These floral dresses, litterally just dropped, and if you know me, you know they’re my wardrobe staple! These afforadable options, all under $60, with varying cuts mean something for everyone! And this smocked cotton dress was the first thing I put in my cart (I’m actually trying to check out now before it’s gone…and knowing how this retailer goes, they typically sell out of the cotton opitions. I’m ordering both a small and medium as sizing can be a bit all over the place). I also adore all white cotton dresses throughout summer, and this emboridered sleeve one is a great addition at a good price point - I’m expecting it to be available later today! This other sleeved option, in painted wildflowers is another great cotton option! Someone please where this in a field of wild flowers and tag me in it!!! This dress is perfect for beating the heat, made of linen and cotton, again, love the floral design! And of course you know my love of lavender and anything printed with it’s motif is a win in my book! Available in a linen-cotton sleeveless option and an all cotton sleevless dress with a cutout back! Happy Shopping Friends!
Currently In Bloom | Albrighton Rambler
I just adore this time in my garden. Weather is that perfect, breezy temp and of course the flowers begin to wake from their slumber! Rose season has began and the first to awaken are these sweet Albrighton Rambler Roses from David Austin.
They have the cutest of button blooms, and the sweetest of scents! They’re one of my favorites to cut and bring indoors as a small bud vase fills the room with their sweet aroma! Also, a sneak peak of the first Peony to bloom in our garden (sharing more on Instagram today as well!)
These David Austin Albrighton Rambler Roses are also fairly straightforward in the care department. I feed the plant this once a month during the growing season. Diligently (or as much as I can with three little ones around), remove any damaged or diseased leaves when they appear. Black spot is something I deal with and have just accepted it as a normal thing when growing garden roses in the south. I also water well on days when temps are high and rain not forecasted. These Albrighton Ramblers have also been a favorite of my kids and we quickly decided to train on our cottage playhouse.
While she isn’t void of thorns, she has the least amount of any rose I grow. And because it’s been so important to incorporate our kids in all aspects of the garden, they have learned very quickly to be careful near the thorns, last summer my one year old at the time was diligent in putting his little hands behind his back to then lean into a bloom for a whiff of the intoxitaing scent!
The training of a rambling rose is rather quite easy. And the real tip for success is the understanding that rambling and climbing roses do best when main stems are trained horizontally. This allows for more, fuller stems, foliage and of course blooms to emerge in vertical growth. And for executing those horizontal stems, the main thing to consider is what method to train, guide and manipulate the growth of the stems. Wires work well, and if training on fences or grids, floral twist ties can do the trick. For our wood playhouse, simple screw in hooks, found at local hardware stores, do the trick. Simply alterdate the direction of each hook to ensure stems stay put on gusty, windy days!
And the hardest part about training is simply being diligent enough during the new growth stage when stems are still pliable and bendable for you to get them where you want. Wait too long and the stems harden off making horizontal placement nearly impossible.
As for bloom times and vase life, albrighton rambler roses are similar to all other garden rose varieties. From bud to finished flower plan on 5-6 days. And her color hue softens as the days go on. Above shoes the life cycle of a bloom, from a pink bud, to a soft peach, then a beautiful blush hue!! While garden roses are fleeting, the plants will generously give you a large flush of blooms in the Spring with additional throughout and for me here in Atlanta, another flush in fall.
The main differnce between rambling and climbing roses is that rambling tend to have more vigorous growth and therefore smaller blooms. While climbing roses tend to grow a bit slower, but produce larger buds. Look closely above and that Generous Gardener Climbing Rose was snuck into this vase by one of my kids. Another beautiful option to add to your space!
Can you now see size variations above? Well friends, I’m off to go pick some more blooms! I hope this space inspires you to also grow special things that bring joy into your house and home! Happy Spring Firends!
Printfresh Pajamas
I am adoring these Printfresh Pajamas! (use code: MichelleCannonSmith for 15% off) Made of cotton poplin they’re comfortable, cute and wash like a dream! I mean how fun is this lemon print?!
And with Mother’s Day around the corner these would make such a great gift for the mothers in your life, or of course for yourself! I’m also loving the Camel’s Courtyard Print in both pink and blue and Lime Zest with the pink and green limes is adorable!
Sizing is spot on and inclusive, offering a fit and size option that’s great for everyone. These pajamas run true to size, I’m 5’5” 163lbs wearing a Medium in the Short Set and S/M in the robe. I also suggest using their provided size chart as I found it’s accurate. And with most pajamas if you’re in between sizing, size up for comfort.
And there truly is something magical about wearing fun, happy printed sleepwear! Seriously, I feel like a kid again! And my daughter instantly approved, stealing my top for her very own sleepdress.
