Valerie Z. K.

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December 11, 2024

The Round Up: Read, Follow & Do

So many books to read, so little time; so many accounts to follow, so overwhelming; so many holiday activities, so exhausted. This Round Up has my top book picks, my fave useful accounts to follow, and what I’m doing to stay in tune with this season of rest, giving and thanks.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Living Tagged: audible, books, Dr. Mary Claire, holiday season, influencers, instagram, kristin hannah, lifestyle blog, mom life, motherhood, reading, stay at home mom, the round up, the women: a novel

December 8, 2024

Gift Guide: Gifts I’ve Given

Useful, meaningful and special gifts for others is always my goal. I’ve learned my lesson during the last minute holiday shopping frenzy, and now have a go-to list of my favorite things, so I feel way more prepared. I find that mapping out what works best for my budget and truly considering the likes and needs of others, helps when selecting gifts.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Gift Guides, Gift Guides Tagged: amazon, away luggage, chanel, christmas presents, Cuyana, framebridge, gift guide, gifts, hoka, holiday shopping, lake pajamas, llbean, our place, owala, petite plume, white elephant

September 25, 2024

Warming Up Your Home

Another cozy season is upon us and I’m delighted to bring on the Fall feels and warming up our home. What does that mean to you? To me, it means layering in woven and brass decor to tables and shelves, adding block prints and plaids, and lots of candles. The charm of having a layered look of flowers on top of coffee table books and lots of framed photos, sounds just right. I’m a seasons gal, so why not embrace the joy and warmth of it all.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Decor, Living Tagged: fall, fall style, home decor, home refresh, home style

September 16, 2024

Fall Ready with J.Crew

I shared my latest outfit crush last week. This silky skirt and cashmere top. When I think of seasonal dressing, I always think, J.Crew. I’m a lover of their classics, enjoy an updated take on basics, and I love the versatility of their pieces. When in doubt, go with what you love and trust. Sharing Fall styles that are a must.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: classic fit, classic style, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, jcrew, mom style, motherhood, over 40 fashion, silk skirt, style

August 23, 2024

Wrapping Up Our Slow Summer

I’m so thankful for this all in slow Summer and the easy going planning of filling our days with errands, movies, baseball, lots of relaxing at home, swimming and some getaways. There is something so wonderful about getting up and not having to race around to get out the door. These slow days may be numbered, but until then we’ll be wrapping up Summer with that same carefree ease.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Family, Living Tagged: back-to-school, children, family and friends, kids, kids activities, lifestyle, motherhood, stay at home mom, summer, summer activities, summer break, vacation

July 26, 2024

Love What You Wear … Some Thoughts

I shared in a recent IG post my love of wearing pieces that make me feel good. This swimsuit gave me life and was the added flare I was searching for. It got me thinking, what do I consider essential for my closet, what have I accomplished in curating a well worn closet thus far, so that I can always love what I wear.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Fashion, Style Tagged: blogger, fashion, lifestyle, style, tanya taylor

July 15, 2024

Getaway: Packing for Santa Barbara

A midweek getaway by the ocean and just a two hour drive, is all I need. Santa Barbara is one of our favorite places to be. We love to daydream about moving there one day, but for now, getting to visit and staycation is a treat. I’m packing my bag with summer essentials. We plan to sit pool and beach side all day long.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: beach, jcrew, nordstroms, saks fith avenue, santa barbara, shopbop, summer accessories, summer bag, summer essentials, summer fun, summer sandals, summer style, summer vacation, travel, vacation style

June 18, 2024

A Relaxed Backyard

Thankfully, in Southern California you can dine and entertain outdoors almost year round. We also love to open the windows in the evening to let fresh air and a breeze flow in. The best! As we lean into a slow Summer, I want to spend extra time outdoors. This has me thinking of lunch on the grass, setting up the outdoor projector, grabbing a blanket and some wine or setting the table outside for a casual meal. A relaxed backyard is ideal for those slow Summer days.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Entertain, Living Tagged: amazon, anthropologie, backyard, Outdoors, Serena and lilly, target, William sonoma

June 6, 2024

Corners of Our Home I Love

Creating a home that feels lived in, collected and special takes time. Our home has evolved with us. Our family has grown, I’ve found new sources of inspiration, and we’ve learned how to function in our space as our needs change. A home is always a work in progress, but not in a tedious sort of way, but to build upon your style and your interests. Finding beauty in corners of our home brings me joy

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Living Tagged: home, home decor, home inspiration, home renovation, home style, homeworthy, interior design, interiors, remodel

May 28, 2024

A Simple Summer Ahead

The school year is wrapping up quickly and within two weeks we’ll be in full Summer mode. I’m still catching my breath from “back-to-school”, but here we are. Usually months out, the planning frenzy of finding and securing a spot at Summer camps begins, as well as contemplating Summer school and vacation plans, all while making lists of home projects and how to keep the kids busy for almost three months. The pressure and endless activity options are overwhelming, so why not plan for a simple “let’s wing it” Summer.

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Posted by valeriezk
Filed Under: Family, Living Tagged: children, families, parenthood, summer, summer activities, summer break, summer camp, summer fun, summer plans, summer school, summer style, summer vacation, vacation

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