Another lap around the sun, and this weekend I’ll officially turn another year older! I don’t have any big plans this year — just a Sunday with the family and, ideally, starting the day with a solidcore Pilates burn. As always, I’ve rounded up a mix of things I’ve had my eye on, a few practical upgrades, and some definite “want, not need” items. Here is what made the cut for my 2026 birthday wishlist:Jack Rogers Palm Beach Thong Sandal In metallic Gold - Do I already have these? Yes. Do I need another pair? Also yes. Enough said. Mine are VERY well loved and could definitely use replacing. Matching PJs, for Lily & Mama, -I’m open to a handful of brands and liked a set from Little Sleepies, but our longtime favorite, Kyte Baby, is taking the cake with these. Mark, if you’re ...
August Fun: Family Time, Charlotte Adventures & New England
August, that was fun. I celebrated 14 years of Sparkles and Shoes, had quality time with both of my grandmas (90 and 96 years young!), spent nearly every weekend at the pool, and explored lots of new places in Charlotte, including the science museum and a handful of new playgrounds. It really felt like a month packed with little adventures, family time, and lots of reasons to get outside. We are still very much getting to know our new city, and one of my favorite parts of this season has been discovering new places with Lily and Henry. From concerts and playgrounds to museums and neighborhood events, there was no shortage of August fun.Now I am posting from New Hampshire, where we are lucky enough to spend a week with Mimi & Papa enjoying lake time, farm visits, boat rides, and a ...
14 Years of Sparkles and Shoes
Fourteen years. Somehow, Sparkles and Shoes is officially fourteen years old!When I hit publish on my very first blog post on August 2, 2012, I truly had no idea what I was starting. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a huge part of my life. There were years when I published six blog posts a week — fashion, travel, beauty, fitness, food, life updates, and pretty much anything else that crossed my mind. At one point, it was hard to imagine going more than a day or two without sharing something here.Fast forward to 2026 and, well, things look a little different.This year I have published fewer than 20 posts, which is almost unbelievable compared to those early years. Life has been full in the very best ways. I am now a mom of two busy little ones, and this summer ...
Things My Three Year Old Has Said
Lily turned three back in March, and just before her birthday she officially “graduated” from both Early Intervention and her private speech therapy. We are so incredibly proud of her, and these days she is talking up an absolute storm.Besides the nonstop “whys” and questions as she tries to figure out how the world works, she has also developed some very strong opinions, a surprising amount of sass, and a way of phrasing things that makes Mark and me laugh on a daily basis.Three is such a funny age because she is constantly listening, absorbing, and then repeating things back in ways we absolutely do not expect. Her vocabulary seems to grow every day, and with it, so does the running commentary.Here are a few of my favorites lately:——-Me: “Lily, let’s finish coloring ...
