Our Editors’ Spring Wish Lists
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Spring has sprung and the warmer weather is either already upon us or right around the corner! We couldn’t be more thrilled with the longer days, the blooming flowers, and the thought of spending every spare moment outside breathing in the fresh air. With all things spring on the brain, we’ve compiled a list of our top wants and needs this season. From cute and comfy sandals that pair with breezy sundresses to a few new reads that inspire us in life and in the kitchen, here’s what’s on our personal wish lists right now. What’s on yours?
James’ picks:
“Both of my younger kids need new pants like no other. Not only are they growing like weeds, but they hit the playground hard and tend to wear out the knees and bottoms of their clothes often. I need to stock up on some cute, but inexpensive pants and shorts that they can get down and dirty in.” Drawstring Pants, $17.90, Zara.
“I fell in love with these cute handmade shoes while in New York City last year and am so excited to get a pair. I plan on wearing them all throughout spring and summer.” Tan Suede Slides, $180, Laura Schoorl.
“I’ve been wearing jet-black mascara (with the exception of the bright blue color I experimented with that one time as a teenager) since I started wearing makeup. I just ordered my very first tube of brown for a more subtle, natural look.” They’re Real! Mascara in Beyond Brown, $24, Sephora.
“There’s nothing that screams ‘spring’ more than flowers. I want to have fresh blooms in every single room! A new flower shop in East Nashville just opened called FLWR that offers simple bundles that can be delivered to your door as often as you’d like.” Fresh flowers, prices vary, FLWR.
“After a long day of work and being a mama to four, a girl needs to unwind. One of my favorite ways to relax is to draw a hot bath and read a few chapters of my book with a glass of red wine, although I don’t always make time for it. I was recently introduced to the Bath Bombs from Lush and they are incredible. They literally turn a regular bath into an at-home, spa-like treatment. Let’s just say I make sure to get in a good soak at least once a week.” Bath Bomb, starting at $3.95, Lush Cosmetics.
“We are constantly trying to find things that our whole family can enjoy together, given the large age gaps of toddler, kid, teenagers, and adults. One thing we found that gives us hours of entertainment, a little exercise, and can turn almost any frown upside down is a good ol’ fashioned Nerf gun war. We have a small armory of them stashed away in the closet for days when boredom strikes. And just incase you were wondering, not all Nerf guns are created equally. The red, Elite Mega Cycloneshock Blaster is by far the best!” Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Cycloneshock Blaster, $23, Amazon.
“My friend Ivy Elrod runs the coolest home decor and furnishings store here called Wilder. Every time I visit, I am blown away because it’s all so beautiful and well curated. I stopped in last week and walked out with this black and gold hanging stunner that literally made all of my mirror dreams come true!” Cylinder Mirror, $1,350, Wilder.
“We love Mexican food, so much so that we go with friends every week to the same little spot that has the best queso and sangria. I recently added this beautiful book that’s full of gorgeous and delicious-looking recipes to my cookbook collection and can’t wait to try out some new dishes to cook for everyone.” Mexico Cookbook, $32, Amazon.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am now that it’s warming up outside. We love to entertain and spend as much time in our backyard as we possibly can. My husband and I are currently on the lookout for a new patio set to step up our outdoor furniture game. While we haven’t decided on the perfect one just yet, I have been leaning towards something like this for extra comfortable and stylish lounging.” Teak wood patio set, prices vary, All Modern.
“We just bought a real grown-up coffee machine and I’m pretty excited about it. Now I need some new mugs to fill up with the good stuff each morning.” Hillside Mug, $40, Wilder.
Katie’s picks:
“It has been such a thrill seeing my friend Laura Miller rise to internet fame for being exactly who she really is—awkward, anxiety-riden, hilarious, and a natural stunner. I’m so excited for her first-ever cookbook to come out on May 17th. Her new line of ‘froobs’ tees (fruit boobs) are also as funny and original as she is. Bonus: The illustrations were done by our very talented friend Donna Suh.” Froobs Tee, $24, Laura Miller. Raw Vegan Not Gross, $16.81, Amazon.
“This vibrantly colored book of advice, from random folks aged 7 to 88-years-old, is so beautiful and I love that the messages are currently plastered all across San Francisco’s public spaces. It’s the brainchild of artist Susan O’Malley, who tragically died (while carrying twin girls) when she was in the process of finishing the book, adding a layer of complexity and bittersweetness to her optimistic art. Flipping through it definitely keeps this whole life thing in perspective.” Advice From My 80-Year-Old Self, $10.15, Amazon.
“I’m not much of a snow person, but I do love the idea of luxe lodge life, which is why I’m so excited to head to The Ritz-Carlton in Lake Tahoe over my son’s spring break. We’re often too busy to make time for a family vacay, so this time we’re going all out. I can’t wait to try the Indoor Campout Package, which includes a tent set up in our room and a big s’mores kit. And of course, hitting up the spa there will most likely be my personal highlight.” The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, rooms start at $220; Indoor Campout Package is $100 per child.
“I’ve been such a huge fan of the designer Araks since reporting on her fashion shows in New York. We recently photographed her family for Mother, so her beautiful, instantly recognizable pieces have been on my mind. She has a great sale going on right now, so I’m currently playing eeny-meeny-miny-moe with the stunning lingerie selection.” Beatrice Bralett Sea Wave Combo, $57.50, Araks.
“My little man is going to be three in April, which means his room is going to become less baby and more big boy. I’m currently trying to figure out a replacement for his glider, and this settee by Land of Nod looks like the perfect size, plus the fabric was designed by Mother favorite Jen Garrido of Jenny Pennywood. Win-win!” Upholstered Settee, $764.15, Land of Nod.
“This cool, graphic pillow seems like it was made to sit on top of that settee…and really anywhere else in the house!” No. 10 Pillow, $90, LoomGoods.
“We have just entered the superhero/Batman phase in our household. I’m kind of unsure where to go with it, toy-wise. Super Friends? Duplo? The Fisher-Price Batcave? I’m trying to invest wisely, so suggestions are welcome!” Lego Duplo Super Heroes Batcave Building Toy, $45, Amazon.
“I’m not very adventurous when it comes to nail color, usually sticking with an almost-black shade of purple. Spring warrants something lighter, though, and I’ve heard good things about Opi’s super-pale pink shade, Bubble Bath.” Opi Bubble Bath, $8.17, Amazon.
“I haven’t worn earrings for a long time (but I think those holes are still in tact). Perhaps this pair of simple and chic 14kg studs would help inspire me.” No.40 Studs, $75, Spark + Pepper.
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