Growing up, I always remember celebrating Mother’s Day and feeling like it was the start to a really fun time of year. Spring weather is getting to that perfect mix of coolness and sunshine, and my birthday is around the corner on Memorial Day, which means pools are open and summer is here. As a kid, this also signaled the end of the school year. There’s something magical about this time of year so it makes sense that we celebrate our mothers during it.

2020 was a difficult time for most and while I’m not a mother, I’m sure they experienced stress and worry at an all-time high during the pandemic. Wanting to make sure everyone is healthy and taken care of is at the core of most of the moms I know so during a time when there was so much unknown, I’m sure it was hard. Especially, when for a lot not being able to visit or spend time with their children or loved ones.

I wanted to take a different approach to this year’s gift guide and share some things that bring the experience back to our relationship with mothers that many lost out on last year. While many love being pampered and taking a day to be a little selfish, many of the moms that I chatted with prior to writing this post said those aren’t things they want this year. They’re looking for spending time together, functionality, support, and appreciation. So, I tried my best to sum up those emotions and ideas into the gifts below.

MAKE HER DAY

One thing I’ve noticed about the moms in my life is that even if they love a gift and appreciate the sentiment behind it, they aren’t the type of people to put themselves above other parts of their day. What I mean is that if the gift isn’t easily packaged into their day to day to life then it tends to not really get used. So, here are some ideas to brighten their day and make them feel special. The sense of scent is such a powerful thing and something that I always remember about my mom. Certain smells of her home, perfume, or car are always scents that follow her and my memories of her. Pura is a smart diffuser that connects with your phone to create custom scent schedules, has interchangeable scents, and can be left to an automated program. I received one for Christmas and love it! I have my go-to scents and interchange them once a month (sometimes longer depending on how much you use them), and the best part is that they are kid and animal-friendly!

Fresh flowers in the home always add a warm feeling to those in the home and we all know that the moms in our lives deserve them! A reader gave me the idea (Hey, Candace!) about floral subscriptions and I recently discovered Bouqs flower subscription. You can pick from three different plans, choose your date of delivery, and get exclusive discounts by subscribing. You can pick the arrangement size, style, and who gets the delivery. The stems arrive in bud form so they last longer until your next delivery. You can choose once a week, every other week, once a month, and every other month. Check out the subscription plans here.

In 2020 we all got creative in finding ways to connect with each other and we used our devices to do that more than ever. Zoom parties and weddings, reunions over FaceTime, and drive-by baby showers - we always found a way to connect and we found the importance in it again. Below are some ways to continue to share the connection digitally - connecting on video chat, watching a show together on Netflix, or sharing images with each other.

FUNCTION & FASHION

When sharing ideas on Instagram about what my mom followers needed most, tote bags with pockets and a lot of functionality were a top request. Whether it is a work bag, diaper bag, or carry-all to travel with, functionality is important to make sure you have what you need and it’s organized to make the best experience. I’ve added some totes below at different price points, but the main takeaway from my research is this handy tote organizer. Since it comes in several sizes it can work with almost any bag for added pockets and organization.

When it comes to actual bags, I recommend two. The first is by Barrington Gifts. The one linked is specifically a diaper bag with a lot of pockets, but their brand is high-quality and carries any type of bag you could want. A fun detail is that most are completely customizable with colors, monograms, patterns, etc. I received one as a gift from Kollin and love the look and design even years later. My second recommendation is an MZ Wallace bag. I don’t personally own one, but several of my friends do and I’ve borrowed one before for a weekend trip. Not only are they chic and carry a ton, but they also have a lot of pockets and have so many functions. a gym bag, diaper bag, chic carry all work tote or weekender bag, it can do it all.

OTHER GIFTS SHE’LL LOVE

Do you ever get that feeling while shopping of ‘this is just perfect for her!’ and you have to get it. Maybe you weren’t looking for that specific thing or even that person, but once you saw it you knew? Some of the items below did that for some of the women in my life and I wanted to share thinking they could work for a woman in your life too! Whether she loves to garden and could use a cute pair of gloves or loves a bubble bath while watching her favorite show on this bath tray, there is something here for the mom in your life (including yourself!).

