Everyone has a dish or two that will forever scream “childhood” whenever it is served.

For me, there are a few- Mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies, Deer Valley turkey chili, and this colorful take on a summertime favorite: Pasta Salad.

Hi, my name is Morgan, and I’ve never met a maxi dress I didn’t like.

So as much as I’ve complained about being SO pregnant in the heat of summer, it’s been good news for me that I‘ve been able to live in long, flowy dresses without judgment.

About a month ago I had an epiphany.

After quite some time of agonizing over Instagram- obsessing over engagement and growth and comparing myself to my peers- I decided to redirect my focus back to my blog, where it all began.

34 weeks pregnant and its just about time to pack my hospital bag. Eek!

I can’t believe how quickly the last few months have gone by- it really is so much faster the second time around. And we can’t wait to meet our newest girl!

To celebrate the arrival of Baby Number Two, I’ve teamed up with Greenwich Moms and the Local Mom’s Network to share my Hospital Bag Essentials and to give away one bag filled to the brim with all my must-haves to one lucky reader- valued at $1500!

This post was originally intended to be part of the “Weekend Recap” series. But with the temps in the 90’s the past few days, we didn’t do anything all that noteworthy other than stay cool. That said, we did keep ourselves super busy as a family- a trip to see The Lion King, a few dance parties, a lot of playing dress up and a couple home-cooked meals.

So, instead, I decided to do a little roundup of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon when its HOT, HOT, HOT.

Happy Friday!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public, meaning a lot of my original picks are either sold out or running way low; so I’ve updated my favorites for you here. I was able to snag two of my top picks at 12:30- this coat that is making me so excited for Fall, and this dreamy turtleneck sweater that will be oversized enough for my soon-to-be postpartum bod.

Ask and you shall receive!

Yesterday I had a few requests via Instagram for a complete registry guide for baby. I then took to stories to poll your interest, and an overwhelming majority of ya’ll wanted to see my picks over here on the blog.

So here we go!

32 weeks and a few days later, and we’ve got a nursery!

If memory serves me correctly, I believe I had Maddie’s nursery done way sooner- I was a teensy bit excited to get her space all ready and set way-back-when. We eased into it a bit more this time around, but once I got the decorating bug, it was full steam ahead.

It’s that time of year again: The N Sale is upon us. And if you follow even a single blogger on social media, I’m sure you’ve already heard all about it.

If I’m being totally honest, I was hesitant to shop the sale this year. For one, I’m not a fashion blogger.

Roughly ten years ago, at the ripe ole age of 25, I got my first tattoo.

It hadn’t been a long time coming; I never really imagined myself getting a tattoo, I never begged my parents for one growing up. But one day, I woke up and really wanted one. Needed one, actually. So I headed to the local parlor in downtown Santa Barbara and scratched my tattoo itch.

This coming weekend my sweet mama will be throwing a little sprinkle for me and baby number two, and I can’t wait to celebrate our happy miracle with some of our closest friends and family from across the country.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten a lot of requests for a registry for the event; but, truthfully, being that this is our second girl, there isn’t a whole lot we need this time around.

A few months ago, in the middle of spring, I began the hunt for Maddie’s next bike.

Naturally, I took to Instagram, where so many of you responded with such great recommendations: for balance bikes, training wheels, and local bike shops, that made my search that much easier.

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, meaning summer is now officially in full swing.

We’ll be spending the next few months keeping this bump close to home- and I’m planning on a whole lot of {shaded} beachside lounging in my future. Hopefully, this will leave me with some much desired time to dive head first into a book or two {or three}.

Ever since becoming a mom, there are a few products that have become year-round staples in our lives: Hand sanitizer? Check. Band-Aids? Check. Facial tissue? Double Check.

These are the things that fill our home these days. Because germs, and boo-boo’s and sniffling, itchy noses can happen twelve months out of the year now. And that’s just with one little running around the house.

30 weeks. It’s insane how quickly time has flown by this time around.

Two seasons have passed since we got our news, and we already a week into summer with this bump of mine. Only a few short months before our due date, and we are ready for it over here! As we enter the final ten week stretch of pregnancy, here are a few updates on baby number two:

As much as I love my fall, there are few things better in life than summer nights at the beach with the family. Growing up in a coastal town, our local beach has always held a special place in our heart. And while it took me some time to find a love for the sand- I was not a fan as a kiddo- I can now think of no better way to spend a summer sunset than together by the water.