Love Month: Valentine’s Day Edit

February 4, 2022February 3, 2022 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

Hello, Love Month!

I’m shocked that it’s already February! Time is flying, but hey, we are inching closer to warmer weather! Today, I wanted to share a Valentine’s Day roundup to get you inspired for all the gift-giving you will be doing. Valentine’s doesn’t need to be extravagant – gift something that you know the other person will love. Do they enjoy accessorizing their home? Lounging in luxurious fabrics? A fresh makeup routine? Above, I’ve linked some great ideas for you!

Let me know if I can help you shop for anything else!

XO, MS

All White, Winter White

January 14, 2022January 13, 2022 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

There is just something so fresh about a winter white look. It brightens things up on a cold and dreary day when sunshine and warm weather can be away. When styling an all white look, you can mix both crisp whites and ivories like I have here. Don’t worry if your whites don’t match perfectly!

I’m obsessed with my new ivory sherpa coat that completes this winter white look. I’ve worn my brown version over and over again, so I figured with a long winter ahead, I could invest in another color way. Not to mention how warm this coat is and that it’s on sale!

| chair | pillow | art | rug |

If you want our furniture info, I’ve linked it above!

Thanks for stopping by! XO, MS

2021 Gift Ideas

December 5, 2021 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of gift guides already this holiday season, but if you need a few more ideas, I thought I would share some of my favorite things, items I’m getting others and pieces on my wishlist. Of course, it’s so easy to order online, but don’t forget to support your local businesses! Plus, shopping in person is way more fun.

First up is the gift guide for those interior design lovers. Help them complete their space with a piece that will make them think of you!

Guys are hard to shop for! I’m sure they get bored by all the clothes, so I added a few other things that might peek their interest.

| needlepoint belt | puffy vest | yeti cooler |

Lastly, I included items for your fashionable friend! In my mind, the more color and texture the better!

I hope you have the most wonderful Christmas season filled with family, friends, good food and lots of laughter!

XO, MS

Favorite Things of 2020

January 17, 2021 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite things that I purchased or received in 2020. From loungewear to skincare and home goods, and many of the products I’m sharing are on sale!

Customizable tie dye sweatshirt

The tie dye trend is here to stay, so design your own hand dyed and hand embroidered sweatshirt by Eliza! I ordered a large for an oversized look.

Wrist & ankle weights

I go for a walk most days, and I feel like I’m getting a little extra work in when wearing these ankle and wrist weights. They come in 1 and 2 pound versions.

Printed headband

Y’all know how much I love headbands, and this one is no exception. I have found that these neutral colors go with almost everything. Worn here and here.

Tula set

I don’t know much about skincare, but I do know that I LOVE Tula products! They are constantly coming out with new products that keep your skin clean, fresh and healthy.

Fresh bath towels

These towels feel like a cloud! I don’t know what kind of towels I’ve been using all of my life, but these are a game changer. You can get free monogramming on their site now!

Heart earrings

Statement earrings – another accessory I love, and these are on sale! I wore these for our engagement shoot.

Leather bag

This bag is the perfect evening bag, and it fits more than you would think! Small wallet, phone, keys, lipstick, hand sanitizer, sunglasses and the list goes on.

Barefoot Dreams blanket

I live in this cozy blanket year round, and surprisingly it’s on sale! MOVE FAST.

1 inch curling iron

Since high school I’ve always curled my hair with a 1.5 to 2 inch curling iron, but I’ve started using the 1 inch for a tighter longer lasting curl. I also use this as a wand.

Snakeskin boots

My favorite boots ever!! I am so glad I splurged on these this fall, but lucky for you, they are on sale now.

Metallic leggings

I am super particular about my leggings, and these check all the boxes. Fitted but not too tight, they don’t sag and wear really well. These are also marked down!

Suede booties

A camel suede bootie is a classic shoe you will wear season after season. These look great with jeans, skirts and dresses! Worn here.

Leopard sweatshirt & joggers

I haven’t taken this cozy set off since Henry gave it to me!

Gift Guide for the Girls

November 24, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

Need gift ideas for your girls? Mamas, friends, girlfriends? I picked out everything from home decor to beauty depending on what your best gal loves!

| bow heels | leather bag |

Well, you know I love a headband. They are the best accessory and add such a fun pop of color and texture. They also make a great stocking stuffer! If your girl loves to host a get together, stemless wine glasses, colorful coasters and a print on the wall are perfect.

My new favorite thing is this set of wrist weights! I love a power walk, and these are the perfect addition. Add these leggings and funky sneakers to complete your workout look. Because many of yall are still working from home, shop this loungewear set to make working from home a little more fun and comfy.

| jewelry case | headband | ginger jars |

I’m obsessed with this metallic bomber. How great would this be paired with jeans and a sweater or your go-to workout gear?! You could even layer it over the floral midi dress. One day I hope my home is accessorized with a few ginger gars, and maybe your girl does too.

