This & That - Hi Sugarplum! (2024)

Happy Monday, friends, and welcome back to a new week! It’s our last full week of summer break before school officially kicks off for Little Miss, and just two more weeks until Mr. College heads back to campus.

Oddly enough, the older they get, the harder the transition seems to be for me! They are just such fun people to be with, that I miss them when they’re gone. I guess that’s the joys of having almost-adult kids that some of you have told me about.

But anyways… today I’ve got a hodgepodge of new finds and latest happenings to share, and it’s a doozy!

College Essentials //

It’s been an absolute blast having this guy around more this Summer, and although it won’t compare to the shock of the first time he left (read a little about that HERE), it always stings to see him go.

He’s moving in to a new house this year, so we’ve picked up a few more essentials. I know several of you have babes flying the nest or moving in to apartments, so here are some must-haves. And good news – several items are on sale!

1. Plastic Tumblers // 2. Cooking Utensils
3. Silverware Set and Organizer // 4. Dishes Set
5. Coffee Maker // 6. Mixing Bowls with Lids
7. Best Sheets Set// 8. Vacuum
9. Fire Extinguisher // 10. Bath Towels
11. Bath Mat // 12. Plunger
13. Cookware Set // 14. Mattress-in-a-Box

1. Memory Foam Topper // 2. Clip-On Fan
3. First Aid Kit // 4. Adhesive Hooks
5. Best Sheet Set // 6. Hanging Closet Organizer
7. Desk Lamp // 8. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper
9. Filtered Water Pitcher // 10. Black Out Curtains
11. Stacking Storage Drawers // 12. Plush Washable Rug
13. Power Strip Outlet Station // 14. Bedding Set
15. Over Door Hook Rack // 16. Faux Plant
17. Collapsible Ikea Bags // 18. Water Bottle
19. Smart Phone Pocket // 20. LED Lights

Keep or Return //

I ordered a few new things before Maui, and played a fun ‘Keep or Return’ with them on Instagram Stories. This Two Piece Skirt Setwas the crowd favorite, and Little Miss loved it so much, she wore it in the cutest floral pattern for our family photos.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a Small in all pieces.

Clockwise from Top Left: One-Shoulder Dress | Floral Dress | Lounge Set | Two Piece Skirt Set

Lashes That Wow //

I rotate through mascaras frequently, but I always return to this primer and mascara combo… at just $5 each, you can’t beat the dramatic effect! And of course I never skip the fake awake on my waterline… it’s an instant brightener!

Mascara | Primer | Lounge Set

Comfy Feet //

We did so much hiking and exploring in Maui, and the hands-down MVPs were these sandals! They are fully waterproof with a rugged sole perfect for hiking over everything from jagged volcano rock to sandy creek beds. Plus, the insole is soft and comfy, and the soft straps don’t rub or dig.

We highly recommend them for any sort of summer adventuring!

Teva Sandals | Men’s Teva Sandals

Reading Lately //

I tend to go all-in and get fully engrossed when reading, which is what I love so much about a good book… escaping! Which is also why I haven’t read as much as usual this Summer, I didn’t want to miss a moment of the fun times with friends and family!

I did just finish Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, which was a fast read with a little sadness, and a hefty dose of sex. I love CH books, but this one felt like a totally different author from Verity.

I also read Lost Roses, the prequel to Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. And while I adored Lilac Girls, Lost Roses took a solid 100 pages to grab my attention. Once I got there, it was a great read though!

I’ve read a few more recently that have slipped my mind, but I think my favorites of the year so far are Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Where the Forest Meets the Stars. I devoured those! What have you read and loved lately?

Paperback Book | Kindle (if you prefer an eBook!)

Summer Styles //

Evereve continues to be a favorite retailer, and rolls out some of the cutest New Arrivals each month. I shared this haul recently on my Instagram Stories, and they were favorites for sure!

From Left to Right: Halter Dress | Halter Tank & Shorts | Square Neck Top & White Jeans | SUN Tee & White Skirt
Braided Sandals | Gold Bracelet

Best Hand Soap of Your Life //

That’s a bold, and slightly dramatic statement, I know… but I fully stand behind it. If you love the Le Labo or Santal scents, you will be blown away by this SIX DOLLAR hand soap. Plus, the chic matte black bottle looks great next to your kitchen or bathroom sink.

Le Labo-esque Hand Soap (Also HERE)

Sneaker Love //

SUGARPLUM FAVE FIND! Designer style sneaks without the designer price tag! These sneaks are obviously inspired by the trendy Golden Goose pairs, but I actually love these more because they don’t have that ‘dirty’ look to them.

Super lightweight & comfy… and oh, did I mention only $69 (or $49 with code HSN2022 for first time shoppers!) They come with these black laces & a neutral tan set to change things up. They run big though, so def size down.

Star Sneakers ($49 with code HSN2022 for first time shoppers!) | Gauzy Cotton Top | Levi Jean Shorts | Chain Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

Go-To Mask Summer Duo //

Sweat, sunscreen, chlorine… all the gunk that accompanies Summer does a number on my skin, leaving it dull and congested. So once or twice a week I treat my face to a powerful exfoliation, followed by a detox with this favorite mask duo, and my skin is left smooth, clean, and glowing!

Colleen is running a Back To School sale right now, with select products up to 30% off – the Clarifying Detox Mask is included! And as always, you can save 20% off full-priced Colleen Rothschild faves with code SUGARPLUM20.

Clarifying Detox Mask (30% off!) | Dual Enzyme Polish (code SUGARPLUM20 to save 20%)

Getting Organized //

Prepping the kids for Back to School has inspired me, and I’ve been purging and organizing key drawers in the kitchen and office. These clear organizers are a favorite for fitting in just about every drawer from office to kitchen to bathroom.

Plastic Dividers | Tape/Stapler Set

I’m restocking the basic supplies… and really, does anything feel better than new pencils?!

These are the other essentials I grabbed to get organized for a busy school year.

Okay, Walmart!! //

Walmart has been my go-to hidden gem for fun and affordable finds this Summer, including this darling (and oh-so-comfy!) cotton romper and beach hat! Both were on constant repeat in Maui. The quality is spot on, and the prices unbelievable!

Button Romper|Oversized Straw Hat

I accidentally ordered this set in the wrong size, but can you stand the cuteness?! I also recently ordered these heels and can not even believe my good luck!!

Polo Lounge Top | Striped Shorts

Night Night //

Earlier this Summer I was totally influenced and ‘swiped up’ on some new Boll & Branch sheets, and OHEMGEE did they blow our minds! We are really hot sleepers, and their percale set are so cool and crisp, while being unbelievably soft, that it feels like slipping into a boujee hotel bed every night!

But beware, the sheets are actually a gateway, because next thing I knew, I’d upgraded our bed with their organic cotton waffle weave blanket, and the fluffiest, dreamiest duvet insert. It really is like staying in the fanciest hotel… but in the comfort of your own home.

I became such a fan, I reached out to Boll & Branch and they gave me a 20% off code just for us!! Code CASSIE20 saves you 20% site-wide, and you can find my faves HERE.

Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set | Waffle Blanket | Duvet Cover | Life-Changing Duvet Insert

Oh yeah, and one of the most requested links in my DMs lately has been about the plumping gloss I’ve been wearing… it’s the tarte juicy lip plump in color Lotus,… and y’all, it’s miraculously plumping (but without the sting of most plumping products), and hydrating! I wear it alone or layered over other pinks, and I’m obsessed!

How’s that for a Summer smorgasbord!?! Did you find some new inspiration or fun ideas? Happy Monday, lovebugs… I hope it’s a lovely one! xo. C