Out of the clear blue sky, an acquaintance of mine who is an adult man, probably 10-15 years my senior, asked me for an audiobook recommendation for an upcoming road trip he was heading out on.

I was humbled that he thought of me for this task, but then swiftly started racking my brain for what I could recommend that would be good for a solo road trip. I’ve read so many books, and listened to a ton of them, and so I turned to my Goodreads account and scrolled through until I found a few that made the cut.

He asked for 3 recommendations, and I gave him 7. What can I say, I’m an overachiever.

In no particular order, here are the 7 titles I sent to him to consider for an audiobook on a long road trip:

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, My Friends by Frederik Backman, This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger, Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid, A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston.

On a similar note, I shared a blog post of my top 5 single-episode podcasts that I STILL think about to this day. You can find them here.

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Palermo Sandals

Denim Dress

Kerastase Chronologiste Mask

ciele Skin Tint

ciele Blush in shade January

USA Luge

@omg.donuts.charlotte

Most Loved Swimsuit

Light Green Vest

Frame Jeans

Sarah Creal Matte Bronze Liner

Gorgeous Black Dress

Daytime Summer Wedding Dress

Green Casual Dress

Stunning Blue Dress

One of my favorite dresses

Tilly Sveaas Mini Necklace

Tilly Sveaas Necklace with Crystals

Stunning Mixed Metal Earrings

Soft Cotton Dress

Riley Jellies

Pink Sand Summer by Chassity Evans

New Brush

EVA Birkenstocks

Croc Sandals

Budget Friendly Detangle Brush

Linen Crop Tank

Iggy Lo Rise Baggy Jeans

Gingham Maxi Skirt

Always Effortless Jacket

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Maya Brenner: KATE15 will save you 15% off until May 10

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: KATE20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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I rounded up a mix of easy spring and summer tops that can be worn casually with shorts and sandals or dressed up a bit with white denim and simple jewelry. There are a few really beautiful elevated options included, but I also found several budget-friendly tops that look much more expensive than they are.

One of my favorites from this roundup is the gingham Quince top (#12) I shared recently in an Instagram try-on. It has such a classic summer feel, and the fit and fabric felt really nice for the price point. Quince has been making some great linen pieces lately, and I also included a couple other simple tanks from them that would be easy staples for warm weather.

I also included several affordable finds from Walmart and Old Navy, like the Free Assembly smocked peplum top (#11), the Time and Tru eyelet embroidered top (#8), and Old Navy’s smocked tank (#5) and linen blend button-down (#16) – all easy pieces at really great price points. Those are the kinds of tops I tend to throw on constantly during the warmer months because they feel effortless but still look put together.

Madewell’s Leah Top (#9) feels like one of those classic closet staples you’ll wear for years, and there are a few prettier elevated options mixed in too, like the Rails Leilani Top (#4), the Paige Rive Top (#14), and the Reformation Elowen Top (#7) if you’re looking for something a little more polished for dinners, vacations, or summer events.

The post The Tops I’m Loving This Season first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I’m a cool-toned gal, so I have to find bronzers that aren’t too warm/orange. A lot of times I have to reach for a bronzer that is a bit lighter in color so it can stay in in the cooler/lighter category, but these 4 are perfect for that “oh I was just in the sun all weekend” kiss of color on the face that isn’t too orangey!

One. My most favorite right now is the Gucci bronzer in Shade 1. I bought shade 2 a few years ago and ended up avoiding it because it was too dark for me. This time around, I tried shade 1 and that is perfect for my light skin! This dusts onto the skin so easily, blends perfectly, and really gives you that “back from vacation” glow.

Two. Saie bronzer in Amalfi or Palermo are super easy to apply and nearly impossible to overdo! If bronzer intimidates you, try this line. There are a few different shades, I alternate between the first two as the lightest and slightly darker bronze option.

Three. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate smells like chocolate in the most lovely way. It is a great option for cool-toned gals or simply anyone who prefers a less orange bronzer.

Four. Dibs Caramel Cappucino is a really pretty, luminous bronzer that adds the prettiest warmth and glow to the skin! I also really like that you can control the amount of luminosity based on how much or little you sweep the brush into that side of the product.

For a brush, the fluffier the better in my opinion, so the BK beauty Bronzer brush is what I’m reaching for every time.

Have you browsed my Sephora Storefront? All of my personal favorites are saved there, click here to browse.

The post Bronzers I Can’t Quit Using first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

As you know from this post, I’ve really fallen in love with running! I’ve done 3 half-marathons and decided I wanted to do something big this year, mostly because I’m turning 40.

