The past few weeks have been such a joy. We’ve knocked a bunch of house projects off of our list (will share soon!) and explored a few new places as a family, I’ve had the chance to catch up with some sweet friends, and Charlie seems to be learning something new every day. I love spring, but our routine lately is also getting me so excited for a long and (hopefully) leisurely summer ahead with my favorite boys! In the meantime, here are a few things I’m loving lately :)

Local spot: I LOVED my local nail salon when I first moved to North Carolina, but our house is almost 40 minutes away from my first apartment, and I can’t quite justify that drive just to get my nails done! I haven’t been too happy with anywhere I’ve tried near my house…until Paintbase, which has two locations in Raleigh and one in Cary. My in-laws graciously gave me a gift certificate for my birthday, and I went again last weekend as my belated Mother’s Day gift. Y’all, it is everything I want a nail salon to be and more! Adorable decor, high quality products, skilled technicians who do a flawless job…and mimosas on the house. Yes please!

Beauty product: Every time I’ve gotten dressed up lately, I’ve been reaching for this Marc Jacobs lipstick in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I have a sample size that I think I got as a Sephora gift or something, but I had totally forgotten about it until right before our Charleston trip (I’m wearing it here). It’s bright, but not too bold, and best of all, it seriously stays put…better than any “long lasting” lip product I’ve ever tried. It’s a splurge, but if you’re just going to have a few extra special lipsticks, this would be a good one! It would also be perfect for brides :)

Memory: Introducing Charlie to the beautiful, wonderful, fun things about the world has made for the sweetest moments of parenting so far (case in point: his first trip to the beach). Over the weekend, we shared another fun “first” with him by taking him to his first baseball game! Our local AAA team, the Durham Bulls, has the most amazing stadium, and even though we didn’t last too long in our seats, we had the best time just wandering around, eating tacos and ice cream, watching the game from all different viewpoints, and, let’s be honest, admiring Charlie looking so cute and grown up in his new little cap. One of the players even gave Charlie a baseball!

Book: My friend Maghon loaned me Coffee and Crumbs‘ The Magic of Motherhood and it was SO. GOOD. I could only read an essay or two at a time because almost every single one made me cry! This book is a gem, and a must-read for every new mom.

Recipe: I don’t know if this really counts as a recipe, but now that tomatoes are back in season, we’re jumping at the chance to make caprese sandwiches! I craved them when I was pregnant, so they’re kind of nostalgic to me, but they’re also just so yummy. To make a really tasty one at home, just be sure to get the best quality ingredients you can…and try not to fill up on bites of fresh mozzarella before you even start your sandwich ;)

Sale finds: The Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale started yesterday, so if you’re looking for a few new summer goodies, find my favorites below! (I’m SO tempted by those two hydrangea print dresses, though I can’t decide which one I like more! They remind me of this Romona Keveza stunner I saw at Bridal Market a few years ago. Hello, heart eyes.)

What’s something random that you’re loving lately? I’d love to hear!