SHOP MY LOOK

(exact top and shoes sold out so I linked similar)

Hey, y’all! I asked on Instagram what blog post you wanted to see next and the majority of you requested Amazon favorites! My relationship with Amazon got real deep in 2020 when the pandemic happened and we decided to stay in Florida. We had only a week’s worth of clothes and essentials so Amazon was our best friend the rest of the stay. I’ve added my favorites below by category and called out some life-changing products too! I was also selected for the Amazon Influencer Program (yay!) and have an exclusive page where you can shop all my recommendations here.

FASHION

2020 showed us that loungewear is a category of its own and was a necessity during quarantine. At first, I had fun with it and got some fun patterns and all the tie-dye, but I find myself wearing the neutral sets now more often. I love this one and the puff sleeve. Amazon also had some really cute dress options!

WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

One of my favorite Amazon finds has been this active set. I love a monochromatic look in active sets and this one did not disappoint! It’s really soft and comfortable while also being supportive in all the right places. It also comes in several colors. I discovered bike shorts in 2020 (I know, I’m late to the game) and this pair from Amazon are great. make sure to check the inseam length that is right for you because some have been a bit long on me.

ORGANIZATION

When we moved in November we had some new spaces that needed an organization that didn’t exist in our old condo in Chicago, like our new desk space and having drawers in the bathroom (omg, I’m living now!). I ordered these drawer organizers for both the cabinets and drawers and love them! They come individually so you can arrange however you like. I’m all about the storage solutions lately and thought this headband stand was such a good find! You do have to put it together, but I did it in less than 10 min and love the way it displays!

SUNGLASSES

Y’all know I’m a lover of designer items, but one thing I can’t bring myself to spend more than $100 on is sunglasses. While the expensive ones are beautiful and unique, I’m pretty hard on mine and am much safer with a cheaper pair. I’ve linked my favorites below, but this cat eye pair got worn pretty much everyday this past summer and are so chic.

HOME

I get a lot of questions about our champagne flutes and ours are from Crate & Barrel, but these are really similar and so pretty! My other favorite home find was this chair. I was a bit skeptical about purchasing from Amazon when Wayfair had a similar one, but it is one of my favorite Amazon purchases to date. I use it for my desk chair and it is not only comfortable but chic and blends nicely with the rest of the kitchen and living room furniture. The quality is really great and I would definitely purchase again!

RANDOM FAVORITES

This next group is like the title says, random, but it is full of good ones! First up, this contact paper is really cool I’ve seen people use it for big projects like covering their countertops or even the top of a coffee table. When we got back to Chicago and working from home I ordered a couch desk and covered the top with this contact paper. It turned out really cute and was super easy to put together!

I have to credit my best friend, Lindsey, with this next one, but if you have a dog or cat or any animal that sheds, you NEED the Chom Chom. It picks up animal hair like nothing I’ve seen before. I use it on the couch, rug, and any fur-covered surface (thank you, Corgi).

BEAUTY

When it comes to beauty products I mostly use Amazon for restocking on items I love or finding a cheaper price compared to other retailers. I usually stock up on this coconut facial scrub that The Sister Studio recommended! It’s so good and lasts forever. I also love these facial razors for at-home dermaplaning. Much cheaper than a spa treatment and is super easy to do on your own! Lastly, I LOVE these tortoise hair clips and wear them basically everyday. They come as a two-pack and are so chic and durable.

WRITING AND DESK ACCESSORIES

2020 really put me back in touch with my writing and wanting to make it a habit, but I get really specific about what I use and I promise you it makes all the difference in creating a habit. There’s nothing like a pen that won’t smoothly write or scratchy paper that makes you not want to continue journaling. These pens are great and don’t bleed or transfer and I love these notebooks. They’re a great size and compact enough to carry around with you on the go. If you’re looking for some guidance to help you feel organized during the day, I love the brand Lamare (read my blog post here about their planners) and they have a weekly planning pad or daily planning pad based on their planner.