I feel better than ever, so turning 40 doesn’t feel scary, but it does feel significant! I’m pretty terrible at celebrating things, ask Amanda–she’ll tell you, but I do like to tie something significant to certain events.

The interest in running a marathon had slowly been building after each half-marathon was completed, and when I started to think through what would be fun, I decided to go for it. I put in for the lottery to run the New York City Marathon.

I love New York City and have visited many times. I thought that it would be pretty crazy to have my very first marathon be that significant a race! My friend Jordan also put in for the lottery, but neither of us got a spot. At that point, we had kind of moved on to considering other marathons for the fall of 2026 that were a little more local.

I, however, couldn’t get the New York City Marathon out of my head. I dove deep on social media and watched strangers’ race recaps and stories about how the day went, and it just looked incredible.

I knew I wanted to find a way to join the marathon, and so the next step was exploring a charity option.

After some research, I landed on the Living Water International organization and applied to run with them in New York. In the days of waiting to see if I got accepted to run with them, the desire to participate in this grew and grew. I came to really love the idea of running with a charity even more than with a lottery spot because it ties an even greater meaning to this race.

When I received the e-mail that I got a bib, I was thrilled! I also had a feeling of shock and nerves and intensity wash over me as well–I started thinking, “What am I doing?! Can I really do this?”

I think about this race almost every single day, and I am mostly excited with a little bit of nervous fear mixed in as well. I think training is going to be really challenging, and this will be the hardest athletic feat I’ve ever trained for that I, hopefully, will accomplish on November 1st in New York City.

My fundraising link can be found below if you feel pulled to help and can donate. Living Water International is doing incredible work bringing both clean/safe water, as well as education, to 15 areas around the globe that need support.

Donate here!

I’ll be sharing the ups and downs and all the emotions of training for this race on social, primarily on Instagram Stories as well as my Run Club Channel!

The post The Big Thing I’m Doing This Year first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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I rounded up a mix of elevated summer bags at a few different price points, and so many of these styles are the kind that work with everything from denim and sandals to easy dresses for vacation or dinner out.

Madewell bags have been longtime favorites of mine because they always feel timeless and well-made, especially their woven and straw styles for summer. The Camren Straw Bag (#14) is such an easy everyday option, and the Handwoven Cane Mini Bag (#5) has that polished-but-relaxed look that instantly makes an outfit feel more put together.

I also included a few Clare V. bags because their quality truly holds up so well over time. The Petite Jeanne (#15) and Bateau Bébé (#12) styles are both beautiful pieces that still feel effortless enough for everyday wear. I love that their bags have a slightly elevated feel without being too precious.

And if you caught my recent Instagram stories try-on, you probably already saw a few of the Walmart finds featured there! The Free Assembly Maria Bucket Bag (#7) and Canvas Tote (#6) were apart of my try-on, and they are such good affordable options, especially if you love the woven, straw, and bucket bag trend. The Maria Bucket Bag (#7) looks especially chic for the price, and the Knot Handle Tote (#1) is one of those throw-on-and-go bags that works for errands, beach days, or travel.

I also added a few Mango and Quince favorites because they do such a great job with clean, minimal summer accessories. The natural fiber totes and shopper bags are lightweight and roomy, while the Quince leather bucket bag (#13) is a great everyday staple if you prefer something a little more structured and can last through the seasons.

The post Chic Summer Bags That Go With Everything first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

We celebrated Emily’s 8th birthday yesterday with family, ice cream cake, and a lot of outdoor play! The weather was beautiful, making for a fun and laid-back evening.

I’m going to see the new Devil Wears Prada 2 movie next week, and I’m looking forward to it! I loved the original so much; it was such a major movie for me when it came out in 2006. Have you seen it yet?

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Athleta Tank for running

NEW Hotel Lobby Candle

Birkenstock Sandals

Riley Jellies

Emerson Fry Dress

Perfect Tee

Low Rise Baggy Jeans

Palermo Sandals

Detangler Brush

Amazon Bag

Unique Top

Haus Labs Atomic Shake in Dusty Rose

Handheld Steamer

Cotton Sweater under $50

Quince Top I love

Rayban Sunglasses

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Maya Brenner: KATE15 will save you 15% off until May 10

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: KATE20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

It has been way too long since I did a recap of some of my favorite Raleigh spots! I’ve been to plenty of newer spots and have some recommendations for you if you live in the area or if you happen to be visiting this summer!

