for optimal comfort and reduced pain.

  3. Motion Isolation: Memory foam’s unique structure minimizes motion transfer, making it an excellent choice for couples or individuals who share a bed. When one person moves or shifts positions, the foam absorbs the movement, preventing it from disturbing the other person’s sleep.

  4. Allergy-Friendly: Memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic and resistant to common allergens like dust mites and mold. The dense structure of the foam prevents the accumulation of allergens, making it a suitable option for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.

  5. Durability: High-quality memory foam mattresses can provide long-lasting comfort and support. They are designed to maintain their shape and structure over time, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the need for frequent mattress replacements.

  6. Temperature Regulation: Traditional memory foam mattresses tend to retain heat, but newer models often feature advanced cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or open-cell foam. These innovations help dissipate body heat, ensuring a more comfortable and temperature-neutral sleep environment.

  7. Customized Firmness Options: Memory foam mattresses come in various firmness levels, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences and sleep needs. Whether you prefer a plush, medium, or firm feel, there is a memory foam mattress available to cater to your comfort preferences.

  8. Compatibility with Adjustable Bases: Memory foam mattresses are well-suited for use with adjustable bed bases. The flexible nature of the foam allows it to conform to different positions, ensuring optimal comfort and support when adjusting the bed’s elevation.

Before purchasing a memory foam mattress, it’s essential to consider factors like density, thickness, and the reputation of the brand or manufacturer. Each individual may have different preferences and needs, so it’s recommended to try out different mattresses or read reviews to find the one that suits you best.

My Favorite Sunscreens for 2023

Sun Bum sunscreen SPF 15
Sun Bum sunscreen SPF 30
Sun Bum sunscreen SPF 30

Sun Bum 15SPF – Sunscreen Spray Vegan and Reef Friendly (octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Uva/uvb Sunscreen 

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray |Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 6 oz

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray & Lotion Set, SPF 30 

Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray and Lotion Set, SPF 30 (Spray 5 fl. oz., Lotion 3 fl. oz.)

Sun Bum is a popular brand that specializes in sun care products, particularly sunscreen. They offer a range of sunscreens with various levels of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun Bum sunscreen products are known for their beachy vibe, colorful packaging, and pleasant scents.

Here are some key features and details about Sun Bum sunscreen:

  1. Broad-spectrum protection: Sun Bum sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they guard against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin and contribute to skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburns.

  2. SPF options: Sun Bum offers a variety of SPF options to suit different needs and preferences. You can find their sunscreens with SPF 15, 30, 50, and higher. The SPF number indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers provide increased protection, but it’s important to remember that no sunscreen offers 100% protection.

  3. Water-resistant: Many Sun Bum sunscreens are water-resistant, which means they can withstand exposure to water or sweat for a certain period before reapplication is necessary. Check the specific product label for details on the duration of water resistance.

  4. Reef-friendly formulas: Sun Bum has made efforts to create reef-friendly sunscreen formulas, meaning they are formulated without chemicals known to harm coral reefs. These formulas are designed to be more environmentally friendly.

  5. Ingredients: Sun Bum sunscreens often contain a combination of active ingredients, such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, among others. They also typically include additional nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, and moisturizers to help hydrate the skin.

My Top Favorite for 4th of July Summer Fun

Collage of 4th of July decorations and games

In this world of cute decorations, the 4th of July becomes a delightful spectacle, embracing the spirit of freedom, unity, and joy. 

The backyard comes alive with a burst of patriotic charm such as a 4th of July banner and a charming striped umbrella, with its bright hues of blue and white. Along with porch pillows in patriotic colors for comfort and style. Laughter filled the air as loved ones engaged in lively rounds of corn hole. The spirited game created a lively backdrop, reminding everyone of the cherished traditions that make July 4th a special occasion. The picnic table also became a patriotic centerpiece, adorned with festive plates and napkins in bold hues of blue, adorned with stars, and vibrant stripes. As loved ones gathered around, they enjoyed delicious barbecue delicacies, refreshing salads and sweet summer fruits in a festive food tray.