I hope this post filled with a few of my favorite things helps you shop for your girls this holiday season! XO, MS

Gift Guide for the Guys

November 24, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

Guys can be hard to buy for especially when they have everything. I love buying something that I know they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Personalized gifts are a great option because they show you put thought into your selection, and let’s be real, most guys aren’t going to spend the extra money on their own monogram. Below you’ll find some of my favorite gift ideas and some I’ll even be buying for my guys!

| hoodie & joggers | poker set | coffee table book |

| personalized glasses | suede loafers | AirPods case |

Henry has been told to avoid this blog post because it will give away some of his gifts! He loves the MLB and played baseball growing up, so I really think he’s going to enjoy looking through this coffee table book of old and new baseball parks. He also needs a new pair of loafers and updated athleisure.

| personalized golf balls | camo slippers | accessories case |

If your guy loves to golf, he’s going to freak out over his very own personalized golf balls. Some people are still working from home, so a fresh pair of slippers paired back to the athleisure set above will be perfect for him. If he’s dreaming of travel, the accessories case and the rolling suitcase with be a great refresh.

I hope this post made your Christmas shopping a little easier this year! Let me know what you think! XO, MS

Wooden chairs under $500

May 26, 2020May 25, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |

I wish I had available space in my apartment because one of these bad boys would be coming home with me! Numbers 1 and 11 are my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of these neutral pieces. Especially since they are all under $500! Add a bright patterned pillow, and these are ready to be enjoyed. Shoutout to Target for these fabulous furniture finds!

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

May 5, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ 4 Comments

I love chocolate, especially chocolate chip cookies. One of my favorite treats is a warm Tiny Boxwoods’ chocolate chip cookie that you can only get in Houston or Austin. This obviously poses a problem when you live in neither of those cities! Henry’s mom found this recipe claiming to be the closest thing to a Tiny’s cookie, so we had to make them – another great quarantine activity!

First of all this recipe makes a ton of cookies! LARGE cookies at that. We cut the recipe in half, and we still ended up with 18.

Ingredients

1 pound unsalted butter (4 sticks)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons pastry flour
3 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (we chose Ghirardelli)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Combine the butter and the sugars with your mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each.
Now add both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and chocolate to combine.
We used an ice cream scoop to scoop each cookie onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Recommended 2 inches apart. If you want smaller cookies, use a tablespoon.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on size of cookie, until lightly browned. We baked for just under 20 for a gooey middle.
Let them cool and then EAT!

I hope you try this recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

* Visit Hannah Bunker’s site for more pictures and details of this recipe.

Most used items during quarantine

April 30, 2020April 29, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

I hope you all are doing well! Today, I want to share some of my most-used items since all of this craziness started. I’ve spent a lot of time outside, whether that’s working out or reading. These plastic wine glasses have been perfect for our neighborhood walks and time spent on the screen porch. On rainy days, I’ve stayed cozied up under this cashmere blanket and in these fuzzy socks.

Let me know what you’re loving right now!

Quarantine Activities

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 ~ sanfordstandard ~ Leave a comment

I thought I would share some of the activities that have kept me busy while we’ve been stuck at home! It’s not often we don’t leave the house for weeks on end, so while we are staying put, let’s try new things, revisit old things and enjoy nature.

Walks: I think this is one of my favorite activities, in and out of quarantine. There’s a 3.25 mile route I take often around my parent’s neighborhood when the weather is nice. I’ve realized how much I love being outside in the sunshine.
New recipes: We’ve tried a few new recipes, and this includes the sangria recipe I shared last week.
Puzzles: This is a great way to avoid screen time and get strategic and start thinking. I finally finished my 3rd puzzle – it was a doozy. Love this one, this one and this one.
New workouts: My brother, Myatt, came up with a workout for my mom and I to follow, but I’ve also enjoyed doing the workouts that other bloggers have shared like Brighton Keller Butler and Mary Lawless Lee.
Organization: I organized my closet in Dallas as well as parts of my parent’s house. It felt therapeutic to get rid of things we don’t need, and I even listed some pieces on Poshmark!
Pinterest: Pinterest has been a source of inspiration for me! Whether that’s outfit inspo, home decor, workouts or organization. You can find just about anything here, and of course, it’s nice to look at pretty things.
Podcasts: These are a great way to learn something new and keep up with the news, among other things. I like to listen to them on my walks. I went through a phase of listening to podcasts only on cold case files, but I listen to church sermons too – I’m a little all over the place! You can find podcasts on just about anything.
Friendship bracelets: I used to make bracelets all the time as a kid, and thank goodness my parents didn’t throw away my string because I picked up the hobby again. I even sent some to my friends in hopes the bracelets would brighten their days.
Bike rides: My mom and I have taken a few bike rides, and it seems many of our neighbors have had the same idea too. It’s fun seeing our neighbors out and about enjoying the nice spring weather!
Eating local: My family has ordered from many of our favorite local restaurants including Las Delicias, Paulettes and Ciao Bella. We are trying to support our local businesses as much as we can!
Dominoes: Our grandparents gave us this set over 10 years ago, and we’ve brought it back out many times since the stay-at-home order started. I love that you can play a bunch of different games with this set, listed in the directions of course.
New book: I purchased Little Fires Everywhere from a local Memphis bookstore, Novel, but you can also get it here. Can’t wait to see what all the hype is about!

I hope these ideas inspire you to do something different this week during quarantine!