Friends, if there’s anything I’ve learned this past year, it’s to not underestamate the power of lingering some days in pajamas, slowing down, being in the present and finding gratitude in the small things!
And of course when life hands you lemons, make some lemonade!! Big thanks to my friends at Printfresh for sending me this lemon set! For your 15% off, use code MichelleCannonSmith!
Sunday Supper Club | Salmon Nicoise Salad
It is SPRING! And that means eating outdoors at every single chance! With warm weather, means easy casual Sunday meals gathered with the ones I love! Last year I did a mini series of Sunday Supper Club, and this Spring I wanted to bring it back with the meals my family loves most and the meals I find easiest to make and feed a crowd. Plus easy leftover ideas make cooking at home easy, affordable and of course healthy!
THIS IS THE SUNDAY SUPPER CLUB! AND YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED.
This week, a warm weather take on our favorite Sheet Pan Salmon!
Salmon Nicoise Salad!!!
Hands down one of the reasons why I LOVE this salad is that it can be served warm or cold. Served immedietly or made ahead, chilled, assembled and served later. The perfect fancy picnic fare, and with kids and toddlers, picnics are my current favorite way to dine. As a parent I get a minute to enjoy my meal while the kids run around. Plus after this past year at home, forcing a toddler to sit during an entire meal is not worth the battle. Fun for all, plus this meal allows little hands to grab what they want.
INGREDIENTS
For the Sheet Pan Salmon:
Salmon Wild Caught, whenever availability & budget allow, otherwise, buy what you can. Frozen works as well, individual fillets or a large 2.5lb piece like I show here. Leaving skin on when you can,
Sea Salt
Red Onion, sliced
Lemon, sliced
Butter, cut into pads…slices…hmmm, just cut pieces
Dill, preferred….shown is Green Leaf Fennel from our garden, still delightful!
Side of Roast Vegetables…Green Beans (we went with Aparagus), small or fingerling potatoes…anything you feel your family will eat!.
Olive Oil
Parchment Paper, preferred…Tin Foil works as well…and if you happen to be all out of both, just cook on a pan…the parchment and foil will lock in moisture, allowing for a more succulent fish. But don’t let that stop ya :)
For the Salad:
Greens : we used Frisee straight from our garden
Capers
Pitted Olives
Cherry Tomatoes
Boiled Eggs
Lemon Wedges for squeezing and an easy dressing. Ceasar Dressing also pairs so well with this
To Make
Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
On a sheet pan (my favorite one being this one due to it’s over-sized capacity and lip around the edges that hold it all on)…lay down a sheet of parchment for large salmon fillets…for individual sized fillets, you may want to make each their own little pack.
Now layer…salmon, skin-side down. Sprinkle with salt, to your personal liking). Place in this order: onion slices, lemon slices, butter pads…and top with dill or other fragrant herb (reference photo above)
On the side, place additional vegetables to roast. I toss mine with a bit of olive oil before roasting.
Cover and seal with another piece of parchment, or if using smaller fillets fold and roll edges together to make little packs.
Depending on the thickness of your salmon, and your preferred level of done-ness…bake for 8-15 minutes. I typically buy salmon with a 1”-1.5” thick-ness, and prefer a medium finish. For the fillet above I cooked it for 8 minutes.
Remove pan from oven & turn on broiler (this will give a good crispy top to that peppered salmon and also help finish those additional vegetables).
Open up salmon packs or remove top layer of parchment, and gently brush off all the toppings from your salmon (onion, lemon, dill)…keeping them on the pan.
Place pan back into the oven, and finish in the broiler. About 8-12 minutes, until you feel your salmon has crisped up a bit. Feel free to flip those vegetable half way through to prevent burning.
Then time to assemble your salad. I place greens down first, then salmon, then groupings of potatoes, asparagus, tomoatoes, boiled eggs, olives, and top with capers and more dill or fennel!
Whether this is a picnic to go, or a meal on your table, I think you’ll be surprised at the positive response!
And should you be lucky enough with left overs, a herb cream cheese salmon bagel is always a favorite in our household! Happy Sunday Friends!
HEALTHY FUN FACTS!
Not only is this so simple to make, but salmon is also packed full of Omega 3s! Omega 3s are not only great for your skin and eye health, but they can also help fight inflammation and autoimmune diseases…improve bone and joint health…and help reduce symptoms of Asthma and ADHD in children!
