Summer has been full in the very best way lately—family trips, birthday celebrations, creative projects, and approximately 47 ideas open in my brain at any given moment.
It has also been one of those seasons where life feels like it is moving quickly. The girls are growing, our calendar is packed, and I am already thinking about fall content while still very much living in swimsuits and sandals.
So today, I thought I would share a proper Life Lately update: what we have been doing, what I am currently loving, and the projects I am working on behind the scenes.
Life Lately
This summer has been a mix of travel, family time, celebrations, and trying to slow down enough to enjoy all of it.
We recently spent time on Captiva Island, and it was such a good reminder of how much I love an easy Florida getaway. Beach walks, beautiful sunsets, pool days, and nowhere we urgently needed to be—it was exactly the kind of reset we needed.
There is something about island life that makes everyone naturally slow down. The girls were happy spending hours in the water, we ate plenty of ice cream, and the adults successfully pretended we were on a much longer vacation than we actually were.
I shared our full Captiva itinerary and South Seas Resort experience in a separate post, including what we did, where we ate, and the activities I would absolutely book again.
Celebrating Emma’s First Decade
One of the biggest milestones lately was celebrating Emma turning 10.
Ten feels significant. It is the end of the single-digit years and the beginning of an entirely new chapter that I am not emotionally prepared to discuss for too long.
We celebrated her first decade with a family getaway at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, which was such a special way to mark the occasion. She got plenty of pool time, special treats, and the kind of birthday weekend that feels exciting without needing an overly complicated schedule.
Watching her become more independent, confident, funny, and thoughtful has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. She is still very much my little girl, but I can also see glimpses of the person she is becoming.
It was a joyful weekend, and one I know we will all remember.
What I’m Currently Coveting
Summer always makes me want to refresh everything—from my closet to the patio to the random corners of the house that suddenly feel like they need a new lamp.
A few things currently catching my eye:
Pretty Prints and Easy Dresses
I am always drawn to pieces that feel feminine and polished but are still comfortable enough for real life. Right now, that means printed button-downs, lightweight midi dresses, gold sandals, and anything that works equally well for lunch, travel, or a casual dinner.
The plaid and pastel dress in this roundup feels especially perfect for late summer. It is cheerful without feeling too themed and could easily transition into early fall with a cardigan.
Outdoor Entertaining Pieces
I remain deeply committed to the idea that the right outdoor furniture will magically make me host more dinners outside.
I love the clean, coastal look of the white chaise lounge and the natural wood dining table. Both feel timeless and would work beautifully with colorful linens, simple white dishes, or one of my more elaborate seasonal tables.
Whimsical Home Details
The floral dresser, rattan bow, and bow lamp all fall into the category of things I absolutely do not need but would happily rearrange an entire room to accommodate.
I love pieces that add personality without making a space feel overly trendy. A sculptural lamp, pretty woven bag, or decorative bow can make a room feel styled without requiring a complete redesign.
A Few Fall Hints
Although I am not ready to give up summer, the cherry Fair Isle cardigan is making a very convincing argument for cooler weather.
I am also loving the deep green woven satchel. It feels like an easy way to begin transitioning into fall while still wearing summer dresses and sandals.
You can shop this list HERE.
Reading, Watching, Listening & Loving
Here is what has been keeping me entertained lately.
Reading: Dungeon Crawler Carl
This is not necessarily the book I would have predicted myself choosing, but it has been such a fun change of pace.
It is fast, ridiculous, clever, and entertaining in a way that makes it easy to keep reading. Sometimes summer calls for something completely different from your usual genre, and this has definitely been that for me.
Watching: Little House on the Prairie
This has been a comforting family watch and a fun way to introduce the girls to a show that feels completely different from most newer series.
There is something so nostalgic about the pacing, the family storylines, and the fact that the episodes give us plenty to talk about afterward.
Watching: The Boroughs
This one has been part of my recent Netflix rotation. I am always looking for a new series that can hold my attention while I fold laundry, edit photos, or pretend I am only going to watch one episode.
Watching: Remarkably Bright Creatures
I loved seeing this story translated for the screen. It is thoughtful, emotional, and different from so much of what is currently streaming.
Listening: “Cut to the Feeling” by Carly Rae Jepsen
This is pure happy-energy music. It is the kind of song that instantly improves a drive, a workout, or a chaotic afternoon when everyone is moving in different directions.
Listening: “Day You Die” by ILUKA
This has also been in heavy rotation lately. I love finding songs that feel cinematic and a little unexpected—especially when I am editing travel or lifestyle content.
Planning My 40th Birthday
One of the biggest projects currently taking up space in my brain is my upcoming “Written in the Stars” 40th birthday celebration.
The theme is celestial, feminine, and slightly mystical, with a palette of lavender, blush, champagne, gold, and a little midnight blue.
I wanted the party to feel elevated but still fun—not overly formal and definitely not like a traditional milestone birthday dinner.
Some of the details I am working on include:
- Tarot readings
- Celestial-inspired table décor
- Lavender glassware
- Gold crescent moon accents
- Candlelight and soft ambient lighting
- Specialty linens and napkins
- A fortune-teller-inspired sign
- Star and moon details throughout the space
I have probably spent more time thinking about candle heights and the exact shade of lavender than any reasonable person should, but that is also part of the fun.
Parties are genuinely one of my favorite creative outlets. I love taking a theme and figuring out how to carry it through the invitation, table, signage, activities, and little details guests notice throughout the night.
This one feels especially meaningful, and I cannot wait to see it all come together.
What I’ve Been Working On for Lauren Loves Gifting
Behind the scenes, I have been creating a lot of content that blends my favorite things: seasonal entertaining, gifting, lifestyle, and family moments.
A few recent and upcoming projects include:
Slow Summer Nights
I love the idea of creating simple summer rituals at home—taking a bath, reading before bed, lighting a candle, or setting aside a few minutes that do not involve a screen or a to-do list.
This content feels softer and more personal than some of my usual entertaining posts, but it still fits the larger idea of making everyday moments feel a little more special.
Mahjong + Margs
This was such a fun theme to style.
Bright pinks, turquoise, flowers, pretty glassware, and margaritas make it playful without feeling childish. Mahjong has become such a popular reason for women to gather, and I love creating content that turns an ordinary game night into something memorable.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Recipe content is not always the biggest part of what I share, but I love including easy recipes that work for parties and casual get-togethers.
This dip is colorful, flavorful, and exactly the kind of thing you can place in the middle of a table and watch disappear.
Girls’ Football Party
I am also working on football content with a feminine twist—pink gingham, football-shaped plates, florals, and playful details.
I love showing that game-day entertaining does not have to mean generic team colors and plastic décor. It can still feel styled, fun, and completely personal.
A Season of Creating and Celebrating
When I look at everything together, this season feels very representative of what I want Lauren Loves Gifting to be.
It is not only about gifts.
It is about helping people create moments that feel thoughtful and memorable—whether that is a birthday weekend, a girls’ night, a family trip, a summer dinner, or a quiet evening at home.
Right now, I am balancing family milestones, business projects, travel content, party planning, and the beginning of my fall and holiday calendar.
It is busy, but it is also creatively energizing.
And somewhere in between all of that, I am trying to remember to enjoy summer before I inevitably start bringing out pumpkins.
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