Thanks so much for reading and be sure to follow my Amazon Influencer Shop page for my latest Amazon favorites!

SHOP THE POST

Hey y’all! When we moved to Nashville and found our apartment we were so excited about the outdoor space. Coming from Chicago and sub-zero weather for more months than not, it was so fun to not only have this space, but to actually be able to use it was another level! Our families were so kind to gift some items to use for my birthday and Christmas so we needed to get a few things to finish out the décor this spring. I found almost everything at Target and love the way it turned out!

Before we jump in, I wanted to share the things that I love in an outdoor space that work no matter the design you go with!

1) Cozy seating with plush pillows: why not make the space as comfortable as your indoor space?

2) Ambiance: add some lighting or candles to the space to cultivate a vibe people gravitate toward.

3) A Touch of Nature: I kill everything and definitely do not have a green thumb, but I love the touches of greenery we have on our patio with the faux fiddle leaf fig and faux flowers. It instantly warms the space and adds a homey, yet elegant feel.

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The foundation of our patio comes from these teakwood pieces. I immediately wanted the two chairs and loveseat. They had such a unique, but still classic look to them, and the white cushions brought a crisp and chic vibe to the space. The designer Shea McGee designed a collection with Target and I wanted everything but settled for the rug that ended up being perfect for the space. I wanted a touch of contrast given the light palette of the furniture and I love how it grounds the space a bit more while also creating a modern base.

For accessories and final touches, we added some lights to the railing, repurposed a faux fiddle leaf fig from inside, and hung some affordable drapes for the outer corners of the patio to finish things off. I’ve always loved the saying that window treatments are the eyelashes of the home. It can instantly transform a space and I love the cabana vibe these created.

I’m still wanting to add some throw pillows and lanterns or smaller accessories, but until we know our next move housing-wise I’ll probably hold off on getting those! I still linked everything and put together a couple of inspiration board based on what style you gravitate toward.

furniture

I don’t think that Target sells our exact couch and table anymore, but these are very similar in look and price point. I love the teakwood and these are a great starting point for any type of aesthetic and décor.

DRAPES & RUG

This rug comes in several sizes, but we went with the 5x8 for the patio. I loved that the pattern was a stripe, but not super obvious like a block stripe. The material is similar to a rattan and durable, yet soft. We grabbed these drapes from the Target college section (lol) and went with the Command strip drape holders. They actually worked really well and have held up since we stuck them on on the wood columns of the patio. We measured the spacing of the columns and then got adjustable rods to match the Command strip holders, super easy!

ACCESSORIES & EXTRAS

If we were planning on staying for a while I would add these to the patio to create a super fun atmosphere, but for the time being I went with a fiddle leaf fig we already had. It is from Home Goods, but this one is similar and I love the pot it comes in! From there we got some lights for the railing and some flameless candles from Amazon and called it a day!

Inspiration Boards

Before deciding on what vibe we wanted for the patio I was between a few different styles and found making mood boards really helpful! I’ve put together three different moods below of some common themes that a lot of people gravitate toward. All the details and links are below each picture or you can click directly on the item to take you to the piece!

I hope this gave y’all some patio inspiration and you found something you love if you’re in the market! Thank you so much for reading and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Hey y’all! I might still be covered in bruises, but I did it - I survived my first snowboarding trip! My husband, Kollin, has gone on an annual boys snowboarding trip every year since college with his best friends and this year because of COVID it got pushed back. It ended up landing on his golden birthday (that means you’re turning the age of your birth day date - ex: 28 on the 28th) and rather than spend his golden birthday apart, he invited me on the trip!