Rattan Slides
I have been living in these rattan slides this Spring! Direct from Morocco, I just love how easy Etsy has made shopping from local artisans around the world!!! Now, truth be told it was a bit of risk buy purchasing, because who buys shoes without trying them on? BUT these turned out so good, absolutely size up and use their provided sizing chart as I found it to be extremely accurate!
This shop also sells a Carrie Forbes Naima look-alike. I have the real deals, which truth be told are made of a much higher quality but for price you’d expect that. But seriously, these rattan sandals are a dead-ringer as far as look goes and I’m thrilled with quality and price.
Speaking of price, both the slides and sandals after shipping (which is substancial since I had them shipped across the atlantic) and taxes, made both of these right at $58 each. Your price may differ slightly depending on shipping location. But for $60, I’d say these shoes are well worth the price! Plus the next pricepoint for similar styles runs over $100 and of course those Carrie Forbes will run you $300+ (wowza!).
The slides take a quick minute to break in. Mainly the rattan is a tiny bit scratchy, but seriously after a day or two of wear it softens significantly!
And when I say I’ve been living in these, I litterally mean it! First thing I slip on in the morning! In the garden with the kids. Heck even with a flat tire on the side of the road ~ ha!
So there ya go, my must have shoes for Spring. I love mine so much I ordered a second pair, because if I know Etsy…once something catches on price goes up. If you get a pair let me know what you think!!
New & Now | Spring Dresses under $40
I absolutley love this dress! All cotton with a green floral print. It runs true to size, I’m wearing a medium, but should you be in-between sizing or fuller in the bust, definately size up.
Love the ditsy floral print on this cheerful cotton dress, reminds me of a liberty print. Same cut as the blue and white stripe below! Flattering, comfy and cute, a perfect warm weather staple! And at $30 you may just need both prints in your closet! Runs true to size, I’m wearing a medium.
Another great cotton swiss dot dress!!! The updated version of this dress shown in this post here. The updated version has the sweetest of ruffle collars and has the same lovely swiss dot fabric. While it is lined in the skirt, I found the bodice quite sheer and the pockets to show through, a simple fix with a nude slip underneath (which I’m wearing above). But if this bothers you, skip this color and go with the floral print instead! It runs true to size, I’m wearing a medium, but should you be in-between sizing or fuller in the bust, definately size up.
And in case you missed last week’s affordable finds, including these four below. All cotton and all under $35!
I love this cotton stripe dress! Runs true to size, I’m wearing a medium and has pockets! Pairs well with a fun vintage purse, I love searching etsy here for fun finds. And did you see my Carrie Forbes etsy knock offs last week on instagram? They’re so good! Use the provided shoe chart for sizing.
Every wardrobe needs a breezy white cotton dress. This one is fully lined and if you look closely this one has the sweetest of flower eyelets throughout. Truth this one was a bit tricky on sizing, for those like me who are fuller in their middle and hips, this one with a drop waist can accentuate it. The key here is to go up a size, I’m wearing a large, which makes this the perfect breezy flowy summer dress.
And surprise, surprise, the updated version of my favorite affordable cotton dress of 2020! This one is still cotton, still the same flattering cut and comes in a range of color options. Runs true to size, I’m wearing a Medium. And is the perfect dress for day or night, time in the garden or chasing after kids! Paired with nude shoes and these bangles which I’m smitten over!
And after seeing this dress through Instagram lately, I also had to try it for myself! Love the lavender stripe, all cotton and for sizing go down! I’m wearing a small. Paired here with these slides, LOVE them, get them, you’ll thank me later! Earrings here (under $20).
New & Now | Peachy Pink
I think Spring is my favorite! And nothing better to wear the season than in these peachy pink hues! This cotton linen dress just dropped today, and like everything from this retailer, at $50 it’s sure to sell out. I’m also eyeing this Liberty Print Dress….swoon worthy! And this dress with it’s wrap waist, full skirt and sleeves is a short flattering option I can get behind…available in polka dot, blush & white. Another Liberty Print top in punchy colors and a fun print! Canvas totes just scream New England Summers….I love the neutral hue on this one!!!! A cheerful gingham print dress. And I love the hue of this rain coat, perfect color year round! And my favorite New Balance now available in this blush style! All just peachy ;) Happy Tuesday Friends!
LOOKING FOR MORE STYLES….CLICK HERE!
New & Now | Spring Dresses under $35
I love this cotton stripe dress! Runs true to size, I’m wearing a medium and has pockets! Pairs well with a fun vintage purse, I love searching etsy here for fun finds. And did you see my Carrie Forbes etsy knock offs last week on instagram? They’re so good! Use the provided shoe chart for sizing.
