Week of 4/14/2025
On my way to find warmer weather... xx CC.
Let’s travel to Tampa! You have made it to hometowns y’all! Busy work week before heading to Tampa for Easter and then on to Charleston for a much needed girls trip aka R&R!!! Coming home is usually a sense of relief (for the first few days iykyk) and it’s never bad to be met with some sunshine! My parents have lived in the same house I was raised in, in Tampa for almost 25 years now. This makes coming home familiar which I am grateful for. February-April is the perfect time to live in Florida, the nights get a bit cooler and the humidity drops. My parents and I enjoyed a dinner outside (not sweating iykyk) and now I am getting my hair done which also iykyk me. I have been going to the same hairstylist (S/O Cat) since 6th grade when I started coloring my hair. Don’t ever say I’m not loyal! (If you’re in Tampa she’s your girl.) Tonight’s agenda is happy hour with my childhood friends which are near and dear to heart. Then Easter Sunday— church then brunch at a new Tampa staple, The Pearl. I truly can’t believe how much Tampa has grown in the last 5 years. It is unrecognizable (in the best way) from the Tampa I grew up in. It’s a small city but it is mighty. The food scene is amazing, the beaches (obvi) and the bay is gorgeous as well. Certain pockets of Tampa remind me of Chicago, especially Hyde Park one of my favs. It is very much in the same elk as Lincoln Park. Easter always sneaks up on me but it always comes at the perfect time— mostly because I need a break from the winter. The past few days were filled with the things I love the most and the people I cherish the most. Easter is really the start of spring (IMO) and a wonderful chance to reflect on the first part of the year and set our intentions for the spring ahead.
What’s in my travel bag:
We are a carry-on ONLY household (endless it’s 7+ days)… my dad started us early we have never been able to check a bag for as long as I can remember and I respect it. I’m all about efficiency people so let’s get to it!
Personal item— lately my go-to has been the LL. Bean Tote in the large size. I have tried them all and they really all serve their own purpose for different trips. Honorable mentions are— Beis Weekender (+ the mini), CalPak bag, and the Dagne Dover duffle.
In the LL Bean Bag— in the bottom: shoes, as many as you can fit (trust you can fit a lot). Snacks (DUH!), travel water bottle, hand cream, hair clip, Kindle, plus the essentials— ID, wallet etc. The special guest for this trip was my sourdough starter to teach my family how to make fresh bread.
Overhead— Away The Bigger Carry-On. This is my tried and true!!! The lifetime warranty is also amazing. The zipper inside broke after 3+ years of using it and they replaced it right away with a quick email.
What I’m wearing:
Easter edition! My family and I had Easter brunch at a delicious Tampa restaurant, The Pearl. Here was the fit, S/O mom for the pics.
What I’m cooking:
A pargy weekend at home! S/O to my brother Jack for his help in the kitchen! We had a lovely Easter spent laying by the pool all day then spending time together cooking in the kitchen.
The menu: Street Bar Cobb salad remake (recipe here), New York Strip steaks (ft. Jack on the grill), Goat Cheese and Honey Roasted Carrots. Candy (my mother) prepared a lovely Easter table scape.
What I’m Eyeing/Buying:
Eyeing this week: This yellow tee, this Leset tank (loving the thicker strap), these Asics perfect spring colors. This clutch for summer (s/o Maggie Mcdonald).
Buying this week: This sunscreen as I prepare for the sun (eeek!), this OPI pale pink is the perfect spring transition color. These J.Crew boxers (40% off!!!), and these white cotton pants (obsessed!).
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend & passover with the ones that mean the most. Most importantly take these holidays and time with loved ones as a reminder to Linger Long. Hold your loved ones close more than ever these days.
Putting a bow on the week!
Thank you all for reading. See you next Sunday and don’t forget to share with a friend!
— xx CC.
Your roasted carrots were amazing
Fomo