The Friday Five

Hi, friends! The end to the week and the start to the weekend is here. And oh my, so is September. How does that happen? I’ve got so much to share today, I can hardly fit it all in one post. And the blog is booked out all month long, too! Coming your way this month – Fall style, Fall decor, a room challenge [and maybe two?!] and more. Plus all of my random tidbits, finds and happenings from throughout the week in The Friday Five today!

THE FRIDAY FIVE

If you’re just popping in, then welcome! On Fridays I share little snippets of anything and everything I want you to know about! It’s a catchall of some of my favorite things, sale finds, projects and more!

You can catch up on all the past posts from The Friday Five series here.

ONE || TARGET HAUL SNEAK PEEK

Woo hoo! I have a Target Try-on Haul in the queue for next week!

Have you guys seen the ridiculous amount of incredibly cute Fall clothes at Target right now?

sunglasses // plaid shirt // cardigan // jeans // booties // black renegade bracelet // gold bead stretch // bangle // renegade stacking bracelet

There are a few items I just couldn’t resist sharing today!

This plaid top and cardigan combo has all the fall vibes wrapped up into one look. Its a yellow and gray plaid which is so neutral and versatile and this cute gray cardigan is only $20 and comes in at least 5 colors!
The olive green one actually looks more like a charcoal gray and is so pretty!

I’m in a small in the top and a small in the cardigan, but I am exchanging for an XS in the cardi because the sleeves run very big.

I’ve been in the store a couple of times in the last couple of weeks and couldn’t believe my eyes. Everywhere I turned! I also found a ton of pieces that are on-line only and will be sharing all my finds next week on the blog. I’ll also upload the try-on videos to my Instagram stories so you can see it all up-close.

These cognac booties are such a gorgeous color and a major steal! Under $35. You know I can’t resist a transitional Fall bootie with an open toe 😉

Ok, one more sneak peek. This striped sweater hopped into my cart so fast, I couldn’t stop it! The colors are incredibly beautiful and I love the mix of pinks and burgundy for Fall. I think it would look amazing with white jeans and leopard booties!

sweater // jeans // clutch // coin necklace // bangle

Stay tuned for a TON more Target finds coming your way soon. 

TWO || FIRST DAY OF [VIRTUAL] SCHOOL

I have no words to describe how proud I am of the boys. We are 4 days into our first week of e-learning with a full day school schedule and they are doing amazing. They are excited, independent, focused and patient. I can’t imagine how difficult it is as a 6 and 8 year old to sit at a desk all day on a device, logging in and out of zoom meetings with different teachers, with different log-ins and do it with a smile. My mama heart is so happy and honestly, relieved.

Don’t get me wrong – it hasn’t been a walk in the park. We have had some hard moments and I know we are going to have many more hard days ahead. My heart aches for the families who are really struggling with this right now. Although the first few days have gone pretty well here, it hasn’t been perfect. But we’ve gotten through them as best as we can.

Hugs to everyone out there trying to make their situation work – whether at home, at a daycare facility or at school for in-person learning. We are all facing different challenges and fears. 

One more day of school today and then we are more than ready for the long holiday weekend over here!

THREE || AFTER SCHOOL SWIMS

I am living for these right now! Seriously!

Our pool has remained open and utilizing an online reservation system to limit the number of families there. I snagged a few 3 pm pool times this week and we’ve jumped in the car after school is over at 2:55 to go. It’s been the best thing for us all! They are getting fresh air and playing with each other. Winston has missed his buddies this week since school’s started!

We’re all trying to enjoy the remaining short window of time before it cools down here in Chicago. We’ve lucked out with 85 and sunshine this week and we are so thankful!

FOUR || I FINALLY WENT FOR IT & I’M OBSESSED WITH THE RESULTS

I got my eyebrows microbladed!

I shared on Instagram over the weekend that I was heading in to get them done and how nervous I was. Like, really nervous! It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years and finally decided to go for it. Another influencer, This Lovely Life of Mine, had shared her experience and I thought her brows looked amazing. I continued to do my research and decided I was going to make an appointment. 

You guys, I am SO happy with the results!

I’d researched places off and on for the last 2+ years and I felt the most comfortable booking with Andie at Bloomin’ Brows. And I was not disappointed. Her past work spoke for itself, but she made me feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment I walked through the door. Her place is the cutest and I cannot say enough great things about her [and my brows!] She is absolutely fantastic!

Here are my before and afters… holy cow!

Why did I wait so long?! 

If you are local [or anywhere in Chicagoland for that matter], book Andie now! You will not regret it! She is offering my readers and followers $50 off their first appointment if you mention Rachael @ This is our Bliss referred you. You can book online at her site and then she will communicate with you via email up until your appointment with everything you need to know.

Here are my day 1 brows.

Here are my day 2 brows.

I go back in October for my touch-up appointment, but I already love my new brows so much. They are shaped, fuller, thicker, while still looking extremely natural. I can’t recommend Andie enough!

I’m considering writing an entire blog post on my experience, the process, details on after-care, etc. if you would like me to. I would have loved to read something like this before I went! Thoughts?! Would you be interested in hearing more?

I love chatting beauty so I might!

FIVE || FALL AMAZON FINDS

SET OF 4 PILLOW COVERS || PUMPKIN WREATH || PUMPKINS HAYRIDES APPLE CIDER GRAPHIC TEE || HEY PUMPKIN CANDLE || TAN HAT || SNAKESKIN BELT PURSE || STRIPED CARDIGAN || LEOPARD PUMPKIN T-SHIRT  || FLAMELESS LED CANDLES || TORTOISE EARRING SET || WEATHERPROOF LANTERN || GOLD GLITTER PUMPKINS || GATHER RUG || FAUX FUR THROW BLANKET 

These are some of the cute Fall finds from last year, but almost everything is still in stock! That’s the beauty of Amazon. The items come and go, but are around for a very long time!

And the good news is I’ve been scouring the site for more Fall finds and have a new round-up coming next week!

I’ve also got another Favorite Amazon Purchases post in the works and there will absolutely be a September Amazon Try-on Haul! The feedback from the August Amazon Haul was fabulous.

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG!

• $100 Room Challenge || Cozy Basement Family Lounge Design and Inspo
• Baked Brie with Blueberries & Bacon
• Cozy & Neutral Back Deck Refresh Reveal

Have a wonderful long weekend, everyone! I’ll be back tomorrow with September’s printable and then I have a full week of fun things to share next week.

You can catch up on all the past posts from The Friday Five series here.