Kate’s Must-Try Spots

Madre– this is a great tapas/small plates spot downtown in Smoky Hollow–a cool district with dining, shops, and even a little jazz club. Great vibes, very good food, and a really cool setting.

Doc B’s– I’ve been here about 4 times, and each time I’m blown away by the food. I love that it’s located right at Fenton, which is a shopping area I frequent, and it has a really big menu with a lot to choose from!

I asked Amanda to share some of her favorite spots because she’s quite a foodie with great taste, so check out her selections below!

Amanda’s Must-Try Spots

We are lucky to have some amazing restaurants and bars in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham + Chapel Hill). As the self-proclaimed foodie of the Small Things team, I love to eat out and share places I would recommend. Kate asked me to do a write-up of my top 3 favorite spots to eat in Raleigh, but HOW? How can one pick just 3?? So I decided to split my go-tos into three categories (plus some honorable mentions). With the knowledge that everyone’s tastes are different, here are some of what I think are the best restaurants in Raleigh:

Classic Favorites:

Stanbury: For me, this is the top of the top. The menu is always changing, the ingredients are fresh and unique, the service is incredible, the vibe is casual, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfy. It feels like a true neighborhood place that you would walk to every Friday night if you lived close enough. The one downside is that they do not take reservations. On a busy weekend night, you can expect to find a line up the street at 4:15pm to take names at 4:30pm for a first seating at 5:00pm. Not my favorite aspect of the dining experience, but for me, totally worth the work!

Brewery Bhavana: (Initial disclaimer: I was threatened that if this was not included, I could no longer consider Bridget, our super-talented graphic designer+, a friend. Don’t want to make that one mad, so…). In all seriousness, I am a fan of Brewery Bhavana. I have had not only some of the best meals there since moving to Raleigh, but also some of the best memories. Part brewery/bar – flower shop – dim sum/Chinese makes this a very fun and different dining experience. The food and drinks are always on point, and it feels like a special occasion every time I go. Highly recommend!

Barcelona Wine Bar: This spot will always have a special place in my heart. Not to sound too sentimental, but to me, part of the enjoyment of a restaurant includes the experiences you’ve had there. Barcelona was one of the first team dinners I had out with the Small Things girls. It’s tapas-style, so picking and trying all sorts of dishes is a fun way to not only expand your palette, but find out more about the people you’re dining with. They have a great atmosphere and a lovely outdoor space as well.

New-ish Finds:

Figulina: Italian food is my favorite type of food. I love it. Give me any Italian carb and meat combo, and I’m there. Founded on homemade pasta, Figulina’s dishes are truly special. They are ever-changing, so no matter when you go, there will be a new special dish on offer. And the wine list is wonderful! Their space is open and welcoming. The chef is from the UK, so not only do they serve amazing northern Italian-style cuisine, but they also offer a brunch with British-inspired dishes.

Ajja: If you are from this area and remember Garland, then you will likely enjoy the dining experience at Ajja. Described as “fresh, vibrant mediterranean” the food here is a total party on the tongue. Packed with flavor, the dishes and cocktails always hit the mark for me. They have a wonderful outdoor space, perfect during a North Carolina spring and fall. Be sure to make a reservation here well in advance!

Gussies: This is a new favorite for me! Tucked near the area of NC State, Gussies is the quintessential neighborhood hangout. Fantastic apps, stellar smash burgers, great salads, unique drinks, and cocktails (including a dill pickle martini) make this spot a winner for people with lots of different taste preferences. The vibe is casual – you order at the bar and find your seat. The staff is nice and welcoming, and the service is top-notch!

Honorable Mentions:

Herons in the Umstead (for Brunch or bar apps): Herons is very well-known in Raleigh as one of the top fine dining establishments in one of (if not THE) top 5-star hotel in the area. I like to pretend to be a little bougie sometimes, so I highly recommend coming to the Umstead for weekend brunch or to enjoy drinks and appetizers at the bar. There is often live music in the evenings, and spending time by the fire pits in the incredible outdoor space or going for a walk around the property of the Umstead are some of my favorite activities while there.

Lagana (for Burgers): Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several months, you may have heard about the opening of Lagana. The menu is small (as is the restaurant), BUT the burgers are beyond great. They also offer an Omakase experience once a month, so keep an eye out for reservations for the tasting if that’s your style. I’ll meet you there!

