Happy Hour No. 12


To us, Happy Hour is a time to sit back, relax, and catch up with friends. Itโ€™s a time to chat about everything and anything, and thatโ€™s exactly what we bring to DIY Playbookโ€™s monthly Happy Hour.Bloom_Bash_Chicago_Blogger_Event-14

These monthly posts are a chance to catch up with friends and bring just a little extra happy to your day. So grab your coffee (or champagne) and letโ€™s catch up!

Caseycasey-laughing-jeans-necklace

Sunglasses // Watch // Necklace // Earrings // Jeans // Chambray Top

  • Finn and I are heading to Italy in September, so we’ve been spending our weeknights planning for our big trip. After hearing rave reviews, I just got these packing cubes on Amazon Prime Day. I’m hoping they help with my overpacking tendencies. Now the big question for you…what’s your favorite luggage? We’re in need of a medium-sized roller bag and I’d love your suggestions!
  • Because of our long trip, I just stocked up on some more underwear. We probably won’t be doing laundry in Italy, so I want to make sure I have plenty of clean underwear! I love hanky pankies from Nordstrom, but they can be pretty pricey! With the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I stocked up at a much lower price point. If you need some undergarments, hurry and stock up before everything is gone!
  • And to keep the Italy theme going, I just purchased this crossbody bag from Madewell for our trip. I wanted something sleek, stylish, and with a zipper (keep those thieves at bay!). I adore Madewell and I’m loving this bag so far.

Bridget

  • I jumpedย at the chance to finally splurge on this travel steamerย on Amazon Prime Day. The steamer originally cost around $70 and I was able to score it for around $20, so I was super excited with the deal!ย And as much as I plan toย pack it when I travel, I secretly bought it to steam a few of my challenging shirts at home. I didn’t want to invest in a full steamer because I don’t want to make storage space for that item.ย Nordstrom_Anniversary_sale_Nsale_ivory-lace-blouse-bridgetย  ย  ย Lace Topย //ย Jeansย //ย Shoesย //ย Ringย //ย Sunglassesย //ย Topknot Tutorialย // Purse (Marshall’s)
  • I was so happy to see you guys scored a lot of the same pieces as I did at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It looks like the chambray button-up and lace blouseย were some of your favorites, so happy you guys loved them as much as I did.
  • Outside the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I haven’t bought much this month because I’m saving up for back-to-school shopping! So many of the blouses out now are so cute, but can’t double to work wear because the arms/shoulders are missing. I’ve been opting out of buying anymore of these summer stylesย and instead waiting until next month to get a few work staples. I’ll keep you updated on my hunt!

Links

Casey’s Updatescasey-sandals-jeans

This past month was actually a bit challenging for me for two reasons. First, I’ve been having some major upper back and neck pain. I tried just about everything to make it better…yoga, stretching, deep tissue massages, and strengthening my back, but nothing was working to alleviate the pain. So I finally booked an appointment with my doctor.ย yoga-casey-workout

Steroids helped bring some inflammation down, but I’m now doing physical therapy twice a week. I think my pain is brought on by having 2 jobs where I’m on the computer (yikes!), as well as a bit of stress. I’m hopeful that the PT will help get me feeling good again!ย casey-headshot-computer-living-room-chair-1

It’s always a balancing act juggling both the blog and my full-time job, but during the summertime it is especially difficult. I want to jam pack lots of summer fun into my weekends, so I feel like between the weekday and weekend…I hardly have any down time. I think my back pain was a not-so-subtle reminder to slow down and add some rest days to my calendar. I’m trying my best to do just that.

Bridget’s Updates

July has been a WHIRLWIND for me but in such a different way than Casey. While summer is SUCH a busy time forย her, summer is not as busy (in the traditional sense) for me since I’m off work during the summer.Folley_Beach_Charleston_Travel-5

I really feel like I made the most of my time off this month by filling it with lots of travel, family parties, babysitting and summer activities. Not only was I able to sneak away for a girls’ trip to Charleston, we added the boys to the mix and spent the next week relaxing in Lake Geneva, WI.OconnorFamily_Lake_GenevaMattBridget_Lake_Geneva

I’m so grateful for this time together, but I’ll also be excited when it comes time to go back to school in a few weeks. I really feel like I made the most of my summer and realize that all good things must come to an end. Plus, how could I ever complain about going back when I’ve been off for this long?!

work-hard-shiplap-office-laptopI have about 2 weeks to button up a few projects and work as much as I can behind-the-scenes on the blog before I head back to juggling both jobs. Fall is such a busy time for me, but it’s also my favorite time of the year. And I don’t know about you guys but when I’m very busy, I’m SO much more productive so I’m excited for that too!

Bridget&Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.