I tried skiing when I was 14 and was NOT a fan so I kind of avoided it ever since, but when Kollin went to Colorado for college I knew I would probably need to pick it up at some point. While living in Chicago there wasn’t really anywhere nearby that was worth the trip so Kollin would do his solo boy’s trip each year and I didn’t think I needed to learn. When we moved to Nashville we were closer to some places that were basic mountains (ok, more like hills) and I tried snowboarding this time after Kollin showed me some pointers in the living room lol. We made a trip to Perfect North in Indiana and y’all, I didn’t hate it! I had some hard falls, but overall got the hang of it pretty quickly. As a practice run for the Squaw Valley. CA trip, I’m so glad we went because the mountains out west are no joke. To be totally honest, I was pretty scared that first day. Since the weather can change pretty quickly I wanted to be prepared with different options. I decided to go with a onesie style for my outer layer for ease and budget. Skiing and snowboarding clothes are pretty expensive and I didn’t want to spend too much without knowing that I was going to continue with the sport. Here’s what I packed for snowboarding:

SNOWSUIT

When Kollin wanted me to come on the trip I was immediately shopping for outfits because duh, I’m me, but I didn’t realize that snow clothing were so expensive! Everything I loved was $500+ and finding things on a budget was tough. I wanted it to be cute, but also functional, which funny enough didn’t really go hand in hand. Enter ASOS. I found some great options for lower budgets.

I wore this one on our trip and while there is a guy in the picture, I would say it is unisex. It is meant to fit tightly like a onesie so be sure to pay attention to the sizing. I ordered the XS small size and am 5’6 and 118 lbs for reference. I’d say it fit pretty true to size and was still loose enough to be comfortable. Now, let’s get into the most important part: the base layers.

BASE LAYERS

Since we were snowboarding in pretty mild temperatures we got lucky with nice weather and not needing anything for frigid temperatures. However, in order to stay warm throughout the day, layers are really important. One of the first things Kollin said I needed was base layers. Thankfully, from living in sub-zero temperatures in Chicago for 5 years I had some options in that department. I went with this set from Under Armour and love them. Here’s the order I went with:

• Sports Bra

• Under Armour shirt (x2 if really cold)

• Under Armour Leggings

• Thick black leggings (I wore my Fabletics pair, but anything thick will work)

• Snowsuit

This is just my personal preference and allows for layer changes if you get too warm. All of this fit nicely inside the snowsuit without feeling too bulky. But, if you prefer a jacket and pants you’ll definitely have more room for layers. For example, Kollin likes to wear a pair of sweatpants over his Under Armour rather than two pairs of leggings. You could also do a thermal or long sleeve shirt in place of the UA shirts.

ACCESSORIES

Now that I had the important parts of the outfit down, I was ready for accessories. I rented my actual gear so I didn’t need a helmet, boots, or a board, but most of these items I recommend going ahead and getting prior to your trip. First up, goggles. This is a personal choice based on what type of look you want, but also keep in mind the weather. You want to make sure you get goggles that can work in most types of weather like sunny days, cloudy, actively snowing, etc. Visibility can be an issue, but rather than spending a ton for my first trip I went with these from Amazon. They had amazing reviews and are a 1/5 of the price of the Smith ones I had my eyes on. The goggles held up great (spoiler alert: we went on another trip and they were great again!).

Next up on the list are the neck gaiters/face coverings. Everywhere we went requires a mask even while on the mountain so having a face covering that is the dual purpose of warmth and safety from Covid was great. These are great for that. I went with just plain black, but you can get these in a ton of colors and patterns depending on the look you’re going for. Highly recommend getting two or more because these will get a bit wet from breathing in them and wearing them all day. We snowboarded two days so I just swapped for the other one on the second day and washed the first.

Gloves are another really important aspect of your snow gear. As a beginner, I was falling and sitting down quite a bit for breaks so having really good gloves that are waterproof and warm are a must. Kollin has been snowboarding since he was a kid and prefers to snowboard pretty low to the ground and use his hands to glide quite a bit so no matter your skill level having durable gloves is important. First question: do you prefer gloves or mittens? Kollin prefers mittens and I prefer gloves so it really is a personal preference. No matter what you choose, I suggest a thinner glove layer underneath for when you need to use your hands, but still want to be warm.