The Cardinal (for Hot Dogs): Ok, so. North Carolina takes its hot dogs VERY seriously. I am from Minnesota, where we do not. We take our “hot dish” and “bars” (the dessert type) very seriously. So please know I am not trying to be an expert here. I only know what tastes delish to me, and the hot dogs, made the way you like, at The Cardinal Bar are super good. And that’s pretty much what they serve. That and drinks because it’s a bar – no complaints here!

What did we miss? Please let us know your favorites!

Do you want us to do another one of these for Durham or another spot near Raleigh?

The post The Raleigh Restaurant’s To Try first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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If you’ve followed along here for a while, you know I’m always looking for pieces that feel just as good as they look, and swimwear is no exception. I tend to gravitate toward styles with a little extra structure (think underwire or cup sizing), especially because they give support without needing constant adjustment. It just makes getting dressed for the pool or beach feel easier and more comfortable overall.

A few standouts from this roundup that I think are especially worth a look:

The J.Crew Balconette Eyelet Underwire One-Piece is such a pretty, feminine option with great shape through the top.

I also recently tried a suit from Ochre Lane (Thin Strap Underwire One Piece) after being heavily targeted with ads for it, and I have to say – it really lives up to the hype. It’s one of the best I’ve felt in a swimsuit in a long time. The support is great, and I especially love the textured fabric, which makes it feel a little more elevated.

For a budget-friendly pick, the Quince Italian Underwire One-Piece is hard to beat for the price and still offers nice structure.

And if you prefer a two-piece, Minnow’s Slate Floral Bikini Top + High Waisted Bottoms give you that same supportive feel.

The post Flattering Swimsuits with Built-in Support first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

How was your week? I can feel the buzz in the air about school ending soon for my kids, and it’s lighting a little fire inside of me to get things done, too!

We’re talking about our Lake Placid summer almost every day, so it’s very hard to stay mentally present here when I know this summer of fun awaits! We got the kids’ passports updated this week, so we can venture up to Canada a bit this summer, too!

I have been living, and I mean living, in these Birkenstocks for the past couple of weeks. They’re so comfortable!

If it’s shorts weather where you are, try these $18 ones my friend Megan told me about from Walmart! They’re great!

Today is the FINAL DAY to place custom orders at Maya Brenner to get your orders by Mother’s Day. Use code Kate15 to save 15% sitewide until May 10!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Seamed Denim Dress

Kerestase Magic Night Serum

Kerestase (in the black bottle)

Lancome Lash Idole Waterproof Liner in Brown

Sephora Collection Eye Stick in Espresso Matte

Sarah Creal liner in Everyday Taupe

Amazon Bag

Birkenstock Sandals

Brown Tennis Dress

The best brow product of all time

Denim Forum Shorts

Barefaced Liquid Gold

Blue Athletic Tank from Target

Linen Dress

$30 Amazon Swimsuit

BaByliss PRO 1.5in Curling Iron

Flexible Hold Hairspray

Arellia Barrel Jeans

Maya Brenner Ear Cuff

AYR Jeans

Short Linen Dress

Madewell Tank only available on Amazon

Sage A-line Denim Shorts

Running Shorts

Ninja Crispi

Megababe Anti-Chafe Gel

Tempo Long Sleeve

Wes Barrel Jean

Beau Seamed Jeans

Sydney Jeans

Tate Crop Jeans

Kennedy Shorts

Soft Services Vacation Buffing Bars

Barefaced Overachiever

Val 90’s Jeans

Smocked Tank

CoverGirl Blush Balm Stick

Loving Tan Lotion

Favorite Root Lifter

Kerastase Overnight Serum

My ShopMy Store

Minnow Swimsuit

Alfie Sunglasses

Large Tote

Henley Tank

Gingham Top

Comfy Sandals

$17 Denim Shorts from Walmart

Perfect Bag for Summer

One Piece Swim from Target

My Favorite Dry Shampoo

Olive Green Dress

Always Effortless Jacket

EBY Wireless Bra

Rope Bag

Abyss Sweatshirt

AYR Flow Top

Barefaced Motherhood Survival Kit

Early Mornings Tee

Spironolactone prescription for my skin

Oversized Denim Shirt

New Clare V. Bag

Marea Tank

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Maya Brenner: KATE15 will save you 15% off until May 10

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: KATE20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the women who do so much – whether that’s your mom, a mother figure, a friend in the thick of motherhood, or even yourself. I always gravitate toward gifts that feel both special and practical, like things she’ll actually use but that still feel like a little treat. Here are a few favorites!

*Maya Brenner code cannot combine with other promotions, nor can it be used on the “add a letter” service

The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide first appeared on The Small Things Blog.