Every wardrobe needs a breezy white cotton dress. This one is fully lined and if you look closely this one has the sweetest of flower eyelets throughout. Truth this one was a bit tricky on sizing, for those like me who are fuller in their middle and hips, this one with a drop waist can accentuate it. The key here is to go up a size, I’m wearing a large, which makes this the perfect breezy flowy summer dress.
And surprise, surprise, the updated version of my favorite affordable cotton dress of 2020! This one is still cotton, still the same flattering cut and comes in a range of color options. Runs true to size, I’m wearing a Medium. And is the perfect dress for day or night, time in the garden or chasing after kids! Paired with nude shoes and these bangles which I’m smitten over!
And after seeing this dress through Instagram lately, I also had to try it for myself! Love the lavender stripe, all cotton and for sizing go down! I’m wearing a small. Paired here with these slides, LOVE them, get them, you’ll thank me later! Earrings here (under $20).
Etsy Finds | Vintage Raffia Totes
Maybe it’s my desire to go somewhere tropical, but this week’s latest Etsy obsession are these vintage raffia embroidered totes! Typically made of straw and embroidered with flowers or location, these tourist totes bring the feeling of vacation to you at home! I bought the one above a few weeks ago and have loved taking it along for picnics and bike rides around town. And this pink one below is sized right for pool and beach days! I rounded up some more of my favorites below…which one do you LOVE?
Have you been following along on my recent Etsy Finds on Instagram? I recently shared these slides (above), which I’m living in these days and these beach sarongs are a summer staple! ***note for the sarongs, you will recieve a random assortment of colors and patterns, not neccisarily what is shown in the listing, but price is right for the quality of these! For my pack of 10, they came in 2 sets of 5 different color ways…for the duplicates, I’m sharing with friends!
Game Night Never Looked So Good!
Whether game night or game day…grab one and get outside! Hands down my favorite time of year, I recently re-discovered my love for this game. Now if only my 6 year old twins would let me win. I also rounded up a few more that I have my eye on for endless fun this summer and a fun DIY Domino Set we built years back!
The Best Beach Bag For Moms
I’ve got sunshine and vitamin sea on my mind these days! And vaccine dependant, we’re hoping to take the kiddos on a couple much anticipated beach trips this summer! So, in preperation of that, I’ve been slowly gathering beach toys and other fun things as I’ve come across them. And that’s what led me in the search to find the best beach bag for moms! And while yes, I love all the cute designer options especially for holding towels, sunscreen & the such, the truth is when it comes to sand toys, either they’re too small for my large crew, or aren’t sand and water friendly…ie. mesh. So after searching high and low, what I landed on isn’t a beach bag at all, but rather this double, pop & fold mesh laundry hamper! It’s large size is sure to hold alllllll the beach toys (because who wants to lug multiple totes of toys) and the handles allow easy over the shoulder carrying. At just $12 it’s the perfect investment for the couple trips we plan to take, and it’s abilty to fold up, makes it perfect for traveling. That said, not sure this is a piece that would last forever, as the mesh is just that. But again, at $12 bucks its worth it for my needs and is the easiest thing to carry, hawl and hose down all the sandy beach toys in!
The other fun thing I recently came across were these mesh critter bags (set of four, $13)! How cute and fun are these for kiddos to collect seashells in.
The mesh construction makes them great for the beach and they ended up being a bit larger than I expected in person….perfect for collecting shells and right sized for kiddos to carry! I can’t wait for those early morning walks on the beach, coffee in hand and searching for shells with my littles!
As for beach toys I’m a huge fan of Playmobil Sand…here and here. Also this set has been my daughters favorite for years. And of course Target just launched their Sun Squad page, filled with fun affordable finds!
Here’s hoping sunshine and sandy toes are in my future, and if not, that’s ok too. These beach toys always make for a good time digging in the garden dirt! Here’s to sunnier days ahead friends!
Caring For Camellias
There’s nothing more I love than a pretty bloom, and in winter these camellias do the trick at brightening our landscape and of course a pretty vase inside our home! An evergreen shrub, camellias are quite low maintance once established. Prune immediately after blooms are spent and done blooming for the season, as next year’s buds set soon after. And camellia shrubs are slow growers so less is more when pruning. I cut back any leggy stems, dead growth and will cut no more than a third of the stems back, by no more than 1/3 in length ~ mainly to shape the shrub. After pruning I give them a good feeding and then again right after summer. This is my go-to camellia food, I also give this to my azaleas and gardenias! So if you’re camellias aren’t flowering, either you pruned too late or they need to be fed!
And with Valentine’s Day this weekend, couldn’t think of a pretty bouquet to place around my home! Happy heart day friends!
**Today’s Dress is the Raimie Dress, found here.