APRES-SKI

During our trip, I took some long lunches and on the second day only did a half-day while most of the group continued to snowboard until the end of the day so rather than wearing my snow gear around the rest of the day, I opted for a quick Apres Ski outfit change. I headed back to the car and removed my boots, snowsuit, neck gaiter, and other snow-specific accessories. I kept on my base layers and then threw on a sweater, jacket, and my favorite find of the season: Moon Boots. Are they ridiculous? Yes. Are they comfortable, warm, and absolutely epic? YES. These are especially great if you are going somewhere that gets a ton of snow. I also threw on a cute beanie to keep warm and a pair of sunglasses to replace my goggles since it was so nice and sunny.

While I’m no expert on the ski or snowboard front and I’m sure I left out a lot in these categories, I hope it was somewhat helpful! I’m excited to add more to my snowboarding wardrobe and share some more amazing locations with y’all! Thanks so much for reading!

shop the look

I’ve been shopping at Lulu’s since college when I needed a very specific color of dress for sorority recruitment. I loved how many options they had and styles that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or need something cute for date night, Lulus has you covered! Now through the 31st, they are offering 40% off sale styles with code BRIGHT40 and there are so many good things!

Since we are moving into warmer weather I’m updating my Spring wardrobe with dresses, sandals, and more color! I’m a neutrals girl through and through, but something about Spring makes me want to wear all the dresses and all the colors. Check out some of my picks and other favorites below!

TOPS & BLOUSES

dresses

LOUNGEWEAR

SHOES

SWIM

DENIM

The Creative Brief is a Lulu’s Affiliate and utilizes affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of these links I could receive a small commission on what you purchase. As always, all opinions are my own.

Hey y’all! We are moving into full-on wedding season and with 2020 being the year most weddings were pushed, 2021 is the year of the weddings! Personally, we have 4 already scheduled and I’m sure there will be a couple more to follow. As silly as it may sound, finding white looks for all the wedding events was one of the more stressful parts of planning for me. I wanted each look to be a moment and something I would look back at and remember exactly the event I wore it to. I got pretty lucky finding mostly affordable dresses for my events, but it took a lot of time and effort in terms of research to find the right ones.

That experience prompted me to put together the master white dress edit for all my brides-to-be! Ranging from shower dresses, jumpsuits and bachelorette party outfits there is something for any event you might need! If it isn’t here please fill me in and I will happily add a category for you and help you shop! I tried my best to keep things affordable, but when it comes to some events, especially if black tie or formal, there are a couple pieces here that are on the higher side. I’ve also included accessories and fun add on items at the bottom of the post.

Showers & Brunch Looks

Rehearsal Dinner

Honeymoon Looks

Bachelorette

Swimsuits & Coverups

ACCESSORIES & FUN ADD-ONS

All Looks

Hey, y’all! I’m so excited to share Ever-Pretty with you again! I first worked with Ever-Pretty in 2019 and have loved their dresses ever since. You can see the posts here. Not only are the dresses and pieces beautiful, but they are well-made and reasonably priced. Whether you’re looking for a formal wedding guest dress, an actual wedding dress option for your reception or even looking for a prom dress, Ever-Pretty has something for every occasion and age group. The brand started in 2005 in California, by CEO & Founder, Anna Shi, and now has locations in the US, Canada, and China. I feel that their mission really resonates with a lot of women and as someone who has needed a lot of dresses in her day, I love their outlook on Ever-Pretty’s purpose:

We know that the modern woman’s life is peppered with important events from prom to graduation, Girls’ Nights Out to weddings, date nights to your first job, and everything between! That is the motivation behind our design: we want you to look and feel your best for every single moment life throws your way!

