“Unpacked” with Athleta

 

Chicago summers are simply the best. As much as I love traveling to exotic locations around the world for vacation, we always make sure to stay in and around Chicago during summer time. In other words, we like to ‘stay-cation’. That may mean heading in to the city or to our family lake house for a weekend. For these trips I find it is important to pack light, and bring pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Note: This post has been sponsored by Athleta, all views expressed are my own.
Whether I am lounging around reading magazines and journaling, or going for a jog with my little one – I can look cute and still be comfortable in my Athleta gear. These sweatpants are my favorite because they aren’t baggy at all, but they are still so soft and cozy. I literally wore them every day this past 4th of July weekend- that is, whenever I wasn’t in the pool!
A workout skort is also a must-have in my opinion, because it gives you a little more coverage but still feels just as comfortable as wearing shorts. I paired my skort with an Athleta tank (with a built-in bra), and some great running shoes.

Scroll down to see how I like to work out and lounge about with Athleta!

 

My weekend “stay-cation” packing list

 

Working Out
Biking & Jogging 

My Yurbuds headphones are seriously the only headphones that don’t hurt my little ears – they are made smaller and more comfortable. Also obsessed with my Samsung Galaxy S5 phone – I still have my iPhone for work but this phone blows it out of the water in my opinion. Of course, I had to go for the gold…
Say CHEESE!

 

Lounging 

 

Girl’s best friend
 
Outfit Details:
 
Workout: Skort | Tank | Shoes | Headphones | 
 
Lounging: Sweatpants | Tank (sale 40% off with code HOTOUT) | Necklace | Nails: OPI 

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!