We recently traveled to Lake Tahoe and I knew it would be the perfect location to shoot the dresses that my friend, Abby, and I chose. With the hope of attending weddings again in 2021 and the excitement that comes with special occasions, we wanted to really showcase how beautiful these pieces are. In true Amanda fashion, I went for glitz and Abby chose sophisticated and chic dresses.

rose Gold Long Sleeve v-Neck Dress

$69 | Featuring a deep v-neckline, long sleeves, and thigh-high slit, this sexy sequin dress is sure to make a glowing statement no matter where you wear it.

SHOP DRESS

This long-sleeve sequin dress comes in three colors and I chose the rose gold option. I thought it was stunning online and knew that in the sunlight it created such a statement. It did not disappoint! Fully-lined and very comfortable, this dress will be a knockout for any occasion. I also think that it would make a beautiful bridesmaids dress if you want something with sparkle, but that is elegant and sophisticated. It does feature a low-cut v-neckline, but could easily be adjusted for as much coverage as you’d like. At $69, it is a great deal for a truly gorgeous dress.

Abby’s dress is one of my favorites on the site and is something that I think would look good on anyone. Featuring a cold-shoulder top and high-low skirt with a thigh-high slit, it is sexy yet sophisticated. The under layer has tulle to accentuate the train and would be beautiful as a wedding guest dress, formal cocktail party dress, or another special occasion. If you’re needing something in the LBD department, this is it!

Off Shoulder Mermaid High-Low Evening Dress

$58 | featuring a cold=shoulder, A-line silhouette, and thigh-high slit, this dress is perfect for an upscale occasion like a formal wedding or cocktail party.

shop dress

On our second night in town, we got lucky with the most gorgeous sunset off the pier on Lake Tahoe. As we walked to the pier to take photos we actually fit in really well with the people going to dinner at the restaurant on the water. Dressed up for dinner or even a rehearsal dinner or wedding, both of these dresses work for formal occasions. Ever-Pretty creates dresses for any occasion and I love how versatile their selection is. Another great thing? They are size and age inclusive. You can find something for your daughter, a dress for a Mother-of-the-Bride, prom options, and even wedding dresses.

Fitted Green Velvet Cocktail Dress

$18 | Inspired by the 90s slip dress, this sexy, fitted emerald green dress is perfect for date night, cocktails or heading out on the town.

Shop Dress

I love this emerald green number that Abby wore. It has spaghetti straps and instantly gave me Cher from Clueless vibes! Since it was so cold while we were there we kept on coats on for most of the images, but this dress would be perfect for date night or cocktails out with the girls. The soft velvet fabric is super comfortable and has a nice stretch so while you’re held in with the fitted style, you’re comfortable since it has a bit of stretch. Pair it with a strappy sandal, high-pony, and amazing pair of earrings for a sophisticated yet fun look.

Fishtail Sequin Evening Dress

$59 | This sequined tulle dress features a deep v-neckline and fishtail skirt, the shimmery leave design also adds an elegant and sophisticated vibe. It comes in 9 colors also!

shop dress

As soon as I saw this color online I knew I wanted it! I’ve always loved burgundy and this dress reminded me of the bridesmaid’s dress I wore at my best friend’s wedding. The fishtail skirt is beautifully paired with tulle and sequin, and the v-neckline adds a sexy element. It comes in 9 colors including white, which I think would be a gorgeous bridal event dress if you have something more formal. The mermaid-silhouette would be flattering on any body type and the beadwork is beautiful!

Thank y’all so much for reading and I hope that you can see my love for Ever-Pretty through this continued partnership. While the last year has been a difficult one, I am excited for the day we can all start celebrating in beautiful dresses together again. Ever-Pretty was so kind to offer TCB readers 15% off their orders of $50 or more with code AMANDA15 at checkout! I’d love to hear about what events you hope to attend this year and what your favorite style dresses are! Be sure to check out Ever-Pretty for your special occasion needs and please let me know if I can be helpful while you shop! Have a fabulous week!

Thank you to Ever-Pretty for sponsoring this post and for the beautiful dresses. It’s businesses like yours that make The Creative Brief possible. All opinions are my own.